Pretend Daddy for A Day

> You are Anon the Applebloom Temp-Dad
> Really can't say no to any of the Crusaders.
> Sometimes you regret this.
> But not tonight.
> While Applebloom has many good poneis that love and care for her, none of them are parents.
> And for her to ask you to fill that role, even for just a night...
> It stirs something in your heart.
> Something painful. Something joyous.
> You don't know what this feel is, but you do know that there isn't anywhere in all of existence that you'd rather be.
> You are exactly where you want to be.
> In Ponyville Town Hall, ears full of child friendly music, dancing with the Apple filly.
> You're mostly flailing, badly imitating things you saw in music videos what feels like a lifetime ago.
> Applebloom is keeping up with you, bouncing and stamping with the endless energy of the young.
> And she's smiling.
> Partly at how bad you are. Partly at how bad she is. Partly from being able to share bad dancing with someone.
> It makes your heart melt.
> Her smile is so honest and innocent.
> It lights up her face in a show of joy that makes you forget the hardships of your life and be happy in this moment.
> But the night has gotten late and there is only one more song.
> A slow dance song to give everyone a chance to cool down before they head out into the night chill.
> All the other fathers begin to lead their girls through the slow steps, supporting and guiding them through the song.
> And you can't.
> All the other songs you two could just flail and stomp in time with each other.
> But you can't do that here.
> You're close to four times Appleblooms height.
> It is physically impossible for the two of you to do this dance as ponies do.
> And she knows it too.
> These are the last moments of your time acting as her father and you can't perform the final dance together.
> Her smile dies as she watches the other fillies dancing with their fathers.
> There are no tears but the unspoken sadness in her eyes is like a knife twisting in your heart.
> You can't let it end like this.
> Bending down, you reach your arms around Applebloom.
> Deftly you pick her up, keeping her simple dress from getting in the way.
> She gives a start as you lift her but relaxes after a moment.
> You hold her to your chest and begin to move in time with the music.
> Slow and gentle, you rock from side to side with the music.
> Applebloom snuggles into your torso and rests her chin on your shoulder.
> She closes her eyes and the corners of her mouth pull up.
> The filly is warm in your arms
> A pleasant, comforting weight.
> All too soon the song ends and it's time to go.
> Applebloom is half asleep in your arms.
> Rather than disturb her you just head for the farm.
> A wall of chill air hits as you exit the town hall.
> Bloom wriggles closer into your chest.
> The night is cold but you keep each other warm through the walk.
> Big Mac is reading on the couch when you get to the farmstead.
> When he looks up you just raise your index finger over your lips.
> He gives you a nod and a smile.
> Applebloom gives a small whine as you let go of her to slip off her dress and tuck her into bed.
> You gently stroke her mane and give her a peck on the forehead.
"Goodnight, Applebloom. Sleep well."
> She shifts the blanket tighter around herself.
> "G'night, dad."