Pink Stripe Part 2 (11/14/13)

>Today is the day of the appointment to adopt a foal. In the early morning hours in Pinkie’s bedroom, she slowly opens her eyes and smiles.

>Right in front of her is the crib she had bought in Canterlot, reaching a hoof out she rubs it a bit.

>Sitting herself upright, she stretches out and yawns before smacking her mouth a bit. Pinkie glances at Anon who is facing away from her on his side. Letting him sleep in, she hops off the bed and hums a little tune as she walks out the room and down the hall.

>In the kitchen, Pinkie reaches under the counter and brings up a bag of flour before trotting over to the fridge. One by one she pulls out and sets on the table eggs, milk, butter, and some assorted ingredients.

>Reaching in the top shelf she grabs a bowl and pours in some flour, cracking some eggs and adding some milk, she gets a wooden stir and begins to mix.

>”Oh!” She gasps looking down, gummy chomps on her leg as she giggles and picks him up.

>Placing him on the table by the bowl, she rubs his head. “Hey there gummy, ya hungry!?” Gummy simply stands with his usual expressionless posture, “I’ll take that as a yes~” She grins before returning to her mixing.

>With all the ingredients ready she turns on the heat and sets the pan on it. Trotting over to the fridge Pinkie swings it open. Looking over the groceries and spotting a carton of orange juice, she takes it out and carefully walks to the dinning table so as not to drop it.

>On the table are four upside down mugs ready for use, turning two of them over, Pinkie pours in juice and screws the cap back on before going to collect plates and forks.

 

>With the table set she trots over to the stove picking up the bowl of batter along the way. Carefully pouring the batter onto the hot pan, it slowly starts to bubble as the dirty white batter becomes closer and closer to a light brown.

>Biting down on the handle and with a powerful swing up, the pancake flops to the other side and begins to cook. Counting the seconds in her mind she hums while keeping an eye on the fluffy starch.

>With her ideal color of golden brown reached, she quickly picks up the pan and hastily shakes off the pancake onto a plate by the oven.

>Watching the steam rise from the pancake, Pinkie proudly smiles to herself before grabbing the bowl and pouring more batter onto the pan. Many more must be made for today.

 

>Upstairs you lay in bed completely exhausted; you haven’t gotten a single bit of shut eye the whole night.

>”ANON! RISE AND SHINE~”

>With a loud groan, you pick yourself up.

>Walking down the steps, you see Pinkie humming to herself as she flips a pancake over her shoulder, and onto a ridiculously large stack of pancakes.

>”Sit down and dig in, we’re gonna need that energy for today.”

“Oh I’m so damn tired.” You groan rubbing your face

>”I got just the thing.”

>Tossing her pans into the sink, she twirls, snags some pancakes, tosses them onto a plate, slaps a butter square on the top, and drenches it in syrup.

>With an exasperated sigh, you grab the fork off the napkin and begin to dig in. The light and fluffy stuffing mixes in with the sweet and sticky syrup. It’s like eating a cotton candy pancake, if ever such a thing existed.

“Thanks sweetie, can you get me some orange juice?”

>”Already there.”

>Looking to your side, you finally notice the mug of juice.

“Tsk, you really thought of everything.”

>Pinkie leans in and kisses you on the cheek, “I’m gonna get ready, while you finish breakfast. Clean up when you’re done. Lalalalala” She sings trotting away before going up the steps.

>Sitting there in silence, you chew on the food and look around at the empty table. Sighing tiredly, you finish what you can before scrapping the leftovers into the trash.

>Tossing the plate into the sink, you begin cleaning off the syrup and pans Pinkie had used and set them to dry.

>Upstairs you organize your change of clothes for the day and get a towel ready. Sitting on the bed, you wait a few minutes before you hear the shower come to a stop.

>Pinkie Pie comes trotting with the hot steam of the bath following close behind, “Ahhh~ Showers yours.”

>Getting off the bed, you stretch out and pop as many bones as you can.

“Thanks, I’ll be out real quick.”

 

>In the shower getting blasted by the freezing cold water, your body trembles as you honestly believe you might have hypothermia.

>Using all you got, you lather and rinse almost back to back, before turning the water off.

“F..f.ff..fucking Pinkie.”

>Hopping over the tub, you hastily grab two towels and rub every inch of skin you can. As the shivering slows down, you pant tiredly before wrapping yourself up and going out.

>Your footsteps smack wetly while walking to the bed, removing the towel, you begin work on drying your feet.

>Pinkie comes walking in and notices you sitting on the bed, “That was fast.”

“Yeah! You used all the fucking hot water..AGAIN!.”

>”Hehehe, sorry.”

“The next time we get some money, we’re getting a better water heater.”

>”Okie dokie.”

 

>Walking side by side, you go over the paperwork while Pinkie skips along merrily. Every so often, powerful gusts of wind bend and warp the paper. It’s infuriating, but you make do.

>”Oh my gosh!” Pinkie squeals suddenly, looking up, you see all of her friends waiting at the train station. “What are you guys doing here?”

>Rainbow flies over first while the others follow, “Ta wish ya luck, what else?”

>”Awww, that’s so nice of you guys.” The two hug tightly before letting go, Rainbow flaps back to let Twilight and Applejack come forward

>“Now remember Pinkie, it’s very important, to get as much medical history about the foal as possible. I took the liberty of making you this medical chart, hereditary diseases, allergies, family tree is applicable, and any other factors that could pose a health risk.”

>Floating over an easily dictionary sized packet, she shoves it into Pinkies grip, ”Gee….thanks Twilight.”

>”No problem.”

>”Umm..Pinkie..” Fluttershy whispers from the back

>”Good luck Pinkie.” Applejack smiles

>”Pinkie..” Fluttershy tries again but gets cut off by Pinkie Pie

>”Thanks everyp0ny, and remember, big introduction party at my place tomorrow.”

>”I’ll be looking forward to it darling, it’ll give me time to make some baby clothes.”

>”That’d be GREAT!” Pinkie Pie jumps before hugging Rarity, “Thanks Rarity.”

>”Anytime.”

>”Ummm..Pinkie?”

>”Hmm? Oh sorry Fluttershy, what’s up?”

>”Well uhh…I hope you find what you’re looking for.”

>”Thanks~”

“Sorry to interrupt, but we really can’t be staying here any longer.”

>”I know Anon, sorry. I’ll see you girls later.”

>With the tickets bought, and the train boarded, you and Pinkie sit side by side as the train chugs along. In the wind proof train, you go over the paperwork again and again, making sure that not a single document was left behind.

“Proof of citizenship, proof of residence, yearly income..”

>Mumbling to yourself, Pinkie Pie lowers the paperwork with her hoof, breaking you out of your fine print trance.

>”Relax silly, everything is gonna be all right, so stop worrying about it.”

“What makes you so sure?”

>”Because, my tail hasn’t twitched all week, we’ll be fine.”

>Setting the paperwork down, you stick it in a folder and do recline into the seat. With a powerful sigh, you close your eyes.

 

>”Anon, Anon wake up.”

“Hm?”

>Yawning out loud, you rub your throbbing eyes and look over at Pinkie.

>”I know I told you to relax, but I didn’t think you’d sleep the whole way.”

“Sorry,” You yawn “guess I was more tired than I thought.”

>Wiping away the few tears and mucus that built up, you shake awake while picking yourself off the seat. Stretching out, you sigh and make sure all the paperwork is in order one last time.

“All right, let’s do this.”

>Walking out of the train with Pinkie, you look around feeling strangely refreshed, but that does little to help you on this horribly hot day. With each step in the direction towards the agency, your pits get more and more moist.

>Even Pinkie seems to have lost the spring in her step, as she literally stopped bouncing, and instead walks at a snails pace alongside you, panting up a storm.

>Pinkie comes to a complete stop, and looks down at the ground.

“Pinkie? You all right?”

>She inhales in deep and exhales before looking you right in the eyes. With an uncertain smile, she nods. “Yeah, it’s just really HOT!”

“Hahaha, yeah..it is.”

>Finally reaching the building, you and Pinkie pant by the entrance. Pulling out a handkerchief, you wipe away all the accumulated sweat from your face.

>Pinkie brings down your hand and takes away the handkerchief, wiping away her own sweat; she sticks it under her body and wipes down her unmentionables. She sighs relived and gives it back to you.

>”Thanks Anon.”

“Yeah…no problem.”

 

>Tossing it over your shoulder, it makes a moist splat on the ground as Pinkie opens the door. Going in first, you look around at the unimpressive walls, paint, and tables. Pinkie trots along to the receptionists table and rings the little bell.

>A mare wearing tiny little glasses and a formal vest, stops filing a few feet away and comes walking over. “And you are?”

>”I’m Pinkie Pie. We had an appointment to adopt a foal at 2.”

>Looking over a notebook, she turns a few pages. “Ah yes, the Pies. Very well, follow me.”

>Biting down on some papers, she leads the two of you down a long path of twisting hallways. After some time, you can hear the small cries of babies the distance.

>Pinkie Pie is grinning up a storm searching for the direction of the cries, while you try to not look nervous.

>Passing some swinging double doors, the place looks more like a hospital now. The long hallways have glass displays in them, that show off the garden and cement walkways of the outside.

>As Pinkie and you walk along, she looks through the glass and spots several young foals playing in the grass.

>”Hmm.” Pinkie smiles watching as they have a good time, the glass comes to an end, and she’s hit with the beige color walls again. “Aww.” She pouts

>The mare brings you to an open waiting room, where several couples of stallions and mares sit apart from one another. Some are reading magazines; others glance over at the odd couple that is you and Pinkie, and the rest seem to be waiting patiently albeit bored.

>”Just have a seat and we’ll call you soon.”

>”Okie dokie!”

“Thanks.”

 

>Pinkie skips over to a couple sitting down on some seats, and plants her big butt beside them. The stallion, an earth pony with a dirty white coat and a light brown mane looks over first.

>“Heya! Ya here to adopt a foal as well?” The stallion growls lowly, but doesn’t get a chance to reply “I’m Pinkie Pie, what’s your name?”

>The stallion clears his throat “Um excuse me, but my wife and I would like some privacy.” The mare, an older pegasus with a bright yellow coat and pure white mane, places her hoof on his lap hoof and taps it gently

>”It’s all right sweetie, umm, Pinkie is it? My names Lemon Tart, and this is my husband, Pop Tart.”

>”Pop Tart?!” Pinkie squeals, “What a silly name.” She smiles as Pop gasps offended, Lemon smiles, but he doesn’t notice.

>”Great, now that we know each other, you can leave. Go on, shoo.”

>Despite it being her fault, you come walking up ready to defend her honor. They all notice you approaching, but fail to see that you turned your scowl into a friendly smile.

>”Hey Anon.”

“Everything all right?”

>”Yeah we’re fine, just talking to my new friends. Anon, this is Lemon, and Pop Tart.”

>Pop Tart looks ever more annoyed as he lazily looks at you, ”Hello.”

>”You must be her husband, right?”

“Yeah.”

>”It’s nice to meet you.”

“You too, but uh Pinkie, we should go over there for a bit and sort out our paperwork.”

>”Anon, you sorted it like 50 times already.”

>You angrily glare at Pinkie, hoping she’ll catch on. It doesn’t work; instead she sits there like deer in the headlights.

>”What’s wrong, are you mad?”

*sigh* “Pinkie, can I talk to you over here for a minute?”

>”Sure.”

>Walking over with you, and out of their earshot, you lean in and whisper in her ear.

“I think you should leave them alone, the husband looks really pissed.”

>”Oh Anon, so was Cranky when I met him. All it takes is finding that one thing making them sad, and making it better.”

“Pinkie, I don’t think..”

>”Lalalalala.”

>Had you not know her for so long, you would’ve been offended by her just trotting off like that. Experience has taught you, that she more than likely just caught up in her own asinine plan.

“Fine, learn the hard way.”

 

>Pinkie skips along, and stops just short of the couple from before. “Sorry about that, but now I’m back.”

>”Like we wanted you back.” Pop murmurs before getting jabbed by his wife,

>”So Pinkie, what kind of foal are you looking for?”

>”I don’t know, but I know we’ll know when we see them.”

>The door double doors several feet away swing open, as a doctor and nurse come walking out, each with a clipboard. Flipping through a few pages, the doctor makes some noises in thought.

>”Mr. and Mrs. Honeydew?”

>”That’s us.” A couple answers getting up,

>”Right this way.”

>Pinkie bites down on her hoof and wiggles impatiently. ”Ooooo, I wanna see the foals so badly!”

>Lemon taps her on the back, “Well, we could try and sneak a peek at them. I’m sure they have a window around here somewhere.”

>*Gasp* “Do you really think so?”

>”It’s worth a shot.”

 

>The mare picks herself off the chair as her husband worriedly helps her up. “Careful honey.”

>”Oh I’m not an old mare just yet, just feeling a little stiff is all. Ready Pinkie?”

>”Ready!”

>The two mares walk over to the door where the couple from earlier went,

“Hey, what are you doing?”

>”We’re just gonna see if we can look at the foals.”

“Pinkie, that’s not a good idea.”

>”It’ll be fine; we’ll be back before ya know it.”

>They continue on through the doors, and find themselves in a corridor leading left and right. The older mare looks around confused “I wonder which way we should go.”

>”Hmmm…I know! You take one way, and I’ll take the other. We’ll find it for sure like that.”

>”..I suppose..sure. I’ll take this way then.”

>Pinkie skips along to the right, while Lemon walks to the left. Lemon rounds the corner, and spots several signs. One of them reads “Infirmary”

>”Oh, Pinkie! I think I..” Turning back around, Pinkie is gone “..found it...”

>Pinkie Pie skips along down a hall as she looks at random doors and objects. Hearing the sounds of children, she stops and looks around for the source.

>Spotting some double doors that lead outside, she can hear the laughter of kids coming from the other side. Drawn to the sounds, her curiosity compels her forward.

>Reaching the door, she opens it slightly. The warm wind and blinding light, flows in as the door creaks open.

>Fully open, she takes in the view as she sees many little fillies and colts, running around and playing with one another.

>Pinkie’s smile widens, and in an instant she runs out into the grassy yard. So many kids, doing so many things, and she has no idea where to start. Some were playing hopscotch, others with a tether-ball. As she trots pass them, some notice her, and stop what they’re doing.

 

>Making eye contact with a group of kids playing red clover, Pinkie skips over.

“Hi there, I’m Pinkie Pie, can I play?”

>The kids all look at one another, before nodding and agreeing.

>”Come on our side!”

>”No ours!”

>They all begin to get restless and energetic, getting fueled by their own excitement.

>Pinkie looks at the two sides and contemplates which on to join.

“I’ll chooosssee, this side!”

>Pinkie looks at her teammates.

“So who do we call over?”

>”Let’s call Sea Breeze, she’s really weak.”

>”Yeah, Sea Breeze!”

>With an agreement reached, she locks her front hooves over their shoulders. With every p0ny doing the same, a pony chain is formed.

>”Red clover, red clover, we want Sea Breeze to come over!”

>A filly from the other side breaks her hold and takes a running stance. With everything she has, she runs full speed, into the chain.

>*wham* Her body violently bounces backwards, coming into contact with the chain. Falling on her back, she groans in pain.

>Pinkie gasps and breaks her hold, coming up to her, she helps her up.

“Oh my gosh, are you ok?”

>”Huh? Yeah, thanks.”

>”Hey!” An older mare’s voice calls out from afar “Who are you, and what are you doing here?” Pinkie looks over and sees a light brown earth pony coming over quickly.

”I’m Pinkie Pie, and I’m playing red clover with my new friends.”

>”Miss Pie, I’m afraid you can’t be here, this isn’t an area for p0nies not employed by Canterlot.”

>A small colt with an overgrown mane comes walking up and tugging on her.

>”Ms. Barley, Rebar is climbing the walls again.”

>”Oh that troublesome colt! Just..just leave through that door, and you better not be here when I get back.”

>”Rebar!” The old mare yells as she runs off “I will hang you by your hooves, I swear!”

>Pinkie cocks an eyebrow watching her run away.

“What was that?”

>”Ms. Barley the nun.” Sea Breeze answers walking up to Pinkie’s side “She gets on everyp0ny’s case about any little thing.”

”Huh…”

>”Come on, I’ll show you around. She said didn’t want you here, so we’ll be over there next time.”

>Placing a hoof to her chin, Pinkie ponders the play on words,

”Ok.”

 

>Walk away besides one another, a  colt follows close behind.  ”You can call me Breeze, and this is my brother Azure Nimbus.”

>”Hi.” Azure waves as Pinkie is looking him over, she notices his bright yellow wings.

”Hi Azure, wow those are really pretty wings. I bet you’re a real strong flyer.”

>”Mhmm, I’m the fastest flyer here.”

”Wow really!? You’d be great friends with my pal Rainbow Dash, she’s the fastest flyer in all of Equestria.”

>”Whoa, she sounds cool.”

”You betcha, she also says she’s the coolest pony in Equestria, but I’m not sure about that.”

>The small colt chuckles before noticing that Pinkie came to a stop, “What’s wrong?”

>Off in the distance, a small filly plays by herself in a sand box. From mane to hoof, her entire coat is a blend color very similar to that of a golden delicious apple.

>The small filly unhappily scoops up sand, and pats it down into a bucket. All the while tens of young ponies play around her, almost as though a an invisible shield surrounds her.

>Pinkie’s thoughts drift back to that old rock farm from long ago, in which she would often be alone, with her thoughts, and rocks. For that one brief second, she saw herself in that filly.

>”Who’s that?”

>”Who?”

>”That little filly playing by herself in the sandbox.”

>”Oh…I don’t really know her name.”

>”Well lets go on over and say hello~” Pinkie begins to trot over, but the two children remain in place, ”What’s wrong?”

>”Please don’t go Ms. Pinkie.”

>”Why not?” The colt looks like he wants to say something, but doesn’t. Pinkie smiles, and lowers herself to meet his eye level, “Hey I’ll be right back, and then we’ll all play together.” She ruffles his mane, before turning back around, and humming happily.

 

>The small filly pats down the last of the sand into the bucket, now full she sighs, and turns it over.

>With the bucket now empty, she begins to fill it up again. Suddenly a shadow is cast over her, she looks back slowly, and sees a pink mare smiling.

>”Howdy, I’m Pinkie Pie, what’s your name?”

>”Bug.”

>”Bug?! That’s a fun name!”

>”No, bug.”

>The little mare points at her mane, and Pinkie realizes that a brown walking stick is making its way across.

>She freezes up, before gritting her teeth, and panicking, “Stick! Ugly walking stick!” Pinkie rolls onto her back, and flails her hoofs into her mane, trying to get the bug out

>The little mare looks at the ground, and sees the walking stick slowly crawling away, before she gets up, and goes over to Pinkie Pie, “You got it, it’s gone.”

 >Pinkie exhales exhausted, before getting up, and shaking herself clean, "Thanks! I'm Pinkie Pie, whats your name?"

>The filly looks up at her, but doesn't smile, "I'm Cherry."

 

>Back in the waiting area, you sit in your chair, and tap on the floor impatiently. Across you, Pop Tart does the same. The double doors swing open, as a nurse like mare comes out, “Mr. Tart?”

>Irritated, he scowls and looks over at her, ”Yeah?”

>”You’re wife is waiting for you at the infirmary, follow me.”

“Hey wait, what about Pinkie Pie?”

>”I’m sorry?”

“My wife should’ve been over there too, did you see her? Pink mare, pink mane, and can be really annoying?”

>”Sorry sir, I didn’t see anyp0ny like that.”

“What the hell.”

>As Pop Tart goes over, you get up and walk to the nurse.

“Could you like, send out an announcement for Pinkie Pie to come back?”

>”I’ll see what I can do.”

>The two move forward, while you begin to feel the creeping of irritability sneaking up on you.

 

>Back outside, Pinkie sits besides the little filly, and looks over her bucket of sand, “Do you like to build sandcastles?”

>The filly nods, “Sometimes.”

>”Well, let’s build one together.”

>Pinkie begins to scoop up hooffuls of sand, and dropping them into the bucket. Cherry begins to help her, before turning the bucket over, and slowly pulling it up. A neat, little sand mound is left in its place, and she uses her magic to levitate a little chisel.

>Suddenly another shadow is cast over the two, Pinkie looks up, and sees an angry Ms. Barley, “Young lady, why are you still here?”

>”Oh ummm, hehe, well…”

>”We don’t take trespassing very lightly, I’m gonna have to ask you to leave.”

 >”Awww, couldn’t I just stay here a bit longer?”

>”No. Now come this way.”

>”Please? I promise to get out of your mane real soon; I just want to talk to my friends here a little longer.”

>”I’m happy that you want to spend time with them, but we have procedures, rules in place. We can’t just let anyp0ny come in as they please. If you’re truly interested in spending more time with them, we have plenty of positions open for volunteer work.”

>”That sounds fun, but I was looking more to adopt.”

>Cherry stops, and looks up at Pinkie with wide, desperate eyes. Ms. Barley’s tune quickly changes, ”Adopt? You wish to adopt one of our kids?”

>”That’s right, but we came to look at the foals actua...*gasp!* Anon!”

>As you pace around the waiting room, the double doors open again. This time Pinkie Pie walks in, with a sheepish grin across her face.

“Where the hell were you?”

>”Oh Anon, it was so wonderful. I met a whole bunch of little fillie colts and we all played red clover and then we met a mean mare who was actually kinda nice and then I met this other little filly who was just so cute and I wanted to adopt them all but I remember what you said and then I remembered that I left you here and..”

“Pinkie, calm down, and tell me what’s up.”

>She takes on big inhalation of air, before calmly exhaling, “Anon, I want to adopt a filly.”

“A filly? Not a foal?”

>”Mmhmm.”

“Are you insane? What brought about this?”

>”I just met some of the most wonderful kids right now, you have to meet them too, I guarantee you’ll fall in love with them too.”

>Pinkie grabs your arm, and begins to try and lead you away, breaking out of her grasp; she stops and looks back at you.

“Pinkie, have you completely forgotten why we even came here?”

>”To adopt a foal.”

“And do you really think they’ll just let us change our minds on the spot? After all the paperwork, planning, and red tape we had to go through?”

>The doors Pinkie came though open, as a more professionally dressed mare comes in, “Mrs. Pie, we’re ready for you.” She takes one look at you, and smiles, “And you must be her husband, I’m Ms. Barley, I’ll be hoofling your case from here.”

>The room she took you to was not like the other rooms from before. It wasn’t as cold, and professional. This room was more like a rural office, complete with window unit AC, and cracking paint.

>Almost like she read your mind, Barley comments on you sizing up the room, “We’re in the middle of awaiting some renovation bits, the ones we got went straight to improving the kids rooms.” As the AC drones on, and pushes bitter cold into the room, Barley pushes a stack of papers towards you two, “As you can see, we redid some of the paperwork for you.” Looking it over, they just slapped some whiteout on certain areas, “If you choose to adopt one of our kids, we can just fill in the necessary information.”

>In the background, you can hear the distinctive yells of kids at play. Pinkie is way too vested in their sounds, and not paying attention at all to the mare.

>Barley clears her throat, getting her attention. Pinkie playfully sticks her tongue out, and winks, “Sorry.” before gently hitting the top of her own head.

>”From what I can gather, your wife here loves children, and has gotten along with all of the kids she met. But I know that you have not had the opportunity to speak with them, I can escort you out to see them again.”

>”Yes!”

“No.”

>Pinkie looks to the side, as you cross your arms, and lean back.

“You know I’m not really good with kids, which were the ones you were thinking about?”

>Something about what you said struck a nerve, as Barley’s expression changes into a more irritated look, ”Mr. Pie, I highly suggest you speak with them. They are not pets for you to leave somep0ny else to choose. They are living, breathing children that you will be taking care of. Do not push them off on your wife to choose.”

“Sorry if it came off that way, I know what you’re trying to say, but honestly, I don’t think I can go out there and look those kids in the eyes. A foal is one thing, but these kids will see my face, and know I didn’t choose them. Something about that just doesn’t sit right with me, so I’m sorry; I have no intention to go out there.”

>Despite saying it calm, and cool, your heart is going a mile a minute. Barely seems to have not called your bluff, and begins to shuffle some papers in some mindless busywork “Mrs. Pie had already informed me of the kid she showed an interest in, I’ve brought the file we have on her.” Sliding over three manila folders, you grab one and open it. A small picture of a filly with a light gold hue is attached to a larger paper with information.

“Cherry Tart?”

>”She was left at our doorstep about a year ago, no note or anything.”

>”That’s so sad.”

>”This is an orphanage; most of our kids have stories like that.”

“So this is the one huh?”

>”You’ll like her Anon, she’s real quiet, and sticks to herself. Kinda like you.”

>”It’s decided then? You’ll adopt Cherry Tart?”

>Giving on look at Pinkie Pie, she smiles and nods to you, before looking at Barley.

“Yeah.”

>”Well all right, we just need the two of you to sign off on some papers, and we’ll be on our way.”

>Brining out some more papers, she slides them over to each of you. Looking them over its more walls of text, with a clear place to sign off on them. Pinkie has the right idea, and begins to just scribble her signature.

>Doing the same, you sign off on all the dotted lines, and push them back to Barley.

“So how do we do this? Do we just go with you and pick her up, or do we wait here for you to bring her?”

>”I’ll escort you to a little waiting room, where we’ll bring you to her. This may take a bit, we need to get her packed, and caught up, are you ok with that?”

“How long?”

>”About 2 hours.” Pinkie sighs exhausted as she slides into her chair, “I know this is very draining, but you may want to take this time to grab a meal. We have a very nice place not far from here; I’ll have the receptionist give you the directions.”

 

>Barley gets up, and escorts the two of you down to the waiting room. With some directions jotted down, you and Pinkie head out.

>The sky is noticeable shade of gray, with even more dark clouds piling up.

“It looks like its gonna rain.”

>”Well, that just means we can stomp around in the rain. Or, we all huddle up together under a nice, big umbrella.”

“We could just get lucky, and avoid the rain all together.”

>”Boring~”

>Despite trying to play it cool, your heart is pounding in your chest. This wasn’t just idle chat, or some passing fancy, the ink was drying, and in less than 2 hours, you were going to be a dad. A dad to a kid you don’t even know.

“Pinkie, what is she like?”

>”Who? Cherry?”

“Yeah.”

>”Hmmm…Well, she has really sad eyes, and she reminds me of me when I was little. But she’s like you, in that she’s by herself in a group. It didn’t seem like any of the kids wanted to play with her.”

“Ah, so she’s the best of both of us then?”

>Pinkie jabs you on the side, and smirks. With the two of you reaching the café, you both take a seat at on their outdoor tables.

>A stallion comes up, and takes your orders, before going to fetch your drinks. You look over at a clock, and see you still have some time left. The wind is starting to pick up, making for a nice cool breeze, but troubling signs of the shifting weather.

>”Waffles!”

“Huh?”

>”Waffles, nothing says “cool mom” like waffles. It’ll make the perfect first breakfast for all of us.”

>Anxiety has yet to leave your body. With every minute that passes brings you closer to being a father, and seeing this filly. It was eating away at the core, almost like a lingering dread, or a punishment yet to be enacted.

>Pinkie was far more at ease; she looked out at the few families walking down the street with eyes that glowed with anticipation to feel what they feel.

>The food makes it way to your table, and you grab hold of the sandwich you ordered. Picking it up, you give a weak smile to Pinkie.

“Guess this is our last meal…before we become parents.”

>Pinkie stops looking at the parents, and turns her attention to you. With a small, cheerful smile she grabs her own sandwich, and brings it up to her face in one quick motion “Then let’s shove this food in our mouths, and get on to parenthood already!”

 

>The food and drinks did wonders for the fatigue, and grogginess, but did little to kill any real time. Still Pinkie was back to 100%, so that was good.

>In the waiting room, you and Pinkie sit side by side. A door opens and your heart skips a beat. Quickly looking up, it was just a mare coming out for her break.

>With a heavy, relived sigh, you go back to looking at the ground. Pinkie swings in her chair as she looks over to the nearby receptionist, “Is this where all the families meet their kids?”

>”That’s right.”

>”Did the Tarts come by here?”

>”Yeah they did, they left about an hour ago with their new little filly. She was the cutest thing, do you know them?”

>”Mmhmm.”

>The door behind the mare begins to opens as you look up again. Each knob turn was like the pulling back of a hammer, before the opening was the pulling of the trigger.

>Would it be the stomach churning sound of an empty click, or a live round meant to blow your head open?

>Barley emerges slowly, and behind her, a small filly walks tightly in step with her. She has an odd blend coat of yellow and light orange from head to hoof. The small olive drab packs over her flanks swishes from side to side as she walks to the center of the room towards you.

>With the smallest of a whisper, almost a thought, you utter.

“Bang.”

>Before you two is a filly, not much older than the cutie mark crusaders. Her glance darts from you, to Pinkie, before coming to a rest on the floor.

>Barley smirks before playfully tapping Cherry forward, “Well go on, they won’t bite.”

>The small filly looks back at her uncertain, before giving a subdued, slow nod. Placing one leg before the other, she takes her first steps towards her new mother.

Pinkie practically jumps off her seat, causing the chair to scrape along the floor.

>The sudden noise startles everyone in the room, but Pinkie wraps her hooves around the filly, “Hi Cherry, ready to go home?”

>Shocked, she dawns an uneasy smile before giving an unsure nod.

 

>Outside in the dark cloud filled sky, Pinkie slams the front doors open as she hums gleefully out. Music begins to kick in as she inhales for the start of a song, “Well~” The song is cut short by the crackling of thunder. A downpour of rain begins to hammer the ground, and Pinkie.

>Drenched, you and the filly stand inside the building looking at Pinkie standing in the rain.

“You know, you really should look before you leap.”

>Cherry is reaching into one of her bags, and pulls out an umbrella with her mouth. Setting it on her back, she uses her nose to press a button, and it unfurls with a massive motion.

>Without waiting on you, she moves forward into the rain, and stops by Pinkie. She glances up, and looks to the cloud with a certain melancholy, “Guess I’m off to a good start huh?”

>”Aww, don’t let it get ya down, rain is just the clouds crying cause somep0ny is sad. So let’s put on our biggest smiles, and give everyp0ny a reason to be happy.” Clearing her throat, she begins to sing again. ”Welllll, when rain has got you down, pick a smile over a frown. Don’t let a gray sky spoil your day; the sun is quickly on its way. Cause every cloud is like a smile, its perfectly fine except for a while. But it’s ok if ya wanna cry, let it all out, and say goodbye!” Pinkie stops singing, just as the rain lets up. Almost like magic, the clouds begin to disperse, and light shines through once again. “See? Somep0ny is happy again, thanks to you.”

>”But I didn’t do anything.”

>Pinkie wipes away the collected water around her eyes, and sniffles as though catching a cold, “Trust me, you did plenty.”

 

>As the train chugs along, Pinkie sleeps peacefully leaning on you with your jacket around her. Every so often, she mumbles nonsense.

>Looking down at her, she inhales deep before slowly exhaling and moaning softly. Poor mare, she was probably more exhausted than she let on.

>Doing your best to keep her balanced, you adjust her position a bit before looking over at your “kid”.

>Cherry was sitting on the other side of Pinkie, and quietly scribbling on a notebook. Neither of you acknowledge the other after Pinkie fell asleep.

>The connection Pinkie so naturally formed with children was not one you shared. Stealing glances at her, she continues to doodle in her own world.

“So, ummm, how old are you?”

>”I don’t know.”

>You want to ask her how could she not know that, but it could be pushing it. Perhaps you could ask her if she knew her birthday, but that might yield similar results.

>Its then you truly notice the art book, of course, its so obvious now.

“Artist huh?”

>“Huh?”

“Your art book, you draw right?”

“Oh, this? No, not really.”

“Well what DO you like to do?”

>”Read.”

“Well that’s cool, what books?”

>”Anything, I like learning new things.”

“Huh, you kinda sound like Twilight. She loves learning new shit too, oh..”

>For a moment, you think you fucked up. But then again, these ponies don’t know your cusses; still, it’s not the best idea to have this kid be talking vulgar like you.

“So is that all you like to do?”

>Cherry yawns, before slowly blinking her eyes.

“Yah, trains el do that, you should get some sleep; it’s a while before Ponyville.”

>Sniffling, she keeps looking forward, “I’m not sleepy.”

“K.”

>Silence once again retakes the two of you; it would be another hour before you arrive at Ponyville.

>Your stomach gurgles out, as you grumble. There was nothing to eat in here, and nothing to talk about. Or perhaps these two problems could be your solution to kill the quiet.

>It was tacky, but you spoke to her as though she was an excitable child.

“Hey, did you know that Pinkie and I live in a bakery?”

>She shakes her head, “Uhuh”

“It’s awesome, any kind of treats you could DREAM of are there. Trust me, I’ve seen pastries you can’t even imagine. And that’s not all, she’s an excellent baker too.”

>”…”

(“God damn it, I thought the sweets would do it.”)

“What kind of sweets do you like? I like cherry pie, what about you? Your names cherry, so I bet you like all kinds of cherry stuff.”

>”Not really.”

(“Swing and a miss.”)

>Exhaling, you lean back into the seat and relax. It seems your debut as a father figure crashed and burned beautifully. Best not to force a bond, she probably has a lot on her mind.

 

>The train pulls up into Ponyville, and bellows out hot steam. Pinkie snorts awake, and looks around. “Huh? Are we home yet?”

“Almost.”

>Pinkie stretches out yawning, and rubs her eyes, “How did you sleep, Cherry?”

>She looks over at her and shakes her head, “I didn’t sleep, I wasn’t tired.”

>”Are you excited? We’re almost at your new home, wanna guess what it is?”

>”A bakery.”

>*gasp* “How did you KNOW?!”

>She uses her hoof to point at you, “He told me.”

>Pinkie gives you a sly grin, before playfully smacking you, “Anon, you ruined the surprise.”

“Trust me; she has plenty more coming living with you.”

>Getting off what few things you had, the three of you walk out onto the platform. Some stallions are meeting with mares and their children, others are going solo.

>Pinkie is keeping a pace with Cherry while you lag behind. Luckily Pinkie didn’t have to witness the silence contest earlier; then again, she did say the both of you were similar. So maybe in time she’ll open up.

>Already some of the ponies are noticing Pinkie, and Cherry. Mares make little coos and awws as they walk up to Pinkie.

>”She’s so cute.”

>”What’s her name?”

>”Are you liking Ponyville?”

>Cherry nervously looks around, before curling up, and inching closer to Pinkie. Pinkie lifts a hoof to the crowd, “Now, now, all these questions and more will be answered at the party tomorrow.”

>All the ponies nod, and go about their business as a more mature mare with a brown and white spotted coat cuts in, “Well, my son is having a party right now. Do you wanna come over?

>”Sorry, but we have to unpack first, and have her break in her home. But you and your son are welcome to my party~”

>”That’d be lovely.”

>The two exchange some info, while you and Cherry wait off on the side. Apparently you both had one thing in common, you wanted to go home. Pinkie comes trotting happily over.

 “Never thought I’d see the day where you’d turn down a party with ponies.”

>She smiles before looking around to see if anyone is looking, motioning you and Cherry close, she whispers, “That’s cause we have a house breaking party to get to!”

>Though its nice to see Pinkie pumped, part of you was disappointed at knowing you would not be able to rest.

>Pinkie places her hoof on Cherry, “C’mon, let’s show you your new home.”

 

>The dark lobby of your home shines to life as the moonlight pours in while you swing the door. Pinkie enters first, and gets the light. The faint sounds of an electric humming can only be heard as Pinkie waits anxiously for Cherry to enter the home.

>Her small legs stand rigid as her eyes scan everything in sight, as though expecting an ambush, or an unwanted surprise. You see her legs bend up as she takes her first steps in, right when her hoof connects to the floor, a bright flash flares up.

>Cherry winces, as you blink several times to get your eyesight back. Pinkie is holding a camera, and giggling. “Teehee~ Your first steps…into the house that is. I may not have been there for your first steps, but I promise to be there for the rest. Now c’mon, the bathroom is upstairs.”

>”What?! I’m not gonna do that?!”

“Pinkie!”

>”Whaaat? It’s gonna be her first bath…in the house.”

>After telling her all the reasons why that was the worst thing to say, Pinkie prepares a meal in the kitchen, while you and Cherry sit at a table.

>”Is she always like this?”

“Sadly yes, but you learn to get too used to the random.”

>”No, I mean, is she always so nice? Does she ever get mad?”

“Well yeah, everyone gets mad, even her. Usually it’s my fault though.”

>”Hm.”

>You scoot your chair over to her side, and turn to face her.

“We haven’t been properly introduced, my names Anonymous, or Anon for short.”

>Something inside you doesn’t feel right, but this is no longer about you.

“But if you ever want..”

>You hold back a moment, before quickly looking at the ground, and then at her. Before you can finish Pinkie bursts out of the kitchen, balancing a large silver pan, full of plates.

>”Whoa~ Woooo~ Wait for it~” She precariously balances it as she titters left and right. Like a drunk about to lose his balance, she wobbles around before sliding off the tray, landing the plates onto the table, and uses her head to flip the tray up.

>It flips in the air a few times before she catches it in her mouth. Setting it on the floor, she smiles proudly, “Tadah! Dinner, and a show~”

>”That was really cool! Uhh…thanks.” Her cheeks dawn a noticeable blush, as she looks down embarrassed.

>”For what?”

>”For the meal, whatever it is, I’m sure it’s delicious. Anonymous told me you’re a real good cook.”

>”Awwww~ Looks like SOMEp0ny earned himself prime rib next week~ But he’s dad now, and, I’m your mom. No need to be so formal, I mean sure, a thank you every now and then, or taking out the trash is dandy and all, but..”

“Pinkie, you’re rambling again.”

>”Woops, I almost forgot.”

>She slides into the chair, and reaches under the table. Pulling out a camera, she snaps another picture, “First dinner~”

“In the house?”

>Pinkie looks over at you, and smiles, “As a family.”

 

>In the eating area, the two of you prepare for the meal by collecting utensils, and napkins. You serve 3 glasses of water, and set them in front of everyone.

>Pinkie places a spoon by Cherry’s plate, and looks over at you, ”Thanks dear.”

>”Thanks.”

>Cherry draws the plate closer to her, and slowly dips in a spoon to the mushy mess. Looking over at the two of you, she brings it to her mouth, and samples it. Pinkie bites down on her hoof as she awaits the verdict, “It’s delicious.”

>Satisfied, Pinkie gives herself a little hoofpump, and begins to eat as well. The only sounds that can be heard are the clanking of silverware as Pinkie and you cut into the grub.

>From the table up, you appear calm and cool, but under the table you tap a foot impatiently.

“So, what did Pinkie make for you?”

>”Huh? Oh, its pasta.”

“Nice.”

>Pinkie presents you proudly, “Your father here could finish a whole pot of pasta if I let him.”

>You exaggeratedly tap your stomach like a drum, and grin.

“Iron stomach.”

>Both Pinke and you laugh, but it seems Cherry wasn’t amused by your display, in fact, she seems annoyed. Then again, you DID overplay it a bit.  

>Pinkie seems to pick up on her slight change, and leans closer to her.

>”Something wrong Cherry?”

>It figures, any other day of the week, Pinkie is oblivious to other ponies, and their feeling, but now she has radar.

>Cherry shakes her head, and begins to scrape her pasta into a corner. Pinkie leans back up, and you frowns worried, “Well, all right.” She somberly begins to eat her own food as you go back to tapping your foot.

>The mood was soured for a bit, but a few minutes later, you notice some motion over on Cherry’s end. You impale the small portions of meat, and potatoe wedges as you look over at her. She darts her eyes slowly from one side of the room, to the other, observing every knickknack, photo, and tacky painting.

>One photo in particular catches her attention, as you notice her gaze remain on it. It was an old photo of Pinkie holding the two foals, and smiling widely at the camera.

“That’s Pound Cake, and Pumpkin Cake, they’re the Cake’s kids.”

>”Who?”

>”They used to own this WHOLE house, but gave it to me and Anon when they left for Canterlot.”

>”Oh.”

>”You’ll get to meet em tomorrow for sure, you’ll like the kids, they’re the cutest things!”

>”How..how many ponies are coming over tomorrow?”

>Pinkie taps on her plate while moving around her food, “By my count, everyp0ny in Ponyville is gonna drop by to wish us well, but usually it’s the same old party animals that stay and cut it up with me.”

>Though she says nothing, she slinks into herself, and sighs while slowly rubbing her hoof on the table.

>Paying more attention to Cherry than your own dinner, you notice she hasn’t eaten a single spoonful aside from the first.

>Cherry takes small glances at you, but darts her gaze back down when eye contact is made, “What?”

”It’s nothing.”

>“Tsk, Anon, you’re making her nervous.”

>”Umm, Pinkie, I don’t think I can eat the rest, may I be excused?”

>”Oh, what’s wrong? Was it not good?”

>”I just..had a big meal already, before I left.”

>”Well don’t you worry; Anon here eats more than 3 ponies combined. He’ll take care of any leftovers. Isn’t that right, dear~”

“Yup, always got room for Pinkie’s grub, hahaha.”

>Puffing out your belly to exaggerate size, you pat on it and laugh. Its then you notice Cherry giving you a small, annoyed glare, before looking back down.

>You give a big shit eating grin, as Cherry slides her plate towards the middle of the table. Reaching over, you grab hold and move it to your side, all the while thinking some angry thoughts.

>Pinkie slides off the chair, and walks over to her, “Well, since you’re not hungry, lets start on your private tour of the house. You already know the kitchen, so let’s start in the living room.”

>As they walk away, you look over the plate full of pasta and sigh. Getting up with the plate, you walk over into the cooking area, and togummy’s bowl. Scrapping the leftovers into it, you hear his defined footsteps coming up from behind.

>Sure enough he comes into sight, and blinks aimlessly before burying his head into the goopy mess. Leaving him be, you walk back out, and begin to clear the table.

>Scraping what was left on the plates into the trash, you dump them into a sink, and run the hot water while mixing in soap.

>Staring at the slow steamy water, you reach over for a rag, and submerge it. Alone in the kitchen, you silently clean the dishes.

 

>In the living room, Pinkie Pie and Cherry stand before a counter full of framed pictures, “That’s Twilight, you’ll meet her soon, and Applejack, her too, and that my best friend Rainbow Dash, you’ll REALLY like meeting her, and well, pretty much everyp0ny on here you’ll meet tomorrow.”

>Cherry yawns tiredly as her eyes water, blinking tiredly, she looks over at a clock.

>”Hm?”

>”Mrs. Pie, no offense, *yawn* but I’m really tired…I really wanna go to bed.” She sniffled a bit as her nose got runny from her yawn, and fatigue.

>In an instant, Pinkie lowers her body, and like a blur, pops Cherry up onto her back to carry her, “Then let the Pinkie Express take you to your final destination for tonight, woowoo!” With a giggle, she trots forward as Cherry holds on. Though at first she was unsure, she quickly dawns a smile, and begins to laugh in amusement with her.

>Up the stairs, and down the hall, Pinkie bounces along paying special care to not tip over her precious cargo. Reaching a room with pink, and blue border, she stops, and lowers herself to let Cherry disembark.

>”Here we are~ Casa de Cherry, Anon taught me that, it means “Home of Cherry” But really this whole place is your home, but this, is just for you.” Placing a hoof on the knob, she opens the door with a bow, “After you.”

>Cherry walks in with awe, as she looks over her room. Suddenly she stops, and looks over at her “bed”, cocking an eyebrow, she looks over at Pinkie who is trying not to smile.

>”You see, we thought we were gonna get a foal.” Off in the corner, is a crib surrounded by small stuffed animals, “But don’t worry, we have an extra bed, hold on.” She quickly gallops to the door, and sticks her head out, “ANON! BRING UP YOUR BED!”

“WHAT?!”

>”BRING UP YOUR BED!”

“WHERE!?”

>”CHERRY’S ROOM!”

“K!”

>Pinkie sticks her head back in, and grins sheepishly, “Well, just unpack for now while I get you a toothbrush, by the time you’re done cleaning up, you’ll have a bed. Pinkie promise.”

>”Ok.”

 

>You grunt, and strain as you push the mattress up the steps. Grumbling curses as you do so.

“Stupid Pinkie, and her stupid guest room idea..*grumble* *grumble*”

>Reaching the top, you sigh as the mattress falls, and thuds on the floor. Taking a breather, you pick it back up, and slide it forward.

>Reaching the room, you angle it in, and push.

“The frame is heavy as sin, so I just brought the mattress. Twilight can help us move the frame up tomorrow.”

>You look around and see that nobody is in the room, hearing the water running, you leave the room and head down the hall to the bathroom. Peaking inside, you see Pinkie, and Cherry standing next to one another by the sink. The two are brushing their teeth. Pinkie scrubs vigorously, as Cherry watches, and does the same. When Pinkie pulls out her brush, and gurgles, Cherry does the same. Pinkie spits into the sink, followed by Cherry.

>Looking at herself in the mirror, Pinkie gives herself a bright, wide smile, as Cherry gives a more uncertain smile. Checking herself for any imperfections, Pinkie proudly nods, “All righty, all whitey~” Noticing you, she looks back, “Is the bed ready?”

“Yeah, but its missing the frame.”

>”That’s all right, I know it really heavy. Twilight can help us with it when she comes over.”

“I love you, you know that?”

>”Haha, why do you say that?”

“No reason.”

>Walking out of the bathroom, and back into the room, Cherry takes the lead, and looks over the bed as you and Pinkie scramble for sheets, and a pillow.

>Fixing it all up, you push it into another corner of the room, and give her some space. Pinkie seems to have a realization, “Oh, I forgot.”

>She trots out of the room, as Cherry drags her bags by the bed, and begins to unpack some assorted items, and books.

“You already know where the bathroom is, do you like to sleep with a nightlight or something? We can leave it on if you want.”

>”No thank you, I like the dark.”

“Fearless, I like that…Just don’t be crying for me if you get afraid, hehe.”

>Her ears twitch a bit, but she neither comments, nor acknowledges it.

>Pinkie returns just in time to save you from yourself, and trots right over to Cherry, “I got something for you~ A little thing that always put a smile on my face, and I want you to have it.” Reaching into her mane, she pulls out a small, clown doll, “Tada! Ponyacci the clown! He’s my childhood hero, and close friend, not only that, but he’s really funny too.”

>Offering it to her, she slowly takes it into her hooves, and brings it closer to her. Giving it a little squeeze, it talks, “Waheyhey! Who’s ready to laugh?”

>Like a caveman seeing fire for the first time, there was numbness to her expression, as though she could not fathom what was before her. Slowly it began to dawn on her, and she looks up at Pinkie Pie, “Thank you, this really means a lot to you, I’ll take care of it.”

>”Aww, you can play with it, things are meant to be used. And even if anything happens to it, I know where the real one lives.”

>Like all conversations, this one ran its course, and silence begins to creep in. Rather than wait for it to get awkward, you break first.

“Well, if you need anything from us, we’re right at the end of the hallway, don’t be afraid to call out for us.”

>”Or, just come by if you want, our door is always open for you. But be sure to knock first.” Pinkie leans down, and gives her a hug, “Goodnight Cherry.”

>”Goodnight Mrs. Pie.”

>Pinkie gives her one last tight squeeze, before moving away. You can tell she wants you to do the same. Reluctantly, you walk over, and try to hug her as well. Awkwardly fumbling around her, you give an open hug, and make barely any body contact.

>Breaking away, you and Pinkie leave the room, get the light, and go walking down the hall.

>It was strange; this was the start of your new life. And despite only having one new addition to it, everything seems so different. Off in the distance, you distinctively hear the rumbling sounds of thunder as you go to your room.

>Pinkie stretches out, as you undress by the side of your bed. Knocking off your boots, and socks, you change into some fresh boxers, and slide under the sheets.

”Today was a long day huh?”

>”Yup, but totally worth it, don’t forget, its waffles for breakfast.”

“Sweet.”

>Sliding into the bed next to you, she shimmies herself into a more comfortable position, and looks up at the ceiling. “She won’t call me “mom”.”

“Did I call you “wife” the first time I met you?”

>Pinkie grunts as she turns over to rest on her side, “You thought it.”

“Funny, but seriously, she wont respond to you trying to force it, believe me, I tried.”

>”What? When?”

“On the train, she doesn’t seem to respond well to pushiness.”

>”She’s probably just nervous, I’m sure she’ll open up to you in time.”

>You look at her, raise an eyebrow, and grin, as if it say, “Do you get it now?” Pinkie seems to take the hint, and kisses you on the lips.

>”Good luck, “dad”.”

“Right back at ya, “mom”.”

>Back in Cherry’s room, she is at the window holding the doll, and looking out at the dark clouds.

>Rain begins to trickle down, before becoming a heavy downpour as thunder rumbles. “So, you followed me here.”

>Lightning streaks across the sky, flashing the room, and windows. In the reflection for that one second, is a changeling. When the lighting fades, Cherry is once again, reflected on the glass.