https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOY24atpvRY

I nervously rubbed the back of my head, a single drop of sweat trickling down the side of face. "And that's what happened."

After ten minutes of explaining, Applejack and Rainbow Dash stared both Aria and me down to the point where we were easily cowering behind our emotions. We jumped back in our seats as Applejack sighed and shook her head. "Ah don't want believe you, ah really don't....but your story is more solid than my sturdiest barn."

"So you believe us?"

Applejack nodded with a smile, of course Rainbow Dash didn't offer the same understanding. Instead, she proceeded to get up from the table and walk away. Within seconds, Applejack jumped and stopped Rainbow, pulling her off to side and have a very low key conversation. Both Aria and I just looked at each other and back to the whispering friends. I tapped her and motioned to the stairs just opposite of the two friends with my head. We silently got up from our seats and began sneaking away until a loud grunt from Rainbow Dash stopped us in our tracks. We turned like two guilty convicts to the staring girls. Applejack pushed Rainbow a little then motioned to us. "Go on then, say it."

Rainbow held on to her annoyed expression as she sighed then opened her mouth to speak. "I want to get to know you."

Applejack nudged her. "Louder."

"I want to get to know you alright."

I rubbed eyes as if to break myself from a dream. "I'm sorry what?"

The blush began to paint her cyan colored cheeks. "I judged to fast ok. Reform is possible so I would like to get know her."

She growled at your dumbstruck expression. "You...you want to forgive somebody?"

"Well yea...what's the issue?"

"It's just...you know."

"I know what? Are you saying I hold grudges or something?"

I'm probably stupid for continuing this topic. "Well yea actually, there was that whole incident with applejack before the fall formal and then the friendship games and let's not forget that little problem with Sunset two weeks ago where.."

I was suddenly cut off by a lack of air. It took me a while before I finally noticed the boot to my gut. I must have flipped over two tables before crashing into a nearby wall, feeling as if my life was slipping away as everyone watched a small ghost version of me start to float into the air. Aria became concerned, frantically shaking me as I lay there. Finally, after about three minutes, I was able to stand up, pop any bones back into place, and dust my self off. I approached Rainbow who kept her gaze slightly averted from mine but that didn't seem to hide the blush on her cheeks. "I'm sorry for kicking you Delz."

"It's all good." I said as I began to stretch.

"You're not hurt?"

"Yea no."

"But I kicked you pretty hard didn't I? You hit that wall like rock."

"Yea after living with people who literally end up doing that everyday, you learn to resist it. So what was that part about wanting to get to know Aria?"

"W...well after the Sunset incident with the whole she-demon thing, she became a really great friend. So after alot of convincing and...possibly a bribe, I'm willing...to try and accept Aria...even though she tried to control the whole school."

The response politely asked for a smack to the back head which Applejack happily and swiftly provided. She rubbed her head and pouted a little making both Aria and me chuckle silently. After much thought, Aria finally gathered up what little courage she could and took a step towards Rainbow Dash. "So....you want to know me?"

'I said it didn't I?"

She jerked back at the response but struggled to hold her ground. "Yes I believe you did. Well if you would like to know the real me. I...suppose I should tell you the whole story." We all nodded in agreement, getting up from our table and dumping our food into the nearest trash can. As we walked around the mall and Aria began to spin her tale of getting from Equestria to this world, I couldn't help but admire the three girls. Rainbow Dash, her awesome multi-colored hair, that absolute kick-ass attitude, she's any man's dream. Applejack however, she could knock a man dead with that beautiful accent, those freckles just make you want to stare. Aria though, simply wonderful. nice and silky smooth skin, eyes that could mesmerize for hours, and so shy, it'd be downright murder to be so cute. "Delz, are you ok?" Aria said as she looked up at me.

Finally I realized my mistake and turned away scratching my nose in embarrassment. "I..I'm fine just...fine." What an idiot, I was just staring like a freaking idiot. Keep it together Delz. I attempted to keep myself occupied by checking out the many stores as Aria continued talking. It was when I heard a loud gasp that I turned to face Rainbow and AJ in shock. Simultaneously they blurted out, "You're from Equestria?!"

Quickly I shushed them and brought them in close. "Yes I'm from Equestria but I would appreciate it if you didn't blurt it out to the world."

Rainbow, like a giddy school girl, jumped up and down. "You guys have to tell us everything, I'm dying to know."

"I really don't want to.....fine, just let us get what we came here for first."

Applejack rubbed the back of her head and nervously chuckled. "Sorry sugar."

"About what?"

"Well ah knew you had things you were looking to do and even with that thought, ah still dragged you fellas away from that. Sorry if we wasted your time."

"No no, you didn't waste out time at all." Aria said as she took hold of Applejack's hand. "If anything, this was glorious meeting of fate, a chance for me to repair my mistakes and make new friends. Delz if it's ok with you, I would like hang out with Applejack and Rainbow for a little while."

I shrugged and checked my watch. "You're your own person now Aria. No need to ask me for permission. There are a couple other things I can take care of while i'm here as well as the Christmas shopping plus it's only 10:00. I got about two hours to kill so let's meet up at the center of the mall at 11:00. That give us time to get the decorations home and set up." They all nodded and we separated without a look back, Aria taking AJ and Dash to explore the mall and me to do the work. Just like with Sonata and Sugarcoat. I made my way past an escalator and aimed for a pet store. As I approached, there appeared to be a sign on the front door. Please close the doors quickly upon entry. I shrugged, opened the door and shut it quickly as possible. When i turned to face the store I was greeted by an onslaught of barks and licks. I could hear faint giggling in the background under my own as the dogs continued their wet onslaught. "Ok, hahaha, please make them stop."

Two claps ensued and the dogs backed off. I stood up and wiped the slobber from my face as I peer to the origin of the claps. "Well hello there Delz. It seems my friends liked you."

"Fluttershy...Fluttershy!" I ran up and hugged her without warning, spinning her around as if she were my daughter."It's so great so see you again."

"My my, what lovely greeting. Could you perhaps put me down though?"

"Oh sorry." I let her feet touch the ground again and she patted herself down. Before you ask, no we're not dating. Actually I see her as more of a mother figure to me. Believe it or not I actually knew the Rainbooms long before I met Sonata and well at that time, I was in a pretty bad situation. For sometime I had been living with foster parents who just so happen to be Japanese in nature but after I left, things didn't go so well. Almost evicted, no job, no food, basically the definition of a bum. It was Fluttershy who came across me wondering the streets and took me into her home. As if I were a little kid all over again, she fed me, clothed me, and eventually would go to help me get my job at the clothing store thanks to Rarity, and even buy the house I live in now. Any normal man would be in crush central right now but not me. I could even go as far as to call Fluttershy mom, that would be hell of weird though. "So how have you been?"

"Oh i'm doing fine really."

"Oh come on, there's more than that Flutter."

"I...well I suppose that I've been looking forward to Christmas this year."

"What's up?"

"Well you know that animal shelter four blocks down."

"Local Paws animal shelter?"

She brought her arms to her chest in this cute fashion, her fist sitting just below chin and a smile locked upon her face. "That's the one. Well tonight, there's something going on that i'm hosting."

"You're hosting?"

"Yea, a Christmas party for the animals. All of my friends are gonna be there."

"It's nice to see someone as amazing as you care enough to even throw them a party."

"They are my weakness I admit, but the true weakness would be if you weren't able to make it."

"Fluttershy I don't think I can....unfortunately...actually."

"Well why not?"

"Well see, I got invited to another party already."

"Oh that's too bad. I would've really loved to see you there. Well either way, I'm going to stay happy about this."

"There's the Fluttershy I know and love. I actually came to give something."

"Oh really?"

I began to remove a small box from my jacket pocket I had concealed before leaving the house knowing full well that I would see some of the Rainbooms today. I handed it to her, watching the blush rush to her face as she opened it up. She slipped one finger under a chain and lifted it up. "You like it?"

She feasted her eyes upon the custom made silver Angel, the bunny she carries around all the time, necklace. Inside the silver bunny was her name engraved. Tears began to rush to her eyes as she tried to utter any words she could. "Delz....I..don't know what to say....I'm....this..is."

I opened my arms as she rushed in for hug. "I know I've been...distant these past year and I just wanted to say that I still love you, mom."

"Oh honey, that word is just so weird when it comes to us. But right now, it's perfect....son."

All the animals seemed to let a slight sound that seemed to sound like awww. Finally we broke our hug and she began to wipe the tears away from her eyes. "Sadly, I do have other things to do today."

"It's quite alright Delz. You just made my day." I smiled and gave her a smaller hug before exiting the store. She happily waved and almost immediately starting admiring the necklace. I looked at my watch to check on my progress. "10:05, making good time." I proceeded up the escalator and began searching for a certain store. "Where is it...um.....maybe around the corner..ah ha, there it is, Pegasus." I walked inside and was instantly greeted by, "Sunny Flare?"

"Hello there Delz. So you're the new eye-candy that Sugarcoat has been staying with."

"Eye-candy? Is that what she's been saying about me to the Shadowbolts?"

"Not at all. I just assumed the way she talks about you, you were downright gorgeous. Man, was I right." She said she started checking me out.

"Um...In order to avoid anything that may happen in the next few seconds, can I pick up the things I had on reserve?"

"Right away." She said in a sensual tone as she turned to walk to the back, swaying her hips in a sensual way. She appeared a moment later with a couple of dresses Sonata and Sugarcoat had been drooling over the last time we were here and set them on the counter. I ripped out my wallet and handed her my debit card. She swiped it and handed it back. After she folded the clothes into a bag and handed it to me, she put a finger on m chin and brought me in close. "Say, if doesn't work out with your two new roomies then just give me a call." She said as she slipped a piece of paper into the bag. "I'm always available."

My face instantly turned red, finally I began to realize her intentions. "I'll be sure to take that into account. And i'm walking this way now." she laughed as I quickly rushed out of the store. Desperately, I wiped my forehead and let out a sigh of relief. "I got find a better way to deal with this, seems like every glamazon in the city is looking to get me alone." I made my way across the mall to many other stores finally ending up at the entrance to Christmas heaven around 10:30. Even with all the bags I was already holding, I had the drive to get this done. I strolled inside and picked up all the decorations I needed. "Lights..check..blow up reindeer..check..tree..check..alright that's the outside of the house. Now let's see inside..actual christmas tree..I will get someone to drive it over..three huge teddy bears..check..candles, lights, ornaments, food, table cloth..check, check, check, check, and check. Alright then that should do it.Wait a minute? How am I going to get any of this home?"

"We may be of service sir."

To my surprise the voices did not sound familiar. I turned, expecting someone at my height only to look and see three little girls. "Oh well hi there cuties. And what are your names?"

"I'm Applebloom."

"I'm Scootaloo."

"And I'm Sweetie belle." I became confused as they took a cheerleader pose spelling out CMC as they yelled in sync, "And we're the Cutie Mark Crusaders."

"Cutie Mark Crusaders?" They couldn't be talking about an actual Cutie Mark could they? "So who exactly are the Cutie Mark Crusaders?"

Scootaloo stood up nice and tall with her eyes closed, and a cocky smirk on her face. "An ingenious name If I do say so myself. We, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, are destined to do anything and everything we can to help out the people of the fair city."

Applebloom jumped up with excitement just about almost toppling me. "And Christmas just so happens to be the most rootin tootin time of the year where we can shine. That just so happens to be the store we're working out right now. Christmas heaven is the central hub for all your Christmas goods and at the center of all, the Cutie Mark Crusaders."

"So let me get this straight. You three little girls...are here to help all the customers...with these heavy boxes of decorations and trees."

Scootaloo immediately grabbed me by the collar and reeled me in, her eyes only centimeters away from mine. "Don't underestimate us just cause we're short. We're gonna help you carry all this stuff back to your car and you're gonna like it."

"But...I have a christmas tree...and I..."

She finally let me go and motioned her two friends to her side. "No buts, we're doing this mister let's go!"

"Aren't you gonna need some help?"

"Nope!"

"Do you want my help by chance?"

"Alright girls lift the tree on three....one." Scootaloo said as they placed their hands under the tree.

"Are you sure you want do this?"

"Two."

"Can anyone please help me out here?!"

"Three."

"Oh no." The loud sound of a tree smacking against tile filled the mall as three loud cracks could be heard. "I told you."

"Ow that hurt, I think we popped our backs." Sweetie Belle said as all three of them rubbed their backs.

"Either I find someone to help or I'm going to be here a while."

Author's Notes:

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Literally, my favorite part to write had to be the mother to son relationship Delz has with Fluttershy, so sweet :3