Scootaloo sat in her room, still waiting for that epiphany that had eluded her since yesterday. Throughout the day she kept hoping that Lilly would slip up and reveal herself to be some sort of evil matron, intent on adopting Scootaloo as part of some nefarious scheme, or failing that, just a mean pony. But as far as Scootaloo could tell, Lilly was just a pony looking to grow her family. She seemed nice enough, all the ponies who had tried adopting her did at first, until the novelty wore off and they grew sick of her.
She thought about what Rarity said, not so much the weird Neighponese pottery thing, but about what Rarity said about Sweetie Belle. Sweetie had known her longer than anypony, and was still her best friend. Granted, being a friend was markedly different than adopting somepony, but it still had to matter that Sweetie was still her friend after knowing her for years. And if Sweetie could see past her brokenness, then maybe Rarity could too.
Scootaloo hopped off the bed and trotted over to the closet where the dress Rarity gave her hung. She stared at it, hoping to gain further insight, but the idea that Rarity really did love her enough to overlook her flaws was equally as elusive as any epiphany about Lilly.
Scootaloo sighed. Realizing that the dress wasn’t going to make her decision for her, she drifted over to her desk. A pang of longing pierced her chest as she saw the pictures of Rainbow Dash, that particular wound still raw. Next, she studied a picture of her and her fellow crusaders with wide smiles on their faces as they posed in front of the Ponyville schoolhouse. Scootaloo stood in the center, her forelegs draped over the other two.
What Scootaloo liked about the picture was that it was impossible to look at it and see anything other than three happy friends. For a brief moment in time, captured in that image, she was indistinguishable from any other normal filly.
She thought about the past month. It hadn’t been terrible, in fact, if she was being honest with herself, it had been nice. She was enjoying her dance lessons and she liked playing poker with Rarity, even if she always lost. But more important than any of that was that Rarity didn’t seem to be “going through the motions.” Sweetie’s sister had actually, genuinely, welcomed her into her home. Rarity could have left the upstairs bedroom decorated as it was, but she didn’t. And she could have told Scootaloo that she didn’t like barley soup and so she wouldn’t be making it for dinner, but she didn’t. And Rarity didn’t have to tuck her in and comfort her when she was crying at night, and she did that anyway too.
Scootaloo didn’t appreciate the idea of a spell that was used to unwrinkle fabrics being used on her, and Rarity refused to keep calling it her “horn thing,” so the pair had come to a compromise. Rarity modified the spell further, with some help from Twilight, so that the warmth generated had less air flow and was thus less like a dryer and more pure magic, and in exchange Scootaloo agreed to call it the bedtime spell.
Scootaloo had grown to like the bedtime spell. For one, it didn’t involve any physical touching. Previous foster parents had sometimes insisted on a goodnight kiss or hug. Scootaloo was wary about being touched; she wasn’t sure exactly why. Encroaching on her personal space felt like the first step toward being let down; better to stop that before it started. And it though she couldn’t place a hoof on exactly why, the bedtime spell made her feel safe.
Safe wasn’t technically the right word. Saying she felt safe implied that Scootaloo was scared at night. It wasn’t that Scootaloo was afraid of the dark or anything like that. It was that when she was being bathed in warm magic she felt wanted. And since her biggest fear was that she wasn’t, the bedtime spell quieted that worry.
Scootaloo made a decision. It felt like a big deal, but as far as she could tell, the rest of the world didn’t notice; there were no fireworks or heralding of trumpets. It was a little like pushing yourself off a steep hill on a scooter, she mused. Once you committed on that course there was really no stopping until the end. As Scootaloo knew from experience, trying to stop a scooter at full speed as it barreled down a precarious incline left you with some nasty scrapes and bruises. Better to grip the handlebars tight, and look for a suitable path to the bottom.
Her scooter metaphor firmly entrenched and ushering her onward, Scootaloo walked into the hallway. The telltale whir of Rarity’s sewing machine told her that the workshop of Carousel Boutique was where she was likely to find the pony she was looking for.
Scootaloo pushed the door open and quietly spoke. “Rarity,” she said, unsure if the din of the sewing machine would drown out her voice.
Rarity looked up from her sewing machine to catch a hint of purple tail in her peripheral vision. Knowingly or not, Scootaloo had placed herself directly behind the machine’s body and Rarity took a step to the side so she could better see the pony addressing her.
Scootaloo struggled to make eye contact. “I think I’d like to maybe try staying here, if you’re still okay with that.”
It wasn’t exactly the feverish acceptance Rarity had been hoping for, but functionally it was the same. “Of course I am,” Rarity answered. Neither pony said anything for a few moments, Rarity unsure of how to act in this situation and Scootaloo not wanting to risk saying anything that could make Rarity change her mind.
“I mean I don’t know if it’s going to work, it’s just that…” Scootaloo stopped and fought back tears she didn’t realize were forming. “I’m sick of moving, and I’m sick of being sad all the time. I just want a home, and maybe it can be here. I mean you’re related to Sweetie so…” Scootaloo paused as she realized her rambling was bordering on incoherent.
Rarity took a few steps forward and gently wrapped Scootaloo in a hug, their first one as family members, albeit still unofficial ones.
As she cradled the orange filly who was alternating between trying not to cry and accepting that she was, Rarity had a minor epiphany; Scootaloo wasn’t broken, but she was fragile. And evidently she had placed that fragility in her hooves. It was profoundly humbling. A few more moments later and Scootaloo pushed herself away and looked up at Rarity with wide eyed innocence only children could summon. “Scootaloo, I won’t pretend that everything is going to be perfect from now on, these things take time. Maybe we can work together to smooth out the rough patches, okay?” It wasn’t as eloquent a phrase as Rarity wanted to deliver, but it was what she came up with.
“Okay… Mom?” Scootaloo said with a grimace, followed by a weak smile. It was clear that she was uncomfortable with using the word, but that she was also trying to mask her displeasure. Unfortunately for her, her age, and her tendency to wear her heart on her sleeve was working against her in that regard.
“Pump-kin?” Rarity responded, her inflection rising. It wasn’t that she was any more comfortable with the sudden name changes, but as an adult and one who worked in an industry where lying to preserve others feelings were commonplace, she was much more practiced at hiding her emotions.
Scootaloo flinched at the sobriquet, her ears folding back against her head and an awkward silence hung in the air. Finally, Scootaloo spoke again, “Would it be okay if I just called you Rarity?” she whispered, not daring to make eye contact.
“It would. Would it be okay if I just called you Scootaloo?” Rarity replied softly.
“Uh-huh,” Scootaloo said with a nod, looking up.
“Splendid,” Rarity replied and for a moment the tension was lifted.
Scootaloo looked around the room, trying to take in the idea that this was home now. “So now what?”
“Well, now I guess we make it official.”
i like it and i hope scootaloo start calling rarity mom in the future since they are making it official now and i edited this comment now by the way
That mom and pumpkin thing was cringe worthy which I assume you were going for. I enjoyed it. Good job
Does this mean that Scootaloo is Sweetie Belle's niece?
Awww I was hoping they were gonna keep the names. Great chapter nonetheless. Also thanks for posting the code, I just claimed it. Finally get a chance to play a Fallout game.
6720479 i am wondering that too
Well, I figured the end result was going to be Rarity adopting Scootaloo. But I didn't think it was going to play out quite like this. I expected the drama to stick around for a little bit longer.
Great chapter, man! I like too that we both posted chapters with the same name on the same day! Short, but reflects Scoots thoughts perfectly. I'm looking forward to see if there's some drama from the other parents, but I hope not, for Scoots' sake.
This has been quite the ride, has it not?
I look forward to seeing the conclusion of this tale.
6720526 yay generic chapter names.
6720482 well I guess we'll be seeing you in a few days
You know what this calls for?!
Wait no, we want to keep this quiet-
A party!
Oh how did this spiral out of control? This is the worst. Possible. Thing!
Scootaloo, did you...
No idea what you're implying Sweetie Belle.
Because, when all is said and done, who wouldn't try to angle for some free sweets baked by Pinkie Pie?
Best ending achieved, woo-hoo!
I think listening to Undertale's soundtrack was a mistake while reading this. It boosts any emotional story to the max. I think it fits with Scootaloo's plight.
I hope the story will continue for a bit after they become official. It doesn't have too but... I wanna see how they do as a family.
Rooting for you Rarara. I wanna see your struggle as a parent.
Keep up the amazing work mate. I can wait for more.
Most heartwarming scene I've seen in a while. Very much looking forward to another chapter.
I like that it was a quiet understanding instead an over the top gesture. Felt more real.
6720578 same i want to see that too
Was driving home, and was like, I really hope RaylanKrios updated that Three Gems and a Scooter fic, that would be awesome. Lo, it was so. and there was much rejoicing.
heh, short and sweet. Feels right though.
Of course, plenty of room for drama left open. Looking forwards to more.
I'm a mom!
SPIKE! What did you do to Rarity!?!
HONEST I didn't do anything!
Hi Uncle Spike!
Scootaloo!
Spike
Ice cream?
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Holy shit Raylan, gratz!
I love scootadopt and this is one of the only highly maintained ones out there, I'm glad that you hit 20 chapters and got frontpaged!
It's certainly a different ending (I know it's not the actual ending) to a Scoot-a-orphan story. I'm usually used to the crying scene and her working through it and moving on; growing as a filly. I love those kinds of scenes, when done right. But this... this makes sense for the story you've crafted and for this entire chapter. Scootaloo obviously feels like crying, but with everything going on and the way she treats emotions and Rarity, it makes sense to just make the whole thing as subtle as possible.
I'll admit, I'm not great at feedback or criticism, but, um, there it is. Nice chapter.
Thank you for not having Scootaloo call her mom.
6720638 umm you've posted a picture of your artwork a few times now in my comments section, despite this in no way being a sparity story. This seems like it borders on self promotion which is generally frowned upon.
6720762 Every body gets a pix, You're the first boo boo face about it.
6720810 self promotion is a bit of a trigger point of mine, I apologize for any unwarented accusations, though I do think posted art workshould bear some relevance to the story
I wanted that last part to end in giggles then the 'how 'bout we stick to names' thing, but I don't know if it would have fit... I'm sure you could have made it work, you're good at horsewords.
6720762
He does that 99% of the time he posts. In every story he posts in. All over the site. It's so ungodly cringe-inducing. Not that he does the art, which isn't all that bad - just that he almost never makes a post that isn't RPing Sparity with an embedded picture of a baby dragon and an adult horse being in a committed and/or intimate relationship.
So... there's that explanation. It is basically self-promotion. Just everywhere. Every freaking where.
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6720862 ah so I'm not somehow the only person to notice this. .. thanks
6720826 Some fit and some don't fit so well.( only my stories are cringe worthy.) If you prefer I'll mind your request if it really bothers you. I hope I'm not like 'Swashbucketlist
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6720549 You mean weeks right? It's their first Fallout. The'll be lost to the world for at least half a month. Unless they didn't like it of course. Then the'll be back within hours. (but only a crazy person wouldn't enjoy Fallout 3. Such a classic.)
There we go. Now Scoots will finally be taken care of. Well unless some major wrench comes flying.
P.S: Afhfhfhfggha! Y U NO GIB BIG CHAPTER!? *Sigh* Calm down. Deep breath. A little upset about the small size of the chapter considering the wait. But hey, I'd rather take a small cookie than no cookie at all.
A short chapter, but a great one indeed. I loved the scooter metaphor and the little exchange between Rarity and Scootaloo. It felt like every sentence had meaning, and it all came together very well.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: The realism in this fic is powerful, and done so well. Keep up the great writing!
There's rather a sweet irony that a story about Rarity trying to get Scootaloo as a daughter only got delayed because the author went to play a game that focuses largely on a parent (possibly another mother) trying to get their own child back. Wherever you look the importance of family as a motivation is everywhere!
As for the chapter itself, honestly, I like these sort of scenarios where there's no grand realization or epic moment of self discovery. Just a realistic instance of clarity followed by a likewise subdued sharing. The emotional impact actually benefits from the lack of grandeur.
Just a shame that Scootaloo probably will not be calling Rarity 'Mom'. I always thought Rarity would look forward to one day being called that.
Code has been used (unfortunately, not by me)
Anyway great chapter as always.
My only concern was that Scootaloo seemed to make the decision to easily*. It felt almost detached, which I suppose suits Scootaloo's personality in this story, but it felt like there should have been more.
Even so, the scene with Scootaloo and Rarity testing out what to call each other was adorable.
Five freshly adopted angel Scoots for you:
“YA? Go read a real book …" YA is real books! I say this at the ripe old age of 27. (Also, quite frankly, no one reading magical technicolor horsefiction has a leg to stand on in this department.)
But hey, C.S. Lewis was with the program.
Anyway. Good chapter. Things keep moving along... now to see what new madness arises!
loved the insult and telling us to read a book and a recomendathion 3 book series the way of shadows shadows edge and beyond the shadows are brillient
THAT'S ONE SMALL STEP FOR PONY, ONE GIANT LEAP CLOSER TO SCOOTER GUNDAM.
And HEY! What's the deal? No update on the adventures of Raylan, Greatest And Best OC Of Them All(TM)?
6720578
Fashionmom doesn't quite have the same ring to it as Goatmom, and Rarity may not be anywhere near as adorable as Toriel... But as far as adoptive parents go, I think gemhorse will do okay.
6720862
And what's wrong with shameless self-promotion?! ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!
Dignity and an empty sack is worth the sack. Rule of Acquisition #109.
Short, but still really good. The Fallout from the other parents should be interesting. And why is everybody updating this week? I have finals and can't keep up.
Really liked this analogy, good chapter, nice work.
So awkwardly adorable. It takes time to get used to changes, but it's time well spent.
6721180 ah ludonarrative dissonence. My wanderer should probably get back to searching for Shaun at some point. But for now he has other things he needs to do.
6721849 star trek reference. ..respect.
6721691 oh Raylan is a member of the super secret ultra special forces and he got called away on a secret mission.
6722538
You have earned my respect for knowing about Star Trek. And for writing this story. Now...which has earned you greater respect, I wonder? I'll get back to you on it...as I do love Star Trek (not the newest movies, though...) and I do love this story...
6722543
A secret mission? Hm...I wonder how many lights there are?
... and there was much rejoicing
6722854
THERE! ARE! FOUR! LIGHTS!
6723239 Darmok and Jilead at tenagra. Darmok and Jilead on the ocean.
so short ... But good nonetheless
*Hugs* this was good! Thanks!
6723239
AMAZING! I have truly found my people today!
6721849
Applause for Ferengi. Space Jews most fun alien race. +1