The week seemed to pass rather slowly for Scootaloo. She seemed to find it hard to adjust to this new world. Every morning she would wake up and hope that she was back in Ponyville, only to learn she was still right here. And things got very lonely when Mike would have to leave her to go to work. If there is one thing she hated, it was being alone.
Mike had taught her a few things around the house. One of which being, how to use the telephone. And Mike would called her throughout the day, to check on her. He would also make her breakfast every morning, and have a lunch prepared for her, so she wouldn't go hungry.
The first day Mike left her alone, she ended up sitting on the porch all day. Going inside only to eat, and answer the phone when he would call. So to keep her from getting bored around the house. Mike gave her a small list of chores to do, to keep her busy….ish. He knew that she couldn't do a lot of the things he done. But he made it work, if only with small little things.
He also showed her how to work the tv. This was something that interested the young little filly. It was a like a little theater, and she could pick what she wanted to watch. Instead of waiting for something new to come around every two weeks, and pay 15 bits to watch it.
She still found some joy though. Every afternoon she would hop on her scooter and take off down the little dirt paths through the woods. Keeping mind that, Mike said to be careful. Cause there were things in the woods that might think she was a meal. And when Mike would come home at night, he would bring her little things from town.
Her favorite thing though, was the purple teddy bear that he gave her. After her first day alone. It had a white belly, and a red little bow tie. She named him Russ. She began to carry him around with her. Using him kinda like a security blanket. Just something about the bear, made her feel safe.
Tonight though, not even Russ could help her feel safe. It was getting late, and Mike was not back home yet. There was a storm going on outside, and the high winds, and rain. Coupled with the Lightning and thunder. Left poor Scootaloo, hiding under a blanket on the couch. She learned that the weather here controlled itself, and was not sure how to feel about that. At least in Ponyville the weather was under control, and never was meant to hurt anypony.
Thunder shook the house, and everything went dark. Scootaloo yelped loudly, and took off towards the bedroom. Where she took shelter under the bed. Her tough pony act, was now gone. All she wanted was somepony to cuddle up to.
The house continued to shake from the thunder and wind, until she could hear it getting further and further away. Her mind was finally starting to calm, and so was her breathing. Still she was worried about Mike. She was not used to him being gone so long.
“He should have been home a hour ago.” She thought to herself.
She found herself sobbing while hiding under the bed. Though Mike was still somewhat of a stranger to her. He was the only one around that she knew. She couldn't help but feel attached to him. The room was silent, all that could be heard now, was the soft sound of rain on the roof.
The sound itself was soothing to her ears, and soon she drifted off into a slumber. Only to be awoken a few minutes later but the sound of Mike's van pulling into the driveway.
Scootaloo bolted towards the front door. She was so happy that he was home. And was also a bit cross at him for making her worry like that. She stood there watching and waiting for the door knob to turn. Soon she heard the latch click and the knob turn. She backed away from the door, to give Mike room to get in.
Mike walked in, to see Scootaloo sitting on her rear. With her front legs crossed. He could tell that she was not happy with him being home so late. He was about to say something when Scootaloo jumped up into his arms.
*Where were you at? Why did it take you so long to get home?” Scootaloo asked, while looking at Mike with tears in her eyes.
Mike squeezed the little filly tight. *I’m sorry Scootaloo. I had to stop somewhere on the way home. Then the storm got bad, and traffic was going really slow.* Mike said.
Scootaloo pushed away from him. *You could have called me.* She said, her voice becoming more stern.
*I tried to call you, but since the phone don't work without power. I could not reach you.* Mike said.
Scootaloo's ears lowered. *Oh. I guess I shouldn't have yelled at you then. I was so worried about you.*
Mike picked Scootaloo back up, and hugged her. *Its ok. You were scared, I'm not mad at you.*
Mike then pulled her back and looked her in the face. *Besides I got something out in the van for you.*
Scootaloo's eyes lit up. *Really! You got me something? Scootaloo said with excitement.
*Yes I did, but we need to wait for the power to come back on, before we bring it inside.* Mike said, as he looked around the dark house.
*So you can't make it come back on?* Scootaloo asked.
Mike laughed. The question was one that a two year old would ask. So he answered it, like he would if he was talking to a two year old.
*No Scootaloo. I can't make the power come back on. There are these things called power lines, and when one of them breaks. The power will go out until it's fixed.*
Scootaloo looked at him puzzled. *Why can't you fix the power line?* Scootaloo asked. Still not quite understanding what Mike was talking about.
Mike laughed again. *It's the power companies job to fix them. And it doesn't take them very long to do it.* Mike said as a small beep was heard and the lights came back on.
This scared Scootaloo and she hid behind Mike. Who just couldn't help but laugh. He then felt her kick in the leg, and give a small huf. Which just made him laugh even more. He couldn't help it. *She is just too cute when she is scared or upset.* He thought to himself.
Once he composed himself again, he looked down at Scootaloo. Who was still cute and angry at the same time. *Scootaloo, I need you to go into the bedroom and shut the door. And don't come out until I tell you to.* Mike said gently nudging her along.
*Wait, why do I have to do that?* Scootaloo asked.
Mike gave another chuckle. *It's a surprise silly. Now hurry up, and do like I said.*
*Oh ok.* Scootaloo said, as she began walking towards the bedroom. Mike watched as she closed the door behind her.
*No peeking or else I am taking it back to the store.* Mike said. Only to get a muffled *Ok* from behind the bedroom door.
Mike then set to work, getting the surprise ready for Scootaloo. Making multiple trips out to the van. This was something, that he really wanted to do. *It will make her happy to have her own room.* He thought to himself. He wore a big smile on his face, as he worked on the surprise.
Scootaloo, sat in the room in silence. Listening to sounds that were being made by Mike moving things around. Every now and then she would hear the sound of him beating on something. Sometimes what he beat on, made a metallic sound. *What in the name of Celestia, is he doing in there?* She thought to herself.
She watched the clock for a good 2 hours. Dozing once for a few moments. Only to be woken up by more beating and banging. The suspense was started to get to her. As she began to pace around the room. She was starting to feel like a caged animal.
Finally the sounds stopped, and she heard Mike's footsteps coming towards the door. She watched as the door opened. The second it was wide enough for her to fit through, she began to bolt through it. Only to be stopped by Mike's strong arms, as he picked her up. And placed a hand over her eyes.
*Nope sorry Scoots, but this is a big surprise and you can only see it, once we are in there.* Mike said, while holding the squirming filly in his arms. He walked slowly down the hall. Just to make the suspense even greater. And with each passing moment he could feel her becoming more and more impatient.
Mike opened the door to the room, and stepped inside. He took her to the middle of the room, and stood there. *Ok Scootaloo, on the count of three. I am going to uncover your eyes.* Mike said. He felt Scootaloo get stiff in his arms. *One….. Twooooo……… Three!* Mike said as he uncovered her eyes.
Light flooded Scootaloo's eyes, and her surroundings came into view. Her eyes grew wide at what she was seeing. Right in front of her was a massive bed with pink and purple sheets. There was a matching dresser right beside it up against the wall. She saw a little nightstand on the left of the bed, with a pink lamp with a purple shade. Even the curtains followed the same Color scheme with pink and purple stripes.
Mike slowly let Scootaloo down, and allowed her to explore her new room. He watched as she slowly walked around the room and inspected, every little detail. She walked over to a closet, and slowly opened it. Only to find it empty. She looked over at Mike.
*I was not sure if you had clothes where you come from. So I didn't get any. But if you do, I am sure I can figure out something.* Mike said. Little did Scootaloo know. Is that Mike was in the process of making her an entire wardrobe. He was quite handy with a sewing machine.
*Uhm yeah we do wear clothes sometimes.* Scootaloo said as she looked around the room some more. Until she finally hopped onto the bed and looked over at Mike. Mike walked over and sat down beside her.
*You did all this for me?. Scootaloo asked tears could be seen forming in her eyes.
*Yes I did. I thought that since you were going to be staying with me. You could use your own room. A little place to call your own. Since you didn't have that back at the orphanage.” Mike said, right before he was tackled by Scootaloo.
*Thank you, so much Mike. You don't know how much this means to me.* Scootaloo said as she wrapped her legs around him, and held on tightly.
*You are very welcome Scootaloo.* Mike said, as he returned the hug and began stroking her mane.
He held her there until he felt his shirt starting to get wet. He looked down to see that she was drooling. Scootaloo was fast asleep in his arms. *I guess she is worn out from every that happened today.* He thought to himself.
Mike slowly moved the sleeping filly off of him, and gently pulled the covers on top of her. He looked down at her and leaned down and kissed her on the head. Good night Scootaloo he said, as he turned towards the door.
Right before he turned off the lights, he turned back to look at her one last time. What he saw made is heart melt. Scootaloo was sucking her hoof, like a child would suck their thumb. Mike couldn't resist dragging his phone out and snapping a quick pick. Before turning off the light and shutting the door.
Mike took a deep breath, and gave a smile. *Time to start on her second surprise.* He said, as he made his way towards the basement.
Faint sounds of a sewing machine, could be heard until 3am when Mike decided to call it quits for the night and head to bed himself.
………………………………………………………………………………….
Scootaloo awoke the next morning. With a newfound feeling of comfort. As she laid there, She couldn't help but take everything in again. The warmth and security of her sheets. The feeling of actually have her own room. It was a great feeling. A new feeling filled her heart. She felt wanted, for once in her life.
Scootaloo slid of the bed and looked around. Something seemed off about this morning. She did not hear Mike up and about. This was strange, considering his was normally an early riser. Scootaloo walked quietly through the house, until she came to his bedroom.
There was Mike. His mouth hanging open, and a bead of drool could be seen running down his chin. Along with the slow rhythmic sound of his breath could be heard.
Scootaloo enjoyed watching him sleep. She had never really watched him, since she had arrived. She also thought he looked kinda funny. She couldn't help but let out a small giggle.
She moved to the edge of the bed, and slowly climbed up. She nuzzled her way into Mike's chest, and curled up in a ball. Sure she loved the feeling of her bed, but something about being close to Mike made her feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside.
As she laid there, she felt Mike's hand move up, and gently start stroking Scootaloo's mane. She looked up to see Mike looking down at her.
*Good morning FuzzButt.* Mike said, teasingly.
Scootaloo gently nudged Mike in the chest. *You know I hate that name.* Scootaloo said, as she crossed her hooves, and gave a pout.
Mike laughed. *Do I really need to tickle you again.?* Mike asked with a evil grin.
*No!* Scootaloo yelled, as she jumped off the bed and backed towards the door.
*Then Fuzz Butt it is.* Mike said.
Scootaloo looked at him with a defeated look. *Fine you can call me Fuzz Butt. Now can we have breakfast? I'm hungry.* She said, as her stomach gave an audible rumble.
Mike laughed. *Ok I will fix us something to eat. But after that, I need you to go outside and ride your scooter for a bit. I have something I need to finish, and I want it to be a surprise.*
Scootaloo looked at Mike with a puzzled look on her face. *Uhm okay.* She said, with noticeable hesitation in her voice.
Breakfast went by pretty uneventful. Even with Scootaloo trying to her best to figure out what her surprise was going to be. Mike was not budging. Finally she gave up, and went outside to ride.
After Mike got everything cleaned up. He headed downstairs to the basement. *I really hope she likes this.* He said to himself, as he turned on a light. There was fabric everywhere, along with sketches and outfits hung on a makeshift clothing rack.
He knew that she had clothes where she came from. But he was not sure how they wore them. So he did his best to try to figure it out. Him being knowledgeable with computers, allowed him to render the clothing designs on his computer. Making it easier for him to transfer it to the fabric. Soon once again, sounds of the sewing machine could be heard coming from the basement.
While this was happening, Scootaloo was having some fun. She was now used to only having two wheels, and was really pulling out all the stops. Leaving a dust cloud behind her, she raced down the dirt paths.
She began hitting dirt ramps, that she had put together a few day prior. They were really strong now. After it had rained, and the sun had baked them. She hit each ramp at high speed, using her wings to get her additional lift.
*At least these wings are good for something.* She thought to herself, as she hit another ramp.
The sun came to a center point in the sky, and Scootaloo found herself relaxing in a tree. That was just a few feet from the house. She admired the view. It overlooked the property, and gave her a view of what was past it. She could see road, and what Mike described as cars.
She could even hear the slight sounds that the engines made as they whizzed by. She was not to sure to trust cars. She didn't even like Mike getting in his van. They were just so unnatural to her. But apparently humans needed them to get places.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a door opening. She looked over to see Mike looking around for her.
*Over here!* She yelled, as she began to wave her hoof.
Mike looked over at her. *Ok Fuzz Butt, your surprise is ready.* He said, as he watched her give a shudder at the name. He loved tormenting her with that.
Scootaloo jumped, and buzzed her wings as she slowly made her way to the ground. It did not take her long to sprint up the stairs, to the door where Mike was standing.
Mike lead Scootaloo down to the basement. Making sure that she was not able to see what was hidden in the corner. Scootaloo stepped off the stairs, and began look around.
*Where is it?* She asked, with a puzzled look.
Mike went over to the corner, and placed his hand on a stand with a cover on it. Scootaloo came closer. Mike then slowly pulled the cover off of it. Revealing the clothes that he had worked so hard on.
*I hope you like them. It was really hard to make clothes that fit a small pony.* He said, with a hopeful smile.
Scootaloo picked up on his smile. The last thing she wanted to do, was upset the person who took her in. She owed him a lot, and was not about to upset him.
Scootaloo walked over to the rack and looked at the assortment of clothes. She was really amazed by all the work he had put into them. There were shirts, hooded shirts, skirts and a few dresses. Scootaloo was not one for dresses, and girly things, but for him. She figured she would go along with it.
*Wow Mike, these are really nice. I didn't know that you knew how to sew.* Scootaloo said, with an amazed look.
Mike rubbed the back of his neck. *Yeah it's a hobby I picked up when I was younger.* Mike said, with a slight blush.
Scootaloo continued to look at the clothes in front of her. She eyed a Cyan hooded shirt, and a skirt that matched it. Her first thought, was Rainbow Dash. The clothes were the same color as her coat.
She reached for the top, and pulled it off the hanger. Then reached for the skirt that matched. She looked over at Mike, who was beaming with pride.
*Mike can you help me put this on?* Scootaloo asked.
Those were the words that Mike was waiting to hear. His eye lit up with excitement. *Of course I can Fuzz Butt.* Mike said, as he bent down to help her with the clothes.
The hardest thing about getting her dressed, was getting the shirt on. He had never dressed anyone else before, let alone a pony. He was not sure how her body moved. But found that it was just as flexible has a human's.
He took notice that the sleeves were a bit baggy, but Scootaloo didn't seem to mind at all. *She looks kinda cute like that.* He thought to himself. The skirt was easy, since he had put a zipper on it. It wrapped around her, and fit like a glove.
Mike looked upon Scootaloo, and studied his handy work. *How does it feel?* he asked.
Scootaloo began to walk around in circles, getting a feel for her new clothes. She had to admit that they were not restricting at all. There was even a place for her wings to poke through, on the shirt. She liked that, considering she did not like her wings to be cramped up.
Scootaloo stopped and turned towards Mike. She then took a running leap into his arms. *I love them.* She said, as she wrapped her front legs around him, and nuzzling deep into his chest.
After they made sure everything fit like it should. Scootaloo dawned the first set of clothes she had picked out, and helped Mike move it all to her closet. Then began to enjoy the rest of their day.
Scootaloo took Mike down to where to had built her ramps, and proceeded to give him a show. It still amazed him, he couldn't believe how talented she was on that scooter. The best he could ever do, was jump it off the ground a few inches.
They stayed there until the sun was starting to set. And went to the house for dinner before they got cleaned up. Scootaloo was not willing to go to bed. She wanted to stay up longer, and hang out with Mike. But Mike had work in the morning, and needed to sleep.
So he took her to her bedroom and a tucked her in. He began scratching the back of her ear, and telling her stories about his childhood. Soon the all so energetic filly, on her way to dreamland. Mike could recall one of his foster parents using that technique to lull him off to sleep.
Mike slowly made his way back to room. He felt so good, for making Scootaloo feel so welcome and happy. He knew he would never be able to replace what she had before. But he would try his best to make her as happy as can be, while she was here.