//------------------------------// // Chapter Sixteen - Taking Advice // Story: A Daughter and her Dragon // by Level Dasher //------------------------------// “So, do you just like, not tell your mom anything that you’re doing?” Cotton asked Steadclaw as they slowly, casually, glided back toward Canterlot Castle. “Keeping her out of the loop like that must drive her nuts.” “Basically, yeah. I mean, you saw how excited she got. If I’d told her it was your party that I had gone to this weekend, she probably would’ve wanted to drop me off just to make sure I wasn’t making stuff up. If I just say I’m going to ‘a friend’s party’, she usually doesn’t question it. Besides, she tends to focus more on my academics. As long as I’m doing well enough for us to stay in Canterlot, she usually doesn’t ask what else is going on.” “And yet, the class clown is still here,” Cotton chuckled. “Ha ha. I may not look like it, but I actually do take my schoolwork seriously,” Steadclaw retorted. “You saw how much time I spent with your dad yesterday. He can vouch for me.” “Well if you’re really taking it so seriously, why don’t you ever share your grades? It looks like you’re always doing badly when you hide them.” “The clown admitting to getting good grades? Do you know how badly that would ruin my image?” Steadclaw laughed. “Y’know, that reminds me—what did your mom mean when she asked if you were ‘in trouble with the Guard again’? What’ve you been doing?” Cotton asked suspiciously. Steadclaw scratched the back of his head. “Heh, I just played a few harmless pranks on ponies around the castle every now and then—nothing that caused any actual harm. They always overreacted and called the Royal Guard on me, though. I think it happened about four times before Sergeant Novamac finally told me if he got another call about me, he’d throw me in the dungeon, even if our grandmothers are good friends. I don’t think he was really serious about it, but I don’t feel like taking that chance.” “Yeah, I doubt he’d throw you in the dungeon, but believe me, you don’t want to get on his bad side, either. And if you do pull more stunts like that, I won’t bail you out, you knucklehead.” “Moving on,” Steadclaw said with a plastic smile. “What did you think of my mom? I mean, she obviously likes you.” “Well, after the fainting spell,” Cotton chuckled, “she was really nice. Seriously. You both flatter me with the way you talk about my looks.” “Cotton, let me tell you something in all seriousness,” Steadclaw said. “In griffons’ eyes, that’s not flattery, those are just straight compliments. There’s a lot about you to compliment, and not just the scars.” The two of them landed in front of the castle main doors. Cotton turned to him and smiled. “Well then, from a baker’s perspective, I’ll just say that you’re really good at earning brownie points,” she said with a giggle. “Thanks for bringing me home. My dad doesn’t like me being out late by myself.” “It isn’t really that late,” Steadclaw responded, leading her towards the main gate. “But even so, what kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn’t escort my girl home?” “I’m sure I could handle getting home by myself, but I’d rather you be here with me,” she replied with a sheepish smile. “Thank you.” “You’re welcome.” Steadclaw smiled and leaned forward as Cotton reached up toward him. After a brief kiss, Steadclaw turned to leave. “I’ll see you tomo—” “Hold on a sec, could you?” Cotton asked, putting a hoof up to the massive doors. Steadclaw stopped as she rapped the heavy iron knocker against the door. After a moment, the doors opened to reveal Princess Celestia standing beside Spike. Steadclaw’s eyes widened, and Cotton grimaced. “Sorry, she really wanted to meet you. My dad’s a blabbermouth.” Steadclaw immediately turned toward Princess Celestia and dipped his head as he crossed a claw over his chest. “Your Highness! I-it’s an honor!” he stammered. “I-I’m sorry, I didn’t know I would be—” “You have nothing to apologize for, my good griffon,” Princess Celestia said with a smile. “It was I who asked Cotton to bring you here to meet me without your knowledge. I apologize for having her deceive you so. Please, you may rise.” Steadclaw lifted his head and put his claw down, as Celestia walked toward Cotton. “I have heard wonderful things about you, Steadclaw. I must thank you for making Cotton so happy, especially since you managed to do so in the course of a mere twenty-four hours.” She put a hoof under Cotton’s chin and softly raised it to see Cotton with a bright smile on her face. “I’ve never seen my niece so joyous.” Steadclaw blushed. “Believe me, Your Highness, the honor is all mine. Cotton is the smartest, coolest, and most beautiful girl I’ve ever met. My mother said the same.” “Ah yes, how was the meeting? Based on Cotton’s smile, I can only imagine it went well.” “Uh, well…” Steadclaw started. “I’ll just say yes, it went well. My mom absolutely adores her. I’ll let Cotton tell you the rest. It’ll probably make for some amusing dinner conversation.” “Oh really?” Spike asked, sauntering outside and stretching his wings. “Well, depending on the outcome of those conversations, perhaps we ought to have a parent-to-parent meeting sometime soon. Especially considering your mother has four parents to meet, Steadclaw,” Spike chuckled. “F-four?” Steadclaw stammered. “One father and three honorary mothers,” Spike said, nudging Celestia. “They seem to act that way, despite being aunts.” Celestia shrugged. “Oh, right,” Steadclaw laughed uneasily. “I don’t see why not, as long as my mom knows ahead of time.” “That can absolutely be arranged,” Celestia replied. “Hey, what about the dance?” Cotton asked. “It’s in like, two weeks. Steadclaw would probably come here and get me anyway. What if he brings his mom with him and you can all get to know each other while we’re out?” “Hmm, that’s not a bad idea, Cotton,” Spike answered. “While you’re—just a minute…” Spike scratched his chin. “Cotton, where’s the school hosting your dance?” “They’ve been trying to work something out with this fancy-schmancy place across town,” Steadclaw answered. “I overheard a meeting in the staffroom the other day. The ballroom they want to rent is being really stubborn about the price. Grover forbid UCHS actually host a school dance at the school.” Spike looked down at Celestia, who in turn looked up at him, both of them smirking. “Ti—I mean, Princess, are you thinking what I’m thinking?” “I just might be, Sir Spike. Shall I contact the school tomorrow and let them know we can offer a venue for their event?” Cotton and Steadclaw shot looks at each other, open-mouthed. “I’m the actual parent. I’ll contact them,” Spike answered. “We can even provide top-notch catering and security, free of charge. I can’t imagine the school would object.” “Then it’s settled,” Celestia said with a nod. “We’ll contact the school and set up the details, and we’ll meet your mother in two weeks, Steadclaw. That way she has some advanced notice.” “That… that sounds great, Your Highness! I’ll tell her when I get home,” Steadclaw replied, his head still spinning from the development. “Wonderful. It was a pleasure to meet you, young tiercel,” Celestia said. “Thank you for escorting Cotton home. And if it eases your mind at all,” she paused with a smirk, “you now have all four of Cotton’s parents’ approvals. Not a simple feat in such a short period of time.” Steadclaw’s brows rose at the remark. Looking over at a blushing Cotton standing beside her father, he smiled as his own cheeks reddened. “Thank you very much, Your Highness, Sir Spike,” he said, dipping his head once again. “No, thank you, Steadclaw,” Spike said, “for helping my daughter finally realize that her outer beauty matches her inner beauty.” He gently rubbed under Cotton’s chin with a talon before she walked towards Steadclaw herself. “You’re very welcome, sir, but if you don’t mind my saying…” Steadclaw looked at Cotton as she neared him. “I don’t understand what took so long.” Cotton’s cheeks reddened further as she leaned up and gave him a kiss. “You really know how to flatter a girl,” she said. Spike and Celestia both smiled. “Hey, I told you—” “I know, compliments, not flattery,” Cotton cut him off. “Go tell your mom about the dance. I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said, giving him a quick peck on the cheek. “Will do,” Steadclaw answered. “It was an honor to meet you, Your Highness. Great to see you again, Sir Spike.” “Likewise, Steadclaw,” Spike responded with a smile. “We’ll see you in two weeks, if not sooner,” Celestia said. “Absolutely, Your Highness. Have a good evening.” “You too, young tiercel. Speaking of which,” Celestia said, turning to head back inside the castle, “I do believe I have a sun to lower.” Steadclaw let out a chuckle. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Cotton.” When she smiled and nodded, Steadclaw flared his wings, took to the air, and headed back home. Cotton let out a sigh, and Spike grinned. “Well well, a public display of affection. That’s a first for you, sweetie.” Cotton looked up at her father and giggled. “Well, if you consider that public, then no, not really. Our first had three witnesses.” “Hmm, it’s still new for you,” Spike replied. “That’s more accurate,” Cotton said with a smile. Spike let out a sigh of his own. “You know, sweetie, I realize I should probably apologize to you for making such a big deal out of this so soon. You two seemed to hit it off so quickly, I went straight to your aunts because I couldn’t contain my excitement. I’m sorry if I upset you.” Cotton shrugged. “Well, yeah, you did at first, but you’re right about him,” she said. “He… he makes me happy. And I feel really good about myself despite everything.” She looked at the scars on her legs. A thought passed through her mind, but another overtook it and made her smile again. “And he’s always there to defend me.” “Defend you?” Spike asked, his expression darkening. “From what? Are you having trouble at school again?” “Well… sort of,” Cotton admitted. “There are these two obnoxious fillies at my school that like to pick on me.” “Why haven’t you told me?” Spike asked. “Honestly, because all they do is flap their muzzles. They just need a target, and they tend to pick me. It was more of an annoyance at first, but ever since Steadclaw started hanging out with me and the girls, anytime they said stuff that actually did bother me, Steadclaw was always ready to defend me.” She smiled. “When he told me yesterday how my scars made me look pretty, all that stopped bothering me. After my drop this morning—” “Speaking of which, it seems that Nightshade’s taught you well. That was quite the impressive drop,” Spike interrupted. “Yeah, it was,” Cotton said with a smirk. “But you were a bit reckless—you should’ve flared sooner. It doesn’t matter if Nightshade is married to your cousin—if she’s not teaching you restraint then I’ll put her in traction.” “Dad, no! She taught me everything; I just… wanted to show off. Anyway, after my drop, those girls tried to take another shot at me, and I finally found the courage to shoot back. Steadclaw helped me with that.” She sighed again. “Considering how long he’s been standing up for me, I can’t believe it took me so long to realize what’s been going on.” “Well, it doesn’t matter now,” Spike said. “You figured it out, and things seem to be going smoothly for you two. Just imagine how good things will be after a real, full day.” “True,” Cotton chuckled. “I can’t believe how much happened since yesterday afternoon.” “Well, now that we’re back on a positive hoof, I want to ask you something, Cotton.” “What’s up, Dad?” “Well, you didn’t say anything before, so hopefully the answer is no,” Spike said, “but do you have any problem with us hosting your dance here at the castle? I realize your aunt Tia and I made the offer without asking you first. The only one that knows about the possibility right now is Steadclaw, and he can be easily contacted if you’d prefer we—” “Dad, it’s fine!” Cotton said, ending Spike’s rambling. “That was a really generous offer, and I know the school would appreciate it. Besides, that means I don’t have to worry about transportation,” she giggled. “Thank goodness,” Spike sighed. “I almost worked myself into a tizzy. Thank you, sweetie.” “No, thank you, Dad.” “For what?” Cotton smiled. “For giving him a chance. Now I actually have a reason to go to the dance, aside from the fact that it’s gonna be hosted here.” Spike returned the smile. “I’m happy to, Sweetheart. You’ve found someone who appreciates you for who you are inside and out, and if he makes you happy, then I’m happy.” The two of them let out a unanimous sigh. “I just have one request.” “What’s that?” “Please tell Steadclaw—and your friends—to stop calling me ‘Sir’,” he deadpanned. “You know how much I hate that.” “Well, how else are they supposed to address you?” Cotton teased. “Just ‘Spike’ is fine. I tell that to everypony, you know that. I know full well you introduced me as ‘Sir’ just to bust my chops,” Spike said, crossing his arms. Cotton snickered. “Alright, you got me there, Dad. But I did think they should address you formally the first time they met you. I figured if you really cared, you would have said something right away, but you didn’t.” “I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it the first time you brought friends over, and I figured since you introduced me with my title, I’d test their level of respect.” He smirked. “They all passed with flying colors. I think you did an excellent job of choosing your friends.” Cotton smiled. “Thanks, Dad.” As the two of them walked back into the castle, Twilight came trotting up to them. “Cotton! Your aunt Tia just told me we’ll be hosting your school dance here! Do you need me to do some planning?” Her pupils dilated, an expression Cotton recognized. Cotton chuckled. “I swear, you’re all worse than gossiping grade-school fillies! No, Aunt Twilight, I think the school will take care of everything else.” Twilight pouted. “If they do want your help, I’ll tell them they can get in contact with you, though.” She paused for a second, and Twilight’s ears flattened against her head. “Hmm… Actually, now that I think about it… they’d probably be thrilled if you helped. Just… wait until they actually ask before you start planning, okay?” Cotton’s gambit worked; Twilight looked ecstatic. “Okay, Cotton, I’ll try. Do you think your cousin Largo would like to deejay?” “Twilight, what did she just say?” Spike deadpanned. “Oh… right. Sorry,” Twilight said. “It’s kind of a reflex.” “We’re well aware,” Spike laughed. Turning to Cotton, he said, “We’re having dinner shortly, so go put your stuff in your room and wash up, sweetie.” “Will do, Dad. Be down in a sec,” Cotton responded, heading to the stairs. As Spike and Twilight both made their way to the dining room, Spike smiled and said quietly, “That worked out nicely. Now I can chaperone the dance without needing an excuse. I’ll just need to make sure the upper floor is blocked off.” “Spike!” “What? We don’t want all those school kids wandering around the upper sanctum! We’ve got to make sure they stay in the ballroom!” Spike retorted. Twilight smirked. “Yeah. Sure. And Cadance’s ‘advice’ to you has absolutely nothing to do with it.” Spike walked silently for a moment, then responded with a laugh, “No comment. This interview’s over.”