Pip rolled over, attempting to pull the mare he had fallen asleep next to closer, but opened his eyes when he felt nothing. He slowly sat up and yawned, looking around his room. Scootaloo's clothing, if it could be called that, was still on his floor, and two of his drawers were open. He got out of bed and stood in the hallway, hearing things moving in his kitchen.

He crept down the stairs and peeked around the corner, finding the pegasus mare at the oven. She had borrowed a t-shirt again and it just covered her panties, but the way she was bent over at the hips... he certainly didn't mind. She shut the door and stood back up, concentrating on whatever was on the hob.

Scootaloo gasped as a pair of hands wrapped around her, and then started giggling as the pony trailed kisses down her neck. Her wings pushed against the shirt she was wearing, but to her that was a good thing. She turned around and wrapped her arms around Pip's neck, standing on tip toes and giving him a soft kiss. “Good morning, birthday colt.”

“Good morning to you, my beautiful mare.” She pulled away with a blush, turning back to what she was cooking. Pip blinked, trying to work out what he had said wrong, but couldn't come up with anything. He stayed Scootaloo's hands from their work, turning her to face him. “Scoots, what was it I said?”

“You... called me your mare...”

“Oh gosh, I did, didn't I? I am so sorry, I didn't mean anytin...”

“I didn't mind...” It was a barely audible whisper, but Pip managed to hear it, so he pulled the mare closer and began to stroke her cheek.

“Scootaloo... will you be my marefriend?” She worked her mouth a few times, but no sound came out. He thought he had said something wrong again as tears started to roll down her cheeks, but was surprised when she leapt up at him, kissing him with a new sense of passion. The force of her jump pushed him against the wall, whilst his arms supported her. She pulled away with a smile on her face, a new fire in her eyes. “I take it that's a yes then?” She just gave a nod and rested her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes.

“I'm curious, when's the wedding?” They snapped open again and the pair looked to the kitchen door, where Vinyl was leaning against the wall, coffee cup in her hand. Her mane was different from all of her show posters, hanging limply instead of stuck up, but her customary goggles were hanging around her neck. She was dressed rather modestly compared to the posters as well(1). “Well, got a date yet?”

“Come on, mom! We've literally just made it official! Don't you think it's a little early to get married?”

“I dunno, I met your father on tour, he was one of the ponies building the stage. By the time the next tour came along I was 'Miss Vinyl Scratch-Hammer'. So it was about six months for us, and I haven't regretted it since. Still get to mess around as long as your father is there.”

“MOM!”

“Hmm, I wonder what Octy is up to later?” She gave the pair a smile and then left the kitchen. Scootaloo giggled at the blush on Pip's face, giving him a peck on the cheek before she pulled away and went back to work. After a few minutes she picked up a plate, telling Pip to sit down. He was rewarded with a stack pancakes, and she sat down opposite him with a smaller stack of her own.

She kept eyeing the bottle of golden syrup and Pip, smirking at him. She finished her plate full first and put it in the sink, She turned back to the oven and removed the item inside, careful not to let him see. She set it on the side and covered it with some greaseproof paper, hiding it further. Pip pushed his chair back once he was finished, and Scootaloo took the chance to jump into his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. “I need you to promise me something.”

“Anything...”

“I've got to go get a few bits, so no peeking. It's for later on today, so... if you're not with your parents, do you want to meet for lunch?”

“OF COURSE HE WILL MEET YOU FOR LUNCH!” Pip's ears splayed back from the interruption from his mother, causing Scootaloo to giggle and kiss the tip of his muzzle. He held her close and planted more kisses on her neck, which he had already worked out was one of her sensitive spots.

She pulled away and bit her lip, rocking her hips slightly. She stood up and bent down, keeping his muzzle towards her with her hands. “I'm going to head home for a bit. I'll see you at Sugarcube Corner?” Pip nodded to her, and she pushed forwards for a passionate kiss, before pulling away with a happy smile on her face. She left the kitchen and went upstairs, returning a few minutes later with her pants on and bag over her shoulder. With one final kiss she left the house, leaving Pip to his incoming interrogation from his parents, who had watched the exchange from the couch.

Spike and Sweetie Belle stood hand in claw waiting at the train station. Rarity was due on the next one, and they wanted to take her out for lunch. The puff of smoke from the steam engine appeared in the distance, and ten minutes later it pulled up to the platform. The porters came over and started to remove the luggage, the young dragon collecting the bags marked with three white diamonds.

Further up the platform Sweetie Belle jumped around her sister's neck in excitement, greeting her in the usual cheerful manner with which everypony viewed the young mare. Spike walked up and joined them with a smile on his face... which soon turned into a glare as he noticed the stallion stood behind Rarity. To most ponies he would simply be dressed in the red coat and black trousers of the Royal Guard’s dress uniform.

But to Spike, who had been around the castle long enough to both recognise the rank of commander and his face, it was somepony he had hoped never to see in Ponyville. The only part that brought him joy was the dark circle around his eye. So it was easy to understand the dragon's surprise when he took the bags from him and slung them over his shoulder, turning back to the mares. “Which direction, Miss Rarity?”

“Down the main street for now, thank you. You'll see the Boutique soon enough.” With a nod of his head the stallion began walking, Spike between him and the two mares, the youngest who was squealing with glee. “Sweetie Belle, calm down! I haven't seen you this excited since Spike asked you out.”

“I know, sis, but look who you came home with!! Did he apologise a lot?”

“Oh yes... there was a lot of... apologising last night, and this morning as well.”

“Hmmph.” Rarity walked over and ran her hands through Spike's spines, making him turn to her and reveal the glare on his face. “He'll never change.”

“Oh Spikey Wikey, are you jealous? You've got Sweetie Belle, is she not enough for you? Do you want me as well?” She pulled him close, wrapping her arms around him. Sweetie Belle came over and joined in the embrace from behind. “Would you like that, Spike?” His train of thought collapsed as both mares began to run their hands over his body. They pulled away with a giggle as the other pony in that party spoke up.

“Pardon the intrusion, but we have arrived.” Sure enough they were stood outside the shop, and Blueblood opened to door, carrying the bags in. The two mares followed him in, Spike trailing. He was about to shut the door when a shout of distress caught his ears, the voice being familiar.

“LEAVE ME ALONE!”

“Scootaloo?” Both dragon and stallion tore off in the direction of the shout.

Applebloom walked into the general store, smiling as she spotted her prey. Silently creeping up the aisle to where he was replenishing the lower shelves, she smirked over to the owner, who responded with a cheery wave. She yanked on the dark grey tail, causing the lighter grey wings of the pegasus to shoot out in surprised arousal. He quickly stood and turned, his cheeks on fire as he beheld the smirking mare. “Excuse me, but Ah'm lookin' fer a certain item.”

“And what would that be, madam?”

“One o' these.” Rumble smirked as she threw her arms around his neck, pressing forward into a kiss. He willed his wings to return to their rest position, but the way she ran her hands over his chest made them ignore all his commands. “What time do ya get off?”

“Whenever you want me to.”

“Ah meant work, ya dirty colt!”

“I know. Almost done, so should be a few minutes. I'm pretty sure Mrs Bon Bon won't mind you hanging around out back whilst I get changed.”

“How many times do I have to tell you to drop the 'mrs', Rumble? And as long as she doesn't get too frisky, she can join you.” After thanking the mare who ran the store, the two walked out to the staff room, where there were just five lockers. The store only had three staff during the busiest periods, and right now it was a lull. Applebloom kept her gaze on Rumble as he removed his work shirt, trading it for a t-shirt and hoodie. They walked out the side door into the busy Ponyville marketplace.

“So what shall we do this afternoon?” Applebloom stopped him next to the fountain, sitting on the wall.

“Well, Sweetie Belle’s gonna busy, and Ah wanna find out how Scoots got along with Pips, so let’s go see ‘er.” They had just left the square, the sounds of the water flow drifting away, when they heard a shout from the next street over.

“LEAVE ME ALONE!” The couple ran towards the direction of the commotion, worried for their friend.

Pipsqueak and his parents stood outside the house he had stopped outside of a few times. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door, hearing a male voice answer from inside, and he remembered the conversation with his father. “So let me get this straight... all of the training you've gotten over the years... and you're scared of fighting him?”

“Attacking a guard is like attacking the Princesses themselves. I would never do that, but he would have forced me to defend myself.” Pip swallowed slightly nervously as the door swung open, revealing another stallion, who was in the garb of the Royal Guard, minus the armour. He glanced over the trio, and a pegasus mare came up next to him, smiling at their unexpected guests.

“Pipsqueak, how are you?”

“Fine, Miss Firefly, thank you. Is Scootaloo home? We're to be meeting for lunch.”

“Oh, you've just missed her by about ten minutes. No wonder she was so excited!”

“And why is that, colt?” Pip turned his gaze back to Starburst, who was glaring at him. “She happened to mention your name in passing.”

“We... are officially dating, sir. I hope you don't mind.”

“Hmm... not at all, knowing how well you can protect her. Now, who are your companions?”

“My parents. I thought you might like to meet them.” Firefly pulled Starburst away from the door, allowing them entry. Pip stood to the side as Vinyl and Jack entered, gazing out over the town. He'd introduce his parents and then go look for...

“LEAVE ME ALONE!!”

“SCOOTALOO!!!” The four older ponies were instantly back to the now vacant door step, and Starburst quickly slipped into his armour, taking wing and following the fast moving speck that was his daughter's coltfriend.

Scootaloo slipped in through the back door, creeping slowly towards the stairs. She had just put her foot on the lowest step when she heard somepony clear their throat behind her, and she turned to find her father sat on one of the couches, a hand pointing to the other. She walked over to the lounge and noted her mother sitting at the other end of the couch, and she took a seat opposite them. “And where have you been?”

“I was a Pip's.”

“All night?”

“No, I was at Twilight's for a few hours, then went to his. I was there until about twenty minutes ago, I promise that's all!”

“Hmm, very well. Now, we thought that we could go out for lunch today...”

“But I had plans!”

“...maybe later then. I know you're going through a tough time, and I just want you to be safe.” Scootaloo stood and walked over, sitting next to the stallion and wrapping her arms around his neck, her head against his chest.

“I know you do, dad. And I feel safe with Pip.” She turned her head to see the massive grin on Firefly's face, and an idea crossed her mind. “Mom? I could do with some advice.”

“Go right ahead, darling. I'm sure your father has heard it all before.”

“No, I meant some marely advice. You know, the 'upstairs, away from stallions' kind?”

“Oh... oh, right! Come on then, no time to waste!” Firefly stood from her place on the couch, taking her daughter's hand and taking her upstairs, smiling over at her shoulder to Starburst, who just picked up the local newspaper and chose to ignore the next little while. Scootaloo was led into her room, her mother locking the door behind them. “Now then, what do you want to know about? Contraceptives? How to please a stallion?”

“What? No, mom! I know about that! I... wanted some advice about make up.”

“But I've seen you wear it before...”

“Only eyeliner and mascara. I don't know squat about the rest.” She couldn't help but grin sheepishly as her mother squealed, running to her room and returning with her make up box. Starburst put the paper down, glancing at the clock and noting that almost two hours had gone past. He was about to go find out what was going on when Firefly appeared in the doorway, a massive smile on her face.

“May I present to you our daughter?” Scootaloo followed, wearing one of her more modest dresses and sandals, perfect for the hot summer day. Her mane had been straightened out, and her bangs were left in a fringe that covered her left eye. The visible eye had shadow on that matched her irises, her lashes thick with mascara. And her lips showed the lightest shade of red Starburst had ever seen. He stood up from the couch and walked over, wrapping her in his arms.

“You look beautiful. Be careful out there, or you'll be fending off colts from all directions!”

“I only want one...”

“What was that?”

“Um, nothing! Gotta run bye!” She stood on tip toes and kissed his cheek, quickly leaving the house and slamming the door behind her, leaving Firefly in a fit of giggles at the shocked look on Starburst's face. She walked over and put her muzzle close to his, a smile in her eyes.

“Young love, do you remember it?”

“You can be damn sure I do.” They quickly made sure that the door was locked, and the stallion picked up the giggling mare in his arms, walking back towards the couch.

Scootaloo walked confidently through the town, smiling as ponies she knew complimented her new looks. She walked past the local flower shop, stopping to look over the wares. A glance at the town clock informed her that she had a good twenty minutes until she was due to meet Pip, and she turned back to the flowers.

After popping inside and speaking to the three mares who ran the store, she continued on her way with a Coltifornia Poppy resting behind her right ear. She made it to the bakery with some time to spare, so chose a table outside, but near the entrance. She leant back and closed her eyes, basking in the sun. “Well hello, sweet cheeks. Remember me?”

She cracked open her right eye and looked over the young stallion stood in front of her. She had seen him around town a few times, but to her knowledge had never interacted with him. “Sure don't. Now if you don't mind, I'm waiting for somepony.”

“Heh, hard to forget the best lay you ever had. What do ya say we ditch the unlucky SOB and go have some fun? I gotta a few minutes before I gotta leave for work.” So... it was one of the stallions from the club. Sure, she hadn't screwed them all, but there had been so many that she wouldn't even be able to put a name to over half of the faces. “Well? Yes or no?”

“Go use your hand, that's what it's for. How's that for an answer?”

“The wrong one!” Scootaloo jumped from her chair as the stallion tried to grab her wrists, but that didn't deter him. He leapt over the table and tried to grab her around the waist. For once she was afraid, the look in his eye one she had never seen before, so she backed away from him, unknowingly backing herself into a corner. She couldn't even fly away as he got closer due to the awning that was above her. “Don't you know? That kind of life... you can't just leave it behind, ponies will be disappointed with you!”

“No... please, I don't want that any more!!” She gave a shout in surprise as she felt something wrap around her wings and arms, pinning them to her side. She then noted the horn glowing on the stallion's head as she was forced to her knees. He approached and started to unzip his trousers, glancing around to ensure nopony was watching. Scootaloo started to hyperventilate, sucking a deep breath and closing her eyes. One chance would be all she would get, so she took it. “LEAVE ME ALONE!!!”

Two mares, three stallions, and a dragon all arrived outside Sugarcube Corner at the same time, glancing around to look for signs of the absent pegasus mare. Starburst and Blueblood entered the bakery to see if anypony had seen her, whilst the others asked the crowd. The only exception to this was Pipsqueak, who was staring at the overturned chair. After righting it, he noticed a crushed flower on the floor, picking it up and taking a whiff. “STARBURST!” The stallion came running out, Pip turning to him. “This has her scent, she was here!”

The two guards started to look around the area, whilst Sweetie Belle took the flower and gazed at it. “Scoots wouldn't arrange to meet anypony and then ditch them... I guess that's why you're here Pip. So who would want to take her?”

“The only ponies I know of are from the... club.” That was it for the stallion, who took off running on the path out of town. The rest of them immediately gave chase, but only Starburst and Rumble were able to keep up. A red mist had descended over Pipsqueak as he pushed his legs harder then before, desperate to catch up. He spotted a unicorn taking a breather near the trees, so aimed for the pony.

Scootaloo struggled against the magical bonds, moaning against the spell over her muzzle. The stallion grinned down at her, running his hands up her legs. She tried to squirm away, but didn't get very far. “Oh, they've missed you for the past few days. They're going to be very happy to see you again.”

“Fucpphh yopphh!”

“No, wrong way round, we're going to fuck you.” The stallion’s hands dripped to his pants, beginning to unzip them once more as he stared lustfully at her. “In fact, why don't we see if you've still gotpphh...” He didn't have a chance to continue as something more dangerous than a pissed off Manticore slammed into the side of him, knocking him flying.

Scootaloo opened her eyes as she felt the spells dissipate, looking up to see a heavily breathing Pipsqueak between her and her would be ponynapper. The stallion rose to his feet, wiping at his lip, the back of his hand coming away with blood, then he glared at Pip. “Bad idea, colt. I'm going to have to fuck you up now.”

Scootaloo watched in total amazement as Pipsqueak dodged the lightning spell with ease, twisting, turning and ducking with the grace of a pegasus ballet dancer. Time seemed to slow to her perception as the unicorn stallion tried a range of spells, not one having a chance of hitting the nimble earth pony, who was closing the distance with each step.

Time started to flow again as Pip crouched right in front of the stallion, bringing his clenched fist up and meeting the bottom of the unicorn's muzzle, lifting him from the ground with the force of the uppercut. He landed on his back, his eyes staring vacantly at the trees his muzzle had landed pointing at..

Scootaloo started to back away as Pip walked over, but he stopped when he saw she was in distress. He sat down in front of her, a soft smile on his face. “Scootaloo, I'm not going to hurt you, I promise. You're safe now, and you always will be with me around. That's if you want me to be.” His voice calmed her down, and she shot forward, wrapping him tightly with her arms. He returned the gesture, picking her up and turning back to town as the other pegasi turned up.

“Pip, is that him? Is he the one that took my daughter?” He just nodded to Starburst, who pulled out a pair of magic resistant cuffs, securing the unicorn's hands behind his back and then picked his body up from the ground, slinging him over his shoulder. “You guys carry on. I'll get him back to the station.”

He trudged his way back to town, Pip smiling at Rumble as he felt his hand on his shoulder. He looked down as he felt Scootaloo's head turn, finding her gazing up at him. “Some birthday, huh? How did you do that?”

“You're with me... it can't get any better. And I’ll tell you over lunch, my treat.” He kept the mare in his arms as the trio began the walk back to town.

Author's Notes:

(1) This has to be one of the best anthro Vinyl pics I have ever seen. And the guy doesn't even consider himself a brony!