Author's Notes:

This story will run side-by-side with my other story Tongue Tied. There may be things you do not understand in this story if you do not read the other, but hopefully not anything extremely important. You will still get your fill reading this story if you don't read the other, and vice versa. They are both about different characters. Feel free to leave a dislike if you don't like this idea, and feel free to keep reading if it doesn't bother you in the slightest! I love all my viewers and their opinions, so don't be afraid to crucify me for it. These stories take place in the same universe, so all the characters and OCs will most likely interact or cross paths at some point. So if you don't know about something or think something is random or surprising, it's because you didn't read the other story. Just a warning for future readers!

Cecil opened the front door and motioned Scootaloo and Alex inside. “Feel free to make yourself at home.” He said.

“Wow… a lot bigger then what I used to live in…” Alex said as he looked around the room.

“Yeah I’ve had some time to clean up since I met Fluttershy. The tower was pretty dusty before her.” Cecil chuckled.

Alex continued to look around for a moment, “Thank you.” He said.

“It’s no trouble really.” Cecil said.

A small gyrating sound was heard and small robot hovered by, floating next to Alex and grabbing his coat, putting it on the rack.

“What is that?” Alex asked curiously.

“Still deciding on the names… Have been for months. But I’m leaning toward calling it… Hmm…” Cecil mumbled, scratching his head. “Well my original name for then were klepto bots but… That seems a little cliche.”

The floating hand turned to Cecil, then Alex, it’s fingers moving meticulously as it waited.

“Does… it want something?” Alex asked.

The robot hovered close and extended its hand to shake.

Alex shook its hand. “Well it’s nice to meet you.” He said.

The hand floated up to Scootaloo and caressed her face.

“What is…” Scootaloo mumbled taking a small step back.

“Ey!” Cecil snapped.

The robot shot back a foot.

“Stop flirting.” Cecil said.

The hand flipped Cecil off and floated into the kitchen.

Cecil sighed. “He’s a real nice hand when you get to know him.” He said. Cecil looked at Alex, seeing a slight angered expression. “You okay?”

Alex’s expression returned to normal, “Yeah. I’m fine.” He nodded.

“Did you two um… Want something to eat?” Cecil asked.

“Yeah… we haven’t eaten since lunch.” Scootaloo nodded.

“Got it. Feel free to sit down and relax.” Cecil said, walking off out of the room.

Alex and Scootaloo sat down on the couch.

“I noticed…” Scootaloo said. “How you… reacted…”

“Oh… you… did…” Alex said quietly.

Scootaloo smiled, “I think it was a little cute…” She said.

Alex mumbled something quietly.

“I like you too.” Scootaloo smiled, hugging him a little.

Alex blushed brightly.

“Though… I really didn’t think about it until… well when Cecil… suggested that…” Scootaloo said.

Alex looked up at her and hugged her.

Scootaloo blushed a little but it faded shortly after.

There was a light knocking at the door.

They let go of each other and shared a small smile.

Alex got up and walked up to the door. He opened it up. There was a woman standing there that neither of them recognised. She looked down at Alex. “May I come in?” She asked.

“Oh… um sure…” Alex nodded, stepping back from the door.

The woman came inside and sat down on the couch.

“May… I ask who you are?” Alex asked.

“Maybe.” She said. “Scootaloo why don’t you go help Cecil in the kitchen.”

“What?” Scootaloo asked sounding surprised.

The woman just stared at Scootaloo.

“Um… s… sure.” Scootaloo said quietly as she got up and rushed into the kitchen.

The woman’s gaze switched to Alex and she smiled. “So?” She said.

“Um…” Alex said.

“You seem a little distressed. What’s wrong?” She asked.

“I don’t… know…” Alex said.

“And I mean before I arrived. Something is troubling you. How long you can hide it from them.” She said.

“W… what are you t… talking about?” Alex questioned shakily.

“You’re cute.” She said.

“O… okay…” Alex said.

Cecil walked out of the kitchen and froze, staring at the woman. “Uh… Hi?” He said uncertainly. He turned his head. “Keep stirring the soup Scoots!”

“Okay!” Scootaloo said.

Alex looked between the woman and Cecil.

Cecil looked at Alex and smiled. “Ohhh! You must be his mother.” He said.

“Wh-” Alex was interrupted.

“No sorry… I’m a friend of Twilight. My name is Mary. It’s nice to meet you.” She smiled, standing up and shaking Cecil’s hand.

Alex sighed quietly.

“What brings you here?” Cecil asked curiously.

“Oh nothing… I just wanted to see the place. Sam talks about you a lot so I figured… I might as well introduce myself.” Mary said.

“Oh well that’s nice of you.” Cecil smiled.

Alex glanced up at her, seeming a little worried.

Mary looked back at Alex, her smile growing wider. “Well it was nice to meet you Cecil. And it was nice meeting you too Alex.” She said, walking to the front door.

“Yes… nice to meet you… Mary…” Alex nodded slowly, his voice shaking a little bit.

Mary opened the door and looked around the room one last time. “Oh and Alex…” She said, staring out the front door and not even gazing at him.

“Y… yeah?” Alex asked.

“Why don’t you tell Cecil about the bruises.” Mary said.

Alex’s lip twitched a little and his hands started to shake.

Cecil looked down at Alex. “What bruises?” He asked concerned.

Alex closed his eyes and shakily grabbed his shoulder.

Cecil took a seat next to him. “Alex…” He said.

Alex opened his eyes and reached down pulling his shirt up, showing the few bruises on his stomach.

“What… happened?” Cecil asked cautiously.

Alex ignored him and pulled off his shirt, two large bruises were visible on his shoulder, one appeared more faded than the other. He then turned his back to Cecil and gave a clear view of the rest of the bruises that were scattered around his back. “These are why I ran away…” He said quietly.

Cecil stared at him for a moment. “I had no idea…” He said hesitantly.

“I think it’s d-” Scootaloo froze when she saw some of Alex’s bruises.

Alex glanced at her and quickly put his shirt back on. “Just… don’t make me go back…” He said quietly.

“Um… Why don’t… I uh… Serve the food. You two wait here…” Cecil stammered, standing up and rushing into the kitchen.

Scootaloo sat down beside Alex and wrapped her arms gently around him. “You won’t be going back…” She said quietly. “I won’t let you…”

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“So… How’s the soup?” Cecil asked.

“Great.” Alex said as he continued eating it.

“You’re a great cook Cecil.” Scootaloo smiled.

“No I’m not… Just average.” Cecil shrugged, returning the smile.

“This is the best meal I’ve had in a while.” Alex said. “Thank you.”

“There’s plenty if you want seconds.” Cecil said.

“That sounds great.” Alex smiled.

“Alright I’ll get you some more.” Cecil said, pausing for a moment. “Hell I’ll just bring the whole pot out.” He laughed, standing up and heading into the kitchen.

“I’m beginning to wonder if we’ll be sharing a room…” Scootaloo said contemplatively.

“I don’t know… maybe we should ask Cecil when he comes back out.” Alex said.

Cecil came out with the pot of soup and set it on the table. “Ask me what?” He said.

“About our… sleeping arrangement.” Scootaloo said.

“Oh of course. Head up the stairs and pick any of the rooms you want. At least… The ones with beds.” Cecil said.

“Any of them have two beds in them?” Alex asked.

“Yeah… do any of them?” Scootaloo nodded.

“Un… Unfortunately no sorry… But if you don’t feel comfortable being that close to each other you could always sleep in separate rooms.” Cecil shrugged.

Both of them nodded.

“Okay.” Alex said.

“That’s fine.” Scootaloo said.

“So… Why don’t I show you where you’ll be staying?” Cecil suggested.

“That sounds great.” Alex said.

“Mmmhm.” Scootaloo nodded.

Cecil motioned them to follow and walked them upstairs. “So tell me… How did you two meet?” He asked.

“At school today.” Scootaloo said.

“Yeah… some girl shoved me down onto her.” Alex said.

“Yeah… Diamond Tiara is really nasty to everyone.” Scootaloo said with a nod.

“Oh so you got a bully?” Cecil asked.

“More of a try-hard now. She always teases me and tells me that I’ll never fly… That my wings are just useless.” Scootaloo said.

“Mm… I know what you mean. I’ve had and seen bullies as cruel as that.” Cecil sighed.

“Do you mind if I take a shower?” Alex asked quietly.

“Not at all.” Cecil said, pointing to the bathroom.

“Thanks.” Alex said as he walked into the bathroom and closed the door behind himself.

“So… Why did you want to have separate beds?” Cecil asked.

“We just wanted to be in the same room.” Scootaloo said.

“But you don’t want to sleep in the same bed?” Cecil asked.

Scootaloo looked at the ground and a small blush appeared on her face, “Well… um…” She mumbled.

“I get it might be a little embarrassing but… Take it from me. Sleeping next to someone you love is a step up from you know… Sleeping alone.” Cecil said, putting a hand on her shoulder.

“Neither of us… really thought about that…” Scootaloo said.

“Well you’re thinking about it now. I’m just saying, it’s nice to have someone you know will keep you safe… And someone you know YOU can keep safe.” Cecil chuckled.

“And… you know… when you asked… THAT question…” Scootaloo said quietly.

“Which one?” He asked.

“If he was my boyfriend…” She said.

“What about it? You don’t think of him that way?” He asked.

“Well… he is now…” She said quietly.

“He likes you ya know?” Cecil said.

“I do.” Scootaloo nodded, “And I like him too.”

“Then what’s the problem?” He questioned.

“There isn’t one…” She said.

“Well that’s great!” Cecil smiled.

“So… you aren’t worried that…” Scootaloo started.

“That?” Cecil asked.

“Um…” Scootaloo said, her cheeks turning a little red.

“Go on… You can tell me.” He said.

“Well… I guess… it wouldn’t happen…” She mumbled.

“What? You mean sex?” He asked.

She froze a little and she nodded a little bit.

“Well if you want to… I guess I won’t stand in the way.” Cecil shrugged.

Scootaloo shook her head, “I know I’m… just not with the idea of it yet…” She said.

“Then don’t worry about it. A relationship isn’t just sex… Aside… Aside from well uh… Everyone elses. But yeah!” Cecil nodded.

“Well… good.” Scootaloo said.

“Anyways… Did you need anything? It’s getting kinda late.” He said.

“No I’m good… I’m just going to get in bed and wait for Alex.” She said as she stepped into the bedroom. “Good night Cecil.” She smiled.

“Night.” Cecil waved. “Oh yeah… Soup. I’ll go put that in the fridge.”

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Scootaloo curled under the blankets as Alex entered the room.

“I wish she ha-” Alex was interrupted.

“I am.” Scootaloo said.

Alex looked over at the bed and covered himself up.

“Put some underwear on and get in here… I don’t want to be this cold anymore…” She said.

Alex nodded and got his underwear on. He slipped under the blankets with her. He wrapped his arms around her and she nuzzled closer to his chest.

“I like this…” Scootaloo said quietly as she looked up at him.

“So do I.” He smiled.

She cuddled closer and sighed quietly as she laid her head down on his chest.

He laid his head down and slowly closed his eyes.

“Alex…” She said quietly.

“Yeah Scoots?” Alex asked.

“Um… n… now that we’re boyfriend… and girlfriend… do we have to… um…” She mumbled her wings twitching a little.

Alex kissed her nose, “Let’s just get everything worked out before anything happens.” He said with a soft smile.

Scootaloo blushed and smiled, nuzzling his chest a little. “I don’t just like you…” She whispered. “I really do love you…”

“I really love you too.” Alex said as he laid his head down again.

They both closed their eyes and fell asleep locked in each others arms.