Pinkie held the filly in her hooves, slowly rubbing her back as Scootaloo wept into her cotton candy mane. The poor filly was so distraught, and Pinkie could understand why.
 
Ahead of them was Rainbow Dash, giving quite an earful to her parents, Snap Shutter and Mane Allgood. What had sparked the entire argument was Scootaloo’s crying. Rainbow just couldn’t stand to watch the poor filly crying her eyes out to a couple of brick walls.
 
“We were only trying to do what was best for her.” Snap replied.
 
“Best for her?! Clearly you don’t, because you’re uprooting her entire life without even considering her feelings! How can you say you actually care about her if you don’t even try to comfort her when YOU made her cry?” Rainbow was seething now, her glare turning even colder.
 
Pinkie has never quite seen Dashie like this, so angry and protective. It may not have been the appropriate time, but she really admired her dedication to her friends and family, even if it meant sticking her nose where it didn’t belong.
 
Dash huffed, “I know you don’t know me, and you don’t know my relationship with Scootaloo. And that this is a family matter, that you should work out between yourselves. But I CAN’T stand by while you break your daughters heart. And to be honest, she feels more and more like a daughter to me the more time I spend time with her, rather than an adoring fan or a sister.”
 
Snap and Mane traded looks, shock evident on their faces. They hadn’t expected such a response, or that moving would be so difficult or so emotionally taxing. “But how else will we be able to raise and watch her grow?”
 
“Actually raise her? Maybe act like real parents and support your child? Don’t run off and dump her on other creatures to be raised, and then be surprised when she doesn’t want to change her entire life for ponies she barely knows?” Dash set down on the cobblestone street with a stomp, her glare not letting up. “Don’t act like moving her with your work was all for her, because I’ll know that’s a lie. It’s not like it’s impossible for one of you to stay home and take care of her while the other works… And why now do you suddenly think Equestria’s getting dangerous enough to keep her with you? Does Discord or Chrysalis ring any bells?”
 
Scootaloo sobbed, overhearing pretty much everything despite her hiccuping. Pinkie continued to comfort her as best she could. Honestly, Pinkie wouldn’t know what to say to them if she were the one raging at them, but she knew how they were treating her just wasn’t right. Her parents had nearly been the exact opposite, but spending time with the Apples demonstrated how family can get too overbearing and controlling.
 
“I know you’re not bad ponies, okay?” Rainbow finally seemed to be losing steam, signing deeply. “I don’t think you’re evil, but you’re just not… parents. But Scootaloo has a family right here, Ponyville, who’s willing to take care of her regardless.”
 
At this her parents finally had the sense to feel ashamed, turning their gazes away. They knew she was right, but it was just too painful to say themselves. Mane and Snap finally walked past Rainbow, who watched them carefully. Pinkie gently nudged Scootaloo, who turned to look at them with watery eyes.
 
“Scootaloo….”
 
“We’re so sorry, we really thought… that this was the best for you.”
 
“But we weren’t thinking what was best for you, but what was most convenient for us. I’m just sorry we didn’t understand sooner… “
 
Scootaloo wiped the tears from her eyes, looking distrustfully at both her parents. She’s took a deep breath then replied. “I love you guys, I really do… but… why didn’t you listen? I wrote all about my adventures with my friends helping others find their talents in the letters… Did you even read them?”
 
The two looked shocked, the ashamed. That’s all the answer Scootaloo needed, burying her face back into Pinkie’s mane. In the distance, a train whistle blowed.
 
“I think it’s time for you to leave.” Rainbow grunted flatly. “I wouldn’t come back without a proper apology.”
 
Snap and Mane shared one last look, silently communicating. Eventually, they nodded and lowered their heads, slowly trotting towards the station. But not before leaving one last guilt-ridden look. Rainbow Dash sighed, turning to Pinkie and the still-sniffling filly.
 
“Hey Scoots, how about we get your stuff settled in at my place?” She offered, attempting to lighten the mood. “ I can lower the clouds down so you won’t fall off or anything… At least for tonight, until we figure out something permanent.”
 
“And I could whip up something to eat..?” Pinkie asked softly, a small smile working on her lips. “I know a good cry makes me hungry!”
 
Scootaloo perked up, looking up at the two mares as she wiped the tears from her cheeks, a glimmer of hope blossoming in her eyes. She threw her hooves around the elder pegasus, Pinkie joining in on the hug immediately.
 
“Are you sure? R-Really? That sounds great! thank you! Thank you so much!”
 

 
Yeah, I don’t like Scoots parents.
 
But I don’t hate them and I’m not one of those “Scootaloo is an orphan” purists. I just felt they handled this episode really poorly. How could her parents be so callous they don’t even try to run after her when she runs away crying?
 
Both of my parents had extremely similar behaviors. Left me to be raised by someone else, and then become offended or angry when I didn’t leap at the chance of being near them, even though I barely knew them. I still care about them, but I can recognize how neglectful and manipulative it was to treat a child like that.
 
Edit: fixed a few things, added some more text.