The Beauties of Youth, the Adventures of Parenthood

The full brightness of morning broke through Daybreaks blinds quicker than he would have liked. It seemed like he had only just laid down with Aurora seconds ago, and the sun was already in full form. Granted everypony else was already up due to his incident earlier in the morning...but he still wanted to recover the sleep his nightmare had deprived him of. Though it seemed that would not be happening now, moments after he opened his eyes, Aurora opened hers as well and that told him his sleep was over. The little filly smiled brightly and extended her hooves to the sky, squeaking as she allowed the world to witness her morning stretch. With a yawn and quick rub of the eyes, the mini mare determined she was ready for another day, and demanded in her own language that her father get up and carry her to breakfast.

Judging by the flailing hooves directed mostly towards him, Daybreak deduced that Aurora wanted a piggy back ride from him, and no amount of magical power could save him from her cute little stare, so he gave in without a fight. One quick roll and fumble later, the stallion was out of bed, on his hooves, and ready to transport his passenger. Aurora wasted no time in mounting her stead, her sea grass green curls bounced as she jumped on his back, awaiting his response. With a very stereotypical neighing sound, Daybreak stood on his back hooves, flailing his front ones in front of his daughter and quickly bounded through the door down the stairs to the kitchen.

He zoomed past the kitchen too quick to stop, there was a quick yelp and a crash as everypony in the kitchen watched the brown stallion slide by the door and keep going, straight into the wall of the next room. Twilight, who was busy making pancakes, merely giggled without turning. She was sure she already knew what had happened

"Told you there was too much wax last night Spike"

Blushing, the young dragon ran from the room to retrieve Daybreak. He returned a moment later with the beaming stallion and his even more cheerful daughter riding on his back. Aurora didn't seem to mind in the least that her father had just driven her straight into a wall, as long as the ride continued, crashes were acceptable. Daybreak momentarily paused in the doorway to the kitchen, there were more ponies here than he remembered from the previous night. His eyes fell on the little brown colt siting next to Sweetie Belle at their breakfast table, his ever familiar propeller hat zooming away atop his head. Neither of the young ponies even noticed Daybreak, as they were both completely consumed by the little device beeping and blinking in Buttons hooves.

"Good morning Button, good morning Sweetie Belle"

Daybreak sat at the table with them, but they paid him no mind, he wasn't even sure they knew he was there. He shot a worried glance at Twilight, who was carefully balancing the spare dishes into one neat stack inside the sink with her magic. She looked over and waved her hoof dismissively

"Don't worry Daybreak, they always do that whenever he gets it out I'm told. It's called a...Joyboy...it think that's what Sweetie said"

"Did somepony say my name?"

Sweetie Belle looked up from the blinking device, seemingly unaware of where she was. Her eyes wide as though the morning light was only just registering to her. She looked over at Twilight, then to Spike, expecting an answer. Daybreak on the other hoof, was baffled

"Oh, so you notice when she calls you, but not when do it?"

"Oh hi Daybreak, good morning"

He smacked himself in the face with his hoof, Aurora began to giggle madly on his back, which finally seemed to grab Sweetie's full attention.

"Oh...wow how long have we been playing Button...Button?"

Sweetie looked back and saw that Button was still absorbed in his game. She shook her brown companion by the shoulders causing his body to do the worm in his seat. He persisted in his attempt to not look up from the game for several more seconds, but then Sweetie had a bright idea. She reached her arm out and placed it around Buttons neck, pulling the young colt close to her warm fur. She placed her lips neck to Buttons ear, Daybreak watched intently, anticipating a kiss...but was quickly caught of guard as Sweetie yelled at the top of her lungs

"BUUUUUUUTON MASH!"

"Waaaaaaaa!"

Button squealed, flinging his arms wildly in fear as he scrambled out of his chair and took most of the table with him! Daybreak quickly caught all the silverware in his magic, but merely watched as the table went down with Button instantly covering his whole body in its white cloth. Daybreak opened his muzzle to snatch the sheet from his head, but was stunned into paralysis by an earsplitting yell

"Ahhhhhhhh! Help I've gone blind! The darkness is everywhere, it's all around me! Help Help Heeeeeeelp!"

"Dear Celestia" Sweetie mumbled. She quickly hopped down from her chair, and pulled the sheet from Button. His faced morphed from terror to glee the moment he was greeted with light

"Oh thank you thank you Sweetie Belle"

She rolled her eyes but couldn't help and giggle at him. Daybreak was still rubbing his ears painfully, no male pony should be able to hit a pitch that high without a Cutie Mark for singing. Aurora seemed to be nothing but pleased from all the silliness, even Button's overly loud wails didn't seem to bother her. Daybreak found this astounding, as Buttons yell even made him tear up in pain.

After they quickly righted the table and Spike replaced the silverware back onto it. Twilight brought over breakfast, then gave Daybreak a good morning kiss on the cheek, which she held a little longer than usual.

"Ewwwwww!" Button made a disgusted face as he watched Twilight peck Daybreaks cheek. Twilight giggled while Daybreak attempted to sit Aurora in a high chair.

"What's the matter Button Mash?"

The brown colt was clearly unaware at how intently Sweetie Belle was staring at him as he responded to Twilight's question, otherwise he might have worded it differently.

"You kissed his cheek...that's gross."

Twilight put her hoof to her mouth to cover another giggle as Sweetie Belle violently stabbed her fork into a piece of pancake in front of her.

"What's gross about me kissing him?"

"Well...umm...It just seems really....weird I guess."

"And why is that Button Mash?"

Sweetie Belles voice had come out sour and rough, clearly forcing an upset tone, but Button didn't seem to pick up on it. He spoke up before Twilight could stop him

"Well...she's putting saliva all over his cheek...I guess that just seems really gross to me. Maybe it wouldn't if it was me or something...but it just seems yucky to watch."

Sweetie Belle stabbed another piece of her pancake with much more force than the last one and practically inhaled it into her mouth, with a rather sour look on her face that Twilight was sure had nothing to do with her cooking.

Meanwhile Daybreak, who had been attempting to listen while wrestling Aurora into the high chair, decided now was a good time to change the subject before Sweetie Belle used her fork on something other than food. Finally succeeding in restraining his struggling filly into the chair, Daybreak sighed with relief and took a step back from the table, as though afraid Aurora might escape easier if he was near her.

"Sooooo...Twilight....Umm...Doesn't estrus start soon for mares?"

Twilight had just picked up a stack of hay fries with her magic, but immediately dropped them onto Spikes head in surprise after Daybreaks question. The small dragon was not pleased as he quickly exited the table to clean himself, choosing not to return for some time. Twilight looked at him, shocked

"Daybreak?! I'm relatively sure that's not something we should be discussing over breakfast...and especially not with Sweetie  Belle and Button Mash sitting right here...How could this talk lead anywhere good for them?"

"Better than where the last one was leading."  Twilight opened her mouth to argue, but found that she had nothing to say as she saw the hostile look on Sweeties face. That was very blunt, but true in it's own way, at least for Button Mash.

"What's estrus?"

Twilight's momentary optimism vanished the moment the question left Buttons mouth. Her eyes lids lowered menacingly as she shot a glare of death at Daybreak. He attempted a smile, but it came out relatively weak and obviously forced, leaving him to merely shrug and hope for the best. Twilight gulped, she could only wonder how to avoid this talk. She hoped the "go to" response would work

"Umm I'm not really sure your mother would want us talking to you about that Button"

Scooping up a stack of hayfries with her magic, Twilight quickly began shoveling food into her mouth so as to avoid any talking. Daybreak wasn't sure whether to wince in disgust or chuckle at Twilights face. The fullness of her cheeks was both adorable and disturbing at the same time, though the sight of Twilight's terrible manners would have probably traumatized a pony like Rarity.

Button looked down at his plate slightly disappointed, then scooped a slice of pancakes for himself "Oh ok then..."

Although the disappointment in his voice was obvious, Daybreak was sure Button would get over it quickly...or probably would have if it wasn't for Sweetie Belle

"No it's ok Twilight! His mother trusts me with him and I wanna know too. Rarity said this year would be my first estrus anyways, so who better to hear it from than you?"

Twilight shot a worried glance in Daybreaks direction "Really? It's already you're first year...I guess that means it's about time for Applebloom and Scootaloo as well?"

Sweetie beamed "Yeah! We were all gonna get together to see what it was like and what to do, since nopony will really tell us about it other than calling it some really powerful heat thingy...we thought we'd just take an ice bath or something all day."

Twilight ceased chewing her most recent batch of hay fries, she quickly grasped at her throat to keep from choking as she struggled to hide her laughter and swallow. Meanwhile Button continued to look more and more confused.

"So it gets really hot for mares or something?" Daybreak could see the chaos this situation could easily brew for Button and Sweetie Belle, so before anything got out of hoof he decided to act.

"Hey Button, how about you come with me and Aurora out on a walk to the lake, I think Twilight and Sweetie Belle have some girl talk to...umm...talk about..."

"Awww but I wanna learn about this heat thingy"

"Trust me you will" Daybreak mumbled under his breathe

"What was that?"

He pretended to cover over his last words with a cough "I said you can some other time, but for now come walk with me, you can teach me about video games. Come on dude, think about how many other ponies get to say they played video games with the prince?"

Button considered this for a moment, gently tapping his fork against his chin. Clearly this was a hard offer to refuse. After a moment of deep thought, Button began to smile wildly and nodded his head

"Ok, let's go!"

Daybreak exited his seat and looked to Twilight. After receiving a nod of approval, he whisked Aurora away from her prison-like chair, and with the help of Button, was able to set her in a safety seat upon his back. She looked more like his rider than his filly, but nevertheless grinned happily. It didn't matter that she couldn't trot around next to her daddy, as long as her hooves were free to grab the many wondrous items of the world, she was content.  Her grin showed Daybreak she was ready to depart, with one final click, her safety belt magically locked itself in place along her tiny chest, securing her firmly on her daddy's back. Daybreak began to strut in place pretending to try and buck off his filly

"I am the very model of a modern little unicorn" he said in a sing-song voice, lightly kicking out his back hoofs to bounce Aurora in her seat.

"You are anything but little Daybreak"

"Aw you're just saying that cause it's true" he replied with a wink

Twilights smug smirk along with the flutter of her wings told Daybreak of his success in humor, along with the small chuckles of Button and Sweetie Belle on the side.

With a small bow, Daybreak kicked open the front door using his back leg, and began his exit.

"See ya later Twily...come on Button" He waved, ushering Button along. Quickly grabbing his Joyboy from the table, Button quickly followed after Daybreak as he made his way towards Ponyville town square.

Almost immediately after the door shut, Twilight let out a sigh of relief, slumping down slightly in her chair.

"Phew, I thought he'd never leave."

Sweetie Belle was surprised to hear Twilight say something like that. It seemed like Twilight loved every moment Daybreak was around, now she was glad he left?

"You're happy he went out?"

"Well of course.." She stood up from the table and began to collect the dishes within her magic "I know you're not around here very much Sweetie Belle, so you don't know, but...trying to do dishes with Daybreak around is an absolute nightmare."

"Oh..." She had been thinking along a completely different line. She mentally noted to herself that she had to stop taking the way relationships went with her sister into comparison with everypony else.

"So...Why is it a nightmare?"

A small blush quickly formed on Twilight face "Well...ummm...Daybreak is a very...umm..."

Her mind jumped back to the last morning she had tried to do the dishes right after breakfast.

.....

"Oh! Oh ohhhh! Daybreak! Ahhhh! Not nngh! Here...we could get seen by Spike...or anypony who looks through the window ahhhhh!"

"That's what makes it exciting Twilight...don't deny, you like it too...I can feel how wet you are around me right now"

"Ahhh ahh Ahhhhh! That's because you won't...mmmph stop..."

Twilight let out several moans as Daybreak buried himself over and over again inside her marehood! She was bent over the sink with half her chest soaked in water while Daybreak laid over her back and plowed ever deeper into her rear! She had only bent over for a second to retrieve the dish soap...and he had leapt on her that quickly.

.....

Twilight shivered as the memory ran through her spine, causing a tingle to linger in her neithers.

"Hor...Active...he's a very active stallion Sweetie Belle"

"Oh...does he like...knock over the dishes when he's around or something?"

Luckily it seemed Sweetie hadn't caught what Twilight had almost said.

"Yeeeeeeah...something like that..." "There had certainly been a few broken dishes after that..."

Luckily that thought stayed in her head.

"Oh I guess that makes sense...Rarity says I'm a train wreck with the dishes...she rarely lets me help with them anymore..."

Twilight smiled despite Sweeties very clear disappointment, happy at the quick change of subject away from her and Daybreak

"Oh I'm sure you aren't that bad Sweetie Belle. Come on, you can help me put these ones away. Plus it will be good magic practice of you try it with your horn."

"But..."

"Don't worry about breaking them Sweetie, don't forget I have a filly and a stallion who live with me...the dishes have a self-repairing spell in them since the last incident."

This clearly brightened Sweetie's day, as her eyes lit up like miniature green candles at the news

"Ooh that's awesome, ok!"

She gracefully hopped down from her seat and began to attempt moving the dishes with her own magic. Her horn ignited in its own greenish color, hers was slightly brighter than Aurora's  but Twilight still couldn't help but note the similarity between them.

Sweetie clenched her eyes shut, pressing her eye lids together with an extreme force as she attempted to surround a small amount of the breakfast plates in her spell. Her clenched face, combined with the small beads of sweat she formed on her brow gave off the distinct impression that she seriously needed the restroom. Were she not so focused on watching Sweetie's attempt, Twilight would have found it hard to suppress her giggles at the sight.

Luckily it seemed Sweetie had kept up with her practice like she had promised, for a few moments later after a series of small grunts from Sweetie, the plates were surrounded in a bright green field of magic. Then they began to levitate, shakily, into the air and set themselves in a neat pile inside the sink. Although several of the dishes gave some dangerous wobbles on the short trip through the air, Twilight was impressed to see that Sweetie managed to keep a grip on every plate, and stack them all in the sink without a single one breaking.

Once she was done, she made her way back into the library's main room and collapsed to her haunches on a cushion. She chuckled to herself as she panted, Twilight joined her a moment later with a smile of her own

"What's so funny Sweetie Belle?"

With a light giggle, Sweetie said "I was kind of hoping I'd break one...so I could see the spell put it back together"

Twilight facehoofed herself and immediately turned to head back to the kitchen. "Oh Sweetie Belle..." She shook her head, laughing to herself "I better finish washing the dishes...you can practice more in here and I'll join you once I'm done"

Sweetie Belle answered her with a grin, waiting until Twilight left the room completely before starting on some larger objects...like the bookshelves.

.....

The walk to town square transpired just like any normal walk might...if one had a young colt and filly with them. Button trotted by Daybreak's side the whole time playing his Joyboy, with a surprising ability to not run into anything while he walked. Meanwhile Aurora attempted to grab at everything that passed by her face, her hooves were constantly outstretched and seeking to embrace the world.

However, it was when they made it past town square and into the markets, that things got interesting. It seemed striking up a conversation with Button was the only way to remove his attention from the Joyboy, so Daybreak did just that, and luckily it worked. Button stowed the Joyboy in the small pack he had brought hanging from his neck, apparently it was made specifically to hold his console when it was not in use while he traveled.

Hoping to understand the small colt better, Daybreak asked him to tell some things about himself and what he liked, knowing right away that it would lead into video game talk. Although he knew he could learn if he wanted, Daybreak truly didn't have the drive to become as "hard core" at it as Button and Sweetie Belle supposedly were. While Button talked about his games and what each of them was about, Aurora took in the sights of the town. Having only traveled out of the house a few times in her year in Ponyville, she was mesmerized by everything she saw. On more than one occasion, a butterfly would flutter by and land atop her small nose for a moment. Aurora would stare at the creature with cross eyes for as long as it would linger. Then eventually she decided that she must catch the next one she saw, after which every butterfly landing became a small game to her.

The insect would land on her, or Daybreaks back somewhere, and Aurora would stare at it like a hungry predator, waiting for the right moment to pounce upon it's prey. Sometimes she would stare for several minutes, but then, eventually the same thing always happened. She would slowly raise her hoof, or both hooves above her head. Then in a lightning fast sweep or strike, she would bring down her hooves and attempt to snatch up the elusive insect. Sadly she never seemed to succeed, but that didn't make her any less determined, in fact it only seemed to make her try harder the next time.

Eventually Daybreak and his duo made it past the markets, after a small incident involving Aurora snatching up a random pillow from a stand and refusing to give it up. Daybreak ended up paying for the thing and allowing her to continuing squeezing it all the way to the meadow. The pillow was about the same size she was, so she was completely entertained by it, which made Daybreak confident he could set her down once they were settled near the lakes edge. He wasn't foolish enough to believe he could ever take his eyes off her, especially around the lake where they were heading, but at least she would get to experience one of Dash and Pinkie's favorite hangout spots.

.....

Arriving at the lake was the first moment of relief Daybreak received from Buttons talk of video games. He was beginning to wonder if the young colt did anything else with his spare time other than gaming and occasionally hanging out with Sweetie Belle. The plus to his nonstop gabber was that he seemed so enthralled by their talk, he didn't realize half of what he was saying. So the few times he drifted away from video games and talked about the Crusaders, Daybreak was able to get a very clear image of what he thought of each of them. He clearly admired Sweetie Belle, that much was obvious, and Daybreak was relatively sure he was crushing hard on her and she on him, but neither one realized it. Just by his description of her "perfect pink and purple curls, that flowed down her head with the grace and elegance of a princess" and her "harmonic and alluring" singing voice, Daybreak knew the little gamer was in deep with the mushies for the mini marshmallow mare.

He was also able to find out that Button was terrified of any plan made by Scootaloo during their crusading, and that he thought she was the craziest of the three. He also seemed to admire Appleblooms relationship with her sister Applejack, apparently him and his brother weren't quite as close as those two and that made Button slightly envious of their relationship. However beyond the basics feelings for the Crusaders, Daybreak could never seem to keep Button on one subject for long before he would drift back to video games (and occasionally Sweetie Belle), Daybreak preferred the latter to the former.

After awhile, a series of whines from his back gave Daybreak reason to turn away from Buttons talking, Daybreak craned his neck back to see his filly desperately reaching out for a squirrel a few meters away. The small rodent was sitting next to the tree Daybreak had intended to set up camp next to for a picnic. It was clearly uninterested in Aurora as it focused its attention on something much more important, the succulent acorn in its tiny paws. As it gnawed away on its treat, Aurora struggled desperately to free herself from Daybreaks safety seat. After several failed attempts at tugging and pulling, she began to whimper softly in Daybreaks ear, apparently she had already discovered one secret of the universe, cute crying fillies usually get what they want...Daybreak knew his heart wouldn't take the sight of his filly crying, so he quickly released her from her prison, saving himself the heart trouble. He held her in his hooves and brought her close to his muzzle

"Now listen sweetie, don't go running off too far ok? I'm gonna put you down now and you can go play with the animals...but don't wander far, you don't know how to swim yet so you gotta be careful ok?"

He knew their was little chance she understood everything he just said, she was smart, but not a genius...at least as far as he knew. However she either understood enough to comply, or just knew to nod, she nodded her head quickly and squeaked to be released. Daybreak smiled and set her down in the soft grass. Aurora yipped with glee as the soft blades tickled her hooves, but she quickly brought all of her attention to her target of choice...the squirrel menace. She dropped low into the ticklish grass as she spotted her prey, still noming on his acorn. She stared and began to slowly stalk her way towards the small rodent, carefully and slowly making her way through the brilliant cover of the grass.

Daybreak found the sight extremely cute, he would have loved to take a picture, but sadly he had not elected to bring a camera. That's when he remembered

"Oh right!...Duh!"

With a small fizzle of his horn, a black camera popped into existence around his neck, and he quickly snapped a photo of Aurora stalking the now alert squirrel. Button had stopped his video game talk long before this and merely watched in awe every time Daybreaks horn lit up and did something.

"Man...I wish I could do that too...just imagine how much better I'd be at video games if I could just think about something happening, and then it did! That would be so coooool!"

Daybreak raised an eyebrow "Doesn't Sweetie Belle use her magic when she plays?"

Button shook his head, his smile growing bigger "Naw, she says it wouldn't be fair to me if she did something like that...plus I don't think she's practiced enough with her horn to do that yet..."

Daybreak had to give Button some credit, he had probably already seen first hoof how Sweetie Belle could get, especially when she's competitive or dead set on something...and he hadn't run in fear...or maybe he had and just came back, he couldn't really tell.

"Ya know Button...I think you and me are alike in a lot of ways"

Button actually began laughing right then. He full on, completely fell over in the grass and began laughing hysterically! Even clutching at his chest as though he was in severe pain! Daybreak was so surprised at the instant reaction he didn't know what to say for a moment.

Aurora's ears perked up from her hiding spot within the grass, even she was interested in why Button would be laughing all of the sudden

"What's so funny?" Daybreak felt as though he was missing some inside joke. Button rolled over onto his belly and continued his laughter

"Y-you said we were alot alike...that's rich!"

"You think that's funny?"

Button ceased laughing almost just as instantly when he heard Daybreak's tone. He wasn't laughing back, but he wasn't upset either, he sounded serious.

"Wait...you weren't joking?"

Daybreak shook his head.

"What? You can't be serious...you're a prince, not to mention some kind of half god-like-thing that can turn into a whole other creature, so I've heard...and me...I'm just a normal, dorky, brown earth pony, who plays too many video games...How are we anything alike?"

Daybreak sat himself down in the grass next to Button and extended his hoof, gently placing it upon his shoulder.

"You aren't just another earth pony whose dorky and plays too many video games...You are much more than that...And although I admit the games seem a bit excessive at first, you're just doing what you love and there is nothing wrong with that, and don't ever let anypony tell you differently..."

"Love...yeah..." Button repeated the word back to him as though he was thinking about something, deeply. Daybreak couldn't help but smirk

"You know Button, I think the real reason you and I are so alike is because of Sweetie Belle."

"What's Sweetie Belle have to do with anything?"

"Oh Button...You're just like me when I was a young colt...completely clueless about mares"

"Hey!...That's not nice.."

Daybreak could see tiny tears beginning to form in Buttons eyes, he even saw him start sniffling.

"Oh Dear Luna he's gonna cry! Oh that's bad!"

Daybreak quickly placed his hoof atop Buttons head and began ruffling his mane through his propeller hat. Button began squirming beneath his hoof as he attempted to escape

"Ahh! Quit it!"

Daybreak chuckled "I was only teasing you Button...what I meant to say was...I know you like Sweetie Belle."

Button froze stiff so quickly Daybreak slid his hoof right off his head as he went to ruffle his mane again. He quickly regained himself and turned to see a terrified looking Button Mash staring at him.

"Button?"

Buttons eyes began filling up with tears.

"Button are you ok?"

He started sniffling, his breaths increasing in pace

"Button I'm not gonna-"

"Waaaaaaaaaaaa! Ahhhhhhhhhhh! Waaaaaaaaaaa!"

"Sweet Celestia!"

Buttons cries hit a pitch that was like hoof nails against a chalk board for Daybreaks ears! He gripped his ears down in pain and attempted to bury his face in the dirt to escape the horrible sound!

.....

Meanwhile, Aurora had finally closed in on the squirrel and was within sufficient pouncing distance by her calculations. She posed herself to attack, and reared her hind legs for the strike...then a bloodcurdling screech ripped through the air around her, alerting the squirrel to her presence! It took a single look at her and how close she had come, then scurried off towards the lakes edge into the safety of another tree. Aurora's eyes filled with water, she had been so close...what terrible monster would sabotage her in such a way? She looked around for the source of the horrendous screaming...but it had suddenly ceased. She then looked back towards the lake, where the squirrel was comfortably sitting next to a tree that a had peculiar looking contraption tied to its branch, it looked like wooden seat, but not like any she had seen around her home. Her curiosity was peeked and her desire for the hunt, reignited. She crushed the tears brimming her eyes with her eyelids and proceeded to crawl her way down to the waters edge.

.....

Daybreak tightened his grip around Buttons mouth, silencing his unbearable cries but denying him air as well. Button began to freak out even more at the sudden attack by Daybreaks hoof and struggled within his grasp. Daybreak only held him tighter

"Button, you need to stop screaming...I'm gonna let go now...just calm down ok?"

Not waiting for a response for fear Button would suffocate himself before actually calming down, Daybreak released Button from his grip. Button stumbled away and began gasping for breath with exceeded exaggeration. He took in a few quick breaths then proceeded to sit down on his haunches and begin whimpering to himself again, though not as loudly as before.

Daybreak felt awful, making Button Mash afraid of him and upset was not his intention at all, and now the poor little guy was crying again. He gave himself a mental slap on the head and vowed to never react that way to his daughter, he wanted her to grow up without ever denying he loved her, like so many kids do at some point.

He reached over and placed his hoof around Buttons shoulders and neck, then pulled him close. Button cringed in fear, afraid he was going to be smothered again and attempted to pull away. Seeing his fear, Daybreak gave the colt a sharp pull around the neck and brought him to his chest, practically enveloping him in his warm and cozy coat. Button resisted the hug for a moment, then began to slowly relax in the embrace. Daybreak patted Button on the head

"I'm so sorry I smothered you for a bit there Button, and I'm also really sorry I said that you liked Sweetie Belle, I didn't know you would react that way. I was just sure you had a small crush on her was all..."

Button sniffled loudly, rubbing his hoof along his nose "I...I do kind of like Sweetie Belle. That wasn't why I was crying."

"Oh? Then why were you crying?"

Button gave another sniffle "Because I don't want you to tell her...I'm not really sure how I feel about her...Until lately most other ponies, especially mares, were really annoying and mean to me. Sweetie Belle and her friends are so different and nice...I don't wanna mess that up just cause I like her and she doesn't like me back..."

Daybreak could easily understand Buttons fear, although his situation with Twilight back as a colt and when he first arrived had been different both times, he knew how scared Button was of being rejected. He gently removed Button from his chest and looked directly into his amber colored eyes, placing a hoof upon his shoulder

"Button...this is why I think you and I are so similar...I was in a similar situation with Twilight a long time ago when I was your age, and then again a few years later when we met up here...I didn't tell her how I really felt when I was your age even though I was sure of my feelings for the longest time...In fact I rarely even spoke to her...but you don't have to do what I did. You and Sweetie Belle are already great friends, I can tell just by watching you two talk to each other. I can't say I know she definitely likes you back, but that shouldn't hold you back, if you think she's pretty, tell her that and see what she says. If you think she's the most beautiful mare you've ever laid eyes on...tell her that...in private though. If you think she's unspeakably sexy, don't be afraid to be honest with her. If you two really are great friends, then even if she doesn't feel the same way about you, your friendship will be just fine...ok?"

Daybreak eagerly awaited a response from Button, he was quite proud of the way he had worded his mini lecture to the young gamer. Perhaps it was just from good practice with the large crowds he sometimes had to address, or maybe it was because he truly believed what he had just said. Button sat and thought for a moment, tapping his hoof against his chin. Although Button was clearly thinking hard about what had just been said to him, Daybreak still couldn't help but feel like he was on the edge of his seat, figuratively, anticipating Buttons response. His momentary patience was rewarded when Button dropped his hoof and smiled brightly at him

"OK then Daybreak, I'll tell her how I feel...In fact let's go, I wanna go back and march inside and tell her right now!"

Daybreaks fur stood on edge as Button stood up to leave. Daybreak quickly grasped him by the shoulders and sat him back down

"Whoa there Romeo! Calm down and let's talk first."

"Umm...ok?"

Button made himself comfy in the grass again and waited for Daybreaks word. Daybreak took a moment to realize that Button was waiting for him to start the talk. He cleared his throat

"Well...Um...Isn't there anything you wanna know before just charging off to her Button...I mean mares are pretty complicated creatures, you gotta know how to say what you're saying..."

"I have a question."

"Oh...well that was fast...what is it?"

"What's it mean if you think somepony is sexy?" He air quoted himself when said the word sexy as though he had never heard it before.

Daybreaks face flushed slightly "Why would you want to know something like that Button?"

"Well you said it a few moments ago referring to Sweetie Belle...I'm assuming it's like a form of pretty?"

Hesitantly Daybreak nodded, mentally slapping himself again for not being more careful with his words "Yeah, in a way, but it's like the best thing you can say to a mare" He looked at the gleam in Buttons eye and quickly added "But you should be careful about that word Button...maybe you save it for some other time? I'd stick to just being honest with her for now."

"Mmhm.."

Daybreak noticed the distant stare he was receiving from Button, he had the distinct impression he had lost him to his thoughts

"Button are you even listening"

"Hm?...What?...Yeah...yeah I heard you. Be honest with her right?"

"Yep.."

A moment passed and neither of the ponies said a word, Button continued to stare off into space, and Daybreak continued to watch him stare. For a brief moment, Daybreak considered trying to read his mind with magic, just to understand what could possibly be distracting him, but he quickly dismissed the thought. Entering another's mind wasn't something he had tried on anything with complex thoughts yet. He had only tested it on a frog so far, and surprisingly enough...nothing really complex went on in their heads.

Other than mind reading, Daybreak could only think of one other way to get this colts full attention. He wanted to help this little guy hit it off with Sweetie Belle, but that meant motivating him to try first. He had been ready and rearing a moment ago, but had no idea what he was doing. It was time to get to teaching...

"Say Button?"

"Hm?"

"There's something I wanna show you...so pay attention ok?"

"O-ok?"

Button shook his head, regaining his focus. He just noticed there was an odd amount of light building up around the tip of Daybreaks horn "What are you gonna show me"

"Just watch...I haven't done this in awhile so it'll take a sec to remember how...in the meantime, I wanna let you know something...I've decided I'm going to help you, in making Sweetie Belle fall head over hooves for you."

Buttons jaw dropped "Wait...what!?"

"I'm gonna help you with Sweetie Belle, not just bits of advice, I'm gonna actually help you do things to make her like you."

Picking his jaw up from the grass, Button stared at Daybreak, fully expecting him to burst out laughing at any moment. Oddly enough he didn't, he just kept his gaze fixed on Button while his horn continued to glow brighter and brighter with each passing moment. Button rubbed the back of his head in confusion

"I must be dreaming..."

A smirk crept its way onto Daybreaks lips

"Why would you say that?"

"Because...this is too weird...I just met you yesterday...I've heard stories about you and Twilight for a long time now so I know you're supposed to be really nice and kind and stuff...but now your just suddenly offering to help me with Sweetie Belle because...you feel like it...it's too weird..."

The smirk Daybreak bore across his muzzle broke into a full grin just as his horn tip began shooting tiny sparks from within. With a quick flash of bright green light, Daybreaks whole body began to change shape. Button shielded his eyes with his leg and saw only the outline of what transpired. Within the flash of green Daybreaks body quickly morphed from one shape to the next, shrinking and expanding in some places, while bulking and extending in others. Within a few quick seconds, the green light faded away and Daybreak was left standing before Button Mash, much taller than he had previously been.

His body had changed back into his humanoid form, (or as his father called it, his natural, chaotic state). His legs and arms had reappeared, replacing his hooves. His clawed hands cracked as he moved his knuckles around testing his old form. Button stood, wide eyed, he now had to look up significantly more to see into Daybreaks eyes. His new look was quite scary, at least he thought so...Though he could still make out plenty of features that identified him as the stallion who had previously just been standing before him. Daybreaks green and white streaked hair and tail remained.  His cutie mark still blazed across his hips as well, and even his smile seemed pretty much the same, although now it was more squished against his face without a muzzle. He was in utter bewilderment

"Now I know I'm dreaming..."

Daybreak split his lips apart into another grin. His teeth were much more obvious in this form, and they were clearly much sharper too, a detail Button did not fail to notice.

"Button, I don't think you realize what you've got here..."

"What?"

With a quick snap of his fingers, Daybreak completely changed the area underneath Button. Without warning Button found himself seated upright in a cushiony chair facing Daybreak, who was still smiling

"Why don't you just roominate, whilst I illuminate your possibilities" Another snap of his fingers caused trumpets and a piano to appear, each instrument reacted in synch and began to play as a microphone appeared in Daybreaks grasp.

*Trumpets playing*

"Well Alibaba had them forty thieves,

Scheherazade had a thousand tails...

Well Button you, in luck cause, up your sleeve you got a brand a magic never fails"

"What the-?" Suddenly Button was on his hooves, in the center of a boxing ring, holding what appeared to be...a golden lamp with Daybreaks Cutie Mark blazing across it's top. Daybreak appeared behind him and began rubbing his shoulders.

"You got ze power in your corner now

Some heavy ammunition in your camp."

You got ze punch

Pizzas!

Yahoo and how!

See all ye gotta do is rub that lamp

And I'll say..."

"What will you say?" The intrigued colt was unable to help himself as Daybreak appeared in a suit and tie, carrying a note pad and pen

"Mister Button sir

What will your pleasure be?

Let me take your order

Jot it down

You ain't never had a friend like me! Waaahaaaaho!"

Buttons vision plunged into darkness again, when it reappeared, he was sitting at what seemed like a fancy dining table. Daybreak appeared a moment later still wearing the suit and tie, but carrying a menu instead

"Life is your restaurant and...

I'm your Maitre'D!

Come on whisper what it is you want

You ain't never had a friend like me

Yes sir, I pride myself on service

Your the Boss, the King, the Shah!"

Buttons hat suddenly vanished and was replaced by a rather large and unsightly looking, yellow crown, while Daybreak carried two giant trays of what looked like...cake? Both were labeled

"It's what you wish

It's yours, true dish

How 'bout a little more baklavaaaaa?

Have some of column A

Try all of column B

I'm in the mood, to help ya dude

You ain't never had a friend like me Ohhhh!"

Daybreak grasped Buttons right foreleg and gave him a quick spin in his chair. As he spun, his clothing changed again, this time he wore a suit and tie, but with lace at the top and bottom seams of the overcoat

"Whaaaaaaaaaa!"

"Oh my!"

Daybreak spun him again, Button continued his dizzy yells as his clothing shot off and changed again

"Wahhhhhhhhh!"

"No No"

"Whhhaaaaahhhhhaaaa!

"My my my..."

"Ooof ow ouch ahhh!"

Daybreak stopped his spinning as Button's suit finally looked perfect and held out a large vase full of water

"Can your friends do this?"

Smokey air filled the vases interior, within seconds the entire inside was full of bright, red and yellow flowers of varying sizes and shapes exploding outwards in bloom!

"Can your friends do that?"

Daybreak pointed behind Button, whose jaw dropped again as a box of Germane (puns) chocolates grew from the ground and plopped into place at Buttons hooves. Button picked them up and turned back to Daybreak, who was suddenly holding a black top hat within his grasp

"Can your friends pull this..."

He reached within the hat and withdrew a diamond necklace that almost perfectly resembled the diamonds in his Minecraft game.

"Out their little haaaaaaaat

Can your friends go POOF!"

Suddenly Sweetie Belle appeared in front of Button, he was startled into paralysis as she leaned forward and kissed his cheeks, but then immediately vanished, leaving Button slightly saddened that it was only an illusion

"Well looky here, haha..

Can your friends go Abrakadabra let 'er rip!

And then make the sucker disappeaaaaaar?

So don't ya sit there slack jawed

Buggy eyed

I'm here ta answer all your midday prayers

Ya got me Bone, Fide' certified

You gotta prince for your Chaire' De Faires."

Daybreak quickly took Buttons hoof and began rubbing it quickly across the lamp that he mysteriously had once again

I got a powerful urge, to help you out

So whatcha wish I really wanna know

You got the list that's three miles long no doubt

So all ya gotta do is rub like so and ohhhhhh"

Daybreak and Button were suddenly in the sky, above the tree house. Inside Sweetie Belles voice could be heard giggling loudly as Buttons name was mentioned, but the dialogue was incomprehensible.

"Mister Button sir

Have a wish or two or threeeee

I'm on the job

You big nabob

You ain't never had friend

Never had a friend

You ain't

Never had a friend, never had a friend

You ain't never

Had a

Frieeeeeeeeeend liiiiiiiiiike meeeeeee

A liiiiiiiiiiiiike meeeeeeeeeeee

Liiiiiiiike meeeeeee

You ain't never had a friend like me

Wow!"

A flash of light blinded Button, and suddenly they were back at the grassy lake sitting under the shade of the tree. Button looked to his right and saw Daybreak sitting with his legs crossed, a huge grin on his face as a green neon sign blazed above his head that continuously flashed the word "Applause". Button took the hint and began to applaud his hooves together with added enthusiasm. The many items Daybreak had created during his small show were scattered about around the tree, he quickly began to collect them all within his grasp. Even Buttons tux was present on his body, but he felt as though he was missing something...something extremely important if this was too work. In fact, he was certain that this single item may be the key to winning over Sweetie Belle. Turning to Daybreak, who was still smiling with his sign, Button said in his most serious voice

"I need a mustache!"

"What?!"

Daybreak had leaned back on his flanks so far he had fallen onto his back in surprise and bumped his head against the tree. Rubbing behind his skull, he returned to his feet with haste and stared down at Button

"Why would you need a mustache Button? And why do you think that would help?"

"Just trust me!" His voice was still deep and serious. It actually made the young colt sound intimidating, but Daybreak found it more humorous than anything. Nevertheless he nodded in agreement and cracked his knuckles together. Extending a single finger forward shaped like a pistol, Daybreak fired a small jet of magic to Buttons upper lip. Before his eyes, a black mustache sprouted forth from Buttons face completely covering his upper lip and curling subtly at the end. Button reached up and stroked his furry companion with a barely held back giddiness

"Yay! Thanks Daybreak!"

Despite rolling his eyes very obviously, Daybreak was happy to have joyed the colt...although he couldn't let him get too caught up in his new facial hair

"Don't mess with it too much Button, it's not real. One good tug and it'll come right off"

Disappointment flooded onto Buttons face at Daybreaks words, his stroking ceased at once

"Aww...But why'd you make it fake?"

"Because I highly doubt your mother would approve of me giving you facial hair for no reason"

"B-but it's not for no reason! It's for a super important reason, there is literally no other reason more important than this!"

Daybreak was unable to suppress his chuckles "Oh really?"

Realizing his words, Buttons cheek blushed and he suddenly took a great interest in staring at his own hooves. Daybreak couldn't help but smile, he could only hope he could raise Aurora to be as sweet as the Crusaders or Button....wait a second...

"Sweet Luna! AURORA!!!"

He yelled so loud that Button actually jumped back from him in fear as Daybreak frantically began searching the surrounding area for his filly

"Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! I'm so irresponsible! How could I forget about little Aurora! Oh where is she..."

Daybreak began to mentally kick himself over and over as he sped around and up the tree searching for his filly. For fear of being trampled, Button retreated a safe distance away from the tree and Daybreak. He knew from experience that a frantic parent was a force to be reckoned with. One time as a very young colt, he had hid from his mother for a whole hour to avoid taking a bath...the results were not pleasant. His mother had panicked so badly, she had ended up literally tearing the hinges off his closet door to try and find him! Daybreak was already intimidating enough without being a frightened parent, Button had no desire to get involved in that mess.

"OhmygoshTwilightisgoingtokillme!"

He was so out of it that he was beginning to change random objects in the environment without noticing. Button however, noticed very easily...When the grass around him became a field of chocolate bars, he began to worry...

Daybreak was on the edge of his wits with fear, guilt, and sadness all jumbled into one! He was ready to turn the whole area temporarily barren to find her...when he heard the softest of sounds coming from the direction of the lake. He actually smacked himself in the face for his own thoughtlessness as he realized she must be near the waters edge, and took off at full sprint down to the lake!

Button saw Daybreak turn and sprint at full speed from his perch towards the lake and quickly galloped after him as fast as his tiny legs would take him.

He reached the watery surface of the lake in a matter of seconds and continued to run straight for the water. Without stopping he magically charged his feet and ran across the lake surface for a few feet before skidding to a halt on the smooth water. He looked around frantically for any sign of his filly, even going so far as to plunge his face below the surface of the water to see if she was attempting to swim...but still saw nothing

"Oh my gosh...I'm dead...I'm so dead...so very very very dead...Twilight's gonna kill me for losing Aurora...and what's worse...she'd be right to...How could I take my eyes off her for even a second knowing how she is..."

Just then...even with his face plunged beneath the water, Daybreak heard a squeaky voice above the surface say

"Daaaaaaaddy?"

He was above the water quicker than his ears could take, and he grasped them in pain as they briefly popped. But he didn't care, for at the edge of the lake, he saw Button Mash holding Aurora in his arms, both waving at him...and Aurora had a squirrel held in her mouth. The front half hanging out the right side of her lips and the back hanging from her mouths left side, giving her a very weird looking smile. The squirrel was alive, and clearly displeased at being handled the way it was, but he was in no position to scratch or harm anypony, but it probably thanked it's lucky stars Aurora had no teeth yet.

Daybreak quickly bolted back to the beach then zoomed over to his filly so quickly, he created a small sand castle behind him. He grasped her up into his arms and squeezed her tightly against his chest. Aurora gave several disapproving squeaks as Daybreaks wet fur, now much fluffier due to his changed appearance, soaked her as she was forcefully hugged.

"Oh sweetie, I'm so sorry I forgot about you I'm such a bad parent I swear it will never happen again and...why do you have a squirrel in your mouth?

Aurora obviously understood his question, for at that moment she smiled large enough for Daybreak to see the rest of the squirrel held between her lips. She was clearly holding it delicately, despite having no teeth she had a pretty good grip on the creature and somehow wasn't harming it either. He definitely wouldn't be going anywhere without aid. Daybreak knew better than to try and aid the squirrel for fear of invoking his daughters wrath...or worse, her sadness. Plus he kind of wanted to know how she had caught it anyways. Turning to Button he signaled for him to climb onto his back as he morphed back down into his pony form.

A brief second later he was a stallion again and still holding Aurora in his arms. Button quickly climbed atop his back, then took Aurora from Daybreak and placed her back into her safety seat, which had also reformed itself on Daybreak. Aurora didn't seem to mind in the least that she had just watched her father change shape back into a pony, Button couldn't help but notice her lack of a reaction

"Daybreak...how come Aurora didn't even flinch when you picked her up in your other form...or when you just changed back to pony? Has she already seen it or something?"

Daybreak gave a quick shake of his rear to make sure both Button and Aurora were secure on him. When no filly or colt fell from his back, he began walking with a smirk

"Well...no...she hasn't seen it before, I haven't done that since she was born. But to be honest, I'm not really that surprised she didn't freak out actually."

Buttons ears perked "Really?...How come?"

"Well...She's not exactly a normal filly in case you haven't noticed..."

Button looked at Aurora as she nomed on the squirrels tummy

"Yeah...I've noticed"

"Yeah...I've never seen a filly act the way she does...I can't wait to see how she behaves as she gets older"

Daybreak chuckled as he ignited his horn, a green mist sprang out from within his tip then quickly shot back to Button and Aurora. It surrounded the two young ponies, then seemed to just melt onto their bodies, like a sticky layer of syrup. Aurora paid it no mind and continued to play with the squirrel, Button however, freaked out and began to frantically look over his suit for signs of damage

"Agggh! What did you do?!"

"Calm down Button, It's just a health spell. In case that squirrel is sick or carrying any kind of disease, I wouldn't want you or Aurora getting ill. It's nothing to worry about."

Button stared at his hoof, he could swear he saw a hint of green on his coat. He began scrubbing his hooves together with extreme force. Daybreak could feel him vibrating on his back

"Um Button? What are you doing back there?"

"Nothing!" He continued his scrubbing, determined to rid any hint of green from his coat or tux should he find any.

Daybreak sighed as they continued their march home, this was going to be a long day when they got back...he could just tell.