Solitary Confinement
It’s kinda annoying to be mad at something when it’s your own fault. This was all my idea, to cover Apple Bloom while she made her delivery. I mean, it just made sense to do so at the time; we’re the Cutie Mark Crusaders after all. We have each other’s backs. But as I enter the wardrobe to hide from Applejack, I can’t help but think that maybe I didn’t think this through.
I’m just about to close the wardrobe door when I notice Sweetie Belle’s attempt to sleep like Apple Bloom does. She wasn’t even trying to cover herself! I lean forward to instruct her on what she should be doing.
“Sweetie no! You gotta sleep like Apple Bloom!” I whisper loudly.
She rises and stares at me, looking a bit lost. “How does she sleep?” I’m surprised she really doesn’t know, given how many sleepovers we had. Apple Bloom has a very specific way about sleeping—it’s loud and makes you want to go outside.
“Like she does everything: with sass!” I explain, accidentally knocking the door open with my hoof.
Applejack’s hoofsteps are really close now, so I instantly close the door as quietly as I can. I didn’t have time to see Sweetie get back into position, so the only thing I can do is sit here and wait. The tiny gap between the wardrobe doors doesn’t offer me a good view of her, so I may as well hold my breath and get comfy.
The door opens and I hear Applejack step through. She’s quiet for a moment, like she knows something’s up. I close my eyes because somehow I think it’ll make me harder to spot. I hope this works, I hope this works…
“Huh. I guess ya must have been so tuckered out ya sent yer friends home and went to bed,” Applejack says. She walks up to the bed. I can hear her now, the only thing separating us are just these two planks of wood in front of me.
“Then again, you are a delicate flower,” she says to Sweetie. Please don’t freak out, Sweetie… she won’t take long, I swear… I have to bite my lip, sweating as I desperately try to hold my breath. My throat feels tight now.
Applejack sighs happily. “Sleep tight, Apple Bloom.” She walks off, going back to the door. “I’ll check on ya in a bit.” Then she slams the door and I breath out, relieved.
I poke my head out of the door to check on Sweetie Belle. If I had been in her position, I’d totally taken it like a champ—I’m not saying that she wouldn’t though! Just…
The light’s been switched off, but since it’s so early in the day we can still see each other clearly. She’s sitting up in bed and doesn’t look freaked, which is good. The room clear, we both share a sigh.
The door suddenly swings open and Applejack’s back in the room again. Thank goodness I have my super fast reflexes to close to the door before she noticed. At least I think she didn’t. I gotta hold my breath one more time until she leaves.
“Just checking in on ya again!” she says. The door creaks shut a few seconds later. I dunno about Sweetie, but I’m definitely not gonna open the wardrobe again. So… I just have to wait, I guess.
If I don’t figure out something to do quick, I’ll die of boredom. It’s a real thing, look it up. Um, soooo… I’m surrounded by all these bows, for some reason. Why does Apple Bloom have so many bows?! I thought she had just the one she always washed! One, two or even three more spare I can get, but this is just plain creepy. I think she needs an intervention. Next Crusader meeting, I’m totally bringing this up.
Eugh. Feel kinda weirded out just by touching them now. I shuffle about to try and get them away from me, but it’s not easy, especially considering Applejack’s just walked in for, like, the third time already. I’m not really paying attention to her, which is just as well, ‘cause she’s out the next second.
I cover my mouth with my hoof to cover a yawn. It’s not really cozy in here, so I don’t think I’ll fall asleep. But I’m just so bored already! I should’ve taken… I dunno, a coloring book or something. Anything.
Sweetie Belle isn’t making any sounds, so she’s doing a good job. She’s got it lucky though. Apple Bloom’s bed may have been babyfied, but at least it was still comfy. My back’s already starting to ache from this…
Time to do some ‘deep thinking’, I guess. Life’s been pretty good recently. I’m kinda just waiting on carrying the flag for the Equestrian Games. Twilight says you shouldn’t wish your life away, but I really can’t wait for this! Just thinking about it makes me grin. I’m imagining it now: the three of us carrying that flag triumphantly towards the stadium, ponies from all over Equestria cheering us on.
I don’t even care that Applejack’s in the room once more. Huh. I got used to that quick. Makes sense though. If we were being obvious, then Applejack would’ve spotted it already. As long as I didn’t do anything stupid, we were cool. And I’m totally not gonna mess this up. Scoots has got this.
The room’s quiet now. I wriggle around, ‘cause my back’s pressing against the hard wood of the wardrobe and it really hurts now. Ow… I should’ve hidden under the bed. Looked like there was enough room for me, maybe.
Wait a sec, I’m hearing something. Carefully putting my ear to the door, I try to figure out what it is. It’s snoring. Somepony’s snoring like a pig. I think it’s… no, it can’t be.
It is.
… Sweetie Beeeelle!
Really?! She’s fallen asleep already?! Grr! It’s taking all my will to stop myself from slamming this stupid wardrobe. The bows on the other hoof? Not so lucky. I take one in my hooves and start scrunching it up viciously. It unfolds and I can see all the terrible creases I’m creating. Yeah! That’ll teach you to… er…
Seriously, what am I doing? I drop the bow—time to cool off, Scoots. Deep breaths… I inhale, then exhale. Then repeat, until Applejack bursts in. She’s asking ‘Apple Bloom’ if she wants a glass of water. My throat feels rough and dry. Biting my lip, I try to suppress my desire to say ‘yes!’
Phew, she’s gone. Maybe if she left the water behind, I can go and sneakily grab it. I nudge the door open ajar and scout the room. Yes! It’s on the floor! Right next to the bed Sleepy Belle’s in. I’m not letting her get away with that by the way—
Yikes! Applejack’s returned! I don’t have time to close the wardrobe fully, so I clench my teeth and hope for the best. My body tenses up and I can hear my heartbeat, getting faster and louder every second Applejack’s in the room.
AJ leaves a couple of moments later, not sure how long it was. It definitely confirms one thing though: I’m not getting to that water. I’m fast, but I still need a lot more training before I’m Rainbow Dash levels of speed. So that’s it then.
I’m going to die here.
I think the boredom will get me first. My legs are already twitching, and that’s the first sign of death by boredom. I’m thirsty now, but Twilight says it takes ponies a day or two without water before they pass away. I don’t think I’ll last that long.
My only regret was this dumb idea. Now I’m not saying that I wouldn’t help Apple Bloom, but we could’ve thought this through more. I had no idea how long she was going to take. Bloom’s a hard worker on the farm, but she definitely isn’t Big Mac. She could take days to make her delivery! Good thing it’s a weekend, I suppose. Not that it helps me, of course.
Going to the toilet is the biggest issue with this plan. Not for me, though. I can hold my bladder for ages. But Sweetie Belle? She’s… not so good at it. And she does kick up a fuss when she needs it, trust me. Although maybe we could’ve covered each other while we took turns doing our business on the haystacks outside? That could work actually, if Applejack gave us enough time.
Look at me, I’m thinking about how we’re gonna pee on a haystack. This is the second stage of death by boredom: you just think about stupid stuff ‘cause there’s nothing else to do.
My stomach rumbles and I know that’s it for me. A triple combo supreme of badness, served just for me. This is how hungry I am: I just thought ‘served’. When else would I ever think that?
Granted, if me and Sweetie can… y’know… on the haystacks, maybe we could sneak off for food as well. But that still doesn’t answer the question of what to do if Apple Bloom doesn’t come back by the end of the day. I’m not staying in this crummy old wardrobe all night while Sweetie sleeps it all off. And come morning, we’ll be busted.
Maybe I’m just overreacting. Getting paranoid from the threat of boredom, yeah. I gotta have faith in Apple Bloom. Truth be told, I’ve always thought she was the strongest crusader. She’s never said she’s our leader, but that’s how I think of her sometimes. Only sometimes, since she can be kinda annoying on occasion, but that’s kinda rare these days.
I think we’ve gotten closer over time. I really didn’t like her calling me a chicken, ‘cause… I’m not, okay? When I explained to her that I wanted it to stop, she was really sorry about it. Kept apologizing and everything. She promised never to tease me again unless I was okay with it, and I am. When I can tease her back, that is.
I should’ve gone with her. To the delivery, I mean. Ditching Sweetie Belle isn’t totally cool either, but at least she’s safe here. And asleep. But Apple Bloom probably needs the company and a little extra help never hurt either. I hope she’s alright.
No, she is. I know she is. Just gotta have faith. We’re the Cutie Mark Crusaders and even when we’re not together, we can do anything.
Sweetie’s snoring is getting louder now. Folding my forelegs across my chest, I just sigh and endure it. I’m frowning, ‘cause this is just silly. I’ll keep on the alert and the moment she wakes up, I’m switching places. See how she likes the wardrobe.
Boredom’s starting to get worse now. I’m pretty tired with this. I just have to move or—do something! Pegasi aren’t meant to be trapped in tight places, it freaks us out. We belong in the sky. Including me. But instead here I am, doing nothing. Eugh!
The door’s opening, so I know what that means. It’s at least something though, so I lean closer to the doors and try to pay attention this time.
Applejack lets out a big yawn and from where I can hear it, she’s probably in the doorway still. “Just checkin’ in on ya again,” she says sleepily. A few hoofsteps, so she’s likely at the bed. She lets out a happy sigh, the kind you do when you just feel really content with stuff. “Look at ya, dozin’ all peaceful like. Here I am, checkin’ up on ya every five seconds, and you’re totally fine.” Huh. From the way she said it, it’s like she just realized something. I gotta listen to this.
“Maybe you don’t need me frettin’ over ya all the time.”
Oh my gosh. She’s figured it out. We did it! Oh yes, the plan worked! It actually worked! I had my doubts there for a while, but—
“Wow! Apple Bloom will be so glad to hear that!”
… oops.
“Huh?!” Applejack switches the light on and races over to the wardrobe. The doors fling open and I jump, staring at her with wide eyes. “Scootaloo?!”
Quick Scoots! Come up with a decent excuse! I can do it, I know I can. If I don’t, then I just ruined my whole plan and waited in this stupid wardrobe all for nothing!
“Er—um, no?” I stutter.
That probably could’ve gone better.
Well at least I’m not gonna die now. I guess that’s a plus, right?
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Poor, bored Scootaloo. Too bad she doesn't have any games to play.
Lil good read
Scootaloo, I feel for you! The same thing happened to me.
Boredom.
It ruins even the greatest of plans.
I was cracking up at the part about the symptoms of death by boredom. I get that feeling about every ten seconds that I'm not doing something.
Boredom, the bane of existence.
Aw, Scoot. You're so adorable sometimes.
This was a nice little peek into Scootaloo's mind during the whole charade with Applejack. You really managed to capture her voice and mannerisms here. Part of me did feel kinda bad for laughing at her expense, but the way her mind wandered just made it too easy. Scoot deserves a hug, and you deserve a mustache. Nice work.
Oh Scootaloo, you just weren't meant for long stakeouts.
Pretty nice little fluff story.
Very nice
personally I can't watch a show and not wonder what characters think about the situations their in or what they do when they're off screen so it's nice to find stories that explore what could be going on inside the head of said characters.
I hope you'll do more of these kind of stories
Of course Apple Bloom is the strongest crusader, she's an earth pony!
Seriously, though, some fanfics portray her as the strongest earth pony in the schoolhouse, too. Which kinda makes you wonder why DT and SS, though they're earth ponies too, would want to bully a filly who is at least 20% stronger and more solidly built than they are...
4066959
You'd be amazed what some people will put up with. It helps that AB would get in a lot of trouble if she did beat the shit out of them; the only time they ever came near that line was mocking Scootaloo for being crippled (which was Scoots' fight more than Bloom's).
I mean, did you ever see that video of Casey Heynes, that Australian kid? He apparently put up with that shit for like three years before realizing that he was about twice the size of the kid picking on him. Upon having this revelation, he immediately picked the little rat up and threw him at the floor.
Okay, that one was priceless
Though for some odd reason, I can relate to Scootaloo's reasoning...
That was well done
Haha, this was very funny to read!
At least she doesn't wear a new one every day like Double D. Seriously, that guy is such a neat freak.
4067095
Gonna second that point. Aside from when they had Babs Seed backing them up, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon have stuck exclusively to verbal bullying. Kids are usually told that it's wrong to respond to purely verbal teasing with violence.
Ahh, coloring books. The antidote to boredom...
4067266 maybe she does. Wasn't there an entire closet of bows... and hats... Maybe they should let Applejack in on the intervention...
Yes! Yes! They Di......
Aaaaaaaaand
you see i would've fapped
This is an awesome story. I love the way you seem to have captured Scootaloo's thought processes very well indeed.
:scootahug:
...
Dang. I guess I'll settle for this emoticon instead:
Then she slams the door and I breath out, relieved.
A slam seems too loud. Also, breathe
Sweetie and I.
Cool story!
Once again, I envy your writing skills. Good li'l Scootafic.
Wow' stage two boredom, that's pretty rare these days.
I really like Scootaloo's characterization in this, it is both believable and hilarious.
That escalated quickly.
4069046 Well, it's Scootaloo talking, I thought. Not Apple Bloom.
AWE...stay calm and professional... exeptional.
YESS!!! A GINGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THIS HAS TO BE A GOOD STORY!!!!!!!!!
EDIT: Yup!
4067522 Second your second; verbal/social bullying are common forms of bullying among girls and much more common than girls using physical bullying.
honestly surprised to see a story about "entertaining oneself" in the feature box that wasn't a clopfic
gg
Very good -- you got Scootaloo's "voice" perfectly. And her combination of cocky precociousness and essential innocence. Well done!
Hmm...
Yup, I'm reading it.
Edit:. I've read it. Thumbs up.
I love it, can you not?
so cute but you should write a sequel about what happens next.
This is probably the best line I've ever read from a child's PoV.
Edit: And now I'm hearing it in Morgan Freeman's voice.
There's something incredibly hilarious about that kind of flat, morbid contemplation coming from Scootaloo. Not just the situation, but also her fanon.
In any case, a magnificent little look into Scoot's mind. Thank you for it.
That was, without a question in my mind, some of the best structuring I've ever seen in an M.L.P. one-shot. Congratulations! I applaud you for that!
Just a few minor notes, though:
"Then she slams the door and I breath out, relieved" should be "Then she slams the door and I breathe out, relieved."
"Granted, if me and Sweetie can… y’know… on the haystacks, maybe we could sneak off for food as well" should be "Granted, if Sweetie and I can… y’know… on the haystacks, maybe we could sneak off for food as well."
You might wan'na change "I’ll keep on the alert and the moment she wakes up, I’m switching places" to "I’ll keep on the alert and the moment she wakes up, we're switching places." Or maybe "I keep alert because the moment she wakes up, we're switching places." Although what you currently have makes sense, there are a couple'a ways this sentence could be stronger.
. . . Again, I thoroughly enjoyed this piece. The situation was hilarious, the characterization was right on target, and the story structure was practically publishable. . . . Would've loved to have found out what Apple Bloom was delivering to drive Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle into the situation they were in, but I can forgive you for that. Everything else in this piece was so perfect, how could I not overlook something as small as that? . . . Again, great job! Have a like and a favorite on me!
4067525
The best one their ever is. No matter how old you are
I loved it! Reminds me (and I'm assuming everyone else's) of the good ol' childhood days.
Excluding the SNES.
4072343 DON'T DIS THE SNES!!!. It was a great invention and ushered in a new generation of gaming....
...also, yes this was an excellent story for any age...
4072095
Let's pay Morgan Freeman to voice all the fanfiction.
4073513 We'll start with the Spiderses.
4076036 I might listen to that story then
4073461
I'm not dissing bro.
I'm not saiyan but I'm just sayin that this story soundlikes my childhood, but this story didn't include the SNES.
I loved the SNES. Hell, I still remember Zombies Ate My Neighbors!
4077387 OH!!!
Okay then--we kewl, have a thumbs up to your post...