The smell of burning toast assaulted Caramel's nose as he stepped carefully off the last stair. Wincing slightly, he walked cautiously into the kitchen, where, he was certain, he would find his mother, trying, and failing, to make breakfast.
"Caramel!" Gala shouted as he stepped into the room, "Mom's making breakfast!" She giggled and winked at Caramel as their mom frantically tossed the burnt toast on the table.
"EAAT!" She shouted at Caramel, who sat with a startled noise and began to chew on the crispy toast. She hurried over to the stove and began her hurried bustling, creating such a racket that Gala covered her ears and shouted:
"MOM!!!"
Caramel watched this entire scene with disinterest. He noted that Gala was saying something, but he had more important things to think about. Such as, what he was going to be doing, who he was going to see, and of course....
"Big Macintosh!" Gala's voice burst through his thoughts. Blushing violently, he gave his sister a glare, and she smiled sweetly.
"What about Big Macintosh dear?" questioned her mom, tossing eggs onto the pan.
"Oh nothing," Gala replied, sticking her tongue out at Caramel, who let out his breath with a huge sigh, "Caramel just gets to work with Big Mac."
Caramel took a piece of toast and flung it at his sister, his face flushing red. When his mother turned around, her smile turned into a look of concern.
"Are you ok darling?" she said, brushing a strand of hair out of his face, "you look awfully red."
With a strained smile he answered calmly, "Don't worry mom, I'm fine. Just a bit nervous, that's all."
His mom seemed satisfied with that answer, and after dumping two eggs on his plate, she went back to cooking.
"You know," Caramel's mother began, pouring a little batter into the pan, "I remember the first day I participated in the Winter Wrap-up," Gala made a face at Caramel, and he began to giggle quietly, trying his hardest not to be heard.
"What did you do?" Gala asked, taking a cautious bite of eggs.
"Oh you know..." As his mom began to explain, he let his mind wander. What was Winter Wrap-up going to be like? Was he going to work so hard he wouldn't be able to stand? And most importantly, would Big Macintosh even talk to him?
"Caramel?" his mom said questioningly, looking concerned again, "Are you sure you're going to be ok?"
"Yes mom," Caramel smiled again, and he stood up from the table. "If it's ok with you, I'm going to leave a little early," He began walking to the door, but before he could leave his mother said:
"Have a good day dear!" Caramel flashed her a smile, and with a small push, he opened the door and stepped out into the morning air.
Chapter One (Promo Chapter)
It was a bright and sunny day in Ponyville. The birds sang in the trees, and the whole city was bustling with activity.
Caramel stretched and winced slightly as his joints popped, sounding like gunshots. He shook his mane and dropped from the bed to the floor.
"M'urnin Caramel," grumbled his sister, Gala, from the bed next to his.
"G'mornin sis," he said with a pleasant smile, making his way to the mirror that stood in the corner. Caramel ran his hoof through his mane, attempting to straighten out all the wild tangles. Today was a big day. Caramel's father had finally decided to let him help with the Winter Wrap-Up festivities! Barely able to contain his enthusiasm, Caramel let out a quiet whinny and twirled in place, his tail and mane swirling around.
"Hey Caramel," Gala called, clambering out of bed, "You're with the green team right?"
Caramel nodded excitedly and pulled the green vest from the drawer. Taking it in his mouth, he trotted happily over to his bed.
"So that means you get to work with Big Macintosh huh?"
Caramel dropped the vest in shock, his face turning crimson red. "Wh.... What did you say?" Caramel's voice came out as a strangled squeak. He shook his head violently and turned around so his sister couldn't see his face. "y... yeah!" he said, trying and failing to sound indifferent, "What of it?"
Gala walked over and nudged her brother in the side, eliciting a loud squeak. Smiling, she whispered, "Oh little brother... Your secret is safe with me." She turned and began walking out the door. "You might be able to hide it from everypony else, but you're the biggest coltcuddler I know." And with that, she shut the door behind her, leaving Caramel in a shocked silence.
Still blushing, Caramel picked up the vest and put it on. He opened the door, and with one last glance in the mirror, he descended down the stairs.
-Please tell me if you like it, and if it's worth continuing. ^-^;-
