Aura could feel something warm pressing against her muzzle. She cracked her eyes open to see a mare sleeping next to her. Taking in a deep breath, she couldn’t smell anything but the dried sweat and the perfume Silver Spoon had worn yesterday.

She pulled her hooves free from the folds of her blankets and quietly sat up in the bed. She looked over. Silver Spoon had fallen asleep with her glasses and necklace on.

“You’ve been through so much pain lately…” she whispered before leaning down and lightly kissing the side of Silver’s neck.

Careful not to make disturb the mare, she crawled from the bed, took Silver’s glasses off her and laid them on the dresser next to the bed. After that she went to the restroom and continued down to the kitchen. Her mother, Aloe, was awake and already had coffee brewing. “Good morning, Mom.”

Aloe turned towards her and gave her a soft smile. “Good morning, darling. Did you sleep well?”

“I did, though I think Silver had a rough night. I’m going to let her sleep in, since we don’t have school today.” Aura had taken a seat at the table. “She wants me to go with her to her place this afternoon, so I can meet her dad.”

Her mother was chopping carrots, she paused and cocked towards Aura for a moment. She finished, carried her bowl of carrots to the table and took a seat. “Aura, I’ve met Silver Spoon’s parents, and I’ve known Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara since they were fillies. I also remember what they did to you when you were younger and honestly... I don’t know how I feel about you being friends with those two.”

Aura shook her head trying to make sense of what she’d just heard. “So wait, you have a problem with me and Silver Spoon?”

Aloe stared at her for a moment, as if the hamster in her head had stopped for a breather, “By Silver Spoon and I, what do you mean?”

“You know we’re dating… right?” Aura’s voice almost cracked. “I didn’t think you and Dad would have a problem with it,” she sighed, unable to maintain the eye contact her mother’s gaze demanded.

“Aura. I have no problem with you dating.” her voice carried a soft, sweet tone. “I just don’t want to see you getting hurt or used. I’m sure you can’t fault me for being a bit weary. I personally don’t think Silver Spoon would use you. Although, she’s going through a very rough patch in her life, so I imagine she’ll treasure your friendship even more after this ordeal of hers is over and done with.” Aloe’s voice was a little raspy, then again, it always was in the mornings.

Aura nodded before standing up and pouring herself a cup of coffee. Once it was poured, she sat the hot cup on the table and stood next to her mother. “I love you, mom.” She gave Aloe a hug and smiled. “I’m going to help Silver Spoon in whatever way I can. She needs a friend there for her, now more than ever.”

“Alright, sweetheart, as long as you know what you’re doing. I trust you to know what’s right from wrong. Just try not to get hurt in the process. Okay?”

“I won’t Mom.”

“Also, Klein is worried that Silver’s dad might be a little suicidal. So if you two head over there, please… be careful… for her sake.” Aloe kissed Aura on the forehead and went back to eating her carrots.

Aura thought on that for a moment. The last thing she wanted to see was Silver Spoon discovering her dad had killed himself. She sighed and just stared into her coffee, What do I do now? Maybe Shady could help her… He had something similar happen to him.

Aura sipped her coffee and looked up when her mother spoke. Aloe was smiling and then a hoof lightly touched Aura’s shoulder.

“Good morning, Aura. How’s Silver Spoon doing?” Klein asked cautiously.

“Good, I suppose, she fell asleep as soon as you left the room, but she had been rolling around and even woke up once or twice in the middle of the night.” Aura yawned, looking over her shoulder at him.

She watched as her dad got himself a cup of coffee before sitting next to Aloe at the table. Aloe smiled at him and ate another carrot slice before pushing the bowl over to him. “All yours, darling. I’m not that hungry right now.”

“Hey mom, dad, what do you two… What do you two think of her? Of Silver Spoon, I mean.” Aura flicked one ear and watched the coffee pot steam, she was scared of what their answers would be. “She’s been through a lot these past few days and… well… I guess yesterday couldn’t have been the best impression of who she’s become, y’know?”

Aura’s parents just looked at each other before glancing back at her. Klein opened his mouth as if to speak, but quickly closed it and looked into his coffee cup. He gently blew the steam away and took a small sip.

Aloe, however, sighed and looked at her intently. “I’ll be honest. I wish you weren’t with her. Or any mare for that matter. I wish you were with a colt, like Shady Daze or Featherweight. Someone who can take care of you. Someone who can give me grandchildren.” Aloe took a short breath and continued, “Sweetie, I'm just glad to see you happy again... ”

Aura opened her mouth to begin protesting but instead she smiled. Laying her ears back in embarrassment. At least until her dad continued her mom’ssentence. “But, please, don’t let her drag you down with her if she starts to fall. Your mother and I don’t want to watch you get hurt. Okay?”

Aura sighed and looked into her cup. May as well tell them what they want to hear.

“I promise, I won’t let her drag me down.” She took a drink of her coffee and pushed her chair away from the table. Her ears swiveled towards the front door as it quietly closed. “Crap.”

How much of that did she hear?!

Aura turned and ran out the door, she spotted Silver Spoon’s tail disappearing down the road. She leaped from the front porch and chased after her. Silver Spoon dodged off a side road. Aura followed her around the corner and saw her slow down to a slow trot, giving Aura a chance to catch up.

“Silvy! Wait up, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean it!” Arua shouted, closing the distance between them. She watched as Silver Spoon slowed to a stop and took a seat with her back still facing her.

Aura approached Silver slowly from behind, lowering her head and laying her ears back, she whispered, “Silvy? Are you mad at me?”

Silver Spoon looked up at her with a smile on her face, ‘Look around, Aura...”

She looked up and around. Nothing really stuck out, until she spotted that sign again, Equestrian Coffee House.

“Really!?” Aura sat down, “Silver Spoon! You had me worried sick. Why would you do that?” She sighed in relief and looked back at the smiling silver pony.

“Because you were drinking coffee without me. Besides, your parents aren’t that fond of me yet. So it would have been extremely awkward if I had joined you all in the kitchen.” Silver’s smile melted. “Though, I wish you could have said more than you’d leave me if I had a meltdown.”

Aura sighed and stepped forward, pulling Silver into a hug. Aura smiled and whispered into her ear, “Fuck you, buy me coffee.”

Silver Spoon laughed, returned her hug and whispered back, “C’mon, babe.” She let her go and turned towards the coffee shop. Aura smirked and followed her through a stained glass door featuring a steaming coffee cup.

“Welcome to the Equestrian Coffee House!” A cheerful voice echoed from behind the front counter. A young stallion stood up from behind the counter, “What can I get for you?”

The two of them walked up to the counter and looked at the menu that was concealed under the glass countertop. Silver Spoon answered him, “We’ll just take some normal coffee, but can we get caramel apple creamers?” Silver glanced over her shoulder, “What kind of creamer do you want?”

Aura smiled softly, glad for her consideration. “I’ll take some Hazelnut, please.”

“Coming right up! By the way, good job guessing my name. Caramel Apple!” He cheered as if they had just won some sweepstakes. “Oh, you ladies may take a seat, I’ll bring it over once it’s done.”

Aura walked over to a table that was in a far back corner of the room, away from the windows. Silver Spoon had followed her and took a seat across from her. “So what were you and your parents talking about?”

“Oh, well... my mom knows who you and Diamond used to be, and she’s afraid that you might still be like that. My dad is also afraid that you might drag me down into some kind of depression or something.” Aura shifted in her seat and flicked a nervous ear. “They just don’t want to see you hurt me. Which you won’t, so I told them what they wanted to hear.”

Silver Spoon gave her a sad smile in reply, “I understand how that feels,”

What do I say now? Aura thought, glancing around the nearly empty coffee shop.

“Hey, Aura… Are you wanting to go to Button Mash’s with me? I need to talk to Shady and pick something up.”

Caramel appeared next to the table and placed two cups of coffee on the table. “Sorry for interrupting, ladies. Enjoy!”

“You’re fine, Caramel,” Aura replied calmly before turning back to Silver, “I don’t see why I wouldn’t come with. I’d like to see how Shady’s doing.

“Oh! Aura, how’s classes going for you?” Silver asked, blowing lightly on her coffee.

Aura took a small drink of her coffee, “Yep, too hot.” She placed her cup on the table and looked up, “They’re going okay. I mean I’m still an A/B student. Though, I’m still struggling in literature and history.”

“How are you failing literature? It’s like one of the easiest classes in our school!” Silver took a drink of her coffee, “I actually do pretty well in it, I could help ya’ if you’d like.”

“Sure, I usually struggle with characterization. We’re learning about narratives, last week and next week. Augh, I don’t want this weekend to end.”

“Why not?”

“Well,” Aura sighed, “I don’t want to deal with Firelock and her friends again.”

“Well, lets see, characterization right? hmm... lets use me and you for example,” she paused to sip at her coffee. Silver spoke with a knowing confidence, “Me,” she said suddenly, her eyes lighting up with an idea. “How would you describe me? I’d describe you as strong headed, ill-tempered, witty and caring. You’re rambunctious and a good problem solver. From what I’ve seen, you’re lustful-” Silver paused and winked at her. “But, you know your limits and tend to play it safe whenever possible.”

“Wow, that’s actually pretty accurate.” Aura let a smooth smirk compliment her expression, “You’re sweet, but you overthink everything and you’re a bit of a trouble maker. Well it’s more like trouble follows you.” She paused to take a drink of her coffee. “Mmm… That’s better… Anyways, You’re smart, shy, somewhat awkward and a bit of a nerd. In a good way, of course.”

“Really, a shy nerd? Are you sure you stalked me for the last, what? ten years?” Silver laughed and winked as she blushed.

Aura looked away trying to shake off the redness in her cheeks. She pursed her lips and whispered, “It was only seven years…”

Silver’s face turned a little red as well, “I should be weirded out right now. But, I’m finding it hard to be weirded out when you’re making a face like that.”

“Oh hey, I just remembered something! I heard a rumor once, I heard that C-” Aura paused, glancing over her shoulder. A moment later, her ear twitched and she turned back to Silver Spoon. Who was playing with her nearly empty cup of coffee. “I heard Caramel Apple was gay.” she whispered, immediately getting Silver’s attention.

“We should go tell Shady!” Her gray friend jumped to all four and turned towards the door, “Let’s head to his place already!”

Aura couldn’t help but smile into her cup before polishing off its contents. “Fine, fine. Geez, I’m starting to think you might be related to Pinkie Pie! Mood swings like crazy.” She laughed and followed Spoon out the door, pausing long enough to wave a farewell to Caramel, who delightfully returned it.

After getting only about a block or two away, Silver Spoon slowed and glanced at her, “Wait, did we pay?”

Aura knocked lightly on Button’s front door before taking a step back. Shady Daze opened it, “Good morning you two! Haven’t seen you in awhile. How are things?”

“Actually, we could be better,” Silver paused for a moment and looked at Aura. “Shady, can I talk to you about something?”

Shady nodded solemnly before turning and walking towards the kitchen. Aura followed him and Silver into the house, Shady took a seat in the living room. The room itself had dull blue walls and well-cared for wooden floors. The near empty room contained a center table, a paperwork covered desk, an old grandfather clock, a couch, and two chairs. Aura took a seat next to Silver Spoon on the couch.

“So, what’s up?” Shady Daze asked, calmly picking up a cigarette and lighting it. He blew the smoke up and away from the two of them, which she silently thanked him for.

Aura watched as Silver shifted her legs and twitch her ear as if she were uncomfortable. “Well…” she began, “My mom left yesterday.”

“Where’d she go?” he asked calmly.

“How should I know?” Silver growled before lowering her gaze, “She just left… Her and my dad got home as I was leaving to go to Aura’s and they tried stopping me, saying that I needed to stay home. When they found out I was dating her, they flipped. My mom tried telling me I needed to listen to my dad-” She paused for a moment her tail lashing out against the couch cushions. “I called my mom out on how she’s treated me with my dad spending most his time working, She didn’t care about me, she was only there for my dad’s money and a comfy place to sit while reading.”

Aura leaned towards Silver Spoon and rubbed her cheek against her shoulder. Silver Spoon continued her explanation after a deep breath, “She left after my dad realized I was telling the truth.” Tears began streaming down her cheeks. “I’ve never seen him that way before. I’m starting to worry about him a little and I’ll be heading over there to check on him.”

Shady leaned forward and placed a hoof on Silver’s shoulder. “Silver Spoon, I know what that feels like. Unlike Rumble, when I say it, I mean it.” He leaned back into his chair as both the mares looked up. “My mother left us when I was young. Afterwards, my dad became a heavy drinker. I mean, I know he tried from time to time to be a good parent, he ended up doing nothing more than talking out his ass and making empty promises.” Shady Daze hesitated. “It’s also thanks to him that Rumble and I are such close friends. Believe it or not, I know what Rumble is capable of, and he showed me that one day.”

Aura didn’t know what to say to him, but Silver Spoon had something to say, “So you sorta know what I’m going through.”

“Look, Silver.” He took a quick drag off his cigarette to keep it from going out, “I was really young when my mom left. It left a lot of emotional scars. I’ll be honest, there’s not a lot I can say or do to help you through this. From what I’ve heard from you already, your dad’s a busy guy, but he loves you. Your mom on the other hoof is -- as Rumble would put it -- just a bit diggin’ bitch.” Shady’s ear twitched with obvious discomfort, “I’m not trying to sound mean or like I have had it worse, but you lost the bad parent, I lost the good one. So you should be there for your father, you should try to help him through this. He was betrayed and hurting just as much as you are, probably much worse.”

“Wow,” Aura said looking at Silver Spoon. Silver was laying with her hooves up over her eyes. Her shoulders shuddered and she looked up, taking a slow deep breath. “I didn’t mean for this…” Silver took a deep shaky breath, “I didn’t mean for this to happen.”

Silver Spoon looked over at her, “Aura, I think I’m going to head home here soon, I don’t think you should come with… I need to talk to my dad and make sure he’s doing okay.” With that, Silver Spoon stood and looked at the door but instead turned towards the kitchen and continued through to Button Mash’s staircase.

“Silvy?” was all Aura asked as she followed her marefriend through the house to its foundation. In the basement was the sound of a movie playing behind that wall of blankets. Silver glanced back at her and gave her a weary smile before taking another breath and putting on a full smile. When she only smiled in return, Silver Spoon poked her head through the blankets and said something to Button Mash.

Aura glanced over her shoulder to see Shady falling in close behind her. The movie paused and two voices sounded in surprise, one was obviously Button Mash… but who was the other? The only mare who came to mind was Dinky Doo, but why would she be here? Aura stuck her head through another opening in the blanket, “Dinky?! Wow! Wouldn’t have expected the two of you to be a thing. Kinda cute… I like it!”

Dinky blushed, “Yeah, well, me and the girls bumped into him on his birthday, and well, things happened and some how I ended up here today to watch movies and nerd out.” Dinky wasn’t normally one to talk, unless flustered. She lit up like a big red tomato when she realized she had been rambling.

“It’s fine Dinky,” said Shady, who’d also entered, “I actually forgot you were down here.”

Dinky’s redness disappeared, “Hey! Wait a minute! How often do mares come over here? Seriously! How could you have forgotten I was here?!”

“The same way Button forgot to hide his porn mags before you got here. You were just overlooked.” Shady gave her a sly smirk as Dinky glanced at Button Mash who was busily talking to Silver Spoon about some comic books she was supposed to borrow from him.
The pair had migrated from the couch to the giant collection of books that filled a fifteen foot wide by eight foot tall book case. It was a massive collection of all of Button’s comic books, manga, games and collectables. “Now if you’d excuse me, I’m heading back upstairs, Coffee’ll be done any moment.” Shady turned and disappeared back through the blankets.

Silver was actually smiling and seeming a lot happier as if the conversation upstairs had never taken place. She seemed perfectly content to stand there and talk about comic books all day and night if she could. “Hey, Dinky, so you and Button Mash are a thing now?” Aura asked curiously keeping an ear on Silver Spoon.

Dinky looked at Button Mash with fondness in her eyes and a soft smile on her face. “Yeah, I suppose you can say that.” She glanced back at Aura and tilted her head to the side, “So I heard you and Silver Spoon are a thing.”

Aura looked at Silver Spoon then to Dinky, “Can you come upstairs for a moment, I need to talk to you and Shady.”

Dinky nodded. “Button, me and Aura are going upstairs, have fun with those comics you two!”

Button glanced over his shoulder. “Okay, Dinky.” He went back to his conversation with Silver.

Aura and Dinky turned and left the blanketed room then continued on up the stairs. Shady Daze was sitting at the table drinking a cup of coffee. “Any particular reason you’re just sitting up here?

“Nope, just waiting for Mom to get back so her and I can finish this cake.” Shady nodded his head towards a large green bowl that sat on the edge of the counter. Aura slid into a seat, Dinky claimed a seat near her. Both of them were across from Shady. “Wait, am I going to be interrogated?”

Dinky looked blankly at Shady before laying one hoof across the table’s edge and turning towards Aura, “So why are we up here?” She asked tilting her head to one side.

Aura blushed a little, “So you heard Silver Spoon’s issues, regarding her family, right? Well, my parents didn’t seem to take it too well, I’m not surprised, though, they don’t forget things easily. Dropping me down a well is one of those things they didn’t particularly care for.” She looked at Shady then at Dinky, who was still leaning on her foreleg. “I needed to talk to someone about this, and well, three heads are better than one, right Shady?”

“Well, I guess… Though I’m sure Rumble would disagree.” Shady answered with a smirk drawn across his face.

“Was… that… a… penis joke?” Dinky asked sarcastically.

“Yes. Yes, it was.”

“Can we stop talking about dicks? My parents are against me seeing Silver Spoon, and after experiencing her at her worse, they believe she’ll drag me down with her.” Aura shifted in her seat having caught both their attention. She took a short breath and continued. “I’m just not sure what to think about everything that’s happened lately. I mean I’ve got the mare I’ve always dreamed about. I’ve got a loving family, and great friends to keep me company. What more can a mare ask for?” She paused to see if either of them had any input.

Dinky took the opportunity to speak, “Aura, we’ve been friends for awhile, right? I mean we may not talk or hang out very often outside the school, but we’ve still shared a few laughs here and there… This is the first time I’ve ever seen you open up about your problems to really, anyone that wasn’t Berry Pinch.”

“Well, I can’t exactly fetch Berry at the moment. Besides, Shady Daze would be more help than her in this situation.” Aura swiveled her ear towards shady and heard him snort. “Anyways, Silver Spoon and I only just got together, what like five days ago? I can’t even remember, too much has been going on and neither me or her have really had a chance to rest…”

“Silver Spoon needs you Aura, but not all the time. She needs to spend time with her dad and help him through this. I suggest letting her head home and you heading over to Berry Pinch’s to check on Rumble, I might be able to join you for that adventure. But Silver Spoon and her dad have to work through their family matters together. You’d just be a huge distraction for Silver Spoon and possibly an irritation for her dad to deal with.”

Dinky nodded, “I agree with Shady on this one, you need to give her some time to her dad. I’m assuming her dad isn’t too happy with the whole marefriend-”

Aura interrupted her with a sigh, “Well, actually that’s sorta what sparked the situation…”

Dinky just flicked her tail, “I still agree with Shady on this one. Go hang out with Berry Pinch or something. Silver Spoon needs to be there for her dad.”

Aura looked at Dinky and tried to smile, but failed. “I can’t say I like the idea… but I guess you’re right, Shady.”

Shady nodded and stood, “Should we go back downstairs?” Aura and Dinky both nodded and the three retreated back to the cloth walled room. “Eh, Button! Any idea where your mom’s at?”

“Not a clue, Shady. Last I heard she was heading to market.” Button replied glancing over his shoulder, him and Silver Spoon had migrated to the couch with a stack of comic books between them.

“Silver, are you planning on carrying all those home? Do you even have time to read all them?” Aura giggled, walking over and sitting down next to her.

Silver glanced up at her and nodded, “Of course I do. I’m going to be spending some time at home and I’ll need some sort of entertainment, right?”

“Right. Anyways, I’m going to be heading over to Pinch’s place. Try and find Rumble and make sure they aren’t, well, stuck together.” Aura wrapped her hooves around Silver, pulling her into a hug.

“Alright, well I’m going to go and try talking to my dad and see what happens… Wish me luck… I’ll need it.” Silver’s voice sputtered off and she looked at the floor.

“Oh C’mon, Silvy, cheer up! Give it some time, your mom wasn’t exactly the best influence on you and your dad.” She rubbed her cheek comfortingly against Silver’s.

Silver finally nodded, her face lighting up with a small smile, “Thanks, Aura.” returning the hug, she gave her a small kiss before leaning back and glancing at Button Mash, who sat there, blushing.

“Oh right, he wasn’t at the party last week,” said Shady from the other side of the room. “Generally, we try to keep mares from being intimate in front of him. He has a habit of humping things.”

Button’s face turned beet red as he twisted to face Shady, “Hey! I-”

Dinky appeared next to him with a smile, “Calm down, Button. He’s just poking fun. But really, no need to stare at them.” She leaned forward and kissed him softly on the lips before smiling at the other two. “Don’t get too excited, they’re going through a lot right now…”

Aura laughed, “You make it sound as if we just lost a dear friend.”

Silver adjusted herself before standing and loading four or five comic books into her bag. “Well, I lost my mom, but I didn’t like her to begin with, so we’re good. Although, I’ve got to be going now. I need to get home. Have a good afternoon.” She turned to face Aura. “See you tomorrow night at the coffee shop?”

“Don’t forget your bits this time,” she answered softly before giving her another soft kiss. She watched as Silver Spoon disappeared through the blanket wall.

Shady stood up, “We should be heading to Pinch’s now. Let’s hope Rumble’s there, because I really want to avoid going to Rumbles house.”

Aura tilted her head. “Why?”

Shady ignored the question and instead looked passed her. “Have fun you two. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

Dinky laughed, “Sooo, whatever we want to do?”

“Something like that,” Shady answered with a calm chuckle.

Button looked at Dinky before shifting. “Don’t worry, Shady. We.. We’ll be fine here. Alone. For the rest of the night.” His face had gone every shade of red imaginable.

Shady laughed and Aura couldn’t help but chuckle. “Be safe you two,” She said, following Shady up the stairs.

“Think those two will-”

Shady smiled, “Yup.”

“Did you do this on-”

Interrupting her again, he tried not to laugh. “Yup.”

“Are you going to keep interrup-”

“Yup!” he said opening the door and taking off down the road looking over his shoulder at her. She laughed and galloped after him.