I was up bright and early this morning. Ready to face the world and try to get some answers to a very special question Rainbow and I had. I look down to Scootaloo and Rainbow with a smile. I truly wish this works out. I took my shower and got dressed quickly as I was too excited to wait for Rainbow and Scoots to wake up. I left Rainbow a note saying that I was going to get an early start on things, she would understand what I meant by it.

With everything sorted out I knew who I needed to see first in this entire thing. She is smart and probably knows everything there is about Equestria. That someone is Twilight. I know I was going to be a little early than most ponies, but if I was lucky, then it would be one of the nights she went to bed early, so she could study early.

I stood before her door feeling a good amount of excitement. I take a few steady breaths to calm my nerves just before I gently knock on the door. It doesn't take too long for the door to come flying open to reveal a rather awake and alert Twilight and an almost zombie like Spike at her side.

“Oh Anon! What brings you around here so early?” She asks.

“I am not interrupting anything am I?” I ask not wanting to be rude.

“No, it's fine. I was just doing some studying.” She looks back to a small fort of books by a desk.

“Well I won't hold you up too long then. I just wanted to ask you a question about something.”

“Please come in.” She says moving away so I could enter.

“Thank you.” I reply as I enter.

“Spike, you can take a nap if you want. I will call you when I need you.” Twilight says as she trots over to me.

I look back at spike just in time for him to slip me a quick ‘thank you’ as he walks upstairs.

“So what is it that you wanted to know?” Twilight says bringing a quill and paper with her.

I start to feel my emotions build a little at how to word this. “You know Scootaloo right?” I ask even though I know she does.

“Yes, I know of her.” She replies raising an eyebrow.

“Well, I am not sure how to say this without being direct.. So.” I take a deep breath. “Rainbow and I are thinking about possibly adopting her.”

I look up to see Twilight's eyes go wide, her smile falls along with the quill and paper.

“Y-You what?” She asks.

“I guess this is rather sudden.” I admit to her. “It's hard to explain the reasoning behind it. But to put it simply, I just want that kid to have better. If adopting her means that's the only way to give her better, then, then I want to adopt her. Twilight, can you help me?” I ask looking back to her.

The silence that overtook the both of us was so eerie that a single pin drop could have been heard. I could even hear Twilight take a hard gulp as she tried to center her thoughts. I watch as her magic returns to her as she lifts the quill and paper once again.

“S-so you want to adopt Scootaloo?” She asks taking a few notes at a very slow pace.

“Yes.” I answer with a nod.

“And you came here to ask me how to go about this?” She continues. I give her another nod. “Alright, well, I do know a good amount of Equestrian law. I am rather familiar with adoption processes but I haven't studied everything on it.”

“I just want to know if there is any paperwork I need to fill out or maybe something that could make this impossible.” I say looking to her for answers.

Again she gulps. “There will be a lot of paperwork.” She admits but then something seems to strike her. “But, you might not be eligible for adoption.”

I knew this was a possibility but I still felt my tone become heated. “What do you mean?”

She seems to catch the tone in my voice as she take a few minutes to compose. “You technically aren't a native to Equestria. So that means unless you get permission from the princess, then you can't legally apply.”

I let out a sigh. “So I have to ask Celestia if she will let me adopt her?” I ask wanting to be sure.

“To put it bluntly. Yes.” She answers.

I scratch the back of my head in thought.

“So how do we proceed from here?” I ask looking up to her.

“You still want to do this?” She asks.

I give a nod. “It's just some more stuff to do but I won't let it deter me.” I say with confidence.

Twilight gives a reluctant nod. “I will send a letter to Celestia as soon as I can.” She says before turning her attention to a new piece of paper as she starts writing.

“Thank you for helping me with this Twilight.” I say.

“It’s, It’s no problem.” She says never turning to face me.

I was going to ask her what was wrong but I take notice that it was almost time for me to be at work.

“I gotta head out to work now Twilight, Thanks again.” I say just before showing myself out.

I never did hear her reply before I left.

Well, work was like work always was. I did my job and people left me tips, it was rather easy and I enjoyed it greatly. Though today especially seemed to be a good day. For when I walked into the main room to ask Lotus if she needed me to do anything while I wait, I was surprised to see someone I knew all too well walking thru the front door.

“Rarity!” I say with a smile.

We both meet in the middle for a quick hug.

“Darling it's so nice to see you.” She says with a smile.

“So, another spa emergency?” I say with a light chuckle.

I haven't been working here long and yet I find that Rarity seems to practically live here.

“Not today dear. I found a new mare looking about town as if lost, when I asked her she said she was looking for the spa where Anon worked at. Well color me surprised when she mentioned you by name. So I decided to bring her here myself.” As Rarity points towards the entrance doors.

There I see with a completely red face is Grace. It looks like she is totally embarrassed. I can't help but chuckle a little at her discomfort. Rarity and I walk over to her.

“So what brings you here Grace? Maybe a nice sauna, mud bath.” I hold up my hands and wiggle my fingers at her. “Massage.”

I can see her glaring at me with hate as her face only gets redder by the second. “I just came to say hi is all.”

She tries to turn to leave but Rarity quickly snatches her forehoof.

“Oh you must try one of Anon’s massages darling!” She urges Grace by gently tugging her hoof towards the building.

“I-I can't right now, I am rather busy as it is.” She tries to reason.

“Busy with what?” I ask with a devilish smirk.

“You know.. Things.” She looks to me as if she wants to punch me.

“Oh! You mean that thing. Yeah, well I cancelled it. Let's go.” I say nodding my head towards the rooms.

I don't even look back as I hear the sound of teeth grinding together. I just continue on as the reluctant sound of hooves following come into my hearing. I open the door and show the two mares in but see Rarity stops short at the frame.

“Sorry darling, as much as I would love a massage, I must attend to a special order I received.”

I give a nod. “Alright then. Thanks again for showing my friend the way Rarity.”

“Anytime darling.” She says with a prance in her step as she trots away.

I close the door as I turn around to face Grace. Only to get slugged in the chest. I hit the door with a considerable amount of force but not enough to seriously harm me, just knock the wind out of me.

“You ass!” She says in a heated tone.

I cough a little while trying to chuckle. “S-sorry” I say trying to catch my breath.

“I was on duty when she came over to talk to me. I had to think of something believable to tell her!” Grace goes off.

“Its fine, its fine.” I say trying to calm her.

“What if a guard sees me in here?!” She panics.

“Grace, it's just a spa.” I deadpan.

“Exactly! A girly spa for mares!”

I slowly reach over as I gently start to massage her shoulders.

“You sure you don't like spa’s?” I can feel her go slack a little. “Not even a little bit?” I say with a smirk.

She regains her focus and slaps my hands away. “Stop that!”

I just shrug. “You and I are already in here. Might as well get it good while you can. A guard will either have seen you when you came in or see you when you leave. Chances are neither of those will happen, last I checked, you are the only royal guard here.” I state matter of factly.

She was about to retort but just closed her mouth. She doesn't say a thing as she gets into the massage chair. I can't help but smirk as I walk over to her.

“Do you prefer any lotions or oils?” I say giving her the full treatment.

“Well.. I mean..” I see her stiffen up a little. “I kinda like the smell of vanilla.”

I smile a little. “So let me get this straight.” I pick up a bottle of vanilla oil and drip some onto my hands. “You told me you didn't want oils -after- I already applied it?” I say giving her a knowing smirk.

“Y-Yes I did.” She says seeing where I was going.

“Well I am sorry Grace it's too late for me to not have oil on my hands. Guess we will have to make do.” I say gently laying my hands onto her shoulders as I start my work.

“The service here sucks.” She states with a smirk.

“Yeah well learn to speak up before I add the oil.” I reply returning that smile.

We just enjoyed our time as I work the sore spots from her shoulders and traveled down her back to other problems areas.

I can hear her let out a happy sigh. “I gotta admit that this is great.” She says.

“Well, fingers are pretty awesome.” I state with a chuckle.

“No.” She pauses a little. “I meant this.” She waves her hooves around the room. “You, me. Just, you know, relaxing.”

I feel my hands move even slower as my mind seems to go back to the night I dried her off. The curves, her fur. Everything seemed to come together in a unique way. I can still feel the emotions fill within me even when I simply look at her. It actually hurts when I think about it.

“I understand that.” I say now regaining my thoughts.

“Maybe we should, I don't know.. Hang out more?” She asks.

“Hang out? Anywhere in particular?”

“M-Maybe a restaurant?”

I feel myself freeze up as this left her. What did she just ask?

I gulp a little. “um, sure. What time?” I feel myself reply as a warmth seems to spread over me.

“How about tomorrow night?” She asks.

“That sounds like a good time to me.” I reply.

Without warning she hops out of the chair. “Great, I-I need to get back to patrol though.” I notice a massive blush over her face. “See you then.”

Without anything else she runs out of the room. I can't help but sit and think about what just happened. Did she just ask me out on a date?

(A few hours later)

I walk out of the spa with a smile as I give a final wave to my two lovely bosses.

“See you two tomorrow.” I say to them just before the door comes to a close.

I look off into ponyville as I just try to think of everything that has happened in the last few hours. It really all seems to be a bit much but for some reason I feel oddly fulfilled. I let out a happy sigh as I look over to where the schoolhouse is. I didn't get to see Rainbow or Scoots off this mornings. So I think I shall pay her a visit real quick. I was just in time as the school bell rang out to signal the end of the day. I look around for a grape colored tuft of mane.

“Hey Anon!” I look forwards to see Applebloom waving to me.

I wave back to her as she and the other two follow closely behind her.

“What are ya doin here?” Applebloom asks.

“What, I can't visit my three best friends?” I say with a smile.

“Well that's a might kind of ya.” I feel myself freeze up as I look over my shoulder to see Applejack.

She oddly looks better then when I last saw her, I can actually see a real smile on her face.

“Its nothing.” I say after shaking away the shock. “What brings you around here?”

She looks down to her sister. “I just came to bring Applebloom home. We got some work over at the farm, need all the help we can get.” She says looking a little sad.

“Well.” I pause for a second really thinking about what I was to say. “I’m not busy right now. If you really need the help, I am sure I can be of use.” I say with a genuine smile.

She looks up to me, a flash of pain crossed her face but soon settles to a smile. “I would appreciate that Anon.”

I look back to the other two, Scoots and Sweetie Belle. “What about you two?”

“Well, my sister wants me to model for a new dress for a filly.” Sweetie Belle says looking a little disappointed.

“Well I can help if you're going Anon!” Scootaloo says.

“Alright then. Sweetie Belle you go off to help Rarity, Scootaloo you’re with me.” Everyone understands as they give a nod and go on their way.

“Alrighty then partner, let's head out.” Applejack says as she takes the lead.

I definitely could never in a million years get use to all this work. I mean these ponies seem as if they can go on forever. I am currently lying on my back under the shade of an apple tree. I have been working for a couple hours now and I already feel too tired to move.

“You really are a foal aintcha?” I lift my head to see Applejack looking at me with a grin.

“Sorry I don't have the natural talent of bucking apples.” I say pointing at her flank.

“Yeah? Well I think its cuz ya ain't known a lick of work since ya got here.” She says with a grin.

I was about to say something but I decide to fall onto my back, closing my eyes with a heavy sigh. “I’ll give you that one.”

There was a silence that came over us. Only the sound of the cool breeze making its way through the orchard filled the silence. It was then that I felt something very heavy on my chest. I open my eyes to see Applejack is lying on top of me. This would be cause for alarm but there was something in her eyes that kept me calm.

“I get it now.” She says looking deep into my eyes. “I get what ya meant about how we act like family.” She leans in and gives me a soft peck on the lips. “I can't say that I don't like ya Anon, but since we been working together again, I get what ya meant back in the barn.” She lets out a sigh. “Big Mac and I had a long talk. Told him what ya said and how I felt. He, He really helped me understand.”

She then looks off into the distance. “I know I can be thick sometimes. Let my feelings get the better of me.” She locks eyes with me as I see hers glimmer a little. “I can't imagine what it's like to be in your shoes, so far away from home and no family, no memoires. I know I probably didn't make it any easy on ya either.” She runs her hoof along the side of my face. “I will be there for you, maybe not in the way I would like, but I will be there for you. If ya ain't got family, I will gladly be that for you.”

She leans in once more and kisses my lips, lingering a little longer than before but not too much. “I just wanted you to know that.” She says with a smile.

It takes me a second to process what she just told me. “I am sorry Applejack.” She looks to me confused. “I-I was an asshole to you.” I can't help but think back and relive those moments we had, that in the moment I was a little too hard on her despite knowing her feelings. “I shot you down without care, I made you feel that way. I should be the one that is sorry in this whole thing.”

I look into her eyes. “What you said before was true. This would have never happened if I just never showed up or even died!”

I feel a hoof slap me across the face. I focus now to see some tears trailing down Applejack’s face.

“You hold your tongue there mister! Don't you dare say that again!” She gets off me but still never turns her gaze. “Don't take blame for this. Just, just stop.”

I rub my cheek a little, after some time I just quietly chuckle to myself.. “I seem to pick the wrong things to say huh?”

I look up to see her give me a smile. “It was going well till the last part.”

I take in a deep breath as I look off into the orchard.

“How about we get back to work?”

Her smile brightens more as she gives a nod. “Thought you’d never ask.”

“I can't thank ya two enough for all the help.” Applejack says with a smile

“No problem.” Scootaloo says still filled with energy.

“Y-Yeah.. What she said.” I say more than a little out of breath.

“Well y’all better be on your way, don't want ta keep ya longer than I already have.” Applejack says.

“Alright, let's go Scoots.” I say slowly making my way to ponyville.

Scootaloo and I made our way into town at a leisure pace. Not really saying much but random things like how school was and such.

“So you want to stay over again?” I ask her.

I see her face fall a little at that.

“I uh, I can't. I need to head back before it's dark, they.. Sorry.” She says not looking at me.

I can only assume that the orphanage has not taken kindly to her absence.

“It's alright.” I say taking a knee in front of her. “I will see you again Scoots.”

She gives me a quick smile as she takes off into the distance. I can't help but feel my resolve build as she goes on her way. I just think of how she would feel when I tell her that she is coming home with me. I let the thoughts settle as I make my way home. As soon as I open the door I find myself being plowed into the ground. I look up to see a large smile on a cyan face.

“Happy to see me?” I say with a grin to Rainbow.

“I been waiting all day for you to get home!”

“Well that's good to know.” I say just before leaning up to meet her in a kiss.

“So what did you find out?” She asks with some fear in her tone.

“Let's take this inside.” I say looking to the outside. Rainbow gets off me as I walk inside and close the door behind me. I turn around as I see Rainbow flying in place so we’re eye to eye. “So, first things first. Twilight told me that I will need to get permission from Celestia to adopt Scootaloo, because I am not a native.”

“Wait, you asked Twilight?” She looks to me with a raised brow.

“Well, yeah. Who else could I have asked?”

“But, don't you think knowing something like that will. I don't know, be sudden for her?”

“Well I will admit she seemed a little shocked at first but soon settled into the idea I think.” I inform her.

“Ugh!” Rainbow lets out. “She is interested in you Anon, but, having a kid is big! Like, something only herds do. To have a kid is like telling other mares that you are already set with what you have!”

I let the register in my mind for a couple seconds. “Ohhh.” I say scratching the back of my head. “I didn't know.” I admit.

“I know big guy, but that's just how it will seem to them.”

I bite the inside of my cheek. “Them.. Right.” I then have something hit me. “Grace.” I whisper.

“What?” Rainbow asks not having fully heard me.

“Um.. Grace asked me out for dinner tomorrow night.”

Rainbows wings lock up as she lands onto the ground.

“She asked you on a date?” Rainbow asks stunned.

“W-Well I think so. She said we should hang out more and, well, she said she wanted to go to a restaurant.” I look to Rainbow. “Thats a date right?”

“Y-yeah” Rainbow says with a nod. “H-How do you feel about that?”

I feel my heart drop a little at that as I look to Rainbow. I can feel that she isn't mad or upset, in fact it oddly feels like she knew this was going to happen.

“I-I am not sure Rainbow” I take a deep breath. “We are friends. I-I feel like I want more but, I just don't know.” I say shaking my head.

“Hey.” I feel her fly up and take me into an embrace. “It's alright big guy.” She pulls back and looks into my eyes. She then taps me in the chest. “If it feels right, then don’t deny it.”

I feel the old doubt fill within me again. “Rainbow” I lock eyes with her. “Are you really ok with this?” I let out a sigh. “Its, its just not something I am use to. I know it's getting a little old but, I have to keep asking, to know if it's truly alright.”

She doesn’t even reply as she leans into a kiss. I just keep my mouth shut as we both show how much we love each other. Exchanging this in our kiss and our hearts.

She pulls back and looks to me with a smile. “As long as we love each other, then I have nothing to be afraid of.” She gives me a quick kiss on the lips before pulling away. “You still love me, right?” She asks.

I don't even think about that. “Of course I do!”

I see a grin plaster onto her face. “Grace makes you happy too?”

I gulp a little. “Yeah.”

She then pulls me close again. “I want my stallion to be happy.” Rainbow whispers into my ear.

Rainbow and I just hold each other as I think over what she said. The whole concept is just still weird for me but I can't deny that I do have some feelings for Grace. Rainbow soon lets me go as I reluctantly do the same.

Rainbow looks to our room just before she smiles at me. “Maybe we should see how sturdy our bed is?” She gives me a devilish grin as she flies up to our room.

“You always know how to make me smile.” I say before following after her.

We both fall onto the bed totally exhausted.

“Well.” I look around to see that the bed is now a foot shorter than it originally was. “I guess it was, pretty sturdy.”

Rainbow chuckles as she shows me one of the snapped legs. “At least the frame held together.” She then looks over to me. “How do you feel?”

I am still trying to catch my breath. “Fan-tastic” I say between breaths.

She giggles to herself just before leaning in to kiss me. I gladly accept this as we let our tongues embrace in their own loving gesture.

“I am going to get dinner ready.” She says before getting out of bed.

“Might want to wash up a bit.” I say looking at her marehood.

I see a blush cover her face as she chuckles again. “Yeah, that's probably a good idea.”

Rainbow walks off towards the bathroom as I hear the sound of the shower coming to life.

“So I been meaning to ask you something Rainbow.” I call from bed.

“Yeah, what's that?” She calls back.

“What's going to happen to your cloud house?” I ask. “I mean you are living with me now.”

“Don't worry about that! All I gotta do is pack some things and then kick the place apart.” She answers.

“Kick it?”

“Yeah, those things are easy assemble and just as easy to disassemble. I just got to kick the clouds to break it apart.”

Well that's interesting. “So what happens to the clouds?”

“I can get some pegasi from cloudsdale to take them for recycling.”

This world still never ceases to amaze me. I then hear the shower go dead as Rainbow enters the room glistening lightly as water trails down her fur and mane. If I didn't already have a bruised pelvis before, I wanted to crack it from what I wanted to do to her right now.

“Something on your mind?” She says giving me a grin and a slight wiggle of her flank.

“Just thinking of how we didn't thoroughly test the strength of this bed is all.” I feel myself salivating some.

“Sorry big guy but I am starved.” Rainbow says as she trots out the room, making sure to keep her tail high as to give me a perfect view of her marehood winking at me.

“You tease!” I call out as I catch the sound of her chuckling all the way down the stairs.

Well, might as well get cleaned up as well. I took my shower and got dressed as I make my way into the great smell in the kitchen. There I see Rainbow placing what looks like some kind of soup before me.

“Hope you like it.” She says with a nervous smile.

“Is there anything about you I don't like?” I say with a grin.

She takes her seat as we eat our meal. As always, it was amazing. The sad part though was that it didn't last forever. I set my spoon down as I let out a sigh.

“As great as always Dashie.” I say getting up and setting my bowl into the sink. I let out a yawn as I look to Rainbow. “I am not sure about you but I am totally pooped.” I say giving myself a good stretch.

“Yeah, weather patrol was easy but I had to fly to cloudsdale to help set up some more thunderclouds.” She says giving a yawn as well.

“Lets hit the sack then.” I say as we both make our way to bed.

I fall onto the bed in a heap as Rainbow lands right next to me. We both look to each other.

“I love you big guy.”

“Love you too Dashie.” We both meet in a quick kiss. “Sweet dreams.”

“Sweet dreams.” She replies.

I find myself in the darkness of my dream world. To be honest I would take this place over that dream I had yesterday, it still sends a shiver up my spine.

“How are you Anon?” I turn around to see Luna there..

“I am fine.” I notice she doesn't look too happy right now. “Is something the matter?”

“I-” She pauses for a second. “My sister has informed me that Twilight has sent her a letter. This letter described that you were interested in adopting a filly.” Her tone seems to give off a little anger.

“Um, yes that's true.” I reply honestly.

“What would bring this about?” She asks walking up to me.

“Well, Scootaloo is a great kid. She saved my life and has always been kind, I think it's only right to give her the best.” I say.

“So what of the other mares?” She asks now almost face to face with me.

I can see a good amount of hurt in her eyes. I guess what Rainbow said to me was true after all.

“I would hope they can understand that I am doing this to make a child's life better.” I say truthfully

She seems to flinch back at this but soon regains her composure.

“It seems our previous arrangements are now void.” She turns away readying her wings to take to the sky.

“Luna wait!”

She doesn't even give me time as she exits my world.

I let out a sad sigh. “I didn't know..” I don't even finish as I let my voice fade away.

I now just fall onto my back as I look to the nothingness. Well, if this is how she acted I can only assume the others will feel the same way. I decide to calm my mind as I try to let it all fade away.

Even though I was resting the entire time I feel as if I didn't get a wink of sleep. I let out a sigh as I roll out of bed and walk off towards the shower. I didn't take long as I walk down the stairs and noticed an envelope on the ground under the little mailslot in the door. I walk over to it and pick it up, I turn it around and notice Celestia’s royal insignia on it.

“Well that was fast.” I say under my breath as I quickly open the letter.

I hear the soft sound of hooves coming down the stairs.

“What's the letter big guy?” I hear Rainbow ask.

“Its Celestia, she wants to talk to me, alone.” I say not really liking the vibe I was getting.

“Alone? Is it about the adoption?” She asks.

“I think yes and no.” I gulp a little. “Luna came into my dreams last night, said our date was void because of this.” I turn around to face her. “I didn't even get to explain to her that I wasn't aware of how your culture saw that.” I then let out a sigh. “I guess it's the same in mine, but still. I-I wanted at least the chance you know?!”

“So, what does that have to do with Celestia?” She asks confused.

I flashback to when Celestia gave me that warning about her sister. If Luna did take this hard, then this private meeting she wanted would probably end up with me on the moon.

“Its, its nothing.” I shake it off. “I-I should get this over with now. If I hurry then maybe I can return just in time for work.” I say quickly making sure I was prepared.

“You sure you want to go alone?” Rainbow asks.

“Oh believe me, I don't. She did request I be alone though, so I respect her enough to allow that.” I say before giving Rainbow a sudden kiss. I pull back with a nervous smile. “Just in case I don't come back.” I say half jokingly.

“A-alright.” She says unsure of how she should feel.

“See you at home Dashie.” I say giving her my best smile.

“See you home big guy.” She replies as I shut the door and go on my way.

I don't waste time as I knock on Twilight's door. Soon the door opens to reveal Spike.

“Thank god it's you.” I say.

“What is it?” Spike asks.

I hand him the letter. “Celestia wants to see me. Can you send that to her?”

He looks to the letter then back to me. “Uh, sure, no problem.” He takes a deep breath as the letter burns to a crisp and magically wafts in the breeze towards canterlot.

“You know, that is really wei-” I was cut off as I land inside the throne room. “-rd” I feel myself finish as I look around in awe, did she just teleport me?

“Good to see you responded so quickly.” I look up to see Celestia on her throne.

“Well, It sounded urgent.” I say.

“Indeed it is.”

I look around and find the room to be oddly barren. Usually there was at least a couple guards around but right now there was not a single pony in sight.

“S-so you wanted to talk about the adoption I had in mind?” I try to steer the conversation.

“Not exactly.” She says getting off her seat as she walks over to me.

The look she was giving me was emotionless. I wasn't sure what she was thinking at this moment but it wasn't helping my nerves. Once she was standing before me do I see a small glimmer in her eyes.

“So what did you want to talk about?” I question never turning eyes contact.

“My sister Anon. She didn't take the news too well, neither did my student.” She looks to me with slight irritation. “Two birds it would seem.”

I gulp a little. “Celestia, please, just listen.” I try to reason.

She places her hoof over my lips a small sadness spreading over her own. “I already know.” She lets out a sigh. as she drops her hoof. “Your heart is filled with so much good Anon. It's the cultural differences that truly put you in the wrong and yet it's not your fault.”

“I-I tried to explain. I hope they aren't hurting too much.” I say honestly worried.

Celestia lets out a sigh as she turns from me. “They will survive.”

She then walks back to her throne as she takes her place. After a deep breath she regains her composure.

“Now back to business.” She looks down to me. “What makes you think you are capable of taking care of this child?”

I was a little shocked by the sudden shift but quickly recover. “I-I have a home. I get paid from my job too!” I answer.

“So you can provide financially. That is but one piece to the puzzle. What makes you think you could be a better father than any other stallion?”

I can feel the pressure as she looks to me with cold piercing eyes. I let out a sigh. “To be honest, I don't think I can be a good father.” I look up to her as she doesn't change her demure. “I-I have no idea what it's like to even be a good father. All I know is.. I just want her to have a good life.”

“How do you two interact with each other?”

“Great! I walk her to school when I can, After work I try to see her as much as possible. She seems happy to be with me.” I say.

“What would you do to protect her?” She asks next.

“Anything.. She saved my life, I owe it to her to repay that.”

“Are you simply looking to repay that debt? Do you have no feelings for her?”

“Of course I have feelings for her! Not just because she saved my life, she is a great kid!”

“Alright then. If she was to do wrong, how would you punish her?”

I take a second to think it over. “I would hope I taught her enough to know wrong from right. I guess if she did do something wrong I could only blame myself. I would try to make her understand what she did wrong, if that didn't work, then ground her I guess. I-I would make sure she knows I still care for her.”

“Care..” Celestia lets her voice fade. “Can you -love- this filly as if she is your own?”

I got stuck on that work. “Love?” Celestia gives me a nod. “I-I don't think I could do anything less.”

Celestia gives a small sigh. “You are not a pony. You do realise that she will be a target for teasing and bullies over that fact for the majority of her life. Are you willing to see her suffer like this?”

I clench my fists a little. She was hitting all the right buttons it seems. “I guess children can be cruel no matter what the circumstances. In the end of the day when she comes home, she will know that despite me not being a pony, I-I will love her regardless. I think no amount of bullying could ever take that away from her.” I say looking Celestia in the eyes.

She lets out another sigh. “You have thought this over?”

“Rainbow and I talked, yes. We understand that Scootaloo isn't some kind of toy we can return if we don't like her. We are dedicated Princess.” I say giving her my full respect.

I see a smile flash over her face but soon settles back to her neutral expression. “I guess there is nothing for me to legally deny you this adoption. You are currently marked to one of the elements of harmony, you have a home as well as money to support yourself and another.” She then pauses for a while. “Though you have had mare problems, they all seem to accept the idea of you taking care of this filly.”

“What?” I look to her confused.

In a flash I take notice of 5 letters floating before me. I take them into my grasp as I skim through them all. I was baffled to see that Twilight and her friends had no objections about me adopting Scootaloo. While many of them were shocked to hear about it, they vouched for how sweet and kind I am to all the kids I met. I wasn't sure what to say as I just look the letters over a few tears running down my face..

“Even the mares that are disappointed couldn't deny that you would make this child's life better.” Celestia says.

I wipe my tears away. “So, what do you think?” I ask looking up to her.

A smile settles onto her features. “Anon, while I know you will make mistakes, as any good parent will. I know that you will try to rectify it as well.” I notice her horn glow as she teleports me in front of her. There she takes me into an embrace. “I have no doubt that you will give this child something she has been wanting for a long time.”

After the shock of the teleport fades I wrap my hands around Celestia's neck as I join her in the hug.

“Thank you.” I say while we share our moment.

“Its no problem.” She says releasing me.

I can't help but feel myself warm as I look to her motherly smile.

“Hey Celestia.”

“Yes?”

“If I have any questions, can, can I ask you?”

I see that smile grew even more. “As I said before Anon, my door is always open.” I give her a nod as she takes a deep breath to compose herself. “I shall send a letter to the orphanage tonight. You will be able to pick Scootaloo up and take her home tomorrow night at the earliest. I will send the rest of the paperwork a day or so later.” She says with a smile.

“S-so I am going to be a father?” I ask feeling a smile grow on my face.

“Yes Anon, you’re going to be a father.” She says smiling at me.

I couldn't contain myself as I did a slight spring into the air. This feeling was amazing!

“Anon.” I hear a voice call to me while I do a little dance.

I turn around to see Luna standing next to Celestia. I immediately stop as I get serious.

“Um, hi.” Is all I can manage.

“I-I'm sorry for not hearing you out.” She takes a few steps towards me. “I forget that you aren't from here, as funny as that may seem. I thought that this adoption was just a way to get all the mares off your back, I now see that you truly do care for this filly.” I stay silent unsure of what to say. “I have waited many millennia for the chance to meet someone as sweet as you.” She pauses for a moment. “Know that I can wait longer if need be.” She says giving me a genuine smile.

“T-thanks Luna.” I reply.

We both meet in a simple embrace.

“Congradulations.” Is all she says before letting me go.

“Well Anon, I think we have everything squared away.” Celestia says with a slight smile, I can still see she is worried about her sister though.

“Thank you for giving me this chance.” I say with a bow.

“It was no problem.” She says before her horn lights up as I immediately land in front of Twilight's library.

I look to the door to the library as I look over my shoulder to the rest of town. I place a few knocks onto the door. Soon it is answered again by Spike.

“Dude, what happened to you?” He asks.

“Long story, is Twilight in?” I ask.

“Yeah, usual place.” He says pointing to an even larger book fort. I couldn't even see the desk anymore.

I walk over to the mass of books. I walk around it to try and find where Twilight is. It's only then do I realise that she is within the fort of books.

I decide to just knock on the outside of the book wall. “uh, Twilight?” I call unsure how to get in.

“Anon?” I hear a muffled voice pass the books.

“Yeah! I just came by to tell you something!” I yell so she could hear me.

“Hold on!” I hear call back.

In a second I was teleported into the book fort.

“Wow, are you really going to read all these?” I just ask aloud as I look to all the surrounding books. I look down to see a raised brow from Twilight. “Never mind that question.” I take a deep breath as I get on track. “Twilight, I just came to say I am sorry for what I put you through. I wasn't aware of what adoption meant to your people, for that, I am sorry.”

I hear her let out a sigh. “I know you are.”

“Friends?” I ask holding my hand out.

She walks passed it as she takes me into an embrace. “Friends.”

I hold her as we share this moment.

“Well, I better get to work. I am probably a little bit late as is.” I say breaking away from her hold

I see a grin cross over her face. “I wouldn’t worry too much about that.” She says as her horn lights up.

In an instant my world rapidly shifts until I land in front of the Spa.

“That will save me time.” I say to myself. I take a brief moment to inhale the fresh morning air. I feel a smile spread over my face. “I am going to be a father.”