> Roads of Life
>  by PonyWrites
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

        It was a day at high school. In that phase of life there are no such thing as 'good' or 'bad' days. Only days. Calling them 'bad', or breaking out the thesaurus for a stronger word has no effect. The English language does not contain a suitable word for such awfulness. Furthermore, in many mythologies naming a demon only gave it power. Calling a relatively positive day 'good' was a disservice to all things good, pure and holy. Therefore, when asked how their day was, students would only reply with a noncommittal grunt.
        
        Sunset Shimmer had to admit, this day sucked a little less than normal. The sun was shining bright and proud. People didn't hate her as much now that the Dazzlings had been dealt with. Things were looking up. So was Sunset, which explains why she found herself on her back, having  been accidentally bulldozed by Rainbow Dash. The athlete jumped up, but not before looking into Sunset's eyes and blushing. 
        "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, I'm so sorry."
        Sunset got to her feet and dusted herself off. "It's OK, the concrete broke my fall." She wasn't the least bit surprised by the events. This hadn't happened before, but with a bolt of lighting like Dash, it was sure to happen eventually.
        "Are you alright?" Rainbow's voice squeaked. Puberty was a real bitch. It left her, ironically, sounding like a thirteen year old boy. 
        "I'm fine, I'm fine." Sunset smiled in an attempt to reassure her friend. Her aching back told her it was a lie. 
        "Are you sure because I'd feel really horrible if something happened to you, like you broke a leg and didn't realize it and had to live life as a cripple and couldn't do that adorable strut you do." Rainbow sped on at about a mile a second. "Oh my gosh oh my gosh I'm so sorry." Rainbow's face flushed red and she covered her mouth.
        "I'm fine. However, I think you have some unresolved issues." Sunset looked at her with the patience of a monk. Twilight had been instructing her what to do if she ran across a potential friendship problem. Listen to the other party. Hear what they have to say, and look for a solution.
        "OK, alright, fine, you're hot. I didn't know how you would take it, I have a huge crush on you since the Battle of the Bands. Most girls don't...like..." Rainbow trailed off.
        Sunset raised an eyebrow. "Don't like what?"
        "Other girls, you don't know?” Rainbow Dash said, then realized her mistake. “Oh of course. Unicorn."
        "Yeah, it's no big deal in Equestria. You should see our mare/colt ratio. Something like Japan's I think. If we were all hetero, we'd be extremely sexually frustrated, and every single colt would be filthy rich. Is it like a big deal here or something?"
        "Yeah, homosexuals are generally despised. Don't you watch the news?" Applejack walked up and joined the conversation.
        "I'm a former megalomaniac and high school student. I don't care." She didn't even think it was exploitable; it was so commonplace where she came from. She thought of how many blackmailing opportunities she missed. Terrible habit. 
        "Yeah there's all these hate groups and people even want to pass discriminatory laws," Rainbow said.
        "Wait that sounds like the fifties." Sunset was a foreigner in a strange land, but she knew the history well. Those straight A's didn't earn themselves. As a matter of fact, she could have fallen asleep in any class and still maintained her grades. Years of being the student of Celestia, oh the irony, lead to being a speed reader. She already cleared out this year's History book, as well as the next. 
        "Exactly sugar cube. I may be back-woods." Oh please, you live on the outskirts of a city of at least a million people, thought Sunset, "But even I know that ain't right."
        Sunset saw the situation before her. There was a great injustice in the world that was effecting one of her friends. This was the perfect opportunity!
        "What's the rough statistics for homosexuality in this world?" Sunset asked, not realizing her slip.
        "About ten percent." Rainbow said. "Makes dating a pain, even if you aren't choosy."
        "There are at least three thousand students at Canterlot high, meaning a rough estimate of three hundred." Three hundred Rainbows, singled out, feeling like anyone could hate them at the drop of a hat. What was a reformed villain to do but help them out? But what would they need? Rainbow was worried how she might react. A place where they can just be themselves would be great. Celestia (another terrible habit) knows, that it was hard enough to get laid in High School. Being a social pariah didn't help either. 
        "Couldn't we form like, a... gay club?" Sunset asked.
        "That's a great idea, glad I thought of it!" Rainbow smiled that annoying smile to let everyone know she was joking.
        "Oh, and for knocking me on my butt, you owe me dinner. You free at seven tonight?"
        "Yes. It's a date."

        Thus the day began. It wasn't so horrid.


        It was lunch time; the collective high-school students' favorite time of day, when they would be granted a momentary reprieve from their prison cells of high(er) learning and talk openly to their peers. Even though most days inedible slop that resembled Jello Surprise, chilli, pizza or whatever the benevolent gods of the school board had funding for. Rainbow Dash approached with her tray to her own peers, who were already discussing something about fashion. "Rainbow dear," Rarity began, "You really would look better in jeans. I can't believe I'm saying that. Or even shorts. Show some leg; Sunset has the right idea." The comment caused the fire-haired girl to blush. Rainbow was holistically confused, as she had just walked up to the conversation, behind Rarity. She must have known she was there by osmosis or something.
        "Am I being hit on?" Rainbow Dash wasn't complaining, per se, but genuinely curious. Rarity was objectively attractive. The pompous city attitude got annoying, but if propositioned...
        "We've been through this, I'm asexual. Well mostly. I'm just saying you could improve your chances with the... same... sex fairly easily." The fashionista wasn't really used to saying something other than "opposite sex." The whole school came to her for dating and fashion advice. Most of them were, of course, straight. Rarity couldn’t figure out why they all came to her for advice. Many boys tried to win a date with her, but she would give a proper fashion scolding and send them on their way. 
        "Skirts are comfortable. I get athletic fit so I still have a lot of freedom of movement, and it's nice and cool on the undercarriage." Rainbow shrugged. Rarity scowled at Rainbow's typical lack of social grace.
        "Why don't we ask Sunset's opinion on this?" Applejack goaded, causing them both to blush.
        "Oh, what's this?" Rarity queried with a devious smirk.
        "I kind of tackled Sunset this morning, and ended up coming out to her. To make it up to her, I have to go on a date." Rarity squealed like one would expect a highschool girl to.
        "I too, think you would be more objectively attractive in skinny jeans," Sunset smirked at the thought. It was a smirking kind of day. 
        "Rainbow Darling, you simply must come by my boutique so I can get you ready for the date."
        "Bu..." Rarity's hand cut the sentence short. 
        "Hup hup hup, I won't take no for an answer. And if you’re not there I will skin you alive." Rarity smiled with fake innocence. 
        Sunset was laughing into her palm. Rainbow Dash slammed her head against the table and groaned.
        "Oh, I have to talk to the vice principals about forming a club. I didn't realize homosexuality was a big deal, but I want to try to help." Sunset rose.
        "That's a marvelous idea. You'll have our full support. Isn't that right, girls?" The two that weren't speaking looked up from their meals and nodded before returning to their food. 


        Rainbow looked in the mirror. "You look simply marvelous, dear." Rainbow Dash had to admit it. She was currently wearing black skinny jeans, causing her to admire her own curves. Her rainbow hair had been straightened, despite protest. It flowed like a waterfall down her shoulders. Rarity insisted on doing her nails. The stubs left from kicking, throwing or chewing, were filed smooth and painted a deep red the fashionista would call "sensual." They weren't going to an extremely fancy place, and Rainbow was wearing a ruffled iridescent purple button up that hugged her form and didn't quite meet her waist. Three buttons on top undone. Below that was the white shirt with a storm cloud printed on. Rainbow was suspecting Rarity was admiring her curves as well. Really, who wouldn't? She's worked for this body, playing every sport and staying in top physical condition. 
        It looked good. 
        "I can't believe you sewed this in an hour." Rainbow motioned across the entire ensemble.
        "Oh I did have some help from Sweetie, and I did have that over shirt lying around.”
        "Tell her I said thanks, but I've got to get going."
        "Will do. Have fun, don't do anything I wouldn't do."
        "Rarity, no offence, but if I didn't do anything you wouldn't, I'd be sitting on a couch for the rest of my life."
        "I kid, I kid, run along now." Rarity waved. 

        The door knocked. Sunset figured it was her date. She was wondering of Rainbow was only doing this out of obligation or genuine interest.  Why did that really matter? She wasn’t even twenty yet. Back in Equestria she’d be expected to date just about everypony... everyone she could. She finished tying her hair back and answered the door. She could only stare in stunned silence for a time, making the situation ooze with awkwardness. "Dayum," She finally managed. 
        "You're lookin' good too." Sunset wore a little black dress with fake (possibly real?) diamond accents, a pearl necklace, and just a little make up.  "Stunning even." Rainbow chuckled. Tension evaporated, and Sunset laughed too.
        Rainbow opened the door to her sports car, "Your chariot ma'am."
        "Thank you, my lady."  Sunset said, adding a little sarcasm to her Canterlot training. 

        "I thought this place needed a reservation four months in advance?" Sunset stared at the entrance of Ruban de Lumière, a four star restaurant. The four star restaurant in town. Flash took Sunset here once, where the poor sap poured his heart out and gave Shakespeare a run for his money. Of course she cried on demand and said she felt the same way. Sunset wondered how this day would end. 
        “Eh, My dad owns the place.”
        "Oh, glad to see you've spared no expense for our date."
        "Don't bite the hand that gives you free food." The two entered, Rainbow gently dragging her date.
        "Ah, Miss Dash and her date. Welcome." The snooty butler greeted. "I shall show you to the private room."
        "Thank you, Jeeves."
        They were taken to a small room up stairs with a view of the city. Sun had set, and Sunset found herself mesmerized by the nightscape. 
        "What would madams care to drink?"
        "Pomegranate tea." Rainbow said. 
        "Oh, I love pomegranate, that sounds lovely."
        "Very well madams. I will return shortly." The waiter walked away with dignified air.
        "I knew your family was wealthy, but never how."
        "I try to keep it on the down low. People always ask you for favors. 'Oh, Rainbow Dash, how about some free reservations,' or 'Why not mark down that skateboard deck for a good friend.'Our friends know, but that's it. A few other people at school know about my... preference."
        "I'm guessing they were your other dates."
        "Yep." The waiter returned with their drinks.
        "Do the madam's know what they wish to order?"
        "I'm in the mood for a porterhouse. Medium rare, the chef knows what I like.”
        "Which of these vegetarian options would you recommend?" Sunset glanced at Rainbow, who answered "Vegetarian options? You know what, surprise the lady."
        "Very well madam. It will be ready shortly."
        Rainbow's brow furrowed as she thought. "Oooh, of course you're a vegetarian. The only plant-eaters I know are Fluttershy and those hippie kids. You didn't seem like the type."
        "Yeah, bad girls usually eat meat." Sunset sighed. "Leather is one thing, you can just get it from cows that have died naturally, but I can't forget that I once only had incisors."
        "You really have to let that go. Anyway, what did you talk to the principals about?"
        "The alliance," Sunset's mood lightened, "We have to collect thirty signatures at least, and maintain that many members. We have to draft a constitution, I can take care of that. I speak legalese. Oh and a meeting schedule. Then it's up to our benevolent overlords to approve it. I don't think that will be a problem."
        "That's great. You read books, right?" Sunset's eyebrows raised at the question. "Of course you do." Dash blushed at her stupid question. "So... Darring Do?" The red-haired girl's eyes lit up like the happiest sun in the universe. 
        "One of my favorites. I think the best one was..." The two girls talked about mutual interests while they waited, then while they ate, and for a while after that. It revolved around books and music, with a side of sports; both girls shared a technical interest in soccer. Sunset’s interest was born of a need to manipulate the soccer team. She knew the rules inside and out, and watched the team. She kept a close eye on everyone’s weakness. After they finished their meals and chatted about this, that and anything else, they left.
        "Hey, you wanna go to my house and grab coffee?"
        "Why would I want coffee, it's nearly nine?" Rainbow slapped herself.
        "Sorry, cultural differences. Going for coffee after a date is code for 'want to have sex?'"
        "Eh, why not, it's been a while." Sunset shrugged. She could ask about why there needed to be a code when the straightforward approach usually worked for her, but she accepted this world had different sexual ethics. 
        "I hear ya. Been too busy to really chase tail, you know."

        The week passed normally. Drafting a constitution for a school club and organizing it around everyone's extracurricular schedules was tricky, but a lifetime of grooming for princesshood allowed Sunset to speak in legalese. It was a comfortable tedium. Sunset didn't feel comfortable collecting signatures. Her "trust scale" had increased since the Siren incident, but she still suspected the student body would be weary of signing anything she held. They wanted to hold on to their souls a little while longer, until they sold them to their career. On top of that, the dreaded semester tests were upon them. Sunset didn't need to study, and Rainbow Dash didn't on the principle. That didn't stop them from meeting to hit the books. They couldn't really hide it from their friends. Why would they? Playful flirting was too much fun, especially when it caused the other four to cringe. There wasn't a whole lot of emotional attachment on either side, but they hammed it up in public just so people would stare at them, disgusted. Of course, Rarity was eating it like candy. To think that her two friends were dating they were so cute together!
                
Valiant effort pays off, unfortunately High School students do not have effort in great amounts. They collected a whopping sum of thirty-five signatures for the Alliance. Not for lack of trying, mind, but more that the students did not put forth the effort to raise a pen to the form. One student, who looked to be more fragile than glass, claimed to be allergic to forms. Fortunately for him, Fluttershy was the one to ask. He was sent away with an apologetic smile and an oatmeal cookie, after she confirmed it would be alright, and profusely apologized. . The first meeting was supposed to start in five minutes.
        "W-What if nobody shows up?" Fluttershy stammered.
        Rainbow scoffed, "Please, there's like, five girls that totally want to bang me."
        "I thought you and Sunset?" Rarity asked, perplexed.
        "Well, see, there's emotion, and then there's sex. There are lots of hot girls around here."
        "Honestly, who cares about monogamy in High School?" Sunset asked, and nobody knew how serious she was.
        The door opened to an unexpected sight. Sweetie Belle walked in, then Scootaloo who was being shoved by Apple Bloom.
        "Welcome to the Alliance." Rainbow greeted. "I was hoping you girls would show up." She got up and gave her sister a big hug. "So, are you here for support, Apple Bloom, or is there something you'd like to tell us?" Rainbow chuckled. 
        "As far as I know, I'm straight, but those two are my best fiends. Why wouldn't I need an excuse to hang out with them?" Apple Bloom crossed her arms. 
        "Well there went twenty bucks." Rainbow took out her wallet and passed a bill to Fluttershy. "So, how's Juliet and... Juliet." Applejack snorted at the metaphor.
"Still sneaking around like a bunch of cat burglars, stealing kisses and sneaking out at night. Oh, thanks again Rarity."
"Who am I to stand in the way of forbidden love?" Rarity sighed wistfully. 
        Collectively, the freshmen realized there were six others in the room, and one of them was Sunset Shimmer. They all stared at her for a while, deciding if they should run. Rainbow looked to see what had frozen Scootaloo.
        "Sunset is a friend remember? I trust her. She's kept my secret for a while, and even a few others."
        Scootaloo decided to be the big girl. "If Rainbow trusts you, then I will. Sorry." The other two apologized as well.
        "I forgive you, truth be told if I was you I wouldn't trust me either."
        Rainbow nodded. "Scoots, if you want to talk to me about anything in the world, just call, text, or whatever, you know that."
        Lyra and Bon Bon showed up, and no one was surprised. Octavia and Vinyl Scratch did as well. The two musicians sat in separate parts of the room. While she was placing bets on her fellow classmates, Rainbow had a fiver going on Vinyl being mute, and a twenty Octy and her were in love. Looks like she wasn't getting that any time soon. A musclebound jock that would have made Rarity drool, if drooling wasn't unladylike, walked in with a tiny guy from math club around his waist. More and more filed in, ran by an internal clock that demanded they show up when the announcement said: 4:00. No more, no less. 
        "Alright, Everyone's here! We're gonna have so much fun!" Pinkie bounced around.
        "What kinda fun?" Scootaloo asked.
        "Excuse her, she's on the tail end of puberty," Sweetie quipped. The room was already in an uproar. Ice broken, Sunset started.
        "Well, um, let's start off with some introductions. I think Pinkie had a plan to liven it up." Out of nowhere, the pink-haired girl produced a ball about the size of her head.
        "It's simple! We toss the ball around and wherever your hand catches it, you have to answer the question. And give your name, all that good stuff! Then you can get a cupcake!" Pinkie was, of course, a genius. Everyone loves free food! The girl nonchalantly passed the ball to Rainbow Dash, who caught it with ease.
        "You all know me. I'm Rainbow Dash, I'm awesome, single file ladies, and uhhh." She looked at the ball and read. "skim, 1%, or 2%? Huh, I only drink whole. Gotta feed the muscles you know." She flexed for the sake of punctuation. She turned around and tossed it, not giving much thought to it.
        After introductions the meeting was interrupted by the principals. "Hello, students." The fair-skinned one began, "I'm thrilled that one of your own, Sunset Shimmer took the time to organize something like this. I was young once too, and I know High School can be difficult. While differences should be celebrated, everyone needs a community of friends where they can relax a little more and be themselves, without an act." 
Then Luna took over. "We would like to remind everyone of the school’s policy on bullying. We take every measure we can to ensure that it will not happen, and when it does, it will be dealt with. If any of you have a problem, our doors are always open. Unfortunately It slipped our mind when we were talking to Sunset about the requirements for a club, you need a sponsor. That said, I have my own introduction to give. I'm Luna, and I'm a lesbian. "
        "Guys, you have any ideas?" Sunset asked the room from her desk. They all pointed to Luna. 
"It would be my privilege."
        "We were just about to do one crucial vote." Sunset continued. Celestia dismissed herself, grumbling about paperwork. "Most of you have taken government, right?" about three fourths of the room nodded. "So Rainbow has briefed me on the situation. You probably have problems at home with your parents, in like half the cases. On top of that, you're all teenagers, believe me, I know. People telling you what to do is the worst thing in the world. Thus, I propose the club be a flat democracy. Anyone can suggest anything, no presidents, no nothing. Execution relies on volunteers. All in favor?"
The room was a cascade of "I."
"Opposed?" Sunset paused. "Motion is passed." She jotted down some notes on paper. "Well, see, I said, that, but we still have to figure out a few things, like what do we actually want to do?"
        The jock spoke up, "Well, it's like you said. We have pressure from home and school to act a certain way. Let's just have a place where we can have fun and drop our masks, talk about issues or something. Play games maybe?" He scratched his neck.
        "Do we have a second for um..." she chewed her pen, trying to be official in phrasing. Old habits, etc. "safe-space?"
        "Well, I know I want my friends to be comfortable, so I'll second." Apple Bloom raised her hand.
        "Very good, all in favor?" Again, everyone assented.
        "Oh! I'll bring the games! I have lots of board games at my house!" Pinkie beamed.
        "Excuse me, Pinkamina," Luna said, "Do you have Mecha-Destructor Three?"
        "Yep, it's one of my favorites!"
         She rose up as she issued the challenge, pointing dramatically. Luna didn't raise her voice often, but this was one such occasion. "Prepare to have your high score defeated!"
        "We'll see about that." Pinkie smiled innocently.
        Rainbow said something next, stopping bouncing the ball. "I'm actually a hardcore activist. I write my senators and all that good stuff. Not to steal credit, but I wanted to form an alliance but never had time. So I propose that be a part of it."
        "I'll second the move for activism." Sunset said. "All in favor?" No dissent. "It's my understanding you have stuff like 'days of silence.' We'll point those out, but participation isn't required. With that the boring part of the meeting is adjourned. Which means it's Pinkie's turn."
        "Let's get this party started!"

It was Friday. While the day was better than the rest of the week, it wasn't anything to write home about. It was like voting for the least-damaging candidate at high school elections. None of it mattered, but the one promised to do nothing usually won. Tomorrow was a good day; it was the weekend. Weekends were good days.
        Six friends sat in a cafe, casually chatting over roasted beans shot with boiling bullets-- otherwise known as espresso.
        "Ok guys, we have to see Dead Bunnies Three, the Undeading," Rainbow said, adding just enough drama to the title.
        "Um, I think I'll sit that one out, but I'd like to see The Moleskine."
        "A romcom? Really? I just don't see why you think they're good movies Fluffers."
        "Never had you pegged for a cinema snob." Sunset poked the athlete on the shoulder.
        "I'll go and see it, but don't be surprised if I bust out laughing and have to get thrown out."
        "That's why I like them." Fluttershy giggled.
        Rainbow's phone went off, filling the air with "Awesome as I Wanna Be." "Yo. Scoots? Woah, slow down. Are you OK? Good. Where are you? I'll be there in ten seconds." She hung up, "Sorry, I have to go." She rushed out the door, catching only a portion of her friends cheering her on. She hopped on her motorcycle and sped off.
        "You think she needs our help?" Sunset asked. This was probably a great opportunity for a lesson in friendship. Supposedly it was stronger than even equestrian magic. Not that she lusted for power any longer, no. But try to think, something better than what you devoted your life to. Who would continue down that path, and not switch to the greater? None that could claim themselves as a student of anything. 
        "I think this is between sisters, but if she needs us we'll be there," said Rarity, trying to mask her worry with a smile. 

        Rainbow parked her motorcycle against a tree and ran over to the bench her sister was sitting on. She was crying. Rainbow tore off her helmet mid-sprint, and screeched to a halt in front of Scootaloo. Her very presence seemed to dry the girl's tears.
        "What happened?" She asked.
        "I was skating home with Sweetie, gave her a tiny kiss when we parted ways. We do that a lot. I don't. I don't. I don't.” Scootaloo gasped for air. “Think they saw us, it wasn't possible. When I got home there was a stack of Playboy on the coffee table. They found my stache. They, they, were giving me a lecture. Condemned to hell and all that fucking shit. I wasn't going..." Scootaloo took a staggered breath. "I wasn't going to live like that again. I found a piece of happiness. It was right in front of me the whole time. I chewed them out. Said some mean things. They kicked me out. The funny shit is, when I started putting my stuff in a box, they said they weren't serious. I said: 'I was.' More like yelled really."
        Rage filled Rainbow's lungs, but pride swelled her heart. Scoots’ parents weren't the greatest in the world. Her sister had stood up for herself, and demanded she be respected. It wasn't returned. Morality was more black and white than people let on. If it wasn’t good for you, then acting against it is the only choice you have. Nonviolence is prefered, of course, but sometimes that can’t be helped. Scootaloo was right in this situation, and her parents could burn in the fiery pits of hell for their sins, if the pits existed. It was really that simple. 
        "Right. You're staying with me. You have your stuff?" Scootaloo tapped a small box of things, under the bench.
        "Are you sure?"
        "Where else are you going to go, dumby?"
        Scootaloo seemed to genuinely think about the question. "Ok, fair point."
        "Put that box in the saddlebags and hop on."

        Despite herself, Scootaloo always gawked at Rainbow's house. House wasn't the right word, really. A mansion. White marble pillars, two stories. The Greeks would have marveled at the architecture. Rainbow opened the door like she didn’t notice any of these things. Of course she didn't; she lived here. And now, so did Scootaloo?
        "Oh, hello, you're home early." Rainbow's mom said. "Dinner still isn't ready."
        "Don't worry about it. Some things came up." Rainbow moved to one side, revealing the scared little girl.
        Why was she shaking? Why did she suddenly have a horrible case of heartburn? She shouldn't be! She was the bravest little girl ever! Scootaloo stood up a little straighter, and tried to act like she wasn't cowering in fear seconds ago.
        "What's got her scared?" Her mom asked. Rainbow let her sister answer, giving her the cue by gently nudging her. 
        "Um, well, Mrs. Dash."
        "Oh please, drop the pretense, Prism is fine."
        "Well, I'm gay, and uh, my parents found out, and I got kicked out."
        Prism's eyes widened in horror. "Who kicks out their own daughter? The nerve! I'll give them the talking too of their life! Oh, please come in, make yourself at home. Literally, move in. We have so many rooms it's not funny."
        "I better call the girls and let them know everything is OK." Rainbow thought out loud. 
        "Everything is OK? Really!? HOW is any of this OK? I just got kicked out, I'll probably never speak to my family again, I have a personal bully that wears a faggoty tiara everywhere, and now I have to rely on the kindness of others...again! Look how well that's worked out! My own parents didn't want me! Once you have to deal with me for more than five minutes you’ll throw me out too! Everything's OK?”  She screamed, "I'd say things are pretty fucking far from OK!" Scootaloo swung a fist, which landed firmly in Rainbow's stomach, doubling her over. Scootaloo collapsed to her knees. "I'm so sorry. Please don’t kick me out." She cried, tears flowing like a river. “I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry.” Much to her surprise, Scootaloo found herself being hugged, rather violently by Prism. She couldn’t breathe, they were trying to kill her! This shit always happened! She fucks up, people hate her but they never went this far before. She flailed her arms trying to get free, but Prism was stronger. “Shhh, shh, you’re ok.” Rainbow’s mom kept repeating. 
        Eventually Scootaloo gave up on her struggle. She realized Rainbow’s mom was crying. The embrace wasn’t threatening, it was protective. Already Prism didn’t want anything bad to happen to this girl she barely knew. 
        "Feel better?" Prism wheezed. Rainbow leaned on a wall to recuperate. Scootaloo sobbed what sounded like an affirmative. “We would never kick you out. We love you.”
        At that tiny little word, love, Scootaloo lost control again. She cried and even wailed. She was afraid. There weren’t a whole lot of people that said those words, but most of them were liars. That can’t be true, but she still had a nagging suspicion. 

        Scootaloo retreated to her room until she was called for dinner. She ate quickly, not saying a word as the family talked and hurled playful insults at each other. She mumbled “Thank you, may I be excused?” and left. They didn’t stop her. They knew she needed space. About five hundred miles away from anyone else would be best, but she didn’t have that luxury.

        Scootaloo's phone vibrated. She was working through a particularly annoying annoying algebra problem and welcomed the distraction. It was a text from Sweetie. A very welcome distraction. Rarity told me what happened. It sucks, are you alright? <3
The girl quickly typed a reply. Yeah. It's awful, but I have you, and I guess the Dashss.
If you need to talk, you know where I'll be. Or smooch, et. al.
What's et al?
and others Scootaloo's mind went all sorts of places with that one. 
You any good at algebra? Scootaloo already knew the answer.
No, but Bloom is. She's gonna be an engineer or something.
Love you. I think I'll talk to her tomorrow. I'm getting a headache. She switched who she was contacting to Apple Bloom. Hey, you free tomorrow, I need an algebra tutor.
Five minutes later, she got a reply. I'd love to help. i'll be busy until about seven. Stop by ‘round then.
K. Scootaloo folded up her algebra book. Well, now what? She decided to cross the hall to Rainbow's room. She forgot to knock, and barged in on her laying on the bed wearing only a brassiere and panties, tapping out a rhythm to whatever she had playing from her computer, and working on something that looked like more advanced algebra. Ew. The older girl looked to the door. "Oh Hi. What's up?" Scootaloo gawked. "Well don't be intimidated, we're just girls." Scootaloo finally regained control of her legs and took a step in, shutting the door behind her.
        "Sorry, it's just the only other girls I've seen... like that... are either in a magazine or Sweetie."
        "Did you want to talk or was it your plan to catch me in my undies?"
        Scootaloo's cheeks flushed red. "Oh, no no no. Um." She originally came to ask a completely different question, but the words tumbled out of her mouth. “Do your parents love you?”
        "Do what?"
“Do your parents love you, or is it all an act?" Rainbow scooted up on the bed, leaning against a pillow. Scootaloo saw the purple blotch on her hard stomach. "Did I do that?" She pointed.
        "You pack a wallop. I’m fine, don’t worry. Of course they do. If you ever need help, talk to mom, dad, or me. I can understand why you wouldn’t trust anyone who says ‘love’, except Sweetie I’m guessing?” Scootaloo nodded so slightly Rainbow barely saw it. “But I don’t just toss the word 'love' around. From the bottom of my heart, Scootaloo, I love you. You’re my sister, and I’ll always be there for you. Always.”
        “Even after I punched you?” Scootaloo sobbed.
        “You could beat me into a bloody pulp and I’d still love you. But don’t, please?” Rainbow pleaded. 
        “I won’t. I promise.” The girl blinked back tears, “I’m gonna go… work on homework or something.”
        Rainbow Dash noticed the sobbing, and decided to give her sister some time. She had a lot to let out. 

        Scootaloo lay face up on her bed, arms and legs sprawled. She stopped crying a while ago, but let the torrent of questions she had run over her. What could she possibly do to deserve being kicked out and hated by her own family? Furthermore, what did she do to find someone like the Dashes? Was she even worthy of them? They seemed to be just fine with Rainbow being a flaming lesbian. There was a light tapping on her door. That was new. If her parents wanted her they would either yell to summon her, or barge right in.
        “Come in,” she droned. To her half-surprise, it was Prism.
        “I know that look. That’s the ‘my life is terrible’ position.” She took a seat at the desk, resting her arms on the back. She looked around the room. A few of Scootaloo’s nicknacks were placed in shelves or on the floor. She looked to the closet and found… nothing.
        “Do you even have clothes?”
        “Yeah like five sets. Heck I packed my whole closet. I’m not that stupid. Why?”
        “Is that all?”
        “Yeah, I didn’t want mom buying me stuff, but she didn’t let me go out shopping a lot either. Money was too tight or something.”
        Prism Dash formulated a plan and stowed it for later. “Scootaloo, I know there’s about three people in the world you trust and I’m not one of them, but just listen for a sec. I remember the first day you walked into the shop. You were like my twelfth customer. You bubbled with enthusiasm explaining everything to your father. That’s the girl I know. I’d give you the entire stock if I thought I could see that face again. I knew, right then, two things. One, I opened the shop for a good reason. Two, that reason wasn’t even profit.” Prism let her great and profound statement hang in the air. 
        “Well what was it?”
        “It was to help boys and girls find something to like. A hobby, a passion. Anything. Mostly, it was to see that face you made on others. You remind me a lot of me. You’re bold. You didn’t even put up with your parents. I kept with mine until I was eighteen. I-- let me tell you a little something about me. My father used to beat me. It didn’t do much, I just got craftier at avoiding punishment. I thought it was normal, honestly, until I went to college and met my first girlfriend. Just experimenting, you know. I managed to break a plate while doing the dishes and was shocked I wasn’t bent over and spanked. I was twenty goddamn years old and my first thought was ‘I hope mom doesn’t find out.’ We don't want you, or anyone, to be scared like that. We’re pretty lax on rules around here. I won’t hurt you. I couldn’t do it, and my husband is a big teddy bear. I have to kill the spiders, he won’t touch them.”
        Scootaloo chuckled. “Oh, good you’re laughing now.” Prism rose, “If you ever need anything from us, just to talk or some decorations for your room, come get us. I want you to be as comfortable as possible.” Prism left. Scootaloo stayed in her room, save for taking a shower and preparing for bed. She went to sleep. 

        Scootaloo found herself in a lush, green meadow. It looked to be spring, which wasn’t quite accurate. This was probably a dream, considering she never saw such an array of colorful flowers in one place. They almost formed a rainbow… Before she could think further on the pattern of flowers around her, A shape buzzed in. It was larger than she thought could be capable of flight, and tiny wings beating so fast she couldn’t see them. The shape came into view and she saw it was… her? It was a pegasus with tiny wings indeed. Purple hair, same style too, and an orange coat a bit darker than her skin. Yeah, this was totally a dream. The filly landed next to her. Scootaloo found herself holding a box of sugar cubes. She opened the box and it was completely normal inside, one inch cubes of sugar. She knelt down and fed one to the filly who took it with glee. It--She made more facial expressions than Scootaloo thought possible for a pony. She scratched between the pegasus’s wings, who very much enjoyed it, whickering with joy.
        The filly folded up her misshapen wings. Now that she was close, Scootaloo could see that they weren’t supposed to get off the ground. They were too small, and to make matters worse one side was just a little larger, so she couldn’t fly evenly, if she got of the ground at all. The filly unfolded her wings again, and this time they were large and majestic. They seemed to touch the sky. These were wings meant to fly. The filly seemed to give motions with her hoof, indicating to get on her back. Scootaloo did so, what could go wrong, it was just a dream.
        The filly took off with stuttering, careful grace, like she wasn’t quite used to the wings. The sky was beautiful. Scootaloo could breathe up here, above the humid forest floor. She caught a glimpse of the meadow, and saw a rainbow of flowers like she suspected. Moved by an outer force, she stood straight up on the filly pegasus’s back and held her arms wide, proclaiming herself queen.
        The filly landed on a cloud. Well, a city made of cloud. Great nimbus rose for houses, shorter cumulus for factories, it must be. Rainbows dripped from pools from runoff from some of the buildings, off into the sky. The filly gently cantored to what must have been a house. It looked familiar, but she couldn’t quite place it. The door opened, light shone through, brighter than the sun.

        GODDAMNET. The one symbolic dream she’s ever had and she wakes up before the symbol! It… what does it mean? The filly seemed happy to return home, so it couldn’t have been her parents. The only way she’d be happy to see them is their funeral. Wow, that’s a bit harsh. Scootaloo didn’t apologize for thinking it, and instead looked at her arms, reminding her why she felt this way. She ground her teeth and pinched off tears. 
        She thought about Prism, how she actually seemed to care about Scootaloo’s feelings, after taking her in for only a minute. Her actual mother would practically punctuate each sentence with “I love you,” but Scootaloo wondered if she meant it. She always talked about how disappointing her only child was, when she thought that child was in her room listening to music or doing homework. She always compared Scootaloo to her father. The one that had a job at twelve because that’s just what people did back then, never mind now. The one ladies swooned over. Mother wanted Scootaloo to find a man like that. She would bring it up at dinner tables, in the rare instances they shared a meal. “Scootaloo, have you found a man yet?” She made it sound like a joke, but nobody in the house ever laughed. Laughter requires joy, not a sword of expectations hanging above your head. 
        For the first month after she tried coming out, she would literally bite her tongue to keep from saying “No you damn cow, and I won’t ever! I’m a goddamn lesbian. That mean’s I like girls.” Instead she would excuse herself and…. Scootaloo looked at her arms again. She wanted to maul something. Badly. A wolf, or maybe a griffon, perhaps even a manticore, or some large and aggressive beast of fantasy, raged within her. Rend, sever, kill, tear. She wanted to shred apart her mattress, smash the desk to splinters and kick the wall in.
        Scootaloo opened the window and climbed out. It was all she could do. Just going for a walk at… about two in the morning to clear her head. Nothing unusual about it. 


        Humans have a tendency to run to a person or place that makes them feel safe. At this time of day, two of the five places she knew well were closed. The skatepark and the shop. On the walk she realised she needed more hobbies. The school was locked up, not that she particularly liked being there, but it was alone and secluded. A prison of sorts, trapping her with her thoughts. Maybe that’s what she needed. She certainly couldn’t go back to her parent’s house. That would spell their victory, her defeat. 
        But instead of any of those, her feet led her to Sweetie’s house. Well, now that I’m here… Scootaloo was intimately familiar with the location of Sweetie’s bedroom. She picked up a pebble and took aim, like she remembered seeing once in a movie or something. 
        The pebble was too big, or the glass too flimsy, or her arm was better than she thought. The rock punched a clean hole through the window, and she could barely hear glass tinkling. The light turned on quickly and Sweetie rushed to the window. Scootaloo briefly thought that wasn’t the safest thing to do. She could have been a shooter or something. If it was possible for looks to kill, Sweetie was going to have to get her eyes registered. Scootaloo wished she were dead. Sweetie opened the window and yelled “Pardon my French, but what the Fuck, Scootaloo?” The tone of voice would have to be registered too. Scootaloo fell to her knees and collapsed on the sidewalk, crying. She hit the concrete with a fist. It hurt like seven layers of Hell but she didn’t really care at the moment. She found herself being dragged by an arm into a glowing light of the living room. This was it. This was where she dies. Sweetie Belle would kill her. That was the biggest act of vandalism she ever committed. She was done. It’s all over. 
        Scootaloo found herself on the couch, with her girlfriend’s face right in front of her. Their lips met, and if this was punishment, she welcomed it.
        “You looked like you needed cheering up.”
"You're not mad?" Scootaloo blinked.
"I'm mad as hell. First off, it's two thirty in the morning! Second, some hooligan broke my window!" Sweetie noticed Scootaloo's shaking hands and lowered her tone. "I'm completely furious, but you must have some reason."
        Rarity walked in, sipping from a small white mug, containing a black liquid that smelled like Scootaloo thought Death might. Not a dead thing, but Death the thing. She wore a plush white bathrobe. “No, it’s ok, I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” Rarity’s face turned even more sour for two-thirty in the morning. She had been designing a dress until about midnight and had to wake up at six. She decided it was best to just give up on sleep for today.  “From lack of sleep.” She sighed greatly. “No one’s hurt right?” The two girls nodded. “If it were a more reasonable hour I would comment on how romantically cliche that was. Throwing a pebble at your lover’s window. I’m surprised you didn’t recite Shakespeare." Rarity groaned. "If you need me, I just remembered I was so caught up with the dress I didn’t do my homework. Fuck.” Scootaloo never realized it was possible for curses to sound high-class. “You can stay here tonight unless you want to walk back.” Rarity left, grumbling about how small her paycheck was, or something. 
        Sweetie Bell handed Scootaloo a steaming mug of something with a floral scent. “It’s called herbal tea. Supposedly this blend is supposed to calm you down, and you need all the help you can get.” Sweetie sat down on the couch. “What’s wrong?”
        “Nothing.”
        “You realize how stupid that sounds right?”
        “I… It’s a reflex. Everything.”
        “Well go on?”
        “I should just let you get to sleep.”
        “Scootaloo I will repeatedly slap you for not only waking me up at two thirty in the morning, but also for wasting your girlfriend’s time for not telling her why. So why?”
        “Do… do you love me?”
        “Is that all? Of course I love you.” Scootaloo thought she would never hear a more true statement. She compared it to Rainbow Dash’s words, and Prism’s. 
        “No, that’s not it. I just wanted to hear it.” Scootaloo smiled.
        “You’re still about thirty seconds away from a slapping.”
        “It’s just… you know, Rainbow practically adopted me today. That’s great. I can’t help but think my parents will barge in. I’m literally kidnapped. They’ll find me, somehow, they have bloodhounds of some kind I’m sure. They’ll knock on their door and take me away, and the Dashes will let them take me because who want’s a legal fight?”
        “Well, the Dashes are rolling in money, so I wouldn’t dismiss that so easily. They might just do it for you, and not just for you, but to set an example for the courts. I can’t say I know them that well, but they’ll do the right thing.”
        “And should I be… loyal to my parents or something?” 
        Sweetie held a distant stare at the coffee table, like she was straining to recall some words she read. “Loyalty is earned, not a birthright.” She turned back to Scootaloo “From what I gathered I wouldn’t even speak to them. It takes a person a lot stronger than me to go through what you did. They were basically abusing you.”
        Scootaloo looked at her cup. She had finished her tea without thinking. 
        “What if… What if the Dashes kick me out.” 
        “You realize how stupid that sounds right? They took you in, and you’ll stay with them. Can we go to bed now?”
        “Yeah, I think I’m good.” Scootaloo got up and rinsed her mug on instinct. Sweetie was giving her a ‘come on so we can get naked’ stare. 
Sweetie was in her pajamas but had put on a bathrobe when the incident started. She fixed the window with duct tape and called it good. Since Scootaloo didn’t really own pajamas anyway, she had gotten dressed in her day clothes for her walk. She stripped to her panties and climbed in bed. Sweetie turned to the side and faced her, draping an arm around her and holding her close. She smelled kind of like the tea, but with more… sugar. Sleep came easy in that embrace.

Sweetie’s alarm was more of a fog-horn. And here Scootaloo was having a wonderful dream, before it was so rudely interrupted. But alas, it was time for school. Sweetie accidentally slapped Scootaloo on the way to the off button. The bed was suddenly smaller than she remembered from the night. Sweetie grunted an apology.
The two girls started getting dressed, and for the first time in what Sweetie realized had been a year, she saw her friend’s arms. She furiously grabbed her girlfriend’s arm and turned to the softer flesh of the wrist. Tears filled her eyes.
“Why would you do this?”
Scootaloo flushed red. Her secret was out. “Sometimes… I’m stupid. I told my parents I might have been gay a year ago, and… well, I thought I could be the good kid and hurt myself every time I thought of…” Oh God, she couldn’t actually say it. How would she react? Would she...
“What?”
“You… or another girl.” Scootaloo was lightly slapped by Sweetie’s backhand, who then grabbed her by the chin and pulled her into a kiss.
“You’re right, that was stupid. I love you. Don’t ever hurt yourself again. If you need to talk, you have all of us.”
“I love you. I stopped cutting a while ago. I won’t ever do it again.”
Sweetie nodded. “Good.”
They finished dressing and made their way to the kitchen, where Rarity had prepared breakfast. Which means she retrieved eclairs out of the fridge and brewed lattes.
“Scootaloo, dear, how do you like your coffee?”
“I’m allowed to have coffee?” Scootaloo cocked her head.
“You seem like a mocha cappuccino type of girl…” Rarity busied herself with preparing another mug. She finished the mix with a light sprinkling of cinnamon. She made a catholic cross on the coffee, in penance for what she was about to unleash on the world. 
Scootaloo took a sip, and ended up with a foam mustache that she licked off. “Wow, tastes like drinking a chocolate bar. I thought coffee was bitter.”
“It can be. If you drink this straight like I was at two thirty, it could…. how would Applejack put it? Peel the skin off your eyeballs. This is a double macchiato. Sweetie likes sugar cookie lattes, because I guess she needs a sugar fix in the morning. Oh, and I informed Rainbow Dash where you were sleeping so don’t worry about it.” Rarity rubbed her temples in clear agony. “I need to stop doing all nighters.”
“She says this at least twice a week.” Scootaloo was unsure if it was appropriate to laugh, but nobody else did, so she didn’t either. To be fair, it seemed like Rarity and Sweetie were both struggling to say every word. The table was quiet, and slowly Rarity’s face of pain melted away. 
Scootaloo sipped her coffee like it was a precious gift from the gods. It was still gone far too quickly. “Can I have some more?”
“Trust me, that will be more than enough. Besides, it’s time to go.” Rarity grimaced. 

Shortly after arriving on the school grounds, Rarity was approached by Rainbow Dash. “Hey, can I ask you a favor…” Scootaloo didn’t hear the rest as they parted ways. She tried to ignore her trembling hands. And calves. And how her heart seemed to flutter. Maybe a little less on the coffee. Well, at least Rainbow didn’t appear to be angry. She realized she kind of did a stupid thing. Well, about three. She walked off in the middle of the night, vandalized Rarity’s home and then slept there. School was… well, it was school. At that time of life it blows for any reason you could think of. Something halfway interesting happened at lunch. “Apparently,” Sweetie Belle said, “Rarity wants you to come with us after school. She refuses to say what for.”
Scootaloo’s heart skipped a beat. Was Rainbow kicking her out for her stupid midnight walk? Surely not! She said she loved her. She was her sister. A voice in the back of her mind said She betrayed you, like anyone who says those words. She looked at her girlfriend and told the voice to shut up. Surprisingly, it did. “OK.” A few minutes later, Rainbow trailed by the table and dropped off her phone.
“Kid, you left this.” She said, and walked on.
“Wait!” Scootaloo caused Rainbow to stop and pivot on one foot. “You’re not mad?” Rainbow sighed.
“Kid, I was worried to death when you weren’t in your room. I was going to call you but I saw Rarity’s text,” Her older sister blinked rapidly to keep back tears. “Scoots, don’t run off like that. I was so scared. No, I’m not mad. I’m happy you’re OK, worried about you, and want to help. If you want to talk, even in the middle of the night, come to me. Heck, I have borderline insomnia so you won’t bother me. Just please don’t scare me like that again.”
“I promise. What does Rarity want?”
"That's a surprise, but I think you'll like it."
	
> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Scootaloo didn’t really pay attention during the car ride, where ever it was going. That cappuccino Rarity gave her must have worn off. Her eyelids felt like lead weights, and a nap sounded fantastic. During the trip, she came within a few blocks of where her parents lived, which made her chest feel like it was about to cave in, but then continued on and the feeling gradually faded. 
        The car came to a stop and Rarity exclaimed “We’re here!” Scootaloo looked out the window and her groggy vision solidified. “The mall?”
        “Indeed. We’re going shopping!” Ugh, why?
        Scootaloo could hardly contain her nonexistent enthusiasm as she put one foot in front of the other following the two girls who seemed far too happy. Sweetie was holding her hand and half dragging her, while Scootaloo stared at her feet. Couldn't she just take a nap? The first shop they went to was called “Ugly Mugs” which sold coffee and coffee accessories. Scootaloo’s eyes swelled in excitement. Rarity ordered for the three of them while Scootaloo stared dumbstruck at the menu. How many ways were there to have coffee? Sweetie gently nudged her to a seat.
        “This one’s a cinnamon dolce latte. I think you’ll like it.” Rarity sat an unmarked white cup with a cardboard sleeve in front of her. Scootaloo breathed in deeply. The drink smelled like cinnamon and caramel on an autumn day, next to a cozy fire. Would all coffee be this flavorful?
        “Before we begin in earnest, we have a matter of business to discuss. The window you broke will cost five-hundred dollars to replace. We aren’t mad about it; our parents were planning on replacing them with more energy efficient models anyway. Five hundred dollars is about two weeks of wages. Since we’re in school and can’t work full time, it would take you about a month.” Scootaloo tried to shrink to nothing in her chair as Rarity went on. “Oh don’t look so terrified, please. We can already pay for it. Working for me would be more symbolic than anything. I’ve discussed this with Rainbow Dash and for the next month you’re to come home with me for a few hours and help around the shop.” Scootaloo scowled. “I know being around fabric isn’t your idea of a good time, but I want to make it clear I do not appreciate helpless romantics vandalizing my house. And think of it this way, you get to spend more time with Sweetie.”
        Scootaloo perked up a bit from either the coffee or the idea of spending even more time with her girlfriend. “Rarity isn’t really too bad to work for. I help out all the time,” Sweetie said.
        Scootaloo sighed. “Ugh fine. I’m not your slave and I refuse to do the dishes. I can cook pretty well if you ask nicely.”
        “We have a dishwasher. You aren’t expected to cook, just do simple things like organize fabric, model a few dresses, do basic math. You aren't a house-maid.”
"Though you would look cute in a maid outfit," Sweetie pointed out, causing her sister and girlfriend to give her a flat stare. 
        “I guess if I have to.” Scootaloo huffed and crossed her arms. People were always telling her what to do. 
        “You do.” They sipped coffee in silence for a while. Would she get coffee working at Rarity’s? It might not be so bad then. Finally they each finished their drinks and Scootaloo felt like she was once again among the living. Maybe this is why she wasn't allowed to have coffee. 
        “So, where to first? We’re mostly after clothes mind you, but if you really want some item I’m sure the Dashes won’t mind. Rainbow gave me her mother’s credit card.”
        “Ugh, I hate clothes shopping.” Scootaloo said, face turning sour.
        “The final say is ultimately yours, but I’ll offer advice on your choices, if you want. Rainbow said if you cooperate she’ll take you to the skate park tomorrow.”
        “I can go by myself.” Sweetie leaned over and whispered into Scootaloo’s ear. “I normally shop at Rye, if I ever go.”
        “Oh darling, of all the places. I know a place with similar wears, that isn’t overpriced and has better quality.”
        Scootaloo sighed, then looked at her girlfriend’s devious smile. “Fine, we’ll go there first.”
        “The Shop Called Grunge” was a tight little alcove next to the food court. It smelled oddly clean, like metal, and some odd experimental jazz flowed from the speakers. A girl that had enough metal on her face she looked like a robot walked up to Rarity and gave her a big hug. The two talked a bit, Rarity occasionally pointing at Scootaloo, who just stood there and tried not to run. They were talking about how terrible she was… shut up. Scootaloo distracted herself by looking on the racks. She already found a pair of skinny jeans she liked, washed out and torn. Then some awesome studded belts to consider, and then, on the shirt rack, she saw it. 
A red background set off a majestic winged horse of black outline, head held high and wings pointed up in triumph. An intricate pattern of gears and chains filled the space remaining. Alas, it was short sleeved. No matter, she could find a button up or something… she began looking around and before she knew it her arms were full of jeans, belts, shirts and a few accessories. She saw a lightning bolt hair clip she liked, but started to wonder if she would ever use it.
Meanwhile, Rarity realized she had done too much catching up with her old friend and business contact. “Oh, I see you’ve already busied yourself. Would you like to use a fitting room?”
“There are a few things I’m not sure would fit and I’d… like your opinion on a few things. I don’t have the greatest fashion sense.” Scootaloo chuckled dismissively, but Rarity knew it was a big step for her to ask for any advice, other than from Rainbow. 
Rarity smiled, “I’d be more than happy to help. The changing rooms are in the back.” Rarity pointed. Scootaloo took her burden to the changing stalls. Rarity turned to her sister. “Just what exactly did you promise her anyway? I would have thought a day with Rainbow Dash could get her to do anything.”
“A kiss for each outfit she tries on.” Sweetie grinned manically. 
“We might be here awhile.”
        Scootaloo returned, and did a short twirl in her new outfit. That was probably the girliest thing she was humanly capable of. “Well, what do you think?”
        “Green, for you, dear, should be an accent, not the main focus. I do like the undershirt, it seems to fit you quite well. For an over shirt I would um…” Rarity rummaged through the racks until she found a white shirt with purple and red splotches on it. “Try this one.” Scootaloo changed shirts on the spot and admired herself in one of the shop’s many mirrors, and she did look way better. And so the next hour went. Scootaloo made several adjustments to her color choices and styles, trusting Rarity and Sweetie’s opinion. They definitely knew more about this stuff than her. The shop’s owner also sold perfumes mixed by her girlfriend. Scoots saw one called "Metallic" and gave it a sniff test. It smelled like light oil and polished brass, The scent seemed to resonate with her, so she bought a whole bottle. Her entire purchase totaled in the hundreds which caused her to sweat nervously. It was too much! Her mother would... oh, right.
        Rarity swiped the card, paying no mind to the price. Scootaloo blinked a few times from confusion. They went for smoothies and began the trip back. Surprisingly, Scootaloo didn’t want to try on any more clothes, or even shop around for some accessories like Rarity suggested. Accessories were a crucial part of identity, and she urged Scootaloo to at least browse, but the girl was utterly disinterested.
Sweetie delivered on her promise but it quickly devolved into making out in the back seat. Rarity scowled. She tried to think back to when she was a horny teenager, i.e., yesterday. She couldn’t really blame them, and her expression softened. Scootaloo deserved a good make-out session, after all she's been through, but Rarity didn't understand such displays of affection. It just didn't process in her asexual mind. Only once did she feel the need to remind them she was still in the car. Fortunately the car ride was short, and Scootaloo waved good-bye and thanked Rarity for the advice and taking her. 

        Scootaloo trudged her two huge shopping bags into the house. Rainbow had just got back from soccer practice, judging from her grass stains and the odor of sweat. She was chugging water in the kitchen.
        “Hey, squirt. So the trip went well?”
        “Yeah, thank you so much.”
        “It was mom’s idea. Oh, that reminds me.” Rainbow dug in her pockets for something, and produced a regular looking key on a chain. “Since mom and dad are usually at work you’ll need your own key.” Scootaloo took the chain and put it around her neck. The cool metal felt comforting. She stood there for a moment, staring at the key.
"What's up, squirt?"
"Aren't you going to tell me to show you what I bought or something?"
"If you really want to, I guess. You don't have to."
"Ask how much it cost?"
"Don't give a fuck, it's not my money. Mom would like to know though. She watches finances like a hawk. She'll be home later. But trust me, you could have bought out the entire mall and she'd be fine. If she wanted to limit how much you could buy she'd give you cash." Rainbow took another guzzle of water. "You didn't answer my question, do you want to show me? I don't mind either way."
Scootaloo was trying to process the fact she now had free choice in disclosing her purchases to those closest to her. She was expected to show clothes purchases to her mother, which is why she usually bought safe options like tee shirts without print. They'd go under her hoodie anyway. Like a traveler that's had too much of the same thing, she took the path not-yet tred. "Eh, you'll see them eventually anyway." 
"Alright. Hell, you went shopping with Rarity. She's good with that junk. Anything in that bag is probably fabulous."

        Scootaloo blinked when she saw her closet had been filled with hangers since she had been gone. Even looking at her bags she knew she wouldn’t use them all. Then she dropped the bags as she looked at the room further. It had been redecorated as well, with pinups of famous female athletes and paintings of dark colors with a splash of purple red, and orange here and there. The painting had no definite subject, but Scootaloo thought she saw a wrench, a pair of wings, and a skateboard in different paintings. She looked at the corner of one and saw the initials SB. Where did they even find the time to hang these up? She was a terrible girlfriend; she didn’t even know Sweetie painted. Her skateboard had been moved to a rack with room for more. It seemed so bare she started to fantasize about all the decks she wanted. She began unpacking her new purchases, but on the bed she saw an envelope with messy handwriting “Scoots.” She abandoned her task for now and opened it. 


“As you can see, we decorated your room while you were out. I hope you don’t mind the posters. They’re some of my favorite athletes. I figured since you’re also a flaming lesbian, you would… appreciate them. You’re welcome to change anything you like. This is your room. I just got it started. We got you some blackout curtains so you can sleep until noon on the weekends, because who doesn’t want to do that? We got a nice desk for you from the attic, and while we were up there I decided to grab a coat rack. Not sure why. Anyway, make yourself at home.
Love Sis."


        For Prism Dash, it was another tough day at the office. Tough days were good, they meant profit. She must have sold a few hundred total boards, bikes, accessories and gear. All she wanted to do right now was collapse on the couch and take a nap, but she had dinner to cook. She opened the door and smelled something like cinnamon and sugar, mixed with a whole apple orchard.
        “Rainbow, are you cooking again? You know what happened last time!” She walked into the kitchen to find Scootaloo womaning the stove. The girl tossed what looked to be apple chunks in a wok and turned to greet her.
        “Oh, hey.” Well, at least she was speaking now. 
        “You know, I usually cook.”
        “I just wanted to repay you for my room and clothes.” She probably can't fathom there wasn't a catch.
        “Oh that’s nothing. Girls gotta have clothes. Where did you learn to cook?”
        “Mom. And cooking shows. Mostly the shows, mom wasn’t that great.” Scootaloo smirked, much better than the scared little girl that came in just yesterday. Prism looked at what was cooking. Pork Chops, she guessed, wrapped in bacon and doused with maple syrup were frying in a pan. In the walk were indeed apples, seasoned with cinnamon, sugar and cloves, Scootaloo told her. It would take about twenty minutes more, she said. Prism saw the receipt of Scootaloo's grand shopping adventure and pocketed it. 
        “Well, in that case, I’m going to take a nap. Thank you.”




        “Well, what first?” Scootaloo moaned. Today was her first day working off her debt, and after a rough (they all were) day at school she wanted to crawl in a hole and stay awhile. 
        “You’ll just love it, I’m sure.” Rarity’s sarcasm could cut glass. “Thanksgiving is around the corner and I have a few orders by some people that insist their daughters wear a dress to family gatherings. There are a few around your size, and I need you to model for a bit.” The door opened. “Oh, just in time darling!” Rarity gave a big hug and kissed the cheeks of Fluttershy, who just walked in. "Thanks so much for agreeing to help me today.” Rarity released her grip. “And of course, casual skirts are in this year, and a few classmates have some orders, so Fluttershy will be helping with those.” Rarity sighed slightly. “But first, I can’t do anything without coffee. Addiction is a wonderful thing.”  Make that "able to cut diamonds.
        “If I could just have some tea, please. Earl grey.” Fluttershy murmured.
        “Of course dear. Scootaloo, what about you?”
        “If I’m working with you, I had better get some strong coffee. You’re almost tolerable then.” She hoped Rarity didn’t notice the insult. She’d probably be spanked… wait, she’s not her mom!
        “Mocha cappuccino then? I’m a chocolate mood myself.” Scootaloo nodded as a reply. Rarity boiled water and prepared a tea pot, as well as firing up the espresso machine. “Scootaloo, a word of advice. You’re only fourteen so you don’t really have to worry, but don’t talk to your future employer that way, unless you have a good relationship with them. I will be the first to admit we’re polar opposites. That’s why Rainbow never comes here. It’s a threat to her womanhood or something. That said, I don’t mind the playful jab every now and then. Just expect to have it returned. I know this isn’t your cup of tea, pun intended, but that’s kind of the idea. This is basically a punishment, though not the kind you’re probably used to receiving.”
        “Yeah, I’d usually get a thirty minute lecture and then be forced to apologize. I’m not sure which is worse.”
        “Well, you already know what you did was wrong, and quite frankly stupid for any number of reasons, so I’ll spare the lecture. I know you’re sorry, but sorry isn't always good enough. I’m not cruel, I’ll treat you fairly. After all, we’re business partners now. That means we’re equal.” Rarity smirked as she set the mugs down. Scootaloo blinked. An equal? She would be treated fairly? This might not be so bad after all. But she's probably lying to make Scootaloo take her guard down. 
        Rarity was fixing the dress Scootaloo was wearing. She said something about how the fabric sits, but Scootaloo didn’t understand. She backed away, hands forming a steeple under her chin. She seemed rather satisfied. “Scootaloo, what do you think?” 
        “I think I barfed once and it looked like this pattern.” Oh shit, scolding in three… two…
        Instead, Rarity chuckled. “You’re absolutely right. Personally I would never use such a print for the base color. I know they were going for falling leaves, but good god. Anyway, Sometimes you’re at the mercy of the client. This soccer mom walked in and said, here’s my thirteen year old’s dimensions, give me a dress for Thanksgiving in that fabric. Oh how I loathe soccer moms.” Rarity pinched the bridge of her nose. “This is after I tweaked it so it wouldn’t be so loud. I still hate it, but I have to fill the coffers somehow. It scarcely matters in the long run. By next year I’d wager the daughter’s breasts will have developed…. oh, no offence.” Scootaloo shrugged. “And will stop wearing lily of the valley perfume, and order her own dress.”
        Scootaloo didn’t realize working here would require a dictionary. What was a ‘coffer,’ for starters. Sounded like a disease. But Rarity had asked her opinion, and she gave it. Nothing happened, heck she even agreed. Perhaps it was mostly the coffee, but Scootaloo’s mood lightened up. 
        “What’s lily of the valley?” 
        Rarity scowled, “It’s this perfume that mothers buy for their pre-pubescent girls. Some think it smells nice. Interestingly enough, the plant is toxic. I must confess I wore it for a time, before moving on to a more mature scent.”
        “Are you calling me short? I’m modeling for twelve year-olds?”
        “No, flat, and yes. In that order.” Scootaloo crossed her arms to cover her… lack of chest.
        Fluttershy chuckled. “Sorry, I just remember thinking I was the same way. I was a late bloomer, then I just sort of ended up with these…” Fluttershy covered her chest, suddenly self-conscious she was the largest in the room. “You may grow a lot, but even if you don’t, you’ll be a wonderful young woman.” Fluttershy smiled like she actually believed it. 
        The day wore on as Scootaloo modeled way too many dresses. She had worn more today than she had in her entire life. 

        “If you don’t mind me asking, dear, it’s a rather silly question, but are you a suit or dress lesbian? I know a lot of people don't like to categorize. You don't have to answer.”
        Scootaloo shrugged again. “No offence, but I haven’t seen any dresses I’d actually wear. So I guess suit?”
        Rarity hummed. “Tell you what, I’ve been too limiting. Since you’re flat as a board you can try on a suit… by that same soccer mom… for her fourteen year old boy. We’ve done all the dresses that fit you.” Rarity quietly hissed the next words, “She has a lot of children.” The fashionista plucked a suit off the rack, knowing where it was, and handed it to Sweetie, who was serving as the fitting assistant today, helping both ‘Shy and Scootaloo into their outfits.
        Scootaloo walked out of the fitting room, Rarity giving her a quizzical glance. Sweetie had taken some liberties with this one. Scootaloo wore the pinstripe suit well, and it fit her shape nicely, save the chest, which was more pronounced than Rarity realized. Just tighten up a bit of the lines and it would practically be hers. Two buttons on the shirt were undone, and Sweetie presumably was responsible for the undone bow-tie around her collar. “That had better be soda.” Rarity pointed to the Old Fashioned glass with a straw.
        Scootaloo nodded, then took a sip. Rarity nodded.
        “He’s about your shape, so it doesn’t look like I’ll have to make any major adjustments for him. Let’s take a break. And take off that suit before you splash cola on it.”
        “Yes mom.” Scootaloo said, and Rarity wondered if it was intended to be ironic or not. 
        Scootaloo had apparently already made herself at home (though to be fair, this was one of the few places Sweetie and her went on dates and therefore felt comfortable) as she severed off a banana for a snack, while opening the fridge and pouring herself some milk. Sweetie had apparently made some no-bake cookies while her sister wasn’t looking. This was either the move of a thoughtful girlfriend, or thoughtful sister. Scootaloo also grabbed a handful of those. Rarity squinted. She wasn’t one to judge eating habits, but surely if she continued like this she’d put on a few unflattering pounds. Scootaloo, being so comfortable with her surroundings, had stripped to a tank top and boxers. Rarity squinted further. Definitely a suit. Rarity brewed more coffee and chattered with Fluttershy. 
        Scootaloo and Sweetie gave each other a final swapping of lip gloss and Sweetie retreated to her room to do homework. A more cynical Rarity guessed that wouldn’t really be the case for another fifteen minutes or so. 
        “Rarity, can I ask you something?” Scootaloo queried, her voice a mumble that put Fluttershy to shame.
        “Why, yes, what is it?”
        “Well, I have this date planned in like a week, and I was wondering… it’s kind of a fancier place than we’ve ever gone to.”
        “You want a suit?”
        “I can pay, I swear. I have some money saved--”
        Rarity placed a finger on Scootaloo’s lips. “Oh don’t worry about that dear, I’d be happy to make one, free of charge. Everyone needs some good formal wear. You're dating my little sister; I want you both to look your bests. If you’re worried I’ll just tack it on to the cost of the window and keep you here forever, worry not. I have more integrity than that, and frankly, I don’t want to keep you here that long.” Rarity half-smiled.
        “Alright, I’ll believe you. Thanks.” Scootaloo half-tackled half-hugged Rarity with her eyes clenched shut. Rarity, after overcoming the shock, patted her on the back. Scootaloo said “bye” one last time, and rushed off.

        “Have a good day at work?” Rainbow smirked as she wiped off her milk-mustache. 
        “Yes actually.” 
        “Wow. I’m impressed. Let me guess, you made out with Sweetie most of the time.”
        “No, not most of the time…”
        Rainbow chuckled. “Alright, I’d better get started on homework.” She said, pouring another glass.  Scootaloo retreated to her room and remembered all she had was to read some stupid book so she decided to put it off to tomorrow. She got out her phone and texted Sweetie.
Dumb question: do you think my boobs are too small? Heck even Apple Bloom’s were bigger, but both of them were in the “flat” category. Sweetie on the other hand… wasn’t. 
Scootaloo could practically hear the exasperated sigh before her girlfriend’s reply. For the 1234900th time, they’re perfect. You’re perfect. Stop worrying.”
        Alright. ilu <3333
        You know what I just realized? That would have been the perfect opportunity to ask for a pic.
        u still want one?
The image Sweetie sent in reply was all the answer Scootaloo needed. It would be impolite not to send one of her own.

And so the week continued. Making out with Sweetie, trying on clothes while Rarity did some design thing to them, balancing the books and cleaning the shop (but not the "Inspiration Room"). Scootaloo didn't much care for working, but she did finally decide it was better than being lectured. Not that she even listened to those; she would let her mind wander while her mother or father blabbered on about... whatever. They appealed to guilt, god, and morality. Scootaloo didn't take too much of it in except there were good and bad people, and from what she saw in High School, bad can become good, so the opposite must be true. She wanted to be a good person, but who doesn't? What makes a person good? Surely there was someone to ask about it. 
> Interlude 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	~ One Month Ago ~
It had been a normal school day, which as previously discussed, was awful. Well, they always start out that way, but once in a blue moon, someone wins the lottery and is promptly eaten by sharks while being electrocuted by a lightning bolt, and something good happens.
It was lunch, so already the mood-o-meter was leaning slightly positive. "Thanks for not making a big deal about it, AB. I just wonder how she'll react." Sweetie said.
"What are we talking about?" Scootaloo asked, suddenly behind her. The girl took a seat next to Sweetie Belle.
"Scootaloo, I need to tell you something important." Sweetie stared into those purple eyes, and snapped her face away before she could blush. "I may have developed a crush on you." Scootaloo stared with a blank face. "I understand if you don't feel the same way, but--" Scootaloo pecked her on the cheek.
"I kind of have a crush on you too. I'm not sure how easy it will be to date, my parents are strict ya know." Scootaloo could have sworn she heard lightning crack, but this was definitely a good day. 
~That Night~
Oh lord what had she done? She kissed another girl on the cheek! Her parents were bound to find out! They had their ways! She moved her stack of Playboy around, acquired so slowly, so meticulously. Under the bed was too obvious, the closet too ironic. Finally she settled on wedging them between the mattress and box-springs. No one would look there! She foolishly admitted her feelings right then and there. Sweetie would expect dates! Her parents would probably literally kill her if they found out she was dating a girl. She wasn't even allowed to date boys!
Despite herself, Scootaloo looked forward to what surreptitious meetings they would have. That adorable smile, the way she smelled like sugar cookies… holding hands… Kissing… that was bound to be fun...
Screw her parents, she wanted to make this work.
Except the house over her head was nice.
The people living in it not so much.
But they fed her... loved her?
No.
Yes.
Urrrrrg. Scootaloo clawed at her hair to try and get her thoughts straight. Or at least stop fighting. Holding back tears, She looked at her arms, and the tiny criss-crossing lines of slightly paler orange. She remembered a year ago, sitting scared at the dining table, ready to announce something of vital importance.
She remembered what she did shortly after.
She had worn a mask so long she had forgotten who was underneath it. She attached it to herself with tiny cuts until she was happy. Until her parents were happy. A peace settled on the family, her arms held the treaty. Scootaloo liked the peace. Who in their right mind would try to make their parents mad at them? What if they were angry no matter what you did? No, they weren’t angry, they were just concerned for her well-being. 
It was becoming obvious that her well-being differed from their definition. Scootaloo dragged her nails along her arm, wishing to tear the skin off; destroy the peace treaty of scar-tissue. Scootaloo realized, much like a freight train hitting a cabbage, that this wasn’t well-being. Her parents may be happy she was “straight, going to college, meeting a nice man and…” All those other damn hypotheticals. Not once, No, never, did they ask for her expectations; what she wanted out of life. And right now, it was three simple words. 
“Sweetie Belle” and “Happiness.” Convincing herself otherwise had obviously failed. 
That adorable bitch had to make waves; shatter the mask in a million pieces. Her parents still couldn’t know. She’d be sent to camp, cut off completely and abandoned in the streets. If she was holding on by such a razor’s edge, was it really love? Kids keep secrets from their parents all the time. This wasn’t anything different. She could do this.
If it wasn’t passed her goddamn curfew, she’d go out skating to clear her head. Or punch something. Or both. But it was her curfew, and she had broken enough rules already. 
        She thought back to what Rainbow said. Anything at all, huh? Previously she didn’t want to bother Rainbow with her teenage problems, she could handle them on her own just fine. But this… Scootaloo took out her phone and dialed. She wasn’t technically supposed to talk to her, but Scootaloo had ignored that one from day one. 
        “Yo, Scoots, what’s up?” 
        “Can I tell you something? You can’t tell anyone else.” Scootaloo swallowed. 
        “You’re gay?” Rainbow guessed. 
        “Dammit is it that obvious?” She hissed.
        “No, but there are only a few reasons you’d call the school’s premier bull-dyke. Even fewer that would swear me to secrecy. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone. So who do you have a crush on?”
        “Most of the girls at school.”
        “Oh lord tell me about it. Anyone in particular?”
        “Sweetie Belle asked me out.”
        “And you said…?”
        “Yes, but then I got to thinking, what if my parents find out? I’ll be sent to camp.” Scootaloo heard Rainbow swallow on the other end. 
        “Well, just don’t get caught. You’re clever. Say you’re going to study with your friends. Technically it’s not wrong, but they don’t need to know you’re studying Anatomy.”
        “Rainbow!”
        “What, it’s what I did when I was in the closet. Did you… tell them you were gay?”
        “Last year, after the camping trip.”
        “Hmm. OK, here’s your go-to battle plan. Have Sweetie and Bloom pick you up to escort you to your study session. Better yet, I can get a hold of Rarity and have her drive there and say she’ll keep an eye on you and Sweetie. Then bam, go on the date. It’s the perfect crime!” 
        “What if they don’t let me leave?”
        “Rarity can make slicing your foot open seem like a good idea. You’ll be fine.” 

        Surprisingly, Rainbow’s completely and utterly foolish plan worked. Scootaloo’s grades were low enough that it didn’t raise suspicion when she suggested she go to her friends for help. Rarity assured her parents they wouldn’t even leave her sight. Scootaloo didn’t appreciate being viewed as an eight-year-old that might run into the street if you so much as glanced at your watch, but she was on her best behavior and didn’t say anything. If she made one snide comment she may never get the chance to swap lipgloss with Sweetie--or anyone-- again. It was easy to put on the “perfect daughter” mask when she had a reward for it. 



“Hey, Rumble, guess what I got!” Button Mash said, reaching into his backpack before pulling out a plastic shell. Rumble’s eyes went wide. Damnet, he was so adorable when he was surprised.
        “How… did you get an advance copy of Mecha Destroyer 3?”
        “The studio sent it to me. I guess since I’m pretty popular on YouTube, they want me to do a review. How cool is that!”
        “Awesome! I guess you proved me wrong.” Rumble was always skeptical about Button’s channel, uncaring for the videos themselves, but always admired how he got so excited about it. He wished he knew what he wanted to do, like his friend did. 
        “I’ll let you play, but you can’t tell anyone.” Button walked to Rumble, who was sitting in front of the TV in his room.
        “Swear on my life.” Rumble held two fingers straight up, a carryover from Boy Scouts.
        “I need to tell you something else too, but you can’t tell anyone else either.”
        “What is it?”
        Button scratched the back of his neck. “Rumble I… don’t know how to say this...” Oh screw it. Button grabbed Rumble’s neck and pulled him in for a kiss. Rumble pushed him away near instantly from the shock, after their lips met. Button collapsed on his knees and palmed his eyes. Rumble heard him sob. “I’m so sorry…” Button felt a hand on his shoulder, and looked up to see his friend smiling softly.
        “You could have just told me you had a crush on me.”
        “You… you don’t mind? Do you feel the same?”
        “I’m afraid I don’t. I’ve never even thought about guys like that. Always prefered a nice soft butt you know.” Button chuckled. “You’re my best friend. You deserve someone that can love you back.”
        “You mean, you’re not worried I’ll hit on you or anything?”
        “So what if you’re gay? Nothing about you has changed.”
        “I’m actually bi. I know because I have a crush on you and Sweetie.”
        “Well, you have good taste at least. It just isn’t your week. I’m straight, I’m pretty sure Sweetie is a lesbian.”
        “Ugh, really?” Button sobbed. 
        “Pretty sure. I saw Scootaloo giving her a kiss.”
        “Damnet, why does life have to be unfair?” Button renewed his sobs, tears falling from his eyes. Rumble hugged him, patting him on his back while whispering “just let it out.” 
        “I… didn’t ask to be this way! Why can’t I just be normal?”
“Button, you are normal. Some boys like girls, some boys like boys, some like both. It’s just how it is.”  Rumble paused, thinking how to continue. “I know it probably seems like you’ve just gotten your heart broken by two people, but you’ll be alright. And I’ll be here, your best friend, in case you need to cry or whatever.” 
“But you’re causing the problem!” Button wailed. 
“I know you just want me to say ‘I love you too’ or something. But that’s just a lie to the both of us. You’re my best friend. You’re just going to have to move on. I’ll make you a deal. I’ve had a crush on Apple Bloom. I’ll ask her out tomorrow, if you ask Sweetie out. It can’t hurt to try, right?”
“Deal. But we have to go on a double date, if it works.” 
“Sure.”
“OK, enough mushy shit, let’s play… and thanks for understanding.”

“Can we help you, gentlemen?” Apple Bloom twanged. “Though that may be a bit generous.” Rumble and Button were pretty good acquaintances of the trio, which here means they were made fun of by the same people. 
“Apple Bloom… would go you on a date with me?” Rumble stammered, his face turning a rosy hue. 
“Sorry hun, but I’m seeing Featherweight right now. Tell ya what though, give me your number.” Rumble wrote down his number on a shred of paper. He chalked this one as a success. 
"Um, Sweetie, would you... um, go out with me  too?"
Sweetie glowered, "Is this a prank?"
“The only way we could work up the courage to ask you is to do it together.” Rumble just saved their butts and dignity.
“Aww, that’s so sweet." Button almost contracted whiplash from how quickly her mood changed. I’m dating Scoots, though. We could still hang out, or would that be too painful?”
Rumble was giving every signal to say no, but Button said “That’d be great.”
“Why don’t y’all sit down?” Apple Bloom gestured welcomingly. 

> Chapter 3 - Scootadate
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	There was a quiet rapping at Sweetie's chamber door, serving as a welcome distraction from English homework. "Come in," she called. The door opened allowing her sister to enter. She sat on the bed. "Sweetie Belle, can we talk?" Oh, no, the full name. This was sure to be awful. "This is kind of an awkward subject, but if our parents weren't busy being jet setters they'd tell you this too. Um, I need to ask a question, have you and Scootaloo..." She trailed off. It wasn't something she particularly wanted to think about. 
"No. We've gotten close and made out a lot but she's just never felt that comfortable. I can tell she wants to, but she has to overcome being conditioned by her parents.” Sweetie cringed slightly. How could anyone do that to their child?
"Yes, I think I understand. I was going to give you the talk about only having sex if you really want to, but apparently I've misread Scootaloo's character. Surely you see she has a rebellious nature. Whatever they taught her must have been deeply ingrained."
"Honestly, I’m getting a little tired of waiting.” Sweetie sighed.
"Dear, do try to be patient. She's been through a lot. I'll give you the other talk then. Don't force yourself upon your partner." Rarity said sternly, then visibly relaxed. She trusted her sister more than that at least. She tapped her chin with a finger and muttered, "I've already talked to you about hygiene." She collected her thoughts and continued, "You don't have to worry about it with Scootaloo, but in the future, make sure your partner doesn't have any sort of disease. If you suddenly find out you're bisexual, make sure he wears protection unless you really want to risk a child. Of course there’s always abortions or adoption or ‘the pill’, but if you did choose to keep it, you’d have our families support. Even if they did glare at you for being a teenage mom… myself most likely included. Sorry. Of course when you're an adult you can safely ignore that.”
Sweetie shrugged. “Eh, there are a few cute boys but I like my Scootaloo. I don’t really think about them like that.”
Rarity nodded. “As with any relationship, communication is the key. Discuss what you would like from your partner, how something you don't like makes you feel, and so on, and they'll tell you their wants too. Be safe, have fun, I'm out of here."
Sweetie let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. In truth it wasn't as awkward as it could have been. Sweetie looked forward to Scootaloo's big date she was planning, but didn't tell her anything about. Two days seemed like such a long time.


Dating wasn't anything new for Scootaloo. Sweetie and her would catch a movie or go out for shakes and talk and laugh and kiss… but this was something new. She had only just started putting on the suit Rarity made, and she was already nervous. They were going to a fancy place after a decidedly unfancy movie. There was an artsy movie playing, but what was the point of going if you didn't enjoy it? Scootaloo tried it once, on a cover date with Rumble. It was his idea. He might be gay… Anyway, movies that made Scootaloo think were not her idea of a good time. The girl did up her hair like she normally did when her parents dragged to to church.
She checked in with Rainbow Dash to make sure everything was on straight. Her sister regarded her thoughtfully before tousling her hair. “Perfect. Knock her dead.” Scootaloo grabbed a box of chocolates and a bouquet of two-dozen roses before walking out the door. 

Sweetie clamped the rose-quartz studs to her ears. They weren't real piercings. “A girl doesn't need them” Rarity had said, “When you can already attach them anywhere.” The door bell rang, “I bet that's her, why don't you answer it?” Sweetie nodded, hopping off the stool and adjusting her black and mauve dress. 
“Thanks for your help.” Sweetie hugged her sister.
“No trouble at all dear.” Sweetie crossed the hallway and was suddenly feeling queasy. Why? Was it that this is the first time they both tried to “put on airs” for each other, rather than just being… casual? It was their first official date after Scootaloo had been kicked out. What made it more important  than the others? Sweetie opened the door. She couldn't help but giggle at Scootaloo, wearing a pinstripe suit with a red shirt and a tarnished brass ascot, with matching pocket square.
Scootaloo frowned. “I'm sorry, it's just the whole thing is rather silly.”
“I was going for romantic.”
“I…” Sweetie sighed inwardly in relief. “Come in, let me get a vase for those flowers.” Scootaloo was still sulking, expecting an apology. Sweetie rummaged for a vase under the sink. Rarity had many suitors which she coldly denied. She kept the flowers though. It livened up the house just so.
Sweetie filled the vase and set the flowers in. Scootaloo had crossed her arms and was sitting at the kitchen table still wearing a pout. 
“I'm sorry. You look fantastic, really, but I wasn't expecting it and I was so nervous so I just started laughing.” Scootaloo sighed in relief and relaxed her arms.
“At least I'm not the only one that's nervous. You look amazing.” Rarity's disembodied head peered in from the door-jam, giving them both a start when she started talking.
“You had both better look amazing, I designed your outfits.” Sweetie rolled her eyes.
“Well, you look amazing, I look amazing. Let's go on an amazing date.”
“Sounds like a plan.” 

Undead Bunnies Three was completely empty. It was a terrible movie by both critics and fans of the franchise alike. Scootaloo loved it, and not just from the cheesy, gory action sequences and awful dialogue, but the fact she got to make fun of it with her girlfriend. They laughed as loud as they wanted, made inappropriate jokes and yelled whatever they were thinking at the screen.
They walked out of the theater holding hands and laughing. Sweetie was probably surprised that Scootaloo was the one to grab first. “And then that Watermelon.” Scootaloo mimicked an explosion with her hands. 
“I know hun,” Sweetie chuckled “I was there. I think my favorite part was when the bunnies got in the onion patch and you said 'if you're going to start crying I'm leaving.'” Sweetie laughed once again at the memory.
“Really? I thought that was the most terrible joke I've ever made.”
“Well I liked it. Where we going next, girl?”
“Ribon de Lumière.”
“Don't you need a reservation like two months in advance?”
“I've been planning this for a while.”
“No you haven't, you don't plan anything a week in advance.” 
“OK, fine, Rainbow's dad owns the place, but I wanted to sound romantic.”
“Awww, this is so unlike you. I like romantic you.  I know it will be lovely. Lead on.” Scootaloo lead them back to the limo. 

If greeting her girlfriend at the door while she was wearing a suit seemed silly to Sweetie, what happened at the restaurant was ludicrous. Ribon's average clientèle was people in their thirties, who had their life figured out and a rather large income. The couple was none of these, and as they waited in line, Sweetie could feel everyone else staring at them. They were even holding hands. Now she knew what Scootaloo felt like. The only pass they had was Rarity designed their outfits, so they were as good if not better as the other patrons'. The usher was a man who held a gaze at anything that moved as though he disproved of its existence, if only the universe would take his opinion. Sweetie wondered if the usher was capable of any emotion.
“Scootaloo, party of two.”
The man looked at his reservation book, he said as though serving two love-struck fifteen-year-olds was an everyday affair.  “Ah, yes. Johan, escort these two young ladies to the private dining room.” The line behind them chattered. A well built blond man with shaggy hair  gave a slight bow. “Right this way, madams.” 
Sweetie had been half expecting the private room to be the janitor's closet, but instead was treated to a room upstairs with a table for two set in the middle. The room was entirely glass, giving a clear view of the entire city. The room was dim, the only source of light the candle center piece and the sunset. 
“What can I get you ladies to drink?” The waiter asked.
“I don't suppose we could have some wine?”
The waiter grinned. “Have a valid ID?” Scootaloo pouted. “I thought not.”
“I'll have some tea,” Sweetie said.
“What kind, we have raspberry, pomegranate, apricot, peach and blueberry.”
“Oh, um. Apricot. Thank you.”
“Long island.” Scootaloo said, earning her a glare from both the waiter and her date. “OK, fine the joke's over. Raspberry please.”
“Very good, I'll bring those right out. Can I interest you in an appetizer?”
Scootaloo eyed the menu and mumbled something before speaking where she meant to be heard. “Give us a sampler, I can't decide.” 
“Yes, yes, very good. I'll be right back.” The waiter bowed graciously. 
A plate of ravioli, cheese sticks, and a few other things Sweetie couldn't identify made it's way with the drinks. 
“Do you fine young ladies know what you want to order?”
“This pheasant with the mango sauce and Parmesan sounds delicious.” Scootaloo said. Sweetie suddenly didn't feel so guilty about her order.
“The rib eye with blue cheese crust and a sweet potato salad please. Medium.”
“Absolutely, thank you, I'll have it right out.” 
“I swear I've never seen you eat red meat.”
“There's a joke somewhere in there.” Sweetie smirked “Rarity's a vegetarian, and I can't cook. I mostly stick to ready to eat stuff. So have you had pheasant before?”
“Yeah, dad knows a guy that hunts them, he gets a few birds each year.”
“Cool, I'll have to try it.”
The couple talked and flirted like they never had before. Sweetie had a taste of pheasent and liked it. Scootaloo took a bite of Sweetie's steak and concluded she could make something like this. They had dessert, Scootaloo had a peach cobbler and Sweetie ordered a parfait of layered berries and ice cream and yogurt.
“So how was it?”
“I had a really good time tonight.” Sweetie said, giving her girlfriend a small kiss while they waited for the limo. 
“Just a good time?”
“No, even better. Let me think of a word. Fantastic. The movie was fun and dinner was wonderful, and I had a fantastic time with my girlfriend.”
“You know what would make it even better? You and me, back at my place...” 
“And what would we do?” Sweetie hooked an arm around Scootaloo's hips.
“Well, you could lose the dress, I'd lose the suit, we could---”
“I like this idea.” In truth, Sweetie wasn't getting her hopes up, after so many heated moments ended abruptly because Scootaloo “had to leave.” The lie was transparent, and they both knew it. Scootaloo didn't feel comfortable with the idea of sex, even though they had kissed countless times before. Sweetie knew she wanted to, but there was an emotional wall, a cruel construction by her parents, in the way. But Scootaloo was Sweetie's girlfriend. They loved each other. Sweetie could wait until Scootaloo wanted it; it would be all the sweeter.  

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle had somehow managed to make it into the room before they started making out. Before Scootaloo knew it, her jacket was flung across the coat rack, and Sweetie's dress was on the floor. Scootaloo felt her girlfriend's curves like a woman dying of thirst. She wanted to feel every inch, memorize her skin. Scootaloo's shirt was off, somehow. They rolled around on the bed. Scootaloo remembered doing something similar when they were both seven, but it had a whole new meaning now.  Finally their tongues broke away. “Sweetie,” Scootaloo huffed. “All my life I've been told what I can and can't have. I can't have a gecko, I can't have a girlfriend. I can't get married until I'm fifty. I'm not sure if that was a joke.” Scootaloo chuckled, then looked into Sweetie's soft, lovely eyes, and that small smile that brightened even the darkest night. “Right now, I want to make love to my girlfriend. Will you let me?”
"What would you do if I said no?"
"Well, I'd stop, but..." Scootaloo blinked. 
“I shouldn't tease like that. Yes, yes yes yes.” Sweetie pulled on Scootaloo's neck, bringing her in for a kiss.

Sweetie lay, cuddling her girlfriend's naked form against her own, admiring the smell of light-polished brass of her perfume, just as Scootaloo was likely enjoying the strawberry apricot of her own.
“That was better than I ever thought it would be.” 
“Yeah...” Scootaloo said, voice lost in the distant haze of afterglow.
“Not that I'm complaining, but why did you change your mind? You always backed out before.”
“Because I can't get caught now. My parents have no power. What are they going to do? Ground me? Spank me? They don't own me. They told me all my life what I can and can't have. I think it's time I start making my own decisions."
“I love you, Scoots.” It seemed like the only possible reply, the universal truth. A law of physics.
“I love you too, Sweetie.” No sooner had Scootaloo finished the sentence, and Sweetie Belle heard snoring.  Sweetie shut her eyes, and slept, holding her lover.

Scootaloo was standing on a cloud. The place seemed oddly familiar. She took a look around and realized it was her parent's house, shaped from clouds instead. She looked further and saw a whole city if cloud. She opened the door, and the inside of the house shone like the sun. She shielded her eyes and eventually the glow faded. “Hello?” she called. Nobody answered. She looked around at the empty cloud-house. It was all exactly the same, except made out of water vapor. She looked to where her room was supposed to be.
It was there, but instead of being calm and white like the rest of the house, the door was made of storm, and lightning and thunder arched from it. Scootaloo touched the doorknob and the storm calmed down, leaving fluffy white in it's place. The door dissolved. Scootaloo's mouth hung open at what she saw. She was naked and chained to the floor with a collar and a giant padlock. The Scootaloo she saw had dark bags under her eyes and was weak from hunger. All of the cuts Scootaloo had made still bled, but made no sign of being a health hazard. Blood dripped from each wound onto the cloud-carpet, pooling slightly then sinking down. This Scootaloo had been here a while. The look in her eyes said she just wanted everything to end. Scootaloo knew that look all too well. It was how she felt some days, though none in the last two weeks. An end, a pleading, begging wish that if there was a God, it would claim her and be done with it. 
Rainbow was there, desperately tugging at the chain, trying her best to help. Tears were in her eyes. Scootaloo didn't think Rainbow was capable of crying. Sweetie was clawing at where the chain was connected to the wall, and Scootaloo saw the chain was made of symbols, ever shifting, but she knew what they meant. A few seemed solid, a cross, an interconnected male and female sign, and the logo for the state college.
Scootaloo knelt down to the Other Scootaloo and gently reached out her hand. The chained one cowed away, so Scootaloo stopped moving. Like a cat, unsure if it should trust this new thing, The Other tentatively moved toward it, ready to leap back if she thought it would hurt her. Scootaloo continued moving her hand, until it rested on the Other's head. The chain exploded in a blast of starlight, raining down on them. The Other leaped on Scootaloo, hugging her and… dissolving into her.  The Other vanished in her arms. Scootaloo didn't feel like she was missing anything until she had it back. Sweetie and Rainbow rushed over to hug her.

Scootaloo woke up and nuzzled her girlfriend. Sweetie was still asleep, so Scootaloo merely enjoyed the embrace while she waited to drift back off herself. Yeah, everything was absolutely perfect. 
> Chapter 4 - Monday
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Scootaloo's phone served as her alarm clock, a common trend of the time. Why would she buy another device for the same purpose? There was also one distinct advantage: It could be hooked up to speakers with a powerful enough subwoofer to really drive home the “foghorn” effect. Her phone was loaded with peaceful alarm sounds, like birds chirping and forest breezes. She slept right through them.
        “Turn that fucking thing off or I will literally kill you,” said a voice that sounded like crunching leaves and misery. Scootaloo shut off the alarm clock and realized the wall shaking sound was the least of her problems. Sweetie had stayed the night.
        Rarity would kill her! Actually, they had sleepovers all the time with Apple Bloom. Maybe it wasn’t such a big deal then. Scootaloo took the first large breath of her morning, refilling her lungs. She started coughing. “Damn, we need a shower.”
        “I like the smell… what time is it?” Sweetie's morning voice said.
        “Six.”
        “Goddamn.” Sweetie got up and rubbed her eyes. Since the Dashes lived in a mansion, Scootaloo had her own bathroom. The couple showered together, too groggy for any fun. Scootaloo realized her girlfriend had been wearing a dress that violated several sections of the school's dress code.
        “Sorry, you'll have to go butch,” said Scootaloo as they were getting dressed. Sweetie filed through her clothes.
        “Everyone is going to know I spent the night at your place...”
        “And?” Scootaloo withdrew her favorite Pegasus tee shirt, black skinny jeans and a blue and every other color plaid over shirt. Sweetie decided to go with the pair of faded and torn blue jeans, A shirt with a joke about a tree, and the paint splotched over shirt. The jeans were a bit too tight, Scootaloo noticed, and she decided to smack Sweetie's rump.
        “Not. Before. Coffee.” Scootaloo held up her hands in surrender. Sweetie most definitely wasn’t a morning person. Scootaloo wasn’t either, but she had to get ready sometime.

        Scootaloo prepared yogurt while she waited for the coffee to brew, slicing fruits and adding granola. Sweetie was hanging up her dress or something. “Wow, you're hot and you can cook.” Sweetie's voice still hadn't changed. She poured a mug of the regular coffee and added more than enough sugar and milk. “Not quite what I'm used to...”
        “I'd hardly call this cooking. I'll have to show you what I can do one day.”
        “Well, you're considerate none the less.” Sweetie must have taken a sip of coffee because her voice was already less strained.
        They sat across from each other and ate, and Scootaloo thought she could get used to this. They were like a married couple already. The second foghorn sounded, meaning Rainbow was waking up. Within a few minutes her sister joined them, pouring herself a mug and grabbing a bowl of high-protean something or other. “Oh, you're still here.” She glanced at Sweetie. “Congratulations! We should have a party. I'll tell Pinkie to make a cherry pie.” Rainbow grinned deviously.
        “I'm going to hurt you.” Scootaloo warned.
        “What? You only lose your virginity once. Eh, I didn't celebrate either. Never mind.”
        “That's awfully presumptuous of you,” Sweetie said with a mouthful of food.
        “I'm a teenager, I know these things. You're both downright glowing. That, and you were louder than you thought.” Sweetie and Scootaloo blushed. “Oh, don't worry about it. Mom and Dad both sleep with earplugs and I'm an insomniac anyway.”
        “You weren't like… thinking about it were you?” Scootaloo asked.
        “Blah, no, that's just gross.” Rainbow had finished her meal and poured a glass of milk, emptied it, then poured another. “I started reading. I can tune out anything with a good book. If it makes you more comfortable, you can just ask me to leave. Of course you also have a nice, secluded clubhouse.”
        “We'll give you some warning next time,” Sweetie said, but Scootaloo didn't really mind. She could trust her sister to not be a total perv. “Or just keep it down.”

        Apple Bloom was acting like a giggling school girl when she saw her two friends. “I know I left a cherry pie around here somewhere.” Scootaloo rolled her eyes and flipped her hair.
        “What is with you people? It's not that big a deal.” Scootaloo frowned. 
        “I'm just so happy for you. I remember my first time…” Apple Bloom sighed, remembering something fondly. “Pipsqueak is a misnomer.” Scootaloo frowned deeper. “So how was it?”
        “Magical,” Sweetie answered before Scootaloo could shut down the discussion. Scootaloo threw up her hands and decided to play along. She was with her friends, surely they could talk about it maturely. 
“Absolutely perfect.”
        “Dawwww, you are so cute together...” Apple Bloom clamped her elbows around her friends necks, pulling them in a hug. “Now kith,” She said in the lispy voice she started using because nobody could tell she was being sarcastic otherwise.  Sweetie couldn't contain her giggle, which infected Scootaloo and then Apple Bloom.
        The happy moment ended too soon, Apple Bloom suddenly taking her arms away. “Uh oh.” Scootaloo and Sweetie looked and saw a storm approaching. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon approached from the East, wearing smiles like snakes. The hallway shook like thunder as even upperclassmen moved out of the way. All too soon, the torrent was upon them.
        “Heard you three losers were in the GSA. What's the matter? Couldn't make friends so you pretended to be gay?”
        “Who's pretending? No, wait, you should join too.” Scootaloo grinned; she had the perfect line. “That tiara you wear is so gay, it's like a beacon for dykes. But then Silver would get jealous wouldn't she?” The comment seemed to piss off Silver (who looked like a radish at the moment) more than Diamond.
        Silver responded. “Well, let's see, Sweetie is wearing your clothes, so that's obvious. Apple Bloom, how does it feel to be the third wheel?”
        “I'm happy my friends are happy. And we all still have fun together.”
        “So you all,” Silver meshed her fingers together. Apple Bloom turned fire red, burning with a desire to hurt. Scootaloo had once been on the wrong side of that. On instinct, she held out a hand to keep Apple Bloom back.
        “Now, there ain't nothing wrong with bein' gay, but I don't think about my two best friends like that!”
        “It's OK if you do. It's 2015, nobody cares. You can tell people you're a multi-amorous lesbian. Tell the whole school...” Diamond smirked like a snake, “Put it in the papers.”
        “You wouldn't dare!” Now Scootaloo was mad. Tease all you want, but don't socially murder her friends.
        “Oh wouldn't I? I'm the chief reporter, and mom is on the school board.” Scootaloo started to move before she felt something grab her hand. Sweetie Belle. She mouthed the word “no.” Scootaloo cooled from a boil to a simmer. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon walked off, laughing maniacally.
        Behind them, the trio heard clapping and turned to see Luna. “That was a good way to handle it. Well, maybe not the greatest, but it was at least non-violent. If I knew them in my own high school I would have slammed them against a locker. Repeatedly.”
        “Ya saw that?”
        “All of it. You students really need to be more observant. I recorded the whole thing too. Section Three, Paragraph Three of the rule book. Verbal assault such as that is punishable by five days in school detention for first offenders. Nine days out of school for second, and expulsion on the third. And somehow I doubt Ms. Yearling would be too happy to hear her remarks. She could get kicked off the paper.”
        “But her mom's on the school board.” Sweetie sighed.
        “Hmmm, We have measures in place. That position doesn't hold as much power as it once did, no matter how much money you have.”
        “Wait wait wait, Ms. Yearling is a lesbian too?” Apple Bloom asked.
        “We had a fling in college. She's actually bisexual. Oh, before I go, Scootaloo, you do realize the irony of using dyke as an insult like that, right?”
        “Calling me that doesn't bother me any, but apparently it bothers them.” Scootaloo shrugged. “I swear though, they're more attached at the hip than me and Sweetie. They're either deep in denial, or just really really good friends.”
        “Perhaps. I would refrain from using such an insult though, as you start stooping to their level.”
        “Alright, I'll try not to. It was an easy target, but I'll just have to get creative.” The bell rang, announcing it was time for the slaves to start their mental labor.
        “I'm sure you can. Run along now.”

        The day proceeded as normal. Classes and lunch with a sprinkling of wide-spread depression, and a smidgen of gossip. Rarity caught her sister at lunch. “Dear, I'm not angry,” she said, “But in the future, if you could let me know you weren't killed by an axe murderer I'd greatly appreciate it.”
        “Yeah, sorry. We were kind of caught up snuggling in the back of the limo… and then… yeah.” Sweetie turned pink like a rose.
        “Yes, well, do try to remember in the future. Sometimes some irrational thought takes hold of you, like you died in a car crash or were murdered in the bathroom or something… I was worried even though I knew you were probably safe.”
        “I'll remember.”
        Rarity relaxed a bit. “Thank you.”

        The second meeting of the GSA began right after classes. Sunset was the first to arrive. Her extensive grooming made itself known. A leader must never arrive after her subjects. The people in the club weren't her subjects, but the principle idea stuck with her. Luna was next. Sunset bowed slightly out of habit. After her reformation she began nodding to her superiors again. It was a friendly gesture, and she needed to display as many of those as she could. Luna returned the nod ever so slightly, and sipped on a large soda. The rest of the six came in, lead by Rainbow Dash. Applejack was carrying a crate of fizzy cider, with her brother carrying two. Sunset briefly wondered about dating him for a minute. He was awfully cute. Pinkie hopped in with a cherry pie. Sunset was completely confused. It couldn’t be a snack, there would hardly be enough for Pinkie, let alone the entire club. 
        Rainbow leaned on Sunset's desk, giving her a clear view of cleavage—not that there was much to show anyway. “So I was thinking we could see The Thing after this, then head back to your place.”
        Sunset nodded. “I hear it's pretty good. I have algebra homework, but that's only like ten minutes. I'd love to.”
        Rainbow nodded and perched herself on the big desk up front. She liked to do it because it was violating several rules. The pre-teen trio walked in next, lead by Scootaloo.
        “Hey squirt,” Rainbow said, “I got something for you.”
        Scootaloo opened her mouth to ask what, but before she could her face made contact with the cherry pie Pinkie brought in. The tin slid off, clattering on the floor. Sunset could swear she saw steam rising from Scootaloo. She was also wondering about the significance of a cherry pie.
        Scootaloo's voice was like gravel and hate. “You. Will. Pay.” Scootaloo slammed the door behind her.
        Luna was unfazed by this act of aggression that probably violated the rules. In a past life, Sunset would have held it over Rainbow's head for blackmail. “You're going to clean that up, right?”
        Rainbow nodded.
        “Dashy, pranks are supposed to be fun.” Pinkie reminded.
        “Well I thought it was hilarious. She'll be fine, she's tough. I know I’ll have to apologize.”

        Scootaloo glared fire at the reflective metal of the paper towel dispenser. Stupid Rainbow Dash. It wasn't a big deal. Scootaloo didn't feel any different, except she felt closer to Sweetie than she thought possible. Nothing had changed. So why the teasing, why the goddamn pie? Scootaloo tried to get her dampened hair back into shape. Ugh, now everyone is going to look at me funny. Her face twisted into an even deeper frown. Rainbow wanted to make it a big deal? It would be a big deal. The biggest deal. Scootaloo rolled up her sleeve. She wasn't going to be pushed around, not by her sister. The time for grinning and bearing it was over. Now was the time for defiance. She rolled up the other. She rolled over to the meeting room like a tornado. 
She flung open the door and rushed at her sister, knocking her off the perch with a right hook. Rainbow was agile enough that she landed on her feet, but that just gave Scootaloo a clear target. She gave a right hook, left jab, right jab, left hook. There was no style or pattern to it, just unbridled fury. Rainbow held her hands out to her sides, taking the punishment.
        “Aren't we going to stop them?” Sunset asked.
        “This is between sisters.” Luna said, remarkably calm. Nothing seemed to shake her at all. “The sooner they do this the better. If they don't do it here, they'll do it at home. I'll end it if it gets too out of hand.”
        “Take this!” Scootaloo shouted. “My love!” Scootaloo poured her energy into a left hook, “My anger!” Right. “And all of my sorrow!” Left again, on the side of the jaw. Rainbow stumbled, landing unflatteringly on her butt.
        “I could be clever and say I taught you a lesson not to take shit from anybody. But I'm not clever. I just took the joke way too far. I'm sorry.” Scootaloo held out her hand, and Rainbow took it.
        “I forgive you. I kind of over reacted too, but I don't know why you're making such a big deal about it.”
        “Sometimes sisters tease each other, Scootaloo,” said Luna sagely. “And sometimes you go too far, then something like this happens. It's all part of the sisterly bond.”
        “When did you get here?”
        “Like twenty minutes ago.”
        “Um, should I just leave or...” Scootaloo asked, realizing she technically tore up the rule book.
        “Don't worry about it. Like I said, I have a sister. We will still punch each other on occasion. I'll let it slide this time, but I'm in a good mood I guess. I just got out of a meeting with Diamond Tiara's mother. It's so satisfying, putting tyrants in their place.” Luna smirked mysteriously. 
        Scootaloo smiled. Today was a roller coaster, to be sure, but it ended on a pretty high note.

        "Scoots, you can make your own way home, right?" Rainbow said, hooking Sunset Shimmer's arm in hers. "Or you could always go to Sweetie's," she grinned.
"Actually we were both going to Bloom's to get her to help with algebra. She's the only one that halfway gets it."
        "Alright. I'll pick you up after our date, OK? We're gonna catch a movie," Rainbow said.
        "Don't do anything I wouldn't do." Scootaloo smirked.
        "Kid, that's a short list." She turned to AJ, "Try and make sure she doesn't punch anything. She hits hard."
        "Rest assured, we will not play any pranks on her," said Applejack as Rainbow walked out the door.
        "Come along, Fluttershy, we don't want to miss our spa appointment," Rarity beckoned.
        "Oh you're right. We scheduled that awful close. I hope Aloe and Lotus don't get mad.
        "Of course not dear, it will be fine."
        Sunset had Rainbow pinned underneath her. The session had just started, and they were just beginning foreplay. “Before we get to the main event, I have two questions. One, what's up with the cherry pie?”
        “Oh that. Well, here on Earth when a girl loses her virginity, we call it popping the cherry. I can show you just what that is after you...”
        “One more question.” Her thirst for knowledge must be slaked. “I'm quite familiar with the concept of payback, but I don't think a pie to the face and getting the snot beaten out of you are equivalent. So are you going to make up the remaining debt?”
        “What? No. Sure, they aren't the same, not even close. How much do you know about Scootaloo?”
        “She's basically your adopted sister, she's gay, dating Sweetie Belle, likes skateboarding. I didn't spend much time trying to manipulate freshmen.”
        Sunset moved off of Rainbow and sat on the bed. Rainbow moved herself upright. Rainbow told Sunset about Scootaloo's story, what she knew of it anyway. Her parents were control freaks, and how she would cut her arms, which lead to a discussion about self-harm.
        “Why?”
        “I don't quite know myself, but Fluttershy told me that you hurt so much inside that it seems like a good idea. Flutters has two little marks on her wrist, Scootaloo has them up to her elbow, and they crisscross.”
        “That must be a lot of pain.”
        “Being gay can be. I was lucky, my parents loved me. I was a little worried about telling them, but I decided to woman up and do it, but I was so scared before then. Keeping it such a big secret tears at you, like a… rabid animal. Scootaloo's parents… I'm pretty sure they hated her before she told them. And since they were so religious, gay people are evil. So she denied who she was so she could be a 'good' kid. It's kind of like fitting a square peg in a round hole. It's painful. So, throwing that pie hurt her feelings. Being hurt is the last thing she needs. I'm honestly glad she punched me. That means she's not going to put up with being hurt anymore. I just hope she learns to take a joke before I break something.” Rainbow chuckled.
        “Well, you obviously know what's going on, so why did you think that would be a good idea in the first place?”
        “I thought it would be funny and we'd laugh. I don't think things through that well. I'm just an insensitive jerk.”
        “You don't have to stay that way. If I can go from raging she-demon to… mostly normal teenage girl, you can learn to be sensitive. I'll admit, I don't have the greatest sense of empathy, but what helped is I knew how people react to things. I've studied most of the class, yes, I know, creepy. But once you know how she'll react, you can start judging those reactions as positive or negative. You probably already do it, but try to actively think about it before throwing another pie at her.”
        “That sounds a lot like manipulation.”
        “True, but this time you're using the information to manipulate yourself.” Sunset looked at Rainbow's hand. “This discussion is kind of a mood killer.”
        “Yeaaah, could we just cuddle and watch TV or something?”
        “You sure? That sounds romantic, coming from you.”
        “What, I've cuddled with most of my friends by now. Sometimes you just want to be close to another person...” Rainbow seemed to store an idea away for later.
        “Would you like a drink?” They'd probably be here awhile. Rainbow needed a friend, and Sunset was starting to find that she did too.
        “Yeah, sure. Got any milk?”
        “Yeah.” Sunset got up and started preparing drinks.
        “And Sunset, thanks for the advice. I need to start thinking about other people's feelings more.”
        “Glad I could help.”

        Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle had finished their homework about thirty minutes ago, and had taken to watching a soap opera with Granny. Of course, "watching" meant more "Sitting on the couch with their eyes drooping" than any active activity. And for Granny, she had actually fallen asleep and rocked gently snoring, holding her half-done knitting. Sweetie was nodding off too, into Scootaloo's shoulder.
        "Can I ask you guys a question?" Scootaloo asked.
        "Of course ya can. We're always here if you wanna talk."
        "Do you all believe in God?"
        "Well... yes." Apple Bloom said.
        "But how..." Scootaloo couldn't fathom how you could believe in God and have a gay friend, let alone two. She had been told all her life that it just couldn't happen. It was like trying to mix oil and water.
        "I know what you're thinking. I don't buy into all that Hell and Damnation stuff. Supposedly God sent His son to save us all from that. If you're just a good person to prevent from burning in eternal fire, are you really a good person at heart? And Sis told me that Ma and Pa believed that love doesn't know gender. It wasn't exactly a popular opinion to have at the time. People say God is a god of love. I've read the Old Testament and that's the biggest bunch of bullshit I've ever heard. My personal favorite theory is that God died and was replaced by a more gentle one around the time of the New Testament. The best way I can describe it is I follow my own God, because everyone else seems to be following the wrong one."
        "You don't take it very seriously do you?"
        "Nah. If God needs my worship he has more vanity issues than Rarity. No offense."
        "None taken," Sweetie yawned. "I don't. To answer the question, I don't. I was never very strong in faith, but it kinda crumpled when I realized Christians and others wanted to... hurt me in various ways."
        Scootaloo looked at her arms, covered in sleeves. "Apple Bloom, I want to show you something." She rolled up her sleeve and showed Apple Bloom the scarred flesh, causing her to give a small gasp. "I'm not doing this to get you to become an atheist, I just... needed to share it with you. I guess I don't blame God, if he exists, but I've been hurt by his followers."
        Apple Bloom was at a loss for words as tears welled in her eyes. She wrapped an arm around Scootaloo's neck and pulled her into a hug. Scootaloo started sobbing, feeling closer to her friends, and letting another burden fall from her shoulders. Sweetie took the other side and they sat and cried for a time. "Why?" Apple Bloom asked, her voice hoarse.
        "I... tried to convince myself I wasn't gay. It tore me up inside, and I thought my outsides should match my insides. Don't worry, I haven't in months."
        "Is that supposed to make me feel better?"
        "Well... kinda."
        "But nothing, my best friend was hurting and I didn't know to do anything about it. Just... promise me you'll talk to one of us if you need to."
        "I promise. Can... can you do me one favor?" It was an absolutely ridiculous request. Rainbow Dash would be laughing if she heard it, or saw it. "Can you both just... hold me for a while." As an answer, the two girls nuzzled Scootaloo's shoulders and wrapped their arms around each other. Scootaloo felt safe, and the reason she cried changed. She was happy. They fell asleep, embracing each other. Nobody wanted to disturb them. Rainbow called Rarity and said they had decided to sleepover at Applejack's and left. Scootaloo needed to know she wasn't completely alone in the world, and if that meant cuddling up with her friends for a bit, then that's what it took. Eventually Scootaloo woke up and gently roused her sleep-mates. She checked her phone and saw a message from Rainbow. I'm not abandoning you, but you all looked so cute, I decided to let you stay over. If you want, I can pick you up. Take care sis. I've told Rarity.
        "Hmm, guys, looks like we're having a sleepover."
        "But I didn't bring my toothbrush or pajamas. And I'm still wearing your clothes!"
        "Don't worry bout that, we've got extra. I got some spare PJ's in my room. Personally I just sleep in the buff." Sweetie and Scootaloo looked at each other, the Apple Bloom, blushing furiously. They took turns changing into Apple Bloom’s pajamas.

“I doubt you'd wanna borrow my clothes, unless the idea of social suicide entertains you.” Apple Bloom said after they had all reconvened. 
        “Yeah, I’m already wearing Scootaloo’s. If I show up with yours the day after everyone will think I’m a hussy.”
        “Or we could both wear Apple Bloom’s clothes and she could wear mine.”
        “Why would… oh whatever.” Apple Bloom rolled her eyes. “They wouldn’t fit anyway. My PJ’s are nearly falling off you.” Scootaloo blushed and covered the exposed skin on her chest. The top was much too big for her.  Sweetie giggled.
        “Oh relax, it’s nothing we don’t have. Though in slightly larger amounts.” Apple Bloom chuckled. Scootaloo frowned, turning redder from embarrassment and anger compounding. “Don’t feel too bad hun, I was an early bloomer. Hah, that’s like, a pun.”
        “If it means anything, I like your boobs.” Sweetie stuck out her tongue and giggled. Apple Bloom yawned.
        “I’m beat after today. Let’s hit the hay.” The full sized bed was kind of cramped, but they did it often enough it was more comfortable than unbearable. Scootaloo slept in the middle, holding on to Sweetie, who also had her arms around her. Apple Bloom took Scootaloo’s back, like they had since they started having sleep overs when they were six. Scootaloo was glad she had friends that felt so comfortable with her. And one of them was her girlfriend. Who could ask for better? 

        Scootaloo was dreaming about Sweetie Belle, as teenagers often do about their significant other at that age. To say it was pleasant was an understatement. Apple Bloom joined in. Scootaloo figured this was a dream, it was very unlikely that this would happen outside of a fantasy. But then again, they were all here having a sleep over… It could be happening.
        Well that didn't last long. Her parents walked in and tied them all to a cross. The townspeople gathered with torches. Scootaloo looked down to see a pile of twigs and straw. This couldn't end well.
        "We will let you go if you renounce your sinful ways." Her mother said, standing at the forefront of the crowd.
        Sweetie betrayed her before she could draw in enough air to scream the profanity she wanted to. She shifted gears. "FUCK YOU TOO SWEETIE. I HOPE YOU FIND A MAN JUST LIKE MY DAD."
        "I'm giving you one last chance daughter."
        "Dad, I want you to take that torch and shove it up your ass."
        "I'll take that at a no..." Her mother, no wait, father, no wait. It seemed to be both her parents at once. dropped the torch. Flames flicked at her heels, then all at once enveloped her. All she could see was the orange flames. And then they were gone.
        She was standing, now clothed, in... high school. Oh fantastic. Apple Bloom was there too. Why didn't she take the offer? She wasn't a lesbian, she had nothing to burn for. "Hey, AB." Apple Bloom looked around, right past Scootaloo. Apple Bloom walked off, muttering something about hearing voices. Scootaloo strode to her, grabbing her friend's wrist, which felt like holding a fistful of razors. She looked at her hand, dripping blood by the gallons and silently screamed.
        "What do you want?" Apple Bloom asked.
        "It's me, your friend Scootaloo?"
        "Sorry, I don't talk to fags." At the mention of the word, the whole student body turned to her, pointed and laughed, repeating the word forever. They all stared at her, beyond her, into her soul, naming her forever. She collapsed on her knees and screamed, but again no sound came. Then she was in front of the only place of safety she knew. She knocked on the door with her good hand. "Oh, hey kid, what's up?" Rainbow asked from the doorway.
        "Well, my dad caught me with my girlfriend, then burned me at the stake..." Scootaloo panted, she didn't realize she was so out of breath.
        "Whoa whoa, did you just say girlfriend? Get out of here." The door slammed.
        Scootaloo bolted upright with a yelp. The light was on, this wasn't her room and she was wearing some apple tree print pajamas. Oh, she was at Apple Bloom's house. But where was everyone else? The door opened, Sweetie walked in. "You OK? You were kicking in your sleep. You woke us both up. I took the opportunity to relieve myself and AB went to get some water." Sweetie rubbed her eyes.
        "I... It’s nothing. Just a bad dream.”
        “Scoots, every time you say ‘it’s nothing’ I want to punch you. You’re shaking like a cat that’s been soaked. Nothing doesn’t cause that. Something has you scared out of your skin. So tell me about it.”
        “Alright. When Apple Bloom gets back.”
        …
        "Wow," Apple Bloom said. "That's brutal." Scootaloo took the glass of water Bloom carried in and drank it, hands shaking just a little.
        "Just remember, we'd never abandon you like that." Sweetie nuzzled Scootaloo's cheek and gave it a small kiss.
        Apple Bloom nodded. "Friends don’t abandon friends. I know this is a dumb question, but what's so offensive about fag? It's just a word."
"Well, do you like being called a hick?" Scootaloo huffed.
        "I try to not let it bother me. I don't think they realize I'm still in city limits."
"Well, how about slut. You've had like two boyfriends already this year. You've told us you aren't a virgin anymore and we're all so happy for you, goddamn slut." Apple Bloom's face twisted to a frown.
        "Scoots..." Sweetie pleaded.
        "No, I get what she's doing, proving her point. I get it now."
        "I...I don't think you're a slut. That was way over the line, even for me. I just… I don’t know. I’m sorry."
        "I forgive you. I know you didn't mean it, but it did hurt for a bit. You aren't a faggot, just gay." Scootaloo chuckled. "And my best friend." Apple Bloom gently punched Scootaloo on the shoulder. Scootaloo gave one of her own. That started a wrestling match, like they used to when they were kids. It ended with Scootaloo huffing on top of Apple Bloom, both blushing furiously and looking into each others eyes. They saw... something. A longing, perhaps—a distant far off feeling. Scootaloo rolled over and started giggling. Apple Bloom joined in, and they only noticed Sweetie's absence when she came back. From the bathroom again, she said. They went to bed again, and Scootaloo had no nightmares.

> Chapter 5 -- Bookstore Meetings and Revelations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Scootaloo didn’t much appreciate being dragged along to a bookstore, but since her sister had the vehicle with a motor, she got to decide where they went after school. Scootaloo could skate home, but she was truly more curious as to why Rainbow Dash wanted to go to a bookstore. As it turns out, one A.K. Yearling (no relation to the teacher) was on a book tour and signing in that store. Rainbow Dash waited in line, shaking in anticipation. Apparently she had a rare first edition hardback that she needed signed to complete her collection. Scootaloo was left absentmindedly browsing the books. She found one with an interesting spine about two inches thick. She took it off the shelf, surprised people read books so big, and opened it about midway.
        “Face it on your feet, sheepherder.” Scootaloo’s mouth contorted in thought. What an odd statement to stumble on. This bookstore had a coffee shop, so she put the book back and ordered the largest, most ridiculous sounding thing she could think of. It was delicious. The day was shaping up to be a boring routine. Go to school, sit around, leave, sit around some more. At least today had coffee. Coffee was nice. It wasn’t bad, per se, but it was a day. It could always be worse.
        “Face it on your feet,” she suddenly recalled.

        They had just opened the door to leave when it happened. Her parents walked in. Well this ordinary, mundane day just got shot straight to hell, the bits ground up into a fine paste, mixed with habanero peppers, and then snorted by a crack-addict off of a chunk of C4.  That was on fire. Both parties stood in stunned silence for a moment. “Well, she’s not dead.” Her father signed. Whether it was relief or disappointment, nobody could tell. Rainbow Dash decided to play mediator and directed them all to the cafe so they could sit down and talk like mostly rational people. Scootaloo doubted this would get very far. 
        “Thank goodness you’re alright,” Her mother pleaded. “We were so worried.”
        “I don’t buy that for a second. You didn’t even call. You just expect me to believe you give a shit about my well being after two weeks?”
        “Scootaloo, I know we haven’t been the best parents--” her father started.
        “Do you have any idea what it’s like to not feel loved in your own home? To be forced to hide who you are so that your parents might just say three tiny words? Three words that you’ve wanted to hear all your life?” Stinging tears teased her eyes but she didn’t want to let them see her cry. 
        “Scootaloo, we just want what’s best for you,” her mother restated, like she had countless times. 
        “Yeah, and what the hell is that? A husband, two and a half kids, white picket fence and a beagle named dog? So you can have the life you wanted by living through me?”
        “What’s wrong with that life? It’s good, stable, your neighbors won’t stare at you.” Her father said.
        “That life isn’t me! I don’t want to settle down. Life is one big adventure waiting to happen. I won’t ‘settle’ for anything. If I want something I’ll go get it. If I want to be an astronaut I’ll try my damndest. If I want to be a pro skater, I’ll be a damn pro skater. And whatever happens, I will face it on my feet.” Scootaloo rose. “And nobody, not even family,” she spat the word, “can keep me from those goals. She started walking to the door. Rainbow took that as her cue to leave. She left her sister alone for the time. Best to let magma cool before you tried to touch it. Scootaloo rushed to her room like a hurricane that caused an earthquake and slammed the door. 
        Rainbow Dash decided she had better give her sister another twenty minutes or so...
        Rainbow Dash opened the door slowly. So slowly. So very very slowly. This was her mistake. She was met to a calculator to the abdomen, a phone that hit her shoulder, and a book flying to her face. She deflected the book and tanked the rest. She had an idea of why she was target practice at the moment, but she couldn’t back down. Never, ever back down. She dodged a few more projectiles Scootaloo had at the ready. She pounced on Scootaloo, restraining her and giving her a hug, though the younger likely didn’t see it that way. Scootaloo squirmed and squirmed until she started crying. Confident the danger to her body had passed, Rainbow released her. 
        And earned herself a black eye.
        Rainbow’s voice was calm. “You done?”
        “What the fuck is wrong with you!” Scootaloo screeched. “You were supposed to protect me from them, but you just sat there with your dumb smile, trying not to get involved. You don’t give a fuck about me! You want me to go back there and live with them because they’re my parents. You… You were trying to get rid of me!”
        “Scootaloo, it’s not my job to be your champion. I won’t stand in for a fight you have to face. As much as I hate your parents too, any progress won’t be from me, but you and them. You said it yourself. Face it on your feet. Not mine, not anyone else’s. I get hating your parents. Mine get on my nerves sometimes, but they don’t downright disapprove of me. I don’t expect you to forgive them, I don’t even expect you to talk to them. But I cannot fight this battle for you. What do you is up to you. I won’t stand in your way, but I will be right behind, to keep you from falling over.  And I promise we aren’t going to get rid of you. Come hell or high-water, you’re with us now.”
        “Swear?”
        “I can get a stack of religious texts and sports magazines if you want.”
        Scootaloo giggled. “Good enough. Sorry I keep beating you up.”
        “I heal.”

        “Scoots,” Apple Bloom said as she warmed some virgin cider on the stove. The chill of winter had started to leave, but it wasn’t gone yet. Kind of like a rash. Or a really tricky math problem that the two had worked out over the course of nearly two hours. “Can I ask you something?”
        “Sure?”
“What’s it like to be gay?”
        “You ever had a crush on a boy? I know you’ve had boyfriends.”
        Apple Bloom glanced around suspiciously. “I guess you could say that. Rumble is kinda cute, and that one boy with the purple hair...” Oh no, she said too much! 
        “Your stomach get all queasy when you think about them too long, or look at them? Can’t think about anything else?”
        “Yeah.” Apple Bloom was glad Scootaloo couldn’t see her blush.
        “Well it’s exactly like that, just toward different people. Two weeks ago when I was still a closet case I couldn’t even look at sugar without thinking of Sweetie. I was trying to be in denial and not in denial at the same time.” Apple Bloom poured the warmed cider into mugs. “But that’s not important.”
        “Huh. I guess it’s that simple. I thought it’d be… weirder.”
        “Nah, we’re just like everyone else.” Scootaloo sighed at the table.
        “Sorry, I just didn’t understand. I dunno, I guess I got some misconception somewhere that… ya felt different.” Apple Bloom sat the mugs on the table.
        “No, no, you’re fine. I just ran into my parents yesterday and keep thinking about it. It’s got me kind of on edge.”
        “Want to talk about ‘em?”
        “I guess I should.” Scootaloo began weaving her tale, recalling events of the past and how much they affected her. They never really let her have or do anything. She just wanted a pet gecko. It would spend most of it’s life in a tank. But no. Too much responsibility. She was barely allowed to leave the house. The only reason she could skate to school was because it was three blocks away. She couldn’t join the soccer team because her grades were abysmal. OK, maybe that one was fair, but when she actually tried, they said they didn’t have time. Then what was the point of trying? Within no time her grades were back in the pit of failure. 
        She finally sighed after her telling was done, third mug of cider gone. “Thanks for listening.”
        “No problem. My brother always says the only thing good to come out of the past is history. It will affect you today, but you get to chose how. So go get a gecko and join the soccer team.”
        Scootaloo thought about it for a moment. “Thanks. And thanks for helping with algebra.”
        “I wouldn’t be much of a friend if I let my friends fail.” Scootaloo and Apple Bloom exchanged a few niceties before the two parted ways. Apple Bloom leaned against the wall in the kitchen and sunk to the floor, hands on her head. She tried to keep from crying. It was a fruitless cause. 
        “What’s got you down in the dumps?” Applejack’s voice asked.
        “I’m… attracted to Scootaloo.” 
        “Well, you got yourself into a fine kettle of fish.” Applejack’s laughter rolled through the house. 
        “You’re so helpful sometimes,” the younger sister growled. 
        “I do what I can. You’re just gonna have to talk to them. Something tells me Sweetie don’t want to share, but I’d guess Scootaloo wouldn’t mind. Not that I think she’s a slut or anything.”
        “Need I remind you that you was a teenager once? You have any idea what your hormones are like?”
        “I know. My… you know, I’m not going to talk about my sex life, but I know. So what are you going to do?”
        “Keep it to myself? This is a bad thing to say about your friend, but Scootaloo might just cheat on Sweetie for me. I don’t want to break them up.” 
        Applejack rolled her eyes. Apparently those lessons about honesty were quickly forgotten. “Can I ask you somethin, before I impart mah sage wisdom?” Apple Bloom nodded. “It’s kind of a silly question, really. How do you know?”
        “Well, since Scoots has started officially dating Sweetie and the two are all over each other, it’s gotten me curious. I think they’re adorable together and I’ve started to think what sex would be like, and. Um. I’ve kind of thought about her… showing me the ropes.”
        Her sister nodded. “Well my sage wisdom is that you have to tell her. It’s like a band-aid, do it quick and get it over with. If she’s willing to cheat on her girlfriend for you, you don’t want her as a friend. I don’t think she would, frankly. Say what you will about Scoots, but she has integrity. Just like her ‘sister.’ Now, unfortunately, I’m going to have to give you the talk.
        “It would be hypocritical for me to say sex is a direct result of love. The body has needs that need to be taken care of. You’ve probably figured out how to use your hand or… something. Anyway.” Applejack’s cheeks flushed. “People are attractive. Sometimes you want to bang them. There’s nothing wrong with that. Just remember a good one night stand isn’t love, it’s lust. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to sleep with Scootaloo. Unless you’re my age, then it’s considered statutory…. That’s neither here nor there. You might even love her, and that’s fine. If you want to know if you’re in love… you’ll figure it out. It’s sort of like a pit you don’t realize you're in until you’re about fifty feet down. Just remember there’s a difference between physical attraction and emotional connection.”
        “I think I get it.” Apple Bloom retreated to her room, glad to be away from the lecture everyone receives at or before that age. Applejack wondered if she covered enough. 
        

        Scootaloo’s phone rang. She checked the screen to see who it was. She was betting on Rainbow Dash wondering where she was, but it was Apple Bloom. Huh. She answered. “Can’t keep your mind off me? I’ve only been gone five minutes.”
        “Uh, yeah, about that… I might as well just tell you now. Friends don’t keep secrets from each other.” Apple Bloom didn’t say whatever it was she was going to.
        “And that is?” Scootaloo said after an uncomfortable silence passed.
        “I… I’m attracted to you. I know you’re dating Sweetie and I don’t want to ruin that, but I just wanted to tell you.” Scootaloo fell flat in the dirt. Good thing she had a helmet. She rose, dusted herself off and found her phone. Dumb rock. Totally just the rock. She dusted herself off and picked up her phone.
        “What was that?”
        “I totally crashed.”
        “Oh goodness, are ya OK?”
        Scootaloo spat some dirt from her mouth. Much to her chagrin, she saw a bloody tooth in the dirt.
        “I’m fine.” 
        “Um, well, thanks for telling me. You’re kind of hot yourself, but um… I don’t think we can do anything like… date… or… um…”
        “I know, I know, I just wanted to tell you. I knew what you would say. Thanks for not freaking out too bad.”
        “I have four hundred scars from my freakout when Sweetie told me the same thing. Can’t get much worse than that. If you ever want to talk about the finer points of lesbianism, I’ll be here. We’re still friends. Don’t even worry about that.” Scootaloo picked up her tooth.
        “I guess you can read minds. Thanks. Bye.” Scootaloo pushed back on her board, setting down the road again. She futilely shoved down thoughts of Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and her together… Maybe Sweetie would be open to the idea. It was sort of implied they wouldn’t see anybody else, but Bloom was their best friend. Maybe there was a “Best friend exception?”
        Scootaloo sent a text to Rainbow, letting her know where she would be. I just knocked out a tooth skateboarding. Going to dentist to see if I can get it fixed. Be home whenever. Her sister replied.
        Just make it into a necklace. 

        Rainbow had finally finished her homework and grabbed her book from the shelf. She jumped on the bed and opened it, leaning against a pillow. Someone gently tapped on her door. Rainbow sighed. “Come in.”
        The door creaked open (She really should oil those hinges) and Scootaloo walked in. “Gah, do you ever wear clothes?” Rainbow looked and realized she took off her shirt and had changed into her athletic shorts.
        “What? It’s my house.”
        Prism walked by just then, carrying a hamper. “Technically, it’s mine. Oh, do you have any laundry?”
        “I put mine in the hamper after I shower.” Scootaloo said.
        Rainbow looked around, taking note of the mountain of clothes on either side of her bed. “I’m good.” Prism sighed and continued walking. “What did you want to talk about? Other than my habits of being a nudist.”
        “Apple Bloom told me she was… attracted to me, her exact words.”
        Her sister nodded. “Yeah, and how does that make you feel,” she said, channeling a sarcastic german therapist. 
        Scootaloo talked at the approximate velocity of three miles per minute. “Well she’s kind of hot and I’ve thought about having a threesome a few times but I don’t want to make Sweetie mad because she brightens my day, always knows what to say and her smile is like a star shining bright and we talk a lot and share our secrets and she’s a really good kisser and I’ve seen her sad before and it broke my heart and…”
        “OK, woah, OK, I get it squirt, you want to have sex with your friends. Believe me, I get it. You love Sweetie Belle and don’t want to ruin that relationship by banging Apple Bloom. Well, here’s what you do. Tell Sweetie Belle. Then whatever you do is up to you. I would strongly advise against hooking up with Bloom.” Rainbow looked at the ceiling, and they waited awkwardly for someone to remember something. “Oh, did you salvage your tooth?”
        “No, I fucking swallowed in on the way to the dentist.” Scootaloo laughed, clutching her knees.
        Rainbow had to laugh at that. “At least you tried. You get an appointment for a crown or something?”
        “Nah, I didn’t.”
        “Well, do you want one?” Rainbow asked tentatively.
        “Sure…”

Sweetie?
Sweetie Belle raised an eyebrow at the text. One word, her name, a question mark. Something was troubling Scootaloo about their relationship. Sweetie shook her head. Talk about reading into things.
What’s up babe?
AB told me she was attracted to me. Just thought I’d let you know. Don’t get the wrong idea. We both know we can’t really do anything.
Awww that’s adorable. <33 To be honest, I’m not sure I’d blame you if you did. Actually wait, yes she fucking would. They’ve only had sex once at this point. It was special and wonderful and magical, but Sweetie wouldn’t be able to look at it the same way if Scootaloo just jumped on anything that called her hot. Sweetie crinkled her nose. Was she legitimately thinking her girlfriend was little better than a two-bit hussy? Was she that distrusting? Ur still mine though. :P She sent.
Always, angel.
Love U. <333

        If there was one thing Scootaloo knew, it’s that she could trust her friends. Dumb nightmares be damned, her friends were there for her, and she for them. That stupid dream a few days ago was just memories of how she thought her friends would react if they found out. Not to mention how completely off base she was with Rainbow Dash. She was a lesbian and she let everyone know it. 
Like Apple Bloom said, friends don’t keep secrets from each other. Scootaloo was flattered that not just one but two people found her desirable in some way. And Apple Bloom had made it clear that she wanted her friends to be happy, and wouldn’t cause any waves. Scootaloo believed her. If there was one other thing she knew, it was her friends. Apple Bloom couldn’t tell a lie, like there was something in her brain preventing it.
        But she also knew her girlfriend. Reviewing the text message, Ur still mine though, Scootaloo couldn’t help but feel Sweetie didn’t trust her. The emoticon with the tongue sticking out was meant to lighten the message, make it seem like a joke. Scootaloo was happy, and she didn’t want to cause waves either. 
        Or maybe the skater was over analysing things. It was hard to overcome the paranoia that comes from living in the closet. One wrong word and that pack of white girls might beat you up. Deny a guy’s advances and he’d call you a fag. Scootaloo, like many, began to apply that with other aspects of her life. What did her girlfriend really think? The conversation was straightforward enough but there was always a message behind the message, behind the message. Where Apple Bloom was more honest than George Washington, Sweetie had always avoided hurting her friends feelings, and prefered to cause herself some torment if it meant her friends were happy and protected. If she just said what she really thought...
        Did Sweetie just want to hide her feelings so Scootaloo’s feelings wouldn’t get hurt? Was Sweetie concerned Scootaloo would run off with Apple Bloom for a good time, and just toss out what they had? Maybe that was it, but why would she even think that? Scootaloo would readily admit that she had a few fantasies with Apple Bloom, including that lovely nightmare when she stayed at her house. But would she trade what she had with Sweetie Belle, the wonderful girl with the soft, cotton-candy-colored hair that smelled like sugar cookies and honeydew? The girl who made her laugh, and kept her temper under control; the one with the magical giggle that somehow dissolved the world and all its problems? No. 
        She just hoped Sweetie knew that. Or that Scootaloo was just making it all up, and there was no problem. Since she had become so good at convincing herself of things that may not be true, she settled on the latter. 

        Two days later, and it looked like their relationship was unaffected. Scootaloo was just worrying over nothing. 

> Interlude - One Year Ago
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Rainbow Dash absentmindedly twirled her walking stick while she waited for her adventuring party. Scootaloo was meeting up with Apple Bloom and Sweetie and their sisters for a week long trek to Rainbow Falls. Rainbow Dash had gotten here early. She couldn't help it; the great outdoors called to her. She was looking forward to spending time with Scootaloo. The girl would come into Prism's shop and modify her skateboard. Rainbow held a loose mentorship with the vivacious girl, but due to a small slip she pretended not to notice, Rainbow knew Scootaloo thought of her as her sister.
        Rainbow often debated if she had a heart, but right then she felt it melt. Everyone needs role models, and Rainbow was Scootaloo's. She'd try to be the best she could be. She did a kata to loosen her muscles with half a mind, going from memory. She took Sojutsu during middle school. It wasn't quite a spear, but it didn't really matter.
        A Prius and a nameless, rusty pickup truck showed up. Her friends were here. She cracked her neck one last time and picked up her backpack from it's resting place on the log. Five girls joined her, Scootaloo clamping on to her waist unexpectedly in a hug. “You made it!”
        “I'd never leave you hanging.” Rainbow chose to ignore how much weight Scootaloo's statement had. Rainbow tousled Scootaloo's hair and called it good. “We're gonna have a great time, squirt.”
        “I'm only three years younger than you.”
        “Yeah, but you're a foot shorter.” Rainbow giggled. Scootaloo let go, and Rainbow noticed a slight pout.
        Rainbow saw Applejack's grin. “Don't worry bout it none, I was short until I hit a growth spurt sophomore year. And you've met my brother, he was the runt of the class.”
        Rainbow decided it was time to get the show on the road. It was a pretty far hike to the first camp. She stood with her hands on her hips, being overly dramatic. She took a breath, “C'mon, slowpokes, we're burning daylight!” She held her staff like a king pointing the direction for his armies to advance. “Onward!”

        “Um… Rainbow, did you even pack anything?” Rarity questioned.
        “Let's see, sleeping bag, knife, water… fire starters. I think I got everything covered, eh what?”
        “Y'all were supposed to bring a tent. And part of the food.”
        “What? It's fall. Anything dangerous is asleep. I can just trap a lagomorph, eh what?” Rainbow tilted her pith helmet.
        Rarity pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. “I'm impressed you know what a lagomorph is, considering you've failed biology three years running. And I'm not even sure long dead British explorers used that verbal tic as often as you are, darling.” She said, now self-conscious of her own.
        “Why does Rarity call you darling all the time?” Scootaloo asked.
        "She obviously has the hots for me, just like every lass at school, me hardy."
        "That's a pirate," Apple Bloom said.
        "I do not! I call everyone darling. It's how a lady addresses her peers."
        "You call a guy darling and you're gonna have to beat them off with a stick." Applejack snorted.
        "Those get some other nickname. And if you must know, I'm asexual. Mostly."
        "Right, you tried to explain this once. If'n I recall, it was something about argyle, thick glasses, and power."
        “Argyle is so last year...” Rarity reflected to no one in particular.
        “So wait, let me get this straight. Girls like Rainbow Dash, who is also a girl?”
        “'Like' might be putting it generous dear. However she has had a few girlfriends and even I must admit she's attractive.”
        “Half the soccer team does back flips to get with me, eh what!” Rainbow Dash then dropped her accent to continue. “OK, serious time for like, two minutes. Some people like other people of the same sex. Guys can like guys, girls like girls. They're called 'gay,' and as you could probably guess, I'm one of them. There's nothing wrong with it. It just is.”
`        “That's so cool.” Scootaloo's words seemed a little distant. Somewhere in Scootaloo's mind, a gear started turning. As it made it's revolutions which gave way to revelations, this gear would set in motion events of incalculable consequence. The group grinned and bore Rainbow's silly British Explorer Banter (trademark) all the way to the campsite.

        Scootaloo looked around at the site. It was surrounded by towering oak trees, so high above her. She reached out her arm, tiny by comparison, vainly attempting to reach the tree tops. If she were a bird, or maybe a pegasus (how cool would that be?), she could soar above them, taking in the Earth's splendor but free from its ties…
        Two blue birds flew above her, one chasing the other off with loud threats, breaking her from the fantasy. “Beautiful, isn't it, squirt?” Rainbow had walked up behind her, somehow unheard on the fallen leaves. “I love it out here. It's quiet… peaceful, calm, nobody to judge you, you're… free to be what you want.”
        “What do you want to be?” Scootaloo asked.
        “Myself. Happy. I'd like to join the Blue Angels, but it ain't easy. I can do it though, I'm sure.”
        “I bet you can, you're the coolest person ever!”
        Rainbow chuckled with a big stupid grin on her face. “Thanks, squirt.” Rainbow tousled her hair again, “Let's go get some firewood before it gets dark.”

        Scootaloo held a sizable bundle of dried twigs in her arm. Rainbow had several big logs. The older one decided that would be enough, because they burn slow or something. Scootaloo estimated they had an hour or so before sunset. She was worn out, but certainly not going to show it. Especially not to Rainbow Dash.
        “Hey, how do you know if you’re gay?”
        “You ever had a crush on somebody?Like you can't stop thinking about them and you may find yourself unable to talk to them, stuff like that?'
        Scootaloo thought for a moment in silence. “No, I can't think of anyone.”
        “Nobody, huh? Well, you could be asexual like Rarity. She just isn't interested. Watch any porn?”
        “Um...”
        “Oh relax, we're all teenagers. Pretty sure we all do.”
        Scootaloo sighed, “Yeah, every night. But I feel guilty about it afterward. Like I've betrayed God and everyone.”
        Rainbow scowled, unseen. How terrible to think that. “Believe me when I say there's nothing wrong with it. God doesn't care. If He didn't want us to have sex, He wouldn't have made it so fun.” Rainbow nearly dropped her burdens and slapped herself at the thought she had after that. Instead she missed a step, but continued on like everything was fine. She turned nearly purple from the blush. “Well, what kind of porn?”
        “Straight. Pretty boring. I kinda like it when the girl is on top.”
        Rainbow considered running face first into a nearby tree as penance for the fantasy she was having. Damn hormones. Half of seventeen plus seven… Technically… No, stop. Stop.
        “You'll figure it out. Maybe pick up a Playboy or something, see if you're into girls.” I hope she is. Dammit Rainbow, Have you no shame?
        That's debatable.
        Scootaloo said nothing.

        "Honey, I'm home!" Rainbow shouted as she stood on the edge of the site.
        "If'n you were expecting a kiss you can forget it." Applejack snorted.
        "But we cuddled." Rainbow pouted.
        "That was one time, and we were drunk, it was raining... oh, you know, you were there." Applejack blushed.
        "Set that faggot down at the fire pit, squirt."
        "Faggot?"
        "Bundle of sticks."
        "It's British, like Rainbow seems to be at the moment, and has about five different meanings. It can also be cigarettes." Rarity inspected her fingernails as she spoke.
        "Oh, so that one kid with purple hair was being called a bundle of sticks?" Scootaloo laid down her burden. Wait, that doesn't make any sense at all.
"Exactly. They meant it as an insult though, so don't call people a bundle of sticks. It can be very mean depending on the context." Rainbow knelt by the fire. "I'm gonna show you how to light a fire with one matchstick." She scooped up two handfuls of pine needles and dried leaves and set them in the rock-circle. Next she hopped up and scraped some sap from a maple tree and tossed that in the pit. She took some of the smaller sticks and broke them even smaller, and set those on the heap. "The key is flammability at first, but if you want to keep the fire going, it's about air circulation. Fire needs air." She carefully stacked three big logs on the mess. She took a match out of her cylindrical lanyard, its purpose now made clear, and stuck it against a rock. She delicately placed it in the pit. Within the minute, a fire was roaring.
        "I taught her that one." Applejack smirked. The farmer pulled out a package of hot dogs. "Hey, Christopher Columbus, could you fashion us some poking sticks?"
        "Right away!" Rainbow found some straight sticks from the pile and whittled them to a point. They ate rotisserie pork-product. By then the sun was just setting, it's orange glow turning part of the sky purple, among other various hues.
        "Time for ghost stories!" Rainbow announced. About halfway through the Headless Horseman, Sweetie jumped and held on to Scootaloo's arm, shaking. Sweetie realized what she was doing and backed off, blushing hard. Scootaloo felt an overwhelming urge to wrap an arm around her friend's shoulder. So she did. Nothing wrong with comforting a friend.

        Since Scootaloo knew Rainbow wasn't bringing a tent, she decided she didn't want to either. If Rainbow could endure the elements, she could too. The elder was snoring loudly, but Scootaloo was tossing and turning, afraid of the headless horseman. It can't be real. Nothing is going to take her head off and wear it. The entire thing sounded ridiculous. Rainbow wasn't afraid, so why should Scootaloo be? Rainbow wasn't just risking the elements, she was out where the horseman, if there was such a thing, could get her. Scootaloo drifted to sleep with ease after thinking about it.

        The next day, Scootaloo felt the need to be near Sweetie Belle. They were already close friends but something about cuddling at the campfire… did she just think “cuddling?” Something about the comfort of the campfire felt… right to Scootaloo. Then again, it was best not to read anything into it. Scootaloo was just the closest. Sweetie always scared easily. And she was always making eyes at Rumble. But Scootaloo walked with Sweetie, as though the nearness held an answer. Rainbow and Applejack were a few strides ahead, arguing about the map, and Bloom offering her input. Rarity brought up the rear.
        Scootaloo noticed her friend smelled like apricots, honeydew and sugar cookies. It made her oddly hungry. She wondered what the perfume might taste like if she took a bite… Scootaloo shook her head, disgusted with herself for thinking about taking a bite out of Sweetie. Maybe this was the “weird stuff,” Rainbow talked about. It was something to think about at least. Rarity smirked knowingly.

        "Right ho, let's get this fire started real horrorshow!" Rainbow exclaimed.
        "That's A Clockwork Orange, which is technically British, but the wrong character. Quite frankly I'm impressed you read." Rarity looked up from her book with a snarking look on her face.
        "Read? There was a book?" Rainbow struck the match. Rarity rolled her eyes.
        Scootaloo turned her head, only to find the epitome of radiant beauty. The orange glow of the fire illuminated Sweetie, highlighting the soft and tender expression she always seemed to wear. Scootaloo's mouth hung slightly open. The world seemed to fade to the soft orange nimbus around Sweetie, and the girl herself. She giggled as Bloom setup the tent over dramatically. Scootaloo felt her hand move, wishing to touch the hem of her skirt… and maybe pull it down… Scootaloo shocked herself back into awareness and stopped her hand.
        “A certain light radiates from her,” She heard Rarity mutter, “How romantic.” She sighed wistfully. Scootaloo had to agree.
        “Scoots? You awake?” Sweetie said, holding a hot-dog on a stick for her to take.
        “Yeah, yeah. I just kinda… zoned out for a sec.” Sweetie giggled, oh that insufferable giggle. Scootaloo took the pork-thing and murmured “thanks.”
        "This is so much fun! I can't wait to see the falls again!" Sweetie giggled again. Scootaloo almost pleaded for her to stop.
        "Yes, it's rather a shame our parents can't be here, what with their midlife crisis and all." Rarity didn't look up from her book as she spoke. After dinner, Rainbow surveyed the woodpile.
        "That will barely last us the night. Come'n squirt, let's go get some more firewood for the women of the cave."
        Scootaloo got up, "Aren't we girls?"
        "Yes, but... Ugh, never mind. The joke isn't funny if you have to explain it."

        “I do think that's enough.” Rainbow nodded in satisfaction. “And Scoots, if you ever need to talk to someone, give me a call, or possibly stop by the shop. You could always talk to Mom too. She's been through a lot.”
        Scootaloo was a little confused, “Uh, OK.”
        “I mean it, anything. You kinda remind me of me when I was your age.”
        “That barely makes sense.”
        “Yeah, well sometimes things don't have to make sense to be true. Anything at all.”
        “I get it. I will.” Rainbow smiled.
        "Honey I'm home!" Rainbow shouted again.
        "Joke was barely funny the first time." Applejack snorted.
        The camping trip finished up in the morning, and they made their way down from the splendor of the falls. Seeing both her friends in bathing suits was nearly too much for Scootaloo.
        Scootaloo stayed within a distance of Sweetie Belle for reasons she couldn't quite explain the whole way back down. It was, all in all, a perfect spring break. They ran out of hot dogs and other food, thanks to Rainbow's lack of packing. True to her word, the last day she caught two rabbits and roasted them over a fire. Rarity ate with a dainty grace, seemingly hating every bite, but complemented Rainbow's cooking skills.
        The final stretch of the trek ended in disaster. Rainbow decided she wanted to steal a hawk's nest to impress everybody. She made the climb up to the second branch and then… Scootaloo screamed, Rainbow yelled, Applejack flinched and Rarity looked with horror. Apple Bloom and Sweetie looked shocked. Applejack rushed to her friends side.
        “Don't move. I think you know the drill by now. If you say your fine, or try to walk I'll slap you.”
        Rainbow's leg hurt like hell. If she was an ounce more foolish she'd get up and show Scootaloo how tough she was. But Applejack had a mean backhand. Rainbow looked up to see her “sister,” or whatever they considered each other, crying. She said the only thing she could think of. “Scoots, I'll be alright.” She glanced at Applejack, who nodded. “This happens quite a bit. It's probably broken. Probably a hairline, it wasn't that big of a fall. Don't cry for me, save them for someone that needs them.”
        Scootaloo's eyes dried up, she clenched her fists and ground her teeth. “How can you be my sister if you DIE!” She shouted. She darted off into the forest. The group stood awestruck.
        “Well don't look at me, I've got a broken tire! Rarity, you stay with me for the whambulance, please, and Applejack, go find her.” The farmer broke from her daze and started running.
        Applejack heard sobbing in the distance and followed it to a small clearing. Scootaloo was there, head between her knees and tears falling into the dirt. Applejack sat down in front of her.
        “Go away.”
        “No.” Applejack grinned a little, then flattened her face. This wasn't the time for grins. “So, you think of Rainbow like a sister?”
        “Yeah, she's… so awesome. And smart, and cool and the greatest.”
        Applejack held off the urge to break that delusion. Particularly the “smart” part. And from what Applejack had gathered, it was more of an “unhealthy obsession,” than anything else. They barely spoke, except about Skateboards. But there was more time to think about that later. “We all have people we look up to. Nothing to be ashamed of. That's why you ran, isn't it?”
        “Yeah, I was scared of what she would think.”
        “Rainbow was talking about you before we made this trip. I think she thinks about you the same way.”
        “You really think so?”
        “Ask her yourself.” Applejack rose and held out her hand. Scootaloo grabbed on and they walked back. Rainbow was still leaning against the tree. When she saw Scootaloo, she started grinning ear to ear and said, “Hey sis. Glad you're OK. Don't run off like that, please.”
        That was all Scootaloo needed to hear. ]

        Scootaloo was lying in bed, reading through a Playboy. Well, reading wasn't quite the right term. She bought it on the way back home, earning her a confused look from the clerk, but he was only eighteen and who cares? Girl wants to buy a magazine with barely clothed girls, let her. The area between her legs started to burn, and she wanted to touch it.
        As Scootaloo finished, she moaned Sweetie's name. And the answers she was looking for were obvious.

        It was the last day of Spring break, and Scootaloo was sitting at the dinner table with her parents, eating whatever mom cooked. It looked kind of like meatloaf. The adults grumbled about something going on at work. Scootaloo frankly didn't care. She managed to keep from shaking, somehow, but her throat was dry anyway. Maybe it would be easier if they never knew. Well, If Rainbow said there was nothing wrong with it, then they'd be fine. But… There was a lull in the conversation that Scootaloo decided to seize. Now or never.
        “Mom, Dad. I think I'm gay.”
        Her dad spit out the tea he was drinking, and her mother dropped her fork. They talked as though she wasn't in the room.
        "She goes on one camping trip and comes back thinking she's gay! What are we going to do?" Her father asked her mother.
        "I don't know. Scootaloo, did you tell anyone else?"
        "No."
        The next twenty minutes involved her parents trying to convince her she was straight. Scootaloo had a habit of not listening, as is true for all children that age. They tried to appeal to guilt, them to eternal damnation, then family. Something about leading a blessed life was in there too. Scootaloo got the impression it was a bigger deal than Rainbow made it out to be.
        "But... Rainbow." She managed, as the lecture concluded.
        "Is that who gave you this idea? I knew she was a degenerate. You won't be associating with her anymore, understand."
        "Alright..." Scootaloo fled to her room. The air was suffocating. She needed to think.
        "And just remember, we love you," Her mother said.
        Scootaloo shut the door and crawled up on her bed. With her knees to her chin and her arms holding herself, she cried. Was the devil real? Did he put these thoughts in her head? Seems like a pretty unfair test from God if that's actually the case. Why is it some people get to do what they want, but Christians have their religious codes. Don't do this, don't do that. What was the truth?
        Scootaloo heard whispers. She moved to the door and placed an ear on it. The girl heard talk of "conversion camp." Whatever it was didn't sound fun. It was obvious that whatever she thought, she would have to deny her feelings for her family… and herself. Scootaloo looked at her nightstand. Her father had given her a butterfly knife because she thought it was cool. She reached in the door and took it out. She unfolded it like she practiced and held it to her bare wrists. Tears fell down her face. She needed to do this; control herself. Anything to keep her family happy with her.

> Chapter 6 - Things happen.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	It was Scootaloo's first soccer game in high school. Scootaloo's chance. The stands were packed with parents and grandparents of the team, and the local community. Like they had actual things to do on a Tuesday. Scootaloo wondered if her parents were in the stand, perhaps only there to say how proud they were of her. Acting like everything is normal. Smiling and waving and cheering so that others would know how supportive they were of her daughter. Did they even know she was playing soccer now? It was all a load of bullshit, anyway. How many adults are going through life acting like they have everything under control? Perhaps the whole stadium? Were the Dashes just putting up an act as well? The principals, the teachers, the coach? Everyone is just a bunch of filthy liars. Maybe the assigned reading of Catcher in the Rye was rubbing off on her.
Applejack, along with her brother and sister, were working the stands, selling “Granny’s Fizzy Cider” at reasonable cost. Rainbow Dash was trying to weasel her way into a couple free bottles, but Applejack had turned her sarcasm detector off. Rainbow eventually gave up and payed, rolling her eyes. She passed a bottle to Sunset and another to Sweetie, who had been hanging around the athlete as much as her girlfriend. And she lived with Rainbow.
“Hey, you know what you should do?” Rainbow asked rhetorically, “Join the cheer squad. All those girls are dating the boy’s league. You’d barely look out of place.” Rainbow pointed to the side lines, where the squad was chatting with their boyfriends and occasionally kissing.
Sweetie seemed to genuinely consider the idea. “I dunno, I might distract her too much. Those skirts are awfully short.”
Rainbow laughed, “Fair point.”
Sunset spoke up, “Perhaps, but you could also be her encouragement. Her inspiration, her drive.”
“Hmm. Maybe I could… and drop Diamond Tiara.”
“The best revenge is to be unlike those who have wronged you.” Sunset said, probably quoting something from a long-dead monk. Sweetie considered these words.

Scootaloo poured her blood, sweat, and tears, onto the field. No, seriously. A rival team member had kicked the back of her leg, earning a penalty and a nasty scrape for Scootaloo. It was an accident. Of course that left her crying momentarily, but Rainbow was watching, so her tears dried up. And Sweetie. She could cry around Sweetie but that was usually emotional junk. She was tougher than some dumb scrape. 
The game itself was over too quickly. They didn’t have enough points. Just five more seconds, come on! But rules are rules, and they lost. Scootaloo showered. Water ran over her but did nothing to loose the emotional blockage she felt. It was familiar and comforting. It made her want to reach for a sharp piece of steel.
No. Never again.
After she finished changing, she slammed the locker door and rumbled out like a thunderstorm. The rest of the team stared in confusion. They lost, true, but they could rest easy knowing they had tried not to.
But for Scootaloo, this notion wasn’t good enough. There wasn’t trying to win, there was winning and there was losing. She kicked the door to the locker room open, and ran straight into Rainbow Dash, nearly knocking her over, but the star-athlete kept her balance.
“Woah there squirt. What’s got you looking like someone just killed your dog?”
Scootaloo squinted. “We lost!”
“Yeah, and?” Rainbow knelt down and looked into her sister’s eyes, rimmed red and cheeks streaked with tears. “Scoots, you can’t win everything. Even the stuff you’re good at. Heck, I’d bet against my own team for our next match, and I'm the captain. I’ve lost plenty of matches, and won plenty too. I know you gave your best out there.”
“NO! My best is the one that wins. I don’t lose! I’ve never lost anything!”
Rainbow gently held Scootaloo’s hands, turning them to the paler flesh of her wrists. Scootaloo looked away. “So these must be your trophies then. Scoots, not every loss is going to kill you. You were really great out there, did all the right moves. Soccer is a team sport, and your team did what they could too. There were a few trips and falls, but that happens. Sometimes the other team’s ‘best’ is better than yours. That’s why you aim to improve.”
Scootaloo went from sad to confused. Her mother always told her that if she was going to do something, she should be good at it. To Scootaloo, this translated as “You’ll know if you should do something because you’ll instantly be good at it. That means first place.” Her mother would go on and on about how disappointing her grades were. But why should Scootaloo even try? What would doing homework actually get her, now and in the future? It didn’t get her on the soccer team, it didn’t matter. So why had she started doing it after she moved out?
But Rainbow Dash wasn’t disappointed. She could see it in her eyes, hear it in her voice. She shook her wrists free and grabbed her sister in a hug. “Can’t… Breathe!” She exclaimed. Scootaloo loosened her grip.
“You’re not disappointed.” It wasn’t a question, it was a statement, said in awe. That difference made Rainbow’s heart drop.
“Course not. Why do you even care what I think about you? So long as you’re happy with what you’ve done, nobody else matters. And besides, you could never disappoint me.” Scootaloo’s grip tightened again. “And I’m proud to call you my sister. GAH.” Scootaloo latched on like velcro. 
“Ahem,” a voice from behind them said. “Mind if I cut in?” Scootaloo looked past Rainbow’s shoulder and saw Sweetie. She let go of her sister and rushed to her girlfriend, picking her up and doing a twirl before setting her down. Sweetie giggled. “I didn’t even know you were that strong. You were great out there.”
“Yeah, I guess I was.” Scootaloo made a cocky half-grin and flexed her muscles before she kissed her girlfriend's lips, letting her tongue slip in. Rainbow Dash looked away, desperately trying to avoid her heart melting from the sweetness. The couple broke apart.
“Oh, I think I’m going to join the cheer squad.”
Scootaloo’s expression went from queen-of-the-world to death-warmed-over. “Do you want to get beaten up?”
“Why… would I?”
“You’re dating me!”
“Everyone on the squad is dating someone. I don’t see the big deal.”
“No, you don’t. We’re lesbians! Diamond, the captain, already bullies us. The last thing we need is to make out on the sidelines like everyone else! In front of the whole goddamn stadium!” 
“Scoots, do you trust me?”
“What? Yes. Absolutely.”
“Good. I’m joining the squad because I want to. And if I want to kiss my girlfriend on the sidelines, I’ll kiss my girlfriend. In full view of God, the principals, everyone. Got it?”
Common Sense took a side seat to desire for the time. It wasn’t really anything they hadn’t done before. Sweetie would steal a kiss as they walked through town, pausing just on the sidewalk, in full view of the poor pedestrians who were just trying to get to work, only to have their brains melted by the saccharine scene of two girls kissing without a care in the world. Scootaloo did trust Sweetie. If she thought it was alright, it would be.
“Got it.”
Sweetie kissed her cheek.
“Hey, I’ve got an idea,” Rainbow suggested, “The gals and I grab a shake after a game, why don’t you three tag along. This is, after all, your game.” 
“Sounds good.”

It was late, and Sugar Cube Corner was quite empty. By now Pinkie had memorized everybody’s favorite shake and began mixing them as they walked in the door. Scootaloo sat with her friends, at a different table than Rainbow Dash. The girls did, however, compliment the good work on the field. Scootaloo thanked them before sitting down.
Not long after they had their shakes, Rumble and Button walked in. Apple Bloom waved. It was almost too easy for Scootaloo to forget they were dating. And all because…
Perhaps the more important question is, did Rumble know?
The two boys sat down. Apple Bloom gave a quick kiss on Rumble’s cheek. Scootaloo made a fake gagging sound, and the farmer giggled. “Excuse her, heterosexual romance makes her stomach churn.”
“Oh, it must have been awful for you to hold hands in front of your parents.”
“I was so close to vomiting.” Scootaloo chuckled “You’re not… bitter about it are you?”
“Eh, friends help friends out. You could have been a bit more honest about it.”
“That would have required me being honest with myself.”
“Wait a sec,” Apple Bloom interrupted, “Y’all dated?”
“In the loosest sense of the word.” Rumble shrugged. “We caught a few movies, played some video games, hung out. For like two months. As it turns out…”
“It was kind of mean of me. Stringing you along, using you as a cover for my parents.”
“I’ll be honest, yes it was. I don’t hold it against you. Middle School was… awkward for us all.”
“Yeah, and then he had me subconsciously hitting on him without me realising it.” Button chuckled.
“Will your boyfriend be joining us?” Apple Bloom asked.
“I don’t need him around constantly. It’s bro’s night out. He’s off with his pals too.”
Sweetie and Scootaloo shrugged in unison, and Scootaloo spoke, “Eh, we pretty much did everything together before we started dating anyway.”
“Well if you want to hang out with us and… I dunno, we usually just play video games or something, we’d love having you.” Apple Bloom extended an invitation. Rumble nodded.
“You were fun to be around. Even if you don’t like the same movies I do.”
“I’ll even confess, I think you’re cute. As near as I can tell, you’re the only boy I can even say that about.” Sweetie cleared her throat. “What? I don’t feel the same about him that I do about you, babe.” 
Sweetie giggled dismissively, tapping Scootaloo on the shoulder with a fist. “I’m teasing.”
“So, did you ever…” Apple Bloom made a gesture with her hands. 
“Nope. I should have known something was up. She didn’t seem too interested in Romance. Even hand-holding was kinda forced.”
Apple Bloom chuckled, “How do you know you don’t like it if you’ve never tried?”
The temperature seemed to raise, draining all mirth from the table. All eyes were on Scootaloo, glaring icicles into Apple Bloom.
“Shut up, mom.” Sweetie noticed Scootaloo’s hand was clenching into a fist, and reached out her own to cover it.
“I’m sorry, I was just trying to be funny.” Apple Bloom said, giving her puppy-dog eyes.
Scootaloo unraveled her fist. “Well, it wasn’t.” She pouted, rested her chin on her free palm and looked out the window. Sweetie was still holding her hand. She looked back around and huffed. “I’ll forgive you.”
“I should have known better.” Rumble and Button looked at each other, silently communicating something.
The day was saved, as Pinkie brought the milkshakes. Rumble patted his friend on the back. “That reminds me,” he pointed to Scootaloo’s shake. “Since you’re the only virgin here, you need to know about the pineapple trick.”
“D’whaa?”
“It makes you taste better.”
“Again, D’whaa?”
“When your boyfriend gives you a blowjob, have some pineapple before hand.”
Apple Bloom giggled, causing Scootaloo’s cheeks to shade pink. Apparently all that she required was a cute giggle. That may have explained some things. “Yeah, it makes your… um yeah, not taste so bitter.”
Scootaloo slurped her shake. “It works for lesbians too.” 
Sweetie giggled at an unsaid joke.
Scootaloo progressively lightened up, and much to her surprise was even defending Catcher in the Rye. Apple Bloom found the character annoying, but Scootaloo found him relatable and realistic. They agreed to meet up Sunday for a dykes and boys night in, playing video games and burping contests. That sort of thing. Sweetie noted they didn’t include her in this decision. She’d probably be bored anyway. She was kind of used to being the one who didn’t get a word in if the dynamic changed from the small group of three friends to something else anyway. And she didn’t need to be around Scootaloo constantly either. Everyone was having a good time.

> Chapter 7 - Lover's quarrel.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Scootaloo woke up. Where the fuck was she? Why was her head hit by an anvil? Scootaloo opened her eyes and cleared the fog. An empty bottle of whiskey sat on the coffee table, the TV was still on, and Apple Bloom and Sweetie were tied up, asleep. 
        Oh fuck, that means yesterday actually happened. She heard something cooking. Her hangover overrode anything else. She couldn’t hardly think straight, but made her way to the kitchen. Applejack was cooking bacon and pancakes. The older girl sighed. “Must have been one hell of a day.” Her voice was quiet, worn down. 
        Scootaloo grunted in affirmation. 
        “We’ll talk about why you girls know where my liquor stash is later. I already made some coffee. There’s juice in the fridge too.” Scootaloo poured a cup of coffee and cut it with cream and sugar. She also poured a glass of orange juice. She had been hung over once before, and this combination seemed to help. She nursed the coffee at the table, wishing she were dead. It was a preferable alternative to this throbbing headache. Applejack sat a plate full of pancakes and bacon and eggs in front of her. She waited for Scootaloo to finish the meal, before sighing again. “What the flying hell is going on with you girls?” 
        “Well…”

Rain fell with passion, thunder roared as lightning lit up the night. Apple Bloom cried at the kitchen table. It was dark. The power tended to go out in a bad storm, at least on the farm. Why couldn’t things just work out for her, for once? What she wanted was dangling right in front of her. A purple haired tomboy by the name… Scootaloo. 
        The only thing worse than holding on to a fantasy, is knowing why they can’t happen. Every time she thought of that name, it was different. One time it was wrestling in the mud, then taking off their clothes and taking a shower… together. Other times it was just the act itself. Sometimes there was rope, sometimes cuddly and sweet, or rough and loud.
        But there was only one reason Scootaloo wouldn’t do it. She was too loyal. Paradoxically, that made Apple Bloom want her to break up with Sweetie even more. Why was this eating at her so bad? Scootaloo was a good friend, Sweetie was too. She didn’t want to interfere, but she…
        She did. But she wouldn’t. Perhaps that was the difference. 
        Apple Bloom considered the list of girls in school. Twist. Too nerdy. Diamond. Bitch. Gilda. Bitch. Everyone seemed to be a bitch. Hot bitches, sure. But Scootaloo was hot and not a bitch. Maybe she could just date boys until high school ended. But… why? Other than the fact it was really the only option.
        Apple Bloom heard the chair across from her scrape against the floor. She looked up to see Big Mac with a sympathetic smile and a soda. 
        “What’s eatin’ ya?” He drawled.
        “Well, you know how I said I had a crush on Scootaloo,” (Again, with the ropes,) “I know I should just get over it. She’s dating Sweetie and Scootaloo is so happy and they’re so… good to each other. But this feeling is tugging at my nape. I can’t describe it.”
        “No other girls got ya?”
        “Some are hot, but they’re… teenage girls.”
        Big Mac nodded. “EEyup, s’why I’m still single.” Big Mac took a guzzle of his soda. “I never wanted to fool with it. There was one girl, but she was married before she even got her damn diploma.” Big Mac shook his head. “And perhaps I should get over it too. I should move on. But it’s harder than you think.”
        “Well, I think it’s pretty damn hard.”
        “Does Rumble know?”
        “Yeah. He’s been understanding, and he’s a really great guy, but I…”
        Big Mac nodded. “Want to try out the more delicate sex?”
        “That’s the best way to put it, yeah. I think I love Scootaloo. She’s… Well, she’s her. And I care about her a lot, and well,”
        “You’re a horny teenager. I’ve been there.”
        Apple Bloom blushed but nodded. “But even more than that I don’t want to cause drama. I love my best friends but they’re… well, they’re just friends. But I want to… be more than that. So how can I do both? Is this what being an adult is?” Apple Bloom sank in her chair.
        “Pretty much. Children do what they want, for themselves. Adults take others into consideration. And no, it never gets easier.”
        “Damn. So what the hell do I do?” 
        Big Mac said nothing, and his expression did not change. Apple Bloom knew he was thinking about something. “What do you think about Sweetie?”
        “She’s adorable and sweet and I hate her because she’s dating Scootaloo and I feel bad for thinking that and her skin is so soft and she smells nice. Scootaloo smells nice too, like clockwork. Her skin is rough and I think I like that too.”
        Big Mac lifted a deep chuckle. “I’m going to confess my motives for giving you this advice. I think, if you do this, it will be interesting at least. And who knows, it may work. Chances are it won’t. You may end up hurting yourself more by the end of it, but there’s the tiniest possibility it will work.”
        “Well what is it?”
        …


        Scootaloo had cooked dinner for Sweetie Belle at the Dash’s house. Everyone profusely complimented the chef. It had occurred to Scootaloo that nobody really knew anything about her girlfriend, and she wanted her makeshift family to get to know Scootaloo’s ray of sunshine. She was also delivering on the promise to actually cook for her, that she made a few weeks ago.
        It had started to rain at some point, probably just before dessert. None had really noticed, they were too busy making jokes and embarrassing Scootaloo. For only being here a few weeks they did rather well, like they knew her all her life. She would rather have the embarrassment than even try to do this with her actual parents. 
        “Hey, Sweetie? Want to risk going home in this rain?” Scootaloo’s smirk gave away her intentions. 
        Thunder shook the house. “Um… I think I’ll pass. Let me call Rarity to let her know.” And so they cuddled on the couch and watched Daring Do and the Temple of Shia’Tan. Rainbow Dash decided to make hot chocolate and joined them. The couch got a little crowded after Rainbow’s parents finished cleaning and joined them. They never really planned to have so many people over at once. Sweetie decided to sit on Scootaloo’s lap. The day felt surprisingly warm and cozy. 
        It was still raining outside when it was time to go to bed. It had calmed down from the tempest it was earlier, but fast, heavy drops still fell. Scootaloo kissed her girlfriend, enjoying the apricot toothpaste. “Hope Bloom’s OK. She said the power went out and her phone was nearly dead.”
        There she was, thinking about Apple Bloom again. What was so special about her? “She’ll be alright. She’s a tough girl. Just like you…” Sweetie hid her frown by kissing Scootaloo’s neck, causing her to moan. 
        “Mmm. I dunno, I’m kinda tired, rain always makes me sleepy.” Sweetie shoved her on the bed.
        “Well, let me see if I can change your mind.” Sweetie wiggled her hips, and began raising her skirt.
        Suffice it to say the striptease did change Scootaloo’s mind. What changed Sweetie’s mind about staying is that Scootaloo muttered the wrong name. Sweetie quickly got dressed, shouting anything and everything she could think of. Scootaloo watched from the bed, completely taken aback. What was actually happening? The door slammed, and Scootaloo’s world crashed down. She cried into her hands. 

        Rainbow heard something going on in the other room that didn’t sound pleasurable. The door slamming was all she needed to confirm it. She debated if she should go check on her sister. Relationships are complicated, would it be right to interfere? Considering the wailing from the next room, she thought the answer was yes. She got up and gently tapped on the door. “Come in.” A ghost wailed. She opened the door slowly, remembering what happened last time, and looked the other direction. She turned her head to find Scootaloo wrapped in a comforter with red-rimmed eyes.
        “What… just happened?”
        “I wish I knew. I… we had just… obviously. Then she just got mad and left. I think… something about moaning the wrong name.”
        Rainbow Dash collapsed to her knees in laughter. “Bwahaahahaha, that’s… that’s rich. Was it… was it me?” Rainbow collapsed further, onto the ground. Way to go, why not just tell her you want to bang her? You’ve just made it obvious enough! 
        In all fairness, I want to bang just about everyone. 
        “What? No, you sick fuck.” Although. No, shut up. “It was probably Apple Bloom, but I can’t even remember.” Rainbow kept laughing. And laughing. And laughing. Scootaloo contemplated strangling her. This wasn’t funny. 

Apple Bloom opened the door? Who in their right mind would be out in this weather? “Sweetie? What’s wrong, did you… walk all the way here?”
        Sweetie pounced with a roar, claws ready to dig into flesh.
        “Stay away from my girlfriend!”

        Scootaloo had gotten dressed, then landed a fist on the crown of her sister’s head. Rainbow shut up, her vision was swimming too fast. “I can smell your goddamn arousal! You fucking perv. I… Whatever. I’m going to Apple Bloom’s.” Scootaloo threw on a coat. “She’s probably the only one that doesn’t hate me right now. Or want to fuck me. Oh, the irony…” Scootaloo sighed and walked out. 

        It was rude to do this, but Scootaloo was finished. Done, fully cooked. She just wanted this day to be over. She opened the door to the Apple Estate without knocking. Scootaloo could only blink with her jaw on the floor at what she saw.
        “Why are you two tied together?... and gagged?”
        Granny Smith answered, “This is how I got Mac and Jack to stop fighting. “Granted, it’s a might bit excessive, but they were fighting like two ornery roosters. And I don’t tolerate the language they used in my house.”
        “Where’s everyone else?”
        “Mac and Jack are trying to sleep. They had to break these two up, and that weren’t no easy task. I think it has something to do with you.”
        “I can imagine. Alright if I take it from here?”
        Granny nodded, yawned and got up, “It’s past my bedtime. When you get old your joints don’t like to be awake round nine thirty.” She slowly went up the stairs.
        Scootaloo sat on the couch and turned on the TV. To her relief, Family Man was on. Something mindless to take her mind off of everything. She looked over and saw her friends begging her with puppy dog eyes. 
        “No. I’ve fucking had it. You two want to fight, this is what you get. I can’t deal with either of you right now.” Thank God (If that rat-bastard exists) it was the weekend. Scootaloo knew where the Apples kept the spirits. She went to the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of (she checked the label) Wild Mustang. The price tag was still on it, and she didn’t feel bad about drinking what was left. It was quite a bit, probably a fourth of a bottle.  She undid the cork and took a swig. It felt like fire on the way down, but had a nice flavor. Fuck everything. 

        Applejack’s expression did not change as Scootaloo finished the story. 
        “You know,” she said, “We have stronger stuff.” She sighed again. “That was a wild ride. Hell, Ida drained a whole jug of Granny’s Apple Polish. And we use that to clean the house.”
        “Remarkably, nothing was my fault this time.”
        “Feels good don’t it? Trust me, moaning other names happens. People can love more than one person.”
        “Thanks for breakfast. Ugh, I don’t want to go home. My damn sister is a pervert.” Scootaloo groaned.
        “I’m sorry, was that news? Rainbow’s horny all the time. Unfortunately I think you’re her type.”
        “What’s her type?”
        “Her reflection. You look a lot alike, act alike, and probably even think alike.”
        “But why… How can she? Why… what. I’m just going to have to talk to her aren’t I?”
        “Now you’re catching on.” Applejack smiled weakly. “Rainbow might want to sleep with the entire human race, but I know what she thinks of you. You’re her cool little sister. I also know that it’s eating her up inside, feeling the other way. Try to think of it from her perspective.” 
        “I’m going back to bed. My head still hurts and I might as well avoid my problems another few hours.” 
        “Go ahead and take Apple Bloom’s. She won’t mind.” 
        “You gonna untie them?”
        “Nah, I think they need to marinate a little longer. After all, someone had to show you where I kept the booze.” Applejack smirked.  Scootaloo went up stairs and collapsed on Apple Bloom’s bed. 

        Scootaloo woke up, fully recharged, but unwilling to face her problems. She didn’t want to talk to her friends. Frankly she wished she had a razor blade. But no. That was the old Scootaloo. This one would girl up and do it. She got up with a groan and went downstairs to the living room. Her friends were still tied up. Scootaloo crossed her arms and shook her head. 
        “OK, the way this is going to work, is I’m going to talk first, then I’ll remove the tape from your mouths, one at a time.” Scootaloo sighed. “Sweetie. It’s obvious you don’t trust either of us. And frankly that fucking blows. I love you, and I would never break your heart like that. No matter how hot our best friend is. Yeah, I moaned the wrong name. I’m sorry I’m a damn teenager that wants to lay anything, but you’re my...everything. I’ll admit I’ve had fantasies about a threesome, but I knew it couldn’t happen. Because I'm not that selfish. And you can’t trust either of us. That..." Scootaloo rubbed her forearm, "hurts… more than a razor blade.” She sniffed back tears. She was still too angry to cry.
        “Apple Bloom… I'm sorry, I guess. You’re just caught in the middle of all of this. You’re my best friend and I love you too, but in a different way. I know you just want a lesbian experience, and you like me. Who doesn’t? I’m pretty fucking great. I really would. You’re my friend, and I love you, you’ve been so supportive during all this. Frankly, I’m just as confused about it as you are. I’m sure it’s tearing you up, but we’re both too loyal to do anything, wouldn’t you agree?”
        Apple Bloom nodded and tears welled in her eyes. Scootaloo peeled the tape off of Sweetie quickly. “OW FUCK!” She yelled. “I’m… sorry. To both of you. Here we are, tied to each other, because we… I was fighting over our best friend. And we’re best friends. Well, we were at least. We shouldn’t be fighting. The truth is, I’ve had my own fantasies about Apple Bloom, so when I saw how close you were getting I turned into a jealous bitch. The worst part is, I’m not sure who I was more jealous of. So that’s why I didn’t trust either of you, because at times I couldn’t trust myself.”
        “I’ll forgive you. Really. You let the worst thoughts take control, and I know what that’s like.” She removed Apple Bloom’s tape.
        “Goddamn!” the farmer contorted her mouth to kind of scratch it. “I forgive you, Sweetie. I’ve been the jealous type with a few of my boyfriends. Poor things… Actually, this brings me to an interesting point. What if we just shared?”
        “You mean like, polygamy?” Sweetie asked.
        “Well yeah, I love you both, and apparently I look so fine I can drive a wedge in your relationship by doing nothing. And like ya said, we’re all friends, so why should we fight about the people we love, especially when they’re all the same people?”
        “That’s… crazy enough it might work. I really do love you, Bloom,” Scootaloo said. “You’re hot and… honest, my best friend, and I like how you smell like apples in spring, and…” She blushed and stopped talking, her girlfriend was in the room. “If you needed anything I’d give it. And the same goes for Sweetie. Sometimes I wonder what you’re up to but don’t want to send a text, or just give you both a hug sometimes. I… I think we can share what Sweetie and I have with you. We’re all so close anyway. Better that than to fight.”
“I dunno about this…” Sweetie said. “I mean, I kinda want Scoots to myself, but… obviously that’s doing more harm than good. We’re friends. We really shouldn’t be fighting. I like you both, you’re both hot... Oh fine, I’ll give it a try.”        
        “Woo, yeah! I get a harem!” Scootaloo exclaimed. The three girls giggled like they were mad.
        Applejack walked in, sipping a soda. “As sweet as that is, If y’all were thinking about doing anything today, or for the next hundred years or so, you can’t. Apple Bloom is grounded.”
        “What did I do!?”
        “Well, someone had to show Scootaloo where the booze was.”
        “You’re underaged too!”
        “Do as I say, not as I do.”
        “Fucking hypocrite.” Apple Bloom sneered. “It was just last year anyway. Summer vacation, you were out doing something, Big Mac was on business in Upper Canterlot. We were bored and wanted to try it. It was my idea. I just suckered the other two into it.”
        “It’s true.” Scootaloo shrugged. “I kinda liked it, and couldn’t remember anything afterward, so I thought it was just what I needed.”
        “Again, I can’t even blame you.” Applejack nodded. “You’re still grounded for a week.” Applejack began walking out.
        “So wait, you have no qualms with your sister having a polygamous relationship?” Sweetie asked.
        Applejack merely shrugged. “I don’t get paid enough to care. Just don’t break her heart. That’s what I tell everyone.” Applejack continued walking.
        “Oh, goodness, what about Rumble? I’ve only been dating him like a week! I’d feel terrible if I broke it off now.”
        “Well, he’s kinda cute too. Why don’t we just bring him in while we’re at it?” Sweetie shrugged.
        Scootaloo nodded. “I’m a bigger dyke than Justin Beiber and even I would do Rumble. That's why I dated him in the first place. He’s a really great guy. I don't think very many people would still talk to someone if they were just used as a cover."
        “OK then, we’re settled. Now, could ya please UNTIE US? I’m starting to chafe.”


Rainbow Dash hadn’t slept. That wasn’t exactly anything new in her life, but perhaps the cause was. For once in her existence she felt guilt. She had tossed and turned through the night, and instead of waking up rested, she was even more tired. She had done it now. She drove Scootaloo off. On top of that, her head was still tender. 
        Rainbow Dash deserved it. Scootaloo was supposed to feel safe here, but Rainbow had… well, been herself. Which apparently wasn’t any better than the girl’s parents. Rainbow cursed herself.
        She tried reading a book to take her mind away from the situation but she couldn’t get into it. Those familiar voices were reminding her she had screwed up, big time. There was a knock at the door. Dread filled her stomach. “Come in.” The door opened; it was Scootaloo. She probably wanted to chew her out before she packed up and lived with… well, anyone else would be a good choice.
        “We need to talk.”
        “Obviously. I… No, there’s nothing I can say.”
        Scootaloo sighed, crossed her arms and leaned on the doorway. “Let’s get this out of the way. Do you find me attractive?” 
        “Yes. But, you’re a teenager… You know what it’s like. My libido is so high I can touch the clouds! If it’s breathing and says ‘yes’, I’ll do it.” Rainbow palmed her eyes, trying to mask her shame.
        “Is that the whole reason you took me in? To have a young body across the hall?”
        “Absolutely not. I can’t just stand by if someone needs help. I… I want you to know I feel terrible every time I think about you… like that. I honestly think of you as my sister. It seems so wrong.”
        “OK, I’m with you. You’ve always been my sister, and despite me being so butch that boys don’t believe me until I show them… not that that’s happened. And being soaked in hormones from puberty, I’ve never even thought about it. I do know what it’s like, I want to bang half of my class and half the sophomores. But what about all those times you ran around half-naked?”
        “I’d never bait you into it. I wasn’t trying, I was just getting comfortable. If you want I’ll be fully clothed around the house.”
        “Eh, I don’t care. Just promise me you can control yourself.”
        “I promise. I don’t buy into all that ‘I couldn’t control myself’ shit. It’s your body and mind, not someone else’s. Of course there’s stuff like depression, but I’m pretty sure I’m of sound mind.”
        Scootaloo looked at her arm and rubbed it gently. “Your right. Even I can do it… just don’t hurt yourself like I did.”
        Rainbow blinked back tears. “I don’t need to. And you didn’t either.” She got up, tears slowly rolling down, and embraced Scootaloo in a hug, holding the young girls head into her shoulder. “I’m so, so sorry you ever felt unsafe here. Or anywhere else.”
        “I trust you, sis.”
        Rainbow had a heart attack. Well, that’s what it felt like. This was the girl that beat her up every time Rainbow screwed up. The cherry pie, not defending her at the book store. Each represented a betrayal of trust. She couldn’t trust anyone except herself and her girlfriend. That one word, trust, held so much value to Scootaloo, that she used it for her. It was an honor.
Oh wait. She relaxed her grip, but both were still crying. “Hey, did you sort out your relationship troubles?”
“Yeah. Sweetie was jealous of how close Apple Bloom and I were getting, with algebra tutoring and general mischief.  Even she doesn’t know which one she was more jealous of. So we kinda agreed just to… share. Why fight about it, you know?”
Rainbow nodded and smiled ear to ear. “That’s adorable. Better to share than to let another woman come between you… especially when she’s one of your friends as well.”
“I don’t think Sweetie is too open to the idea. And Apple Bloom is grounded because I got drunk.”
“Eh. After yesterday I’d probably still be drunk. Polygamous relationships are more complicated, but… I can’t believe I’m going to say this. Talk about your feelings, and you should be fine.”
> Chapter 8 - Punch your Problems!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Scootaloo looked up at the sky. The sun was close to setting. It would be another hour or so, but the sky had already turned purple and orange. The moon hung in the sky, as though both were watching her. In truth, the celestial orbs may have well have been her parents. The ball of gas and the other of rock certainly cared more about her. The moon kept her company on many sleepless nights. The sun shone without fail, rising and setting each day. So must she. 
        A whistle blew and Coach Steel shouted. Scootaloo barely processed it, but knew it was the order to start warming up. She cracked her knuckles and began working out her arms and shoulders. Scootaloo had only been on the team a week, but noticed that she was more limber already. Sweetie also appreciated it. Thinking of her, the athlete looked over to her cheerleader. Hers. The girl in that delicious short skirt was doing the splits as part of her own warm up. Scootaloo bit her lip without realizing it, and the cool spring air suddenly felt like summer. She blushed and hoped nobody saw. Everyone on the team knew. Coming out had been Sweetie’s idea. It went well; Scootaloo didn’t have a heart attack, though she thought she was. One girl, a sophomore Scootaloo didn’t know, was afraid the younger would hit on her. Scootaloo told her off, calling her a vain bitch. This girl was an odd one, and actually took it as a complement, laughing. She and Scootaloo were even joking in the locker room before they took the field. If there were any opposed, they kept quiet. Scootaloo already had a reputation for using Rainbow  “Queen of Awesome, Captain of All Sports” Dash, as a punching bag. Her team was probably worried they’d share the same fate. 
        Scootaloo wasn’t a starter yet, so with her warm up complete she took the bench. Her foot twitched with anticipation. She wanted to take the field and get in there and win. I’ll have my chance, she tried to remind herself. Sweetie had a small break and walked up in front of her, snapping her out of her game-trance. “You forgot something,” Her Radiant Beauty said. Scootaloo couldn’t think of what until Sweetie’s lips met hers. In that moment there wasn’t anyone else in the universe, just her, her lover, and her tongue. Her reverie broke when a familiar voice from the stands shouted “HA! GAAAAAYYYYYY!” Scootaloo turned, looking exaggeratedly angry. “Yeah, you’re one to talk, you fucking dyke!” She shouted, shaking a fist.
        “Scootaloo, no trash talking the stands! Even if it is your sister!” Steel shouted, but Scootaloo noted she was trying not to bust out in a full laugh. Scootaloo still tensed up out of instinct when a female voice was shouting. She sat up straighter and her heart pounded in her ears.
        “Sorry ma’am!”
        “I’ll let you off with a warning… because otherwise I’d lose one of my best players…”
        Her teammates giggled around her. “You two are so cute together.” Um… Colgate said.
        “God, I wish my boyfriend and I had what you do.” Scootaloo scrambled for this one’s name as well. Fizzy.
        Scootaloo blushed and murmured “thanks.”
        Sweetie giggled. Scootaloo doubted how much she could focus on the game. “Aw man, I’d love to sit and chat, but looks like I gotta go.” Sweetie waved. Scootaloo was called on the the field away from Her Radiant Beauty. Her teammate, Cinnamon, twisted her ankle. The girl felt bad, but was excited she got to play.

        Scootaloo was just about to make her second goal when she saw something out of the corner of her eye. It worried her, but even more worrying was the scream she heard as she was turning to look. Had anything else happened she would have berated herself for such a sloppy play, this was a special case. She abandoned the ball, running to the sidelines where her girlfriend was holding her leg and crying.
        Finally, after passing through infinity, she was next to her. “Are you OK?”
        “Pretty sure it’s broken,” Sweetie wiped her eyes, “but I’ll be fine. You have a game to win.” She tried to smile, like everything was fine.
        Something clicked inside Scootaloo, something dislodged, and gears turned. This usually ended poorly. She turned to Diamond Tiara, the captain, who was standing a few paces away. “What happened?” She demanded.
         "We were doing a lift and someone's grip was bad. It was an accident." Her voice was calmer and less grating than before. Almost empty.
"Like hell! you did this on purpose, you petty whore!" Scootaloo jabbed a finger at the captain.
"I might be a petty bitch, but I would never do that!"
"Scootaloo, she's right, accidents happen."
"I don't know why you're defending her, when all she's ever caused is hurt!" she shouted. Sweetie Belle renewed her crying, though silently. "I know exactly what she's like, the scum of the earth that get some sadistic boner for hurting other people! The only way to deal with them is to teach them a lesson!" Scootaloo cracked her knuckles. Diamond Tiara's pupils shrunk to atoms.
"Scoots..." Sweetie pleaded.
"No, I'm done. This ends NOW." She punctuated that sentence with a punch. Diamond attacked back with her false nails.
        Eventually Coach Steel broke them up with the help of Luna. The vice-principal was stronger than she looked. Scootaloo looked to the stands, pleading to be saved. She knew salvation wouldn’t come. Nobody would ever save her. She was many things, but one was constant. Alone.
        She saw Rainbow Dash shaking her head, disappointed. 
        Scootaloo wept silently.



        Luna dragged Scootaloo into her office and shoved the girl into a chair. She was being too rough. She always was when her temper got flaring. It had once landed her a thousand hours in community service after she told off the judge… for a parking ticket. In all fairness, it had been a bad day, but marching straight up to the courthouse and barging in while it was in session wasn’t a good idea either. Luna tensed her hands, channeling her anger like her (court ordered) therapist taught her. Then she relaxed and she was calm. Diamond and Silver Spoon were ushered in rather gruffly by Coach Steel. Now there was a fine female specimen. Two Hundred pounds of pure muscle and rage. She even had five o’clock shadow. Steel and Luna’s relationship was complicated, but completely professional. Which is to say, they hated each other, but Steel respected Luna’s authority. It was undoubtedly something about being the alpha-female. The vice-principal gave a curt nod and Steel left.
        “Sit,” she said, trying to be gentle.
        Scootaloo looked like she was about to have her head cut off while the others were mostly confused. They shouldn’t be, strictly speaking. You can only push people so far before they push back. Luna counted backwards from ten, like her therapist told her. It also heightened dramatic tension. 
        “Obviously we have a school policy for fighting. Zero Tolerance. Meaning, while I would almost view this as justified, I have no choice.” Scootaloo crumpled further under the weight of realizing not only had she messed up, but had no way of getting out of it. The other two shrank under the weight of guilt. She was still being too hard. “You will all be suspended for nine days, save Ms. Spoon, who is here for an alternative motive.” Now they looked even more confused.
        “You see, it’s not effective to punish you, unless you learn why this happened. I, myself, am curious. The obvious answer is you bullied Scootaloo and she beat you up, but there must be something before that. What happened in the past… Diamond?”
        The “princess” looked startled. “I… I…” She tried to think. Luna lost twenty dollars she had riding on her incapacity. Not with her sister, mind. “Middle School. I went to a different district, um. Griffon academy. They were all… They all made fun of me. Called me fat, whore, princess… Pretty much anything they said was dripping with hate. Then my mom passed. And I guess nothing was sacred. They called me an orphan. A motherless… bi…”
        “Say it, and remove its power.” Luna instructed.
        “Motherless bitch. Said I would end up on the street. I made daddy move here. And I thought I could get a fresh start… be on top for once.”
        “And so you just fucking pick three random girls to make fun of and call names?” Scootaloo near-yelled. Luna knew that anger. Realizing she said a “bad” word in front of an adult, Scootaloo backed into her seat, wishing to become the upholstery.
        “I am not my sister, the prude. She hasn’t so much said the word ‘crap’ in her forty-some years. I however do not care. We have a policy that says you can’t use such language, but you might as well let it out.”
        There was a long pause in the conversation. The kind of pause that makes a person realize just how important the conversation was.
        “Sitting here, I finally realize how my actions were wrong. For what it’s worth, Scootaloo, I’m sorry.”
        Scootaloo’s face twisted into a frown. Luna could guess what she was thinking: that she had just heard the biggest piece of bullshit in her life. She couldn’t blame her. 
        “Scootaloo,” Luna began. “What was your homelife like, before you moved in with the Dashes?”
        Scootaloo cringed, took a deep breath and gathered her strength. She rolled up her sleeve like it was made of ulta-dense dark matter. But finally she showed her pale forearm, crisscrossed with scars. Diamond covered her mouth and Silver gasped. 
        “Do I really have to say anything?” she muttered, “Happy faggots don’t cut themselves.”
        “Why did you feel that way?” Luna asked. She had an idea of the answer.
        “Because my parents hated me once I turned fifteen. I told them I thought I was gay and I got a fucking sermon about how I was going to hell.” Scootaloo tightened her grip into a fist and tried to pinch back tears as her voice wavered. “Twenty minutes. I counted. The first thing they said after I told them was ‘Did you tell anyone else.’ Not, ‘we always love you,’ or ‘we’re proud of you.’ They can’t speak those words. They never had. If they did it was a lie. Or punctuation. ‘Take out the garbage, love you.” or ‘Do the dishes, love you.’” Scootaloo’s voice rose to fiery anger, “It has no meaning to her… just… something to say.”
        “And… and then what?” Diamond asked. Good, she was curious.
        “Isn’t it fucking obvious! I put myself so deep in the closet my friends had to get a bulldozer to dig me out! Beefcake posters, I dated Rumble for two months. And each and every one of these scars is when I thought of a girl. Any girl, take your pick. About half of them were Sweetie. And I fucking hated myself. I hated God, I hated everything. I couldn’t see my friends that I’ve had since fourth grade. I had nobody. I had nothing. But both of you. You’ve always had everything.”
        “How… could you go on like that…” Silver asked, almost to herself.
        Scootaloo calmed down with an exhale. “I… don’t know.”
        Silver wiped her eyes. “I… I’m so sorry. Our actions were just making an awful situation worse… We’re completely unforgivable. But I want you to know I’m sorry. I’m so so sorry you had to go through that. I went to the same School Diamond did. She was my only friend, we were both outsiders to the neighborhood click they had going. They were all rich, and… oh God we’re hypocrites, but. They were all mean. Diamond befriended me. But my classmates… thought were were going out. I got called a fag, dyke, whore, all the fun stuff.” Silver removed her wristband, and turned her wrist to show four little scars. “We… when we moved, we promised each other we wouldn’t hurt like that again. But we were fools and thought the only way to do that was to be like they were, before somebody else could do it to us.” 
        Scootaloo seemed to think long and hard before she spoke. She shifted around in her chair and chewed on her nail. 
        “So you didn’t drop Sweetie?”
        “I never wanted to physically hurt you… I just… wanted to… I don’t know.”
        “I forgive you.”
        “What?” Diamond gasped. 
        “I said I forgive you. I still hate you. But you’re just like me. You were just trying to defend yourself. I really only beat you up because I was angry at my parents. I see it now. So I forgive you, because you still have time. I’m not sure they do.”
        “So, are we like… friends now?”
        “Fuck no.” Scootaloo said. “But possibly, we might be later.” Scootaloo smiled softly, nervously. 
        “Well honestly, this is more than I ever hoped to accomplish. You all are free to go.”



        The silence made the car ride home torturous. Rainbow’s expression was blank. She kept her eyes on the road and met the speed limit. She never did that. Ever. The radio was silent too.
        Scootaloo knew this was it. She’d be kicked out of this home too. If it wasn’t one thing wrong with her it was another. She should just end it all, do the entire world a favor. Stop being a burden to anybody.
        The thought of Sweetie’s smiling face talked her out of it. To see that face again made it worth it. And that giggle. Maybe, since this wasn’t working out either, she could live with her and Rarity. They seemed nice enough. But this would happen again. And again. Forever.
        Rainbow Dash parked the car and turned off the lights and engine. She got out, without saying a word or glancing in her… “sister’s” wasn’t the word anymore…. direction. Scootaloo followed like a slug chasing after a bird. At least she left the door open. Scootaloo met Rainbow Dash in the kitchen, chugging a typical glass of milk. She finished the glass and set it down, wiping her lip.
        “Well, you actually look sorry about it. More than I did. So, do you know why what you did was wrong?”
        Scootaloo instantly thought of a bible verse. “I was repaying evil with evil?” Where did that even come from? It’s not like she read the bible. Must have remembered a sermon or something. 
        Rainbow nodded. “I wouldn’t go as far as calling a teenage catfight evil, even if they did bully you. And say what you will, but the bible has its moments. It was a tough lesson for me, to learn the sweetest revenge is to be unlike the one’s who hate you.”
        “How’s Sweetie?”
        “Still waiting, but I’d imagine Rarity would call you before me. She’ll let you know. If you want my opinion, it wasn’t the worst fall in the world. Probably a hairline. Simple, easily fixed.” Scootaloo grinned optimistically.
        “So… you’re not mad, and going to kick me out?”
        “I’ll admit I’m upset but… Scootaloo… Squirt…. Sister.” Rainbow knelt down and put a hand on the younger one’s shoulder. “You have to trust someone. Please. It doesn’t even have to be me. I’d like you to trust me, though. We’d never kick you out. We… we all love you. Just… trust us.”
        “I… I…” Scootaloo couldn’t find the words.
        “I know what it was like. I understand. But not everyone is your parents. Not everyone is against you. I’m with you. A hundred and ten percent. Mom and dad are with you. Even if they are kind of absent parents.”
        Scootaloo sweetly wept into Rainbow's shoulder and took her in a hug. They held each other while Scootaloo cried tears of relief. If any of Rainbow’s friends saw this she would probably deny it. Scootaloo was no stranger to crying around her friends. Sometimes they would ask what’s wrong, and Scootaloo would more than often lie. But in this past near month, she told the truth, and it didn’t hurt. However, Rainbow was egotistical and thought she had an image to maintain. Her friends weren’t likely to ask anyway. And her sister needed her, which trumped any “image.”
        “It’s OK to cry…” she muttered into Scootaloo’s hair. “Even I do it. Just let it all out. Dykes can cry too.”
        Scootaloo abruptly started laughing, which sounded a lot like crying, but the tone was slightly different. 
        “I think you’re talking to yourself at this point.”
        “Alright, fine, I’ll admit it. I have a few things I’m sad about. I just wanted to let you have yours.”
        “What’s wrong?”
        “Nothing.”
        “No, that’s the shit I tried to pull. My friends saw right past it. So what’s up?” Before Rainbow could answer, Scootaloo’s phone rang. She didn’t recognize the number. She answered, it was probably her love’s sister.
        “Hello?” She answered.
        “Hi, it’s Rarity. I assume this is Scootaloo?”
        “Yeah.”
        “You kind of sound like a man on the phone. Forgive me. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know your girlfriend is doing fine. It was only a hairline fracture. She’s a little drugged right now so she can’t talk.”
        “So she’ll be alright?”
        “Of course dear. Absolutely nothing fatal and with a little physical therapy she’ll forget she even fell in a few months.”
        “Oh, OK. Awesome. Thanks. If you get a chance, tell her I’m glad she’s OK, but I’m suspended and probably grounded. But she could figure that out for herself. And… Tell her I’m sorry.”
        “Whatever for dear?”
        “I think she’ll understand.”
        “Well alright.”
        “Oh, and do I have to come in tomorrow?”
        “You’re suspended, not unemployed. You’re out of luck though. Got a whole order of skirts, since the spring fling is coming up and your classmates are”
        “Uuuughhhghghghg.”
        Rarity chuckled, so ladylike it gave Scootaloo hives. She hung up. Rainbow was nowhere in sight, and Scootaloo forgot what they were talking about anyway. She went to her room. 

> Chapter 9 - Confrontations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scootaloo’s life seemed to be defined by homework now. It was never this way in middle school. There must have been some conspiracy. She was ankle deep in some dumb reading assignment for English. Scootaloo could read through a Daring Do book in a day, but she struggled on each page of… She checked the title. Animal Farm. Her phone rang. She looked at the screen it was Sweetie, coming in with golden wings of light to save her from boredom.
        “Hey gurl.” Scootaloo greeted.
        “Love you babe. I’m about ready to claw my eyes out with all this work. Why don’t we grab a booth at the Corner and make out. You know, for our sanity.” Scootaloo mentally went through her list of assignments. It was long and tedious. She hadn’t accomplished much in the past two hours.
        “I’d love to,” she said. The homework could wait. Serves them right for trying to think kids would do that much in a day, anyway.
        “It’s just gonna be us, since Bloom can’t leave the house still.”
        “That’s fine, hun, I’m already out the door.”
        Sweetie kissed through the phone, “See you there.”

        Since Scootaloo had a vehicular form of transportation, even if it was powered by her own foot, she got there faster. It was midday, not a lot of people where there. Pinkie greeted her with her customary bubbly attitude.
        “Hia! The usual?”
        “Yeah, thanks. Sweetie should be here soon.”
        “OK, great!” Believe it or not, Pinkie actually respected Scootaloo’s tendency to avoid small talk. Scootaloo sat down at a booth and waited. Finally Sweetie came, looking flustered and tired at the same time. They mostly talked about how much they hated the reading. Scootaloo found it boring. Sweetie talked at length about how it was a thinly veiled hammer against capitalism. Then Scootaloo got to wondering why the other animals didn’t revolt. They were discussing that, unwittingly doing their homework, when the door opened. Scootaloo froze, the bell sounding like thunder and lighting. The universe was warning her of something. Sweetie looked to see what was wrong, and at once she knew. She immediately held Scootaloo’s hand, and noted how it shook. 
        Sweetie took a fifty/fifty chance and kissed her girlfriend, on the lips. The odds were in her favor, and Scootaloo recovered and relaxed.
        Her parents looked at her horrified. Her mother’s scowl told her that the scolding her own daughter gave her would most certainly be repaid. She had weeks to think it over, Scootaloo could smell the lecture from here. 
        Big surprise, they didn’t even ask for permission to sit down. Scootaloo briefly glanced at Sweetie. Her eyes were a thousand times worse than when she broke her window, and even then they held the fire of a thousand suns. Scootaloo tried not to grin. The might of an army was hidden behind those eyes. Scootaloo was fueled by her girlfriend's confidence in her. She had this. Hopefully.
        “Hello, mother,” she greeted coldly, “father. Have you been well?”
        “We have been worried sick, young lady,” her mother scorned.
        “Oh bullshit. You came in the store laughing. Besides, you know where I am. If you gave two shits you could come and get me. Or, you know, call.” Scootaloo snorted. 
        “I thought it necessary to give you some space, so you can see how depraved… those sort of people are… with your own eyes.”
        “Well they aren’t. Rainbow loves her girlfriends very much and I love mine!” Oh.
        Well shit. Sweetie squeezed her girlfriend’s hand.
        “You mean you have more than one?” Her mother reeled back, agast. “That’s certainly no way to live!”
        “I don’t know if you’ve realized this, but I’ve stopped listening a long time ago! Sweetie and Apple Bloom love me very much, and I love them!” It was oddly liberating to make her parents not respect her even more. She was already breaking their moral code and snorting it, why not go as far as possible?
        “I see now. If you cannot see the light on your own, you must be led! This phase of yours has gone on long enough. I’ve been talking to a therapist and…”
        “NO.”
        Just who spoke surprised everyone. It wasn’t Scootaloo, standing her ground. It wasn’t Sweetie, defending her beloved, though she was ready to speak. It wasn’t the owner of the store, they were completely oblivious. 
        It was Scootaloo’s father. “Reg? What, we agreed on this!”
        “No. I see it now. It’s all too clear. They’ve been holding hands the entire time. Remember, when we were so in love, and I asked your parents if I could marry you, and I held your hand because I was so terrified. Love doesn’t get any more genuine. I don’t understand why, but I do know what love is. Look at them. They’re both fifteen. Just kids… kids that love each other. They aren’t deprived. I was wrong.” Scootaloo gasped. They weren’t “I’m so proud,” but those words would have to do. “My brother… went to therapy for the same thing. He killed himself a week later. We thought it was because he was diagnosed with HIV, but I see it now. It’s because he broke himself. Tried to be moulded into what he wasn’t.”
        “And we… we broke our daughter. Look at her arms.” Reg wiped his eyes. 
        “She even knows how wrong it is!”
        Scootaloo had only seen her father mad on one occasion. He had just found out the guy that owed him money had skipped town and on top of that hadn’t paid him in nearly a year. His balding dome turned bright red, and Scootaloo thought his eyes were going to explode. This is what he looked like now. Scootaloo grinned madly. Shit was going down, and for once it was in her favor. 
        “No, you cow! This isn’t the Byzantine empire, we don’t self-mutilate in repentance. Because we’re supposed to know one thing, Jesus saved us from all our sins. I always took that as the whole world. John 3:16! You don’t even have to accept him. So even if God doesn’t like the act, and I’m even debating that, you’re good to go. I’ve seen what it’s done to my brother. My daughter. If God tests, he doesn’t drive you to suicide! He doesn’t drive you to hurt yourself. This isn’t a test from God. It can’t be. She was perfectly happy before we sat our happy asses down, but then she was afraid.”
        “Nobody should have to fear her own parents. The problem isn’t with her, it’s with us.”
        “They know not what they do.”
        “The line before that says forgive them! I’m done, we’re leaving, Honey.” Reg practically spat the word. He took Scootaloo’s mother’s arm and practically dragged her out. No small feat, considering she had nearly eighty pounds on him, but he was mostly muscle. Scootaloo saw her mother’s eyes as she left. Scootaloo turned to stone. This was only the beginning. But no matter.
        “Hey, you know what sounds really good right now?” She asked.
        “Victory sex?”
        “You’ve read my mind.”
        “Let’s go to my place, Rarity’s not home and we can make all the noise we want.”

        After they had finished and rested and showered, Scootaloo’s phone went off. Rainbow Dash never made calls. Something was happening.
        Scootaloo answered. “Ya…”
        “Where are you?” Her sister sounded urgent.
        “At Sweetie’s.”
        “OK, good, stay there. There’s a three-hundred pound whale outside claiming to be your mother. She looks very angry and I’m waiting for mom to get home because… well, three hundred pounds.”
        “Can’t you just call the police?”
        “While that would be a good idea, mom just pulled up and she’s warming up her batting arm.”
        “If your mother beats up mine, it’s all over. Police charges, and then everyone will know I’m technically kidnapped.”
        “Shit shit shit shit shit.” The line went dead. 
        Scootaloo dropped her phone and lay prostrate on the ground. For once in her life she prayed, begging God for something to go her way. Preferably just kill her mother. That would be fantastic. But, other than that, a peaceful resolution. 
        Her phone went off again.
        “What..”
        “Right, so I just beat the everliving shit out of your mother. She gave us an ultimatum, and it’s your decision, while I’m still thinking clearly. She won’t press charges if you go home with her and agree to go to conversion… institute or whatever the fuck she calls it. So, what will it be?”
        “C… Can I have a minute?”
        “Of course.” Scootaloo turned to Sweetie.
        “Do I go to camp or court?”
        “Court. Duh.”
        Scootaloo spoke into the receiver now, brimming with confidence. “Tell her to go fuck herself and we’ll see her in court.”
        “With pleasure!” Scootaloo hung up and turned back to her girlfriend.
        “You know that moment in Mecha Destroyer 3 when you can see a rocket coming at you? No time to dodge and since Apple Bloom won’t play medic--”
        Sweetie giggled, graduating on to a full laugh. “I think you have enough HP. Honestly, we might as well start celebrating now.” Sweetie hooked a finger in Scootaloo’s jeans.
        “Really? After all of that?”
        “Worn out?”
        “Sweetie, I just indirectly told my mom to go fuck herself, dragged my adoptive parents into a legal battle, and…” She trailed off as something rattled inside her head. This was it, from here on it was make or break. She would either be returned home or allowed to be her own girl. This moment would define her life. So either out of celebration or a last rite, she kissed her girlfriend with passion surpassing that of the sun. She very much hoped it would be the former. Either way she would be free, but she held faith it would finally work out for her. Unlike everything leading to this day, even this hour.
        “Liberating, isn’t it?” Sweetie asked after they had broken off.
        “Everything I could ever want is so close.”
        “And the best part is, just a little effort and it’s yours.”
        “You’re my freedom.” Sweetie held a finger to Scootaloo’s mouth, silencing her.
        “I know you’re trying to be romantic, but Applejack could write a dissertation as to why that’s a terrible metaphor. Let’s just not talk; we know what we want.” Scootaloo grabbed Sweetie’s wrist roughly and moved it away from her mouth, kissing her again. Who needed to talk, anyway?
        
        After they got clean again and ate they decided to cuddle on the couch and watch TV.  Scootaloo’s phone went off. Four times in one day. Better alert the media, something was happening. It was Rainbow again, obviously.
        “Yo.”
        “Yo sis, ya coming home or what? I’m pretty sure you didn’t do any of your homework.”
        “Yeah I did, I was studying anatomy the whole time.”
        Rainbow laughed a genuine laugh of an overenthusiastic hyena “Niiiice. So are you well enough to walk?”
        “I’m fine, not sure about Sweetie though.” Sweetie herself was snuggling contently and listening to the conversation. Scootaloo grinned and got a terrible idea. A terrible, awful, wonderful idea. She communicated this idea with hand signals. Sweetie was perplexed but decided to go along.
        “Damn girl. I understand if you need to stay there and take care of her.”
        “Yeah, she can’t even move, I’m making her dinner in bed.”
        “There’s a low, low effort joke here but I’m going to assume you mean actual food. We won’t expect you back then?”
        “Not today.”
        “I can’t believe this, but part of me wants to point out how important it is to do homework, but the other part doesn’t give a fuck. Keep up the good work. Love ya sis, see you tomorrow.”
        “See Yaaaaaaaaaaaah. Oh yeah.”
        “Did you just…”
        “Maybe.”
        “I have no response to that, so I’m going to hang up.” The line went dead.
        Sweetie wiped her mouth and looked up at her girlfriend. “Well,” she said, “That was naughty.”
        “I guess I really am depraved.” Scootaloo chuckled.
        “And how does that make you feel?” Sweetie joined in the laughter.
        “I don’t really give a fuck.” 
        “Maybe I need to punish you.”
        “I’m not sure I can go much longer.” Scootaloo pleaded.
        “That’s why it’s a punishment.” Scootaloo whimpered, but gave no further protests as she was lead back to the bedroom. 
        The cycle continued until about midnight, when they had finally worn themselves out. And Rarity had come home.They fell asleep holding each other. Scootaloo dreamed of a cage bird, singing sweetly despite its restraints. The cage opened, but the bird was happy enough, so it didn’t leave. Somebody shook the cage and the songbird flew into the clear blue sky. 


        “So the way this works,” Sweetie explained. “Is since I wore your clothes the last time I stayed at your place, you have to wear mine.” She pulled out a miniskirt and tank top. Since that didn’t meet the dress code she normally wore it with a small over shirt that really only functioned to cover her shoulders. 
        “Ugh reaaaallly? My legs aren’t shaved, I’ll just look like a guerrilla.” 
        “That’s what the stockings are for.” Sweetie pulled out a disgusting pair of pink-striped things that would probably go to Scootaloo’s thigh.
        “Honeeey, it’s fucking pink!” Scootaloo groaned.
        “Shut up or I’ll make you wear heels.”
        “Fine, you fucking sadist. Do I have to wear a thong too?”
        “Ooo, that’s a good idea.” 
        Five minutes later, Scootaloo looked in the mirror. Sweetie and her were nearly the same size, so the tank top hugged her modest features well. The shirt had a half-eaten cookie on it, leading down into a red and black plaid miniskirt. Sweetie had some massive kneehigh boots, which Scootaloo kind of liked. The overshirt was simple red, covering up her arms. 
        “How do girls actually wear these things? There’s like, no fabric.” Scootaloo questioned.
        “You never complained when I wore them.”
        “Yeah, but you’re… not to put us into roles, but you’re the girl of this relationship. I’m practically a man. Those are my boxers on the floor for God’s sake!”
        “We all need to get in touch with our feminine side.” Sweetie giggled.
        “I’d make a lame joke about how I do that every night, but it’s just low hanging fruit. Let’s go get breakfast. And more importantly coffee.”
        “Oh, and remember you can’t sit with your legs spread like you normally do.”
        “Oh fuck me! I might as well just stop breathing!”
        “It’s not like you have gonads to clamp with your own thighs.” Scootaloo shook her head and took a breath before going down the stairs.

        Rarity was looking hungover… but worse at the same time. Kind of like a reanimated corpse. She nodded curtly, holding a mug of steaming coffee, straight. Scootaloo helped herself to some donuts and poured a mug of the black lifeblood. She also found a banana and a peach. She whispered “wanna see how long it takes me to eat this?” And Sweetie giggled, earning them a glare. How dare they be happy in the morning? Scootaloo wanted to ask what Rarity had been up to, but figured any vocalization would end up causing the other girl immense pain.
        “What… The fuck?” Rarity said, voice sounding like leaves crumpling. She downed the rest of her mug and instantly perked up.
        “I slept over so she made me wear her clothes, since the first time she stayed at my place she wore mine.”
        Rarity nodded. “You people. And your sex lives.”
        “Are… you a virgin?” Scootaloo asked.
        Rarity shook her head. “I tried it once. I was bored, we were slightly intoxicated, and I wanted to see what the fuss was about. I still don’t know. I appear to have blanked on his name.”
        Scootaloo shrugged. 

        Rainbow gave Scootaloo her uncompleted homework with a sarcastic “you’re welcome.” Scootaloo snickered. “Also if you could not tease the dyke with the overactive sex drive like that, the dyke would greatly appreciate it.”
        “Oh gosh, I didn’t even think of that.”
        “I’d never… but I was up all night thinking about it. But then again I’m usually up all night anyway.”
        “I was just so… It was like…”
        “Scootaloo, you told your abusive mother to fuck off. I’d celebrate too, but for my sake, try to reign it in.” Rainbow gave a salute and left. Scootaloo thought it an abrupt end to the conversation but then she realized why. The answer was two fold. Apple Bloom walked up behind her, and as Rainbow turned the corner she started laughing, clutching her belly and doubled over. 
        “I don’t think I’ve seen you around before?”
        Scootaloo tried to act like Sweetie Belle and giggle adorably, covering her mouth with the tips of her fingers. “I’m Scootaloo.”
        “Howdy, Scootaloo, I’m Apple Bloom. So what’s a Sweet Thang like you doing in a dump like this? I bet you could go to Crystal High if you wanted.”
        “Oh my, when I moved from Manhattan I didn’t expect the folk to be so… forward.”
        “A city gal. I knew it. Well, I don’t know what it’s like in the city, but round here, if we see something we like, we point it out.”
        Scootaloo could no longer put up the act and started laughing like Rainbow did. Apple Bloom joined in. The bell rang, and after a brief time they recovered enough to go to class.

        Today was definitely a weird day. In third period, Scootaloo actually received a compliment from Diamond Tiara of all people, saying she looked good. Scootaloo was, of course, stupefied. Even in gym class, right before lunch, Silver Spoon gave a similar comment. Scootaloo loudly accused them of being forced into it, to which Silver denied. “You really pull it off. I think you have just the right amount of sass or something.” She said.
        “So you’re hitting on me now?” Scootaloo grinned.
        “No, girls can complement each other. Sheesh.”
        “I know, I’m teasing.” Scootaloo blinked, realizing she was now joking with her former bullies.
        At lunch things got even weirder. Rumble approached Scootaloo from behind, so she didn’t see what Apple Bloom was gawking at. She turned her head and dropped her fork. Rumble was wearing a girl’s cheer leading outfit. Miniskirt, whatever you call those tiny tops. His midriff was smooth and firm, curving like an hourglass. One shoulder strap slipped off and Scootaloo looked frantically around the room, in case she found another attractive boy and had to re-evaluate her sexuality. Again. She found none. So, the exception, not the rule, then. 
        Rumble sat down next to Scootaloo, who was next to Sweetie.
        “Wow, looks like I got three girlfriends now.” Apple Bloom said. “`stead of the tomboy and the…”
        “Boy with a pituitary problem.” Rumble finished. Scootaloo had no idea what it meant, but it made him look hot, so it’s probably fine. 
        “So did you sleep over at your girlfriend’s house too?” Scootaloo snickered, and she was suddenly conscious of her legs fidgeting. 
        “What? No, I don’t think Apple Bloom owns a cheerleader outfit. Apparently Button does. I lost a bet.”
        “Who comes last?”
        “What? No. Is she always like this? Of course she is, she’s not a closet case anymore.” Rumble shook his head. “OK, you’re on the right track.” He turned a shade of jello-surprise. “dick size,” he mumbled.
        “That seems awfully cruel for Button.”
        “The outfit was my idea. If I won he’d have to wear a cage for a week.”
        “Are you sure you’re not gay?” Apple Bloom asked.
        “I’m sitting at a solid eighty-five percent. Just like Algebra.”
        “Wait, I just want to be perfectly clear…” Sweetie started. “There exists, dicks. In the universe, larger than yours?”
        “Yes.”
        “And Button has one?”
        “Yes.”
        “And he had a crush on me as little as a month ago?”
        “Unless that was a dream we both had.”
        “Scoots, hun. Can I…”
        Scootaloo rolled her eyes. “God you’re already a size queen. Go ahead, I think I’ve had enough to last a week already.”
        “Oh thank you, I’ll make it up to you I promise.”
        “Love isn’t a bank account.” Apple Bloom said, causing the others to squint at her. “I mean, there’s no record of debt.” Everyone nodded, but continued their squint.
        “Oh, I get it. She’s basically trying to say not to worry about it, which is how I felt, anyway.” Scootaloo said. She didn’t feel jealous at all. So long as she wasn’t running around with other girls, it didn’t matter to her. 

> Chapter 10 - One thing after another.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applejack wasn’t the sort of person to seek out crisis. No, they came to her. Usually five. All at once. She was having one now, laying in bed at five in the morning. What had she done? She had broken her friend’s heart and then played with it for four years. Normally she wouldn’t be bothered. Rarity once asked her out. She rejected as kindly as possible. Most of their life, if they dated, would be a conflict of worlds, so to speak. Country versus City. Relationships can’t be built on war. 
        But this was Rainbow Dash. Who knows why, but that poor girl had fallen in love with a farmer. Of course, not just any farmer. The farmer, who happened to be a girl her age. And Applejack broke her heart and played with it. Tossed it about like a tetherball. gave her the wrong signals. Unintentionally flirted, used too many innuendo. She was leading her on. Applejack didn’t like girls. But the better question was, did she like Rainbow Dash?
        After a good, old fashioned cry, lasting some length of time, she had her answer. She was an absolute fool for doing this, but as she once heard, High School was a time to sow your wild oats, because chances are you’d move before you could reap them. She always thought it was stupid, but under the influence of shine she quite agreed with the idea. She took another shot of liquid courage before she headed out to deliver her message in person. Honor demanded no less, and she knew she would chicken out if she waited. 

        Applejack tapped on Rainbow’s window. The light was still on. Rainbow never slept. Applejack had a good guess as to why. Rainbow answered wearing a bra and panties. Nothing special, nobody would see them anyway. 
        “What the hell?”
        “I’m… stupid. Let me in.”
        “You’re drunk, aren’t you?” Rainbow grabbed her friend's wrists and pulled her through the window. 
        “You’re so strong…” 
        “Applejack, what the hell are you doing?”
        “I’m so so shorry. I love you and it’s taken me till now to see it.”
        “Yeah, you’ve definitely been drinking.” 
        “No I mean it I… you’re really special and… put your phone down. Thanks. You’re hot and I love you and every time you smile my mind melts and I like hanging out with you and I feel stupid every time I think about you.”
        Applejack had a remarkably high tolerance for alcohol. Rainbow kept that in mind as the farmer collapsed on the bed and started snoring. Rainbow huffed and settled in herself. She slept well. 

        Applejack wasn’t the sort of person to get hangovers. Her father could pour Wild Turkey on his cornflakes for breakfast. She had a high tolerance. So when she awoke with a grinding headache and burning throat, she knew she had hit the sauce too hard. She was as naked as the day she arrived, laying in Rainbow’s bed, who was equally naked. 
        What.
        The Hell.
        Rainbow stirred. “Morning sunny.” She grumbled.
        “It certainly is.”
        “What time is it?”
        “Six thirty. Why am I naked.”
        “Hmm? You went to bed with your clothes on.”
        Applejack wasn’t about to begin thinking about this bullshit with her head screaming at her so she let it pass. “Scoots is probably making breakfast.” Rainbow mumbled before she started snoring again. The farmer got dressed quietly and went to the kitchen. Scootaloo was cooking pancakes. This, right now, was all the proof Applejack needed to believe in God. Scootaloo turned around, her expression turning to shock.
        “Applejack? What are you doing here?” She whispered.
        “I kinda blacked out. I think it was something about your sister. How strong is that coffee?”
        “Strong as you make it.”
        “Fantastic. Pour me a cup would ya, I’m so hungover I can’t think straight.” Can’t think straight. That had something to do with it. Scootaloo delivered a mug of steaming coffee, remarkably remembering how she took it. Which is to say, black. But when you’re hungover everything is a miracle. “Thank’s sugar.”
        Applejack had cleared a plate of pancakes and no longer contemplated chopping her own head off. Rainbow Dash joined them around seven. 
        “Hey babe.”
        “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
        Rainbow tapped her phone a few times and it played audio. It was Applejack’s voice, but she didn’t remember saying it. Then Scootaloo literally collapsed on the floor and started laughing. “I-- I thought I was a fucking closet case! You love Rainbow Dash!”
        “Yeah, and she does this every time she blacks out. I was smart enough to record it this time.”
        “Rainbow, hun, could you slap me a few time--AH.” Rainbow slapped her a few more times. “Thanks. I deserved that. I fucking teased you along didn’t I? I thought what we had was just a really good friendship but… I know now that isn’t the case. I… I’m about to do something stupid.” Applejack latched on to Rainbow’s neck, nearly knocking her off the bar stool as she pulled her in and kissed her.
        “AJ? Be stupid more often.”
        “I’ll have plenty of opportunities. I’m taking you on a date. How’s Tomorrow?”
        “Tomorrow’s great. I’ll pick you up.”
        “No. I pick the place. You take all your bootie calls to your dad’s restaurant, Sunset excepted. And hun, I ain’t no booty call.”
 Rainbow Dash face turned red and she saw butterflies. “O… Okay.” She punched herself and muttered “keep it together.”
“Let’s see. What was it you said to me? Just don’t break her heart.” Scootaloo said. 
“Too late for that, but I’ll try to reverse the damage.” 
“You… you really mean it?” Rainbow asked.
“I do.”


Applejack was adamant she would be different from all of Rainbow’s other dates, but she didn’t know how. For the longest time she hooked up to scratch her need. Nothing serious, and the poor boy was usually thrown out. Literally. She had forgotten what an actual date looked like. So she swallowed her pride and flagged down her sister at lunch. Of course, she was sitting with the rest of the trio. 
“Sis, I um… need some advice.”
“Yes?” At that moment Apple Bloom resembled a queen taking pleasure in the groveling of a peasant. 
        “I have to take Rainbow on a date.”
Apple Bloom wasn’t surprised at all. “Yes, I see. When?”
“Friday.”
“Well, nothing interesting is happening friday, but I’d suggest taking her to a place that’s special to you? Seriously though, when was the last time you dated anyone?”
“Four years ago… God I’m stupid. Anyway. Thanks, I got an idea now.”
        “So what was that all about?” Sweetie asked.
        “Applejack was apparently a bigger closet case than me, and didn’t realize she’s had feelings for Rainbow for years. She gets blackout drunk and says she loves her. It’s like a damn soap opera.”
        Sweetie looked at Apple Bloom. She knew that face. “Cider, what are you planning?”
        “Cider?” Apple Bloom asked.
        Sweetie shrugged. “I’m still trying to figure out pet names. You’re kinda spicy, like cider.”
        Apple Bloom shrugged. “Well, the plan is still in it’s early stages, but I’ll let you know what you can do.”
        “I haven’t had enough excitement in my life recently.” Scootaloo grinned and rubbed her hands together. 
        “Yeah, it’ll be fun!” 

        Applejack wasn't the sort to pray, really. God existed, but he often didn’t grant requests. Why should he? Instead, she prefered to thank him. But this time she requested guidance. Or perhaps she was asking her parents. She knew what to do, but wondered if it was OK. She had an idea her parents would approve.
        If Applejack was being honest, as was her nature, she had no idea if what she was doing was right. She knew there was nothing wrong with same sex relationships, but was she being true to herself? Was she lying to make Rainbow feel better? Oh, what a foolish notion. Of course she wasn’t. She knew the last thing she wanted was to hurt her feelings more. But would it work out?
        She tried to think of Rainbow’s perspective. Even if it didn’t it would be better than not knowing. But… Oh fuck it. She called Rainbow. Some questions had to be answered.
        “Yo. Sup?”
        “This is just me being foolish. What if… What If I just want to make you feel better?”
        “I understand why you would think that, but I know you. You wouldn’t lie to anyone. That’s part of why I love you.”
        “And what if it doesn’t work out?”
        “Well, I can move on. I guess. That’s worked out so well for me so far. But if it works it works, if it doesn’t it doesn’t. I… thank you for trying.”
        “You know it’s unhealthy for you to be as obsessed with me as you are, right?”
        “Well, yeah. I… Ugh. I have issues, I’m sorry.”
        “No, it’s fine. Um. I think. You might want to visit a therapist though.”
        “Yeah.”
        “Well, OK, see you tomorrow.”
        “See ya.”

        Sunset Shimmer was committed to many things at different states of her life. A student of magic. Becoming a princess. When that failed, world conquest. When that failed, she devoted herself to her friends and studies. She never, ever thought she would be committed to a relationship so young. But she had all the symptoms. Crying in bed at midnight, wondering what Rainbow saw in Applejack, wishing they could be together, and the terrible habit of planning to kill her crept back up. 
        It occurred to Sunset she needed to seek help. Seeing as she was a psychopath and all. No, don’t kill her. She was a rational pony… human. Whatever. Rational beings communicate. So, at midnight, she called Rainbow. 
        “Let me guess, you just realized you have actual feelings for me.”
        “Damn, you’re good.”
        “Listen. I… Love is complicated. As you know. I love you. I love all my friends, but I’d… I’d honestly be fine with an arrangement like that if Applejack is cool with it. I just broke up because I figured she wouldn’t be. She’s kinda old-fashioned. Talk to her about it.”
        Sunset sighed into her phone. “Alright. Love you, see you in class.” She hung up and dialed Applejack. 
        “Sweet Apple Acres, what the fuck do you want at midnight?”
        “Sheesh. I should have known better. Um. This is Sunset, wanting to ask a stupid question.”
        “Ya get one. And don’t feel discriminated. If any of you twats called at midnight the one night I get to sleep, you’d still get one.”
        “Can… We share… Rainbow Dash.” Sunset blushed and realized she was definitely appealing to the wrong audience.
        “No.” Damn, didn’t even hesitate. “I just don’t feel comfortable sharing like that. She could run off with anybody. You know her, give an inch, take an acre.” 
        “I doubt she’d do that, but I will respect your decision. Sorry for waking you.”
        Click. Well, somebody was in a grumpy mood. Sunset turned off the lights and went into a deep, but troubled sleep.
        Applejack apologized for being so snippy with her the following morning. She gets about “Six minutes of free time” and Thursdays are one of the few days a week she can get a solid nine hours of sleep. On top of that, Sunset knew what waking up in the middle of the sleep cycle can do, so she was quick to forgive. The statement, of course, still stood.
        It was at this time, the mental (and magical) barriers keeping Sunset close to sainthood broke. She could feel it, and immediately clutched her stomach and doubled over. She was about to barf.
        “Sunset, I know it’s kinda a heart breaker, but are you OK?”
        “No, I’m legitimately sick.” And twisted.
        “Want me to take you to the nurse's office?”
        “PL--Gah--yes.” The last thing Sunset needed was to be alone. Sunset was assisted up (Applejack was ridiculously strong, and Sunset could see why Rainbow found her attractive.) She limped at a slow pace. “Call--Gaaah. Twilight. Em--uuuugh---ergency. Code Bacon.”
        “We haven’t talked about that one? What is it?”
        “She’ll know. And whatever you do, make sure I’m not alone. RRRRgggg.”
        In front of the nurse’s office, Applejack took the tele-book from Sunset’s bag and saw that her duty was complete. She began walking to class as she thumbed through the journal to find a blank page. 
        She stopped on one page fairly early, prettier looking than the rest with a cute border doodled around the edge.
        “Sunset gives way to Twilight. As the day ends so must a new one begin, And the sun will rise. I can no longer hide these feelings, my darling Twilight.”
        Applejack snickered and moved along.
        “Pan-dimensional relationships don’t really work out. Would you like to come here with me?”
        “No… I feel I must remain.” Blah blah blah… Sunset had a knack for prose. Back to the task and hand. She flipped to the back of the book where she found exactly one empty page. She scribbled down CODE BACON and wondered what it meant. She also wondered how the book seemed to grow a new page. All things considered, she wasn’t surprised.
        Two seconds later she was on the floor wondering what the hell just happened. Lilac filled the air and her vision had turned purple. “Oh sorry Applejack! Where is she!” Twilight got up and helped up Applejack.
        “Nurse. Down that hall. Big Red Cross.”
        “I hope I’m not too late! No time to explain!” Twilight took off running.
        Applejack blinked and decided the “Princess” had it covered.
        
        Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship, Uniter of Kingdoms, and, as her enemies called her, the Lilac Cannon, barged in the nurse’s office and drove her open hand onto Sunset’s cheek. “BE HEALED!”
        “Gah! Oh, thanks babe.”
        “Keep that sticky note on for ten minutes and you’ll be fine.” Twilight kissed Sunset gently. “Good lord you taste like dark energy.”
        “I can’t help it.”
        A tight voice cleared her throat behind them. “Are you quite finished with your new aged ‘medicine.’”
        “Yes, quite.” Twilight took a regal air and pretended she knew what the nurse was talking about. She bowed graciously and took her exit.
        The nurse moved to grab the sticky note on Sunset’s cheek, but she covered it with her hand and smiled sheepishly. “Better leave it on. Can’t be too sure, can we?”
        The nurse rolled her eyes but made no protest.

        Later they reconvened at the cafe to have lunch. Applejack wasted no time asking the obvious question. “What in the hay is code bacon?” 
        Twilight’s eyes lit up as she realized she was going to get to teach something. She took out a notebook and pen. “So, Sunset Shimmer is an Equestrian. That means she has magic as… what you humans refer to as a soul. Her being.” She drew a crude representation of Sunset’s insignia. “Driven by her own avarice her magical essence became corrupted. She filled in about half of the sun with ink. “Of course, I came along and blasted her with the holy rays of harmony. It didn’t remove her dark energy, just sealed it away.” She drew a line separating them.
        “It was always my destiny, wasn’t it…” Sunset said with sober understanding. 
        “Yes. It’s good or bad depending on when you think about it. But the wall holding her dark energy in is… flimsy at best. My brother was always better at wards and shields… Anyway, the only thing separating her as you know her now and the She-Demon you defeated is… tissue paper.”
        “So by not agreeing to share Rainbow I caused her emotional distress and nearly blew up the school.”
        “Well… bluntly, yes.” Twilight said.
        “Well I still can’t.”
        Sunset nodded. “I should be fine, honestly. I haven’t planned to kill you in a whole three hours.” 
        “How reassuring. Got any more of those sticky notes?”
        “I’ll make some before I leave. My presence should keep the dark side in check for now, since I have absorbed Harmony. It’s complicated. That, and love magic.”
        Pinkie raised her hand, remarkably reserved. “Yes.”
        “Is anyone here actually straight? Like 100%?”
        “Um… No.” Fluttershy answered. “Rarity is Ace, Dash, Sunset and Twilight are Bi, Applejack has no idea, I’m a lesbian, you’re pansexual… that’s everyone isn’t it?”
        “What about the dog!” The dog protested.
        “You’re a dog. It’s illegal in most of the world, deary.” Rarity said, patting him on the head. 
“OK, just curious.” Pinkie smiled.
“I was never much one for labels anyway.” Applejack tilted her hat. “But… why bacon? What’s…”
“Her hair. Duh.” Pinkie said. Twilight nodded. 
“It was her observation,” the princess said, “I thought it looked like a blazing phoenix.” 
“While we’re hitting everyone over the head with symbolism, here come our favorite trio.”
“Pinkie, how is that symbolism?”
“You’ll see.”
The door to Sugar Cube Corner opened and Scootaloo walked in, strutting like she was queen of the universe. That collapsed as soon as she saw Rainbow Dash.
“Wh-what are you doing here?”
“Eating lunch with the gals. What are you doing?”
“Well… um, you see.”
“Playin’ hookie?”
“Yes.” Scootaloo whimpered.
“I’m not your fuckin mom. I thought the rule was stupid anyway. Go ahead, have a seat. We didn’t see anything.” True to their word, the girls resumed their conversation and payed no mind to the three delinquents. 

True to her word, Applejack drove up to Rainbow’s mansion that night. She had second thoughts, but she said she would. It had to at least go from there.
Rainbow walked out wearing some tight jeans that showed off her toned butt and a tank top that made her look like she had an actual chest, which Applejack found herself staring at. She was a lesbian, at least for this girl. Rainbow opened the door to the truck and slid in next to her, in the middle. Applejack blushed furiously and kept her eyes forward.
“You look gorgeous today.” She muttered.
“You look gorgeous every day.” Rainbow replied.
“So do you… but I just now noticed.” Applejack shifted gears. “Let’s head off.”
“Where are you taking us?”
“You’ll see.”

Rainbow frowned when they pulled up to the gate of Sweet Apple Acres, but let play out. The stead was huge, on some hundred acres. Applejack could have anything planned. They finally parked in some weird corner of the farm, between the farmhouse and the South East Field. They got out and Applejack took the lead. There was a clear line where the lawn stopped being mowed and trees grew up where they wanted. A small path of tamped down grass led them on. They eventually came to a small hill, clear of trees except one. A little ways off was one of the lakes they had. Rainbow hadn’t seen it before, but the remnants of a tire swing on the tree suggested the family would come here.
Before… well. Before. She pictured Applejack swimming in the lake, not a care in the world. Clever girl, she had put out a picnic before they arrived. A checkered blanket and a basket beckoned them, and they sat down across from each other. Applejack opened the basket and pulled out a rye sandwich with pastrami and… Rainbow couldn’t see it all. It was a glorious layered stack of meat and sauerkraut. Her favorite. She pulled out a green bottle and poured two champagne flutes full.
“It’s non-alcoholic. Can you believe it? I want to remember this.”
“Finally.”

Apple Bloom wiped her brow. “I think we’re all set up. All we have to do is wait for sunset.”
“This is gonna be awesome. I kinda hope something explodes!” Scootaloo said, jumping up and down.
Sweetie said, “I much prefer the plan to work this time. But I’m the helpless romantic, not the pyromaniac.”

They were chatting about their feelings or some such. Something actual girls did, but not tomboys. Rainbow and Applejack could shed their facades and be themselves, reveal their most vulnerable selves to each other. It was so obvious, but Applejack was completely clueless. Oh well. Better late than never.
They were kissing when the fireworks went off. Literally. Pinks and reds and a whole rainbow filled the air with explosions.
“Believe it or not, I didn’t plan this.” Applejack chuckled.
“But how was the kiss?”
“I need more data. Do it again.” They kissed again, Rainbow throwing all her passion into it.
“So?”
“It was fantastic.”
“You’re not a sex on the first date type of girl are you?”
“Well. No.  I didn’t technically date my one night stands. This may seem silly, but I want to know how I feel before I… do that to you. I want it to be… special.” 
“I get it. Can we at least make out?”
“Duh.”

Apple Bloom was leaping up and down, cheering. “WOOOOHOOOO! One of our plans worked, and we weren’t maimed or covered in tree sap! You know what this calls for?”
“A nap?” Sweetie yawned.
“No,” She shot Scootaloo a knowing look. Scootaloo grinned madly, and they shouted in unison,
“Cutastic Crusader Celebratory Coietus!”
“Is that what we’re calling ourselves now?” Sweetie asked, head cocked.
The other two had already started wrestling, which Sweetie already knew was what passed for their foreplay. Oh, why not?
….
“So, you’re liking the polyamory thing?” Scootaloo asked as they cuddled one another in their clubhouse. 
“Multiamory,” Apple Bloom corrected.
“Whatever. Anyway, are ya?”
“I’ll say this, you both know how to treat a woman.” Her voice was distant and sleepy. “I really do love you both. This is a much better alternative to fighting.”
Apple Bloom stroked Sweetie’s curly locks. “If you ever feel uncomfortable let us know.”
“I know. I know. Communication is key.” She nodded off, and the other two girls decided to do the same. 

Twilight gasped for air after such a wonderful session with Sunset. She saw, poetically, the sun was setting. 
“These bodies are so… interesting.”
“Tell me about it.”
They cuddled for a time, enjoying the warm skin against another.
“Do you want to come home with me?” Twilight asked. 
Well. There was the million dollar question.

> Chapter 11 - Wrap up, but not the end.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunset thought long and hard, laying awake in bed while her lover… girlfriend even… slept next to her. Her pan-dimensional girlfriend. Who was technically from the same dimension as her. After nearly three years this place felt like home. Should that worry her? One of Celestia’s great wisdoms, delivered in nuggets across the centuries, was “wherever you go, there you are.”
        It made absolutely no fucking sense at the time, but Sunset gained an understanding. Here she was. She liked it here. But she loved Twilight as well. 
        She knew what each one of her friends would say. Pinkie would say to do what makes her happy. Fluttershy would mumble something about following your heart. Rarity would say something vague like ‘what do you want?’ Applejack would say something about being true to herself. Rainbow Dash would chase the girl. It was obvious what Twilight wanted. It was all a load of hogwash. Be true to yourself? How can you do that if you don’t know what you want more? What makes you happy is either option? These platitudes all fell apart when your heart was torn in different directions. So what was a girl to do? The scientist in her screamed to collect more data. Tomorrow. She had a great idea of who to ask. She let herself enjoy the moment, knowing that it may not happen again. So she held on to the girl. 

Luna nearly had a heart attack when she saw Twilight in the meeting room for the alliance. “Oh god she’s here. Is the school about to fall in?”
“Not anymore.” Twilight grinned smugly
“Nobody hurt?”
“Nope.”
“Leisure visit?”
“Yes.” Luna saw Twilight was holding Sunset’s hand.
“Or perhaps conjugal?”
Twilight didn’t miss a beat. “That too.”

Sunset went to talk to the new arrivals, the… Cutastic Crusaders. They had, of course, visited before but were often distracted with their own adventures. Sunset had to admire it. Even if they did have a stupid name. She had heard bits and pieces from Rainbow Dash. Grand adventures though they were, they weren’t the happy kind, usually. And more often than not,  the happy ending wasn’t even in sight. But more to business, she wanted to talk to them.
“Can I ask you girls a question?”
“Sure…” Apple Bloom said.
“My heart is torn. I can move back to my home, with Twilight, who I love, but… I like it here.”
“Do you really?” Scootaloo asked. “What the hell is there to like?”
“Utopias are boring.” The words rolled off her tongue, vocalizing what she had been thinking unconsciously for so long. “Equestria is perfect. Benevolent dictator, equality, universal income, sexual freedom. It’s…. awful. I hate it, there’s no conflict. The only reason we know a word for war is because every so often the Yaks declare war on us. The entire purpose for the guard is to showboat. Nothing happens day to day. There’s one big event every so often that my girlfriend fixes in about half an hour, sometimes more, but then it’s over. Here there’s… all these splinters trying to prove they deserve recognition, fair treatment, others try to deny it, or weirdly enough there’s splinters of the splinters that say the splinters they’re a part of shouldn’t try to be like other splinters. It’s beautiful. Ah!” Sunset held her palm-marked cheek and Scootaloo shook her hand. 
“You think conflict is beautiful? I tried to kill myself twice because I was in conflict with my parent’s idea of what I should be! There’s nothing beautiful about this world, it’s a downright shitstain on the cosmos!” Scootaloo barged out the door. Sunset couldn’t help but notice the sniffling.
Apple Bloom answered. “I’d go after the girl. Which is what we’re gonna do now.” She took Sweetie’s wrist and followed Scootaloo. Sunset had a sudden urge to write a poem. Scootaloo would kill for a chance to go to Equestria. And here Sunset was, bored of it. But perhaps that was part of this world’s allure. There were things wrong with it. Things that could be fixed, given enough time, investment, and yelling. Equestria had nothing wrong. Sunset couldn’t move the entire population to Equis, that would cause way too many paradoxes. But perhaps she could make this world worth living. 
As if on queue, the trio returned. She knelt down in front of them. “I’m sorry.” Sunset noted how odd the words felt. She needed to say it more. “There’s nothing beautiful about conflict, but there is a potential. This world isn’t perfect, and you could argue Equestria is. But I can’t take you there. So I’ll stay and try to make this world better, for you and all the people like you.”
“Good luck. You’re just a kid.”
“No. I’m a person. And even a single person can accomplish a whole lot. You’ll remember the fall formal.”
Scootaloo blinked, then nodded. “OK.” 

Well, those were good words to say. But after the meeting was finished, the pizza devoured, and a good time had, she was clueless as to what to do. Make life worth living? Foolish girl, she could barely convince herself to stay alive. Despite her soliloquy to the contrary, her heart longed for Equestria. Another new start. How many of those could one person get? She was forgiven there. High School never forgives, never forgets. But now she had made a promise, and this new Sunset kept her promises. Twilight came back from freshening herself up. 
“That was a noble thing to say, babe.” The girl placed a hand on the demon’s shoulder. “But in my own experiences, saying the right thing and even knowing what to do are two very different things.”
“I know, I was thinking about it too.”
“Hey, you created an alliance. I saw how much fun they were having. If only for a moment, but if it’s as bad as you say, a lot of those kids need all the good moments they can get.”
Sunset smiled. This was her Twilight, ever the optimist. The bright side, the dark side. The realist. She was Twilight. Sunset could shine and shimmer at times, but mostly she dwelled on the darker hues of reality. It was literally a part of who she was. A corrupted soul looking for an angel to be forgiven, forever doing penance against herself for the rest of her life. 
Maybe she could be a nun. No. Dumb idea. Way too little sex. 
“Here’s a thought. You dealt with the Canterlot Court too.”
Sunset beamed with an ear-splitting smile, and gave Twilight a big sloppy kiss. “I know what I can do! You’re a genius!”
“Well, technically.” Twilight blushed. “But I don’t like to brag.”
“Shut up and make love to me, gorgeous.” 

Everyone fell into a rhythm. It was nice. No life altering events, dumb ideas or suicide attempts. Sunset worked on buttering up a few legislators at the state level, make it a place to set the trend, be inclusive. Marriage, legal equality, all the good stuff. Her time in Equestria, being groomed for princess, she had to smooth over the court on the regular. This was absolutely nothing new. It also seemed to be a channel for all of her dark energy. She was back in the grand chess game and loved every second of it. 
The Crusaders were generally content with life, save for the piles of homework they seemed to get. Why didn’t anyone tell them they would actually have to do work in High School? They made an effort to make Friday nights group-date night, when all four of them went out to do something. Obviously, it usually ended back at one of their houses, or their clubhouse. Scootaloo’s grades had increased dramatically. Her teachers would jokingly ask what her secret was. She would smile wryly and say “just get kicked out.” Scootaloo always enjoyed seeing the joke deflate. Though, if you wanted to get technical the reason was now she was actually doing her homework. Half the time group study doubled as a date. She had no idea how Rainbow kept her grades up and played every sport. She could barely play one and balance her social life, let alone grades. 
Rainbow Dash continued as she had been. Staying afloat in school while trying to lift off to her loftier goals. From a young age she wanted to join the Blue Angels, but recently their came to light a scandal involving Spitfire, the current captain; her husband, and her co-captain Soarin. Which is to say, Fleetfoot was found with Soarin, literally in the closet. That wasn’t the real issue. Some people are in denial, or Fleetfoot might have been worried how his wife would react if she knew he was bisexual. And rightfully so. Soarin was fired, her husband divorced. Rumors circulated they were now living together. And Spitfire got away with it. The team managers did nothing, worse than nothing. They defended her. Being the political activist she was, she wrote a very angry letter, and even sent her acceptance note back. That was the end of that dream. Perhaps another time. Now in addition to not sleeping, she also cried. Except now the tears were external. 
	
> 12 - New Semester Same Problems.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Scoots… We need to talk.” Sweetie said. The words nobody wanted to hear. Talking was always bad, but communication good. What a wonderful paradox. Talking was when you were being told what to do, who to see, disapproval of actions. Communication was simply the opposite. Nonviolent, rational. Suger Cube Corner became a box suffocating Scootaloo, her eyes shrank to pins and her heart beat outside her chest. Apple Bloom nodded. Scootaloo sipped her pineapple malt, but her mouth was still dry. 
        “W...Well?” she managed to say weakly.
        “We’ve been talking, and we don’t think we can do this.”
        “What do you mean?”
        “You’ve changed.” Apple Bloom blurted. “You’ve beat the snot out of my boyfriend because he ‘looked at you funny,’ your foreplay is getting too rough, even for me, and half the boys in our class have fallen down stairs because they’re too afraid to admit a hundred-twenty pound girl beat them up.”
        “If I didn’t they would have! It’s only a matter of time! I’m trying to protect us!” she growled.
Apple Bloom got up from her seat and stood next to Scootaloo and smacked her with the back of her hand. “Do ya even hear tha words comin’ out of your mouth?”
“What even made you act this way? You put up with your parents and were still the girl I loved. So what changed?” Sweetie asked.



Scootaloo was at the bookstore browsing the fantasy section. It was a perfectly mundane Summer day and she was generally content. A figure approached, gray in color, male. Scootaloo didn’t recognize him. He was probably on a sports team from his overly-tight spandex shirt and bulging muscles. He was in her grade, but she had no idea of his name. The class was huge, after all.
They bumped into each other. He said, “Watch where you’re going, faggot.” Scootaloo knew in that instant, that no matter people will always hate you. You can be the best person you can be, forgive everyone or try. Jesus would be proud. Fuck Jesus and his “forgiveness.” People don’t deserve forgiveness. If anyone needed forgiveness it was her. A great big “Sorry” card from the universe, apologizing for the shit she went through. He was sent home shortly after school started with a broken nose because he slipped into the locker. 
Scootaloo went on the warpath. Everyone was a threat to her happiness. Even… Even Rainbow, her girlfriends and especially the other students. She could trust no one. And so she got away with it. Somehow. Eventually boys would tremble at her sight, girls would turn away. She was in control, and it was wonderful. Nobody knew. Or at least, so she thought. 



“So you can’t even trust us. Your best friends since kindergarten?” Apple Bloom figuratively spat. 
“You don’t know what’s best for you! I was trying to protect you… I just wanted us to be happy, but you couldn’t know… OW, WHY THE HELL DO YOU KEEP SLAPPING ME?”
“Because maybe if I do it enough you’ll realize how dumb you sound!” 
“Apple Bloom. Stop. It’s not worth it… let’s just… let's just go.” Sweetie got up and walked out the door. Apple Bloom shook her head and walked out. 

Scootaloo left a twenty on the table and walked out. Ten minutes had passed. What happened to them? She felt nothing, and at the same time a nuclear reactor was overheating. She started walking, no destination in mind. It started raining. Scootaloo could taste the bitter irony in each drop. She walked and trudged past the cars trying to flee from the inevitable, beyond pedestrians scurrying like rats in a self-made maze, beyond even the sidewalks. 
She walked among the trees. It kept raining heavy drops, the world contained in each one as it crashed down on her. She found herself at the edge of a cliff. She sat down and admired the view. Wondered what it would be like to fly for a moment. She’d probably find a way to screw that up too. She leaned back on one hand, her palm hitting something hard and possibly metal. She picked it up blindly and gashed her palm. 
She picked it up and looked. It was a beautiful five-inch fixed blade, a little rusty. Probably abandoned just a few weeks ago by a scatterbrained camper. A divine entity was testing her. She knew the right answer. Put the blade down. But she never was very good at taking tests. 



Scootaloo woke up in heaven. Or what appeared to be the waiting room. Bright lights everywhere, no shadows. A comfy bed, something stuck in her arm. She could hardly breathe and her vision swam. 
“Oh look, she’s awake.” An angelic voice called. “I think. Should we...”
“I’m still not going to.”
“Well, we did break up with a suicidal girl. We should have known.”
“Well we coulda handled it better but it’s not excuse for staying in a toxic relationship.”
Scootaloo felt a heavy stinging on her cheek, shocking her into alertness. She started coughing, like her lungs were exploding. “God… Dammit Apple Bloom.” 
“Just wanted to make sure you were conscious.”
“What’s… going on?”
“You have pneumonia because you walked for two hours in the rain to ghastly gorge. You also sliced up your wrists with a rusty knife and had to get several injections.”
        “That sounds dumb, why would I do that?”
        “Because you’re a fucking idiot.”
        “Apple Bloom, chill. She has depression. Rainbow said it’s kind of like balancing on a razor. She could fall off at any moment.”
        “Then Rainbow’s the damn idiot for not doing something about it!” Apple Bloom spat.
        The door opened and Rainbow Dash walked in. “To be fair, I thought she was over it. I should have known better, so I’ll accept the charges.” She sat down and palmed her eyes before continuing. Scootaloo noticed the black rings around her red-rimmed eyes. “This always fucking happens…” Rainbow muttered, thinking nobody heard her. She looked up “How you feeling?”
        “Dead.”
        “Best answer. You’ll notice you’re restrained. You’re also under constant surveillance. You’re a bit young to start anti-depressants, but at this point there’s no other way. Due to the side-effects you will be here under observation until they find one that works. A therapist will also start meeting with you…”
        Scootaloo wailed. “No! No! He’ll just tell me to stop loving who I love! Try to make me something I’m not!” The screaming turned to coughing. 
        “No, she won’t.” Rainbow gave no further explanation. “I promise you’ll thank me by the end of this.”
        Rainbow left.
        “So this is the thanks I get? My life continued on? Saved at every corner to increase the misery! And you, you ungrateful bitches! All I ever did these past few months was for us! And what do you do?” Scootaloo coughed loudly, “Dump me? OH, I get it now. You’re here just to take me back-- GOD DAMMIT THAT HURTS!” Scootaloo tried to raise her arms to fight back but, as she was told, they were pinned to the bed. Apple Bloom tried to shake the needles from her hand and walked out without saying a word. Sweetie got up and stood beside her.
        “I don’t believe in God,” she said, “but I’ll pray for you.” And she left.
        And Scootaloo was alone. Now, and forever.



        Sweetie sat in the middle of the tree house as Apple Bloom paced a rut around it. “I think you’re being too hard on her. She has depression.”
        “But is that an excuse to coddle her? Oh, never mind the bodily harm you did to Rumble, his brother, Stardust, Midnight, or the other twenty kids in our grade! You’re just sad! It will all be fine!” 
        “No… but did you really have to slap her… several times?”
        “Yes. Seriously. There’s a difference between mental disorders and being a bloodthirsty maniac! And then she gets on her fucking high horse and tries to justify it to us! Protecting us? None of those kids did shit to us!” 
        “Yeah, but she’s been through so much.”
        “Which brings me back to my first question. Does that excuse what she done?”
        “I… I don’t know.” 
        Apple Bloom stopped her ritualistic dance. “I’m sorry, I’m angry. I feel betrayed that Scootaloo would do something like this. I get she’s always been rowdy but this is too far. And we have all these tests and I have two minutes of free time with all the chores and studying I have to do. I’m stressed. I want to take a nap. I’ve slept about three hours this week. I’m taking it out on you, or anything within earshot. I understand she’s been through a lot, but she’s going about it all wrong… she seemed so… together. Maybe the stress is getting to her too.” 
        “I’ll forgive you. Even I’m a little mad at Scoots. It was my decision to break up with her too. I kinda regret it but… more to the point. We have some time since it’s the weekend.”
        “Do you really wanna? Like right now, after all this?”
        “No. I want to take a nap as much as you do. Pardon my French but Fuck all of this.” 
        They fell asleep quite quickly. 



        Scootaloo was still stuck trying to think of how to kill herself and do the world a favor. Since she was bound, she couldn’t think of a whole lot of options. So she sighed and resigned, for now, to stay on this miserable rock. 
        The door to her room opened. She didn’t realize how much she appreciated that people would actually knock, until it was gone. A pale yellow figure walked up sheepishly. Oh great.
        “Hey Scoots. I…”
        “What the hell are you doing here?” she barked.
        Fluttershy’s expression didn’t change. She took a step closer. “I’m just visiting a friend.” 
        “I’m not your friend. I’m not anyone’s friend! Just STAY AWAY!” Scootaloo yelled, but tears ran down her eyes. She started coughing but managed to control her breathing. 
        Fluttershy pulled out a chair and took a seat. “No.” She said calmly.
        “Well if you’re going to barge into my room, ask the nurse for a scalpel with those big innocent eyes and cut my throat, would ya?”
        “I don’t think I’ll do that either.”
        “WHAT IS THE POINT OF YOU?” Scootaloo wheezed and screamed at the same time, like very angry leaves rustling. 
        “Hmm. Deep question. I think each person has to make their own point. Me, I try to be kind, I suppose.”
        “Whore, bitch ass fucking cunt! Get the fuck out nobody loves you!” Scootaloo made one last desperate attempt. She needed to be alone, that way she wouldn’t hurt anybody.
        “You done?” Fluttershy blinked.
        “Why the fuck are you still here? You’re supposed to be the scaredy cat! The coward, the weak helpless, please-save-me princess! Seriously! Even Rainbow abandoned me! And here you are. We hardly know each other!”
        “Then how do you know if I’m weak and helpless?” Fluttershy moved her flowing hair out of her delicate eyes.
        “Because everyone knows.”
        “Do they, though? What does it mean to truly know another person?”
        “I guess… spend enough time with them and you’ll know everything?”
        Fluttershy giggled.
        “WELL WHAT IS IT?”
        “To know a person as well as they know themselves, you’d have to be them. I won’t pretend to be you, but I’ve been through what you’ve been through.” Fluttershy got up and showed Scootaloo her wrists. Two small scars on each of them.
“You think you’re special?”
“No, not really. I know what yours look like. Rainbow Dash, well. She saved me. And you, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Yeah, but… where is she now?”
“She doesn’t like bullies remember? She just needs some time to cool off and remember you’re still her sister. Let’s be honest, if you found out she was a bully you’d hang her by her ankles like a rowdy rooster.” Fluttershy sat back down. “Oh dear me, I’m being rude. Would you like a soda?
There was a nine month pregnant pause. The sort of pause people have when they’re trying to figure out what’s going on, while simultaneously figuring out the proper way to react. The sort of pause people have if a lover walks out on them after months of bliss. A pause when a little girl who's scared, alone and wants to die is shown an act of kindness.
“Please.”
Fluttershy got up and walked out. Scootaloo noticed the ticking clock pounding into her head. She came back with a Mr. Lightning and a water. She put the soda on the side-table and undid Scootaloo’s arm. She moved to open the can but Scootaloo stopped her.
“I got it.” The girl picked up the can and opened the tab with a finger.
Fluttershy giggled. “I can only assume where you learned to do that.” Scootaloo laughed like she was going mad. Under the present circumstances, she technically was. But Fluttershy just made a perverted joke. Scootaloo was trying to reconcile reality with expectations.
Eventually she calmed down and Fluttershy took her seat again, moving it closer to Scootaloo’s bed. “So, you wanna trade suicide stories?” the pinkette asked, as though it were the natural thing to do.



It was two years ago now, before the Old Sunset Shimmer took the divide and conquer approach. I was being picked on by some big dumb jocks. And perhaps this is the downside to gender equality. Everyone is bullied equally. But it’s not my place to say. I’ve forgiven them. It’s because of them I’m in the place I am today. It wasn’t anything new, but I was having a bad day. One of the dogs under my care had passed. I was already on the emotional cliff.
But I ran home, ready to do the unthinkable. I had thought about it a long time but knew this was finally the time to commit. I downed half a bottle of aspirin, cut my wrists, then tried to hang myself.
Overkill, I know. I said Rainbow saved me. She kicked down my door. I saw later that the hinges were rusty. Call it luck or call it God, but I thank those hinges. Of course with all those blood thinners I was bleeding everywhere. I passed out shortly after, but saw she patched my wounds and woke up in the hospital. Much like you did. 



“So, who saved me?”
“Rainbow was concerned, but your friends were the ones that went out and found you. You had been gone for a while, and she already feared the worst. Frankly, two hours is more than enough time to kill yourself. Not that she would ever admit this, but she was curled up in the corner of her room, freaking out.”
Scootaloo looked at her wrists and the huge new gashes they had. “Oh my, those are pretty nasty.”
“Yeah…” Scootaloo replied absentmindedly.
“Well, I told you mine, what about you?”
Scootaloo sighed. “I guess so. You’re not going to leave anyway.”



Better start with the first. It was about a month after I came out to my parents and the whole mess of shit that caused. You know about that right? OK. Good. I felt… a lot like I do now. I’m a burden on the world, I’m not doing anyone any favors by staying alive. I cut myself a few times but woke up later and patched myself up. Yet another thing I screwed up on. So that was it for a while. I couldn’t even kill myself correctly. Obviously I kept cutting. I figured I could control myself and be… the perfect child God wanted me to be. But I see now, it didn’t work.
It would have been the beginning of last semester by the next one. If Rainbow didn’t show up, I probably would have… I don’t know. Drown myself? I had lost everything. My family. Well, they like to think they’re everything. I didn’t have anything left, so I probably would have. I don’t know how. But I never attempted so I guess that doesn’t count. 
And then a few days ago, my girlfriends broke up with me. I felt so alone, so I walked all the way to ghastly gorge in the rain, found a knife and… I’m not sure what happened next. But I guess my friends rescued my sorry ass. 



Fluttershy smiled so sweetly. She always did that. “You still called them your friends.”
“Well. They are. Aren’t they?”
“I’d certainly say so. How do you feel now?”
“I… It’s nice to talk about it. Kinda like… A weight’s been lifted.”
“You’re probably sick of hearing this, but we’re all here if you need to talk.” 
And for the first time, Scootaloo really talked about her feelings. She bared all. How it felt like the world was caving in and she was trying to prevent it. Fluttershy added, “While standing on a tightrope.” And Scootaloo nodded. Fluttershy compared depression to a razor. That’s what they mean by emotionally stable. Balancing is hard on a razor. Most people have a whole bridge. She explained that antidepressants are meant to try and make a bridge that’s easier to balance on. It won’t make her happy, it won’t take away sadness, but it will, hopefully, prevent her from falling off for good. 
Fluttershy had finished her drink, and exhausted all her knowledge of mental illnesses, so she left. Before she did, however, she put Scootaloo’s arm back in the cuff. “Awww,” the girl lamented.
“It’s not that I don’t trust you, I don’t trust the razor.” Fluttershy winked. She gingerly kissed the younger girl’s forehead like her mother used to do when she was five. The door clicked softly and Scootaloo wept. 
And wept.
And wept. Tears of relief smudged her hospital gown. 
However long she cried, she finally finished. It felt good. Like chains and boulders had been removed from her back, added gradually as time went on. She never noticed they were there until their absence. 
With little else to do, she fell asleep at around five pm. She didn’t wake until eight the next morning. She recalled it would have been a Saturday, maybe. She had no way of knowing the date. On a normal day, she’d be out having fun with her friends… They were still her friends right?
The door opened, an orderly carrying her breakfast. The over-worked nurse was followed by Scootaloo’s companions. 
“You’re quite popular.” The nurse smiled. Scootaloo was smiling but it wasn’t at the dumb comment. Suicide brings out the worst in people. “They were my best friends,” they’d say. Bullocks. Friends don’t let friends do that, and Scootaloo had two wonderful examples. That’s why she was smiling.
“I guess I am.” The nurse, Redheart, or something, had caught on to Scootaloo’s reserved tendencies so left her alone after undoing her straps. 
“How ya feelin?” Apple Bloom asked.
“Pretty great actually.”
“Good. I’m… I’m sorry I was hard on you. Now that I have more than three hours of sleep I realize I wasn’t helping anything. I want the best for my friends, but since you started acting like a bully…”
“I know, I know. I was just being stupid I guess. I… I even heard Diamond Tiara talk about how she turned into a bully to keep from being bullied, and how that worked out. I…” Scootaloo’s eyes started to get misty. “I guess I wanted to make sure we’d never be called faggots again. I… wow. I’m dumb.”
Sweetie scowled. “Say something nice about yourself.”
“I’m pretty ripped I guess.” Scootaloo flexed, feeling the strain on her scabs. 
“Better. I think you’ve lost some weight. You look a little pale too.”
“Well I lost a gallon or two of blood, what do you expect? They don’t let me exercise, and have you seen the food?” Scootaloo tossed her already empty tray on the table. Scootaloo felt the straps on her feet loosen while Apple Bloom was ducked under the sheet. “What are you doing?”
“Something dumb.”
“Sounds normal.” Once her straps were off, Scootaloo needed no prompting to sit up and position her feet to the edge of the bed. She got up… and nearly fell over from the dizziness. She caught herself on the table and took a few deep breathes.
“You have guards outside your room, apparently you’re high risk, but we’re gonna give you some exercise.”
Scootaloo began undoing the knot keeping her gown on.
“What are you doing?”
“Getting ready for exercise?” Scootaloo chuckled.
“Hmm, not that kind hun. We still love ya, but let’s take it slow for now. You do have pneumonia. Try to walk around the room.”
Scootaloo took an uneasy step. When did her legs turn to Jello? She was only in the hospital for a day. Come to think of it, how did she lose weight? Either way, her wobbly legs weren’t going to hold her back so she took another, and another and another. She nearly fell after the sixth step, but Apple Bloom caught her chest and propped her back up. 
“Seriously, you’re like ten pounds lighter. That don’t happen overnight. You were thin as a rail to begin with.” Only Apple Bloom could make an observation on weight that quickly by simply holding something. Scootaloo scowled. “Maybe you’re just fat.”
“Easy sugar.”
“Actually weight loss is a symptom of depression. I’ve been researching. How’s your appetite?” Sweetie asked.
“I’m not usually that hungry.”
“Well, you’ll be alright. Once they let you outta this joint we’re gonna have to take you to a Family Supper.” Apple Bloom twanged. “Put all that weight back on in no time.”
Scootaloo completed a lap around the room with some help after half of it. She sat down back in bed panting. Then coughing. Apple Bloom used her sledge-hammer fists on her lungs and that put a stop to it. 
“So I have like one question,” Scootaloo began. “Are we back together?”
“Yes,” Sweetie answered. 
“On the condition you stop being stupid,” Apple Bloom added. “Not getting the help you need is stupid, beating up people, especially your friends, is stupid. I can make a whole list if you want.”
The fluid in Scootaloo’s lungs prevented a full laugh, but she did manage to wheeze bemusedly. “I might just need that. Apple Bloom, can we talk a minute. Alone. I know it’s weird.”
Sweetie made for the door. “We all have our private business.”
“What’s it like… having your sister double as your mother?”
“Incest jokes aside, I hardly know any different. I guess she fits the bill for a mom pretty well. Patches my wounds, makes sure I do my homework and don’t stay out too late. But she doesn’t hover and try to control me. But she’s also there… Why are you crying?”
“Nothing, I’m fine.”
“Scoots, we’ve been through this.” Apple Bloom glared.
“I still don’t have a mother! I just have a place where I’m not judged. But… I… Don’t. Prism isn’t really there, and neither is her husband. They don’t care, they…”
“Shhh, shh." Apple Bloom patted the weeping girl's shoulder. "Sure they care. They just take a different approach to parenting, which isn’t the one you need right now. I’ll talk to my big sis, since I’m not sure what to do, OK?”
“Alright, thanks.” Apple Bloom gave a small kiss and tied her back up. 
“Rules are rules. I’ll see ya tomorrow.”
The doctor came in shortly after and explained some of the more technical details of the drug he was about to administer. All Scootaloo could focus on is the thought that she should get a shirt that says “Happiness is Serotonin.” Which basically summed up what he said. 
Scootaloo took the tiny pill. “Can you untie me? Get me some books or maybe some Playboy? I’m going crazy!”
“Well, let’s see, you’re on the first floor so you can’t jump out the window, there’s no sharp objects in the room… You can’t kill yourself with a paper cut. You can’t leave the room. Alright. No more restraints. What books do you like?” 
“Fantasy mostly.”
The doctor, Scootaloo made no effort to remember his name, nodded. “Have you heard of Brandon Sandstone? My daughter really likes him.”
“No, I haven’t.”
“I’ll get some for you.”
“That’s great and all, but what about the Playboy?”
“Ask your friends to get it. Speaking of, you can have your cellphone back but you’ll have to charge it outside your room.”
“Why… Oh.” Scootaloo thought of ways the cord might kill her. “I’m not that bad off.”
“Well, perhaps not now… But five minutes from now.”
“True enough…” 
“And of course, as you’ve been told a million times already, you’ll be under observation for a few days so we can tell if the medicine is working and no side-effects.”
“Yaaay.” Scootaloo moaned. 
After a few minutes an orderly, different from the first, carried in three books and Scootaloo’s phone. The girl took her phone and sent a text to her friends. “Please send help. Need dirty pictures.” After a few jokes about her sexual appetite later, her phone died. 
Recalling how difficult it was to walk yesterday she tried again and made a whole lap before collapsing on the bed. The hell was wrong with her? Well, other than knocking on death’s door, pneumonia, and needing a few gallons of blood replaced. Scootaloo started hacking, it felt like her lung was going to come up. 
She coughed so hard for so long, she knew she was going to barf. Perched above the trashcan, she gave a final wheeze before breakfast said goodbye.
Fuck all this. 
After she recovered from her vomiting she tapped a wireless button to call a nurse. Not getting help you need is stupid. Boy did she need help right now. One came in immediately. He looked to be fairly strong, fully capable of lifting her if need be. He could smell the vomit and picked up the trash can with a gloved hand. “Yeah, you’ll probably hack up a lot. Make sure to stay hydrated. Would you care for a sponge bath?” 
“Uhhh. Sure.”
A mildly attractive nurse cleaned her up. It felt nice to get rid of the dank clamminess that always follows a spell like that. She rubbed an antiseptic salve on Scootaloo’s wounds. The girl resolved to hold off on physical exertion until her lungs weren’t filled with an ocean. The books the doctor gave her were good, and she enjoyed them throughout the day. 
The next day was the beginning of a routine, it appeared. Her friends came in at breakfast and they talked. 
“I’m not really… angry at you.” Sweetie said, after a five minute tirade to make her point. “I was just… disappointed at what you thought you had to do. I understand where you were coming from but at the same time… you can’t just do that.”
“Well, I am literally crazy.”
“Say something nice.” 
“What did you always say to me... I’m perfect.”
“One day you’ll believe that.”
“I forgive you.” Sweetie blinked, Scootaloo noticing her eyes were moist.
“Sweetie, if you don’t mind, I need to talk to Scoots alone.” Apple Bloom said.
“Alright you two, just behave.” Sweetie left, the movement resembling a dainty leaf falling from a tree. 
“Well, what AJ said was basically talk to your current mother figures about how you feel. She also talked about how she had to be her own mom sometimes. I don’t get most of it, but she talked about how she would do stuff she hated because it had to be done, to make them proud.” Apple Bloom scratched her neck. “I don’t think that quite fits, but if you want my opinion, try to make yourself proud. And Family is whoever loves you for who you are.” Scootaloo cried. “Oh what did I do this time?”
“No I’m fine, I swear. These are tears of happiness. Can I call you sister?”
“Scoots, I’m already the butt of enough incest jokes to fill a barrel. No, at least not in public. But I kinda feel the same way.” Apple Bloom seemed to think about something. “I better get going. Got a lot of shit to do on the farm. But I forgive you too. What you did was stupid, unnecessary and hurtful, but sisters forgive each other. And girlfriends, and best friends. So I forgive you. Now, if you’ll excuse me I’m off to break my back.”
“Thanks. Kiss Sweetie for me, I know you’re both busy. Fortunately I don’t have to study for any test.”
“Ain’t y’all special.” Apple Bloom smirked mischievously. 
Scootaloo fake sneered and Apple Bloom left. Thirty minutes passed and the door opened again. 
> Chapter 13 - People Over Reacting
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rainbow Dash sat down at a chair, eyes cast downward to conceal her shame. Scootaloo was trying to remain calm, wrenching her hands like a spring. They both had something to say to each other for very different reasons. For a nightmarish eternal second they were caught in a staring match. Who wanted to go first? 
        Rainbow spoke first. “I’m so sorry. I completely let you down.”
        “Yes.”
        Rainbow could feel her heart freezing over from the chill in Scootaloo’s eyes. “Fluttershy told me you know what happened to her. I saw her leave the school and followed her within minutes. You were gone for hours. I was so worried… I thought you would already… already… I shouldn’t have given up but I did.” Rainbow clinched her fists, angry at herself but then relaxed. “I thought you were gone so I just… I just…” Rainbow broke down crying. Sobbing, sniveling, shrieking, hands on her eyes trying to hold it in but failing. Scootaloo got up and took twelve uneasy steps to her sister. She put a hand on her shoulder. Rainbow lept for a moment, unknowing that she had been unrestrained. Her tears dried up. “I thought I was going to get punched for a second.” 
        “Not this time. Look. At first I was angry. Which is just stupid when you think about it. I was rescued from a suicide attempt and was mad it wasn’t you. But seeing you cry made me realize how stupid I am. You care about me so much you cried for me. I guess it can’t get any better than that. I don’t think you gave up.”
        “Yes I did! I crawled up under my desk like I used to do when there was a thunderstorm when I was eight and cried.”
        “Fear paralyzes us all sometimes. If I knew you, Sweetie, or Bloom were having a bad day and then I didn’t hear from you for two hours I’d do the same thing. I’d be so afraid I couldn’t move.” Scootaloo scoffed. “It happens. We can’t all be brave all the time. You’re still my sister and I’m still yours.” 
        Rainbow regained control of her breathing. “Thanks. I’ll be right beside you.”
        “And all be there for you too.”
        “Sorry I didn’t come sooner… Applejack had to talk some sense into me.”
        “I can’t even blame you for that. I know what you think of bullies. Considering it’s what I think about them. And that’s the cruel irony of it.” 
        “Life is full of stuff like that, I think.”
        “Well, you’re here now, I’m here now. I guess, in the end that’s all that matters.”
        “Yeah, I guess so.”
        Rainbow grabbed Scootaloo in a tight hug and cried. And of course Scootaloo started crying too. They stayed like that for a few countless minutes. “As much as I’d love to keep blubbering like a baby, I got stuff to do.” Rainbow wiped her eyes.
        “You don’t need to be here all the time.”
        “Alright, just know that I’m worried about you. Take care, do what the doctor says. He’s a cool guy. Set a few of my bones. Anyway, I gotta go before the boss has my head.” Scootaloo chuckled and waved goodbye. 

        Scootaloo sat back down on the bed and opened her book to where she had left off. Not five minutes later the door opened again. Scootaloo sighed and looked, clicking the book shut with contempt. “What are you doing here again?”
        “I’m just visiting a friend.” Fluttershy said. “Well that, and I’m interning under a psychiatrist and he’s working really closely with me on your case.” Fluttershy smiled innocently. She could confess murder and the jury wouldn’t find her guilty. 
        “Oh… well ok. You’re welcome?”
        “It’s people like you and me that made me want to do this. People struggling, hurting. So perhaps I should be thanking you.”
        “Alright. Have a seat I guess.” Scootaloo rolled her eyes.
        “So they’ve started your meds?”
        “Yeah.” Scootaloo repeated the name and dosage.
        “Huh, that’s pretty light, but I can see why. You probably won’t notice it for a few days. Just keep taking it.”
        “The other alternative is literal death.” The girl rolled her eyes.
        “You’re chipper as always.” Fluttershy giggled, disarming a bomb Scootaloo didn’t know was in her chest. 
        “I try.” Scootaloo snapped, then remembered who she was talking to. Raising your voice even slightly to poor Fluttershy felt like kicking a puppy. There were more important questions to ask instead of spouting sarcastic quips. And her friends would get on to her for acting like a total bitch. She let out a breath and continued more calmly. “Do you… have a mother?”
        “Well, yes. Technically speaking. I have no idea where she is. My father raised me. You should see him, he’s like six foot five and pure muscle, but so gentle. Why do you ask, if you don’t mind me asking?”
        “I just… got to thinking that I don’t have any parents really. My dad is trying to communicate now but we have next to nothing in common. He still can’t quite wrap his head around my… preferences. Mom was… Evil given form. Dash’s parents are kind of absent.” 
        “This is what everyone in my ‘profession’ says eventually. How does it make you feel? Put it into words.”
        “I don’t know… Like I’m still alone. Don’t I need parents that love me?”
        “Not necessarily. You just need people that love you. I think you have a few of those.” Fluttershy smiled. Scootaloo tried to think of a way to describe it but could only come up with “melted caramel.” Sweet and gentle, but… sticky? Egh. Maybe these pain killers were getting to her. 
        “Yeah, but… I don’t know it feels like a giant hole in my heart or something. Like, Ok, I got the flu this summer. Apple Bloom waited on my hand and foot because she’s so motherly I guess, but it brought back memories of when mom ‘acted’ like she loved me and took care of me when I was sick. And at the time I had no idea why I was crying. Of course I was crying about a lot of stuff. It feels like I need something, and I don’t want my girlfriends to be my moms... ”
“There comes a time when all birds must leave the nest, and it can be as traumatic to the chick as well as the parent. Do the Dashes respect you?”
“Yes, I suppose.”
“Well, that’s all you really need. Respect and love. I’d go so far as to say they love you. They just parent like you might not be used to. Of course people argue over which method is best, strict or loose.” Fluttershy took a breath, waiting for a response. When she didn’t get one she continued. “Do you have an idea of what caused your depression?”
“Oh hun, I know exactly fucking what. My mother is a giant fake. She expects everything her way, and when she doesn’t get her way, she acts like she did in public. So many church meetings she tried convincing her cohorts that she was doing all she could to help my grades. Which she wasn’t. I was always the problem child. The piece that didn’t fit with them. Expectations versus reality. A walking irony.”
“You’re starting to wax poetic.”
“Sorry, you can only think about this stuff so much before you start to get a little hammy.”
“Oh I know. But go on.”
“Of course my father just let her because he was weak… I don’t think he started out weak, but she broke him down after so many years of marriage. She had him on a chain. So I was the problem child. They both um… didn’t spare the rod. I was punished, grounded constantly, I couldn’t do anything with boys within a football field. After I came out they barely let me leave the house. Fortunately, Rarity is a master manipulator. 
“That she is. She can make beheading yourself seem like a good idea. Maybe even help you sharpen the axe.”
“I can’t tell if you hate her or…”
“Oh no, that’s only when she has a motive. She’s really quite nice.” The way Fluttershy said it made Scootaloo think about a distant romance that doesn’t feel the same way. Longing and warm. She decided not to press it, and instead thought back to the few times she woke up in Rarity’s house and had to share breakfast with her. 
“You haven’t seen her in the morning.”
“We all have our faults. I’m a morning person, she isn’t.” Fluttershy shrugged.
“Well, that was it,” she returned to the previous subject, “I was trying to be something I wasn’t. Meet their expectations which seemed to move constantly. So eventually I just gave up and… well, the expectations kept crushing me.”
“We have a word for that. Imposter syndrome.” Fluttershy glanced at the clock. “We’re nearly out of time, I’ve gotten pretty busy. I have other people to visit and I know how cranky Rainbow gets when you interrupt her reading. Don’t answer this right away, but think on it. What do you expect of yourself?”
Scootaloo turned introspectively. “I’ll think about it. I’ll let you get going.”
“Alright, take care.” Then, almost sensing as though she wanted it, Fluttershy got up and gently kissed Scootaloo's forehead again. 
The girl remained composed until the door clicked, then her head fell into her palms as she wept again. The thought of anybody older than her loving her was a foreign concept. Except Rainbow Dash, because she was awesome. She wept and felt the burden grow lighter still. 

Scootaloo tried to read but found she couldn’t focus. She was never the sort to sit and do nothing. Reading wasn’t nothing, but her mind was preoccupied trying to answer the question Fluttershy gave her. What were her own expectations anyway? Be a good person. Yeah, well what the hell does that even mean? What is goodness, is there a god that defined it? If so, did she fall into that category? She already had this debate a thousand times, each one ending up on her arms. She very much wanted to throw something but couldn’t find it in her heart to damage a book that wasn’t hers. Her phone would more than likely break. So she just huffed a ragged breath. 
All things considered, since she forgave Diamond Tiara, and hadn’t killed anyone, she considered herself a good person with virtues. If God felt the same way, good for him. So mission accomplished. Expectation complete, you’ve done yourself proud. But that left her feeling empty inside, the void familiar to her but now tragically uncomfortable. She dwelt there a time but found she couldn’t stay like she used to, now aware of the emptiness. She summoned for a pencil and paper and began furiously scribbling notes of whatever came to mind under observation. The nurses thought she might try to stab herself with the pencil or something. As if, it wasn’t durable enough. Then after a while she started to cross out the far out ideas and things. So she created a list of things she wanted from herself. It was a blessedly simple short list but some of the items were so girly she wanted to burn it. 
Love Deeply
Stay fit
Good grades
Keep up Appearances. (This line she borrowed from a British Comedy she loved to watch; basically meaning to be social.)
Enjoy things. (Laugh).
Skate often
Play hard, work hard, play harder.
Love who you are. 
“Shouldn’t have.” Not “Should have.”
Do not, under any circumstances, become your parents. 
Well, she had like… three of these down. Sweetie was right, she had lost weight and muscle, so she wasn’t really fit. Enjoying things usually only lasted for a second or two. Only time would tell for number 10. She loved her girlfriends beyond measure, she skated a lot, and she had good grades. That was it. Well, what good are expectations if you already have accomplished them. Three to maintain, seven to earn. Easy. She put check marks to the ones she had. Mind at rest, she turned back to her book and lost herself in the pages. 
        She was visited by her friends and Fluttershy daily. The first round of meds barely worked, so they increased the dosage. She was out of commission for a week but still did her homework. She had to, for herself. She found herself staring out the window and looking at the tree just outside. It was a beautiful tree. She’d give it a hug when she got out of here. She became aware of whole blank spaces in her memory. Fluttershy explained that memory loss is a symptom of the unspeakable disease. The therapist herself couldn’t remember the first two years of high school at all. So her friends filled her in on some adventures she completely forgot about. She laughed and laughed but felt a little sad about not being able to remember. Fortunately Sweetie had been thinking ahead and took pictures of every one of their escapades and had a scrap book. They giggled as they looked at the pages and kissed and hugged and snuggled close to one another there in the cold, sterile hospital. 
        Finally the infection in her lungs was gone, and the medication was working. She hugged the tree on the way out then did a cartwheel. Rainbow just watched, perplexed. 
        “You’re doing great for eighty-percent lung capacity.”
        “Yeah, well I only did one.” Scootaloo panted. 
        Rainbow laughed and they drove home. She visited the psychiatrist that Fluttershy was interning for sometime later in the week. Everything was fantastic. Scootaloo ate like she had five stomachs. She took up the Apple's offer to dinner and managed to impress Big Mac, the "big eater" of the family.  She was practically starving all the time. She jogged and lifted and gained a couple pounds in the space of a few days. The wall she constructed to keep herself sane, but also made her crazy, had been torn down. Only… this time, revealing a mess of garbage on the other side. She had issues. It was time to deal with them. 
        Since it was her first date night back, they let Scootaloo pick the place. She decided to have a picnic on the very edge of Ghastly Gorge, near the place where she nearly killed herself. It was a lovely grassy clearing with evergreens and oaks starting to change a beautiful rainbow of colors. The gorge itself had an ominous quality, though equally brightly colored. More like a beautiful animal warning of its poison than a flashy display. Scootaloo admired it. At the end of the meal, she tackled Sweetie and started rolling on the grass, kissing with furious passion. Apple Bloom took this as the sign to start her own fun with Rumble, and they were quickly doing something similar. The grass on her back seemed more vibrant, the body in her hands more supple, the kisses so much more tender.
        She decided to lift a prayer to God, thanking him for SSRIs. 
        She considered she was going mad shortly after that, considering she hated him for most of her life. If this was crazy, however, she didn’t particularly like being sane. But no. This was definitely sanity. She was crazy before. But now… Everything made sense. Well, nearly everything. She was the current queen of the universe, and she was awesome. Life was awesome. 
> Chapter 14 - Magnets
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rainbow Dash sighed as she braced herself to enter her girlfriend’s farmhouse. Deep down she knew it would come to this. Except she didn’t. She thought it would work out. Applejack would fall in love and… they’d be happy. That old cliche, but perhaps that’s all it was. Tired, old, unrealistic. But then why did everyone want it? Well, there was no point in dragging it out any longer. 
She opened the door. Applejack was reading a trashy lesbian romance without any pleasure, her eyes scanning over it like a type-writer. She looked up from the pages, “Hey babe.”
“Hey.” Rainbow sighed.
“What’s up?”
“We… we need to talk. About us.” Applejack neatly folded the book and set it down, giving Rainbow her full attention.
“Well. OK.”
Rainbow sat down in the chair opposite her girlfriend. “It feels like nothing’s changed. Yeah, sure we go on dates. We kiss and that’s fun. But in nearly seven months now, we’ve never had sex. Ironically since I’ve started dating you this is the longest dry spell I’ve ever had.”
“I just… don’t feel comfortable.”
“Why the hell not?! Do you not love me?”
“No I do but…”
Rainbow shouted “Then what’s the problem? I know this is probably hilarious coming from me, but sex is what happens when two people love each other!”
“Could you just calm down?”
“No! I can’t possibly be calm, because at this point you’ve broken my heart into so many pieces all that’s left is dust!”
“Well maybe if ya weren’t so obsessed with me we wouldn’t have this problem!”
“Oh, so that’s it! I’m just a creep that texts you and kisses you and loves you and buys you chocolate and gives you back rubs! I’m just your personal fucking handbag because you think that if you love me back you’ll just be feeding some goddamn mental disorder! Well, let me tell you at this point it’s all your fault!”
“Oh, everything’s my fault now is it? Well, listen here missy! If you weren’t such a flaming dyke, I’d go out in public with you more! If you could just go five seconds without having to announce how big of a faggot you are to everyone we could have a nice date, but it’s literally in your hair!”
Rainbow took a step back. Applejack had lied to her. “You told me… You were fine with holding hands, and it never seemed to bother you. And this is my natural hair color! I can’t just fucking change that!”
“Well could you at least try to not wear a metaphorical pin that screams ‘I lick pussy’ everywhere we go?”
“You’re… you’re ashamed of me! What the fuck has changed? We were best friends in high school, even after I came out?” 
“Yeah but now word has spread around town and I’m haemorrhaging business like sand and a sieve!” 
“Well I don’t get why anyone would want to buy your mouldy old apples anyway!”
Applejack gasped and clutched her throat, only to remember it was her metaphorical jugular that was just stabbed. “Get. Out.”
Rainbow Dash took exactly one one-millionth of a millisecond too long to move. “I SAID GET OUT.” Rainbow skilfully dodged the trashy erotica thrown at her, then the coasters, except the last one hit her in the ankle. A coffee mug flew by her head and smashed against the door frame. She slammed the door behind her and heard another thud. No time to waste she bolted for her car and started the engine, flinging dirt as she drove away. 

Rainbow numbly walked from her car to her room. She didn’t remember the act of moving her feet. Or even the drive. She just felt empty, like her heart had been torn to shreds by a griffin. She collapsed on her bed but found she couldn’t cry. If time even passed, Rainbow wasn’t sure. But eventually the door opened. With black voids of pupils she looked at the intruder. It was her sister.
“You OK?” She asked.
“The fuck does it look like?”
“What happened?”
“Applejack and I had a fight. I don’t think it’s gonna work out.”
“Well what was the fight about?” Scootaloo was increasingly growing tired of trying to get information out of people. 
“We haven’t… had sex. Or been a normal couple by any means. I told her how I felt and ended up being target practice.”
“There are other girls. Or guys I guess. It’s not the end of the world.”
“You can’t understand!” Rainbow turned away, clutching a pillow. Scootaloo pressed her palm to her face and approached the bed. 
“You’ll thank me for this later.” She raised her right hand and delivered a mighty slap to Rainbow’s face, causing her to yelp. “Get the hell over it!” Rainbow balled her fist but then remembered the promise she made to herself. 
“Leave me alone.”
“Fine. Dinner’s ready by the way.” Scootaloo closed the door. Rainbow didn’t move. Time passed. How much? Rainbow couldn’t tell. 
The door opened again. “It’s fucking midnight, have you even moved?” A voice said. Scootaloo. 
“Go away.”
Scootaloo huffed. “I can’t believe I’m about to do this.” The girl climbed on the bed and swung a leg around Rainbow’s prone figure, straddling her stomach. “Um… what are you doing?”
“Something that should have been done a long time ago.” Scootaloo giggled and smirked playfully. Suffice it to say this was quite confusing for Rainbow, who would bang anything that consented. Since Scootaloo was 16 and her hips were grinding just a little it sure as hell seemed like it. Her hand's started moving toward her sister's hips, guided by uncontrollable force. 
All at once the young girl’s face turned hard and she raised her hand. She thwacked Rainbow so hard it sounded like a bullwhip. And again, and again, and again. “She!” THWACK “doesn’t” THWACK “Love!” THWACK “YOU” THWACK “So get over it.” Scootaloo gave one final hit for good measure. 
Between sobs Rainbow managed to reply “That’s easy for you to say.”
“You don’t need someone in your life to make you feel complete. Oh it helps not to be alone. Sweetie always pulled me out of my deepest pits. But your relationship wasn’t healthy. And sometimes you have to know when to cut it off.”
“But… what am I supposed to do without her?”
“Anything you want. And I’m sure, along the way, you’ll find another girl. Or boy since you like that gross stuff.” Scootaloo chuckled. “What about Sunset?”
“She’s… nobody’s heard from her except seeing her face on the news. At this rate she’ll be president by next term.”
“I’m not sure if I should be terrified or glad…”
“Tell me about it.” 
“So, Rainbow, what were your plans tomorrow.”
“Well I was going to see a movie with Applejack.”
“Well then go to the movie alone.”
“What if I hate it and only went to see it because she wanted to?”
“Then I’ll personally drag you to the spa and get you a pedicure.”
“No! Anything! I’ll go to the movie, just… anything but that!”
“Just remember, I keep my promises.” Scootaloo got off of her sister with a clean motion. “Good night.” Rainbow heard her mumble something about a soap opera before the door closed. 
So it came to pass that Rainbow went to see a movie. Applejack had wanted to see some American Pastoral garbage while Rainbow wanted to see Tarantino's gritty new action masterpiece The Manehattan Six. So she bought tickets to that instead. And she enjoyed it, watching with awe at the bloody gore violence that characterized his films. Scootaloo was right. She didn’t need anyone to feel complete, or to have fun. But still she thought about what Applejack would have to say about the film. She almost sent her a text asking her about her day, but then remembered the fight and how they both had their hearts ripped out. She slid her phone back in her pocket. 
Then, as she walked back (The theater was closed and she appreciated the open air more anyway), she considered doing something even stupider. Her finger hovered over Gilda’s contact information, waiting to be pressed and then automatically dialed. But then she remembered what she did to Fluttershy, her feelings, and Pinkie. She began to wonder why she did those things in the first place, and desperately wanted to avoid becoming that. 
She finished walking back home and crawled on her bed, trying to memorize the ceiling. The door opened, and she didn’t need to look to know it was her increasingly androgynous sister. 
“So how was it?”
“What’s the point in having fun if you don’t share it with someone?”
“Did you enjoy the movie?”
“Yeah, but… It’s like I can’t share it with anyone. Talk about it, yada yada…” 
“Well, here. Tell me about it. What did you go see.”
Rainbow started to give a synopsis of the movie, and after a few sentences she got up and sat on the bed. The longer it went on the more she enjoyed it, making wild gestures and recalling awesome action scenes. Scootaloo smiled and watched, adding “That’s so awesome!” or something similar. She had already seen it before but Rainbow didn’t need to know that, and her enthusiasm seemed to brighten up her sister. 
“See, you don’t need Applejack. From the sound of it you had a great time by yourself.”
“Yeah, I guess I did.”
“I know this is ironic but I have a date. I’ll see you when I get home… If I get home. But remember, if you’re not having fun by yourself how can you expect to have fun with other people.”
“When did you become the mentor?” Rainbow chuckled.
“I don’t know… Guess I read a lot of books.” 

Rainbow sat in silence for a time. Hours ticked by. Maybe Scootaloo was right. The only way she used to have fun was with other people. If she was playing sports, it was other’s admiring her glory. Her frequent, often one off, dates with the Student Body were obvious enough. She needed someone. Her friends helped a lot but as the world’s horniest bisexual she needed somebody in her bed. 
The weight of her life had crashed down on her like a ceiling fan, breaking her like a thin sheet of glass. But now she could see all the pieces. 
She mumbled “maybe I should see Scootaloo’s therapist,” at one a.m., noting that her sister was still not back. Technically speaking, Scootaloo was living Rainbow’s fantasy of a harem to dote on her and service her, bend to her whims, etc. But she couldn’t think of anybody, the faceless members of her fantasies attractive and yet unknown. She wanted a deep connection with a lot of people, but she couldn’t even manage one. She hadn’t found anybody she was capable of loving. Any extended period of time seemed to dissolve all interest and commonality. She drove people away. Was it… was it her fault? Even thinking about the question scared her. She slept, deeply but uneasily. Her nightmares of voids seemed to entrap her. There was nothing…

Applejack wasn’t feeling much of anything. She wasn’t angry. Not sad. Just… sort of nothing. She lay awake in bed. She had chores to do but couldn’t find the motivation to move a muscle. Did she even like girls? Nobody particularly caught her fancy. Rainbow Dash was kind of cute but she was such a jerk. Other girls didn’t seem to do it for her. She couldn’t stand to be around Rarity’s uppity attitude for too long, though she did appreciate the company occasionally. Fluttershy was just another wreck of emotions, worse than Dash. She was afraid of her own shadow and had arms like toothpicks. That wouldn't work either.
She turned back to thinking about boys. They always seemed to want to change her, like there was something wrong with her dream of being a farmer. Dream bigger, they said. Leave it behind. Maybe if she just cloned herself. Oh who was she kidding. She couldn’t stand living with a pig-headed gruff goat whose solution was to punch the problem. She had already tried it. Rainbow Dash was just like her, after all. Wreck and all. The nature of the wounds were different, but the effect the same. They both had a void that needed filling and neither could produce the substance to fill it.

The Apple sisters sat at the breakfast table. Applejack had already been up since sunrise, which is to say she didn’t really sleep. She nursed her third cup of coffee as her little sister made a bowl of cereal. The younger sat down at the table, quietly respectful of Applejack’s headache. “Can I ask you something?” the older one said.
“Yeah, sure.”
“How… when… did you realize your relationship with Scootaloo was more than just attraction?”
“So you want to know what love is?” Nobody said anything for a beat. “Sorry, easy line. Well, we’ve been best friends forever so I guess as horny teenagers it was easy to take it more romantically. But even being in love is more than friends having sex. You can’t stop thinking about how they’re doing. Even the second after they close the door is too long. When I first started dating Rumble we really seemed to hit it off. He made me feel like dancing. Scootaloo inspires me to keep moving forward. Sweetie… is indescribable. She’s soft and clean and gentle and everything the other two and I aren’t, but she still makes me feel like I’m the most beautiful person on the earth. I guess it’s putting the other person before yourself. And no, it doesn’t get harder with three people, weirdly enough.”
Applejack thought for a time. Well, she had her answer, clear as day. Now she just had to do something about it. 

> 15 - Therapy
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“You wanna know what?” Sweetie asked as she snuggled up to Apple Bloom in the treehouse. They had just finished another round of algebra homework when Sweetie had her crazy idea. “I want to go to a drag show,” she continued.
        “Is that like drag racing or what?” Scootaloo snorted, looking up from her pet project of dismantling a VCR. She unscrewed a widget and put it in a plastic bag along with the screws. 
        “No silly, it’s where men dress up as women and vice versa. Why are you even doing it like that anyway?”
        “I would have much preferred a race…” she said, working on another bit. “And because I want to put it back together. I don’t want to lose a piece.” She looked up to see Sweetie pouting, her eyes big and sad looking, her bottom lip sticking out. “No, not that face!” The gaze continued. “No, no, stop! Fine, I’ll go.”
        Apple Bloom chuckled. “Might as well. We should enter Rumble, he’d take the cake.”
        “We’d have to beat men off with a stick.” Scootaloo said, causing the others to laugh. “What… Oh… Isn’t that painful?”
        “You’d have to ask Button,” Rumble said, closing the trap door.
        “And just where have you been? Any longer and you would have found us trying to occupy ourselves waiting for you to help with history.” Apple Bloom got up and kissed him. 
        “Button needed to vent. Don’t worry about it, he just thinks everything is drama in a relationship.”
        “So Rumbly, we were thinking about going to a drag show next weekend?”
        “It’s next weekend? Aw shit, I already promised dad we’d go camping!” Scootaloo interjected.
        “Oh my goodness,” Sweetie said, “I’m sorry. You go rebuild your relationship with your father.”
        “You sure?”
        “Yes, yes! I’ll be fine with these two, your father is more important.”
        “OK. I feel bad about not being able to go--”
        “Shush shush! I’ll be fine and you probably would have hated it anyway.” 
        “OK fine!” Scootaloo threw up her hands in surrender.
        “I promised myself I wouldn’t play this card… but Scoots… be lucky you have a father. Especially one that wants to be your father.” Apple Bloom finished with a sigh.
        “You’re right I…” Scootaloo huffed and raked a hand through her hair. “I wasn’t looking forward to it honestly…I’ll go.”
        “You’ll be fine,” Sweetie smiled. “Promise.” Scootaloo would believe anything her love said, even if it was about a purple unicorn princess visiting their high school. Or did that actually happen? Her memories were a little fuzzy. She glanced at her phone and stood up, knocking the VCR over. “Shit, forgot about my appointment. Gotta go.” Before she left she gave Sweetie a kiss and bolted off.


Scootaloo’s therapist was a large and friendly man that reminded her of Santa Claus. He wore a tweed suit and bowtie all the time. Each time Scootaloo visited he wore a different tie, and she began to wonder how many he had. His hair was white with age, and he held a full and well-kept beard. He spoke calmly and quietly, in a gentle tenor. He was about as threatening as a snail. Perhaps her medication played a part, but she opened up quickly to Doctor Hopper. By this session, he knew her life story already, and had gleamed some insight into her situation. Which was good because Scootaloo was loaded with questions. Like one that had been bothering her since last week.
        “What do you know about Transsexuals?” Scootaloo asked. 
        “Not much, I’ll admit. I know it’s people that don’t identify with their own bodies so they fix that. I can’t even begin to imagine what it’s like, even though many have been a patient. Why do you ask?”
        “Well, it’s just that the book the doctor gave me in the hospital had a trans character. It was a girl that acted like a man and eventually had some magical spell cast on her to make her one. I’ve been thinking about it ever sense.” 
        “Have you done any other research?”
        “No.”
        “Sorry, I nearly forgot who I was talking to,” they shared a chuckle. “You’re thinking about transitioning yes?”
        “I’m curious.” Scootaloo pouted. “Of course, the last time that happened...”
“Curiosity didn’t kill the cat, trust me. What I would recommend is to research it. Read everything. See what other people have gone through, if you feel that way yourself, and if you’re willing to risk it. Unfortunately it’s not as easy as a magic spell. You’re changing every single part about you, basically. It’s not to be taken lightly.”
Scootaloo nodded. “I’ll think about it.”
“So, the medication seems to be working? How’s life? Anything exciting happen?”
“Yeah, I’d definitely say the medication is working. I’m not happy all the time, but… I can feel emotions now. Again.” Scootaloo gave a giggle-snort. “I just remembered two days ago. My girlfriends and I had to watch a movie for English and write a short paper on it. I was bawling tears of joy by the end and they were just looking at me like I was nuts.”
“Yes, many do report a period of stronger emotions after starting medication, followed by a more… even reaction. Don’t be ashamed of your emotions.”
“Oh no, I love… feeling things. Life’s pretty great. I just wish there were less homework.” 
Hopper gave a light laugh, high pitched and more like a hen clucking. “Do you plan on going to college?”
“I don’t plan that far ahead. Why would I?”
“Fair enough. You have too much stuff right now to worry about. So, anything exciting?”
“I was getting to that. Well, I saw a movie for fun with my harem. It was Rumble’s turn to pick and I was kind of dreading it. He always likes those really weird films but I enjoyed it. My sister broke up with her girlfriend. I’ve already told you what I think about that. I think it’s for the best. Maybe now Rainbow will realize how… needy she was. And yes, I’m aware of the irony.”
“Here’s a thought. When was the last time you did something just by yourself. No harem?”
Scootaloo thought back. Even with giant holes in her memory she knew the answer was months ago. “That’s the same advice I gave her... I think I’ll go to the skate park tomorrow.” Scootaloo grinned at the idea. 
“Depending on others for your happiness isn’t a good idea. But it can be a pretty good jump start. Oh darn. We’re out of time.” Hopper smiled warmly. “I’ll see you next week.” 
Scootaloo helped herself to a piece of caramel on her way out.


Scootaloo just decided she’d make a day out of it. She told Rainbow about her plans and her big sister had called it “a date with herself.” As much as she loved Sweetie and the others, these would be a little personal. And she wanted to surprise them afterward. She hated getting her hair cut, so that was where she went first. She learned a long time ago it’s better to face down her problems, and hopefully not punch them nearly as often. Best to get it over with, she opened the door. 
She was not gay enough for this. She was unworthy to be in such a place. It smelled of girl and cleanliness and kinda like Sweetie so maybe she could handle it. A flamboyant black man with bleached hair and a partially unbuttoned shirt and a friendly smile ushered her to a chair. 
“What can I do for you hun?” The stylist asked.
For a brief moment she panicked. It was early by her standards on a weekend and the pills hadn’t quite kicked in. She calmly remembered that she had prepared for this. “Pixie.” She said. “And while we’re at it, could you put in some red tips?” She said with last-minute inspiration.
“Alright hun I’ll take care of you. How do you normally wear it?”
Scootaloo realized the last time she even thought about styling her hair was probably… well… since before her grand attempt. “I kinda like the messy look.” 
“I can see that. To each their own.” He said, without judgement.He washed her hair and gave her a relaxing scalp massage. Maybe this wasn’t so bad after all, when you don’t have your mother making you get the same hairstyle forever.
 A few snips in, the stylist made a comment. “Forgive me for saying this, but you’re setting my gaydar off like no other.”
Scootaloo chuckled, completely disarmed and comfortable. Is this why girls went to the spa? The shampoo smelled… relaxing. “Same. You caught me.” Her heart tried to kick her and her breathing shallowed as her whole body went tense. So she was just casually coming out now, hmm? What a foolish idea.
The stylist laughed. “You got me too.” And then they launched into a discussion about recent legislation (Sunset’s name came up twice), dating, and all that good stuff. 
When the work was done she looked in the mirror and realized she looked very androgynous. She was somewhere between a scene boy and a girl, her thin lips and squarish jaw adding to the confusion. Perfect. She thanked him and paid, and then as she closed the door to the shop, she realized she had no idea what his name was. 
Thanks to Rarity’s efforts a few months ago, her attire was sufficiently ambiguous, so she was focusing more on her physical appearance. She still hated clothes shopping even though she often went with Sweetie. She walked around the plaza to a piercing and tattoo parlor. She wasn’t age enough to… oh wait. The court battle over the summer left her as her own adult, so she could get a tattoo without a parent being there. Really Prism was covered in tattoos, but she didn’t want to bother her with asking. Fourty-five minutes later she had a belly-ring, two studs in each ear and a small set of wings on her shoulder blades. She wasn’t quite sure where that idea came from but she liked it. The wings weren’t much bigger than her shoulder’s. For one, she saw whole back tattoos with wings and thought that would be too far and take too much time. She also thought about it symbolically. Except that made her brain hurt so she just decided she liked them and left it at that.


Scootaloo had a great time at the skate park. Her bloody knees told her so, though she did resolve to get some knee pads that fit. She hadn’t worn her’s in so long she didn’t realize she outgrew them. Normally she cruised and it wasn’t a big deal, but trying to do tricks and flips they were a necessity. 
She was cooling off next to the vending machines, sipping a soda when she noticed a boy walking over. His face was on fire and he stared at his shoes. Scootaloo could guess what would happen next. 
“Hi…” the boy said weakly. “I’m Mark.”
“Scootaloo.” Now that he was closer, she recognized him as a new Freshman.
“Those were some pretty sweet moves.”
“Yeah, and an even better wipe out. It’s been too long.”
“Well, um. I think you’re really cool and I was wondering if you wanted to go get some shakes or something?” That was what Scootaloo was waiting for. It did feel nice to be admired by someone other than her childhood friends and former skirt. But she knew better than to string this poor kid along.
“I’ll be honest, my girlfriends might get jealous. Yes, I have more than one, wanna fight about it?” Scootaloo fell into a boxing form. She probably had the weight advantage on Mark. Then she realized that was no longer the way she dealt with her problems. That, and Mark was covering his torso with his arms, shaking from a different form of nervousness he had before. She lowered her fists. “Sorry… Skaters aren’t exactly known for being… tolerant. Or boys in general. I’ve turned down quite a few and they’ve said some nasty stuff.”
“I know.” Mark suddenly became aware of something. “Wait, you’re a girl?” He doubled over and started laughing hysterically. “Oh… My God. This is so embarrassing. The only gay guy at the park meets the lesbian! Or are you trans? That’s cool if you are.”
“I have no idea. I know I like girls and am one… even if I look like a man.”
“Well, so much for that plan.” Mark turned around and started walking, giggling to himself.
“Wait!” Mark turned again, “I practically owe you a drink now. Let’s go to Sugarcube Corner.”
“Race ya!” Mark dropped his board and took off. “Hey, wait, that’s not fair!”

“I can’t believe you beat me!” Mark said, huffing at the door of the bakery.
“It’s called a longboard. It goes faster.” Scootaloo smirked. Scootaloo opened the door with one hand. 
“Oh, no, genderfluid ladies first.”
Scootaloo shot him a glare and he smiled nervously as he walked in.
“Hi Scoots! Who's your friend?” Pinkie squealed. “No wait, let me guess.” She eyed the boy with cold intensity, inches from his face. “Mark Shot, birthday… tomorrow. Come back and you get a free slice of cake! You like chocolate don’t you… wait. German. Yes.” 
Mark was standing there, dumbstruck, trying to figure out what happened. “How… does she do that?”
“Don’t ask questions, you’ll last longer.”
They took a seat and Pinkie hopped by with two shakes. “I had a feeling you’d be stopping by with a person who liked chocolate malts but I couldn’t think of anybody. But I was right so I guess it doesn’t matter.”
They gave their thanks while trying not to look confused. Pinkie moved on to another group of customers. “So, you thought I was a guy?”
“Yeah, but kinda feminine.” 
“I’ve been thinking about it recently. I am kind of a boy. I wear boxers for goodness sake.” The comment set Mark to blushing. “Oh here I am telling you about everything and we just met.”
“Well, I might be able to help anyway.”
“I’d like someone to give me an answer, but I know it’s not that easy. I don’t think anything about my body is wrong…”
“But you feel like you don’t fit in as a girl?”
“Even my tomboy girlfriend is more of a girl than me. Shaves her legs, long hair, wears skirts… more than once a year. Make up, everything.”
“You could just be transgender. You don’t have to get the full replacement.”
“So I just act like a boy to everyone else, but keep the parts I like?”
“Well that’s basically how I understand it.”
“I see. Hey, I just remembered. Why don’t you give me your number so I can pass it on to a friend of mine?”
“Is he cute?”
Scootaloo shrugged. “I’m not qualified to make that assessment. I guess so. I wouldn’t call him ugly. He’s really nice.”
        “Well alright.” Mark scribbled his number on a napkin. 

        Looking back and thinking about it, Button and Mark would be a terrible match. They both seemed pretty timid, but would eventually break out of their shell if given the right… stimulus, so to speak. So perhaps it was time to play matchmaker again. At least help the relationship get off the ground, even if it would crash later. This was high school after all. A relationship like Scootaloo’s, lasting more than a year was practically unheard of. 
        Rainbow was the first person to see her after her slight transformation. She stopped and stared, placing a finger on her chin, tapping it lightly. 
        Finally she said. “You look like you.”
        “What does that even mean??” Scootaloo didn’t mean to shout her question, but she was getting tired of this philosophical bullshit. 
        “It suits your personality. Does it make you happy?”
        “Well yeah that’s why I did it.” 
        “Then you’re fine. Can we sit down for a bit? I want to talk, and for once it’s not about my problems.” They sat down at the kitchen island. “OK first I want to say I’m sorry. I went in your room because I needed my toolkit again, and you left your computer on. I didn’t even have to read the article because the headline was huge and said ‘How to know if you’re Transexual.’ I… just wanted to ask you if you’re OK. And of course we’re still with you no matter what.”
        Scootaloo grit her teeth. “You went into my room?”
        “I’m sorry, OK. I… Yes, it’s my fault, I violated your trust. Sorry.” Rainbow stared at the kitchen counter. 
        “I’ll let it slide, just… please try to respect my boundaries. I know we’re sisters but… I like my privacy. It’s not something I had until I moved in with you.”
        “I understand. I’m sorry.”
        “OK. As for the second part, I don’t think I’m transsexual. Nothing feels wrong about… my lady bits. But I’m more of a boy than some boys I know.”
        “There’s always transgender. Or secret option D, gender neutral. If you want to be called a boy or even start hormone replacement, well, I always wanted a brother anyway. Just do what makes you happy.” Rainbow paused. “Not that there’s anything wrong with having you as a sister.”
“Yeah, that’s what I thought,” Scootaloo fake-sneered. “You’re a pretty good sister. Sometimes.”
“Most of the time?”
“Mostly.”
“I’ll take what I can get.”


Scootaloo seemed most suicidal in the early morning on a monday. She looked at the people, living in their own emptiness… but at least they were happy. Envy and hate swirled in her mind until she finished her Soarin’ energy drink, and she felt like a normal human again. The day was uneventful otherwise. Scootaloo passed Mark’s number on to Button at lunch. “What’s this?” he asked. 
“His name is Mark, I met him at the skate park. I don’t know, he seems like your type.”
“How do you even know what my type is?” Button asked, arms folded.
“Because I pay attention. You’ve been dating skinny guys with an obsession for torn jeans and at least two different colors of hair. Statistically I think blue eyes are preferred but it’s not like I’ve been writing it down. He seems well-muscled enough and likes to wear a leather jacket.”
Button relaxed. “OK, point taken. I’ll call him.”
“Besides, you act like you're desperate for that boy-pussy.” Rumble punched his friend lightly in the shoulder. “Beggars, choosers, blah blah blah. 
“I’m not that desperate.” 
“Suuuuuure” Rumble said.
“Like you’ve been sexually frustrated at all since last semester.”
“I’m a teenager. I’m always sexually frustrated.”
> Chapter 16 - Camping and trust (again)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Isn’t this great?” Reg said to his daughter as she trailed close behind on the hiking trail. 
        In truth, Scootaloo enjoyed the outdoors. It was early Spring and the trees and flowers were in bloom. Birds and animals sang and even a pair of foxes darted past them on their hike. But Scootaloo was with her father. The things unsaid filled the distance between them like a wedge in a log. But perhaps it was time to clear the air. That’s what her girlfriends would do. They were... so much better than Scootaloo. The bigger person (except that time both of them fought, but that worked out in the end). It inspired her to do the same. 
        “Yeah, fantastic,” she replied, the sarcasm in her voice was capable of cutting glass. Her father must have heard and acted like he didn’t notice. For all her outdoorsiness the idea of spending two days with her father worried her. There was a rather large, though surmountable object in the way of their relationship right now. Twenty minutes of walking later they found a previous campsite, with the lake in full view. It must have been ages since they were here last. In another ten they set up the tent and had a fire going. Night would be swiftly on them, even though they left right after school.
        Reg fished out a pack of hotdogs from his pack, and “s’more fixin’s” as Bloom would say. They roasted in silence for a time. 
        “Scoots… I…” her dad sighed, “You know that feeling when you spend all day planning what you’re going to say and then… it’s still not enough time?”
        “Yeah.” Scootaloo grumbled. She knew what he was talking about, but after years of fearing the worst she was skeptical it was what she wanted to hear. 
        “Well… I’m so… so sorry.” His voice broke as he held back tears. “I know you can’t possibly forgive me. But I’m sorry.” He took a ragged breath and continued, “I can’t pretend to understand what it’s like to be gay,” Scootaloo’s eyes perked up, most parents were fearful of even saying that word. “But I know the last thing you need is for me to make your life worse. And I want you to know that so long as you're happy, I’ll be fine.” Actually, that was exactly what she wanted to hear. 
        Scootaloo turned and smiled softly, noting how his tears glimmered in the fire light. “You’re right. I can’t forgive you. But I’d be a terrible person… and daughter… if I didn’t give you the chance.”
        Reg wiped his eyes and collected himself. “Forgiveness isn’t instant.” He seemed to think a while. “This is just a crazy idea, but what if I had dinner with you and your girlfriend?”
        “Girlfriends. I have two.”
        “Well, Solomon had seven hundred, so I guess I can get used to that as well.”
        “That sounds nice.” The quietness crept in, except for a coyote or wolf howling. “Except they might want to kill you.”
        “Death comes for us all, I suppose.” her father chortled. Well, he still had his morbid sense of humor. 
        “I mean, I’ll try to keep them from slicing your throat, but I’ve given them plenty of reasons to hate you.” Scootaloo laughed.
        “To be fair, there was a time when I couldn’t stand the sight of my mother. My girlfriend at the time heard all about it. And then we had the most awkward dinner ever. She was about to rip my mother’s throat out. With her teeth.”
        There was a pause in the conversation as they laughed and fell quiet. “I don’t remember much of grandma. What was she like?”
        “Of course she died before you could probably remember much. She was a stubborn old bat, and she let everyone know it. She hated my marriage to your mother, and I understand why now. At the same time she could be funny, I get my sense of humor from her, and sweet. She made great cookies. She loved you. And I’m sure she’s proud of you. She was pretty big on the whole, be who you want thing.”
         An owl hooted. “I would have like to have known her.”
        “Sometimes… you just can’t change things no matter how much you want them.”
        “Yeah.” 
        They ate quickly, both itching to get to dessert. They roasted marshmallows slowly, getting them warm and golden. The gooey warmness comforted them both, invoking childhood memories. The sight of her father with marshmallow stuck to his mustache made Scootaloo laugh. Then her father started laughing and pointed out the same, save for the facial hair. Soon after they went to bed. It had been a while since Scootaloo had gone camping, nearly a year, and she wondered how she would sleep with the howling wolves and chattering bugs. The answer was surprisingly well. 

        This had to be a dream. There was no way tree’s so bent out of shape and jagged could exist like this in reality. Scootaloo recognized it as the campsite, but more uncanny. Like a Van Gogh painting. In fact, this whole place seemed like a painting. She could see the brush-strokes. She saw a fox-painting sitting on the edge of the woods, seemingly beckoning her. 
        Hi.The thought was not her own.
        “Who are you?”
        “Just a fox. I have a reputation for being a trickster and a loner. Neither is true.” The fox yawned widely. “Well, at least the loner part.”
        “Where am I?”
        “Full of questions aren’t we? You’re in a dream.”
        “I knew that, why is there a talking fox in my dream?”
        “Now we’re getting to the important stuff! But I don’t know. I was told to show you something.”
        “By who?”
        “Scootaloo darling, there’s always another secret.”
        “Hey, that line sounds familiar.” Scootaloo recalled a character in a recent book with the same catchphrase.
        I’m borrowing words from your mind. Everyone knows foxes can’t talk. 
        Scootaloo blinked. “Ok, fine, what do you need to show me by this… Person anyway?”
        The “thing” was actually another person, who Scootaloo was certain she saw before. Even knew him closely at one point, but she couldn’t remember how. He had a patchy beard and shaggy hair. He wore simple clothes, khakis and a t-shirt. Around his neck was a crucifix. He was crying on a bench. 
        Sweetie Belle or even Apple Bloom were better at this ‘comforting’ thing but Scootaloo knew she had to do something. She sat down on the bench next to him and gently, with trepidation, placed a hand on his shoulder. The man kept weeping but he slowly regained his composure.
        “So, why were you crying?”
        He wiped his nose. Scootaloo cringed a little. “I have a son. He told me yesterday he was… was…”
        “A velociraptor?”
        The man was so stuck by the ridiculous comment he recoiled and laughed. “Haha, no, nothing like that, he’s a normal human. Well, except he’s gay. I love him but I don’t know what to do. Isn’t it wrong? Isn’t he putting his life in danger?” 
        “Life is nothing but danger. I think that’s kinda the point. Realistically he has a higher chance of getting AIDS, sure. If that’s what you’re worried about.” The man nodded. “But isn’t that an insult to his own intelligence? He knows how to avoid it, and believe it or not there aren’t that many people that actually want to infect others. There’s also that fancy new pill.”
        “OK, fine, he’ll be safe. But what if he starts using drugs and hanging with the wrong crowd?”
        “Straight kids do that all the time. If you just love him and let him be who he is, he won’t do that. If he does, well, there’s the phrase ‘tough love’ for a reason.” 
        “I… think I get it. I’m going to give Mark a hug and tell him it will be OK.” 
        “Did you just say--” The man was gone.
        At the risk of sounding too heavy handed, try to think about what your father is going through with you. He’s been told all his life one thing, and now he has to unlearn it.
        Scootaloo woke up with a jolt and a cold sweat. She gently unzipped the tent and took a walk for some fresh air. She didn’t go far, but did see glowing green eyes at the edge of the forest. The eyes of a fox. 


Scootaloo, like so many things, didn’t realize how much she actually liked fishing and camping with her dad until she went without it for nearly a year, and then suddenly went on a trip. Normally she’d hate to be awake before noon, but the sunrise painted the sky in purplish-pink hues that reminded her of her first girlfriend. The air was pleasant and the forest was calm. She needed to do this more often, and supposed Apple Bloom or even her sister would be an avid angler. Maybe she could convince her whole harem to go. But then she thought they wouldn’t get any fishing done, but maybe that wouldn’t be so bad. 
        Three Catfish and two hours later they called it good. They could catch more later, but the fish probably lost interest. If that was how it even worked. They grilled the fillets over the fire and ate. Her father broke the long and comfortable silence. “I know this is a personal question, but I’m your dad and I can at least ask. You look… like a boy. Are you one of those… transexuals.” Scootaloo noted how hard the word was for him. It was just how he was raised, so she cut him some slack. After all, she couldn’t call herself gay without her voice shaking a little until two months after she was dragged to that meeting. Her father was doing great all things considered.
        “Honestly? I can’t even give you an answer. I kinda like being called a boy, but nothing feels wrong about my body like is usually the case. I’ve been reading up on it to try and figure it out myself.” Her father contemplated her answer. 
        “I was always told God never made mistakes, so perhaps if you were, it was for his own purpose.”
        “I’m surprised at how well you’re taking this.”
        “You’re more important than ideology. I have to at least try.” Scootaloo could see the tiny beads of moisture at the corners of his eyes.
        “Thank you. I…” Well, she did try to tell the truth if at all possible. “I love you.”  She knew this would happen. Her father started bawling like a baby. Not that she would ever admit it, but she did too, and they hugged it out for a time, weeping into each other’s shoulders. 

        Back at civilization she told her harem about what happened. Even the crying. She cried in front of them enough times she might as well be open about it. 
        “That’s great that you’ve patched up with your father,” Sweetie said, “And I’d love to have dinner with him.”
        “I’ll leave my daggers at home.” Apple Bloom joked. Not that she needed a pocket knife. She was usually the champion of their wrestling matches. In as many senses of the word as you could guess. 
        Scootaloo’s eyes drifted the the lone boy in the treehouse, sitting patiently and probably contemplating his navel or something. “Oh shit,” She mumbled. “I never told him about Rumble.” 
        “It’s OK, I can stay behind,” Rumble said, breaking out of his revier. That's always what he did, taking a step back for his friends. He never wanted to cause any waves. His girlfriend, on the other hand, was a rolling tsunami.
        “What, No!” Apple Bloom exclaimed. “You’re as much a part of this as us! You have to go.” The farmer glared fire into Scootaloo’s very soul. 
        “What if he thinks I’m still straight but trying not to be,” she rushed to defend herself. 
        “Just explain to him how sexuality can be fluid. Hell you’ve probably researched this more than us. I just know what I like, and that’s… well it’s quite a lot of things.” Apple Bloom said. Scootaloo balked at the idea she did actual research, but realized that it was true. She read a lot about it because she needed to know just what the hell was going on. She found a few answers but there were still so many questions. 
        “Yeah. I know. I promised to be completely honest with everyone. Besides, Rumble’s already met him. It can’t be too terrible. I hope.” Scootaloo swallowed.
        “You’ll be fine.” Sweetie said, “Promise. We’ll be right there for you.”
“Thanks guys. Oh, how was the drag show?”
“It made me feel confused, so I guess I kinda know how you feel.” Rumble said.
Scootaloo chuckled. Suddenly a burden found it’s way to her mind.  “Can I talk to Rumble alone?”
“Why don’t y’all take a walk?” Apple Bloom suggested.
“I like this idea. Don’t have too much fun while we’re gone.”
“I ain’t really in the mood for… delicacy. No offense Sweetie.” The girl merely shrugged. 

They climbed out of the treehouse and started walking, with no destination in mind. “I’m sorry,” she said after a few paces.
“What for?” Rumble asked. Scootaloo blinked.
“You know what.”
“No, I’m just saying there’s a long list of things I’d like to hear that for.” Scootaloo felt his words like a punch in the gut. 
“Great, now you’re making me feel worse.” She sighed and continued. “Let’s start at the beginning. I’m sorry I strung you along last year when I used you for a cover. I kind of found you attractive and thought I could go with it, and convince everybody and myself I was straight. But now I see you really are cute, and a great guy, and that liking you doesn’t make me any less of a dyke.” 
Rumble chuckled. “Well, I forgive you, but that wasn’t what I was talking about. Thanks for the complement.” 
“Let’s see, what happened next. Oh yeah, then I went on my holy crusade and beat up any boy or girl that looked at us like they were going to say something about us. So I’m sorry I didn’t trust you and ended up giving you a bruise the size of a pumpkin.”
“That one did hurt. More than just the bruise. That was like six months into our relationship. You should have been able to trust me.”
“I was… in a much worse place. I made some stupid choices.”
“That excuse might work with the rest of the girls, and I partly believe it. But I can’t fully trust you yet. You might just fly off the damn handle and beat me to a pulp.”
Scootaloo stopped walking. “You’re right. Of course. But I’d say the meds help enough you shouldn’t worry.”
“I didn’t say I wasn’t going to give you the chance.”
“And of course, I’m sorry that I was going to leave you out of the dinner because I didn’t think dad could handle it. That’s an insult to his intelligence and the... whatever we have.”
“I’d call it a tenuous bond. I can’t even pretend to know what it’s like to be gay and have your parents against you. But I know it’s tough. I mean, look at you.”
“I was worried that if he knew I was dating you again he would think I was lying about being gay. So… yeah. I want him to know what I am, but I was going to leave you out of it. And that was silly of me.”
“Again, with the whole trust thing. If he does do that I’ll be the first to defend you. And then the other girls, and then you’ll probably be able to get a word in after that. We’re here for you. Trust us.”  
“OK.” Then something odd happened. Rumble pinned her to the tree just behind her and sneered with his fist raised. She turned her cheek and closed her eyes. This was as much as she deserved, if not more so. Then she felt her chin being grabbed and something soft on her lips. She opened her eyes and realized Rumble was kissing her. It wasn’t new, just surprising, considering the circumstances.
He pulled back almost as quickly as he initiated. “I told you to trust me. And despite what you may think, you’re not a bad person. So yeah. I’m still here.”
Scootaloo sighed in relief. “Thank you,” And then kissed him again. 
They made their way back to the treehouse only to find their girlfriends asleep in each other’s arms. “Those two take more naps than a cat.” Scootaloo whispered. Rumble and she looked at one another knowingly. They both silently slid down next to the stronger of the bonds they had. Scootaloo and Sweetie, Rumble and Bloom. And they took a nap. Because it was Sunday, and they had homework to do. 

> Chapter 16.5 - VCRs and Cars
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	
After nearly a week of attempting to fix the VCR she dismantled, Scootaloo finally gave up and threw it out the clubhouse window. “Why doesn’t it work!” She yelled. Her friends mentally counted to five and she still hadn’t calmed down. “Scoots hun, sit down.” Sweetie said. She complied, arms crossed and looking at the TV she was using to test it like it had killed her pet gecko. 
“I think you’re just going after the wrong rabbit.” Apple Bloom said. “You can take apart your skateboard and put it back together in like… thirty seconds.” The farmer’s face lit up as a metaphorical lightbulb went off. “I have an idea! Let’s go to the old barn.”
“The abandoned one? But we already banged there two days ago.”
“No the other old one. You’ll see, just come on.”
Apple Bloom led Scootaloo and Sweetie to a barn in worse shape than the “old barn,” peeling paint and half-open walls. There was a rusty padlock from a time when the contents were worth something. Apple Bloom yanked the lock and latch off its rusty screws. One of the doors fell inward, and she pushed the other out of the way. Scootaloo finally saw what she was on about. Apple Bloom wanted her to put her mechanic skills to the test on an old truck, only slightly less rusted than the padlock. 
“Big Mac can’t even make this damn thing run and that was five years ago. But I reckon if you can take the engine apart and put it back without a piece missing, you’re practically set.” 
“I’m going to need tools.” Scootaloo was getting that tingling feeling in her spine that told her to meet the challenge. It had gotten her into trouble a few times but she never ignored it. Apple Bloom kicked a black box laying on the ground at the opposite wall to the workbench. The lid popped open. Inside was the most beautiful thing Scootaloo had ever seen. A collection of wrenches, screwdrivers, calipers, pliers-- basically anything with a handle and the intent of ‘work.’ Tools by name but Scootaloo felt compelled to call this set Mary. She stared with sparkling eyes at her figure. “Many try and fail to know happiness.” She hooked Sweetie in one arm and held a wrench in the other. “And here I grasp it in my hands.” 
“Why don’t we leave you two alone.” Sweetie said, slipping from her grasp. “We’ll be in the farmhouse if you need us.” Scootaloo barely heard, caressing the wrench and whispering sweet-nothings to the set. 
Apple Bloom closed what was left of the door on the happy couple and whispered, as though a solemn occasion. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so happy…”
“Should I be jealous?” 
“Well, if it doesn’t work out, I’m here for you.” Apple Bloom smiled wryly. 

Apple Bloom heard the door slam. She looked passed Sweetie, who was pinning her to the couch with her sleeping body to see that it was one a.m. and the intruder was none other than Scootaloo. Her arms were covered in blotches of grease and several places on her head were smeared with it from wiping the sweat. She had apparently decided to strip down to her sports bra at some point, and part of her torso also had small tracks of oil. Apple Bloom noticed her heart was beating faster. Scootaloo smiled as brightly as Apple Bloom had ever seen. “It is finished.” Apple Bloom lightly tapped on Sweetie’s ear, earning her a knee to her sensitive side. 
“Gah! Oh.” Sweetie rubbed her eyes. “Ya did it?”
“Yeah! I can only assume it works.”
“Shit, didn’t think about that.” Apple Bloom sighed. “Applejack would flip if you took apart a working vehicle. Oh well at least you had that experience.” 
“Hey Bloom take your shirt off.” Scootaloo commanded.
“What? Oh fine, I’ll humor you since you look like the queen of the universe right now.” No sooner had she removed the garment did Scootaloo wipe her greasy hands all over her waist. 
“I was right, grease does turn me on. You look like a billion times sexier.” Scootaloo looked to Sweetie with michiff.
“Don’t you dare.” Sweetie snapped. It was far too early in the morning to even think about getting covered in engine muck.
“We should probably take a shower.” Apple Bloom said. 
“I have a better idea.” Scootaloo smirked.
“Fine, let’s go out to the mud pen too. That’s one fantasy we haven’t gotten around to.” She turned to Sweetie. “Want to join us?” 
“No.”
“Alright.” Sweetie had already started retreating to Apple Bloom’s much more comfortable bed. They interrupted her mid-sleep and wouldn’t get another word out of her. They quietly shut the door behind them and proceeded to get very, very dirty. 


> Chapter 17 - Dinner
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It had been nearly six weeks since Scootaloo had felt anything close to nervousness thanks to her pills. She now liked to think she reacted sensibly to stressful situations. Rumble was still mad at her, and rightly so. She knew all that would take was time. But as the four of them were getting ready to go to her father’s house for dinner she was, in the most succinct terms, freaking the fuck out. “Rumble, you can’t wear that shirt!” She exclaimed.
        “What’s… wrong with it?” The boy asked, perplexed.
        “It’s fucking wrinkled, he’s going to fucking murder you!”
`        Somehow Rumble doubted this, but relented. “I’ll go iron it.” He left Sweetie’s room, slowly unbuttoning his shirt. Scootaloo plopped on the bed and held her temples to keep her brain from falling out. “Apple Blooooom,” She groaned, “You’re showing too much neck! I don’t want my dad thinking I’m dating a bunch of sluts!” 
        The girl who was the most recent target sighed and walked over to her and lifted her chin, and looked delicately into her girlfriend’s eyes. “Every time I do this I’m doin it out of love, I swear.” With her free hand she quickly slapped Scootaloo on the cheek. “We’ll be fine.”
        “Are you sure because I really love you guys and I want dad to know how much I like you all and I want you to make a good impression and,” Another slap.
        “Scoots, breathe with me.” Apple Bloom took a long inhale through her mouth, and Scootaloo did the same. Out, In, out ten times. 
        “OK. Everything is fine. Everything is fine.”
        “Why didn’t we try that sooner?” Sweetie Belle marveled as she finally decided what earrings to wear. 
        “Well now we’re edumicated about anxiety and stuff.” Apple Bloom twanged sarcastically. 
        “So how do I look? Since you’ve criticized everyone else for not looking victorian enough.” Sweetie did a twirl.
        Scootaloo took another deep breath. “You all look fantastic. I’m pretty sure if I had a dick it would be a constant boner around you three.” They all laughed. 
        “At this rate we might have to start calling you our boyfriend.” Apple Bloom chuckled. 
        “Maybe.” Scootaloo seemed to mentally back away, still chuckling, looking momentarily at the wall. 
        Rumble returned with his purple shirt wrinkle free. “You’re not going to make me wear a tie are you?” He said, noting the relative calm that had settled in the room. 
        “You don’t have to wear a tie,” Scootaloo said as she hugged him. “After all, I’m not wearing a dress no matter how formal it is. It’s just my father, and we all look good. Guys I’m sorry I snapped at you, I’m just stressed.” They all forgave her readily. Even Rumble. 

        Her father greeted them at the door wearing a nice shirt and slacks, which is what he wore most of the time. Scootaloo did note that he ironed them as well. “Hello there… Oh, Rumble what are you doing here?” 
        Scootaloo was impressed that she was the first to speak up. “He’s our boyfriend. It’s complicated.”
        “Well I understand why you said make enough for five. Please come in.” Scootaloo resigned her fate to being in a constant state of shock of how well her dad responded to new information. She swallowed the last of her anxiety and entered. Scootaloo sat on the side with Sweetie, and the other two on the other side, with the patriarch at the head. They passed the dishes around. Scootaloo could almost place the cherrywood table… she ran her fingers along it and found a crayon smudge. “This is great aunt Ida’s table isn’t it?” 
        “Yes. When was the last time we even visited? You must have been five. Well, they were quite supportive of me getting divorced, and this was their present. They’re still a little bitter about the whole ‘not talking to you for thirteen years’ thing. But the bridge isn’t completely burned.” 
        “We should go up there this summer.”
        “That’s not a bad idea.” 
        “Did you cook all this?” Rumble asked.
        “No it dropped from the sky.” The comment caused Rumble to laugh. 
        “Well it all looks and smells fantastic.”
        “At least you're the same Rumble I remember.”
        Apple Bloom spoke up next, “Rumble here is a culinary master himself, ain’t ya?” The boy blushed.
        “Yeah, you could say that. I’ve learned a lot from Scootaloo recently though.” 
        “She was always in the kitchen. I dare say she helped more than a few meals be edible. My wife was a terrible cook but she always insisted on it, so like so many things I stopped fighting.” Reg looked at his plate. Two seconds of uncomfortable silence passed. “Oh, we usually bless the food, if that’s alright?” 
        Rumble set down his fork with a smackerel of quiche on it and nodded. Everyone else also consented. He said a quick prayer lifted his head back up. “Alright, pass the butter.” 
        They ate and talked. Rumble seemed to really hit it off. In fact he was the one to explain how weird sexuality can be sometimes, and how Scootaloo was only attracted to one boy--him. Reg reasoned out that because she dated him briefly about a year ago it was to convince herself because she found a boy attractive. Scootaloo was grateful she wasn’t the one to explain it. Apple Bloom explained their arrangement, giving details of the night when Sweetie and her fought like cats and ended up tied together. She was laughing, as hindsight often lets a person. Sweetie Belle went on about how some bonds in the relationship were stronger, like Rumble and Apple Bloom and her and Scootaloo. 
        “So you’re sitting by arrangement of marriage right?” Reg laughed.
        “Dad, we’re in high school. I might not even marry her!” Scootaloo pointed to her closest girlfriend. She realized Sweetie was glaring at her and knew she was going to get a proper scolding later. 
        “I’m kidding, I’m kidding,” her father backpedaled. “Well, I think what you all have is good. I believe you can all love each other. It’s not a finite resource after all.” Scootaloo let out a silent sigh of relief. The conversation took a turn to less weighted topics. Rumble and Reg were talking about the recent football game, and it went from there.

        After a wonderful dinner they retreated back to the Apple farmhouse where they proceed to make out furiously and quickly ditch the clothes. Scootaloo was quickly reduced to her undershirt and boxers before she put a stop to it.
        “Not in the mood?” Sweetie hooked an arm around Rumble’s waist, perhaps in an attempt to make her jealous.
        “I’m always in the mood, but I just wanted to talk to you. Would you, like… call me a boy for a week? I don’t even know if it would prove anything but it might help. I’m so confused honestly.” 
        Apple Bloom immediately responded. “Sure. You have a boy name you’ve been thinking of?” 
        “Leave it to me to not think that far.” They all sat down on the bed in varying states of undress thinking of ideas.
        “I’ve got it!” Rumble exclaimed, “Scooteroll!”
        “That’s good, I like it.” Scooteroll said with a giant smile on his face.
        “Can we have sex already? You got me all riled up and then just stopped.” 
        “Sorry,” he said raising up and kissing Sweetie. “I just wanted to be sure about a few things.” 

        The group lay cuddling together, breathless and exhausted. “I want it noted you might be a boy but I’m still not gay.” Rumble said. 
        “Shit that means I’m straight now doesn’t it?” Was Rumble going crazy or was his “boyfriend’s” voice already deeper?
        “Oh how tragic,” Sweetie feigned sympathy, “I guess that means we’re over, because I only date lesbians.”
        “Oh come on you’re both bisexual.” Scooteroll protested.
        “I’m giving you a hard time hun.”
        “I think Rumble’s also giving me a hard time…” he said. 
        “Three naked wo--- Two naked woman and a boy with a vagina! What’s not to get horny about?” Rumble defended himself. 
        Scooteroll laughed, “Easy tiger. You must be worn out after that. I’m tired myself. Let’s call it a night.” Apple Bloom turned off the light, and Scooteroll cuddled with his girlfriend, with his boyfriend at his back. And something felt so right about it.

        Scooteroll remembered why he didn’t like staying at Apple Bloom’s house when she was awoken at six am to get breakfast. It was the weekend, it was time to sleep in! But he got dressed and made his way down to the kitchen because you don’t pass up an Apple Family Breakfast. Rainbow Dash came in a few minutes later looking like death in need of coffee. “Hi sis,” the athlete grumbled. 
        Scootaloo grumbled her own reply. “Actually if you could call me Scooteroll for like a week. I’m trying to figure out if I’m a boy.”
        “Whatever bro I’m too hungover.” Applejack walked in, looking chipper as always. Her sister commented about her sunny disposition not even she shared. 
        “Y’all should have told me how great lesbian sex was!” The four youngest of them groaned.
        “Thank you for that wonderful image,” Scooteroll replied. “I’m going to have to rinse my brain with bleach.” Rainbow poured more coffee, first for herself then for her brother. She set the mug down in front of the nodding-off teenager.
        “So you’re a boy now?” 
        “Yeah. I kinda like it but I’m giving it a test run. Cuz I don’t know what the fuck to do.” 
        “Most of life is not knowing what the fuck to do.” Rainbow chuckled. “Hey that means Rumble’s--” The glare she immediately received from the sophomore cut off her joke. “Nevermind.”
        Big Mac served up pancakes, bacon, eggs and sausage. One by one the zombies around the table perked up with the helps of carbohydrates and caffeine. 
        “Oh,” Rainbow Dash remembered with a mouthful of food. “How was dinner with your father?”
        “It went great. He actually understands me and he approves of… all this.” Scooteroll motioned to her harem. “Something about as long as I love deeply it doesn’t matter because I’ll be a step ahead of Solomon.”
        “The guy in the bible with 700 wives and 300 concubines?” Rainbow asked.
        “Yep. Lucky bastard.” That earned a chuckle from the table. 
        “So wait, have I been away so long I didn’t notice you two started dating again?”
        “Yeah, there’s a story behind it. Would you like to hear it?” Rainbow asked.
        “As long as it’s not erotica.” Scooter grumbled. 

> Chapter 18 - Story Time (eww)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rainbow Dash began telling the story. 

Well basically kid, it works like this. Big Mac over there thought we were both being incredibly stupid. And, well, we were. So he sat us down at this table. By that I mean he tied us to the chairs. What is it with this family and ropes? It’s like you have a bondage fetish.
        So there we were tied to the table and nobody said anything for what must have been three hours. I kept trying to wiggle my way out of the ropes but I had forgotten Mac was an Eagle Scout. So he knew his knots. Big Mac had been doing something else during those three hours, letting us marinate. When he saw that we hadn’t said a word he sat down and said.
        “So I don’t understand why y’all are angry at each other.” As if the reason wasn’t obvious. Heck I think the chickens heard it.
        Applejack was the first to answer. “She insulted our business!”
        “Now what would make her do something like that?” 
        I was going to answer but Big Mac anticipated it and held up his hand.
        Applejack didn’t say anything for a while, and we stared at her. “Well I might have called her a flaming dyke.”
        “I mean, I’ll accept the charges but that was just rude.”
        “I mean, come on sis, guys hit on me all the time, don’t mean I call ‘um fags. And if memory serves you agreed to date her so I guess you’re as big a dyke as her.” 
        “I… Guess that’s fair to say.”
        “I still don’t see the problem. Why were you fighting in the first place?”
        Now, of course, was time to give my side of the story. “Well, see, every time we were getting heated she’d just stop. So I had the equivalent of blue balls, basically.”
...
        “Welcome to my world.” Sweetie interjected into the narrative.
        “Hey!” Scooter objected.
...
        Well, on top of wanting to get laid, I wanted to share the experience with her. You know how it is, it’s a million times better if it isn’t just a one-nighter but someone you care about. So anyway I told him that and so he asked the question that was originally on my mind.
        “Why don’t you feel comfortable?”
        “I don’t know.”
        “You’re not leaving until we get an answer” he said.
        “I don’t know, I guess… I guess it’s because.” Applejack chewed on the answer a bit. “I’m jealous of how you can be so secure. And I know for whatever reason my parents preached that love doesn’t care what you are but it’s just… harder than you think.” 
        Granny came shambling in. We didn’t know it at the time but she was sitting in the other room listening. “I might be able to shed some light on that,” she began. “Well you see, your ‘mother’ was actually a man at heart. She tied up her chest and cut her hair. Love doesn’t care and well, we ended up with three beautiful grandkids.”
        “Oh, well that explains a lot actually. Why weren’t we told? We called her mom all the time.”
        “Try to think about the time period.” And so we understood.
        “An’ then I understood that just because you might get stared at for holding hands or kissing doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. And just because people might not like the idea of two girls rolling in the sheets doesn’t mean it should get in the way of doing it.”
        “So we reached an agreement. I’ll tone down the PDA (Like, you know, the whole trashy put-my-hand-down-your-pants kind) in public but we’ll still go on dates. It was so satisfying to tell the waitress we were together.”

        “Awww, that’s cute.” Sweetie said. 
        “And of course we’re working on the whole, ‘communication without strangulation’ thing. Today was our first time because I still wasn’t sure about my feelings. But then, I dunno, I guess I saw Rainbow one day as more than a friend. I’m trying to think of this cheesy line in a romance…” Applejack rubbed her temples in an attempt to bring forth the words. “I realized she could make me smile just by thinking about her and I was thinking about her all the time. She glowed like the sunrise and tasted of raindrops…”
        “Oh god shut up that’s enough.” Scooteroll interrupted. “I’m happy for you both and I hope it works out. And believe me, accepting your gay is probably the hardest part.”
        “Yeah, but she loves me so I can learn to accept myself.” 
        “Now that sounds like a cheesy line from a rap song.” Rainbow chuckled.
        “I think it is,” Scooter said. 
        “Anyway,” Applejack said, “We got a road ahead of us and we’ll walk down together. I can’t say how long, but we’ll be OK.”
        Rainbow nodded.

        “So what are you going to do today?” Scooter asked.
        “I have a mandate with Button.” Rumble said.
        “Awww,” Apple Bloom cooed. “You go on ahead.”
        “I’ have a book I’ve been wanting to get to.” Sweetie said, a little sad.
        “Alright then,” Scooter agreed.
        “I got my own stuff to do, ya know.” Apple Bloom said.
        “Damn. Guess I’ll do something on my own.”
        “It’s only been like 14 hours since we had a date, you can manage.” 
        “Yeah, you’re right. I’m behind on my own reading too”
        Scooter could be independent, sure, but life seemed brighter with one of his harem around. In truth she was in the middle of a good book and kept getting interrupted, so maybe today wouldn’t be so bad anyway. He made it a chapter before something stopped him. Typical. A gentle knocking on his door. He expected Rainbow Dash to offer some kind words about his new transformation. Instead, it was his mother. Prism Dash, not his biological mother. She had a restraining order.
        “What’s up?” He grumbled. His book was just getting good! Ugh!
        “Well, I just heard two interesting pieces of information. The first one is that we were all mistaken and you’re a boy.” Scooter nodded and told her his new name.
        “I’ll admit I’m not even sure but I kinda like it.”
        “Well, just let us know what happens. If I’ve learned anything from Dash it’s that you can be manly as hell and still call yourself a girl.”
        “I heard that!” Rainbow shouted across the hall. They all laughed.
        “The second is that you took apart an engine and put it back together, but don’t know if it works.”
        “Yeah, um. I dunno, I just kinda wanted to. It was Apple Bloom’s idea.”
        “Ya wanna take apart a working vehicle?”
        “Um… what if I do and it doesn’t work?” Scootaloo remembered the VCR… and her parent’s DVD player before that. And a microwave… and so on.
        “Well then I can probably fix it and show you what you did wrong. So how bout it?”
        “Alright.” 
        
        “This was my first car,” Prism said. “1958 Corvette. Still runs, but I don’t take her out much. She’s getting up in the miles and I’m half-expecting the engine to blow up.” Scooter beheld the sleeping giant. They didn’t make cars like this anymore. Curves in all the right places, bright red, burning with passion and got about ten miles to the gallon.
        “She eats brakes for breakfast and drinks oil like milk but I still love her. You always remember your first… anyway. If you need help just let me know.” Prism turned to leave.
        “Wait!” Scooter said “How do you get the engine out?” He asked, ashamed he didn’t know.
        “Oh well that’s easy, let me help.”

….
        Scooter wiped the sweat from his brow, smudging it with oil. It was hot in the garage, the spring day greenhousing into summer. Scooteroll loved it. He looked at the clock and saw three hours passed. Well, the engine was put back together but he had no idea how to put it back. He clomped his boots a few times on the rug to get any gunk off before heading in to fetch his mother. They dropped it back in with a chain and a series of pullies. “So, wanna take her for a spin?” Prism asked.
        “What if it blows up?”
        “Nah, worst case is it falls out on the road. Or grinds to a halt. You put oil in it?”
        “Yeah, duh.”
        Prism chuckled. “We’ll be fine. C’mon, I’ll ride with you so that way we’ll both blow up.” 
        Scooter shook his head but agreed anyway. 
        Then he realized he had never driven before and started shaking. Prism told him to relax and, with all of the techniques he learned, he did. He took the thing around the block and it didn’t seem like it was going to blow up. It rumbled like a snoring dragon, but that was just power. And Scooter fell in love. 
        But the ride was over and Scooter held out the keys. “Oh, no, you keep them.” 
        Scooter blinked. “Does that mean…”
        “She’s yours.”
        “Oh my gosh thank you thank you thank you! I’ll take really good care of it and I’ll make sure it’s cleaned and waxed and--”
        Prism put a hand on his head, shutting him up. “I know you will. I’ll start teaching you how to drive and once you get your license, just think about all the chicks you can pick up.” Prism laughed, but Scooter took it too seriously.
        “I’m already spoken for…. by like three people.”
        “Well you can pick them up. She seats five if you don’t mind the squeeze.” 

> Chapter 19 - Somebody else's Problems
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Button’s life sucked. Not because he was gay… wait. Yes, but not for the reason people thought when somebody claimed their life was awful based on sexuality. It sucked because apparently he had no idea how to deal with people. Was the fault on him? Finding faults in everyone else? Every single one of his boyfriends seemed to get on his nerves. The feeling didn’t last long, usually, but he always had a wonderful verbal disagreement every two days or so. This had been the case with the last three, and now the fourth. He walked home in the rain, except he knew he wouldn’t go home because he’d go where he’d always gone after a fight. Maybe it was his boyfriend's’ fault. After all, they were getting on his nerves. 
        Button swallowed the thought, again and again, that he was rejecting every one because he only really wanted to be with his best friend. His best friend in a harem. He wasn’t like that. He could be mature. Know when things are out of reach. Right? He got an odd idea. 
        He had another guy friend now, even if the “guy” part was a recent development. Even before that, Scooter and him were always close. They played video games together since middle school. Well, back when Scooter’s mom would let him out of the house. As he turned directions he lifted a quiet prayer that his mother and father took the news well. Even if the fact they were putting money on it should have been offensive. 
        The clubhouse was as it’s always been. Heck, the girls… and Scooter… took care of it like a house. A fresh coat of paint every two years, finished wood floors. A rug that really tied the room together. The light was on so he had headed to the right place. 
        He knocked at the door. There was a brief clamor and what sounded like a hiss. “Who is it?” Apple Bloom called.
        “Button.”
        “Oh, alright. I know it’s raining, but unless you really wanna see our naked asses, give us a minute.”
        “I don’t mind.” He chuckled. He wished he could have a relationship as romantic, passionate, deep and secure as what they had. One day. After some shuffling behind the portal, the door opened. They ended up wearing each other’s tee-shirts, and it looks like Scooter grabbed Apple Bloom’s jeans from how loose they were. Sweetie’s clothing was rather tight, but Button managed to control himself despite the raging boner. Isn’t bisexuality fun? He mused. 
        “Did ya want something bro?” Scooter asked. 
        “I think I know what he wants,” Sweetie giggled, lifting her arms which raised up her shirt. 
        “Stop teasing the poor bastard. You’re like the only girl he likes!” Scooter glowered. 
        “There are others!” Button objected, turning deliberately away from Sweetie.
        “Waifus don’t count,” Apple Bloom goaded, earning her a glare from the boy.
        “Well, I wanted to talk, but I guess I was barking up the wrong tree… as usual.” Button betrayed the sadness in his voice.
        Apple Bloom sighed. “Sorry. Honestly we were kinda frisky. We can talk.” Apple Bloom sat down on a beanbag chair. Button followed suit, and Scooter served them all water from the mini-fridge.
        “I wanted to talk to Scooter alone, but I think you all can help anyway.”
        “Eh? If this is relationship drama I have no idea what it’s like to be a guy. I just feel like one.” Scooter plopped down and spread his legs. 
        Button told them what he thought was going on. How everybody got on his nerves for one reason or another. He knew it was stupid. Usually small stuff like a backhanded compliment or not being as interested in something as he was. How he never seemed to have anything in common with any of his dates. 
        “Oh my God,” Apple Bloom groaned, “Is this what Rumble goes through every time you get in a fight?”
        “Apple Bloom try to be nice.” Sweetie reminded.
        “Says the girl that beat the shit out of me because she thought I was cheating with her girlfriend.” 
        “You two fuckin can it.” Scooter snipped. Button should have known this was a terrible idea. Scooter turned to him, all hostility melted. “Alright hun, I’m sorry. But this is the fucking dumbest thing I’ve ever heard and I used to have a voice in my head that wanted me to kill myself.” Scooter shook his head, “Your problems don’t exist. I know you don’t want to hear that, but trust me when I say it’s the best news you’ll ever hear. I’ve seen you and Mark together. Hell we’ve been on countless dates. Remember when we all went to the bookstore and you all ended up making out in the sci-fi section because you both were so excited about finding a signed copy of Leviathan?  Or that time you watched him skate with a dreamy look in your eye? Or the other time when you practically had a nerd orgasm when… whatever new game was released. Or that time he built a computer for you. You have shared interests so just quit that bullshit.”
        “Stop lying to yourself.” Apple Bloom continued the tirade. “Rumble loves you only as a friend. I think that’s the issue here. It just doesn’t work. He’s not attracted to guys.”
        “Scooter’s a guy!”
        “In the loosest sense.” Scooter took a swig of water.
        “But anyway, no matter how much you want it to happen, some things you  just can’t change. You’re nitpicking. You think everything your partner does is wrong, because deep down you want them to be Rumble. It doesn’t work that way.”
        The room started to rotate slowly. Suddenly Button had a massive headache and clutched his temples like they were going to split apart. He started crying and fell out of his chair. He thought of all the dreams he’s ever had. Snuggling up with Rumble, kissing Rumble, kissing Rumble elsewhere. Hugging Rumble, loving Rumble, giving Rumble a foot massage. Doing everything with Rumble. “You’re right!” He wailed, causing him to cry louder. “Goddamnit fucking shit I’m a worthless peice of trash!” 
        There was a hand on his shoulder but he didn’t look up to see which. He heard Scooter’s voice. “Don’t ever say that. Don’t even think it. Sure, you were chasing after an impossible dream, but now, maybe, you can move on. Talk to Mark about how you feel. Then you can sort out your feelings. Together.”
        “But what if he thinks I’m a scumbag!”
        “He won’t.”
        “How do you know.”
        “Because he’s been texting me the last five minutes asking me where you were.” Apple Bloom showed him her phone. It was true. They had just had a fight and Mark was wondering where his boyfriend had gone. Button rose to the occasion like a hero always does in books and video games. He rose, and wiped the moisture from his eyes, and he ran to him. “Thanks!” He shouted out the door.
        Apple Bloom sent a lewd text message to her boyfriend. 

        Five minutes later, Rumble opened the door to the treehouse only to find that it was pitch black. He turned on the light to find his two girlfriends and boyfriend glowering at him. This was odd.
        “Babe, what happens whenever Button gets into a fight with his boyfriend?”
        “Well, he usually shows up at my house since he has a key. Then he cries on my shoulder and I try to comfort him.”
        Sweetie rolled her eyes. “You’ve just been enabling him.”
        “Enabling? What?”
        “Well, to put it in the most simple terms, he’s addicted to you. He wants to be around you, cry into your shoulder, have you comfort him, because that’s what couples do. He gets into fights with his boyfriends as an excuse to go to your house,” explained Apple Bloom. 
        “So what am I supposed to do? Let him wallow in his misery? Cuz that seems to work out sooo well for everyone we know.” Rumble’s pointed stare tried to pierce Scooter’s soul. He felt a little bit guilty about it.
        “Well, you’re not wrong.” The other boy in the room said. “He’s completely emotionally dependent on you. Remember what happened at the revine? Yeah. He’s probably in a similar state.”
        “Oh, so he’s gonna go kill himself! Fantastic!” Rumble turned toward the door to save his friend.
        “Actually he’s at Mark’s place. He just sent a text that Button got there.” Apple Bloom said. “And if Button tries to come to you with his problems, you say…”
        “Sorry, but what happens with you and your boyfriend needs to be sorted out by you and your boyfriend.” Rumble grumbled.
        “You learn quick. Of course you’re still friends, just… don’t let him cry on you. He needs to move on.”
        “I thought I was helping.”
        “Again, coming from me, sometimes the best help is… well, like surgery I guess. It hurts like hell but you’re usually better for it.” 
        “So do you guys want to… actually…” Rumble mumbled.
        “Fuck no, at least I don’t.” Scooter said. “We were asleep until this whole damn soap opera. It’s one a.m!” 
        “So you brought me here under false pretences.”
        “Shut up and go to bed.” Apple Bloom threw a pillow at him.

        Mark was having a very different time of things. He never knew how damaged… no. Damaged was the term you used after a couple of handfuls of bad events. With damage you could still trust somebody. Damaged people are downright easy to fix. Button on the other hand was broken. And worse, as the gamer began to talk more and more, it was obvious that he, himself, was the one holding the hammer. So he held on to his Button for dear life, as they cried together and Button went on about how terrible his life was. How he was a jerk for expecting Mark to be Rumble, how he didn’t deserve happiness because he had been denying it to himself. Mark was a little impressed with the circular reasoning for that one. It also became more obvious that all the bullying at school (which hadn’t been a problem recently) had made him hate himself for being gay. Mark was always the more comfortable with it. He decided long ago that he wasn’t going to listen to other people. At least his parents supported both of them, otherwise they both knew their story would likely end much worse than simply crying in eachother’s arms. Their hearts were beating in time, and neither wanted to let go. After Mark tried his best to reassure Button he was forgiven, and he wasn’t a screw up and did nothing wrong, he calmed down enough to look Mark straight in the eye.
        “I think I love you.” Button said. His voice was weak and cracked.
        There were a million lines Mark thought of in that instance. Ranging from “I know,” to “So do I,” but even that simple phrase didn’t feel like enough. He finally said, “I love you too.” They slept, still holding each other. Mark slept easy, though doubts of speaking too rashly reeled in his mind.

        The next day Button went home and oddly, the situation was reversed. Mark was the one that didn’t want to be left alone this time. He was confused and wanted to talk to somebody. So, where else would he go except to the Harem? They were at Sugar Cube Corner like they normally were on a Sunday afternoon, concocting a scheme that may or may not put somebody’s life in danger. When would they realize they were just adrenaline junkies? Well, anyway, he sat down at the table and soon Pinkie delivered a milkshake.
        “This must be how Rarity feels,” Sweetie mumbled. There was a cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll the size of her head in front of her. Breakfast.
        “So what can the Grand High Relationship Council help you with today,” Scooter snorted.
        “What is love?” Mark realized how dumb the question sounded. You could fill the library of Alexandria with the books people used to try and explain it. He just wanted to tune in and see if he was feeling anything close.
        “Oh my god you used the L word didn’t you?” Apple Bloom asked, flailing her arms dramatically. They were all in a particularly good mood today. 
        “Well, yeah…”
        “We’ve all talked about this before. We like to sit around sometimes and talk about how we feel. You’re gay, you should be perfectly comfortable with that.” Apple Bloom said, waving her hands in a more dismissive way. Mark gave her a flat stare. “Sorry. Lack of sleep makes me sarcastic. But anyways, you probably want to know what actual love is, not just the word you say. Well, we each have different definitions.” Apple Bloom took a slurp of her shake. “I love these two gals for a different reason than Rumble, even. They’ve been my childhood friends forever. I’d do anything for them, and it makes me happy to make them happy. As many ways as you could think of. Every Time they smile it makes me smile. We know each other on an almost uncomfortable level, if it was anyone else. I know things about these two that should never see the light of day. I’d trust them with my life. Rumble is… well, attractive, well-mannered, cute, and a good listener. I’m a little biased to him just because of my own sexuality, But in terms of bonds, these two and I have the stronger.” Mark nodded.
        Scooter spoke up next. “I love Sweetie because every time I think about her I feel less broken. I know that’s kind of dangerous dependency, but it’s really the reason I’m still alive. Every time I look at her I want to be a better version of myself. She inspires me to be kind and gentle. She makes me want to hug a tree and smell the flowers. Her face makes me want to write poetry. I’m not saying it’s any good, but…”
        “Hush, you’re better than you realize,” Sweetie grumbled, causing Mark to notice that her coffee was empty and another mug came very swiftly. Her cinnamon roll was finished. 
        “Love is what makes you feel alive. Apple Bloom is basically the same. I feel alive when I’m around her. Her strength inspires me as well. And when both of them look at me, they see past my flaws and only help me. Not gonna lie, I don’t actually feel a whole lot for Rumble. He’s fun and all, but eh. He's kind and considerate.”
        “I need more coffee, but here it goes,” Sweetie began. “About Scoots here, I used to think it was my job to protect her from everyone. That kinda backfired, but we’re here now. That’s not the case anymore. I want to empower him to be the best person he can be. I want to be there for him, and help him overcome the obstacles in his life. AB is hot. Just take our word for it. Anyway, she tells me I have a tendency to wear my heart on my sleeve. She’s someone to lean on for support, when I need it.”
        “Which is frequently.” Apple Bloom interjected.
        “Not denying it. But we ended up in a triangle of support and love. If anything happened to either of them I’d be there in a heartbeat. Heck, I took care of both these idiots when they had the flu at the same time.” She took a long draw of coffee. “Rumble is… he’s so understanding sometimes. I appreciate that he tries to keep us all grounded in reality. Between the three of us we’re kind of a mess, and he prevents us from flying off our handles when he can. That, and we have a shared interest between us in one way or another. For me and Rumble it’s art house movies, Scooter… well we have a whole chart actually.”
        “That’s fine, I think I got what I wanted.”
        “So, what’s your answer.”
        “I’m about 70% positive.”
        “That’s OK, I’m about 60% sure I’m a guy.” Scooter shrugged. “When Sweetie and I started going out I was about 90% sure I was condemning myself to hell, when really she was my deliverance. Actually what does that have to do with anything…” Scooter chewed on an index finger in thought before Sweetie’s mothering instinct kicked in and removed it. 
        “Just think it over,” Apple Bloom winked. “I’d call those pretty good odds.”

> 20 - Obligatory Valintine Chapter
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Button was where he always was on a Sunday evening. On the bed, in women’s basketball shorts, watching The Walking Dead. It was his private little ritual. Getting comfortable and feeling pretty watching what was essentially a glorified soap opera. The shorts kept him in a constant state of distraction. Or, more precisely, what was in the shorts. Perhaps he felt too pretty. Was that even possible? Naaah. There was a small tap at his door.
        “Yes?” He asked, making no move to get up.
        His mother answered, “Your boyfriend’s here. Put on a shirt.”
        “Mooooom I’m not some faggot that parades around in his underwear all day.”
        “I’m just gonna walk away~~” She said, singsong. She knew what he did at this hour. That’s why she started to knock. 
        Though technically speaking what Button was wearing barely qualified as a shirt. It was half a tank top with a vulgar word bedazzled on it. His midriff was also a frequent source of distraction. 
        He opened the door and there stood Mark. He was wearing what he normally was. A band T-shirt and parachute pants. Button promised himself he’d take his boyfriend shopping so he’d be a bit nicer to look at. Not recycled 90s apparel. The look on Mark’s face was blank for a second, before turning to a furious blush and grin. “Well come in,” Button posed himself on a door frame like it was a stripper pole. Mark made his way in and shut the door.
        “Why haven’t I been here before?”
        “Well, honestly, I didn’t know how mom would react. I mean, she obviously knows I’m gay but… I guess…” Button trailed off, unwilling to find the words. 
        “You were scared of me?”
        Button sighed, defeated. “Yes.”
        “Well, don’t be, OK?” Button nodded. There was silence. “Your mom is nice.”
        “Yeah, she’s pretty great.” Another period of nothingness. “Not that I’m ungrateful, but why are you here?”
        Now it was Mark’s turn to sigh. “I just wanted to talk… about us.”
        Button’s heart sped up and it was getting a little difficult to breathe. “W-what about?”
        “Just last night, when you said you love me.” 
        Button relaxed. “I do.”
        “Well, yeah. What does that mean?”
        “Because I realized how much I value you. I was worried you’d think I was some terrible person for still being in love with Rumble. And I am. Still. But you were so understanding and made me realize that I didn’t want to lose you.”
        “You can love more than one person. Just love me too.”
        “I do love you.” Button leaned in, placing a hand on Mark’s knee, putting his mouth right next to his ear. “And I have lewd dreams about you.” Button’s breath on his ear was intoxicating, Mark’s hands moved to the small of his exposed back. The world stopped mattering. 
        “This sounds like something out of middle school,” Mark whispered, “But I think you’re cool.”
        “Yeah, well, you’re hot.” Button moved his head back before moving it back in for a kiss. Mark was surprised, he was the one that usually initiated. Their tongues danced delicately, enjoying each other. Savoring, exploring. The hand on Button’s back made it’s way down as Mark appreciated every curve. He grabbed his boyfriend’s buttock. 
        Without warning, Button shoved Mark away, “Shit, I forgot this was the season finale!” 
        Mark buried his face in his palm and muttered, “I love you, you beautiful dolt.”
        “I love you too.”
        Since he wasn’t doing anything else at the time, Mark took out his phone and sent a text.

        “Congratulations girls, this is the second time we’ve played matchmaker successfully.” Apple Bloom twanged. “And I quote, ‘Watching Walking Dead with the dolt I love. TY girls, IOU’”
“Dawwww,” Sweetie cooed.
“Oh shit I forgot that was on!” Scooter said.
“You said you wanted to watch Game of Thrones!” Apple Bloom protested.
“I do. I’ll just catch a rerun. Could you move? My leg is falling asleep.”
“Really Walkin’ Dead ain’t that great anyway.”
“I’ve heard this rant a million times, sssshhhh, this is getting interesting.” 

The Next Day…
“Rainbow Oh my god!” Scooter said as he flung the door to his sister’s room open. Rainbow’s book went flying, and her own body caught some air from the surprise. Forgetting why he originally came in here, “Oh my god really? You aren’t even wearing a bra this time?” 
“It’s hot in here.”
“I’m pretty sure you set your thermostat to 90 degrees as an excuse… anyway OH MY GOD Valentine's day is tomorrow!” 
“And let me guess, you haven’t gotten anybody anything, and you want my advice?”
“Why else would I be freaking out!!”
“Not helping. I’ve almost completed a personal record for rereading Daring Do. Just go to the mall and find something that makes you think of them.”
“That’s the stupidest fucking thing I’ve ever heard!” Scooter shouted, jumping a little. 
Rainbow Dash rubbed her temples. Scooter was hopped up on his own anxiety and probably couldn’t think straight. Pun not intended. He’d look at something and think it wasn’t perfect enough. It was kind of adorable. The book would have to wait. “Fine, I’ll help, but you’re driving. And on the way there try to think of something each of them like. Like books. Everyone loves books.” 
“Egghead.”
“You have a higher GPA than I ever did.” Rainbow got up and walked toward the door.
“Clothes.”
“Oh, right.”

Since both of his girlfriends liked jewelry, that’s where Scooter decided to go. Sweetie liked her bling, but Apple Bloom was more on the practical side. Scooter was trying to find a necklace suitable for his love, browsing through the huge selection. Rainbow, surprisingly, was able to offer advice about matching the color of her skin tone and hair. After thinking, repeatedly, that he was too manly to be in here, he found a silver heart with an amethyst star set in it, a musical note laid behind it so that the gem magnified it. It was perfect. 
He turned her head to locate the watch section, but saw a mop of red hair done up in a bow and cowgirl hat looking at the earrings. He carefully avoided that section of the store, moving stealthily to the watches on the other side. Rainbow took note of the situation and decided it would be best not to embarrass the girls. After all, they were both doing last minute valentine shopping. Not her place to make it more awkward. 
“Do you think AB would like a leather watch or metal?”
“Leather. Fits with the general theme she’s got.”
“But she might like steel since it’s durable and practical.”
Rainbow pinched her brow. “I don’t know.”
Scooter’s phone went off, signalling he got a text. “Metal.”
Scooter blinked. Another ping. “Your voice carries.” So Scooter eliminated half the watches, then thought that a gold band would blend too much into her skin. Silver wouldn’t be a good fit either, compared to a gunship black model he saw. He also saw the watch was priced close to the necklace he selected, so he wouldn’t be favoring one or the other. He thought both of them were on the ridiculous side, but decided it would work. 
To make matters even more awkward, Apple Bloom was in front of him at the checkout line. Of course, they were the only two in line. Apple Bloom paid for her things while Scooter made a note to not look at them, deciding instead to memorise the earring display. Apple Bloom left without saying a word. Scooter let out a breath. 
“Well now all we need is a gift for Rumble.” Scooter said just outside the shop.
“Eh, just get him a fleshlight and some lube.” Scooter gave his sister a flat stare. “What? If I was a teenage boy, that’s what I’d want.”
“Maybe I should just get him a book on philosophy. He loves that shit.”
“Why not some lesbian erotica too?” Scooter’s stare somehow became flatter. “What?” Scooter started walking to the bookstore. “What?”
“When was the last time you got laid?”
Rainbow was actually taken by surprise from that question. Not something siblings usually ask each other. Well, she didn’t really have a whole lot to go on. “Um… seventy-two hours ago.”
“Apparently that’s too long.”  

Valentines for the increasingly eclectic group was perhaps the most interesting ever recorded in human history. It started out normal enough. It always does. Rumble had scouted out a romantic location for weeks for the perfect picnic spot, but found the only place was where they found Scootaloo half-dead and bleeding. The nearby canyon sparkled like it was laden with gems, and years of buildup and erosion left it like a multilayer cake. Of all the places to attempt suicide, she sure picked a good one. Rumble thought how weird thinking that was. He asked him for permission (the site carried a lot of weight), and he was approved. “I mean, I’ve had sex there. I practically own the place.” It was worth spoiling the surprise if it meant his boyfriend… which was still weird to think about… was stable. 
So there he was, setting up at the site. They’d be there in about five minutes. Then a goddamn fox bolts out of nowhere and swipes the picnic basket. On instinct, he goes to chase it when he hears a weird call in the direction the fox went. Since he’s much slower he follows the fox and finds the basket had been completely looted, with sandwiches torn apart all over the ground. He couldn’t remember if chocolate killed foxes like it did dogs, but either way they’d had their just deserts with the chocolate-chip cupcakes he prepared. He inspected what was left, the bottles of soda the only thing that remained. With a sigh he picked them up and made his way back. 
The harem was already waiting. Scooter’s head nestled in Sweetie’s lap as they looked out at the canyon. “You’ll never believe what just happened.” He said as he strode into the clearing. “A fox just stole our shit. Well, a whole family.”
Apple Bloom broke out laughing. Scooter turned to Rumble, clearly perplexed, and asked “A fox?”
“Yeah.”
“Weird.”
Sweetie asked, “How come?”
“No reason…”
“Well, they didn’t get the soda at least,” Rumble said and sat down. 
“Oh well. No big deal.” Even Sweetie managed to laugh at the ridiculousness of it all. 
“I wonder if Rainbow’s Dad’s place has a table open.” Scooter asked.
“Ugh, but there are other people there.” Apple Bloom groaned.
“And what are you planning that you don’t want other people to see?” Rumble asked. 
“Well, we could get the main-course already.”
Scooter shot her a glare. “I actually wanted dinner. I mean, we’re going to bang all night. And probably into tomorrow.” 
“It’s different for us cooks,” Rumble nodded, “sharing food is a part of our expression of love.”
“Well, mostly, I skipped lunch, but he’s right. Sharing a meal is like… being part of a family.”
“Well yea, sure!” Apple Bloom agreed, “There’s just a meal I want more than food, specifically.”
Sweetie finally made her opinion known, “I’m inclined to agree with the boys. For starters, Scooter may be fine with this place but I’m a little on edge. Let’s go weasel our way to a free meal at a five star restaurant and then go back to the clubhouse. That way we get our Romance and our… um… lustiness sated.”
“To the swag-mobile!” Scooter shouted, jumping up.
“That is not what you’re calling that thing!” Rumble protested, but he was already back on the trail out of earshot. 
“Oh, trust me, he is.” Sweetie pursed her lips. 
Rumble folded his bike in the trunk and they were off. The fact that Scooter was calling her “father” and driving down a gravel road, down a hill was a little concerning but they survived. 
The dinner was fantastic, of course. Perfect steaks, wonderful salads and scrumptious desserts. Well. So Scooter told them about the desserts. The restaurant caught fire half-way through the entre. The chef calmly walked out and addressed the patrons. “I’m terribly sorry, but you will all have to evacuate.” Since the place was rather costly and required a reservation and suitable station, the patrons exited calmly, with certain dignity. “You will all be refunded, as well as a free meal once we extinguish the fire and make any repairs. Thank you for your patronage.” 
The fire trucks blared as the quarto walked out. They stared from a few blocks away, wondering about what was going on inside. “So, uh… McRonalds?”
“Nope. Let’s go to your house and I’ll cook.” Scooter told Apple Bloom as he started the engine again. 
“Uh, that might not be a good idea…”

Indeed it was not. In the kitchen were Applejack and Rainbow Dash, each stark naked and cooking something. Scooter quietly turned around on one heel and walked straight out the door before the others had a chance to follow him. He threw up on an unsuspecting strawberry mound in front of the house. 
“I told you so.” Scooter could practically feel the smirk in her voice. After he recovered enough, he stood and absentmindedly wiped his mouth on his arm. Then he realized what he did and recoiled, but kept anything else down.
“Fuck it, let’s just get to the clubhouse and exchange gifts.”
        Scooter took a water bottle from the fridge in the clubhouse and took a swig, swishing it it his mouth to rinse it out. He spat it out the window. Then he poured some over his arm and scrubbed the acid off. “This is the worst day of my life.” He mumbled, getting a towel and cleaning his face, then the floor. 
        “Scooter babe, sit down.” Sweetie gently commanded. She was very good at it. 
        “Okay.” Scooter sat next to her. She put her hands on his knees. 
        “Today was the best day ever. You know why? Because I have you.”
        “What do you mean?”
        Sweetie smiled, but Scooter recognized the pain behind it. Something he knew all too well. He’d burn the whole world if it meant he’d never had to see it again. Not on Sweetie’s face. “You dunce. I have you, in my arms.” Sweetie grabbed his wrists and rotated his arms, showing the soft and scared flesh. The pattern was still there, scar tissue in a lattice around both his arms, but they had faded, except for three huge gashes on his left. Those were still violently red. 
        “Oh.” Sweetie wrapped a hand around the back of his neck and pulled him in for a kiss. A wonderful, gentle kiss that reminded the boy he was still alive. He was loved, and people cared about him. Sometimes he just forgot. Rumble got behind Scooter and latched on for a hug, and Apple Bloom doing the same to both of them. 
        Scooter was totally not crying. “I promise.”
        “Promise what?” Sweetie asked.
        “To be here.”

        Button and Mark had a much better time of it, showering each with gifts of chocolate and playing video games. “I swear you’re losing on purpose!” Mark said after the third victory. Well, a certain condition was probably influencing it. Loser had to play bottom. Mark decided to whisper something terribly erotic in Button’s ear, the boys eyes going wide. “W-well if that’s how you feel… just don’t go easy on me. You have to earn your defeat.” Button won the next round. 

        Sweetie and Scooter exchanged gifts. The boy received a leather and titanium bracelet he thought made him look cool. Scooter was a bit ashamed of what he bought Rumble, but the boy seemed absolutely thrilled about receiving Plato’s works. Apple Bloom acted surprised about her watch. “You didn’t have to do that, this is really cool. Look it’s mechanical.” The farmer stared at the sprockets for a good thirty seconds. Scooter got a new set of studs from Rumble, and Apple Bloom had bought him a book she liked. He didn’t really notice what the other two exchanged since he was busy cuddling with Sweetie. 
        “Can I take a nap? It’s been a long day?”
        “Only if I get to hold you.”
        “Always.”
        “Are we becoming like that one couple in that dumb book where everyone has cancer?”
        “Don’t mention such poor literature in my presence ever again!” Apple Bloom exclaimed. 
        “Not even to criticize it?” Scooter felt the same. 
        “You can’t criticize what doesn’t exist.”
        “Oh I see. So, about that nap…” 

> Chapter 21 - Sh*t happens (as it is wont to do)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

        March was a wonderful time of year. To a few, at least. Ironically Apple Bloom suffered severe allergies to pollen. Most of the time it was manageable with a daily antihistamine, but today in particular was awful. She could hardly breathe and was constantly blowing phlegm out her nose. Wonderful. Or maybe she was getting sick. Either way she was a complete joy to be around. 
Scooter, Rumble, and the girls were playing Monopoly, and the atmosphere was like boiling water. Nobody liked to lose so they brought their shrewdest strategies and the most profane profanities. It was Rumble’s turn and he rolled a seven, landing him on Sweetie’s Park Place, equipped with a hotel so he would end up paying a substantial sum of rent. The owner of the property decided to mutter under her breath, “finally I get something out of you.” The whole party stopped. They looked at her like she sprouted seven heads.
        “You get laid as often as the rest of us?” Apple Bloom wondered, completely perplexed. She sniffled. 
        “Yeah, but I always go last! By that time you’re all completely spent and I’m left unsatisfied!”
        “Can’t you just, you know…” Scooter made an up-and-down motion with his hand.
        “That’s what I’ve been doing and I’m sick of it! Do you even care! I’m supposed to be your girlfriend but I’m just the fourth wheel.”
        “Of course we care, honeydew, but you never said anything.” Apple Bloom said, attempting to be reasonable. Rumble saw where this was going and backed away slowly into the far corner. Not that the fifty mile radius around this clubhouse was going to be safe. 
        “Isn’t it obvious! Rumble only lasts thirty seconds by the time he gets to me, because he’s been too busy ploughing you into the bed!” Rumble was sure it was more than that… Like… five minutes at least...
        Scooter thought for a moment, “Well, I’m usually asleep honestly…” The glare his girlfriend gave him pierced his heart. Yeah, he’s screwed up royally. 
        “Exactly. None of you had paid attention to me in a month! I… I need some space.” She flung open the door of the treehouse and walked out. The temperature of the room cooled a few degrees. 
        “Shouldn’t we… go after her?” Rumble asked.
        “Trust me on this one, you’re gonna want to wait a while,” Scooter said. “Girls need some time to stop being angry. If we go now we just look pathetic. Like a dog chasing a ball.”
        “That doesn’t make any sense.”
        “That’s women for you.” Rumble decided to defer to Scooter since he would likely be the expert on girls. Considering. 
        “So what are we going to do?”
        “We talk to her. But first we wait.”
        “I meant more along the lines of continuing the game.”
        “How can I! The love of my life just walked out!” Scooter suddenly shouted, then cupped his face in his hands and bawled. 
        “It’s that time of the month, isn’t it?” Rumble mumbled. 
        “Yep.” Scooter said. “The best part is… I’m late.” 
        The room felt like it was spinning, like Rumble became aware of the earth spinning at a thousand miles per hour before his vision went black and he landed with a thud on the cold wooden floor.

Please please please let me be dead. Rumble thought as he regained consciousness. He felt like he was floating on sand but it was more than likely the beanbag chair. He opened his eyes only to find Scooter and Apple Bloom looking at him. “But but but what if you’re just irregular.” Was the first coherent thing he could manage. I'm so screwed.
        “I’m not taking T yet, because apparently it’s ridiculously hard to convince a doctor you have a good reason to get it, and I’ve been synced up with the other two since we started that awfulness. It’s not likely.”
        “So, so… so…. what do we do?” Rumble’s head started spinning again. He couldn’t do this! He was barely seventeen!
        “Well, there’s really only two options. Well three. Adopt, Abort, Keep.”
        “I don’t get the feeling you’re asking for my opinion.”
        “The last thing I want is a pregnancy bump. I have enough dysphoria to deal with. And if we’re going by sheer political stance, it is my body after all.”
        “Scoots, are you sure?” Apple Bloom asked. Scooter knew what Apple Bloom would do but this is one time Scooter couldn't look to her for inspiration. It was just not going to work that way.
        “I don’t even want ovaries, let alone some spawn germinating inside it! No offense Rumble I’m sure they’d be a wonderful kid.”
        “How?… I mean, every time…”
        “I don’t fucking know! Shit just happens, everything goes wrong!” Scooter threw his hands up in the air. “Just like it always has, one travesty to the next! I should have just slit my throat when I had the chance!” 
        Upon hearing the words, Apple Bloom pounced and restrained him. Then a melee broke out, Scootaloo nearly emerging victorious, having studied fighting techniques, both by application and study. To think it was the fighting that got her into this mess. Indeed, Apple Bloom lay moaning on a floor with bruises on her arms, “Leave me alone!” He growled. But she wasn’t expecting Rumble, who decked her squarely on the jaw, knocking her flat out. He’d pay for that in the long run, but all things considered it was probably the only way. Just because she was carrying a baby he didn’t want or couldn’t take care of didn’t mean he didn’t love… him. Oh great, now he was getting the pronouns confused. This must be what Scooter goes through every day. Well all that mattered is that he wanted Scooter alive. At least KO’d he wouldn’t be a threat to himself. 
        What an interesting ten minutes this had been. 
        After Scooter came to and did some breathing exercises to calm herself down (she would likely be doing this often from now on), they hopped in the junker Rumble drove and chased after Sweetie. They peeled out of the driveway. 
        “She’s likely back at Rarity’s by now.” Scooter speculated. He rose in the seat for dramatic flare, pointing down the road “Onward.”
        “Would you sit the fuck down?” Rumble asked as nicely as he could. “So help me Zucchini if you fall out of the car.” 
Scooter sat down. Nobody appreciates good humor. "Oh, and thanks for knocking some sense into me."

        Sweetie paced her room, and occasionally she would find a picture of the harem she didn’t turn upside down and flipped it. Stupid idiots. This is what happens when you date tomboys… and actual boys. They just betrayed you. She still lumped Scooter in with Rumble. They don’t know how to treat a lady, obviously. Men. She groaned and clenched her hands. She decided to take out some rage on her pillow, giving it a few good punches. They used to be so kind and considerate of her, but then Rumble got a real foothold on the relationship. Scooter and he were now closer than ever. They played video games with Button and his boyfriend more than anything now. It was all their fault. If Scooter wasn’t a boy… no, hold on. Sweetie stopped her pacing and scolded herself for even thinking that. She was still her friend. Damnet, she did it again! She desperately wanted to blame it all on her lovers being masculine in nature, just as an excuse. She was a lesbian for a reason after all. Since she wanted to be mad at the moment she took it and ran with it. 
        There was a light tapping on her door.
        “Sweetie?” Rarity called.
        “What!” She snapped, almost surprised by her own rage. 
        “You have some visitors and they’re practically begging to see you.” 
        “Tell them I’ll see them in an eternity!” She shouted, half sure they could hear her, wherever they were.
“Well I tried!” Rarity made a show of stomping off. 
Rarity wasn’t the sort to give up easily. Usually she would give a short word of advice about being a lady, which was what Sweetie expected in this situation. What was her motive? Sweetie tiptoed to her door and placed a convenient empty drinking glass to it. She heard what sounded like three people breathing. Knowing those stubborn mules they were sitting outside waiting. Apple Bloom and Rumble could out wait a rock, but Scooter would likely throw open the door in five minutes. Well, if that’s how they were going to play it the joke's on them.  Sweetie was prepared for a siege. She had snacks and a mini fridge full of drinks. She had homework to do anyway, so she put on her current favorite boy band and cranked up the volume before she got to work. 
….
She stole glances at the door. What were they planning? Whatever it was, it wouldn’t work. She can be stubborn too. But still, they came right? So maybe they wanted to make amends? They’d probably do something stupid like offer to let her go first and pick the dates for a while. That still wouldn’t change the fact they basically ignored her. Sure their tastes were a little different. The three waiting outside liked it a bit more rough than Sweetie was comfortable with, but they used to treat her like she wanted too be. Now they seemed to only care about themselves. 
Realizing she hadn’t actually done any homework for nearly half the album, she clicked off her stereo and groaned. She opened the door. Outside were, of course, Rumble, Scooter and Apple Bloom with stony faces sitting in the hall.
“Well go ahead and say what you have to say.” Sweetie huffed. 
“Sweetie,” Scooter began. “I’m so so so soooooooo sorry for not making you feel like part of the harem. We got so wrapped up with ourselves we pushed you to the side. That was never my intention when we began this. These two might be a little more fun to roll around with but you’re the one holding my heart. If I had to choose between a continuous rolling orgasm for the rest of my life, or just one last one with you, I’d choose you every time.”
Sweetie’s face contorted into an amusedly disgusted frown, and Apple Bloom looked at the speaker like he was crazy. 
“Love knoweth no bounds, and can be shared among among many, but none quite as much or as lovely or as beautiful and deeply as with you my love.” 
“Oh great now he’s reading poetry again.” Sweetie huffed again.
Finally, Scooter prostrated himself at her feet. “What do I have to do! I’ll cut off my own leg if you want! I’ll eat Apple Bloom’s heart!”
“Hey!” Apple Bloom didn’t like this idea one bit.
“I’ll jump off Mt. Everest! Anything my love!”
Sweetie crossed her arms. “So you promise you’ll dissolve the group?”
“Already done my queen.” Sweetie rolled her eyes. He was never this melodramatic. 
“And you two promise not to seduce her?”
“Hey!” Apple Bloom protested. 
“Have a little trust, my god!” Rumble added.
“We’re just here so you might stop being angry at us.” Apple Bloom finished. “I never wanted to do this to both of you. Scooter’s miserable, he was crying for the whole ride over, but I think that’s just her hormones. I want my friends to be happy. Trust me, I’ll make do with Rumble.”
“Can I still go over and play video games with him?” Scooter asked.
“I’m not that cruel,” Sweetie slumped. “I did promise to be more trusting after all. You can have friends.” 
“Thank you my love.” Scooter groveled. 
“Scoots. Ya forgot to mention.” 
“Oh fuck. Right. I’m… um… um…” Shit, coming out had been easier than this… “late.”
“Like your…” Sweetie trailed off since she was in mixed company. Scooter nodded. “Could… Could… you just be off schedule?”
“I hope so. We got some tests on the way over. I haven’t checked yet.” 
“What are… ya gonna do? We’re seventeen! We can’t have a child!”
“What!” Rarity exclaimed from downstairs. Within seconds she was upon them like a storm. “Rumble so help me by the Goddess!” Rumble snapped up straight “It’s Sweetie’s decision but if she decides to keep it you’re going to make an honest woman out of her! You will not leave her in a divided home! You can continue on your arrangement but your chief concern will be providing for her.” 
“Actually ma’am, Scootaloo is the one that’s late.” He quickly shot an apologetic glance to Scooter for getting his name wrong. He managed to go a whole three months. 
“Oh, well. That’s a relief. She’ll just abort it anyway.” Even Sweetie recoiled from how quickly her sister changed her mind. “Oh, sorry darling. He.”
“Am I really that predictable?” Scooter stammered. He briefly considered having the baby out of spite for a moment. Then he just as quickly reminded himself how dumb that was. 
“I sincerely doubt you want to go through with all of the fun… effects… you have to put up with when you’re pregnant dear. And it will likely remind you every waking second that you’re a woman. And that too, I doubt you desire.” 
“I mean, you’re not wrong. I’m just apparently getting used to the idea that I’m an open book.” 
“Diamonds grow jealous of your transparency dear.”
“I can’t tell if that excellent pun was intentional or not.”
“I never say a word unintentionally dear.” 
“You’re more sarcastic than normal.” Scooter noted.
“She gets this way after she binge-watches Sex in the City.” Sweetie explained. “Can I get back to my homework now?” Before she retreated she pointed at Scooter and glared. “I don’t even know what to do with you. But it will probably involve making up for the last month of--”
“Sweetie!” Rarity interrupted.
“Well you get the idea.”
“For you my love, I would tie myself to a plane and fly around the earth for you.”
“And cut that out.” 
“Yes my Sweetie.” 
Sweetie’s eyes didn’t roll this time. Instead, the entire earth rotated around her eyes. “Oh, and as for you two… I’m not as mad as I was… But I’m not quite ready to forgive you. I really do love you both, but I never wanted to be the fourth wheel. Ugh, feelings are complicated. We’ll talk later after I simmer to a rolling boil or so.” Sweetie huffed and slammed the door. 
“Well I’m gonna go pee on a stick of anyone needs me.” 
	
	

> Chapter 22 - Fatherly Perspective
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	All things considered, Reg had really wanted a son. Instead, God saw fit to give him Scootaloo. She was a wonderful daughter once you got to know her. She worked hard, played harder and slept more than that. Typical teenager. Ironically that knowing came too late, and he had a son instead. He couldn’t quite understand it, but most of the time he just reminded himself to accept what is instead of asking why. They took weekly fishing trips on Sunday. Both Reg and Scooter would admit the bridge still wasn’t fully repaired. They cried a lot. Letting out the pressure built up from dealing with his mother, Reg’s Wife over the years. So, really, that was good. Father-son crying was healthy even. 
        However, they usually kept to themselves during the week. So it was a little unexpected when there was a knock at his door. It was either Jehovah’s Witnesses, or something important. He opened the door and there was Scootaloo...Scooter. It was still difficult for him, after nearly eighteen years, he’d still be his little girl. But he still made an effort. The boy looked like he’d just been ran over by a train. He was crying and couldn’t look at anything that wasn’t a thousand yards off. On instinct, Reg grabbed his son in a hug and checked his arms. No new wounds. Good. He led Scooter inside and sat him down on the couch.
        “It happened.”
        Reg had to force down his sarcasm at that one. The world explode? Fish started talking? “What happened?”
        “Sweetie hates me, the harem is gone, and I might be pregnant. Life is fucking ending!” 
        “I know you don’t believe this… but it’s not.”
        “You… aren’t mad at me?” Scooter managed to blink his tears away.
        “Why would I be?”
        “Because I might be pregnant because I wasn’t in a monogamous relationship and had sex with a boy. On top of the other two girls. I mean, you studied Theology. Aren’t you furious?”
        “Nope. Listen. Teen mom’s aren’t uncommon. Everyone is just a person with their own problems. I know it feels like hell… when did all this happen anyway?”
        “Um… let’s see. Five hours ago.”
        “At the same time?” Scooter nodded. “Wow.”
        “Well, look,” Reg continued. “This sort of thing happens. I had a girlfriend in High School… because my parents were so strict, I didn’t want a condom wrapper to be found within fifty miles of me or her… well. You can guess how it ended.”
        “Me?”
        “No, actually. Somewhere out there you have a half-sibling… I don’t even know… that was put up for adoption. I can’t say I’m proud of it, but these things happen. It’s your choice what to do.”
        “Boys… don’t get pregnant.” Reg took a moment to let the implications sink in. 
        “I understand. And it’s your decision, I’ll support you.”
        “What am I gonna do?” Scooter grumbled.
        “Hey, look, you don’t even know if you really are yet. There’s always a chance you aren’t. Just… worry about it when the time comes. OK?”
        “I… I’ll try. But what about everything else?” 
        “Well, really, you’ll just have to talk to them. Don’t tell me, I don’t really want to know, but I can guess why Sweetie’s mad. Do you want to go back to the way things were with everyone else?”
        “Not if it means losing her.”
        “Does she know that?”
        “Yes. She still hates me.”
        “I don’t think it will last. She can’t be mad forever.”
        “You don’t know her like I do.” Scooters phone vibrated just at that instance, signalling a text. He checked it. 
        A single message from Sweetie. I love you. But good lord are you an idiot. I’m an idiot. Maybe we all are. I’m mad you talked me into it. I’m mad I went along with it and I’m mad that I’m mad at you. I want to slap you then kiss you. I hate feeling this way. But I’ll forgive you. Because despite being an idiot you’re not stupid. I know how you feel about me. And I’d have to start dating again. There’s not exactly a surplus of lesbians. ttyl,k?
        Scooter replied immediately. Glad to know I’ve got a captive audience. No, that was rude. He erased it. Eventually you’ll get tired of me breaking your heart. Send.
        Sweetie replied with philosophical foppery. Maybe love is just the repeated breaking and fixing of hearts. 
        2deep4me. Scooter replied. He got a smiley face in return.
        “I think we just made up.” Scooter smiled at his father. “Well, thanks for salvaging my mental breakdown.”
        “Anytime. Can I get you something?”
“Nah, I’m gonna get a drink and go back home. Too much homework.” Reg was a little heartbroken that Scooter didn’t consider this apartment home, but truth be told, he didn’t either.  
“You’re a sophomore right? I’d say you’re well within your right to take a day off of homework.”
“But what about my grades?”
Reg couldn’t contain the smile. Last year his daughter didn’t give two shits about her grades, but now his son did. Amazing what a positive influence a happy household can have. “Your third aunt, whom you loved dearly, just passed away. It was a family emergency. Heck, take the next day off too.”
“You’d do that?”
“I’d say the last thing you need to worry about right now are assignments. Right now you need to relax and get your stuff together.”
“I mean a nap does sound pretty good.”
“The couch is always open.” Reg was a little ashamed he didn’t have another bed, but he was living the bachelor life again. 
“So, what about the other two?”
“I mean, I think we’ll always be friends. Just not lovers anymore. And they understand that.”
“For what it’s worth, I don’t think you were wrong to have a ‘harem,’ Your heart’s big enough for them. Well, apparently not, but I don’t see anything particularly wrong with loving more than one person. I mean, technically, if we were going with fundamental Christianity, I’d be well within my right to have my own. And I mean, this is the age of equality after all.”
Scooter chuckled. “I thought I could have it all.”
“Love, like everything else, is a balancing act.”
“Yeah, and I didn’t balance it correctly.” Scootaloo downed a glass of water. “Thanks, Dad.” He said, before plonking down on the couch and passing out. Some things never changed. Reg pulled a blanket over his son and shut the lights off. He retired to his bedroom-office and worked. 

Scootaloo woke up nearly four hours later at midnight. He was roasting, which was ironic because his father locked the thermostat at 69 degrees. He moved to stand but found he could barely keep his balance. Once the ground stopped swimming beneath him he decided to go to the kitchen and get a snack. He poured a bowl of cereal but nearly gagged when he opened the spoiled milk. He sealed the container shut and threw it in the garbage. He briefly thought he was making this up. He missed his period and suddenly he was showing every sign in the book he had a bun in the oven. Although, this could have started earlier... Well, whatever, he was hungry. He used heavy cream instead, sparingly, since his father used it for coffee. With his blood sugar restored, he poured a glass of water from the tap. He double checked the thermostat to make sure he wasn't crazy. Unfortunately, the dial still read 69.
He gently went outside, making careful effort to avoid making the door creak.  It was at least ten degrees cooler out here and it bought her--him some relief. Fuck all this. The best part is, the symptoms got worse from here. How did women do this for so long? 
Scootaloo gently held her stomach. He was definitely a girl at the moment and it was driving him nuts. To think there was now a mass of cells in there that in another nine months would look like something between Rumble and himself. Most expecting mothers would think of what it would be like with a "little bundle of joy" rolling around the house. Rumble might like it himself. But Scootaloo was disgusted. Nine months of pure, unending hormonal torture reminding him every second that he was a girl. A lifetime commitment to boot. A child that, while it would grow up in a better home, would still be a trouble. Both Scooter and Rumble were natural born troublemakers. They both had similar tales of jumping off of things and scraping knees. On top of that, the thing would hate them. Because children always end up hating their parents for a time. And that's not even mentioning the economic aspects of taking care of this little shit. 
He couldn't do it. He made two-hundred a week, Rumble didn't work, and Scooter barely qualified himself as mentally and emotionally stable. Scootaloo gripped the canopy railing so tight his knuckles reflected the moon. He cried, because what else is he supposed to do in this situation? 
Over the years, he became frighteningly good at lying to himself. So it was easy for him to convince himself he had just made all that up. He wasn't dizzy, didn't have a fever. He was fine. He went back inside, and it wasn't hot. He went back to sleep on the couch to hide from his problems another few hours. 
The symptoms didn't bother him again, except the occasional bought of dizziness. That was nothing, he just needed a snack. He was always a little hypoglycemic anyway. Oh, and he kept wanting to drink pickle juice. 
> Chapter 23 - Scootaloo's Birthday
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Scooter had insisted he was just fine without a birthday party, but Rainbow wanted the best for her brother. Everyone deserves a Pinkie-Party. It’s the most fun a being could possibly have in a day. And all things considered, it was no surprise he hadn’t had one. The last two were awful. The day she was kicked out of her house, and then the next one was spent in the hospital after her suicide attempt.  Scooter didn’t tell anyone, and her friends had respected that wish. They only found out when Reg told the family. Scooter was reading a book and generally enjoying himself. 
        Remembering the ground rules, Rainbow knocked on his brother’s door. She knew he was awake, it was nearly ten o’clock and they already had breakfast. Scooter was odd for a teenager and got up at six thirty each morning. Even on the weekends. Her brother let her enter. 
        “Hey champ. Wanna go get something at Sugar Cube Corner?”
        Scooter sighed, the proposition transparent enough. With an eyeroll he agreed. 

        Compared his lack of enthusiasm, the party itself was wonderful. Everyone Scooter knew was there (except his mother, who couldn’t be within a few football fields.) to celebrate another year of life and to wish the next one would be as good if not better. Scooter himself was definitely leaning toward better. This last year had been a mess. He could do without two/thirds of it. Sugar Cube Corner was decorated with purple and orange streamers and a huge banner that proudly said “HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY SCOOTER,” decorated with whatever Pinkie doodled. Rainbows and stars and hearts. Pinkie sprung from nowhere and started singing the birthday song, scooting a chair under him and sweeping him to the main table with the giant cake and presents. The audience joined in and clapped. This wasn’t normally his cup of tea, but the joy was infectious. The cake was excellent, the company even better. It looked like Sweetie and the other two members of the former harem were talking again. He wasn’t sure about what, but progress was progress. Scooter just wanted everyone to get along. After all, they’ve known each other for years. 
        The gifts ranged from fantastic to suitably hilarious. No pies were thrown in his face and he wasn’t bound again. So yeah, fantastic. He got all the parts for a super awesome new skateboard, including some new wheels that were shaped like a square and somehow made you go faster, according to Prism. His father changed his birth certificate to reflect accurately. He was ecstatic about that. 
        Applejack bought him a toolset. “Every boy needs one,” she said. Rainbow snickered at the unsaid joke and Scooter also laughed. The set was fantastic. The toolbox alone was wonderful, everything was so organized and had a proper place. The tools were high end too. Apple Bloom gave him a scrapbook of all their misadventures. He was grateful, he still couldn't fully remember half of them since that was during what he started calling “the dark times.”
        Rarity gave him five shirts, three over shirts, and two pairs of pants with a more masculine cut and coloration. To be fair, for the last couple months he basically declared “I’m a boy now,” but didn’t change his wardrobe. Really he barely needed to. 
        Sweetie pulled a box out from under her shirt. It spoke volumes that she was able to hide it under there. All things considered, the gift was tiny compared to the others. An onyx heart with a wrench insignia. It was obviously either custom made or custom ordered. Even though it was small in size, this is the gift that brought Scooter to tears. He held her close and gave her enough quick smooches she thought she might drown. “Onyx is supposed to be protective. Look on the back.” 
        Scooter grinned. His girlfriend was keeping notes on his favorite fantasy series. “Life Before Death. Strength Before Weakness. Journey Before Destination. ~~Your Shield.” It was just the right combination of goofy and sentimental -- the perfect compromise between them both. “You know, for all the times I can’t be there in person.” Sweetie whispered.
        “I’ve got your back, you’ve got mine.” Another line from the series. They momentarily forgot they were in public and kissed. LIke really, really kissed. It wasn’t rare for them to do but they usually didn’t when people could see them. The crowd cheered. Because Rainbow is Rainbow, the moment was interrupted with her shouting “Gaaaaaaaayyyyy.” 
        The sound faded as Applejack shut her up with a kiss of her own. And a slap. Finally Scooter had to come up for air. Sweetie could kiss to the end of the world. Her hobby of singing gave her a huge lung capacity. 
         It was a wonderful time. He should do this more often. To make things even better, Rumble and Apple Bloom rushed to hug the still-attached couple. “So you three have kissed and made up?”
        “Well, not kissed.” Apple Bloom giggled. 
        “But yeah, we’re cool again. Right?” Rumble asked.
        “Absolutely. I’ll try not to be a bootchy.”
        “I mean, I can’t even blame you. We basically violated our promise.” Apple Bloom excused.
        “Yeah, yeah, let’s go to the clubhouse and chill,” Scooter said as they started out the door. “And I mean chill. Unless you’re into that whole exposition thing.”
        “Nuh-uh.” Sweetie shut it down quickly.
        “I’m joking, I’m joking.” 
        “I know.”
        “Oh, hey, by the way, You get your test back?” Rumble used, using the euphemism they agreed upon. 
        “Haven’t taken it today but the last one was Monday and it failed.” Happy news for now. 

        Well, today had been going great. A wonderful party at the bakery and a lazy afternoon with his friends. Maybe birthdays weren't so bad. Scooter had just got back to the Dash household and decided now was as good a time as any to “take the test.”
        He expected the two lines he now saw to end the world. Bring his holy peace, manicured over the past year so that nothing could disturb it, crashing down. Well. He was expecting it, so maybe peace had already flown the coop. There was no earth-shattering gong. No boulder to crush her. There was nothing. And the absence of feeling was oddly welcomed. She could be having an anxiety attack. But he wasn’t. And that was much better. He tossed the stick in the trash. She knew what he had to do. He staggered to her room.
        And then the earthquake hit. There was no optimistic denial of the situation anymore. 

> Chapter 24 - Touchy Subjects
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Ordinarily, Scooter would get ready for the day by putting on a binder around his chest, and put his packer in. Be the boy he felt like. But Scooter wasn’t here right now, having taken leave for the moment. Instead the scared and anxious girl had returned. She hadn’t slept at all since her birthday yesterday. She popped a pill in her mouth and decided she needed to take a shower. Best to not look like she had been through the wringer today. It was the most depressing shower ever. She just stood under the water and tried not to melt. She didn’t feel like eating breakfast but did have a glass of pickle juice. Fucking hormones. 
        Fortunately the clinic was a mile or two away. She had argued with herself about whether she wanted to do this. The answer kept being the same. It didn’t open for another thirty minutes but it would take that amount of time to walk to it. She shrugged on a coat against the morning chill and started putting one foot in front of the other. 
        Sweetie would be supportive of this decision. Apple Bloom wouldn’t agree but oh well, their friendship would probably be safe. Scootaloo wasn’t really sure about Rumble, but considering he fainted when he heard the news he’d probably be 100% on board. Then there was the issue of who would take care of it. All of them? Rumble? Would they have to get married? Ugh. 
        Walk in with a mass of cells in your womb, walk out without it. Simple, right? Scootaloo half-expected this--something else to go wrong. That was the way her life seemed to work. Something else attempts to screw her over. And it usually succeeded. 
        The protest group nearly made her retch. Of course, more and more things were doing that now. They carried signs, calling her sexual practices a sin. Something about the end being close, and adulterers filling the streets. Pretty standard stuff really.
        This was the nail in the coffin. It was all her fault she was in this situation and her mother was right and God was mad at her. Everything she’d ever done had been a mistake. She loved the wrong person. Rumble’s child was germinating inside her so she obviously loved him. That’s how that worked right? She wasn’t transgender she was just in denial. And now she was paying the consequences for her proclivities. She didn’t respect her family enough and now was paying for it. She ran for a couple blocks and found an unfamiliar coffee shop. She decided to go in and try to calm down, her SSRI reminding her to not freak out. It sort of worked. She ordered the most sugary thing she could think of. She used her original name, noting the irony of having it legally changed the day before. 
        When the barista called her she felt oddly self-conscious like somebody was watching her. She realized what it was as she turned back to her table. The protest was still in view. She made a deliberate point to not look out the window. She didn’t drink her coffee, just sat and stared. So entranced was she by the act of counting the cinnamon grains, she didn’t notice somebody sat down beside her. 
        “Yo.” A deep voice rumbled. Scootaloo looked up and saw Apple Bloom’s brother. 
        “Oh, hey. What are you doing here.” She couldn’t even inflect enough to make it a question.
        “I like the coffee here.”
        “Okay.”
        What happens when two reserved people attempt to have a conversation? Mostly silence. “What are you doing here?” Big Mac asked.
        “I… Well I was on my way to Planned Parenthood.”
        Mac glanced out the window. “I see.” There wasn’t any judgement in his voice, even though the Apples shared the belief that life began at conception, and all life was sacred. Scootaloo both admired and despised the philosophy at the same time. Admired because it sprang from a deep affection of their fellow people, hated because she didn’t want to deal with Apple Bloom sermonizing her after she did this. Well, she couldn’t right now. The good thing to do, make everyone happy except her, was to carry it.
        “So you’re going by Scootaloo again?”
        “I’m obviously a girl. Boys can’t get pregnant.”
        “Listen. Those protesters aren’t you. They don’t know what you’ve been through. They think this is an easy decision. I don’t even know, personally. I don’t think it would be. But they don’t think of you, or people like you, or Ma, or even my sisters as respectable people. And that’s a shame, cuz I know you are. And sometimes, accidents happen to good people. It doesn’t mean we should pay for them the rest of our life. I’ll let you in on a secret. I’m only Applejack’s half-brother. I never knew my actual father, but Dad didn’t care about that none and raised me as one of his own. I only found out after reading his diary when he passed.” Scootaloo started doing some math in his head. “I honestly don’t even care who it was. Ma was young and in love and mistakes happened a lot more, because of the culture. I can’t blame him for running away. Sometimes you’re just not ready. Perhaps one day, he grew up,” Big Mac stopped in the middle of the sentence. Scootaloo had been around him long enough to know he had gotten off his own topic and needed to regroup. “What I’m trying to say is don’t make life hard on yourself just because somebody thinks you need to do something. Havin’... that... done… doesn’t mean you’re running from your problems. Quite the opposite. I think you’re facing them with all the courage you have.”
        Scootaloo had finished her coffee by then and it filled her with new life. She gave Big Mac a hug and thanked him before rushing out the door. Big Mac loped behind, wondering how this was going to go down. 
        
        Scooter marched up to the protesters and attempted to walk in the front door. Dignity demanded no less. Well, that was all well and good except he was cut off at every attempt. She was trying to use her agility to her advantage, but fell powerless to the sheer number of bodies blocking the way. Then one protester made the grave mistake of trying to tell him why he was unholy. “You can’t keep running away, you have to take responsibility!” The protester was probably twenty, pencil thin beard and a trilby. “Do you really want to murder your unborn child?”
        “Yes.”
        The protester blinked. Clearly he was not expecting her to say it outright. “But children are a gift from God! And those that do murder shall have no place in heaven.”
        Scootaloo just shook her head. He grabbed the dumb tie he was wearing and yanked him down to her eye level. “Alright, listen here you stupid fuck. I don’t care about heaven. I don’t even care about Hell.  I can write a book on all the sodomy I’ve committed. Not only have I had sex out of wedlock, I’ve had lesbian orgies the likes of which you can only masturbate to before begging for forgiveness. You think I’m irresponsible? A whore? No. I love all my partners dearly. I’ve been kicked out of my house for that deep, profound love you only dream about. I nearly committed suicide from rhetorical bullshit people like you spew. I’ve come too far to give two shits about what any one of you think about it. I’m not running away from my ‘mistakes’. This is me, facing my life on my feet, and choosing the best path.” Scootaloo gave him a kiss before shoving him out of the way and walking through the front door. Big Mac looked on with a quiet glee. 

        After it was all said and done, Scooter slinked back to his room feeling different, but oddly not happy. It was over. Done. He should be excited, right? One less burden. Eh, whatever. He debated taking another SSRI but since the one he took this morning was warding off all suicide attempts he resisted. Eh. It was just eh. Like depression but lighter. The French might have had a word for that. They always had a word for feeling terrible. 
        After god knows how long somebody knocked on his door. He grunted.
        The door opened and Apple Bloom walked in, looking oddly cheerful. But really that girl was always smiling. Even when she bit your head off. She was carrying something. Scooter was confused by her presence. 
        “I baked you a cobbler.” She said, pensively.
        That perked him right up. “I knew there was a reason I loved you.” Apple Bloom set the dish on the side of the bed and removed the foil. Heaven existed in a 10 inch square pan. Geysers of steam rolled off, carrying the aroma of blackberries. Scooter managed to resist the urge to kiss her. There couldn’t be any of that now. “Let’s eat in the kitchen like civilized folk,” he suggested, imitating her.
        “Alright.”
        So they moved and Scooter got out two bowls and spoons and got some ice cream from the freezer. Apple Bloom doled out a generous portion for each of them and Scooter piled on the ice cream. The dairy melted and the velvet cream mixed with the blackberry syrup. “Not to sound like an ungrateful prick, but why are you here?” Scooter asked after his first spoonful of nirvana.
        “I’d thought you’d need cheering up. I think I was right.” 
        “Yeah. I did.”
        “Do you want to talk about it?”
        Scooter inhaled deeply. “Yeah, I guess I should. But I don’t really know. I thought it would be different somehow. More… painful? More emotionally traumatising?”
        “Well, I know I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t handle it. But I respect your decision. And, well, ya know. Boys don’t get pregnant.”
        “Hopefully this means I’ll stop drinking pickle juice.” They had a laugh. 
        “That’s so gross.” Apple Bloom said, still chortling. 
        “These past couple weeks it’s felt like I haven’t been in my own body. With all the weird hormones and shit. I’ll probably be back to normal in a couple days.” 
        “If you need anything just call us. Even a hug. I’ve got nothing but love for you.”
        Scooter couldn’t quite articulate what he wanted to say. How much her respect meant to him. How, when everyone else just judged him, she didn’t. How she cared, how she smiled. How she didn’t want anybody to get hurt.
        “Apple Bloom. Thank you.”
        “Aww, the cobbler weren’t nothin’”
        Scooter smiled, his teeth unseemly purple from the dessert. “You know what I mean, dork.”
        “Ya don’t need to thank me. I’m just being a friend.”
        “Can’t I just appreciate you?” Scooter rolled his eyes.
        “Oh alright.”
        “You wanna watch a movie or something?”
        The statement behind the question was a little obvious. Don’t leave yet, please.
        “I’ll stay as long as you want.”
        The movie was an action flick but Scooter’s hormones were still in full swing and he ended up bawling when the romantic interest died. It was just as likely that there was some other tension involved, but Apple Bloom didn’t press it. Instead, she gently squeezed her friend’s shoulder as he cried. They cleared the cobbler in that time, Scooter eating the most. 
        Apple Bloom started to go home but Scooter protested. “Can… can you stay here tonight?”
        Well, really, she had things to do. Chores, mostly. Applejack would likely understand. This responsibility was way bigger than farm work though. There was one legitimate concern, however. “What would Sweetie think?”
        “It’s not like anything’s gonna happen.”
        “Well, she is a tiny bit possessive. Maybe we could bring her over and make it a sleepover?”
        Scooter instantly became nervous. She hadn’t heard from Sweetie all day, now that he thought about it. “Why didn’t she come? Why hasn’t she called? Does she hate me?”
        Apple Bloom had limited patience but was a master at acting like she didn’t. “I don’t even think she knew. The only reason I heard about it was cuz you ran into my brother.”
        “True. She has been busy. I'll call her.” He picked the phone out of his pocket and tapped it a few times to dial “Sweetie Bea <3333 Waifu” His emotional pendulum swung back when she answered. “DO you hate meeeeeee,” he bawled. 
        “What?” Sweetie asked.
        “I did--- I did the thing and now everybody hates me and Apple Bloom is here and she’s just hiding it well. I think Rainbow Dash hates me what do I do.”
        “Do you hear the words that are coming out of your mouth?”
        “You’re right I’m being silly.”
        “Scoots, I don’t think mood swings are that fast.” Sweetie sighed. “Whatever, I’m coming over. Put Apple Bloom on.” He passed the cell to her and mouthed “I think she hates you.” The farmer pinched the bridge of her nose.
        “Yo.”
        “Apple Bloom, defcon four. Oh and don’t slap him if he’s being silly. That will only make it worse.”
        “Understood.”
        “Over and out.” Since their friend was suicidal, Sweetie, Bloom and Rumble came up with a similar ranking of threat levels to the military. Five was no threat, one was impending danger. Four was basically just to be on guard and don’t leave him alone too long. Restraints may be necessary. 
        Apple Bloom handed the phone back. “She just wanted to be sure I knew my place.”
        “I told you she hates you.”
        “Eh, she’ll get over it.” 
        Scooter realized how ridiculous he was being, thinking everybody hated him, and instead began to meditate, breathing in and out and focusing on nothing else. That flew out the window once again when Sweetie arrived. He practically tackled her in a hug, sobbing “I knew you didn’t hate me!” 
        “I’d never hate you; you goof.”
        She shot Apple Bloom a quizzical expression, but the farmer only shrugged. Eventually Scooter calmed down but he didn’t leave Sweetie’s side. Sweetie imagined the hormonal imbalance was kicking her boyfriend around like a soccer ball. They were getting too big for the twin bed, so they commandeered the camping pads and made a bed out of that and some blankets. Scooter was encased on both sides by his best friends (and girlfriend), and felt comfortable and safe. 
        Scootaloo woke up in intense pain. 

> Chapter 25 - Doctors
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scootaloo had cramps during her cycle. She thought they were the worst thing ever. Mainly because she didn’t think she should be having them. Boys didn’t… do that. But she was wrong. This was the worst thing ever. The nice ladies at the clinic had described it as “discomfort.” This was the reason she had trust issues. Put “Doctor” in front of their name and people lie to you. She tried moving her legs but let out a whimper that reminded her of a kicked puppy. OK maybe the pain wasn’t terrible. It just felt like it. Same difference. When an organ you think shouldn’t even be there is inflamed it’s hard to be objective about it. 
        Apple Bloom had woken up with a snort. “You OK?”
        “My hips are on fire.” She squeaked.
        “I’ll make breakfast.”
        “Yoghurt please. And coffee. Cream and five sugars.”
        “Mmk.” Apple Bloom kissed the crown of her head. It was tender and motherly, and Scootaloo was grateful. However, since this was spring break, Sweetie could sleep through the apocalypse. Scootaloo envied her, but knew she wouldn’t be getting back to sleep any time soon. Apple Bloom came back with a glass of water and a mysterious red pill. “Pamprin” she whispered. Scootaloo pointed to the orange pill bottle on the counter. She was going to need all the serotonin today. Apple Bloom nodded and retrieved that pill as well.
        “I’d nominate you for sainthood but I’d have to make my own religion.” Scootaloo knocked back the pills. 
        “Do you want to move to the bed?”
        “I don’t think I can move.” Scootaloo whimpered.
        “You know I can lift you.” 
        “Alright, be gentle.” Apple Bloom tucked one arm under Scootaloo’s knees, and the other around her lumbars. She seemed to put next to no effort into lifting the invalid. Scootaloo should work out more. But where would he find the time… He was fit, but Apple Bloom was a goddess. Scootaloo sighed.
        “What’s wrong?”
        “I was just thinking that you’re beautiful.”
        “And so are you.” Scootaloo started to lean into a kiss, such as the position was. Didn’t she deserve that much, from all the suffering? All the pain she felt in her life now concentrated in her abdomen? But she regained sanity, instead focusing on that pain. Love is cursed by monogamy indeed. Sweetie was still pissed. Perhaps, at a later time they would share the bonds of love they all felt again. Apple Bloom was blushing furiously and went to finish breakfast. But Scootaloo would be happy either way. She looked to her girlfriend’s tranquil sleeping form and smiled serenely.
        She came back with two bowls of yoghurt with plenty of granola and fresh fruit. “Sorry, I…” Scootaloo started.
        “Don’t worry about it. I didn’t know breaking up with you would be so hard.” The farmer passed the bowl to Scootaloo, who started munching.
        “It’s not… that she’s a bad girlfriend or anything.” She whispered and pointed with a spoon to the snoring girl. “But I love you just as much. And well, we’re teenagers. I mean… hormones.”
        “I bet that’s especially fun for you.” 
        “I think I have enough Testosterone I’m kinda like a boy already.”
        “Well, I’d have to agree.” Apple Bloom giggled. 
        Scootaloo quietly suffered while reading a book. Apple Bloom was playing a videogame on her computer. Probably beating Scootaloo’s high score.
        Eventually Sweetie decided to join the living. She stretched and yawned. Somehow Scootaloo’s nose didn’t start bleeding. Well, this wasn’t an anime, after all. “You really should wear looser shirts,” she commented. But it was before breakfast for the buxom girl so she glared on her way out the door. Apple Bloom was trying not to laugh. Sweetie came back some time later with a mug of coffee and a plate with toaster strudels, bacon and a muffin on it.
        “Just because you’re trying to cover your curves doesn’t mean I can’t accentuate mine.” She said, with no malice.
        “Babe, my uterus feels like it’s exploding. Well really it’s more of a dull ache but it’s reminding me every second I’m a woman and I hate it. I’m not in the mood for your transphobic bullshit.” 
        “Ouch. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it that way. You know I love you no matter what.”
Scootaloo let out a long exhale. “I know.  I just… ugh. I didn’t mean to hurt you.” Apple Bloom had started laughing and clutching her stomach even though it meant she lost her game. Sweetie paid no attention to the farmer and gently kissed Scootaloo. She could smell the coffee on her lips. Well, it was more sugar than coffee.
“I never mean to hurt you.”
“Nor I you.” 
“Should we call Rumble? Tell him the good news?” Apple Bloom asked after collecting herself. 
“Can I have a day to recover. I didn’t realize taking a pill would lead to this.”
“Alright, yeah. He’ll probably want to celebrate anyway…”
“Not in the mood?”
“I can’t even walk of course not.” 
“Is it really that bad?” Sweetie asked.
“I’m really just being melodramatic. It’s like the worst cramps ever but the pamprin AB gave me is helping. And like I said, it’s more where the --aaahhh--- pain is than how bad.” Scootaloo took a minute to hold her stomach.
“Out of all of us this would happen to you.” Sweetie remarked.
        “Yeah, and here I thought I was done serving penance.” 
        Sweetie closed her eyes and shook her head sadly. “You didn’t do anything wrong to even need it. It makes me sad you think you deserved everything bad that ever happened to you.”
        “I… didn’t know...ow.” Scootaloo held her stomach then grunted. “You actually took me seriously. I have to make a joke about it or I go crazy.” 
        Sweetie sighed that wonderful sigh that Scootaloo hated and heard weekly. The sigh that meant she was trying her damndest to put up with Scooter/loo. “Here’s a thought. Don’t even acknowledge it as a valid argument.”
        Scootaloo usually didn’t tolerate the tone she heard; that was how most of their arguments started. It usually took a lot longer to get to the searing underlying spite that seemed to take Sweetie’s voice like that. Scootaloo knew she was right. It was best to ignore it. And she wasn’t in the mood to argue. “You’re right. I won’t even think about it ever again.” 
        “I didn’t mean to snap. I haven’t even finished my coffee. I’m gonna step out before I eat your head off.” Sweetie turned and covered the distance to the door.
        “At this point I would welcome such a sweet end by your hand, my love.” 
        There was The Sigh again. Sweetie walked out. 
        “You two always like that now?”
        “Gee, I don’t know, it’s probably just a combination of PMS and… whatever you call what’s going on with me!” Scootaloo snapped. 
        “Hmm… Let’s see. I could be hanging out with Rumble and Button playing video games… or getting my head lopped off by the bitch patrol. Gee. I wonder what would be better…”
        Scootaloo hid her face in shame. “I’m sorry. Go ahead and go. And thanks for everything.” 
        Apple Bloom gave an awkward hug, since Scootaloo was still propped up on the bed, and said “any time.”
        Scootaloo had about ten minutes to herself, which she used to try and calm down. It half-way worked. Sweetie came in looking refreshed. “So are you planning on moving today at all, or do you just want me to dote on you and cuddle you and say ‘everything's alright’?”
        “I have an urge to watch sad movies and cry together. Is this what estrogen is like?”
        “Well, yes and no.” Sweetie rolled her eyes, then grabbed the remote to the TV on the desk. She slid into bed with her… boyfriend may not be the right moniker now, but her partner, and turned it on. Thus the day ran, with them only stopping to eat. Since Sweetie was likely to burn the house down if she tried to cook, meals were elaborate sandwiches. She had become increasingly adept at it the past few months. They lost track of time crying over different characters, until Sweetie realized it was the wee hours of the morning. She decided she might as well stay another night, since the Dashes were spending Spring Break on vacation in Trottingham. Scooter, for whatever reason didn’t want to go. He was dealing with too much of his own stuff at the moment. So he volunteered to hold the fort. 
        Why he didn’t get a double bed was a different question altogether. Still, the couple had sleeping in a twin-size down to a science. With their combined body heat they couldn’t use sheets, and Scooter was always the “big spoon.” They solved the problem of his arm losing blood by letting hang of the edge behind him. Their legs overlapped oddly. Anybody else would be uncomfortable but it worked for them. 

        Scooter felt much better the next day and went skateboarding at the park. He saw Button’s boyfriend, Mark, and teased about them getting married. Then they all hung out at Rumble’s house and told him the good news. The poor almost-father was so excited he lifted Scooter in the air and kissed him. Then he realized what he did, and turned away blushing.
        Scooter laughed. “You’re stronger than you look.”
        “I didn’t lift you quite right so my back hurts now… How was I supposed to react to that? I don’t know… um. Was that happy news or what? I assume--”
        “Shush,” Scooter said and lightly slapped him. “Yes, it’s very happy news. The last thing I want is a child, and I don’t think you want one either.”
        “Was it that obvious?” Rumble smirked.
        “Just a little.” Scooter grinned. 
        Scooter continued to feel “off” from the hormones the rest of spring break. The terribly familiar foreignness of his body was back. Kind of like he was watching a first-person movie. He just shook it off and kept exercising. In addition to making him stronger, exercise releases endorphins and fights off depression. It just made sense. Eventually, everything got back into balance and he felt halfway normal. He’d still like to start HRT, but those dumb doctors thought they knew him better than he did. But really, nobody wants to be wrong when dealing with the body at a molecular level. Scooter knew first hand how terrible it felt to have the wrong hormones. 
        Then, the Friday the week school started back up, something interesting happened. He passed by the living room on the way from his bed and saw Sunset Shimmer on the local news. The banner underneath her stated “Governor Approves Informed Consent Bill.” Sunset spoke about it, “Well, I’ve always been a firm believer in getting up and changing the world.” Scooter noted the irony. “Nearly all of my friends back home were LGBT in some combination, and I wanted to help them and others like them. Not to brag… well, ok, maybe. But this and the marriage bill passed two weeks ago is a step in the right direction. It won't stamp out bullying, or end harassment, but it sets us on the right path. To clear up any confusion, Informed Consent is the idea that Trans People can get hormones more easily, by signing a few forms, and meeting a few requirements like counseling and having an ‘adamant belief’ they need it.”
        The camera turned back to the busty reporter “There you have it folks. Back to you, Brett.”
        A man with an obvious toupee replaced her. “Be the change you want to be in the world, eh? It’s never too early.”
        Scooter made a quick phone call and scheduled an appointment. And that, as they say, was the end of that. 

> Chapter 26 - The End
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Scooter had just turned twenty-one. Rainbow Dash and Applejack took him on a pub crawl. Scooter knocked back shots like candy, moving on to cocktails and finally swill-beer. He danced with five...ly seven girls. Of course, in those clubs, “dancing” really meant “grinding hips and other sexy things” At first he felt guilty, and drank to drown that awful feeling. Why did he feel it anyway? Sweetie approved. She had loosened back up after that whole mess when they were sophomores. And it’s not like they were married. 
They were on their third club now, his sisters having a good time grinding on the dance floor while some remix they heard three times by now played, a rainbow of electric lights shining and flashing overhead. Applejack would occasionally stop and take a bet with some poor unsuspecting man and proceed to drink him under the table. Alcohol, not… anyway.
Scooter met a friend from school, and it was actually a pleasant reunion. Twist, the nerdy redhead, had developed quite well. Yeah, compare her to a wine. Anyway, braces fixed her teeth which fixed her lisp, and she had a niiiice body. Or maybe that was booze goggles. Regardless, her jugs were massive. Scooter would put money, if Applejack hadn't taken his wallet, on Double Ds, so big and soft… 
Scooter found himself making out with the former nerd and then a retreat to the bathroom… together… where they shared a stall. Scooter licked his lips and walked up to the bar. Wow, he could still walk. He slapped a five on the counter “white russian.” Anything to get that taste out of his mouth. It sure wasn’t Sweetie. Maybe he should have ordered something with sugar cookie flavor. Did they even have that? Oh well, a white russian was sweet enough and it tasted like coffee. Surely that would cleanse the pallet. 
Rainbow sat down. “Was that Twist? Damn.”
“Shut up.” Scooter groaned.
“Just drink until you forget the entire night and puke your guts out. By the way, be sure to drink water.”
“Yes mom.” In this state, Scooter was eternally thirsty. He must have drank a gallon of water and soda, and that was without alcohol mixed in. He really liked Rum and Coke. He had like three before he was urged to order something else. He must have tried the entire bar menu in the city by now. 
“How long have we been at this?”
“We’re working on nine hours. Nearly five am right now.”
Scooter vaguely recalled eating at least three different footlongs. And a kiloton of popcorn. And twice that many pretzels. “I wish Sweetie were here,” he grumbled as he took a sip of the coffee-like thing.
“Aww, look who’s heartsick.” Applejack waltzed up and and tapped the bar. She only seemed to drink Old Fashioneds, hard cider and dark beer. She seemed to alternate between bars, like she knew which ones served the best. She took a sip of her whiskey. “Ain’t no amount of drinking gonna cure that now. You at least have a good time?”
“I did until about ten minutes ago when I gave a friend from highschool--” Applejack slapped a hand over his mouth.
“I don’t wanna hear about none of that. We have all done shit we regret when we’re drunk off our asses. I.... well shoot I can’t remember any right now.”
Rainbow drank in the exact opposite the rest of them did. She started out with beers and then went to fruity cocktails. The waiter handed her an appletini. There was a low effort joke there, but everyone was too drunk to make it. They crawled back to the farmhouse and slept. 

Scooter awoke the day after his twenty-first birthday with a whimper. The sun itself was burning inside his head. He looked around for a clock. Five Pm. He remembered regretting something, but not what that was. He also remembered vomiting. A lot. At least Rainbow and Applejack’s couch was comfortable. He looked to the coffee table and found a bottle of migraine relief and an energy drink in a tub of ice. His sisters were very considerate. There was a note that said “help yourself to anything in the fridge.” After slugging back half the energy drink and two pills, he got up and checked. Day old bacon, yum. Almond butter, sounds good, get some… rye bread? Is that all they had? How was he supposed to make an almond butter and jelly sandwich with bacon with RYE bread? Scooter noted that he was hungry enough that it still sounded like a good idea. Oh what the hell. He made the sandwich and grabbed a banana and apple from the fruit basket. 
Thank the God that doesn’t exist that he was off today. Scooter had just finished breakfast and started texting Sweetie. I’m still alive. I’m sure you’re overjoyed.
Oh Damn, I thought I’d be rid of you =p
;-;
I’m kidding, don’t cry. It makes me sad when you cry ;-;
I know hun. I’d just haunt you anyway =p
have a good party?
        Scooter pinched his forehead. Of course he remembered what he did now. Oh for heaven’s sake. I did, but I hooked up with Twist.
        Her????
        In all fairness, she’s hot now. Like, Dayum.
        Don’t feel guilty. That’s the whole point, you only turn twenty-one once. It’s not like we’re married. I mean, let's be real here. I’m 1000 miles from you. We both have needs... 
        Hangovers suck btw. I promise to keep the cheating to a minimum. 
        Cinnamon Rolls are my favorite, doesn’t mean I wouldn’t get bored if I ate it all the time ;)
        Applejack and Rainbow came from their bedroom. Oh, and while you were drunk off your ass, Rumble proposed to Bloom. Scooter wasn’t sure how to respond to that. Weren’t they all a little young? Sure they had known each other for years, and have been in a constant, non-exclusive relationship for five, but…
        “Morning sunshine,” Applejack said, as though she didn’t drink three kegs of alcohol. “Hangover?”
        “I did, but caffeine.” It finally registered what the two other girls were wearing, which is to say, a bra and pajama pants. “Do you fuckers ever wear clothes?”
        “What, it’s our house?” Rainbow shrugged. Scooter sighed. Some things never change.
        “Can I ask y’all something?” He had been hanging around with Bloom too much, but with Sweetie off to college out of state, what was a boy to do? 
        “We are yer sisters, that’s what we’re here for.” 
        “Why do people get married?”
        “Oh, I got this one!” Rainbow said a bit too loudly. “Oh, right. Sorry. I was the one that proposed to Applejack, you know. We talked about it a lot before hand. Always talk about it. The proposal isn’t the surprise, just how it happens. It can be as elaborate or as simple as you want. I proposed under that big Apple tree on the farm. Kneeled and everything. Anyway. Remember waaay back when I said sex is sometimes for a bond?” Scooter nodded. “Well, marriage is that bond codified. We love each other, and support each other. We made decisions together. You can do all of that and live together, but there’s just something about having that certificate that means something. I was your age. I’m prone to diving head first into dumb situations, and I was worried that’s what I was doing. Marriage is something old people do. Rainbow Dash refuses to be tied down with a ball and chain!”
        “Easy sugar cube.” Her wife gently reminded.
        “Marriage should never feel that way. I realised I didn’t feel that way. Marrying her was going to be my life, shared with her, and hers with me. We didn’t tie each other down, we… We...”
        “We gave each other stable footing. What were Rarity’s exact words on this subject? ‘Marriage is a, dare I say it, holy, covenant between you and your partner.’”
        “I still remember our vows. ‘Applejack, I promise to look out for you, make you let your hair down once in awhile, hold your hair back after that, and be there for you to lean on. I’ll give you chicken soup when you get sick, I’ll rub your back after a hard day’s work, and I’ll clean up after myself. I promise, as long as I breathe, I’ll stay right where I am, by your side.’” The couple looked in each other’s eyes tenderly. 
        “Rainbow Dash, I promise I won’t tie you to the ground, but I will keep your head from getting too high in the clouds. I’ll hold you close, I’ll give you space. I’ll patch your wounds. (This was back when she was always getting banged up doing something.) I’ll give you a backrub just because I feel like it. I’ll kiss you on your way to work, and when you get back. I’ll hold your hand through life’s turmoil. As long as I draw breath, I’ll stay right where I am; by your side.”
        Scooter wiped his eyes on his shirt.  “Oh, by the way, Apple Bloom’s engaged.”
        “She WHAT? I swear on the deed to the farm, if that girl quits college to start a family I will personally skin her alive, tan her, then make her into a purse!” Applejack rushed to the front door
        “Woah woah woah, simmer down, babe, I’m sure it’s fine.” The door slammed “Let me guess, you’re thinking about Sweetie?”
        “Yeah, kinda.”
        “The best advice I can give you is this: talk to her about it. She may want to wait to even get engaged until she finishes school. Hell, you already have those adorable promise rings, I wouldn’t worry about her running off with some sorostitute. Of course, this is one of the few times I would recommend going into the nonfiction section of the library. Check out Christian books on marriage, new age, islamic, jewish if you can find it, non-religious. Or if you want to dive right in like I did; that works too. One last bit, since I have to stop Applejack from sharpening her axe, Marriage is not a band-aid to fix a relationship, not that yours really needs one. It’s an elevation of what you currently have. A deep, personal commitment. OK, I have to chase down Applejack, make yourself at home, lock the door behind you. I don’t know why she doesn’t just call her...” Rainbow rushed out the door. 

        Scooter debated if he wanted to go back to his cold, lonely apartment. Not that it was much better here, but it was his sisters’ house, which was a little more comfortable. He decided to stick around a little. He made another sandwich a few hours later. Since his girlfriend was on college time, she didn’t sleep well either. Scooter would call or be called at any time. It was around nine when she called.
        “What’s up baby?” Sweetie greeted.
        “I want to ask you something. Don’t get excited just yet, but if I proposed?”
        “If you got down on your knees and showed me a ring, right now, what would I do?”
        “Yeah.”
        “I’d say no. Not right now. I’m so busy I can hardly think straight. Even if you just put the ring on my finger and waited until I graduate… That’s not fair to you. You might find someone hotter than me, who you love just as much. Of course we could always handle that like we did Apple Bloom… anyway. I’m not going to tie you down. It’s not that I don’t want to spend the rest of my life with you. If I could just snuggle up to you forever I’d be pretty happy, but I have my own desires, and you have yours.”
        “Oh, I know, I was just wondering. And considering I’m poor as fuck right now that’s not fair to either of us. And the last thing I want is to cage you, my little songbird.”
        “I’ll wait for you, if you’ll be there when I get back.”
        “Promise. I love you.”
        “Even though you aren't here, and I miss you so much my dear, I'll love you forever and ever, I'll always love you my far away lover.” Sweetie was always writing lines for songs. Scooter smiled, knowing how much of an inspiration he served.  “Don’t be afraid to visit AB if you need to let out some tension.”
        “I have been, Sweetie. I love you both just as much. You having fun at college?”
        “Well of course. I’m FWB with this cute baritone. He may be getting sick of hearing about how great you are though. No girls though.”
        “Can’t find a bitch or you just don’t want to?”
        “They have a GSA here, I attend regularly. The lesbians are a nuclear catfight waiting to happen. I’m pretty sure they’ve all slept with each other. They aren’t as sexy or as beautiful as you either.”
        “Well if you do find a hot babe with a great personality, bang her for me, OK.” Sweetie giggled. 
        “Alright. Love you babe.”
        “Love you too, honeydew.” Scooter kissed over the phone. 

        “Life takes many roads,” the speaker at Scooter’s trade school graduation spoke, “That degree you hold in your hand is a map. Along the way you may find a fork in the road that leads to something more interesting. A few of you might decide to write a book instead, become a singer, become an air condition service-person. We have a great program for that by the way.” The audience chuckled. “Life isn’t a straight line. That certificate doesn’t make it straight either. It simply helps you take the next step. Thank you.” The audience clapped, final roll was called, and Scooter found his family and friends and had his picture taken, flexing his biceps like a World War Two propaganda poster. The next photo, the one he would hang on his wall, Sweetie pulled him in for a kiss. She had a year of college left, and Scooter was growing restless. They still loved each other, deeply. They would talk for hours on the phone, sometimes while the other one was having sex with someone else. There was just one thing Scooter needed to do, but the time wasn’t right. He already had the ring. He hated it. It was a cheap thing from when he was working fast-food. He couldn’t replace it. It became a symbol of the idea, something bigger than itself. Bigger than it’s microscopic pink topaz gem, heavier than the ten-karat gold. 
        He knew what Sweetie would say, regardless of what the ring looked like. But the time wasn’t right. A few more steps down that winding road of life and it would be, but now it just wouldn’t be fair to either of them. 

        Scooter’s road led him to Ponyville. So named because they used to raise horses there, or something. It was a quiet town, where wild ponies roamed. He had to get out of the city. He knew that much. Air was too thick. He bought a house on the outskirts of town, two whole acres surrounded by trees. Whoever lived there before had built a  small pond that didn’t have fish. Something to think about later. Rainbow and Applejack helped him move in. The house right now was hollow, a piece of it missing. He knew exactly what, and had waited patiently all these years. Four years of high school, another three for mechanic training, and another year to figure out he wanted to be here. Sweetie was taking her sweet time at college, but would graduate this year. She only has like fifteen hours left, she said. Twenty-three years old, Scooter was about to have it all. The local mechanic was old, near retirement. Scooter had already made arrangements to come in tomorrow morning. He didn’t sound impressed over the phone at his qualifications, but said to come in anyway. Scooter went to bed, exhausted from hauling his worldly possessions down here. He dreamed about what his house might look like in three years. 

        Scooter’s first impression of the mechanic could have gone better. He was an old man, about seventy, with a white beard and mustache that went a full six inches under his chin. He did look good for seventy, years of mechanical work keeping him in shape. His eyes seemed to be physically displeased with everything. His voice was deep, but had a jollity that implied he knew something about the universe you didn’t. He would chuckle and cackle after nearly every sentence. He shook from either parkinson's or built in energy. He walked around the shop just fine but every time he bent his knees to pick something up, he would struggle and shake as though someone had built his knees wrong and they couldn’t support his weight after they bent like that. He wore a quartz crystal about the size of Scooter’s little finger around his neck, and mismatched plaid button up and shorts. 
        Scooter looked at the Chevy Nova. “Wouldn’t it just be cheaper to buy a new car?”
        “Well yes but I have to test you somehow.” The old man, Gearbox, cackled. He was probably crazy. Too much oil fumes. “You have until sunset. You can use anything in the shop. Have fun.” 
        Three energy drinks, ten hours, an engine rebuild (among a countless list which Scooter documented) and Several wrenches, bent out of shape and thrown like darts into the wall, later, he turned the key. The ignition sputtered a bit, but it finally turned over. He decided to do a few donuts in the parking lot. Quitting while he was ahead, he killed the engine and heard Gearbox crackling again. “That damn thing’s been sitting there twenty years. It’s yours if you want but I’d personally drive it down to the dump.” He unclipped the keys from his belt and tossed the hefty ring to him. “Shop is yours. Now, If you’ll excuse me, I hear my 401k calling.” 
        Well. That was easy.

        Sweetie had finally graduated and moved in with him for six months now. Scooter’s resolve only strengthened. Scooter was nearing twenty-five in a few months. He had read you should live with your significant other for a while before you propose. Life had pulled them elsewhere for the nine plus years of their relationship. And now his songbird had come home to nest. It was a lovely spring day. Scooter took every Saturday off so he could rest. Really he needed about three days but that doesn’t fill the coffers. They went on a date to a secluded spot not far from the house where Scooter found a spring and had a picnic.
        “So, do you like the town?”
        “What would you do if I said no?”
        “Pack up and move until you’re happy.”
        Sweetie giggled. “I love it here. Everyone treats us like neighbors they’ve known all their life.”        
“Weird, isn’t it?”
        “The best kind. Kinda like you.” Sweetie pinched her boyfriend’s cheek. 
        “Hey, how am I weird?” 
        “Because after all these years, and all those times we talked and cried, I still can’t figure you out. But I love you for it.”
        Dinner was interrupted by a bodacious fox that decided to steal the whole damn basket. Scooter chased it down to the river which wasn’t far off. He could step across the water easily, but what was the point? She had a much better idea anyway. Sweetie followed close behind. “Well, it was fun while it lasted.” She said, out of breath. Scooter was panting as well, but he wasn’t winded. “I… I gotta take a knee.” Scooter kneeled, facing Sweetie. The woman with the bouncy curls cocked her head. Scooter tried his best to keep from grinning.
        “That fox may have stolen our lunch, but a songbird stole my heart. Scooter reached into his back pocket and pulled out a black velvet box. “Sweetie Belle, would you do me the honor of marrying me?” Sweetie sniffled, trying her best not to cry. She failed.
        “Of course. Yes, yes yes.” Scooter put the cheap ring on her finger, and Sweetie Belle sealed it with a kiss. They lost themselves in the other’s embrace. Before they knew it they were both making sweet, delicate love on the muddy ground. They got dressed, not that it did much good, covered in mud. The couple held hands as they walked toward the sunset. Roads of life take many forks, but now, they would share them, as a couple.
        “Hey, wait a second.” Sweetie said, stopping along the path. “I practically handed you a great proposal line about how much of a mystery you are, and you could have said something about how mysterious I am. But no. You go for the corniest line possible. ‘A fox stole dinner, a songbird stole my heart?’ Really?”
        “Just another mystery of me, isn’t it?” Scooter quickly kissed his fiance’s cheek.