One's Responsibility to Their Family

Pinkie pounced on her alarm as it started to go off. Pinkie groggily opened her eyes as she heard the alarm continue cheering at her, and finally turned it as she silently cursed Twilight for setting it and not showing her how to turn it off. Pinkie groaned as she stretched out. She licked her lips as her eyes fell on a particularly delicious looking new member of the clutter on her dresser. Next to it was a card that simply read We know you don’t want to celebrate until we’re home, but happy birthday anyways.

Pinkie sighed as she picked up the cupcake. She took a small bite, but then put it back on the dresser as she pulled out a t-shirt and shorts. Composing herself, she slowly opened her door and sniffed. In the ensuing chaos, Rainbow Dash was run over, Twilight was shoved back into a wall, Fluttershy’s towel was ripped away from her as she came out of the shower, and Applejack stopped Pinkie dead in a hug. “Calm down sugarcube.”

Pinkie smiled as Applejack let go of her. “Do I smell flapjacks?”

“I don’t know. At this point, you might just smell Applejacks instead.” The two giggled at the bad joke as Applejack pulled out a chair for Pinkie.

“You guys don’t have to do this for me you know.” Pinkie scowled as a large tower of pancakes was put in front of her. “Do we have sausages for this?”

“Of course darling, and the last time you decided to skip your birthday you went all crazy with straight hair. I would have thought you’d remember that we all love celebrating your birthday, especially after that.” Rarity put a plate of sausages next to Pinkie who started to make her own pigs in a blanket.

Pinkie smiled up at them as the others coming down the stairs. “Thanks guys.” Her friends looked concern, and Pinkie tried to fight back tears as she stuffed the first pig into her mouth. "I'm fine, I swear.”

“Doesn’t mean we can’t give you a group hug anyways.” Pinkie was rocked forward as Rainbow Dash tackled the back of the chair. The others joined in and a bright flash went off as they all came together.

Celestia smiled at them as she put her camera down. “How about it Pinkie? We spend at least some of the day celebrating your birthday? Even have some time with bracelets off.” Celestia smiled as Pinkie looked shocked at her. “I can put an enchantment on the house to make sure people don’t go peeping in, but only for a couple of hours. I thought it might be just what you need to cheer you up after your visit with Nathaniel a few days ago.”

Rainbow Dash slammed her fist into the counter as Celestia said the name. Pinkie put a hand on Rainbow Dash’s arm, smiling while her other hand touched her cheek. “I just can’t make friends with him. That’s all, just like everyone else. Why should I be surprised?” Pinkie’s shoulders started to quake as she stuffed the next part of her breakfast into her mouth. Fluttershy wrapped her arms around Pinkie as the door rang.

“I’ll get it.” Rainbow leaped over the table as she went to the door.

“Wait Rainbow, I don’t think that is the best-”

“Hello mam.” Standing in the doorway was a moderately attractive black man with an apron and sweat pants on. “I have a delivery for my best worker.”

Pinkie perked her head up and gasped as she saw him. “David!” Pinkie glomped him onto the front steps, but then furrowed her brows. “I thought you said you wouldn’t be making it to say happy birthday today. Speak or prepare to be glomped further.”

David smiled, his right arm in pain as he still was holding his package flat in the air, even through the tremendous force of the glomp. “A guy paid well to get these delivered today. Seeing as I had made a little extra cash, I decided saying hi for a few minutes wouldn’t hurt. So, um, happy birthday! Now can we get up please?”

Pinkie pondered this for a few moments before nodding and getting off and grabbing the package. Opening up she saw her very own creations sitting in the box, 50 of them to be exact. A few were a bit smashed, and Pinkie blushed a little as she picked one up off of its side. “Sorry.”

“Not a problem for me seeing as they’re your cupcakes. Besides, you know I can’t stand that cinnamon frosting of yours. Way too hot.” David hugged Pinkie back as she carefully wrapped her arms around him. “Unfortunately, I can’t stay. Still gotta run my bakery. However, the guy who sent them also wanted you to get this letter. See ya tomorrow Pinkie.” David drove off as Pinkie brought the cupcakes in.

“So that’s your boss Pinkie? I now see why you like work so much.” Rarity smiled as Pinkie rolled her eyes.

“Unless one’s business is pleasure, one does not mix them. Now how do I open this?” Pinkie tapped the sealed envelope she was holding.

“Let me help Pinkie.” Celestia stopped reaching as Pinkie started shredding the envelope, but still managed to leave the letter in perfect condition.

“Alright, you all enjoy these as I read this.”

Rarity took a small bite out of one before the others and almost immediately felt her eyes start to water. She started to wave her hands to get the others stop as Applejack and Rainbow Dash ate theirs in two bites each. Both went dashing for the refrigerator as Celestia grabbed a silver pin on the middle cupcake, smiling at it.

Dearest Pinkamena Diane Pie

I am sorry for my behavior as of late and was unjustifiably rude to you simply because I had a busy day ahead of me. I did not mean to harm you or your feelings with how I acted, but I fear from what your friends have told me that I did, and I hope this gesture can make up for at least part of it. However, I decided it was best that I stay away so as to not ruin your special day, just in case. Though it will not allow as exclusive access to my home, you can still enter most public rooms and the gardens. Perhaps we can meet again if you are willing to give me another chance.

Sincerely,

Nathaniel Cypher

Pinkie felt tears sting her eyes as she folded the card back over, wondering what it could have possibly meant. Looking up, she gained a small smile as she saw Celestia holding a silver pin that was molded to be the name Cypher. Pinkie took it into her hands as tears fell down her face. She licked the frosting off as she said, “I think I would like a fur day, if that’s okay.”

Applejack was chugging the milk jug as she felt her phone start vibrating in her pocket. Applejack took a deep breath as she saw who it was that was trying to reach her. Passing by Celestia, the older woman asked, “Where are you going?”

“Upstairs. I need to take a call from work.”

“Alright, just come back down without your anklet on, alright?”

“Um, sure.” Applejack rushed up the stairs, barely answering in time as she flipped her phone open. “Hello Mark.”

“Oh? I’m honored that you already learned my-”

“Look, I don’t wanna be on long. I ain’t gonna be your sex doll anymore and thats that. The money ain’t worth it, but you said I could say no whenever I wanted, so I’m saying no now. Have a nice life Mark, and I hope you find whatever it is you seem to have wanted.” Applejack slammed her phone shut, each breath coming in weak as she felt fear and panic flood through her system. This was still the best route, regardless of the money. I want to be able to look into my sister’s eyes, and not simply stare at her hooves.

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Mark stared down at the phone, his breath having halted as he’d heard Applejack’s words. She said no? She said no to me? No one says no to me, I’m a Cypher heir! Mark let out an angry scream as he threw his phone down on his bed and slammed his fist through a wall in his bedroom.

Maybe I was too rushed, too excited? I was warned that pushing a bitch too far could end up making her run instead of breaking, but I thought she was tough enough for at least the little teasing I did. It wasn’t like she was a virgin! Mark looked at himself in the mirror, admiring his strong jaw, fierce gaze, and powerful muscles. No, it can’t have been my fault, just that little cunt’s. Now, how to get even?

Mark flipped his phone open and dialed an old number from his phone. “Hello?”

“Hi. The whore told me no.”

“You are probably going to have to be more specific than that. Last time I checked, you employed several girls that fit under that description.”

Mark scowled. “The mistress told me no.”

“See, was that so hard? Besides, is that anyway to start a conversation with me. No ‘how are you doing,’ or ‘grandpas dead’. I thought I taught you better.”

Mark pinched the bridge of his nose. “Fine. How are you?”

“Seeing as I have a firm E-cup woman sucking my balls as we speak, better then you.” The conversation paused as Mark screamed into the phone. “Calm the fuck down already. One girl says no to you and you flip out like this? No wonder she said no, you probably broke out a whip or something. Speaking of slave labor, how is your yes man of a brother doing?”

“Nathaniel? Beat a girl who’s a friend of some girls he knows at school. They got a little scared of him after that, and the best part is that one is going all out silent treatment. It’s wonderful to watch as his hopes are practically crushed in front of me. Now if only he didn’t get more time than me with a woman who I think bigger is chested than any other on the planet.”

“Ah yes, the gardener. Do you have a plan for her yet?”

“Not yet, and I think she will unfortunately have to wait. Now if you’re done with this coy bullshit, can we get down to business?”

There was a long silence, but the man on the other end now sounded much harsher as he said, “Fine, but first admit you fucked up.”

“I did not fuck up!”

Another long pause followed before an amused, “Too bad. Maybe if you would for once be honest with me I would continue to help. However, I am not going to brand my name to this silly game anymore. For now, you are on your own son.”

Mark stared at the phone for a moment as he saw that his father had hung up. He started taking short breaths as his hand slowly curled into a fist. This is not just a game. This is my birthright as a Cypher, just as it was your’s, and just as it was Grandfather’s. I will not allow them to simply decide I do not deserve the same. Mark pulled out his phone and stared at the picture of Applejack’s chest. “You will be mine, regardless what anyone else, or even you, think.”