Family is Relative

>All is well.
>Keep saying that Chiefarino
>BRAIIIIIN!
>Twilight promised everything was going to be ok and went on a quote “super-study-vacation” in Canterlot.
>Egghead seemed really worked up.
>Probably just lost a book or something.
>She would love the Internet.
>Once again Scootaloo comes home from school.
>It’s a structure you’ve gotten quite used to.
>”So how was school?” You greet her with a plate of healthy veggies.
>She takes her spot on the couch. “It was ok... can I ask you something?”
>Oh no! What horrible thing has befallen your sweet unorthodox family now?
>”Of course Scoots, you can ask me anything.”
>Please don’t be bad, please don’t be bad.
>”Can you come to school with me one day for Family Appreciation Day?”
>Oh thank goodness.

>Sounds intriguing. You would like to know more.
>”So what all is this thing about?” Valid question
>She munches her carrots “You just come in and talk about yourself and stuff you’ve done.”
>Hmm, doesn’t sound too appealing. What all would you talk about?
>Being the only member of your species in a land full of multicolored equines?
>You’re crazy action movie moment a few months ago?
>Maybe your life before coming here? Oh no, that’s a horrible idea.
>”This... this seems very important to you.” You say, hoping for maybe a way out.
>She nods furiously, swallowing the food in her mouth. “Oh yeah! I mean, I’ve never really HAD anyp0ny to bring in before.”
>Oh yeah, that’s right. The orphan thing.
>She shrugs and looks up at you “So, do you want to come?”
>”You smile. “Is it that important to you?”
> She nods.
>”Then I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”
>You are rewarded with hugs.

>Ok cool.
>You have a couple of days to prepare.
>That’s good.
>You guess the best thing is to just be yourself.
>All the others you’ve talked to in town seems to like you enough.
>Anything I can do?
>Yeah brain, you can filter for me. Make sure I don’t make an ass of myself.
>Eh, we’ll see.
>Thanks.
>Twilight would have been a great source to talk to, but she’s busy studying.
>Hmm Rarity? Too stuck up
>AJ? Too gruff
>....none of your other friends have immediate family. Weird.
>You sigh. Oh well.
>You’ll make the rounds anyways.
>Anything for Scootaloo.

>Time to buckle down.
>Man up.
>Bite the bullet.
>Do... something.
>Just shut up and talk to Applejack man.
>Ok brain, but don’t think I’ll listen to you from now on.
>What day is it? Oh yeah, her market day.
>The market is its typically bustling self. Happy p0nies buying and selling happy goods.
>The Apple family apple stand is a popular stall. AJ’s using her typically charismatic pitches.
>She winks at you when you approach. “Howdy ther Anon, care to taste my apple?,” Yup, less rape-y and more creepy.
>You chuckle to hide your feeling of dirtiness. “Uh maybe later” D’oh “Have you ever done one of those ‘Family Appreciation day’ things?”
>AJ makes a sale, but keeps her attention on you. “Heh, yea once. Big Mac was gonna, but we didn’t want ‘im talkin’ the kid’s ears off ya know?”
>”Yeah, Scootaloo wants me to go for her and I was wondering if you had any tips?”
>”Hehehe, I’d prefer if you had a ‘tip’ fer me.” Another wink
>Damnit Applejack.

>You’re blushing. Time to bail.
>”If you don’t have anything, I can ask around.” You turn to walk away.
>She stops you with a hoof. “Hang on ther sugarcube. All you got to do is be yerself. I seen how she looks at ya. Simply havin’ some kinda family there for her will be enough.”
>Damn, Applejack being a bro.
>Cannot understand this feel.
>You thank her, buy a few apples and head out.
>Speaking of Bros, you haven’t talked to your Rainbro much since... the incident.
>Welp, guess you’ll stop by and say ‘hello’.
>You keep your eyes on the skies, but she’s no where to be seen.
>Pretty clouds though.
>Your legs hit something and you tumble to the ground.
>Wow, ground’s a lot softer and warmer than you remember it.
>”Oh my... Hello Anon.” Comes the all too familiar and sheepish voice.
>Not now, oh god not Fluttershy not now.

>For a moment, you panic.
>You push your arms down and arch your back.... Wow are you in a provocative position or what?
>Seriously, doesn’t this crap only happen in japanimes?
>Oh great, when you put your arms down, you pinned Fluttershy by her... shoulders? Seems that way.
>Get your crotch out from between her legs!
>I’m trying brain!!!
>You manage to roll off with a great deal of bumbling.
>”I’m so sorry Fluttershy,” You reach over to help her up.
>What’s with her wings?
>”Oh... it’s ok. I didn’t mind at all.” She says, face getting a little red.
>Damnit.
>You try to laugh it all off. “I was hoping to run into Rainbow Dash, guess it was you instead.”
>Wow, you’re an idiot.
>Eeeyup
>You go to leave with haste, but what the hey.
>”Actually, Fluttershy, can I ask you something?”

>She jumps to her hooves. “Oh! I’d love to come home with you!”
>Pokerface.png
>She drops her head. “I... guess that’s not what you were going to ask.”
>You sigh a bit “You’re good with animals, what about kids?”
>Hey, you got her to laugh a bit. “Children are not animals Anon, but I know what you mean.” She cocks her head to the side. “Is there a problem with Scootaloo?”
>”No no, not at all. Just have to do a thing in front of people.” She snickers a little when you say ‘people’ “and I just want a few perspectives, or pointers, or...”
>She puts a hoof up, “Kindness.”
>”What?”
>She smiles at you. She can be cute when she’s not being creepy. “All anyp0ny needs, is a little kindness. I know you and I know you’re very kind.”
>Heh, well. You almost feel bad for all the times you pushed her away.
>Granted it was to defend your purity, but still.
>maybe if you had acted differently at the beginning....
>You offer her a hug which she gladly accepts and thank her.
>She points to a nearby tree. “Rainbow Dash usually takes a nap in there at this time.”
>You thank her again and set off to say hi to your Bro.

>Damn, why doesn’t she sleep UNDER the tree like a sane p0ny?
>You manage to get up to the first couple of branches before you slip.
>Now you’re hanging a 15 feet in the air with your feet kicking under you.
>Raucous laughter rings out. “You look like a big dumb dangling like that Bro.”
>”Uh thought I’d try living the high life.” You retort
>That sucked brain
>You let go and roll when you hit the ground.
>When you get to your feet, you look up at your multicolored pal “Haven’t seen you in a while. Starting to get worried.”
>She lands on the lowest branch and drapes herself across it, her head hangs down to talk to you. “You know me, mare with a mission. Too much hustle and bustle.”
>You lean against the tree and fold your arms. “Seriously? I figured after everything, you’d at least tell me what’s really up.”
>She flips to her back and looks up at the clouds. “Whatever dude.”
>You kick the tree a little bit in frustration. “Is it because you don’t like the kid still? I thought that was because of the Facto....”
>She groans “Ugh no! It’s not because I don’t like her. I got her that poster, didn’t I?”
>”Well it has to be, Ever since I starte....”
>She interupts you again, shouting “That’s not it!”
>Oh, if she wants to shout, you can shout. “Admit it, you NEVER liked her!”
>”NO Anon, that’s not...”
>Your turn to interrupt “Why do you hate her?!?”
>”I don’t!” She is up and buzzing over you now.
>”Why do you hate her?”
>She drops to the ground and screams with the force of the mythical Sonic Rainboom “I HATE MYSELF!”

>Whoa, deep shit. She’s shaking she’s so pissed at you.
>Hang on a second. That’s not anger.
>You sit down next to her. “I’m... I’m sorry.”
>Why are you apologizing?
>Because I’m a pussy brain, that’s why.
>She looks up at the sky, tears in her eyes. “I have always been loyal. That’s just who I am.”
>What do you say? You’re not too good when tears are in play.
>”I... I... Where do you draw the line between loyalty to your heritage and loyalty to the ones that need your help?” She says, choking back her emotions.
>You never realized how hard what she did was for her.
>She collapses onto the grass next to you. “I was so apathetic to her because of my loyalties... It wasn’t until you came along.”
>All you can do is put a comforting hand on her back.
>Her head falls on your lap. “You helped show me the real meaning of loyalty.”
>You scoff. “Heh, well you were a great teacher.”
>She punches you in the kidneys for joking around “You ass”
>”Good to have you back Dash”

>You spend the rest of the afternoon catching up with your Bro. She agrees to go to your place for dinner.
>Scootaloo’s already home when the two of you get in.
>She fangasms over Rainbow Dash.
>Rainbow puts up with it and even seems to be enjoying herself.
>After dinner, she even asks to see some of Scootaloo’s tricks.
>”She’s pretty good on that thing.” Rainbow admits.
>You give her a playful push, “It’s my girl’s special talent.”
>You two marvel at a particularly good trick. “Well you should be proud... dad.” She accentuates the ‘dad’
>Oh man, your smile’s about to break your face. “You know it.”
>The sun goes down and Scoots bounds to bed.
>You and Dash chat on the couch.
>She gives a sigh “She’s a good kid. glad she has you in her life.”
>”I think it’s the other way around Dash.” You say with a grin.
>She looks over to you. “Do... do you think she still needs a mom?”
>Whoa, awkward. “Um, are you volunteering or something?”
>She looks deep into your eyes and leans in close to you. She’s an inch from your face and you’re frozen solid.
>She bursts into laughter. “No! Hahahaha you should have seen your face.”
>You breathe a sigh of relief.
>Rainbow gets up and heads to the door. “She’s in good enough hands. Get to sleep dad, you have a busy day in the morning.”

>Scootaloo wakes you up by jumping on your bed. “C’mon dad, you’re coming to my school today! YAY!”
>Damn, you usually wake up before she does.
>You sit up and rub the sleep out of your eyes.
>She collides into your chest, knocking you back down and hugging you tight.
>This is a nice way to wake up. You hug her and get up with her hanging off your chest.
>”Come on Scoots, let’s swing by Sugarcube Corner for breakfast eh?”
>Damn, she’s in a good mood today.
>Huh, you guess Applejack was right.
>After a tasty breakfast and Pinkie Pie singing a song about... something, you’ve learned to tune her out by now.
>Miss Cherilee welcomes you and thanks you for not only showing up, but for looking after Scootaloo.
>You stay in the back of the class trying to blend in.
>Blend in? You’re a bipedal hairless monkey.
>Sure, don’t worry about making me feel ANY more uncomfortable brain.
>Cherilee finishes attendance, greets the class, and gives you a brief introduction.
>”We have a very special parent in today my little p0nies.” Wow, she’s hyping you up. “Please introduce Scootaloo’s dad.”
>You take your seat and....
>Crap, you didn’t actually write a speech.

>You clear your throat. “My name is Anon, and I’m Scootaloo’s dad. As you can see, I’m also not a p0ny. I come from a far away land.” Yeah, gave them a hook. “Does anyp0ny want to ask me a question?” Ok, get ready to talk about home.
>A pink filly with purple and white hair speaks up. “How can you be her dad if you’re not even a p0ny?” Damn you hate Diamond Tiara
>The class erupts into hushed mumbles. Scootaloo looks around, her smile dropping slowly.
>Wow, what a little bitch.
>Don’t say that dude, filter it.
>Oh good catch brain.
>You raise your voice to quiet them down “Kids, kids!” Cool, it worked.
>”You’re right, I’m not a pony.” Looking over the crowd. “That doesn’t mean I love her any less.”
>Just talk from your heart bro.
>Yessir brain. Heart, you ready?
>Hells yeah!
>”And you know what? Tonight when she gets home from school. I’ll ask her how her day was, not because I have to, but because I honestly care.” She’s smiling again. “And I will always do my best to spare some time in my day for her... And I certainly hope all your families do the same for you.”
>Looking at you Tiara bitch! Looks like you shut her up something fierce.
>You thank them for their time and as you walk past her, Scootaloo gives you a quick hug and whispers. “You’re the best dad.”