//------------------------------// // Chapter 6 // Story: Caramel Apple Acres // by NightFirethePegasus //------------------------------// ---------------- Caramel Apple Acres Ch.6 ----------------- Caramel stood in the living room of the house at his and Mac's farm, Caramel Apple Acres. He looked over at a picture frame resting atop the fireplace. Caramel took the frame in his hooves and studied it. The photo inside had Caramel on the left with his head nestled in the crook of Mac's neck, both he and Mac had content smiles playing on their faces, Mac with his trademark hay stem in his mouth, and Rocky stood between them with his usual enthusiastic smile with both his parent's forelegs around him. Caramel's face formed a faint smile as he thought about his life and his wonderful son. Just then Rocky came through the door. "Hey dad!" He exclaimed cheerfully, dropping his saddlebags with his school books in them before trotting over to Caramel who immediately embraced his son with a hug. "Hey Rocky, how was school?" Caramel questioned, smiling at Rocky. Rocky looked up at Caramel nervously fiddling with his hooves, "W-well uhm... The school dance is coming up..." Caramel gave a puzzled look when he saw how nervous Rocky seemed to be about the dance. Caramel's fatherly instincts told him to press further but he chose to do so cautiously. "Do you have a date for the dance?" Rocky blushed and looked toward the floor. "Y-yeah..." Caramel couldn't help the smile that flashed across his face. His son going on a date, sure it was in the form of a school dance, but he was proud of his little colt. “Who is it? Scootaloo? Sweetie Belle?" By this point Rocky was just a few inches away from shrinking himself into a ball. "No... No it... It's Rumble..." Caramel didn't know why but this answer upset him. Did his son feel he was obligated to be a coltcuddler just because his parents were? "Rocky, why are you going to the dance with another colt? You aren't a coltcuddler just because me and your pa are!" He replied in a much louder, more furious tone than he meant to use. Caramel immediately wanted to take it back as soon as the words left his lips, but the damage was done. Caramel saw the anger rise in his beloved son as quickly as the tears welled up in his chocolate brown eyes. Then without another word Rocky fled hurriedly to his room and shut the door behind him. Rocky was the type of pony to never cry, or at least he never let anypony else see him cry. All Rocky could wonder was why? Why his father thought he was being a coltcuddler because he thought he had to. No, Rocky wasn't that naive, he had given this decision serious thought. Rocky had expected that of all ponies his father would be the most understanding. But he hadn't reacted at all as Rocky had hoped. A knock sounded at Rocky's bedroom door. Now Rocky was if, nothing else, always respectful of his parents and always minded his manners with them. As much as he didn't wanna speak to his father at the present moment, he spoke up. "Come in..." He sniffled out. The door creaked open as Caramel slowly made his way through the doorway and climbed up onto the bed to lay next to Rocky on the colt's bed. He placed a gentle hoof around his son's body, holding him close while placing a gentle kiss to the top of his head. "Listen... Rocky I'm sorry... I overreacted..." He began, but before he could continue Rocky interjected, " I just thought you of all ponies would understand and accept it... I wasn't doing it because I felt I had to, or because it was expected of me... I truly do have feelings for Rumble..." Rocky replied, turning to Caramel with tear stained eyes. Caramel reached a hoof out to wipe the tears from his son's face before cupping Rocky's chin in his hoof. "I know dear... I jumped to conclusions I just didn't want you to have to face the harassment that I went through growing up because of my choices. I just couldn't bear to watch you hurt by other ponies' words... But that is part of growing up... And as much as I hate it I can't always be looking out for you every second of your life, so I have to let you pick your battles, and I can't tell you that you are or aren't a coltcuddler, that is up to you to decide... But, no matter what you can rest easy knowing me and your pa will always have your back and support you..." "Eeeyup..." Caramel and Rocky turned to see Mac standing in the doorway. He had heard the whole thing and was grinning from ear to ear as he approached the bed and climbed up behind Caramel and Rocky, laying down and pulling them both close to him, "Yer father's right Rock. We can't be there all the time ta make certain tha' yer safe 'n' sound, so we have ta allow ya ta make yer own decisions an' follow through with 'em... Within reason of course..." Mac chuckled as he added that last bit in as an attempt to lighten the mood. "Thanks pa, you're right and don't worry I promise I won't get mixed in with the wrong crowd." Caramel smiled to himself as his little family was together again, he was content staying like this, however a sound erupted from his stomach and he remembered he had not had anything to eat since breakfast. "Say, who's up for a little snack binge at Sugarcube Corner?" Upon hearing this, Rocky's face lit up with excitement and Mac licked his lips in anticipation of enjoying some sweet delights. The trio quickly left the bed and went downstairs to the front door. Caramel grabbed his saddlebags and the family departed for their destination.