“So where are we going, Daddy?” Dinky asked, looking up at Rush. The three of them- as Sweetie was there, too- were walking through Ponyville’s streets, making their way to the grocery store.

“Just to the store, I need to get a few things. Though don’t let that stop either of you from getting some things that you want.” Rush said, looking down at the two fillies with a smile.

Sweetie hopped up and down. “Oooh, does this mean we can get some sweets and toys?!” She piped up.

“Of course it does!” Rush nodded. “Just keep it reasonable, ok?”

“We’ll try…” Sweetie said, innocently smiling up at Rush.

“I know you two will.” Rush chuckled. “What have the both of you been up to today, anyway?”

“Well,” Dinky started, “My mommies made sandwiches, and then told us about the vacation we’re gonna have, and then told us to sphhhmp!” Before she could finish her sentence, however, Sweetie leaned over and covered her mouth, giving a nervous laugh.

“Ah-heh… Rarity and Derpy, uh, th-they told us to… shop with you! Because you’d like the… the company… heh…” Sweetie mumbled.

“Uh-huh…” Rush nodded slowly. He slowly turned back around to the direction they were going in.

Sweetie looked at Dinky. “That’s a secret!” She whispered. “We can’t tell him!”

“Sorry… I forgot about that…” Dinky whispered back, seeming a little embarrassed.

“What are you two whispering about?” Rush inquired.

“Uh… what we wanna get in the store!” Dinky lied.

“Mmhmm, I’m suuure that’s what you’re talking about.” Rush grinned.

Dinky puffed her cheeks out at the teasing.

“Come on you two, we’re nearly at the store.” Rush laughed, tugging the two of them along. “The sooner we get there, the sooner we can get the candy.”

Dinky and Sweetie immediately forgot their small troubles, racing forward at the promise of sweets.

“You two just stay nearby, alright? I’ll make sure we go by the aisles you want.” Rush stated as he pushed a cart into the store.

“Can we ride in the cart, Daddy?” Dinky asked.

“Of course you can, but only for a little bit.” Rush nodded.

Dinky cheered, climbing into the cart and sitting down. “You wanna ride too, Sweetie?” She asked.

“Yeah!” Sweetie said, climbing up into the cart.

“Great! Now let’s start shopping.” Rush smiled, pushing the cart into the aisle labeled ‘body care’.

“Um… Mr. Rush…” Sweetie started.

“Sweetie, I really don’t mind if you just call me Rush.” He commented.

“Okay!” Sweetie smiled. “Um…” She trailed off into thought.

“Can we get some white chocolate for Mommy?” Dinky interjected.

“Of course we can!” Rush nodded, he then paused for a moment and looked to Sweetie, “What type of chocolate does Rarity like?” He inquired, his tone curious.

“Um, she likes dark chocolate… mostly because it’s healthier.” Sweetie said.

“Alright…” Rush nodded. “Maybe I can…” He trailed off, clearly thinking about something important.

“What kind of chocolate do you like, Daddy?” Dinky asked.

“I absolutely love sea-salt milk chocolate… my mom always got that whenever she could.” Rush said, smiling widely at the memory.

“What types of food do you like?” Sweetie inquired.

“Hm… that’s a little bit more difficult… I don’t have a favorite food per-se, more like… favourite flavours, and it doesn’t matter what food it’s in.” Rush started. “I like spices… salt, citrus flavours, cinnamon… and cherry.”

“What about cima… clime… places?” Dinky continued to ask.

“Well… I like the outdoors. I spent a lot of time camping and doing some other things with my dad. I also love the ocean… but I, uh… don’t know how to swim.” Rush answered, glancing down at the two. “What’s with the sudden curiosity, though?” He asked, with a sly smile. “Does it have to do with the secret I can’t know?”

“Yes! Dinky said.

“No!” Sweetie said at the same time.

Rush laughed, “I’m just teasing. It’s nice that you two want to get to know me. I only wish your moms- and your sister- would take the same interest on our dates… though it’s not really bothersome.” He sighed.

Sweetie and Dinky gave each other a look. “They don’t… they aren’t interested on your dates?” Sweetie tilted her head.

“They are. It’s just they don’t start asking me questions… I want to get to know them a bit more, but... I feel awkward starting the questioning.” Rush explained. “The dates are always fun and enjoyable, though.”

“Well... that’s good, right?” Dinky asked.

“Of course it is!” Rush nodded.

Sweetie tapped her chin for a moment, “What do you like to do for fun?” She asked.

“I love to draw. I also like to camp, cook, bake… really, I love everything I had to do in my childhood. I just sort of grew attached to helping my mom and dad around the house and I never stopped liking it.” He explained.

“You mean you like to do chores?” Dinky asked, taken aback.

“I never saw them as chores, but… yes. I guess I do.” Rush said.

“You said you like to bake, does that mean you’re gonna try to do something with chocolate tonight?” Sweetie asked.

“Yep! I’m still thinking of what I could bake with both dark and white chocolate in it. If I can’t , then I can just bake several desserts for everyone to try.” Rush stated.

“What about things you like to read, or watch at the movies?” Dinky asked, continuing the train of questioning.

“Horror… lots and lots of horror.” He stated, not bothering to elaborate on which part of the question he was answering.

Both Sweetie and Dinky shivered. “You… you like scary movies, Rush?” Sweetie whispered.

“Well… I don’t like jumpscares, but I do like scary movies. ‘Specially the older ones. I guess, I like the feeling of being scared.” Rush nodded.

“Wow… how do you not have nightmares?” Sweetie asked, her tone genuinely curious.

“I dunno, I just rarely have any nightmares.” He shrugged. “I think it’s because I tend to sleep with somepony else now.”

“And Rarity and Derpy keep you from having nightmares?” Sweetie continued.

“They do.” Rush nodded. “I’m sure I do the same for them. Haven’t you two noticed it, too? Other ponies being around makes it easier to sleep, doesn’t it?”

“Well…” Dinky thought for a second. “Yeah. I can remember sleeping easier when Mommy slept in the same room as me, and it’s always easier to sleep with friends at a sleepover.”

“Yeah! It’s so much nicer to have someone else to sleep near.” Sweetie nodded.

“Any other questions you two want to ask?” Rush inquired, glancing towards the shelves.

“I can’t really think of any right now, what about you, Dinky?” Sweetie asked, looking at her friend.

“Umm… what’s your favorite thing to cook?” Dinky put out.

“Breakfast.” Rush smiled. “It’s always fun trying to make something everyponies’ so used to different and exciting. Though it’s also fun to go back to the usual breakfast items.”

“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” Sweetie nodded. “But what’s your favorite meal in general?”

“Hm… I made a hot chile grilled cheese once… I think that has to be my favorite meal to cook.” Rush said.

“Wow… just the name sounds spicy.” Sweetie shivered.

“It was incredibly spicy.” Rush nodded. “But it was reeeaaally good.”

“Like… sour candy? But spicy?” Dinky asked.

“Mmhm, just like sour candy. I could make it for you two sometime... a lot less spicy, of course.” Rush said.

“Maybe…” DInky said. “I think I’ll just stick to peanut butter and jelly for now, though.”

“Alright, that’s just fine.” Rush smiled, “If that’s all the questions for now, we should start shopping so we can get back home and decide what to make for dinner.”

“Yeah! Let’s finish shopping, and maybe you can think of something to make for dessert!” Sweetie nodded happily.

Dinky giggled. “Yeah! And… can we get ice cream, too?” She pleaded.

“Didn’t you both already eat though?” Rush mused. The two of them blushed, looking away nervously. “We can pick some up so you can have it with your dessert tonight though.” He laughed, shaking his head as he continued pushing them down the aisle.

“So… did you decide in what you’re gonna make, Rush?” Sweetie asked, looking up at Rush as she put the last of the groceries onto the counter.

“Mmhm. I’m going to make spaghetti tonight, with homemade tomato and alfredo sauces.” Rush said.

“That sounds sooo tasty!” Sweetie exclaimed, nearly salivating at the thought of it.

“And what’s for dessert?” Dinky asked, scrambling up into a chair and then the counter, dangling her legs off the edge as she looked up at Rush.

“A white and dark chocolate cake.” Rush stated.

“Woah… you can actually make that?” Dinky wondered aloud, her eyes widening. “That’s gonna be amazing!”

“Yep! I know it’s going to taste great!” Rush nodded.

“Do you want us to help you cook?” Sweetie offered.

“If you two wanted to, that’d be great!” Rush smiled, “I’ll take any help I can get.”

“Yay! Let’s get cooking, then!” Sweetie cheered.

“What should we do first, Daddy?” Dinky asks, jumping down from the counter.

“First, get me the noodles, the cheese, and the tomatoes. I’ll handle the stove and any cutting we need to do.” Rush instructed.

“Alright, I’ll get the tomatoes and cheeses!” Sweetie said, hopping up.

“Where are the noodles, Daddy?” Dinky asked.

“They should be inside the cabinet.” Rush motioned to the higher up cabinet.

“I can’t reach that, Daddy… can you give me a lift?” Dinky asked, holding her arms up to Rush.

“Of course.” Rush smiled, lifting Dinky up into the air. She giggled as he held her, before opening the cabinet and grabbing the noodles.

“Ok Daddy, I got ‘em!” She chirped. “You can put me down, now.”

Rush took the noodles and set them down on the counter, smiling widely as he began to tickle Dinky while she was still in his hold.

“A-he-he!” Dinky giggled, wriggling around in his grip. “S-s-stop it, Daaaaddy!” She begged.

“All you have to do is say please!” He laughed, tickling her a bit more.

“Puh… p-please, Daddy!” She kept laughing, trying to get away from him. “T-tickle Sweetie inste-he-heeead!”

“That’s a great idea!” Rush grinned, setting Dinky down and grabbing Sweetie instead.

“W-wait, no, do- haha!” Sweetie said, trying to talk her way out of it before Rush started to tickle her. Rush continued to tickle Sweetie for another minute or so before setting her down.

“As much fun as that is… we should really get back to work making dinner.” Rush said.

Dinky giggled a little more, before asking, “Alright, Daddy… so what do we do next?”

“Now, I need some tomatos.” Rush said. “That way I can start on the first sauce.”

“Uhm… so where are the tomatoes and cheeses, anyway?” Sweetie asked.

“Inside the fridge.” Rush motioned.

“Oh, ok!” Sweetie chirped. She rushed over to the fridge and swung the door open, rummaging about inside and quickly coming back with a few tomatoes and a block of parmesan cheese.

“Just set them down. I’ll cut the tomatoes and grate the cheese.” Rush said. Sweetie did as Rush requested, putting the ingredients down.

“What now, Daddy?” Dinky asked. “Do you want us to do something while you cook?”

“Um, you two can get me the butter.” He nodded.

Dinky ran over to the counter and grabs the small bin of butter, running back over to Rush as soon as she’d gotten it.

“Thank you! Why don’t you two find something to do for the time being? I’ll call you both back in when I’m ready for your help again.”

“Ok, Daddy!” Dinky said. She ran up to him and hugged his leg before shooting off into the living room.

“What should we do?” Sweetie inquired, looking curiously at Dinky.

“Umm… we could go in Mommy and Daddy’s room! I bet they have a lotta cool stuff in there.” Dinky suggested.

“Alright!” Sweetie nodded. The two of them sneak over to Rush and Derpy’s room, opening the door quietly enough for Rush to not hear.

“Hm… where should we start looking?” Sweetie inquired. “I’ve never been in here before…”

“Let’s look in the drawers! I bet Mommy and Daddy have a buncha cool stuff in there.” Dinky said, pointing to the dresser.

“Alright! Maybe we can play dress up!” Sweetie nodded, walking over to the dresser and opening it.

Dinky climbed up on top of the dresser, looking into the drawer. “Ooh… panties!” She said. Reaching down into the drawer, she pulled out one of Derpy’s signature pairs of panties- a grey that matched her fur, along with a muffin on the front.

“Woah… what else is in there?” Sweetie asked, reaching into the drawer as well, pulling out an equally adorned bra. “Ooh, these are really cute!”

Dinky leaned down and pulled the too-large panties up her body, giggling as they just barely stay around her legs. “How do you put a bra on, anyway?” She asked, looking back at Sweetie.

“I dunno.” Sweetie shrugged. “Hmm… hey, what about this drawer?”

The room was in (metaphorical) shambles. Clothes were all over the floor and the bed, and the two fillies inside were covered in random assortments of clothes, uncaring about whether or not said clothes matched.

Dinky still wore the panties from earlier, but also had a pair of black, lacy socks on her ears. Her body was covered by a large white shirt that said “Stud Muffin”, and her hands had fingerless gloves.

Sweetie had a large pair of pants on, the legs of it dragging behind her as she walked about, as well as a shirt with a trio of gemstones on it. The bra she had held earlier now rested upon her head, and a nightgown tied around her neck acted as a cape.

Dinky was just grabbing another pair of pants when something fell out of them- something small and rectangular that fell to Sweetie’s feet. “What’s this?” Sweetie asked, reaching down and picking up the object.

It was some kind of folded piece of vinyl, with cards and such inside. “I… I think it’s Daddy’s wallet.” Dinky said.

“Ooooh, he has a picture inside!” Sweetie said.

“Yeah… it seems like a picture of-” Dinky started.

Rush suddenly opened up the door, “What are you two doing in heeeeee…” He trailed off, looking around the room that looked like a tornado had blown through.

Dinky and Sweetie looked at one another, before turning their gazes back to Rush.

“You two made quite the mess.” Rush pointed out, his tone slightly frustrated.

“Sorry, Daddy…” Dinky mumbled, looking down at the ground.

Rush sighed, “It’s alright… we just need to clean this up before your mommies get home.” He walked over to Dinky, though he stopped as soon as he saw what Sweetie was holding. “Where did you get that?” He asked slowly.

“O-oh… this was… it was in one of your pairs of pants.” Sweetie said, handing Rush the wallet and the picture she had taken out. “We were just looking at it…”

“It’s fine…” Rush mumbled as he looked at the picture, he seemed to get completely lost in thought.

“Who’s in the picture, Daddy?” Dinky asked. “We saw you in there, but… we don’t know who the other zebras are.”

“They’re my family…” Rush sighed quietly.

“Your family?” Sweetie queried.

“My mom, my father, and both my sisters.” Rush nodded. “It’s been a while since I saw them…” He sniffled quietly. Dinky leaned in, and took a better look at the picture.

She saw both an older mare and stallion, as well as a filly that looked barely older than her, a mare that looked just as old as Rush- and Rush himself, of course. The older stallion had Rush in a playful headlock, the two of them smiling and laughing in the photo. The older mare was staring at the two of them with a small smile, while the filly was on top of the younger mare’s shoulders.

“What are they like?” Sweetie asked him, sitting down next to Rush.

“They’re all really fun…” Rush started. “I’d love to have them meet all of you sometime. I’m sure you’d both like my littlest sister, Senja. Well… they’re both my little sisters, though Galila is just a little younger than me.”

“Is that the filly and the mare holding her?” Dinky pointed at the two of them.

“Yeah... then there’s my mom, Pia.” He said, “And my dad, Trace.” He laughed quietly, “My mom’s my hometown’s potion maker… go figure she gave me quite a few potions she made just for me.” He shook his head, “My dad’s a painter, so I guess I took up my artistic skills from him, he’s not really… known outside of our town though.”

“What about your sisters?” Sweetie inquired.

“Senja loves to sing… and I’m pretty sure Galila took up acting, she always loved to act.”

“So…” Dinky started. “What happened in the picture? You guys are all… having fun in it, instead of standing there and smiling like Mommy makes me do.”

“Oh… we took this picture a few days before I left… but it was right after all five of us had just gotten done going out for the day. My dad got me in a headlock… and everyone else started to laugh as the two of us wrestled. It was a really… really great day,” Rush said, sighing and running a finger over the photograph. Over the course of his explanation, his emotions had gotten the better of him, contributing to the few tears trickling down his face.

“Are you okay, Daddy?” Dinky asked him, a frown on her face from seeing him cry.

“Yeah… I’m… just…” He mumbled quietly, shaking his head. “I’m going to… go finish dinner…”

Dinky and Sweetie leaped at him before he could leave, tackling him back to the cloth-covered ground. “No, Daddy!” Dinky said. “Don’t be sad… maybe one day they can come and visit!”

“I-I… know they c-can…” He mumbled quietly.

“And now you have Rarity and Derpy and Dinky and me, Rush.” Sweetie said, nuzzling his chest. “You couldn’t be lonely if you tried!”

“Yeah… yeah, you’re right.” Rush smiled weakly, hugging the two of them.

“Daddy?”

“Yeah, honey?” Rush asked.

“Are you mad at us for looking in your wallet?”

“No… I’m not.” Rush shook his head.

“...Daddy?” Dinky asked again.

“Yeah?”

“Are we in trouble for messing up you and Mommy’s room?”

“A little. Unless we can get this cleaned up before she sees it.” Rush said. “Which could be soon… so let’s get started.”

Author's Notes:

Everypony Cries Sometimes was the runner-up for chapter name.
As always, many thanks to Patric12345 for co-writing!
Toodles!
~TOOWC