Author's Note

Here it is, the next EQG Waifu Series story. Props to Frost the Heron for editing it with me and as always, thank you for your patience and support, be sure to stay tuned for more chapters to come in the future and remember to keep on bronying on, everypony.

Catching Up On Old Times

Orphans: They never have it easy. Especially when there's not a lot of parents out there who are willing to adopt a child who's got nowhere to go. But there are some children who are extremely lucky to be picked and taken into a loving home where they feel welcome and appreciated. And this time, you've become one of the lucky ones who was adopted at the age of 1, not by parents... but someone whom you are proud to call your dearest and loving... grandmother. Her name is Vivian.

She was a famous, wealthy philanthropist back in the ‘60s. She adopted you when she was only 64 and has never stopped loving you since the day you came into her life. You spent your childhood like normal, even though you had it good by living in a mansion with her. But just because she had money, it didn't mean anything to you, since all that mattered to you was having her around.

You went to some decent schools in your life. Most of them were public schools. But there was only one private school you were accepted into: Crystal Prep Academy. It was probably one of the least friendly high schools you've ever gone to. But the reason you were accepted was because of your high-grade point average and because of your foster grandmother's letter of recommendation. And due to her rich, enlightening past, the former principal, Cinch, let you in without question. During the 4 years of your time at Crystal Prep, it was always a challenge, not for your academics, but your social life.

It scared you to think you'd never have any friends. But one day, before the end of your freshman year, you made one friend out of all the students. She was one of the top students of Crystal Prep. Her name... is Sunny Flare, one of the school's most hard-working, most popular girls.

At first, all she wanted was a study partner. But later on after the Friendship Games... she changed like something was just eating her up inside. Later on, she told you she was sorry for how she never treated you with the kindness and respect you deserved after being alone for so long. True, all she did with you for the majority of the years was have you around as a mere study partner. Now, the two of you were good friends and remained so even after graduation. But after that, you weren't sure what to do.

It's been 2 years since you graduated from Crystal Prep and since that day, you've found a nice job courtesy of your dear grandmother's connections. Despite being retired, she still held a great deal of influence on so many businesses and that helped you land a job at a hotel.

Every day for 2 years, you worked at Grand Canterlot Plaza. You started off as a simple janitor and worked your way up to delivering room service and the pay was very reasonable. Your employers especially liked your friendly hospitality and how you were willing to even cover for others in their absence. Sometimes, you even offered some of your co-workers some of the tips you earned when you covered for them, but most of the time, they told you to keep it since you've been pulling your weight around. It pained you to have to take their fair share, but since they insisted, you put those tips into your savings.

Vivian was so proud of you for thinking of others, but also said you should also think about your own future, which is why you started saving your tips after each shift.

So, here you are, out in the hallway with a tray full of different dishes. You stopped at the first door, which was room 111, and knocked on the door three times. "Room service," you said. You could hear footsteps from inside and a woman answered the door, greeted by your warm smile. She was a mother with two kids, a boy, and a girl.

"Right on time. Thank you very much. come on in," she says, stepping to the side. You brought the food cart in and set it in front of the bed.

"Here you go. One shrimp cocktail, one chocolate milkshake, one strawberry milkshake, a steak dinner, cooked medium rare with a side of tuna salad. And two plates of spaghetti with freshly baked garlic bread. If you have anything else you'd like, feel free to let us know," you said.

"You could start by giving my compliments to the chef as well as this," she then reaches into her purse and pulls out a $5 bill, placing it in your hand. "Thanks again."

"And thank you, miss. Enjoy your meal," you replied. You took the half-empty food cart out of the hotel room and closed the door. You stuffed the $5 into your pocket so you could give it to the chef later on. Afterward, you walked further down the hallways, stopping at room 130. You knocked on this door and called out "Room service."

"Be right there," a man's voice called out from inside. The door opens up and look and behold, you are met with Filthy Rich, one of the wealthiest businessmen in Canterlot City… 2nd only to Vivian, that is.

Inside, you can see that he brought his wife and daughter with him. "Good day to you, Mr. Rich. Your dinner is served, piping hot and ready just the way you like it," you said. Filthy nods and lets you step inside the room.

“Ah, good. The servant is here. I was starting to think he would never come with our dinner.” his wife, Spoiled Rich huffed.

“Mom, don’t be harsh on him. We’re not the only family here who wanted their dinner to be served in their rooms,” Diamond Tiara, his daughter reasoned.

You ignored the remark that Spoiled gave you and kept a positive attitude and presented the dinner to the Rich family.

"I do apologize for the wait, but I finally have your meals ready. For you, Mr. Rich, one freshly made calzone, a chou farci made from a loaf of duck for Mrs. Rich, a bottle of wine, chilled in a bucket of ice and a 9 vegetable terrine for you, Ms.Tiara," you said, handing her and her family their plates of food.

"Mmm, looks good. Be sure to give my compliments to the chefs who made these dishes. In fact… give them this," Filthy reached inside his pocket and handed you a $75 tip.

"Darling, who's to say this little snake won't keep it all to himself?" Spoiled asked skeptically.

"Mom! Stop it! He wouldn't do something like that," Diamond scolded.

"You better watch that tone of voice, young lady. I know how this wretched world works and I have every right to state my opinion," Spoiled said sternly at her daughter.

"I'm sorry for my mom's outbursts, she's just a bit cranky because daddy wasn't able to buy Camp Everfree and turn it into a luxury spa. The whole idea was my mom's and she's having a hissy fit about it," Diamond explained.

"True, it's a shame I never got to buy the camp. But what's done is done. The camp is now an official landmark and I have to respect it. Besides, I can always make more money from the businesses I already have," Filthy said.

"Well, the sky's the limit, and Mrs. Rich, I’ll give you my word that I shall give this tip to the chef with your compliments. You all take care now," you said before leaving with the empty cart. As soon as you heard the door close, "They're certainly a unique bunch. Still… I can't believe this is the man that idolizes my grandma. Wait 'til I tell her about this when I get back home."

You pushed the now empty cart over to the elevator. You pressed the button to go down and waited patiently for your ride to get here. The bell dings and the doors open. You stepped inside the empty elevator and pushed the 1st-floor button.

As the elevator was going down the elevator music soon started playing. Suddenly, you started having all of these memories that you shared with Vivian. She'd given you so much since the day she took you in. It made you happy that she was willing to raise and adopt you, but you also felt bad that she couldn't have children. A kind lady like her, who's impacted the world she lives in deserves a little something in return.

Soon, the bell dinged and the doors opened, leading to the 1st-floor hallway. You walked out and headed straight down, on your way to the kitchen.

You came up to the kitchen door and knocked on it. The door opens up, revealing the head chef known as Gustave le Grand. His smile brightened when he saw your face. "Ah, bonjour mon ami, so good to see you," he greets you in his French accent.

"And bonjour to you, too, Chef Gustave. The guests all got their dinners and I was told to give these to you," you said, giving him a total of $80 in the tip. "Courtesy of a mother of 2 and the Rich family with their compliments to you."

"Magnifique! It is always such a pleasure to get compliments from our dear guests. Monsieur Gordon Ramsay was right to give me and the other some pointers," he said, happily taking the tips. "Merci, mon ami. And you keep up le good work, too." After giving you some praise, he takes the empty cart back into the kitchen while you headed back to your station, but not before you heard him shout that iconic line. "WHERE'S ZA LAMB SAUCE?!"

"Hehehe, Ramsay, you sure made a hell of an impression on him," you said. Now that you've finished your duty, delivering room service, you happily took your scheduled break, standing by the front desk and watching the guests come and go, walking around like they got places to be.

Moments later, the bell rang by the front door. You looked over and saw a familiar face you haven't seen in a while. From her aqua blue skin to her dark magenta hair and eyes. There stood your old classmate, Sunny Flare. Next to her was a man with a slightly darker shade of blue skin. He had amber eyes and dark purple, short hair, dressed in a business suit. Sunny's eyes land on you, surprising her.

While the man went to the front desk, Sunny walked up to you. "Hey, remember me?" your old friend asked.

"Sure do. What a small world for us to meet here. What brings you here to our Hotel?" you asked. "Are you on a vacation getaway or something?"

"Well, sort of. That man over there, he's my dad. He just got a big promotion at work and we're gonna be moving to a bigger house," she explained.

"Oh, is that right?" you asked and she nodded. "Well, congratulations to him. But, uh… where's your mother? Shouldn't she be celebrating with you two?" But on the subject of her mother, Sunny's smile left her. "Ooh, sorry about that, I didn't mean any ill will."

"No, it's fine. I'll tell you about it later. But, I take it that you work here, right?" she asked.

"Yup just started my break after delivering room service," you confirmed. "Maybe after my shift, we can--" but before you could offer her an invitation, her father walks up and gets in between you and Sunny.

"And just what do you think you're doing?" he asked in his deep, serious tone.

"Sorry, sir. I was just having a nice, friendly chat with Sunny. She's a former classmate of mine and I--"

"Like I care if you're her former classmate. You just stay away from my daughter, got that?"

"Daddy! Don't be so rude!" Sunny protested. The man didn't say another word and put his hand on his daughter's back, taking her with him down the hallway. "S-Sorry, I'll talk to you later if I get the chance!" She called out.

"N-No worries," you called out before they disappeared behind the elevator doors. "Okay, that was… something."

"Yeesh, sorry for that jerk getting up in your face like that," one of your co-workers said. "I guess I should probably tell you that… the man who chewed you out… is one of our hotel's regulars. Before you came here, he's been staying in different hotel rooms to do his business. And I mean that in the literal "hard-working, trying-to-get-promoted" sense. He works for a larger company and it seems like the man brought his daughter with him. Do you know her?"

"Yeah, I went to Crystal Prep with her. We were study partners at first, but later we became best friends as we still are," you confirmed.

"Glad to hear it, but… something tells me you're in for a real challenge to win "daddy's approval" on dating his little girl," he replied. "He's got extremely high standards for anyone who would even consider dating his daughter."

"Seriously? He's one of those types? Ugh! I never really liked those kinds of dads. No chill whatsoever and always so close-minded."

"I feel you, man. There was only one time he even remotely approved of a man who was suitable for his daughter, but she turned him down because he let his money do the talking. And seeing how well you two get along, I'm actually hoping she picks you. Just keep your head up high and don't give up."

"I'll remember that," you said. And so, minutes later, after your break was over, it was time to get back to work.

Your next job was to check up on the guests on your list and see if everything is in order. You left the lobby and walked down the halls towards the elevator. You went to the 4th floor first to check up on the guests. You stopped at the first room on your list and knocked on the door. "Housekeeping."

"Come on in," a woman's voice called out from inside. You gently opened the door seeing at least 3 women in the room, all were at least a few years older than you by 4 or 5 years. "Anything we can do for you?"

"Just came to check up on you. Everything okay in here?" you asked. You scanned the room and saw that it was still fresh and clean, the TV was on and they had empty trays of food. Probably the dinner they all finished eating.

"Yeah, we're okay. And tell the chef the food was amazing," the woman with short, black hair said, smiling.

"Gladly. You ladies just enjoy your stay here and if you need anything else, please feel free to call at any time," you said, keeping it friendly, but professional. The girls nodded and waved at you as you took their empty dinner plates. You exited the room and closed the door as you were heading to the next room.

You knock again. "Yes, who is it?" a man's voice asked.

"Housekeeping," you replied. You hear the door unlock and a tall man in a black suit with black hair and amber-red eyes opens up. "Good evening, sir, just checking to see if everything's in order, mind if I come in?"

"Do as you wish," another voice called out from inside. You walk in as the tall man stepped to the side. On the bed, a young boy, probably 12 years old, was dressed in a blue suit from a Victorian era.

His left eye, however, was uncovered and looked blue like a sapphire. "Apologies for the intrusion just wanted to make sure everything was alright in here." The boy took another sip of his tea, then put it down on the little plate.

"Yes, we're perfectly fine here," he said. His voice sounded dull like he didn't have a care in the world or something.

"Please forgive my young master. He's had an exhausting day from work. We're merely staying here for a meeting with one of our clients, which is why we flew in from London. Is there anything else you'd like to know, sir?" the man dressed as a butler asked.

"No, but if you ever do need anything, feel free to call in room service anytime," you said.

The tall man bowed and you did so in return before leaving the room. As soon as you were far enough away from the room. "I know I'm not gay, but man, he's one hell of a butler."

Hours later, your shift had officially ended and you were just coming out of the changing room dressed up into your normal clothes. You were about to head out when suddenly…

*BUMP*

"Oof!!!" you grunted, almost losing your footing. You shook your head and looked to see what hit you, or "who" hit you. You saw that it was Sunny Flare and she was on the floor, rubbing her head, groaning a bit. "Sunny, are you alright?" you asked, helping her up.

"I'm fine, I just wasn't looking where I was going. What's up with the clothes?" Sunny asked.

"Well, my shift just ended and I'm about to head home. What about you? Shouldn't you be in your hotel room with your dad?" you asked. Sunny cringed at the mentioning of her father. "Uh… did I say something wrong?"

“I… was actually looking for you… without my father knowing about it,” she admitted. “I haven’t seen you for years and I’d like to catch up with you.”

"You… came out here looking for me? That's sweet," you admired. "I've got a little spare change in my pocket. Do you wanna grab a bite somewhere?"

“I’d like that very much, deary,” she smiled at you. You blushed but laughed it off. Sunny laughed with you, liking the look on your face. And so, you escorted her out of the hotel, walking off into the sunset for a nice dinner. "So where have you been all this time?"

"Just working my way up at the hotel for the past 2 years. After work, I'd come straight home to my grandma and help her around the house. She's been feeling ill as of late, so I had to step up a little and give her a helping hand.”

“That’s very kind of you, deary. Helping your grandmother so much in the house now that she’s feeling her age.

"I owe it to her after everything that she has done for me. If you met her, you'd see how much of an angel she is. I think she'd like you very much."

Sunny softly nudged you from the compliment you gave her. “You’re still the same flatterer that I remember from our time back in Crystal Prep.”

"Ah, I'm no flatterer, I just like to be… encouraging, that's all. So, what've you been up to since we last met?" you asked.

"Trying to make enough money to move out of my dad's house. He's like an obnoxious control freak, never caring about how I feel or what I wanna do. But I've been having little luck with keeping even a penny hidden from him. Lately, he's been taking my money and holding it in his safe box. That damn bastard even said "this is for your own good. you'll thank me one day." UGH!!! Why did my mom have to marry such a bastard?!" Sunny's frustration really concerned you as well as scared you a little bit.

"I'm sorry to hear that, Sunny. Speaking of your mom, why don't you just live with her?" you asked.

"Because she divorced my dad, but he took custody over me thanks to his damn lawyers! I hate my dad so much. Sometimes I wish he would just die! I’m sorry if that sounds so harsh, but he's so annoying! He won't even let me visit my mom!" Sunny said.

"Wow… I didn't know. If it helps, maybe I can ask my grandma if you can stay over at our house for the night. There's plenty of room," you offered. "I'll even set up the guest room for you."

“While I appreciate your generosity, deary. I don’t think my dad will ever allow that to happen. You’ve seen how bad he was treating you back in the hotel.”

"I know. Why does he do that? I'd never harm a fly, why doesn't he trust me?"

"Because my dad disapproves of every man that's not born from a wealthy family. Usually, when he tries to hook me up with a wealthy man, it's always the same for me: always talking about money, never about love. He says "love" is just a meaningless emotion that can never truly be gained," Sunny said, disgusted by those words.

"Sounds like he needs a reality check. I just wish I could do something to change his mind.”

“The only way to get through this thick skull of his is if you’re someone big and important that my father genuinely respects,” Sunny rubbed her forehead in annoyance. “Which is almost impossible, the only family that I know my father respects is Filthy Rich’s family.”

"Really? I actually delivered room service to them earlier. Filthy's a nice guy, but I can't say the same thing for his wife. His daughter, Diamond Tiara's pretty nice, too.” But Sunny shook her head dejectedly.

“You knowing the Rich family won’t be enough to convince my father for letting me see you again with his permission.” She lowered her head in sadness.

"Don't worry, we'll figure something out. But for now, what would you like to eat?" you asked.

"Just a simple fast food joint. I'm tired of eating all this fancy food my dad keeps serving me. And for the record: he has no idea how to cook," Sunny said.

"Hehe, maybe I should text Gordon Ramsay about his sloppy cooking," you joked. Sunny laughed it off, breaking the ice. You laughed with her and admired the smile on her face. Soon, you arrived at a fast-food burger joint and went inside.

You and Sunny quickly choose your menus on a big touch screen. With modern technology these days you can simply choose to take your order at a computer touch screen or just simply telling the cashier what you want to order. As the gentleman you are, you paid for both your orders. You both then took a seat at the nearby window, waiting for your food to arrive.

"Thanks again for taking me out to dinner, even if it's just fast food," Sunny said.

"No problem. It's the least I can do to help you escape the confinements of your overbearing father after all," you replied.

"Yeah, hehe… thanks for that," Sunny said. Then something crossed her mind. "Hey, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, what is it?"

"Do you… remember back in high school when… I was always acting like a bitch?" she asked, surprising you.

"Sort of, but… why bring that up?"

"I… didn't really know how to act when it came to truly make friends. And because I was with my dad most of the time, I didn't think friendship meant all that much to me. But, after the Friendship Games and Principal Cinch losing her job… I realized how wrong I was. Even back then, when I told you to stay out of my way, you never once showed any sort of aggression or resentment towards me. Why is that?"

"Because I was trying to process the whole friendship thing, too,” you admitted. “I didn’t have any friends at Crystal Prep except, well… you.”

"You… thought of me as a friend back then? Even when I was still cruel?" Sunny asked.

You nodded at her. “While I admit you were acting cold to me sometimes, I always enjoyed our study session together. Especially when the midterms came and the finals,” remembering those memories pretty well like it was yesterday. “Whenever one of us was getting stressed out from all the hard work, we always helped each other to calm down and encouraging each other to keep on going.”

"I remember those times. Not the best memories I had of Crystal Prep. Cinch might've gotten the boot, but the curricular activities were still just as hard.

"Yeah, they were like hell on Earth. I was so stressed out, I was even tempted to call the Immediate Murder Professionals… on myself," you joked, making Sunny burst out laughing.

“I see your humor hasn’t changed,” Sunny laughed while wiping a small tear away from her eye.

"Eh, I got a million of them," you brushed it off, smirking. But the jokes had to wait as a lady came to your table with the food you and Sunny ordered. "Thank you very much."

"You're welcome and we hope you enjoy your meals. Take care now," she replied before leaving you and Sunny to enjoy your food.

As you both were enjoying your food, another thought came up in your mind. “So, Sunny I was wondering, are you still in contact with your group of friends? With Indigo, Sour, Sugarcoat, and Lemon?”

Sunny was eating some of her french fries before responding. “Not really, we still stay in contact with each other through social media but I haven’t seen them since graduation.”

“Do you miss them?”

“Sometimes, yes. I wonder how they’re doing. I think one or two of them are in college.”

"That's gotta be a hell of an accomplishment. I hope they're doing alright," you replied. By the time you two were halfway done, your phone starts ringing. You pull it out of your pocket and find an unknown number. Not wanting to be rude, you answer it. "Hello?" The other person on the line asks for you. "Yeah, that's me, who's this?"

"I'm calling from the Canterlot City Hospital with some bad news about your ill grandmother."

"My grandmother?! What's happened?" you asked, panicking.

"I don't know how to tell you this… but apparently, she collapsed in her home. She's stabilized for now, but we're not sure how long she'll survive. I'm sorry, sir. But if you want to see her, we can give you the location of where she's being treated at."

"Please, tell me! I'll be there right away," you urged. The man on the phone told you the hospital room she was in and then you thanked him before hanging up. "Sunny, I'm sorry to eat and run, but my grandma, she… she's sick."

"It's alright, do you… want me to tag along with you for… emotional support?" she asked.

"Yes, please. I… I'm not sure I'll be able to handle this on my own," you said, almost ready to burst into tears. Sunny held your hand for reassurance. So after scarfing down the rest of your food, you left the restaurant in a hurry and made your way to the hospital.

It was a long walk/run, but you finally made it. Sunny was right beside you as you both went to the front desk. "I'm to see my grandmother, Vivian," you said, then telling her the room number she was in. The lady behind the counter nodded and confirmed your statement and allowed you and Sunny to go and see her.

You raced down the halls and approached the elevator. You both get inside and take it to the 6th floor where your grandmother was at. You exit the elevator and head down the halls, heading inside room 60B.

There, resting on the hospital bed with an IV hooked to her wrist was Vivian. Your heart sank upon seeing your grandmother in this state. "G-Grandma?" you asked, tears swelling up in your eyes as you get closer to her. "Grandma, I'm here now. It's me, your grandson." Her eyes slowly opened up and looked your way with a warm smile.

"My dear… I was wondering where you were," she said in her weakened state. "And I see… you brought a friend with you." She looked over at Sunny Flare.

"H-Hi ma'am. My name's Sunny Flare. I'm… your grandson's friend from high school. He treated me to dinner tonight," she said.

"A pleasure to meet you. I'm Vivian, his grandmother. I'm very pleased to meet you. I've been waiting for the day when he would finally introduce you to me. But my word… he's chosen a magnificent friend. Such a nice, charming… beautiful young lady," Vivian replied. Sunny held her hand, smiling back while Vivian caressed her hand as any tender grandmother would. "I'm sorry you had to see me like this."

"No, grandma, it's not your fault. It's mine for not coming home right away. I made you worry about me," you said, tears streaming down your face.

"I wasn't worried, my dear. I'm just glad to know you found something else to do in your spare time like I would've done. Your life is your own. You're a fully grown adult now… and I say you're old enough… to make your own choices," Vivian reassured.

Sunny slowly walked up to you and gently placed her hand on your shoulder in comfort. You managed to give her a small smile through your tears before you looked back at your grandmother who raised from when you were just 1 year old.

"I promise Grandma… I'll come by and visit you every day. I'll tell you all about the things that happened each day."

"Okay, dear. And… make sure to keep the house clean every time you leave," Vivian replied.

"I will, grandma… I will," you then leaned in and hugged her. She hugs you back and pats you gently while Sunny watches you have your tender moment. But later on, the worst was yet to come and whatever happens next… will impact you for the rest of your life... and you’re not ready for it.