“Are you sure you’re ready for this?”

“I want these bandages off Rare.”

“You’ve only been home two days.”

“The doctor said I could take them off if I wanted.”

“But he recommended to keep them on for a week after you were released.”

“Two days. Seven days. Not a big difference.”

“It is a big difference!”

“Will you help me?”

Rarity sighed.

“They’re coming off whether I want them to or not, aren’t they?”

“That’s the plan.”

“You’re insufferable sometimes.”

“I can live with that.”

She punched my shoulder.

“Just don’t make a habit of it.”

She found the edge of the gauze and began unwrapping my head. I held still so she wouldn’t mess up. Not that I thought she would.
I felt the last of the bandages fall away. I kept my eyes closed during the process.

“Well?”

“Open your eyes.”

I opened them. Rarity was standing in front of me with a mirror. I slowly looked to my forehead. There was a mean-looking scar right where my old horn used to be.

“It’s not too bad...”

“It’s better than I thought it would be.”

I looked at Rarity.

“Does it ruin my face? You can be honest.”

“No! Your face is fine. It will take getting used to, but I’m sure it will heal nicely. Soon it will fade like your others have.”

I looked over my body. I had random scars here and there that were still visible. The majority of them were on my back from the timberwolves. I also had the one on my cheek, though I liked that one. It made me look rugged.

“How’s the back of my head?”

I turned away from her so she could see.

“It’s in better condition, though that’s due to it being professional work. Your forehead was your own doing. Plus, once your mane grows back where they made the extraction, you won’t be able to notice it at all.”

“That’s good.”

I felt a slight headache come on. I put a hoof to my head as my eye twitched.

“What’s wrong?”

“Just a little pain. Nothing to worry about.”

“Do you want your medicine? The doctor said you should take it regularly to control the pain.”

“I’m fine. Honestly Rare, I’m fine.”

“You don’t have to act tough for me.”

I smiled.

“Better tough than whiny.”

“True.”

She held up a bottle of pills. I sighed.

“Alright nurse. I’ll take one.”

“Nurse? I like the sound of that.”

“Trust me, I’d follow up on that if I wasn’t worried about busting my stitches.”

“What stitches?”

“Uh..my stitches. The doctor said they’d disolve as my wounds healed.”

“Shade, you don’t have any stitches.”

I grabbed the mirror again and looked closely.

“What in Tartarus? They had to have stitched it up.”

“It’s healed dear.”

That’s when it hit her.

“It is healed! How can that be? I mean, I know it’s been two weeks, but the doctor was positive it would take three or four to fully heal.”

I carefully touched the scar on my forehead. A bit bumpy, but it was definitely scar tissue.

“This doesn’t feel like it just formed. This is more like what a scar should be like a few days after healing.”

“How is that possible?”

I thought for a second. Could it be?

“I must have developed a healing factor from the overflow. Like how Celestia’s bruises had healed after a few days.”

“That’s wonderful! You can get back to your normal routine in no time!”

That was true! At the same time though...

“You know...Celestia doesn’t expect me back for two weeks. Neither does Twilight.”

She looked shocked.

“You want to play hooky? When you’re honestly fine?”

“It’s been a rough couple of weeks. Don’t I deserve a vacation?”

Rarity arched her brow.

“Come on Rare. Don’t act like you don’t want me around.”

She walked off.

“What? You’re mad at me.”

“I didn’t say I was. You can do what you want.”

“Where are you going?”

“I just have to go check on something upstairs.”

She began climbing the stairs. I watched her disappear. I was confused. Was she mad or not? Her voice called from upstairs.

“Are you starting this vacation off on the right hoof? Or are you just going to sit there?”

Oh! Message received! I ran for the stairs.

——————————

I sat eating a sandwich in the kitchen. I always seemed to work up an appetite after. I was enjoying my food while Rarity read the paper and drank her tea. We’d steal glances at each other, smiling when our eyes would meet.
The sound of the front door opening distracted both of us.

“Didn’t you hang the ‘Closed’ sign?”

“I’m sure of it.”

A voice called from the front room.

“Rarity?”

Rarity jumped up.

“Oh my goodness! It’s Sweetie Belle!”

She ran to the front room. I realized very quickly that this was going to be awkward. I had never actually met Rarity’s little sister. I’d seen her running around with her friends, but I’d never talked to any of them. I listened closely to the conversation.

“Sweetie! What are you doing here?”

“Uh..it’s Mom and Dad’s date night? Just like every Tuesday.”

That explained it. I was normally in Canterlot the first half of every week.

“Oh..right. Well uh..wouldn’t you rather go have a sleepover with your friends?”

“We just had a sleepover two days ago.”

“Well then...”

“Why are you trying to get rid of me? This is our Sister Fun Night. Don’t you want to spend time with me?”

Ouch. She was brutal.

“Of course I want to spend time with you Sweetie! I just..”

Okay. Time for some help. I walked into the front room.

“The sink is draining now Rarity. You should really make sure not to get so much food down there.”

“What?”

“The sink. Is draining now. I fixed it.”

“Oh! Thank you Shade. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

I walked towards the front door.

“I see you’re busy, so I’ll just head out. To my home.”

“Rarity? Why is your boyfriend acting so weird?”

That stopped me. Rarity slowly turned to Sweetie.

“What are you talking about dear? Shade was just here to fix the sink.”

“You know you guys aren’t very subtle, right? Me, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo have seen you walking around town together.”

I turned back and faced them.

“And here I thought we were more discreet.”

“You really weren’t.”

Again, brutal. Rarity looked between the two of us, unsure of what to do. I took the initiative and stepped forward, holding out my hoof.

“It’s nice to officially meet you Sweetie Belle. I’m sorry we weren’t introduced sooner. I’m Shade.”

She smiled and shook my hoof.

“I know. I’ve heard Rarity talk about you before. You really are her boyfriend?”

“Yeah. I hope that’s okay with you.”

“Of course! I’ve wanted her to find a boyfriend for forever!”

Rarity finally got her voice back.

“Don’t say that like I’m some lonely old maid!”

“Sorry sis. Why didn’t you tell me though?”

Rarity sat down.

“I don’t know. I just sort of liked it being a secret. Wait... You didn’t tell Mother and Father did you?!”

“And have them grill me for details? No thanks!”

Rarity sighed in relief. I turned to her.

“Your parents don’t know about me?”

She froze.

“What?”

“Your parents don’t know about me?”

“I think the oven is on.”

I stepped in her path as she tried to exit.

“I’m not mad. Just curious. Why?”

“Because she’s never had a boyfriend to show off before.”

Rarity glared at Sweetie Belle.

“Not true!! I had that one boyfriend in school.”

“The one that you dumped after two days?”

I chuckled.

“Wow. Glad I made it past the old record.”

“You be quiet! Sweetie, you’re embarrassing me!”

I sat down and turned to Sweetie.

“What are parents like?”

They both looked at me, confusion in their eyes. Sweetie spoke first.

“Wait... Did you just ask ‘what are parents like’?”

“Yeah..”

Rarity chimed in.

“How could you not know? I mean you must have...”

She trailed off, uncertain now. I looked at her.

“I never had a family like you two. I was part of the hive, remember?

Sweetie still looked confused.

“But you must have had a Mom and Dad, right?”

“Not in the traditional sense.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well... I don’t know if I’m okay to talk about this. The subject matter.”

“You mean sex?”

“Sweetie Belle!!”

Sweetie rolled her eyes.

“I’m eleven Rarity. I asked Mom and she told me. Geez, it’s not like it’s some huge secret.”

“It’s not a proper subject of conversation!”

Sweetie ignored her.

“Did you have a Mom and a Dad?”

“Technically? Yes.”

Now Rarity was interested.

“Technically?”

“There was no breeding in the hive. Except by Chrysalis.”

“You don’t mean that-“

“Chrysalis is technically my mother.”

She looked at me as if I’d just slapped her. Sweetie scooted forward.

“What about a Dad? There wasn’t a king of the hive, was there?”

“No. Chrysalis would just choose the changelings she deemed good...breeding stock.”

“So you don’t know who your Dad is?”

“Not a clue. And Chrysalis was never a mother to me in any way. I just had my hatch-mates. Not even them really. We kind of..fended for ourselves.”

I felt my eye twitch slightly. Rarity put a hoof on my shoulder.

“That sounds so lonely. I can’t even imagine.”

“I turned out alright after everything though. Thanks to everypony here.”

I took Rarity by the shoulders and moved her next to Sweetie. Now they were both sitting in front of me.

“So..What are parents like?”

They looked at each other for a moment.

“Well..they’re really nice, but sometimes really annoying.”

“Try most of the time Sweetie.”

“And they take care of you, feed you, give you a bed-“

“And they’re always there for you, no matter what.

“And they teach you everything!”

“Yes they do. Reading, writing, makeup.. Though that last one is mostly girls.”

“Sports! Boys learn about sports from their Dads.”

“Thank you Sweetie! Sports. But most importantly, they’re the two ponies that will never stop loving you from day one.”

I smiled.

“Wow. That sounds nice. Families sound amazing.”

Sweetie nodded.

“They’re even better when you have brothers and sisters!”

Rarity put her hoof around Sweetie.

“Just sisters in this case. But she’s right. Siblings are a wonderful part of family.”

I sighed.

“It must be nice. I’ve never known that kind of closeness. I’ve always been alone until recently.”

“You could be part of our family!”

I was shaken by that statement. I looked down at the filly in shock. Rarity was in the same state.

“Sweetie. That’s very kind of you. But I think-“

“I’d love to.”

Rarity turned to me, her eyes locking with mine. A small smile formed on my lips.

“If it’s okay with you that is..”

“Sweetie? Would you excuse us for a second?”

Sweetie Belle stood and went into the kitchen. Rarity took a step closer.

“I know that phrasing and double meanings aren’t your strong suit, so I’ll ask this very simply. Did you just propose to me?”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make this awkward.”

“So you were?”

“Not exactly..”

She sat down.

“Explain yourself.”

I swallowed hard.

“I... It’s just... Rarity I think you’re the most brilliant, beautiful, and kindest mare in all of Equestria. I’ve been through a lot of life-threatening experiences lately that made me realize that I want to spend the rest of my years with you. I’m not proposing. I just want you to know that I don’t plan on going anywhere. I want to be with you. I love you.”

Rarity sat there, staring at me. She began to smile. And then Sweetie Belle burst into the room.

“Say yes!!”

“Sweetie! If you were listening you know he said it wasn’t a proposal!”

“Oh yeah.. I’ll just..go back to the kitchen.”

She disappeared again. Rarity returned her gaze to me.

“So is this a promise of something more?”

“Yes. I don’t want to rush things, but I want you to know that I’m serious.”

Her smile grew and she sighed.

“I do.”

The smile disappeared and her eyes widened.

“Know you’re serious! I do know you’re serious!

I couldn’t help but laugh. She joined in after a moment. I pulled her into a hug as we continued to laugh. I felt a smaller body hit my back as Sweetie jumped on me.

“Yay! I’ve got a brother!”

———————————

The three of us sat around the kitchen table, a board game in the center.

“It’s your turn Sweetie.”

Sweetie Belle rolled the dice and moved her piece.

“Bonus!”

She grabbed a card and put it next to her. It was my turn. I rolled the dice and moved, sighing as I landed on my new spot.

“Lose a turn.”

“That’s alright dear. I’m sure you’ll catch up.”

Sweetie looked between the two of us.

“So have you guys kissed?”

Rarity froze mid-move.

“That’s a very personal question Sweetie.”

“Sorry. I was just wondering.”

Rarity looked at me and I nodded. It was okay with me. Rarity smiled.

“Yes we have.”

“Aww! What’s it like, kissing?”

“You’ll find out when you’re older darling. Much older.”

“I’m almost as old as when you got your first kiss!”

I smiled.

“Oh I’ve got to hear this story.”

Rarity rolled her eyes.

“There’s no story. It was when I was little. I kind of liked him. He wanted to kiss me. We kissed and he ran away.”

“Embarrassed?”

“At first. He went and told every colt that he’d kissed me! But a few years later we made up.”

“What did he do to earn your forgiveness?”

“He kissed me because he wanted to prove to the other colts he wasn’t gay.”

“I take it he was?”

She nodded.

“I forgave him for the embarrassment. It was the least I could do since he had to come out to me in order to apologize.”

She finished moving her price and drew a card.

“But I don’t want to be hearing about any first kiss from you anytime soon Sweetie Belle. Wait until you find a special somepony.”

“Duh.”

I smiled. Rarity looked at me curiously.

“What is it?”

“This is fun. I like hearing about normal things. I've grown too used to big events and excitement. I like slowing down.”

“You like board games more than helping the princesses?”

“Right now? Definitely.

Sweetie’s eyes sparkled.

“You help the princesses?”

“Yes I do! I spend half of my week in Canterlot helping Celestia and Luna, and the other half here helping Twilight.”

“That’s so cool!”

“I think it is too. Just before I...got sick, we were meeting with some hippogriffs.”

“Wow!”

I looked at Rarity.

“I totally forgot about the summit. I wonder what happened..”

“Celestia told me that Luna took over and explained that an emergency had come up. The summit went well despite everything.”

I sighed.

“Good. I wish I could apologize to Wind Rider. I feel bad for causing any trouble.”

“Celestia said everything turned out fine. You’re in the clear.”

‘Knock knock knock’

We all looked towards the front door. Rarity stood and trotted over. She looked through the window and gasped.

“My parents!”

Sweetie jumped down.

“I’ll get it!”

“Sweetie wait!”

Too late. Sweetie Belle opened the door and in walked two ponies. The father pulled Sweetie into a hug.

“There’s my girl! And my other girl!”

He grabbed Rarity too. She smiled awkwardly.

“You didn’t have to come pick Sweetie up. I could have brought her.”

Her mother smiled.

“Oh we know! But your father and I were going to go for ice cream! We thought we’d invite you along.”

Sweetie broke away from her father and smiled.

“Yay! Did you hear that Shade?”

My ears flattened and my legs froze. Rarity hid her face in her hoof. And the parents noticed the stallion in the kitchen. Their mother tapped Rarity on the shoulder.

“Rarity? Who is this?”

Sweetie began singing.

“Rarity’s got a boyfriend! Rarity’s got a boyfriend!”

They looked at me, then back at Rarity. Her father’s eyes narrowed.

“This true Rarity?”

“Well...Yes! It is! This is my boyfriend Shade. Shade, these are my parents.”

I tried to step into the room, but was blocked as her parents ambushed me!

“Great to meet ya!”

“I’m Cookie Crumbles. This is my husband Hondo Flanks.”

“You can call me Magnum!”

“Nopony calls him that except me.”

I shook both their hooves and smiled.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you both. I’ve heard great things.”

Cookie Crumbles backed up.

“And yet we’ve heard nothing about you! Rarity, honey, why didn’t you tell us!”

Her hoof was hiding her face again.

“Must have slipped my mind.”

Hondo- uh, Magnum looked me over.

“Pardon for askin’, but are you a changeling?”

“Half changeling.”

Cookie lifted one of my hooves.

“He’s got muscle to him! I see why you like him Rarity.”

“Mother, please..”

Magnum patted my back.

“You comin’ for ice cream Shade? It’s on us!”

“I’d love to.”

With that I was escorted out the door. I looked back at Rarity. She watched in embarrassment as her parents dragged me away.

——————————

I had never been to the ice cream shop before. This was exciting! We all sat at s table together, waiting for our order. Cookie was telling us a story about Rarity as a filly.

“And that’s when she found out it wasn’t candy!”

We all laughed. Except for Rarity. She moaned and hid herself under her hooves. I put my hoof around her.

“Come on Rare. Don’t be embarrassed. This is fun!”

She mumbled through her legs.

“Easy for you to say.”

A pony appeared with a tray of ice cream. She dished each bowl out to us. I’d gotten a hot fudge sundae on Cookie’s recommendation. I picked up my spoon and scooped up the first bite, making sure to get a good amount of fudge. I fed it into my mouth and let it sit for a moment. It was hot and cold! Sweet Celestia it was good!
Magnum watched Rarity play with her bowl.

“Oh come on honey. We don’t mean any harm. We’re just excited you got yerself a fella!”

Cookie nodded.

“We are! And he’s such a gentleman too.”

Rarity smiled.

“He is, isn’t he? It’s the first thing that attracted me to him.”

My brow arched.

“Really?”

“Yes. He complimented me on my designing abilities. I believe you said I could make anything fantastic?”

“I was just being honest..”

“Exactly. That’s the first time I thought of you in a romantic light.”

“That was four years ago!”

“I know. What took you so long?”

Her parents laughed.

“You two are so cute together! Aren’t they Magnum?”

“They sure are.”

Sweetie looked up from her bowl.

“Am I the only one that’s finished their ice cream?”

We all started to laugh. If this is what family was like, I was going to enjoy this.

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