//------------------------------// // To Change This Lonely Life. // Story: To Change This Lonely Life // by Twi-Fi //------------------------------// With each pant of breath, each hoof beat the ground mercilessly with the fury of thunder. Yellowing leaves swayed, rustling in nearby trees as an orange blur streaked down the lane leading to Sweet Apple Acres. Leaves danced gracefully, twirling in the wake. Getting to Sweet Apple Acres was the only thing important to her. Nothing else mattered: not the shop, potential customers or the fact that she left Rainbow Dash sitting in there. Her friend—her only friend—tried to help her, but she pushed her away. The worst part for Scootaloo was she knew exactly how Apple Bloom felt: the sting of not being good enough, the feeling of rejection. Yet she raced on, galloping as fast as her legs could carry her. She increased her speed as the first grove of apple trees came into view. Sweet Apple Acres was nice this time of year with the turning of the leaves and the delicious red apples that clung to the branches. The trees seemed to stretch on for miles atop soft grass-covered rolling hills. The branches canopied the grass below, forming tunnels so thick, even Celestia's sun had trouble penetrating through. Leaves lay in heaps around the trees and, propped up against a particularly thick knotted tree lay a lone leaf rake. The barn stood near the farmhouse, casting its shadow over the hill it sat upon. Scootaloo slowed her gait to a walk when she approached it. She remember all the times she had helped Apple Bloom and her family rebuild, renovate, repair and repaint that barn. She remembered hours of back-breaking labor, stacking bales of hay, laughing when Sweetie Belle showed up and levitated all the hay bales without even breaking a sweat. Pushing the nostalgia aside, Scootaloo passed the barn and made her way to the farmhouse. She paused on the slope, taking another glance at the barn. You know her better than that. She's not in the house. She turned about face and returned to the barn. The door sat ajar, as if asking Scootaloo to enter. Hoof marks littered the door's rustic finish, and the dirt below looked as if someone skidded to a halt and hastily opened the door. Scootaloo pushed past the entrance, entering the vast open barn. In the far corner lay stacks of hay bales, towering almost high enough to touch the ceiling. In fact, they seemed to be stacked in such a way that a pony could easily climb to the top. Somewhere from the hay bales, she heard a single sob, then another. Scootaloo hurried up the mountain of hay, ignoring the pain and the fatigue, because there was only one single thing that lay on her mind. Hold on Apple Bloom, I'm coming for you... I just hope I didn't screw it all up. She finally reached the top, heaving and panting. There, directly in front of her, was Apple Bloom facing the wall. She barely reacted to the presence of her friend "Hey." Apple Bloom spoke softly, vainly attempting to hide the hurt in her voice. Scootaloo took a seat next to her, and she noticed Apple Bloom—filled with great sadness—holding a picture in her hooves. Scootaloo recognized the picture... it was the last day all three of them were together, the day Sweetie Belle left. "Hey." Scootaloo responded softly. She moved a little closer and wrapped a foreleg around Apple Bloom's shoulder. "That was a sad day." Apple Bloom nodded. "It sure was." "I didn't want her to leave. The three of us were the best of friends. I know we still are but not seeing her and only reading her letters... we are no longer in her life, sharing experiences with her. It's like we're no longer a part of her. We don't know her anymore." Scootaloo paused to take a deep breath, but Apple Bloom didn't react. "I fear losing you in the same way, Apple Bloom. I fear we will no longer have things to talk about, no common ground. I don't want that. "I'm sorry for how I treated you earlier—I’ve got issues, I know. But Rainbow helped me realize just how lonely I've become. And I don't want to lose you because... because, I care about you." Apple Bloom’s sadness slowly dissipated as the tears flowed less and less. Loneliness, that evil that slithers in when one least expects it, was being cast out, and a tiny smile broke through Apple Bloom's face as she leaned her head against Scootaloo's shoulder "Aw Scoots, that was sweet. Ah know that wasn't easy to do, especially for you. Ah'm sorry too. Ah overreacted." "Maybe a little, but it's only because you care for me. I realize it now and I have to say—" She broke herself off abruptly. It's not that Scootaloo didn't want to say it, she just didn't know how to say it. It's just three words... three words. Apple Bloom looked at her with hopeful eyes, as if she knew what she was about to say. "What?" Apple Bloom spoke softly. "What do you have to say?" She moved her face a little closer to Scootaloo's. "I-don't-well... remember that rumor during high school?" "Ah remember many rumors from high school." Apple Bloom said with a giggle. Scootaloo's stomach turned and her heart thundered from within. She's going to make it hard for me. "You know the-the one about us?" "Ah think Ah know of that rumor..." She trailed off, smiling warmly. Apple Bloom ran a hoof through her thick mane a few times then removed the band holding her mane. Her beautiful wavy red mane hung freely, covering her neck. With a hoof she brushed her long forelock back over her ear. "Is this the one?" Scootaloo's words were right on the tip of her tongue, except her mouth hung open, cheeks flaming as her heart skipped a few beats. It had been years since Apple Bloom let her mane down, not since high school. "Apple Bloom..." Scootaloo trailed off, trying to find the right words. "You are so—" She stopped when Apple Bloom wrapped both of her fore-legs around her neck. She shuddered as Apple Bloom pulled her in closer. Their noses were almost touching when she whispered, "so beautiful.” Both of their eyes closed and their noses connected. They enjoyed the soft touch as they shared breath for a brief moment. Scootaloo tilted her head slightly, and their lips connected. Scootaloo's heart melted like a drop of fire, and she put her fore-legs around Apple Bloom's back. Apple Bloom pushed her tongue forward, onto Scootaloo's. They connected and danced around each other, each trying desperately to explore the other's mouth. She moved her hoof, and softly, gently, down it traveled over Scootaloo's withers, down the curve of her back, blindly stroking over the contour of her hind quarters. Her hoof gently rested on her cutie mark for a second, then she softly stroked over her flank, in the gentle caress. Scootaloo moaned into Apple Bloom's mouth at the touch of her sensitive flank. She broke the kiss, panting, and she planted small kisses on Apple Bloom's lips. As Apple Bloom continued to caress her, she pulled her closer. Feeling the warmth they shared, Scootaloo's heart ignited like wildfire with burning desire. As their lips reconnected, Scootaloo realized her life, her lonely life, was so... empty. She pushed herself against Apple Bloom as hard as she could, causing her to moan. With a soft moan, Apple Bloom pulled her face back form Scootaloo, to gaze into her gorgeous sad eyes. She studied her face in the dimly lit barn, taking note of her rosy cheeks. She ran a hoof over them, feeling the softness and warmth as she once again closed the distance between their noses. Closing their eyes they exchanged one last breath before continuing to kiss and caress each other. As Scootaloo continued to push herself into her, Apple Bloom fell over onto her back. Scootaloo stood over her, admiring the contrast Apple Bloom's mane had to the golden hay below her and the loose bits that were tangled in her mane. With only a soft nod, Apple Bloom adjusted her position, leaving nothing to fantasy, and Scootaloo laid herself atop of her. She brushed that thick mane out of her beautiful face, held it in her hooves, and took a moment to gaze into her eyes as Apple Bloom did the same. Their eyes locked onto each other's like they were gazing into their very souls as their bodies began to move in perfect rhythm. Never for a second did Scootaloo doubt what she was doing. Maybe it was the way Apple Bloom held her, caressed and kissed her. Or maybe it was the way she called out her name softly between each kiss or peppered small kisses down her neck. All she knew was it felt right, that this is what love felt like. And to share it with someone special was the most intimate thing she had ever experienced. They both lay on their sides, panting, gazing into each other's eyes, mutually sharing a gentle embrace. In this perfect moment, the sun shone through the gaps in the barn's planks. They didn't dare speak—words weren't needed—or move, or anything to break the perfect silence the two lovers shared. They simply basked in each other's embrace, not wanting to let go, not wanting to stop the gentle caressing. Their lips came together in a tender kiss. Apple Bloom bit onto Scootaloo's lower lip as they pulled apart. "Ey" Scootaloo tried to speak, finally breaking the silence. Apple Bloom released her lip and they both giggled. "I love you," she said softly, nuzzling the crook of Apple Bloom's neck. "I've been in love with you... for so long." She peppered tiny kisses up her neck and kissed her cheek. "I was so lonely. Ever been one way so long, you don't realize it? I thought I was fine... but I was wrong. Oh, Celestia I was wrong. I would trade those years for anything so we could've fallen in love sooner." "We have each other now. Ah ain't goin' nowhere." Apple Bloom tightened her grip on Scootaloo, one fore-hoof still caressing her flank. "Ah guess Ah was lonely too. That's why Ah wanted to help your business. Ah just wanted the company more than anything. But Ah kinda ruined that..." "You can come back to the shop anytime, and we can run it together. I promise I'll charge better prices, work less hours and eventually move out of my crappy apartment." Scootaloo ran a hoof though Apple Bloom's mane, from her ears down to her withers, making her tremble from the touch. "Be patient with me... I have a lot of changing to do." "You're worth it." Apple Bloom said smiling brightly. Scootaloo gently held the back of Apple Bloom's head as they shared a passionate kiss, their tongues dancing around the other. Their lips separated and Scootaloo playfully nibbled Apple Bloom's ear. "Hey, so what did you mean you already had something planned for the winter?" Scootaloo asked, suddenly remembering. "Well... Ah didn't want to keep working with you, because Ah kinda hoped we'd be...um, together." She said bashfully. "I don't get it." "Well, if we are together, then it would be weird to work for you. But if we run it together, like the Cakes run Sugarcube Corner, Ah think it can work. But my first responsibility is the farm." "I understand... you know... it might be easier if I moved my shop here, so we can fix things here too." "That's a great idea!" Scootaloo nuzzled Apple Bloom, giggling to herself. "It's funny how things turned out. All because Applejack wanted to have a get together, so Rainbow could be close to me again." Apple Bloom's head shot up, her eyes wide with sudden realization. "My sister's party! Scoots, that's happening right now!" She jumped to her feet, brushing her mane quickly with a hoof. She shook her body to get all the hay off then hastily put the band back in her mane. "Oh, no, Ah hope we aren't too late. How do I look?" Scootaloo was overcome with a fit of giggles as she slowly rose to her feet. "You look like you just... you know." With a hoof she brushed more hay out of her mane and tail. "There, better. Let's go." They climbed down from the mountain of hay bales, side by side they left the barn. They stopped dead in their tracks. Before them a few feet away were Applejack and Rainbow Dash sitting on a picnic blanket. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom looked at each other with a feeling of dread, wondering if they had been overheard. Without any words they moved on, walking as casually as possible. Unfortunately for them, Applejack spotted them walking out of the barn. "Well there ya two are! Ah was beginnin' to wonder if anyone was going to show up at all. What in tarnation were you two doing in there?" Scootaloo felt her stomach tighten: there was nothing she could say that wouldn't sound bad. They would never believe just talking would they? "Scootaloo was helping me move the hay bales around and checking to make sure Ah did a good repair job on the hoist." Few, nice save. "And it works perfectly." "Well that's a good thing." Applejack eyed them both suspiciously. Rainbow Dash's eyes met with Scootaloo's and she gave her that knowing smirk. "Can I talk to you for a second?" She asked Scootaloo, gesturing with a hoof that she wanted a private word with her. "Sure. Be right back." She followed Rainbow Dash a few feet away from the picnic. "Hey kid, so I just wanted to say, things back there got kinda... real. It's still hard for me to express things like that." She looked Scootaloo in the eyes. "I just want you to know, that I'm always here for you, even if I don't always show it." She smiled at Scootaloo with that same knowing smirk. "So, I take it, your apology with Apple Bloom went well?" "Yeah..." Scootaloo's heart fluttered and she looked away. "Did you two... kiss?" Rainbow Dash asked. Scootaloo nodded, smiling bashfully. "I told you everything would be okay, didn't I?" She hugged the mare tightly. She pulled some hay out of her mane. "So you guys were moving hay bales? Just how were you two moving them?" Her cheeks flamed red as Rainbow Dash flashed her that knowing smirk and a wink. "You two have something special... and all that mushy stuff." Rainbow Dash gave Scootaloo a quick hug. "My little Squirt is all grown up." She whispered in her ear. To Scootaloo, it sounded like Rainbow Dash was close to tears. The way she said that, with such pride, yet with a hint of sadness. "Hey, you are The Rainbow Dash! I'm just Scootaloo, the little filly that was lucky enough to get to know you . To call you a friend, sister, someone to lookup to. Next to you... I'll always be that little filly, that little squirt." "Aw, come here you." Rainbow Dash hugged her tightly. "Dang you, making me get all emotional." She let a few tears fall as she held the mare in her fore-legs. She planted a kiss on her her forehead. "Rainbow?" Scootaloo said softly, leaning her head against Rainbow Dash's neck. She could see Apple Bloom and Applejack sitting on the picnic table laughing. A pink mare bounced around the picnic happily with perpetual energy and Twilight sat next to Applejack sharing a laugh. "Yes, Squirt?" "How do I make it work? I'm scared I'll mess it all up for her." "Well... it's a risk you have to be willing to take. She loves you and as long as you love each other, then you got nothing to worry about." Rainbow Dash said with difficulty. "I know it sounds pretty cheesy but it's like—it's like when you fix things. The little pieces matter most." It hit Scootaloo like a ton of bricks when she realized how simple it was. It was the little things that made it work, that made it love. Like all the little parts in a wagon, right down to the bolts, pins and bearings, they all came together to support the wagon. Without them, it wouldn't be a wagon; it'd be nothing. "You're a genius, Rainbow." "I still have my awesome moments. I guess there a few things I can still teach you kid." She released her embrace smiling in her usual brash expression. "Well, lover girl. Shall we get back to the party?" Scootaloo simply nodded, following her lead back to the picnic. "You two are together?" Pinkie Pie exclaimed as Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash returned to the party. "You and Apple Bloom?" "Um..." Scootaloo looked over to Apple Bloom who smiled at her. Such a pretty smile... "Yeah, we are." "This calls for a... wait for it!" Pinkie Pie paused long enough to take in a massive amount of air. "A PARTY!" She dived into a nearby shrub retrieving a party cannon. "I keep party cannons stashed all over town. In case of party cannon emergencies." She pulled a lighter out of seemingly nowhere and lit the fuse. It exploded with a loud 'bang' that echoed throughout the orchard. Confetti exploded out of the barrel, followed by a cake, a bowl of punch and the right amount of plates and cups. Scootaloo sat next to Apple Bloom with her cup of punch and slice of cake. She took a bite then offered Apple Bloom a bite. "Wow, Pinkie, this cake is amazing. Where did this come from anyways?" "From the bakery, silly. And ponies think I say funny things..." "It's best not to question it." Apple Bloom said, taking a bite of the cake. "Mmmm, this is good." She put a foreleg around Scootaloo, kissing her cheek. "Aw, look how cute they are!" Pinkie exclaimed. "Settle down Pinks." Applejack said, smirking. This is going to be annoying, but for her... a little teasing and gushing is worth it. "Hey Apple Bloom." Scootaloo said quietly so only she could hear. "Yeah?" Scootaloo moved in closer and whispered in her ear, "I love you." "What are you doing?" A groggy Apple Bloom asked. "Got to open the shop." Scootaloo responded. She was half sitting up but a fore-leg was extended, pulling her back into her warm bed. "You should take the day off." "I wish but—" Apple Bloom forcefully pulled Scootaloo back down into the bed interrupting her. She nibbled Scootaloo's ear then whispered in it. Scootaloo gulped, her face crimson like the rising sun. "I-I think I'll take the day off." "Good, now go back to sleep." "But-but you said..." "Ah know what Ah said. We have all day don't we?" Scootaloo smiled as she snuggled against Apple Bloom, closing her eyes. There was no chance of riding her scooter that day. Indeed, the sun was shining through a patchwork of dark clouds, and golden leaves of autumn were so inviting, especially in the cool morning breeze. Things still weren't perfect but she found someone special and she couldn’t be happier. As Scootaloo lay in her lover's tight embrace she felt less inclined to move, taking solace in the warmth provided. And with clouds so sombre threatening another soaking downpour, she couldn't think of another place she'd rather be.