Ice Cream
Rainbow Dash and Rarity stayed at the foot of the stairs for a few more moments, both of them sneaking a furtive glance toward the guest room.
“She’s really hurting, isn’t she, Rares?” Rainbow said, finally breaking the silence.
“Yes, Rainbow, she is.”
Rainbow sighed, “Why do you think she hasn’t found anyone who wants to adopt her? She’s an awesome little filly, I can’t believe that there’s no one in Ponyville who has room for her in their lives.” Verbalizing the idea of how lonely Scootaloo must feel made her wince and she turned her attention back upstairs.
As Rarity sat listening to her friend’s pondering, it occurred to her Rainbow didn’t talk much about her family; she mentioned her dad on occasion but never her mother. She didn’t want to pry so she never pressed the issue, but her own private theory was that Rainbow was so steadfastly loyal precisely because she knew the painful sting of being let down by someone you placed your trust in.
In another situation Rainbow finally realizing what she had been struggling with would have given her some small measure of satisfaction. As it was, Rarity could only place a gentle hoof on Rainbow’s shoulder in an effort to sympathize. “I know that wasn’t easy for you dear. Thank you for talking with her.”
“Yeah sure. Hey listen, I know we haven’t exactly been on the best of terms lately—”
Rarity scoffed, “That’s an understatement.”
A quick glare from Rainbow silenced her and Rainbow continued. “Yeah, well look, if there’s anything I can do, I want to help. I just… I hate not knowing what to do! There's gotta be something I can do to help fix this! Maybe—maybe I can help cheer her up somehow? What if I take her flying tomorrow?”
Rarity paused to consider the offer; under normal circumstances she would have agreed that going flying with Rainbow would cure whatever ailed Scootaloo, but these were anything but normal circumstances. “While I appreciate the thought, I’m not sure that’s the best idea right now.”
“So what am I supposed to do, just leave her hanging? That’s not my style.” Rainbow waved a hoof two inches in front of Rarity’s snout. “Hello, Element of Loyalty here!”
In response Rarity batted away the annoying intrusion into her personal space. “I am acutely aware of that. But, I think that right now, she needs some time to digest everything. She's been through quite a lot today. We all have.”
Rainbow could only sigh in agreement. Rarity wasn’t wrong, and that infuriated her. She was used to solving her problems instantly, mostly by kicking them. Not that there was an Element of Patience, but if there was it definitely would not have gone to her.
“You should go get some sleep dear. I'll make sure she is taken care of tonight. I do thank you for all of your help today.” Rarity said, interrupting Rainbow’s train of thought.
“Are you sure there’s nothing else I can do?”
“Yes dear, I’m sure.”
Rainbow studied her friend for any hint of deception, but finding none she was forced to concede that she was pretty worn out from the day’s events. “Alright,” she said, reluctantly walking to the door. One last thought hit her before she left. “You're a lot better at this taking care of kids thing than I am.”
“ I... thank you,” Rarity stammered, visibly taken aback by Rainbow’s statement.
“No problem, Rares. Let me know when she's feeling better, okay?”
“You’ll be the first to know,” Rarity said, regaining some of her composure.
With one temperamental pegasus in her life temporarily taken care of, Rarity went upstairs to check on the other one. She gently knocked on the door to Sweetie's room; after hearing a small shuffle, she opened the door slowly. The room was perfectly still; the only hint that there was any occupant was a small tuft of purple mane protruding from a lump underneath the blankets.
Sweetie’s—Scootaloo’s—the guest room felt cold. Despite all the windows being closed there was a distinct chill wafting through the air, Rarity thought. “Scootaloo?” she whispered, lest she wake up a sleeping filly. Her question evoked no response, but the silence led her to believe Scootaloo hadn’t quite fallen asleep. “If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to let me know.”
There only response was the unmistakable sound of Scootaloo's stomach growling.
“When did you eat last?” Rarity asked gently.
Finally Scootaloo poked her head out from under the covers. She shrugged her shoulders but offered no words.
“How about some ice cream?” Rarity offered, remembering her thought back in the cave. Scootaloo still didn’t say anything, but at the another growl of her stomach prompted her to climb out of bed.
The pair made their way wordlessly to the kitchen. Almost everypony knew that Rarity was an expert in fashion. What significantly fewer ponies realized was that she was also an expert in using ice cream as an emotional balm. The psychologically restorative properties of ice cream were not, in fact, universal across flavors, Rarity believed. For disappointment one should seek comfort in the satisfying familiarity of chocolate ice-cream. For minor aches and pains such as a friend canceling plans, some form of vanilla was most likely in order. And for heartache the levels that Scootaloo was feeling, only the inherent joy of chocolate chip cookie dough would do.
“Would you like to talk about it?” Rarity asked after she had given Scootaloo a few minutes to seek solace in a bowl of ice cream.
Scootaloo tightened her grip on the spoon while refusing to look at the mare sitting next to her. “About what?” she asked hoping her false naiveté would work in her favor.
“About what's bothering you?”
“Nothing is bothering me,” Scootaloo said through gritted teeth, clenching the spoon so hard her hoof started turning red.
Scootaloo’s deflection evoked numerous memories of Sweetie making similar protest and in her case they were almost always followed with a “but-”. Instead of retorting that Scootaloo was liable to break the spoon if she squeezed it any harder, Rarity ignored the obvious lie and just waited for Scootaloo to recant.
Hearing no response the little filly looked up for a second before turning her gaze back to her bowl of ice cream. She sighed and let go of her spoon. “Rainbow doesn’t want me,” Scootaloo sniffled; those words hung in the air until she spoke again. “Whenever I had to leave I always told myself it didn’t matter because someday I’d move in with her and then my life would get better.” Another painful silence passed. “I just thought for sure that Rainbow Dash would want to adopt me. I thought that as much fun we have together, she would say yes... I mean, we're already sisters.”
“Being an honorary sister is one thing, but a caregiver is an entirely different role altogether,” Rarity answered, careful to try and not sound condescending.
“What about you and Sweetie Belle?” Scootaloo asked, looking up at Rarity with a heartbreaking sense of wanting clearly evident on her young face.
“What do you mean dear?”
“She stays here with you a lot. Aren't you kind of a caregiver then?"
Rarity balked and jerked her head back in surprise. She had never thought of herself as Sweetie Belle’s caregiver. Babysitter maybe, sister, absolutely, but not a caregiver. Nevertheless she couldn’t find fault with Scootaloo’s argument. “Well, I mean—yes,” she stuttered. “But it's just for visits or for when mother and father are on vacation,” she quickly added for clarification.
“What if something happened to them?”
“Scootaloo!” Rarity snapped. “That is a terrible thing to say.”
Scootaloo cowed her head. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. I just...if you had to take care of Sweetie Belle, like a parent, would you?”
“Of course I would, but—” Rarity said in a much more measured tone.
“It must be nice to have someone who would do that for you,” Scootaloo said sadly.
Rarity couldn’t think of anything to say in response, and that thought troubled her as much as Scootaloo’s pain. So instead she borrowed a page from the Rainbow Dash school of confrontation, changing the subject.
“I was thinking maybe tomorrow we go and find you a dance instructor?”
Scootaloo shrugged. “It’s not like it’s going to matter. No pony is going to adopt me because they like my dancing."
“I should certainly hope not, that sounds like an absolutely awful reason to adopt somepony,” Rarity said, hoping to lighten the oppressive pall that had been cast over the room.
Scootaloo titled her head and looked up at Rarity, who merely smiled warmly. She opened her mouth like she was about to add something but it turned out only to be a half hearted sigh. “Sure, whatever,” she muttered before letting out a rather large yawn.
“I think we could both use some sleep. It's been a long day, hasn't it?” Rarity said, stifling a yawn of her own.
“Yeah.” Scootaloo looked down at the brown syrupy remnants of her frosty treat. “Lemme just drink this.”
The request was followed by a loud slurping sound the creamy treat, which left a large white splotch on her muzzle.
“Oh, dear, you've got something- here, let me-” Rarity reached for the splotch, napkin in hoof. She preemptively paused as she anticipated Scootaloo's flinching and obligatory protest that she would “take care of it herself." Much to her surprise Scootaloo stayed still letting Rarity wipe her snout free of ice cream.
“I'll take care of these dishes. Go brush your teeth and I will be right back to tuck you in.”
This time Scootaloo’s independent streak did assert itself. “I don't need anypony to tuck me in,” she said rather defiantly.
“Very well then.”
Rarity quickly rinsed and dried the dishes with an assist from some very practical unicorn magic. Scootaloo brushed her teeth with a similar efficiency minus the magic, and the pair reunited upstairs to the guest room at roughly the same time.
“Is there anything else you need?” Rarity asked from the doorway as Scootaloo climbed back into bed.
“No.”
“Sweet dreams, Scootaloo. I will see you in the morning,” Rarity said with another smile.
As she turned to leave Rarity heard a small voice call out to her. “Rarity?”
“Yes?”
“I’m sorry I made you run around all over the place today. And getting you muddy and dirty and stuff…”
Rarity turned around so that Scootaloo could see that she was sincere about her next statement. “It’s quite alright dear. I’m just glad you're safe.
Scootaloo didn’t say anything else and Rarity again took that as her cue to leave. Before she could close the door the small voice again called out.
“Rarity?
“Yes?”
“If you really wanted to, you could tuck me in…I guess.”
Rarity opened the door, flaring her horn slightly so that it might serve as a nightlight as she approached the bed.
“Of course, dear.”
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When are Rarity and Scootaloo going to realize that they've adopted each other? On the other hoof, that would mean the end of this fic. I don't think I actually know what I want.
The chapter was a bit shorter than I think anyone would like, but very sweet. Please keep up the good work!
D'aaaaw.
You LIED! There WAS an Author's Note! Can I even take this story seriously anymore? I don't know! Nothing makes sense anymore! Aaaaaauuuuggghhh!!!! *Panics*
I love how this relationship is growing without either of them really noticing. You do a stellar job of making this not only believable but also feel natural.
cuteness overload!
I was expecting the authors notes to be an update to the situation with your editior, have you really not heard anything at all either way?
6308965 It's not my place to share his story and or it's progress. If he ever asks me to pass on a message I will do that but I am not going to broadcast private communications.
6308932 Thank you
6308923 Sorry
6308875 It's not even my shortest chapter
* no face icons......
6309004
... you're right! Then I'm saying it was short because I want more.
I think...*sniff* I'm going to go drown my feels in a tub of Moose Tracks now.
i.imgur.com/DkNSBSf.png
I predict jealous Sweetie Belle at some point. Or maybe Sweetie would love having a niece.....
Oh... Oh my, that would be hilarious.
Sweetie: "Hey, Scootaloo. It's your favorite auntie, Sweetie Belle!
Scoot: We're the same age!
Sweetie: But I bought candy for my favorite niece in the whole wide world!
Scoot: Just kill me now.
I just realized, I never gave this a thumbs up. That changes today!
6309150 Yes! Ohmygawd YES! XD
*ROFL*
6308867 then again it could always evolve into a slice of life between the two dealing with mother daughter problems
6308867
Some is going to point it out to them and then it will evolve into something more. The real issue is how will Sweetie handle it when that day comes?
I don't think any other fiction has made me think as much as this one has. It plays off the three sides perfectly. The side that is helpless, the side that is helping, and the side that wants to help. All three have their dynamics and are all played out so well in this fiction. Even though this chapter was simpler than the last, it was still nice. The detail with the ice cream made me laugh. Keep it up!
Nice chapter again, and the thing about the ice cream was funny too.
6309150 As funny as that would be, I don't think we'll see that in this fic.
This is my favorite orphan Scootaloo story, can't wait for more.
Very cute chapter, very minimal too. In a good way.
Each chapter inching closer to the realization that Rares and Scoots need each other. You know, I'm hoping that Rarity adopts her because the loving home Scootaloo needed might have been right in front of her all along. Very nice chapter, if I may add.
This fanfic really hits me on another level than any other I have read before. I don't think I have ever really seen someone represent every aspect of what scootaloo is going through as well as you have. I am definitely looking forward to seeing how things go for scootaloo.
6308867 a very insightful comment. I can't help but agree
As always, nice work, Raylan.
Another fine chapter.
More!
Excellent chapter! I'm looking forward to reading about the first dance lesson!
RARITY USED ICE CREAM! IT WAS SUPER EFFECTIVE!
Thank God you didn't go with that most atrocious of "flavors"... mint. *shudders*
needs end " marks.
_________________
6310700
Hey Iike mint. Although not as much as Rocky Road.
6309652 High praise indeed. Thanks.
6310192 thanks, like I said on one of my early author notes I think too many Scootadopts treat Scoots as an adorable sweet maybe a bit rambunctious little filly who NO ONE wants until Rainbow or Twilight decide to adopt her in the span of about a day.
I both wanted to do something different, and wanted my story to feel a little more grounded.
I'm really liking the pacing of this story. A lot of other scootadoption is really fast on the adoption part.
Another greate chapter!
6311411 you give a real depth to the Scoots
Come on Rarity. You shouldn't need Twilight to write in big bold letters the obvious.
Well I'm defiently taking a lot if notes here. Good job.
So what's next? Seems like a lot of conflicts have been wrapped or we're more than halfway done with the story
This is the best scootadopt story I've come across. I love the pace of the storyline, anyone who says different is a liar. Keep up the great work!
6313096 I'm not so sure this is note taking good, (there are A LOT of better stories on here) but thanks.
6315733
Maybe, but I can still admire a good story while thinking how it can be better.
Though, if you need, while I may not be often available as an editor, I could once in a while be free as a pre-reader.
I'm basically going to say what everyone else is. The pacing is fantastic. You run across a lot of stories on here, they rush through everything and BOOM happy ending. You were expecting it, it's what you wanted. (This is kind of a big gripe I have). Anything before the happy ending doesn't matter. So long as our adorable little Pegasus foal or fleet of ships is happy, who cares.
This is not those stories. You do not fall into contrivance. "Ehh, who cares about Rainbow Dash's character, she's totally going to adopt her. Now let's get the plot rolling." You keep everyone realistic, and I find myself trying to dig though my memories for a better representation of Scootaloo, assuming she's an orphan of course.
So thank you for gracing this site with your literary prowess.
That sounded pretentious didn't it?
6318634 A little bit. But thanks.
And here, Scoots plants the idea. Maybe not intentionally, but neither one is keeping themselves apart from the other. Not as much as before, anyway.
it feels wierd but did you posible remove a chapter beacus i Think i remember Reading a chapter where they do find a family for scoots. or am i just insane and delusional
6327647 yeah..no, I haven't removed any chapters.
6328163 thanks for the praise
6330310 hu. mabey i just confused the it with Anothers story or maby i was just tierd. I wrote that coment pretty late at night
6327647
There was part of a chapter where a potential family was introduced but they have only appeared once so far. It was probably them, but neither Rarity or Scoots seemed to like the new family.
Man, oh man, those two have it hard for each other (platonically). Rarity's still in denial I see. It'll probably take a push from Rainbow or some other third party to get those two to realise it.
Of course, then there's the awkwardness when that occurs once Sweetie realises Scootaloo becomes her niece