Pick, pick, pick.

Turquoise Edge chipped away at her rock figurines, shaping them into tiny soldiers. She was planning on using them to demonstrate her new strategy for the royal guard…a strategy that would surely put Galaxy Guard and her uncle out of business. It was the perfect plan! Suddenly, Turq's thoughts were interrupted as somepony entered the room.

Zephyr Breeze slowly trotted into the room, wings folded tightly to his body and ears pinned flat against his head. He made his way over to Turq and admired how skilled she was at the Pie tradition of stone statue-making. "Hey there sweet pea!"

Turq glared up at him with disgust. "What are YOU doing moping around like that? I'm busy here!" She brushed her figurines aside so he wouldn't look.

Zephyr smiled warmly, resisting the urge to make a snide remark. "Honey you're so good at that! What's the use in hiding them?" He let his ears perk up as he peeked over her shoulder. She may be stronger than him, but he's much taller.

Turq grunted and placed a few on the table. "They're rocks! For business which is none of yours!"

Zephyr gulped. "Ducky…did I do something wrong?" He shuddered a bit. "I..I love you."

Turq whipped around to face him. "No! Why the buck are you acting so weird? And don't call me Ducky!"

Zephyr sighed, looking at the ground and kicking back his hooves. "You've just been acting so distant lately and I remember how when you were little you used to love to go flying with me… I wasn't sure if you..love me anymore."

"Acting weird? This is who I am! I'm not some ducky little filly anymore!" It wasn't until after the words came out of her mouth that Turq realized how her father was really feeling. She got quiet for a moment.

Zephyr sighed again, a small, serene, and totally fake smile forming on his face. "It's okay hun, I…I understnad." He turned to leave the room, small tears forming in his eyes.

Turq watched him go, instantly regretting what she said to him. "Dad, wait!"

Zephyr's ears perked up again as he turned back to her, "Y…yes?"

"You didn't do anything wrong! I just suck at expressing myself! I know I'm a flankhole to you but I…I do love you!" Turq flew over and hugged her dad, quickly but tightly, as she poured her true feelings out.

Zephyr's smile became real as he hugged her tighter. "I love you too…Ducky. I know I can be a big sappy goof sometimes but I'll always be here for you."

Turq smiled, a rare occurrence for her. "Thanks Dad. Love ya."