Chapter Text
Air Groove supposed that she should have expected it. Her husband had always been so protective and possessive, it was easy to tell on Rudolf’s face when it would come up. Her eyebrows would scrunch and she’d get this complicated look on her face, knowing her wife would fight back if the request was unreasonable. It happened before, when Ramonu came and Rudolf got worried she’d “steal her wife away” and Air Groove herself scolded the stallion, telling her to trust her more.
Rudolf looked truly apologetic, spending days trying to make it up to her wife. It was amusing until it was clear she was about to cry if Groove ignored her longer.
For all of her possessive tendencies, she could forgive her husband. Rudolf had a complicated history with her friends, so it was no wonder she would try and ensure Groove to be as happy, healthy, and safe as possible.
Especially since they had Teio running around.
Ah, their pride and joy would be starting school in the fall, and Groove did not know how to feel about it. She had grown rather used to the rotation she and Rudolf kept to watch over Teio, and it was nice some days to stay home and work on her laptop. More than once she felt lonely in her office without Teio scampering around nearby or Rudolf to talk to. For all the trouble the colt caused, Groove couldn’t be happier with her family.
So she should have expected Rudolf to see the melancholy on her face and expected even faster that Rudolf would rush to her side. She had hovered around at first before diving in for the kill, suggesting the mare go take a walk or do something relaxing while she cleaned up Teio’s mess. It was not the mess directly that had brought the stress to the forefront of her mind, but it certainly hadn’t helped, so Air Groove agreed reluctantly.
The problem was that relaxing was a hard thing to do for her. It was honestly something she and Rudolf had bonded over, all the late nights at the office. While she would have said gardening or cleaning was much more relaxing for her, Rudolf clearly wanted her to relax outside versus staying so close, so a trip to the park was in order.
The park in town was very well kept, she had to admit, but admiring the flowerbeds only took up so much time and Rudolf would be cross with her if she came back only an hour later. Luckily, she made sure to pack a small book she had been meaning to read inside of her purse. It was a read Hishiama had given to her to borrow, one she recommended. A strange romance novel, Air Groove could not help but find it an amusing time.
She found herself a spot on a bench overlooking a good chunk of the park and pulled it out. Thankfully, the cover was not as risque as some of the other ones her friend had recommended before. It was about an uma with another strange race. Instead of having furred ears and tails, they were scaled and more reminiscent of dragons Groove had seen in other novels.
The two main leads had just met when a commotion by one of the entrances caught her ear.
It came suddenly, the scream of a whistle and the parade of noise to follow. She would have jumped in her seat if it was an officer’s whistle, but it was remarkably softer and followed by the cheer of children who all flooded the park. There were quite a few of them, both human and uma, accompanied by multiple adults who all wore light attire but had name tags affixed to their clothes. It was possible to be a school outing, but Groove noticed there were kids of multiple ages as well.
They all gathered by the entrance, having the adults address them briefly as older children kept an eye on younger ones who desperately wanted to run ahead, before catapulting off in various directions.
She noticed most went to the rather large playground, seeming in awe at the cool attractions available. However, there were enough that some found it too crowded and left to go find other spots to play. Some, mostly uma children but she saw at least one human sneak over, went over to a large open space to race each other. A smile came quickly as she imagined Teio being as excited as them, running with her classmates and falling over laughing as they played.
Closing her book, she decided it was better for them to have fun than for her to have quiet. Clearly they had too much energy being so young and could hardly wait to stretch her legs. Speaking of, she raised her arms above her head and stretched before putting her book back into her purse. While most of the adults were busy keeping an eye on the children, one noticed her and gave an apologetic smile. She shook her head with a warm smile before settling back on the bench again.
Perhaps, seeing those children run around with their friends was what she needed. Her own colt would be with them soon, so maybe it could be good to see how they acted.
But some of them really did look much younger than others. Was it multiple classes?
She was stuck in her thoughts, trying to make out if the adults had something on their shirts to identify the school when she noticed movement out of the corner of her eye.
A child, a filly maybe around Teio’s age, had taken up residence behind the bench she was sitting on. Her blue hair stuck out quite a bit, with a white blaze to boot. Her eyes almost looked like Rudolf’s, a certain shade of purple or pink. It was hard to tell with her head ducked down. She did not look towards Groove, choosing to lean against the bench quietly.
When Groove did look over at her, she glanced her way.
“… Don’t let them find me.”
Ah, hide and seek. Groove smiled warmly and nodded, turning back to the scene of children. The more she watched them, the more she wished to be home. Silently, she cursed her husband’s attentiveness.
“… Wha'cha doing?” The quiet voice came again and Groove’s ear turned before she looked towards the filly. She tried not to be too amused, but it was cute how fast she got bored.
“I’m just watching.”
“… You came to the park to watch? Are you a weirdo?”
At that, Groove laughed.
“No, no, I’m here to relax. It’s nice when it’s quiet, right?”
“… Mm.” The filly hesitated before nodding, letting the two of them fall into silence again.
Groove tried to make out what exactly the children were from, but failed to gleam anything from the adults around from simply watching. Perhaps it was a daycare. That would explain the younger children who struggled to keep up with others.
But one thing she did notice was that none of them seemed to be looking for the filly behind her. She certainly did not have to stick her nose into things, but… well, her “mom side”, as Rudolf put it, was hard to ignore. If she was being bullied, she could at least help talk to the staff.
So she leaned back again to smile and get the attention of the filly.
“Are you and your friends playing hide and seek?”
“… No.” She said calmly after a moment. “I just don’t want the staff to find me.”
Air Groove refused to frown and scare the child, instead tilting her head in confusion with a slightly furrowed brow. Staff, not teachers?
“Is there a reason why?”
“… I don’t want to go back,” she grumbled, her ears folding back and her tail lashing. “I don’t want to go back.”
“I’m sure your parents would be worried if you didn’t,” she tried to lightly insist but the moment she did, she realized her mistake.
The filly winced at the mention of “parents”. Her agitation only seemed to grow and she sank further into the grass with a huff.
“I don’t have parents.”
The realization sank its teeth into Air Groove's neck with cold precision, her breath strangled and heart stopping.
Oh. It was an orphanage.
She knew there was one near the town they called home. Neither Groove nor Rudolf had talked much of it, aside from approving a visit to the place for an URA racer.
Still, she couldn't linger long on it, the filly seemed to only grow smaller in Groove's eyes.
“Well, I'm sure the staff would be worried,” she amended. “They'd stay all night looking for you.”
The child seemed surprised before looking back to her, peeking out of her knees. Groove gave her a soft smile. “I'd be worried too.”
“... You don't know me.”
“Yes, but no one deserves to be out here with nothing. I'd like you to eat tonight. And hopefully get a nice night's sleep. Not because I know you, but because you deserve it.”
The filly blushed at that, but did not curl up on herself again.
“... I'll think about it.”
“Good.”
They fell into silence again, the tension in Groove's chest fading as she watched the children and adults with knowing eyes. The elder children tried to look after the younger ones, the adults stuck close by as they looked at newer equipment with awe… She wondered what the orphanage was like. If the facility was enough for the children. If the adults were too stressed.
She hoped the best for all the children. She had meant it: she believed none of them deserved to be cast aside.
Maybe she could talk about it with Rudolf later, but for now, she waited until the sun was beginning to set.
Over time, the filly had grown comfortable and settled in the bench with Groove herself. The mare still kept her distance, it wasn't her child after all, but it made her quite happy to have turned around someone's day. She never once asked for the filly’s name nor demanded anything from her, just quietly waiting as the young one’s patience ran out and she began talking of whatever she liked.
She was quite like Teio, in a way, wanting to become a racer. Not because of her lineage, but because she simply enjoyed running. Though it did take a while to hear it from the filly, Groove was happy to hear that and shared that she used to run as well. Oh, the girl’s eyes grew wide and it was clear that, despite her wanting to seem mature, she had a lot of childish wonder left.
Groove truly hoped she got adopted to a kind family.
When the adults called out to all the kids, gathering them to leave, the filly had tensed and looked towards Groove uncertainly. The mare in turn gave her a smile and stood from the bench.
“I'll walk with you, okay? It's about time for me to leave too.”
The filly nodded, her tiny hands clenching into fists for a moment before getting off the bench and walking towards the staff. Groove kept her distance, nodding empathetically towards the worker who noticed her.
“Sorry to interrupt. This one wanted to apologize.” She glanced over at the filly, who looked away with embarrassment.
“... Sorry… for trying to hide…”
“Oh, Arubu…” The staff member chuckled. “It's quite alright! We'll be going on a lot more trips soon, so try to stick closer next time.”
Arubu nodded, looking back to Groove before running off to join the other kids.
“Sorry if I worried you all,” Groove quickly said. “I just wanted to make sure she wouldn't try staying here. She's as stubborn as my son.”
“There's quite a few like that,” the staff member laughed. “But, thank you. We saw her over there and hoped she wasn't bothering you… She doesn't play with others often.”
“Hm, well, it's nothing to worry about now. They have time to grow.”
“Indeed! I hope you have a fine day, Miss…?”
“Air Groove.”
“Have a great day, Air Groove!”
Groove got the staff member’s name and said goodbye before leaving the park. She made a quick stop to grab a few things for the fridge before coming home to a sleeping Teio and an exhausted Rudolf.
Her husband looked at her like the day they got married, as if she hanged the sun and moon herself. Before Groove could say anything, Rudolf raised her hand to brush away hair from Groove's face before greedily taking a kiss.
“Welcome back.”
“You've missed me,” she stated with a grin as Rudolf pulled her closer, nuzzling into her neck to press a kiss there. “Mm, careful. Don't you dare wake her up to this.”
“I missed you,” her husband muttered before pulling away to kiss her lips again. “How was your time at the park? You were gone for longer than I thought.”
“Have you had dinner yet?”
“I gave Teio her afternoon snack, but not dinner yet. She grew bored of me and fell asleep!” Rudolf smiled nonetheless as she let her wife go to take her shoes off. “She missed her mother more.”
“Oh hush, all I hear about is ‘when will Papa come home?’” Groove chuckled and sighed as she put her things away. “And, it was nice. Relaxing.”
“Flowerbeds in order?”
“Thankfully.” She smiled and lightly flicked her husband with her tail as she walked by her. “Though I do wonder if they survived the kids that came…”
“Oh? A school outing?”
“No, the orphanage came by.”
“Ah,” Rudolf drawled as she followed dutifully. “I had almost forgotten it was there. It seems like a quiet place.”
“The children were hardly quiet. Reminded me of your son,” Groove chuckled.
“Oh, she’s my son, I see.”
“When loud, yes. She has your… verbosity.”
“I take it as a good sign she’ll do well academically.”
“We shall see,” she sighed and opened the fridge. “What shall we do?”
Rudolf leaned over the fridge’s door, her hands in her pockets.
“Are you still worried about her?”
Air Groove blinked before looking up at her husband.
“I meant for dinner.” It hardly dissuaded Rudolf, who raised an eyebrow with a neutral expression. Groove, naturally, rolled her eyes and smiled, pulling out what she thought Teio would eat. “I feel better about it now. Seeing those children play together… I’m sure she’ll have a good time.”
“And, if there’s ever an issue, her parents will come running.”
“You’re still not allowed to run in public, dear. You’d create a crowd. Or a case of property damage.”
“Is the Emperor not allowed to run to her son?”
“Maybe at a normal uma’s speed,” Groove chuckled and laid out what she collected. Rudolf had already picked up on her idea and grabbed what else they needed. “... Besides, there are adults who will look after her.”
The small worry in her heart must have shown, however slight, as Rudolf hugged her from behind. Groove smiled as she felt her strong arms around her waist and laid her hands upon her husband’s.
“What worries you, my dear?” Rudolf spoke quietly into the nape of her neck. Surely she’d sneeze at any moment as Groove’s hair was not tied up, but she felt the lips find her skin anyway.
After a shiver, she chuckled.
“There was a girl there with the orphanage. She was… so much like Teio, but not all the same. I saw a spark in those eyes and yet… she was so saddened. I keep thinking ‘how could anyone leave her behind?’ I know it’s wrong of me. I should not step in or speculate. I just… hope she gets adopted into a family that loves her soon.”
Rudolf hummed, though she did not move. She did not try to kiss her again nor said anything objecting the matter, simply offering her presence. Groove sank into it like an old, familiar blanket. It took a moment, but that small frost on her heart melted.
“You are truly kind,” Rudolf eventually offered, brushing up against her head as she rested hers on Groove’s shoulder. “To think that anyone could have such a big heart and soul as yours.”
“Shush.”
“I will not. I will say until the end of my days that you are the best of me. The Empress who could make any person’s garden grow. The one who brings forth spring after the harshness of winter. My beloved-!”
“Rudolf, you will wake her.”
At that, her husband huffed. Her pout ignited a chuckle and Groove turned her head to kiss her. “You are the best of yourself, thank you. I’d rather not have anyone doubt my Emperor.”
“Mm…” Rudolf smirked. “Perhaps I’ll concede this once.”
“And help with dinner?”
“Of course, my love.”
She had the time after shopping for Teio's school supplies, so she dropped by the park to find the orphans at play again.
The staff member was there and greeted Groove, even clearing up a few questions she had. The orphanage had some structural issues with their playground, and so decided to take the children to the town's proper playground with more open land to play. She couldn't help but agree as they all seemed so happy to be there.
And her heart sank when she noticed the filly, still sitting on the ground behind the bench.
"Is she okay?" She asked quietly, unsure if the filly had strong hearing.
"Oh, she just prefers to be alone." The staff member hesitated before lowering her voice. "We've... Tried to get her to be more sociable with other kids, but..."
Groove frowned, nodding solemnly.
"I can't imagine it's easy."
"No, but..." She chuckled. "She's a sweet girl! Really. It's... Heartbreaking to see her get passed over for being herself."
An idea broke loose inside of Air Groove then, but she held her tongue. She knew better than to jump to any idea she had, but kept it close in her chest.
As they continued talking however, they were interrupted by a tug on Air Groove's clothes.
She looked down to see the filly tugging at her sleeve. Her expression remained the same, but there was a youthful shine in her eyes.
"Are you staying again, Miss?" The filly asked.
Groove blinked, but the staff laughed and gently tried to usher the filly to let go.
"Let's not bother strangers, okay?"
"... She was quiet last time," the filly stubbornly said, her eyebrows burying her eyes in a glare that would only scare a rabbit. "She can stay in my spot."
Groove found herself softening for the young uma, but she knew her place.
"I'm sorry, but I really was just dropping by."
Of course, the filly's expression dropped with her ears drooping low and her frown becoming more affixed. Groove felt the hurt as the filly nodded and let go of her sleeve.
So, rather selfishly, she lifted one of her bags of supplies before pulling out a notebook and pack of crayons. "Here. As an apology."
The filly's ears jumped up in surprise before she cautiously looked towards the staff member. Only once she received a nod did she take the gift and mumbled a small "thank you".
"Why don't you share them with some of the others?" Air Groove suggested. "I know some of them probably would like a break from running around."
The filly hummed before nodding and rushing off towards the playground.
"That was kind of you," the staff member quickly said with a bow once she was gone. "Sorry about that."
"It's alright! She seems a bit lonely..." Air Groove hummed. "I... Have one more question for you, if that's alright?"
"Yes, of course!"
"What is the process of adoption?"
Admire Groove knew it was too good to be true. The older kids had said so and, though they could be mean, they knew a lot more than she did. Basically, good things were given to the lucky, and anyone who ended up at an orphanage wasn't lucky.
Which meant Arubu wasn't lucky at all.
She had heard horror stories from the big kids. They were constantly asked about their parents, asked about their mom and dad, and they were always laughed at. Arubu didn't know her mom or dad, and she'd be laughed at too.
The only way to solve it, and get rid of the unluckiness of the orphanage was to be adopted. Only the lucky got adopted. And you only got adopted before your sixth birthday, everyone knew that.
And Arubu was five.
She was in big trouble.
Everyone kept saying how smart she was, how much older she seemed. Someone was sure to look at her and think she was six instead of five. People probably already did!
With a frustrated grunt, Arubu pulled back from her notebook and opened up her hand.
The blue crayon, her favorite one, was nothing more than a stub.
She glared at it for a moment, as if it offended her honor.
"Stupid," she quietly scolded it before throwing it away from herself. She didn't care if it disappeared, even if it was a gift from the nice lady.
It took her a moment of pouting before she flipped to the cover of her notebook.
The nice lady was a nice lady. Arubu still didn't know how she knew the filly liked Carrot Ranger X, but she really, really wanted to draw something for her. Something good.
She had forgotten last time to take the notebook with her on the bus, and spent a while at the park crying. Even the lady seemed upset by it, Arubu felt so bad.
And the playground was going to be fixed soon. She'd never see the lady again.
Her stomach twisted painfully, her ears folding back as her tail lashed.
"I hate you," she mumbled to the world. "I hate you."
"Who are you talking to, dear?"
Arubu blinked, her ears flicking back up, before she turned to spy one of the staff members bent down to pick up her crayon.
"... Is the playground gonna be done before we can go to the park again?"
"Yes, it should be good as new! Are you excited?"
Arubu shook her head and looked back down at her notebook. Her frown only deepened as she noticed some of a sticker still on the front. An older kid thought it'd be fun to "share" with her or something. It blocked Carrot Ranger's face.
The staff member bent down again in front of her with a kind smile as they gently held out the crayon stub in front of them. "Try not to make too much of a mess, okay?"
Arubu glared at the offending rubble of blue.
"It's trash."
"You still have to put trash away."
At that, the filly winced and took the small stub.
"Okay..." She got up from her spot carefully to go over to the trashcan.
"Good girl, Arubu." The staff member smiled again before standing up. "I just finished with my phone call too, thank you for protecting me."
Arubu fought off a smile and she stuck out her chest proudly.
"I like being alone. But I know you don't."
"How kind." They let out a small breath. "... Hey, Arubu?"
"Mhm?"
"I have some good news."
The filly tilted her head and walked back over to the staff member. They were always so tall, she had a problem looking at their face. But they seemed happy.
"Would you like to meet a family, Arubu?"
Rudolf had a good intuition, her grandfather always said. Intelligence helped, but when it came down to it, her gut was usually right.
And it was telling her that Groove had made up her mind since she first saw the filly. It was amusing, watching her try to justify to herself, Rudolf, and society, when all Rudolf could think was: "Did she like apples like Teio?" If she did, Rudolf would have to either buy two bags or give up her share. Not that she minded, of course, she'd do anything for the filly that ignited her wife's spark again.
Air Groove had been getting rather listless with Teio going to school in the fall. Her thoughts always trailing off as she thought of their child growing up. Rudolf was the same, honestly, but it would always be worse for the parent who spent most of their time caring for the child, she understood.
So when Groove came in blazing with her head held high, Rudolf had already known. Oh, the way her wife talked about the young girl, one could be mistaken that she was adopted already!
But the process was long and they had another child to care for. That did complicate things, but Teio seemed to understand having a possible sibling.
Maybe.
It was fairly hard to tell with Teio.
She had fidgeted so much as Rudolf helped dress her before the family headed to the car. The trip to the orphanage would be an important one, and would see if they would be able to have the filly. Normally, one couldn't choose whatever child they wanted, the orphan was picked if the home was a good fit for them. But Rudolf had pulled a little bit of strings and contacted the orphanage with all the intention of letting her wife handle things. Now it would be time to see if she would be a good fit with them.
Plus, it would be Rudolf and Teio's first time seeing her.
As they drove out of their normal routes, Rudolf couldn't help but muse.
"Should we tell Sirius that you were actually pregnant again this whole time and we just hid the baby from her?"
"Yeah!" Came Teio's enthusiastic response.
"She might actually get angry with you if you do that," Groove warned. "More so because you'd tell Speed the truth."
"Oh, I'd tell Suu-san before ever approaching Sirius for this." Rudolf grinned, slightly adjusting for the turn. "She'd find it funny."
"... Wait. Why doesn't Uncle Sirius know?" Teio paused to ask.
"We don't know if Arubu will do well with us," Groove gently explained. "You might not get along, and we won't force you to."
"Huh... Well, I'm gonna be super friendly! We'll be best friends in no time!"
Her wife sighed fondly and looked towards Rudolf, but Rudolf just chuckled.
"Be gentle, okay, Teio?"
"Yeah!"
"I just hope things go well..." Groove said quietly.
"We can't force things, but we should hope for the best, no?" She removed a hand from the wheel to take Groove's. "I'm sure she's a lovely girl."
They were greeted at the front door of the orphanage, the cheers of children around the back of the building stirring Teio's energy. Rudolf quickly took her hand to prevent her from rocketing off, getting a questioning glance from her son. "We're here on important business, remember?" Teio's eyes sharpened and she nodded, following Rudolf precisely as they were led into the building.
Eventually they were taken to a cafeteria, various tables pushed aside to make for their arrival. Rudolf felt the anxiety shared with her wife, hoping that it would all go well as they let Teio run over to investigate the toyboxes along the wall.
They talked with the staff member for a moment before another entered the room, holding the hand of a little filly who looked angry, all things considered.
But, as soon as she saw Air Groove, her glare shifted into wide, sparkling eyes and perked ears. Her tail swished happily behind her. Her mouth did not lose its frown, but her excitement was clear.
And it all melted Rudolf's heart. She understood all too well now. The filly reminded her so much of her wife, the way her stoicism was only to protect the tenderness of her heart. Arubu was certainly a strong one, despite the hand fate had given her.
The staff member waved to the family before looking down at Arubu, who had not taken her eyes off of Air Groove. Gently, they let go of her hand and chuckled.
"Go on."
The filly almost leaped forward, her tail uncontrollable as she brought up the notebook she had been clutching tightly in her hand.
"U-um..." She stammered for a moment before pulling out a loose page inside. "I made this."
It was slightly crumpled, but she held it out to Groove with a gentle touch. Her wife, for her part, thanked the young filly and looked it over. Rudolf had to look over her shoulder to see it, but it was a very colorful drawing of what looked to be a park. Green grass, green trees, blue sky, a smiling park attraction, and two uma standing beside each other. One having Arubu's distinct hair and another Rudolf gleamed was Air Groove.
Below that was childish scrawlings that clearly attempted to read out: "For my friend." Rudolf imagined Arubu had to ask for help spelling it out.
"This is beautiful," Air Groove said with her whole heart. Rudolf could tell her fate was cemented. "Thank you so much."
Arubu nodded dutifully, but Rudolf could tell underneath her stare that she was beaming with pride.
"Ah, allow me to introduce you," Groove started. "This is my husband, Rudolf."
"Hello," she decided to start simply, giving a nod to the filly who had already captured both their hearts. "It's nice to meet you."
"... Hello."
"And over there is our son, Teio."
Teio looked too distracted by a toy to notice, but Arubu didn't seem all too interested in her either, instead looking right back at Groove once she was done looking them over.
"Why are you here?"
Rudolf chuckled at her straightforward attitude, noting the slight fear in the staffs' reactions. Groove had warned her of the filly's nature, but she could see the good in her as well.
"We wanted to see if you'd be interested in living with us," Groove said gently.
Immediately, Arubu froze. Not unlike the first time, when she saw her friend sitting there, but there was a darkness in her expression. Her ears drooped and her tail stilled. In that moment, Rudolf wished to protect the filly from the world and everything in it, though she did not move or speak.
"... Are you sure?"
Groove glanced at Rudolf, who spoke with the certainty of her crowns.
"Of course we are." She tried to keep her voice from booming and scaring the filly, squeezing Groove's hand to steady herself. "We'd love to have you. Through thick and thin."
Arubu looked uncertain, almost as if she really didn't believe it was happening. It broke Rudolf's heart.
"Why don't you introduce yourself to Teio?" Groove suggested. "We can plan things out afterward."
The filly nodded slowly, stepping over to the toys Teio had dug out. Rudolf watched as she gripped her notebook tight and called out quietly.
Teio was always an attentive child, though she got easily distracted. After she finally noticed Arubu standing there, she beamed and called her over, asking about her Carrot Ranger X notebook.
Next to her, Groove breathed a sigh of relief.
"I told you they'll be fine," Rudolf gently encouraged her, squeezing her hand. "They have plenty of time to adjust before Teio goes to school."
"I know," Groove sighed and leaned against her. "I just worry."
Rudolf kissed her cheek before turning to the staff members.
"Now then, does she have any specific dislikes or likes?"
Arubu did not have much to pack. She had basic things, like clothes belonging to her, but most of what she had were for everyone in the orphanage.
The nice lady's gift was something she adored but there was one particular thing she defined as "hers". With the notebook and crayons she always shared. However, her precious plushie was hers and hers alone. She clutched it tight as she pulled her small suitcase with the help of the staff member leading her out. She had spent the past few days saying goodbye, and tried to ignore the older kids.
She overheard them talking about her being brought back and quickly decided it wasn't worth it.
Still, it caused her to be nervous as she held her puppy plush tight and waited by the entrance of the orphanage with the staff. It was too hot to go outside, they said, so they were waiting for the family to arrive to pick her up inside.
It made her feel even more nervous, knowing on the other side of the door were kids eavesdropping. Waiting for it to go wrong.
But things had been nice when she met Rudolf and Teio.
Rudolf was a bit strange, looking at her with emotions she couldn't understand. She seemed nice though, asking about what foods she liked and what kind of toys she liked to play with. Arubu answered honestly, saying she liked puzzles and coloring. She liked learning new things or something like that, and racing was always in store for an uma, and Rudolf seemed to understand.
Teio was weirder. She declared herself a genius, but acted like a total fool. She was older than Arubu but acted younger. She loved racing and watching her papa's races, and wanted to be just like her when she grew up.
Arubu didn't get her, but they had played Carrot Ranger X together and it was fun.
She hugged her plush tight as they waited and waited for what felt like years. Eventually, her ears picked up the shutting of a car door and she jumped up, tail wagging.
Rudolf came through the orphanage doors after a moment, greeting them with a smile and a wave.
Arubu certainly drooped a bit, not seeing her friend, but Rudolf chuckled kindly and knelt down to her.
"Groove is waiting at home. Are you ready?"
Immediately, her interest was sparked again and she nodded, clutching her toy.
"And who's your friend, Arubu?"
She blinked, thinking for a moment before realizing and lifting her puppy plushie.
"Wan."
Rudolf's expression softened and she beamed.
"That's wanderful!" She held out her hand. "Shall we then, dear?"
Arubu nodded, taking her hand. It was warm, a little rough, and much bigger than her own. Rudolf stood with grace and a large smile. "Say goodbye, Arubu."
She looked back to the staff, seeing their smiles and tears. There was a sharp, small feeling of sadness in her chest. But the happiness and hope she felt was much stronger.
She couldn't wave, holding her puppy to her chest to ease it, so she nodded towards them with a smile.
"... Bye."
The staff erupted into coos and goodbyes, waving her off as Rudolf led her outside and to their car. It was a big car, but not like a bus. Rudolf had to help her up into the car seat, safely strapping her in.
"There we go," she said quietly, a bright look on her face. Arubu jolted as Rudolf placed a hand on her head and pet her hair. "Let's go home."
Arubu hugged her plushie tighter as Rudolf shut the door and loaded her things before getting into the driver's seat.
Outside, Arubu saw the world she knew pass her by and quickly go into the unknown.
She didn't know why, but tears started to well in her eyes.
"... Home."
"It won't be long now," Rudolf promised, her eyes looking back to Arubu in the mirror.
Arubu wiped her eyes and waited patiently.
The ride felt impossibly long, though she dared not to speak up to Rudolf just yet. As nice as she seemed to be, it was hard to tell if she wouldn't just take her back if she were to get grouchy. It would break Mrs. Groove's heart, and Arubu didn't want to admit how much she wanted this.
So she stayed silent until she saw the car pull into a private driveway and Rudolf parked.
"We're here?" She asked quietly and the stallion looked back to her with a grin.
"Mhm! Are you ready to get out?"
"Yes, please!"
Rudolf chuckled and got out, walking around to help Arubu out of the car seat. The filly couldn't help but wiggle a little as the straps came undone.
"Alright, alright," the adult gently said as she lifted Arubu out and helped her to the ground. "Wait for me a moment, okay?"
"Okay!" She declared and immediately began looking around.
She had never been to a home before, only seeing them on the small amount of shows they could watch and from books. The house was much bigger than she thought, with space between it and a tall fence being occupied by neatly kept grass and bushes. There was a small path leading to the back of the house, but Arubu could only lean so far from where she stood to see. Her tail swished and her legs felt itchy with the urge to run and explore.
"We should be good to go," Rudolf grunted as she lifted the suitcase of Arubu's things. "They're waiting inside."
Arubu nodded, taking Rudolf's hand. She did not miss the look of surprise the stallion had gotten, but before she could second guess herself, Rudolf smiled and gently held her hand.
"Really excited, hm?"
"Mhm..." She mumbled into the familiar fur of her plush. "... Sorry."
"It's quite alright! You're a sweet girl."
Her excitement only grew, her heart beating fast as Rudolf led her up to the door and, with a smile, opened the door and led her inside.
"We're home!" She called and Arubu's eyes started to sting again.
She had always heard that, as the Ranger headed back home to her mother and was always greeted back with:
"Welcome home!"