Chapters Celestia’s sun was just barely rising over the horizon, still early enough for everypony to be comfortably tucked in bed. Everypony except for one that is, this was a pony who knew the values of waking up early, always wanting to make the most of her day. This pony went by the name of Rarity, element of generosity, and known all around equestria for her contributions to the world of fashion. With a yawn she made her way into the kitchen, though usually she was a mare who prefer tea, she decided a good cup of Joe would do her some good this morning.
Within minutes she had the placed the coffee grinds and filter into the brewer and had turned it on. As the coffee was being made she popped two slices of bread in the toaster and sat down at the kitchen table. The smell of fresh coffee was already spreading through the air, and as she sat there waiting, something crossed her mind.
“I feel as though I am forgetting something…” Rarity thought to herself as she rubbed her chin with her hoof. When the bell on the brewing machine went off Rarity got up from her chair and walked up to her, but still she tried to figure out what she was forgetting.
“It was something important,” just as she poured herself a mug the toast popped out of the toaster. Using her magic she beckoned the toast towards her as she added some milk to her coffee “But what could it be?” once her coffee to her liking she spread jam on her toast and moved back to the kitchen table. As she took a bite of her toast, the feeling of something forgotten continued to pester her.
“This is going to eat away at me…” she thought to herself, she knew she wouldn’t be able to think of anything else until she figure out what she had forgotten. Just then an idea struck her, carrying her coffee with her magic, Rarity left the kitchen and made her way towards the living room.
“If it was important then I would have written it in my planner.” She said as she trotted towards her working desk. Unlocking her drawer she pulled it open to reveal the book she was looking for. Rarity then placed it on the desk and used her levitation to flip through the pages. As the pages turned, Rarity decided to take a sip of her coffee, hoping it would help clear her mind. But just as she had taken in the caffeinated drink, just as she could taste its rich flavor and was prepared to swallow, she reached the page she was looking for.
Just then she remembered what it was that she had forgotten, and in response her eyes opened as wide as they could as her pupils shrank to the size of marbles. She could no longer bring herself to down her drink, so instead she expelled it out of her mouth, dropping her mug in the process. “Mother of Celestia, it cannot be!” Rarity said with a voice full of horror. But no matter how much she wished it to be a lie, she knew it to be the truth. On her planner, written in bold red letters which were underlined and circled several times for emphasis read:
Claire’s 21st birthday!!!
Rarity had dreaded this day since the day Sweetie Belle turned twenty-one, her spine trembled just from the thought of it. Every filly and colt dreamed for the day that they could turn twenty-one the day when they could legally drink. And it was no secret that Claire has been looking forward for that day herself, and now it has finally come.
“Oh no, I cannot risk going through that again!” Rarity thought to herself, she needed to figure out a way out of this and fast, Claire was just as much an early bird as she was so she would most likely awaken any moment now. And when she did she’d be looking for somepony to accompany her, and Rarity had a pretty good idea about who that would be.
“Wait, there might just be another way!” quickly Rarity galloped her way back upstairs towards her bedroom. There was somepony, or rather, somedragon who could take Claire in her place, it was the perfect idea. She threw the door open, right now keeping quiet no longer mattered, she’d have ripped the door off of its hinges had she been slightly more desperate.
“Spikey, could you do me a favor and-“ Rarity paused, she knew for a fact that Spike had been asleep when she awoke, yet now the bed was empty. When she felt a breeze she looked over to find that the window had been opened. “He couldn’t have…” Rarity walked up to the bed, there she noticed a piece of paper taped to Spike’s pillow. As she lifted it closer she found that it was addressed to her, the letter read:
Dear Rarity;
Love, Spike.
Rarity stared at the note for several moment, an unreadable expression spread across her face. When she turned the note over she found that there was something written on the back. It was just a few letter, but it spoke volumes.
I.O.U
“Yes you do Spikey Wikey…yes you do…” said Rarity as she hid the I.O.U so that she may use it later, when she thought of a suitable punishment that is. But that was something for her to think about later, right now her ace in the hole was gone and she was running out of time.
“I have nopony else to turn to, Twilight is in Canterlot and Sweetie Belle is in Manehattan, I’m doomed!” as she raised her hoof over her head an old habit returned to Rarity, she fell back hoping to land on something soft, but instead landed on the floor with a ‘thud’.
“Ow…right, I threw that out years ago…” Rariy groaned. She continued to lay there in total silence, only for it to be broken by the sound of the shower running. Rarity let out a small sigh as she picked herself up from the floor and dusted off her coat.
“Out of time and out of options,” said Rarity “I suppose there is only one thing left for a mature adult to do…”
Inside of the upstairs bathroom, Claire was in the process of drying out her hair after getting out of the shower. “Today’s finally the day.” She said tossing the towel to the side and getting a look at herself in the mirror. She could see herself grinning from ear to ear with anticipation, she was very excited about today. And she had good reason to be excited, she had been waiting for this day all her life. The day she could legally drink the sweet nectar known as Apple family brand hard cider.
Just the thought of finally being able to down one of the most famous drinks in Equestria was enough to make Claire’s mouth water. She had always been curious as to how it would taste, and soon she would get her answer. But first she needed to be patient, it was far too early for her to drink now.
She had heard that the best part of anyponies twenty-first birthday should be saved for after sundown. That’s when the city comes alive and most of the fun can really begin, at least, that’s what Rainbow Dash told her. “True or not, I can wait.” Claire thought to herself as she continued down the hall “Besides, there’s somepony I need to talk to first.”
Achoo!
Claire stopped in her tracks as she heard the sneeze, instantly she recognized who it belonged to and where it was coming from. “Mom?” Claire called out as she made her way to her parents’ bedroom.
“In here darling!” said a nasally voice which was followed by the sound of somepony blowing their nose. When Claire entered the room she saw her mother was still in bed, and to say that she didn’t look her best would be an understatement. Rarity’s usually well-kept mane was now a mess, her nose, which was normally pure alabaster in color like her coat was now bright red, no doubt because of constant sneezing. And to complete the picture of awful mornings, the bags under Rarity’s eyes were so dark it could put the night to shame.
“You look horrible!” said Claire.
“Trust me dear,” Rarity said with a sniffle “It feels worse than it looks…” she added before letting out a few coughs. Claire began to take a couple of steps forward out of concern for her mother, only to be stopped when she raised a hoof. “D-don’t get to close sweetie,” she warned her daughter “We wouldn’t want you catching my cold” she said.
“Especially considering what today is,” she said with a smile “Happy birthday.”
“Thanks, mom.” Claire said retuning the smile.
“Do you have any plans?” Rarity asked, as if she didn’t already know the answer.
“Well, I did have plans for later tonight.” Said Claire. “You know, now that I’m twenty-one I can finally…drink?” Claire said sheepishly, as though she’d get in trouble for bringing it up. Rarity simple let out a small giggle.
“I know darling, you are finally at that age, and I can’t stop you.” She said. “But I would really prefer it if you didn’t go out alone. But your father is out of town for the day and-” Trying to get up Rarity let out a small groan before lying back down “-It doesn’t seem like I will be getting out of bed anytime soon.”
“That’s alright, I kind of figured you wouldn’t want to go anyway,” said Claire “Not after that story I heard about aunt Sweetie Belle.” She added which caused Rarity to shiver again. “So I planned ahead and asked Illusion to come with me.” Using her magic Claire levitated a fresh box of tissues to her mother.
“So you just relax and try and get better, I’ll make us some breakfast!” said Claire as she walked out of the room. Rarity laid there in total silence as she heard Claire’s steps get further away, and once she was sure that Claire was downstairs her horn began to glow. Her mane then returned to normal, her nose no longer shined bright red, and the bags under her eyes vanished.
“What a relief!” Rarity sighed as she placed her hooves behind her head. “Turns out I didn’t have to resort to this spell after all.” She thought to herself. In truth Rarity did feel a little ashamed that she did, it was a spell that she learned from Sweetie Belle which she used to get out of tests when she was younger. The only reason Rarity learned it was so that she could identify it when somepony else used it. But she would be lying if she said that it hadn’t come in handy a few times over the years.
But now Rarity didn’t have to feel bad, because her daughter would be able to enjoy her birthday after all. And Rarity wouldn’t have to run the risk of going through another disaster like so many years ago.
“Ah yes, it’ll just be Claire with her coltfriend.”
“Drinking…”
“For the first time…”
“At night…”
A split second later Rarity frantically made her way downstairs.
When Rarity heard a knock at her front door she knew who to expect. Claire was upstairs getting ready for the night so it gave Rarity a couple of minutes. She accepted that Illusion would accompany Claire on her first night of drinking, but there was something she needed to take care of first. When Rarity opened the door she saw none other than Illusion himself standing in wait.
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Rarity.” Greeted Illusion.
“Likewise, Illusion.” Said Rarity as she stepped to the side so that Illusion could enter. “Claire is getting ready, she should be down soon.” She said as she closed the door. Afterword’s Rarity lead Illusion into the kitchen where she sat him down.
“Would you like something to eat?” offered Rarity.
“No thanks, I’m fine.” said Illusion.
“Suit yourself, though I supposed I’ll have a cucumber while we wait.” Said Rarity as she walked towards the fridge. While Rarity searched through the fridge Illusion waited by the table patiently. He was a little surprised when Claire asked him to take her out on a night of drinking when she turned twenty-one. If anything he thought Claire would ask her mother to take her, but after the story she told him he could understand.
“So Illusion, what are your plans for tonight, if you don’t mind me asking.” Said Rarity, a cucumber in her magical grasp.
“Just going to take Claire out for a couple of drinks is all, nothing too heavy.” Said Illusion.
“I see.” Said Rarity as she placed the cucumber down on the table before turning around and searching through the drawers. “You can understand that I am a little worried for Claire, this being her first time drinking an all.”
“Trust me, there’s nothing to worry about.” Illusion assured her.
“Splendid,” said Rarity as she turned around, something hiding behind her. “Because I am putting a lot of faith in you to assure her safe return. And I will be rather upset to find that my faith was misplaced.” From behind Rarity’s back a large knife revealed itself and was raised into the air. Illusion watched as Rarity -with what was scarily the sweetest smile he’d ever seen- brought the knife down on the cucumber splitting it in two.
“Have I made myself clear?” asked Rarity as she looked Illusion in the eyes. Illusion gave a loud gulp as he crossed his hind legs in response. Illusion couldn’t bring himself to say another word, so he simply nodded his head in agreement. Fully content with herself Rarity took one of the cucumber slices and sat down on the other side of the table.
“I’m so glad we could have this little chat.”
Claire finally came down not too long after Rarity and Illusion’s little chat had ended. Illusion could still see the smile on Rarity’s face as she waved them goodbye. It was the same smile she gave him before assaulting the vegetable on the table. Just the thought of the implications was enough to cause him to shiver again.
“So which bar are we going to?” Claire asked snapping Illusion out of his little flash back.
“Huh?” he asked before finally understanding what Claire asked him “Oh, well there’s one near the castle, it’s a really nice place and the same bar I went to on my twenty-first.” Illusion told her.
“Do they have good cider?” asked Claire.
“Best in town.”
“Then lead the way!”
Illusion lead Claire to the bar he had mentioned before, both of them standing outside the front door. Claire looked up at the sign that had the bars rather long name, ‘Day and Night, Light and Heavy’ it read. “I don’t get it…” Claire said trying to make sense of the name, from what she knew some bars names was because of some kind of gimmick like the name of the owner’s family, or the town it was from.
“Yeah I didn’t understand it at first either.” Said Illusion “But then I asked the bartender, turns out that their drinks change depending on what time it is. So basically, the later it gets, the heavier their drinks become.” He explained.
“Clever.” Claire said with a smirk.
“I thought so too.” Said Illusion “Come on, wait until you see the inside.” He said as he led Claire towards the front door. Using his magic Illusion opened the front door to the bar and stood aside so that Claire could walk in first. Once inside Claire came to a halt and took in the sight of the inside of the bar.
“Whoa…” Claire had seen a bar before in Ponyville, It was okay but nothing to write home about. However this bar was the exact opposite, the interior wasn’t too fancy and at the same time not too simple. It was a perfect blend that seemed to make whoever was inside feel that they were at home.
“So what do you think, great place to have your first drink?” asked Illusion.
“It’s perfect.” Clair said with a smile.
“Come on, I’ll introduce you to the bartender.” Said Illusion as he nudged Claire’s shoulder. Claire followed Illusion towards the center of the bar where a large round bar table had been constructed. Behind it was a unicorn mare with peach colored fur and cherry colored mane and tail. Her cutie mark was that of a small glass containing come kind of liquid within it. The made had just finished placing a mixed drink on the table when she noticed Claire and Illusion making their way towards her.
“Well if it isn’t the prince himself.” She greeted Illusion with a smile. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit today?” she asked him.
“It’s a special day,” said Illusion “Shot Glass, I’d like to introduce you to Claire.” He said motioning to Claire who stood beside him.
“Nice to know ya!” Shot Glass said with a wave.
“Today is her twenty-first birthday.” Illusion continued one. At the mention of Claire’s age, Shot Glass’s eyes seemed to twinkle.
“Looks like I’m breaking in another one today!” Shot Glass said in glee, much to Claire’s confusion.
“Breaking in what now?” Claire asked turning her attention to Illusion.
“Relax,” Illusion said with a chuckle “She means break you in as a first time drinker is all.”
“That’s right, there’s nothing I enjoy more than being the barpony to give somepony their first drink.” Shot Glass explained. “Come take a load off and tell me what you’d like.” She said motioning Claire and Illusion to take a seat at the table. Once Claire was seated she observed all of the drinks that were displaced behind the table. Claire didn’t know there were so many different alcoholic beverages out there. Many of them looked tempting, but there would be other nights to try them. For now she already knew what she wanted to be her first drink.
“I’d like a mug of hard apple family cider, please.” Said Claire.
“A fine choice!” Shot Glass said with a smile as she levitated an empty mug from under the table. “And a popular one, can’t tell ya how many times I had a first time drinker decide to go with cider.” Still in her magical grasp the mug was moved towards a large barrel containing the drink in question.
“Make it two, please.” Said Illusion.
“You’ve got it!” Soon both mugs were filled and placed on the table in front of Claire and Illusion. “Will that be all?” she asked to which both nodded “Alrighty then, give me a holler if you need anything else.” She said before walking off to tend to another customer. Once she was gone Claire looked down at her mug. It was a little hard to believe for a moment, she’d waited for a long time to be able to drink her first cider, and it was finally time.
She only looked away from the drink when she noticed something was moved close to her. When she turned she saw Illusion holding out his mug towards her “A toast, to your twenty-first birthday.” He said with a smile. Claire looked at Illusions mug for several seconds before she returned the smile and grabbed hold of her own.
“And many more.” Said Claire as she and Illusion clunked their mugs together.
It didn’t take her long to realize it, maybe a minute or two, but eventually the reality set in that Rarity had the house all to herself. Her husband and son out fishing and her daughter celebrating her twenty-first birthday with her colt friend. It seemed as though everyone was enjoying themselves today, all while she was alone sewing dresses?
I think not.
Claire and Illusion wouldn’t be back any time soon, this left Rarity with several hours of silence. A luxury that she will admit has been lacking in recent years. But now she finally had time to herself and she wasn’t going to waste it by working. “Ah yes, a nice salad bowl, a fresh brew of tea, and a riveting novel.” Said Rarity as she levitated all three objects with her to the living room.
“Everything I need to enjoy a perfectly quiet evening alone.” With a smile Rarity placed them on the table. But before she had the time to sit down and enjoy any of them, she heard the bell of her door chime. “After I shoo away a customer…” Rarity said with a groan, in her excitement she had forgotten to flip the sign and lock the door. But it was only a small inconvenience, one that would be fixed quickly so that she could go back to enjoying her day.
“I do apologize, but we’re closed for the evening.” She called as she entered the room “But you’re more than welcome to return tomorrow.” She added.
“Aw, and I was really hoping to see you today.” As Rarity heard the sarcasm filled reply she paused, she recognized that voice.
“Sweetie Belle?” she called out as she reached the front door. Sure enough there she was, her little sister standing by the door.
“Hey sis!” she said with a smile.
“Well now isn’t this a surprise!” said Rarity as she gave her sister a hug “I thought you’d be in Manehattan today, what brings you to Ponyville?” she asked. Sweetie Belle arched a brow at her sister’s question, she thought the answer would have been obvious.
“Come on Rarity, did you forget what today is?” she asked. Rarity looked back at Sweetie Belle and gave a small chuckle.
“Believe it or not but it had slipped my mind until this morning.” She said as she and Sweetie Belle made their way back to the living room. “Made for a rather rude realization when I checked my planner.” she added to which Sweetie Belle giggled.
“Still haven’t gotten over my twenty-first have you?” Sweetie Belle asked, all Rarity did was shiver slightly. “Come on it wasn’t that bad, and your eyebrows grew back…eventually.” She added with a sheepish smile. Rarity’s silence was enough for Sweetie Belle to know to change the subject.
“Okay so I got out of control, but that’s why I came today. I figure that the two of us could take Claire to a bar together, this way we can both keep an eye on her.” By the time she and Rarity reached the living room Sweetie Belle noticed that no one else was around. “Where is she anyway?” she asked.
“I’m afraid you just missed her, darling.” Said Rarity. Sweetie Belle looked a little disappointed by that.
“Did Spike take her?” she asked only to notice a slightly annoyed look in Rarity’s eyes.
“No, Spike had other plans today, but she asked Illusion to take her.”
“You let your daughter go out drinking with her coltfriend?” Sweetie Belle asked with an arched brow “Seriously?”
“Oh don’t worry, I had a little chat with him.” Rarity said with a smirk.
“Used moms little intimidation technique?” asked Sweetie Belle.
“Indeed,” said Rarity “Only I used a cucumber.”
“I plan on using a cheese grater.” Said Sweetie Belle to which both she and Rarity laughed out loud.
“All jokes aside, I really do trust Illusion to keep an eye on Claire, he’s a good boy.” Said Rarity.
“I guess so,” said Sweetie Belle “But honestly I’m surprised you didn’t want to go with Claire yourself. I mean sure it go so well when you first took me to a bar, but that was still a great day for me.”
“Really?” asked Rarity with high skepticism.
“Well yeah, back then I was starting my music career and I was spending a lot of time with Button. So much of my time was being taken up that we hardly got to hang out anymore, so even if that day wasn’t the best, I still got to spend it with my big sister.” Throwing her foreleg around Rarity’s neck Sweetie Belle pulled her in and nuzzled her. Rarity froze for a moment, she hadn’t thought of it like that before.
Sure Claire still lived with her, but for how much longer? How long until she moved on with her own life and they began to see less of each other?
“I see your point, but I suppose there’s nothing I can do about that. Not at the moment anyway.” Said Rarity. She didn’t know where Illusion was taking Claire, and there were far too many bars in Canterlot to check them all.
“Tell you what, how about we both enjoy ourselves tonight. And tomorrow the three of us will share a glass, just like it should have been?” Rarity offered.
“Sounds like a plan.” Sweetie Belle said excitedly “So you’re not a little worried about how Claire can handle her drinks?” she asked.
“Come now darling, she’s half dragon.” Said Rarity with a dismissing wave of a hoof. “What could possibly go wrong?”
“Can you believe my m-mom used some phony baloney sickness spell to try and *hic* get out of taking me to a bar?” said Claire, her arm wrapped around his shoulder. Her cheeks were slightly flushed and there was a slur in her speech. “What, did s-she think that it’d be like with Aunt Sweetie *hic* Belle?”
“Claire?”
“Well let me tell you something,” said Claire as she poked him claw on his chest “It’s her loss, cus’ we’re having the time of our lives, right?” she asked as she tightened her hold of him.
“Claire…”
“That’s right, say my name.” Claire said with a sly smile.
“Claire!”
“What?” asked Claire starting to get annoyed by her name being called over and over.
“I’m over here…” Claire blinked in a moment of pause before turning her head over. There she saw Illusion sitting next to her, his muzzle scrunched slightly, as if he was trying not to smile. Claire looked back at Illusion with a confused look on her face.
“W-when did you *hic* get there?” she asked.
“I never moved.” Again Claire paused, the gears in her head turning slowly.
“Then who’s this?” she asked as she turned her head back to whoever it was that she had a hold of. When she finally got a look at him she noticed that it was a Pegasus stallion wearing royal guard armor. His body was stiff and his eyes darted left and right awkwardly, not sure what he should do at the moment. Illusion would be lying if he said that he didn’t find the guards reaction to be a little funny.
“Oh…sorry.” Claire said with a sheepish smile and a giggle as she released the Pegasus and turned her sight back to Illusion. “So w-what was I *hic* saying?” she asked trying to regain her train of thought.
“Something about having fun?” said Illusion.
“Oh right, right, that’s it.” Said Claire as she patted Illusion on his chest “W-we don’t need them to have fun, we can- we can have fun with*hic* without them.” She said still patting Illusions chest.
“Uhh, Claire?” said Illusion when he saw that the patting didn’t seem to have an end to it.
“Your chest is fluffy.” She said looking at the black fur with a smile on her face.
“Um, thanks.” Said Illusion, his face growing a little red. “I try to-“
Illusion stopped the moment Claire placed her face against the fur of his chest. “Soooo fluffy.” She said as she nuzzled it. As Illusion listened closely he seemed to hear something rather odd from Claire.
“Is she…is she purring?” he asked himself, the blush on his face growing deeper when it grew louder.
“Looks like you two are enjoying yourselves.” Illusion blinked as he heard the voice. Turning his head to the table again he saw Shot Glass staring at him with a sly smile on her face.
“This isn’t what it looks like” said Illusion as he held up his hoof.
“So your marefriend didn’t just go full feline?” asked Show Glass.
“Of course not,” said Illusion as he looked down “Right Claire?”
“Nyaaa?” Shot Glass put both hooves over her mouth to keep herself from bursting out in a laugh. That fact that Illusions ears were turning red now did not make that any easier for her.
“So um…” Shot Glass began taking a deep breath to compose herself “Is there anything else I can get you?” she asked, a small snicker escaping her. Illusion was going to say no, but that was when Claire raised her claw and waved it around.
“Oh, oh,” she called out “Can I have some cucumber slices?” she asked causing Illusion to feel a slight stinging sensation, he won’t say where.
“Sure thing, be back in a jiff” said Shot Glass as she walked away to retrieve what Claire asked for. Once she was out of sight Illusion placed a paw on Claire’s head and gently tried to pry her from him. But it wasn’t easy as Claire wrapped her forearms around him so that he couldn’t push her away.
“Nyyooo,” she said “Must have *hic* the fluffy!” she said tightening her grip. It seemed as though nothing would make Claire let go of him; that is until Shot Glass returned.
“Here ya go!” she said placing a bowl of sliced cucumbers on the table.
“Yay!” said Claire as she released Illusion and reached for the bowl. One by once she munched on them with a content smile on her face.
“How much has she had to drink again?” asked Shot Glass as she leaned in towards Illusion. Looking over to the other mug Illusion reached out to it and gave it a weight test. After a few seconds he made a rough estimate.
“About a half of a mug…” said Illusion as he looked inside to verify. Shot Glass looked into the cup as well, a look of disbelief in her face.
“You can’t be serious,” she said “Never known anypony to be that much of a lightweight.”
“I wouldn’t say she’s a lightweight.” Illusion tried to defend. Shot Glass arched a brow towards him and pointed her hoof over to Claire. When he looked over he saw that she was still eating the cucumber slices, but her face was now buried into the bowl. Illusion opened his mouth to make a reply, but couldn’t come up with one.
“Well this is the first time I’ve ever had to do this before someone ever finished a dink.” Said Shot Glass as she grabbed Claire’s drink “But I think it’s time to cut her off, Celestia only knows what would happen if she drank the whole thing.”
“No wait!” said Claire as she raised a claw, her head still down in her bowl. “I haven’t *hic* finished!” she called out trying to reach for the mug that wasn’t there.
“Actually I think this might be for the best, Claire.” Said Illusion “Doesn’t look like you can hold your drinks…”
Claire raised her head from the table “That’s a lie!” she said “I can totally hold my *hic* drinks, who are you to…to…” Claire paused as she turned her head to look around “Where are you?” she asked. With a small sigh and a light hearted smirk on his face Illusion used his magic to pull the bowl off of Claire’s face. When he did some of the cucumber slices fell on to the floor.
“My cucumbers!” Claire said with a gasp, she hunched over, as if to go after them but quickly grabbed on to the table and straightened herself out.
“See, you can’t even sit up straight on your own…” Illusion pointed out. Claire looked away and pouted her cheeks:
“Yes I can…” she said.
“Oh really?” said Illusion as he grabbed Claire’s drink from Shot Glass. “I’ll make you a deal, if you can sit up straight without holding on to the table, I’ll give you the rest.” He told her. Claire looked to the drink then back to her claw that had a firm hold on the table. There was no doubt in her mind that she could come out on top in this.
“Deal.” She said as she let go of the table and held up both her claws to show that she wasn’t holding on to anything anymore. Illusion looked surprised, he was sure that she wouldn’t have been able to pull it off. “See told you I could do it.” Said Claire as she cross her forearms and puffed out her chest proudly. She held this pose for several seconds, Illusion was just about to own up to his promise when he saw Claire was starting to tilt backwards.
Claire herself figured this out quickly, but saw no way to stop was what coming. “Mare overboard…” Claire said flatly as she fell back off her seat landing on the ground with a loud *thud*. Both Illusion and Shot Glass winced at the sound she made, both looking over to make sure she wasn’t hurt.
“You alright, Claire.” asked Illusion as got off his seat to check on her.
“I’ll be fine as soon as the floor stops spinning...” groaned Claire, her eyes closed shut. If it wasn’t clear that she was drunk before, it sure was now. Illusion gave the mug back to Shot Glass before turning his attention back to Claire. Using his magic he lifted her off the ground and gently placed her on his back.
“How’s that?” he asked.
“Better…” said Claire as she wrapped her forelegs around his neck for a better hold. With her softly on his back there was only one thing left for Illusion to take care of.
“Check please.” He said turning back to Shot Glass.
“I think I’m about to taste those cucumbers gain…” Claire groaned followed by a dry heave. Illusions eyes opened wide with realization and quickly made one last request:
“And a wet towel!”
Author's Note
Let me tell you, writers block sucks the big one. I spent weeks just looking at this chapter trying to get it done with no inspiration in sight. But somehow I finally managed to break through the block long enough to get this chapter done.
The next chapter will wrap up this little story so stay tuned.
In the total darkness of her room, Claire laid motionless in her bed. Her tongue hanging out of her mouth as she drooled on her pillow. She continued to sleep in this manor for several minutes, until she heard the sound of something dropping, probably something outside. With a snort Claire’s tongue returned to its cave, and she let out a small groan. Turing in her bed Claire wiped her claw on to her cheek, feeling it covered in her saliva.
“Ew…” she said as she reached for her blanket to dry it off. After tossing the cover to the side Claire sat herself up. As soon as she was up right she felt a rush of pain through her head and instantly laid back down. “Ow…” she groaned as she massaged her temples, but try as she might it didn’t seem as though the pain would be going away any time soon.
“What time is it?” she asked as she cracked open one of her eyes.
“A little after three.”
“Gha!” Claire wasn’t expecting to hear an answer, so when she heard the other voice she quickly rolled away from it and out of bed. Hitting the floor didn’t really help her headache, but she was out of bed now. Slowly-not that she had a choice in the matter- Claire picked herself up off the floor and looked over her bed. Standing on the other side with an apologetic smile, was Illusion.
Letting her heart settle Claire laid her head on her bed “You nearly gave me a heart attack…” she said with a sigh. “What are you doing in here anyway?” she asked him.
“Thought I’d check on you, see how you were holding up.” Said Illusion as he made his way around the bed.
“At three in the morning?” questioned Claire. Illusion paused for a second as he stared back at Claire.
“Afternoon.”
“What?” asked Claire as she raised her head again to look at him.
“It’s three in the afternoon, you’ve slept for most of the day.” Claire continued to stare at Illusion, a look of disbelief on her face.
“You’re kidding me.” She said.
“Nope.” Raising his paw, Illusion pointed towards the far window in Claire’s room. Claire followed to where he was pointing. She saw that the curtains were closed, but she also saw something shining around it, sunlight.
“I can’t believe it…” she said in total awe as to how long she had been asleep. A moment later the curtain opened slightly to let some of the light in. The moment it hit her eyes Claire turned her head away in pain.
“Ah! Okay I believe it,” said Claire as she buried her head into Illusions chest “Close it, close it!” she hissed. Illusion was quick to oblige and pulled the curtains closed again and casting away the sunlight. Once Clair was sure that it was safe again she removed her head from Illusions chest.
“Thank you…” she said, she then attempted to stand only to find that she couldn’t quite find her balance.
“I got you.” Said Illusion as he offered his shoulder for Claire to balance on. As she leaned on his shoulder, Illusion helped Claire towards the bathroom. After he was sure that she could maintain her balance he walked outside and waited.
“So this is what a hangover feels like…” she said from inside the bathroom. Illusion couldn’t help but let out a chuckle.
“Yeah, they can be pretty bad.” Said Illusion “And it’s not really something you can get used to either.” He added.
“Don’t think I’d want to.” Said Claire as she opened the door again, using the frame to keep herself balance. “How much did I drink last night anyway?” she asked. Illusion looked away for a moment, his muzzled scrunched.
“Well…how should I put this?” He said he tapped his hoof and paw together. Claire arched a brow at Illusion’s clear hesitation to tell her.
“Please tell me I didn’t over do it.” She pleaded.
“Well, yes and no.” said Illusion which only confused Claire. “You had half a mug.” He said finally.
“You’re kidding me.” Said Claire as her jaw went slack, Illusion only offered a slight shake of the head. “Guess I’m not much of a heavy drinker…” she said as she made her way towards the bed. “At least I didn’t make a total fool of myself.” She said as she sat down next to Illusion. When she looked up as him she saw that he was giving the same face again, opening her eyes wide from the implications, she asked:
“Dear Celestia, what did I do?”
“Well, let’s see…” Illusion started from the moment they were first given their mugs of cider. He filled in any and all blanks in Claire’s memory of what happened after that. Everything she said and everything she did, the biggest challenge was not to laugh as he described it. By the time Illusion reached the end of the story, Claire had hid her head under a pillow in embarrassment.
“And after I got most of the chunks off I carried you home.” He finished. Claire squirming under her pillow, hiding her bright red face. “Best part, I ran into that same guard this morning. Poor guy couldn’t look me in the eye.” He said with a small chuckle.
“That’s comforting.” Claire said sarcastically. “So does my mom know about all of this?” she asked after finally removing her head from under her pillow.
“Not the details, but she already guessed that go like you thought it would.” He told her.
“That’s an understatement.” She deadpanned “Well, I guess it could have been worse.” Thankfully she could feel the headache starting to subside, at least enough where she didn’t feel dizzy anymore.
“So, want to eat something?” asked Illusion as he hopped off of the bed. Claire was about to answer, but her stomach beat her to the punch, letting out a loud growl. She chuckled slightly as she blushed.
“I can eat.”
Downstairs in the living room, both Rarity and Sweetie Belle saw down on the sofa. Sweetie Belle passing the time by singing a lovely melody while Rarity seemed to be sewing something into a piece of fabric. “What are you making there anyway?” asked Sweetie Belle when her curiosity finally peeked.
“Just a little something for the front door.” She said, though there a small sparkle in her eye when she said it. Sweetie Belle arched a brow at this, she’d seen that sparkle before, and always resulted with things not ending well for somepony. “And done!” she said with a smile, opening the fabric for Sweetie Belle to see.
“Oh that’s just cruel!” Sweetie Belle said with a chuckle.
“I try.” Said Rarity as she placed a hoof over her chest, joining Sweetie Belle in the laughter.
“Aunt Sweetie Belle?” Both Rarity and Sweetie Belle turned their heads towards the stairs, there stood Illusion and a clearly still recovering Claire.
“Morning birthday girl!” Sweetie Belle greeted only to receive a wince from Claire. “Oops, still a little hungover huh?” she said with an apologetic smile. Claire let out a small groan as she nodded in response.
“Don’t worry darling, I was prepared for that.” Said Rarity as she got up from the sofa. “Come with me.” She told Claire as she led her to the kitchen. Once there Rarity opened the door to the refrigerator and pulled out a glass. “Drink this, it should make you feel better.” She said as she levitated a small glass cup towards Claire. Claire inspected the glass with an arch of a brow, trying to identify the liquid inside.
“Chocolate milk?” she questioned.
“Sure…why not?” said Rarity, but that only increased Claire’s curiosity of the drink.
“Seriously what is it?” she asked, she tried to smell it but found that there was no sent to take in.
“Trust me sweetie, it’s better if you don’t know.” Said Rarity to which Sweetie Belle nodded in agreement. Claire grabbed hold of the drink but she was still hesitant to drink it, especially after what her aunt and mother had said.
“Come now Claire it’s only a small cup, one gulp and done.” Said Rarity. Claire was still a little hesitant to drink it, but her mother did say it would make her feel better. Closing her eyes she opened her mouth as wide as she could and took in the whole drink. Quickly after she swallowed the whole thing.
It wasn’t until the very moment when she felt it rush down her throat that she wished she could spit it back out. “Ack!” Claire said as she grabbed her throat and fell to the ground, shuffling around as thought she was in paint. As she did this the others simply watch the show.
“Oh yeah, she’s definitely your daughter.” Sweetie Belle said with a giggle.
“If memory serves, you downed an entire picture of lemonade to get the taste of your mouth.” Said Rarity as she shot her sister a smirk. Knowing full well that she had just lost, Sweetie Belle turned away and pouted. Satisfied with the victory Rarity walked forward towards her still overacting daughter.
“Come not darling, it not that bad.” She said.
“Not that bad!?” said Claire instantly standing up from the floor. “I’ve eaten grandmas cooking without so much as batting an eye, but that…I don’t even know how to describe it!” During her little rant Claire seemed to have forgotten one small key feature.
“Admittedly is may not be the best tasting drink, but it does do the trick, did it not?” asked Rarity.
“Huh?” Claire questioned for a moment. Only when she noticed that she was standing on her own hooved again did it finally hit her. Her headache was gone, as well as the dizzy feeling she had when she stood. “Whoa.” She said after seeing just how well the drink did.
“Told you it would work,” said Rarity as she patter Claire on the shoulder “Though you probably won’t be able to taste anything for the next few hours.” She admitted. “Well, can’t expect something from nothing I suppose.” Claire get a little laugh, given how bad she was feeling when she first work up, her response was obvious.
“Sounds like a good trade to me.”
Hours passed and soon Illusion had gone home leaving Claire with her mother and aunt. Just as Rarity said, Claire had gone most of the time without being able to taste a thing. Though it was a little bit of a downer not to be able to taste the food she ate, she still found it preferable to hours of trying to overcome the hangover herself. From the window she watched as the sun began to set and the moon took its place.
Reaching to her side she pulled out a pretzel from its bag and put it in her mouth. She expected it to be like the others, tasteless, however this time was different. However the very moment it made contact with her tongue did she notice something was different. She could feel the pretzel against her tongue, she could actually taste the salt.
“Finally!” said Claire as she gleefully ate the salty pretzel. After enjoying the sensation of having her sense of taste back for a few more seconds, Claire made her way downstairs. “Mom, I got my taste back!” Claire called out when she reached the bottom step. She spotter her and Sweetie Belle quickly, both in the living room reading from a magazine.
“Excellent!” said Rarity as she closed the magazine, tossing it to the side. “Sweetie go get the cheese and crackers, I’ll fetch the food stuff.” She said as she got up.
“On it.” Said Sweetie Belle before making her way towards the kitchen. Claire watched as her mother made her way out the back door and her aunt dug through the cabinets, a confused look on her face.
“What’s going on?” she asked.
“We were waiting for you to get your taste back before we did this.” Said Sweetie Belle as she removed the cheese from the fridge.
“Do what?”
“A little family bonding, darling.” Turning around Claire saw that her mother had returned, something held in her magical field. “Oh I have been saving this one for a long time now.” She said as she admired what she was holding.
“What’s that?” asked Claire.
“My own personal beverage of choice.” She said as she held it out.
“Wine?”
“Oh not just any wine,” said Rarity as she led Claire towards the kitchen “Imported wine, aged to perfection!” she added, almost drooling at the thought of the taste.
“Okay?” Claire said to her mother’s reaction “But why are you bring it out now?” she asked. After placing the bottle on the table, Rarity turned back towards Claire.
“You see darling, not long after you and Illusion left did I find some help in realizing something. When I agreed to allow him to take you, I was passing up a great opportunity. A way to spend some special quality time with my daughter.” She said as she pulled Claire in for a hug. “You are a growing mare, and the time will come when you will have your own life to live. Meaning that we won’t always have time to see one another.”
“And when that day comes, I’d like to be able to think of the good times we had together, all of us.” She said as Sweetie Belle joined in on the hug.
“I guess that does sound nice.” Claire admitted. “But how am I supposed to drink wine when I couldn’t even handle hard cider?” she asked.
“I know the perfect solution to that.” Opening one of the cabinets, Rarity levitate out two wine glasses and placed on in front of Sweetie Belle and herself. Afterword’s she opened another drawer and pulled out something much, much smaller.
“A shot glass?” said Claire as it was placed on the table in front of her.
“Think you can handle it?” Rarity joked as she poured some wine into the glass.
“I think I can manage.” Said Claire. Once Rarity and Sweetie Belles glasses were full, they both lifted it off the table with their magic.
“A toast,” said Rarity as she looked towards Claire “To my little lightweight.” She teased with a smile.
“Hilarious.” Said Claire with a sarcastic laugh. Despite this she couldn’t help by smile back, lifting the glass with her magic. Afterword’s all three mares brought their glassed together, and together that all took a sip.
Outside of their home, two large figures stood in front of the door. They were going to walk inside, but something caught their eye. Pinned to the door was framed piece of fabric with some words stitched on to it. Upon closer inspection they were surprised to see that it read:
“Girls night, no boys allowed.”
“Think she means it?” asked one of the two figured. A second later a large claw reached up to something tapped to the outside of the door. Opening it to reveal it to be a note in a familiar handwriting.
“Now we’re even.”
“Yup, she means it…”
Author's Note
And done, I'll be honest this was fun to write, wasn't sure I could pull off a comedy fic when I started it.
Hope you all enjoyed Claire's drunken escapades, and hope you'll all still be around come the next time I submit a new fic.
Till then, FictionFreek out!
