Hello. My name is Diamond Crown, Male, Earth Pony, fourteen years old, cutie mark is a needle. You probably think with a name like that, my family must be very rich. Well, we were. We had more bits than anypony else in Ponyville. Just buying a mansion was like buying an ice cream cone. But, all that changed, after that day.
My mom, Gold Crown, and my dad, Platinum Crown, were both killed in a fire, destroying our home and orphaning me. They were my only family members, too. I was an only child, with no grandparents or cousins or aunts or uncles or anything else. I only had my parents, and they loved me more than anything. But, I don't know what started the fire, but it wiped out them and my home. I was gonna receive the money we had, but the bank took it, because they thought it was too much for a "little colt" to hold on his own. They offered to put me in an orphanage, but I rejected it. There was no way I was gonna live in an orphanage, especially with the grown-ups that think you're nothing but a slave to them. All I have now, instead of a home and parents, is a cardboard box bed in an alley next to a dumpster, along with two jars that I use to hold my wastes, a couple bottles I keep for fountain water, which was very clean and fresh, a paper bag to hold the garbage I collect every day, and my family portrait that I always go to sleep hugging. All I wish for is to see my parents again.
~~~~~~~~~~
I woke up in my box when the beautiful Sun of Princess Celestia's shined in my face. Most ponies hate when the bright Sun blinds them, but I loved it. It was so much better being in the alley during the day than at night. It made me feel safer.
My bladder was aching for release as I stretched. I grabbed one of the jars, opened it, and then peed in it. Most ponies aren't brave enough to do their business in public, but when you're homeless, you really don't care where you are when you excrete.
After relieving myself, I closed the jar and back and set it in my box. My stomach growled at me loudly after that, so I walked to Sugarcube Corner for some breakfast. But, I had no money, so I had to eat from the dumpster in the back, like always. Luckily, the trash had been taken out the previous night, so there was a fresh shipment of garbage in there.
I pulled myself up by grabbing the front of the dumpster and dove in, trying to find something to eat. It took forever, but I was able to find three half-eaten chocolate cupcakes. I grabbed the cupcakes and put them in my paper bag and left. I might have been brave enough to use the bathroom in a jar, but I didn't want anypony to see me eat trash.
After getting back into the alley, I sat in my box and pulled out the cupcakes. For the first time in weeks, I had found something that didn't have mold on it. Smiling, I ate the cupcakes, enjoying the very sweet pastries. After licking the frosting from my lips, I needed a drink. I grabbed the only full bottle I had and began drinking. The cold, fresh fountain water tasted so good, and I could feel it travel down my parched throat and into my stomach. I knew I had to drink it sparingly, since I really didn't like walking the full mile to the fountain and back, but I couldn't help myself. My throat was so dry, and it was so pleasant that I kept drinking until the bottle was completely empty.
I sighed loudly and wiped my mouth. I loved drinking the cold fountain water of Ponyville. I learned in my old Equestrian History class that Ponyville had the freshest water in Equestria, even fresher than Cloudsdale, and I'm can see why. But even though I had drank a whole bottle, I was still thirsty. The chocolate I had just had was making it hard on me, as my throat started to become sore. I finally decided to walk over to the fountain. I stood up, accidentally knocking over my pee-jar, spilling its contents. I didn't really care, because I was too thirsty to. I began walking over to the fountain. On my way over there, I saw several other ponies shooting me with disgusted looks. I was very dirty. My mane and tail were once shiny silver and my coat was a shiny gold, but now, it's barely even noticeable anymore. I'm so dirty, I look like I'm an all-brown pony. Not even my cutie mark is visible, anymore. But, I really didn't mind it anymore. When you've been covered in dirt and your mane and tail have been a mess for nearly four years, you really don't care anymore. Anyway, I was three-quarters of the way there, when I bumped into another pony, knocking me on the ground. I shook my head and saw that I had bumped into a white Unicorn mare with a purple, curly mane. The mare looked at me, chuckling a bit.
"My apologies, Darling", she said, "I really need to watch where I'm going". I just sat down and waited for the mare to leave, not wanting to talk. However, this only made her concerned, as she raised her eyebrows at me. "Are you alright?" I didn't answer.
"You look like you need a hug". The mare pulled me into a hug. It surprised me, but I didn't push her away. The hug felt so good, and it had been my first one ever since my parents died. But, I only got to enjoy five seconds of the hug before she pulled away, covering her muzzle with her hoof. "No offense, Darling, but you stink".
Hearing that made me feel down. I had no way to bathe, so I always walked around smelling like musty gym socks that have been sprayed by skunks. I couldn't even stand the smell, and I was stuck with it. A tear made its way out of my eye and down my face. The mare must have thought that she hurt my feelings, so she pulled me into another hug, but used her magic to protect her muzzle from my stench.
"Oh, I'm sorry", she said, "I know I shouldn't have said that". I pushed her away from me. I didn't even know why I was talking to her. No one every wanted to talk to me in Ponyville, so why was this mare talking to me suddenly. The mare used her hoof to move my head up, making my eyes look dead into her's.
"Darling, why do you smell and look so bad? And you're too skinny for a normal pony. Where are your parents?". I looked away from her, not wanting to answer that. I knew she would probably laugh at me if I told her. But, she just rubbed the side of my face with her hoof. "It's OK. You can tell me". Clenching my eyes shut, I finally spoke.
"I... I... I don't have... any parents...", I said, my voice low and cracked, "They died... in a fire... four years ago. I don't even... have a home... anymore". She looked at me with a very concerned look.
"Y... you're homeless?", she asked me.
"Y... yes", I said, a tear starting to run down my face. I buried my face in her coat and cried.
"Oh, Darling...", the mare said, "I really wish I could take you in, but I cannot, because I'm too young to adopt. However, if you would like, I could get you cleaned up, and maybe make you a small meal". I looked up at the mare. Was she really being this nice to me? And why? "Well?"
"Y... yes... please... Ma'am", I said, wiping my muzzle on her coat.
"Oh my, Celestia!", the mare said, "Such manners! Well, follow me, please". The mare let go of me and walked off. I walked next to her and followed her to wherever she was going. "I'm Rarity, Darling. Could you kindly tell me your name?"
"D... Diamond Crown...", I said.
"Wow", Rarity said, "You have such a name! I wish I had your name".
~~~~~~~~~~
After following Rarity around Ponyville for a while, we stopped at a place called "Carousel Boutique", Ponyville's best and only fashion shop. At least, that's what I've heard from others. I've never actually seen the inside. Rarity pulled a key out of her mane and unlocked it, opening the door and letting me in. Strong smells of perfumes instantly found their way into my nostrils, making me cough a bit.
"So", Rarity said, "What do you think about my Boutique?"
"Well... it's...", I said, "It's very... clean... and fancy..."
"Oh, thank you", Rarity said, "I always try to keep it perfect. If anything should happen to my Boutique, I would lose my customers. Anyway, before I chat your ear off, the bathroom is upstairs, down the hall, first door on the left. You may bathe for how ever long you want, and you may use any soap you see on the side of the shower. While you clean yourself up, I make us a little meal, OK?" I nodded, a ghost-smile forming on my face. "Alright, Darling. Go bathe good, and meet me down here in the kitchen".
I turned around and walked upstairs and down the hall until I came to the first door on the left. Taking a deep breath, I turned the knob and opened the door, only to see another white Unicorn, this one a filly with a pink and purple mane, sitting on the toilet, doing her business and humming to herself. She saw that I had walked in on her and yelped a bit.
"I'm sorry I'm sorry!", I said, instantly closing the door.
"Who are you?!", the filly shouted through the door. I could sense embarrassment in her voice.
"D-Diamond Crown...", I said, "I come in peace..."
"Oh...", the filly said, "OK. Don't come in yet. I'm kinda busy here. I'll let you in when I'm finished". I waited and soon, I heard the toilet flush, and the door was opened by Unicorn magic. The filly hopped off of the toilet and walked over to the sink. I slowly walked in, trying real hard not to look at the filly, which I was sure was mad at me.
"I'm sorry about that", I said again, "I didn't know someone was in here".
"Oh, it's alright", the filly said, "Rarity has walked in on me tons of times accidentally. You just surprised me because I didn't know what you were trying to do".
"Well...", I said, still looking away, "Ms. Rarity... said I could use... the shower".
"I'm not trying to be rude", the filly said, "But I prefer eye contact when talking to somepony". I clenched my eyes shut, still feeling to uncomfortable to look at her. "Are you OK, Diamond Crown?"
"You're not... mad at me... are you?", I asked.
"Why would I be?", the filly said, "You accidentally walked in. It's not like you planned to barge in on me while I was peeing". I turned around and looked directly at the filly, who had finished washing her hooves. "I'm Sweetie Belle, by the way". I nodded. "So, with a name like Diamond Crown, you must be one of those fancy-pants ponies".
"I used to be", I said, "But now, my class is lower than an Appleloosan pony's".
"What do you mean?", Sweetie Belle asked.
"I'm homeless right now", I said, "My parents were killed in a fire". Sweetie Belle's eyes went big.
"What?!", she said. I slowly nodded, trying very hard not to let any tears show. "Oh, you must be feeling so bad right now!" I nodded again. Sweetie Belle looked down at the floor, rubbing the back of her mane, then looked back up at me, smiling.
"I gotta go to school now, but when I get back, I'll have a little something for you", she said, "Today's arts and crafts day". She left.
After Sweetie Belle left the bathroom, I resumed on the shower. The first thing I noticed was that there were several bottles of shampoo and bars of soap along the side of the tub. The shampoo bottles were arranged from shortest to tallest, and the soap bars were sorted by color. Rarity must have been a very organized mare, because the bathroom wasn't dirty at all. In fact, I bet I could have held a black light against the shower and not found anything. Anyway, I walked over to the controls and saw a red switch on the left, a blue switch on the right, and a purple one in between. I turned the red switch and hot water began pouring out of the water spigot. Then, I turned the purple switch, switching the water to the shower-head. I stuck my hoof in the stream. The water was a little too hot, so I used the blue one to cool it down a bit. After getting it to the perfect temperature, I finally got into the shower, closed the curtain, and let the water splash against my body for a few seconds.
It felt good. REALLY good! The warm water coated my entire body, some of the dirt already starting to flake off and go down the drain. I just stood there, letting the water splash against my body, for this was my first shower in four years. I couldn't help but let out a loud sigh as the water ran down my face and my body. Then, I could smell my B.O. again, telling me to start washing. I picked up each shampoo bottle one at a time and sniffed them. A few didn't smell good enough, some smelt too strong, some too girly, and some smelt like plain soap. But, picking up the last bottle, I sniffed it and found the perfect one. It was called "Vanilla Rose", the same shampoo my mom used to use. It smelled so good. I then saw a large, green pouf hanging on a hook next to the shower-head. Smiling, I grabbed the pouf with my hoof and used my teeth to squeeze some of the shampoo on the pouf. After that, I started scrubbing myself. The dirt easily came off, draining with the water, and for the first time in years, I was starting to see the real color of my coat.
After a few minutes of scrubbing my coat, the color had finally returned. I was a gold Earth Pony again. I squealed with joy a bit. Finally, I wasn't a dirty slob anymore. Then, my mane and tail requested for the same kind of treatment, so I grabbed the shampoo bottle again and this time used my hooves to clean my mane.
"Mr. Crown", a voice called from the outside. It was Rarity again. "Are you alright in there, Darling?"
"Yes, Ms. Rarity", I said, still scrubbing my mane, "I'm just cleaning my mane".
"OK, Sweetie", Rarity said, "I'm just checking on you. Make sure to clean up once your finished".
"Yes, Ma'am", I said. I heard Rarity walk away.
After about twenty more minutes of bathing, I turned the water off, put the shampoo back in its place, and got out, looking at my self in the full-length mirror Rarity has. I smiled at how I looked. My coat was its shiny gold color again, and my mane with its shiny silver color again. I could see my cutie mark perfectly, and I smelled like roses, and not B.O. I grabbed a towel and dried myself off. Rarity had the softest towels ever. It was like a blanket of silk and cotton as if it had just came out of the dryer. Then, I saw a mare's bathrobe hanging on the inside doorknob of the bathroom that must have been Rarity's. I was a little cold from being deprived of the heat from the water, and I couldn't walk with a towel wrapped around me. Blushing, I grabbed the bathrobe and put it on. It was very poofy and thick, and it felt even better than the towel. I finally walked out of the bathroom, hoping Rarity wouldn't mind me wearing her robe.
Once I reached the kitchen, I saw Rarity setting the table with napkins, full plates, teacups, a teapot full of tea, and silverware. Several candles were lit, and the chairs had small pillows on them. Rarity must have been one of those mares that likes to be comfortable while eating, and I don't blame her, either. Anyway, Rarity placed a plate in a seat and in the seat across from that one, then looked over at me.
"Well", she said, "I take it you showered well?"
"Yes, Ma'am", I said.
"And I see you have helped yourself to my bathrobe", Rarity said.
"I...", I said, "I was a little cold after bathing, so I... kinda..."
"It's alright, Darling", Rarity said, "If you would like to wear my robe, you may. Just don't get it dirty".
"Yes, Ma'am", I said.
"Oh, you have such good manners!", Rarity said, "What a fine gentlecolt you would make!" I blushed and looked down. "Anyway, take a seat where ever you like". I was about to sit down, but decided to be a little nice.
"Umm... Ms. Rarity?", I said, "Why don't you sit down first? I'll seat you".
"Oh... *giggle* Alright", Rarity said. I pulled out her seat and allowed her to sit. Then, I pushed her chair back up until her stomach was lightly touching the table. I picked up her napkin and placed it in her lap and filled her cup with tea. After giving her a quick nuzzle, I walked around the table and sat down in the seat across from her, seeing a small blush on her face.
"Th... thank you, Darling!", she said, "I didn't even have to ask you to seat me or anything. You did it yourself".
"I'm just being nice, Ms. Rarity", I said.
"Oh, I love it when you call me 'Ms. Rarity!", Rarity said, "It makes me feel so special!" She looked down and finished the last of her sentence under her breath. "If only Sweetie Belle could be as mannered as you".
"Say again, Ms. Rarity?", I said. She cleared her throat.
"Oh, nothing", she said. "I was just speaking to myself. Now, you may start whenever you please". She used her magic to tie her other napkin around her neck and to pick up her silverware.
I looked at the large plate in front of me. Rarity had made what looked like garlic mashed potatoes in a large quantity, along with a side of grilled hay coated in dried ketchup, and a side of creamed corn. Everything looked delicious, and not too fancy. I wanted to dig in, but I didn't want to seem like a slob in front of the mare who was feeding me and let me use her shower.
"If there's anything you do not like", Rarity said, "You do not have to eat it". I nodded, picked up the teapot, and filled my cup with tea. Then, I some sugarcubes stacked on a plate. I grabbed three of them and dropped them in my tea, using my spoon to stir it. After that, I began eating.
Everything tasted great! REALLY GREAT! My tongue danced at the taste of everything. Rarity knew had to cook, because what I was eating tasted great. I expected that there would be at least something I wouldn't like, but force myself to choke it down and not hurt Rarity's feelings. But no, I liked everything. Even the tea wasn't too strong. I wondered why she didn't live in Canterlot or Manehattan or one of the other high-class cities of Equestria, because she would fit in nicely.
"So", Rarity said, wiping her face with her napkin, "I see you've met my little sister, Sweetie Belle".
"Yes", I said, sipping my tea, "She seems sweet".
"She is", Rarity said, "She's the innocent type, and she's cute when she's excited. You won't believe her excited she was when she finally learned how to use her magic".
"I'm sure she was", I said, "And I'm sure it's great to use magic or to fly, two things that I'll never be able to do".
"Whatever do you mean?", Rarity said.
"I just feel like Unicorns and Pegasi get more popularity than Earth Ponies", I said, "Pegasi can fly and Unicorns can use magic, and all Earth Ponies have is strength ".
"Darling, Earth Ponies are just as special as Pegasi or Unicorns", Rarity said, "Princess Celestia created them equally, and she gave you the wonderful blessing of an Earth Pony and the great ability of strength. Like my mother always told me when I was a filly, everyone should be grateful they were brought into the world, and not complain about what they are. Not liking what breed of pony you are is just like being ungrateful to Princess Celestia".
"Wow", I said, "I suddenly feel a lot better about myself".
"I used to dislike being a Unicorn", Rarity said, "Because I was jealous of Pegasi and their ability to fly. However, every time my mother talked to me, it would help me accept being a Unicorn. Plus, without my magic, I wouldn't be able to make the wonderful creations I'm good at. My cutie mark would be worthless".
"Ms. Rarity", I said, "Thanks for the speech".
"You're welcome, Darling", Rarity said, "Anytime you feel down about yourself, just remember that, alright?" I nodded and resumed eating, as did Rarity.
~~~~~~~~~~
Soon, I had finished eating, and so did Rarity. I sat back in my seat, resting my hooves on my stomach, which thanked me for filling it with some real food with a small growl. Rarity chuckled.
"Looks like you got enough to eat", she said. I nodded happily.
"Yes", I said, "Everything was delicious".
"Oh, thank you, Darling", Rarity said, blushing a bit from flattery. Then, my stomach gurgled and I felt a small pressure in my lower body.
"Umm... Ms. Rarity", I said, "May I please be excused? I need to use the bathroom".
"Go ahead", Rarity said, "Make sure to wash your hooves afterwards".
I walked back upstairs to the bathroom. I walked in, closed and locked the door, hopped up onto the toilet, and went both. It felt great to finally use a toilet instead of a jar. But after four years of using a jar, it felt a little new to me. I was about halfway through before I heard a knock at the door.
"Mr. Crown?", Rarity said from the other side.
"Yes, Ms. Rarity?", I said.
"I apologize for interrupting you while you're... doing private business", Rarity said, "I was just wondering if you would like some dessert. I'm making Pie Al A Mode". Just the thought of that made me hungry again.
"I would, please", I said.
"Alright, Darling", Rarity said, "Go back down to the kitchen when your done". I heard Rarity walk away.
After taking care of my business in the bathroom, I flushed, washed my hooves, and had dessert. I wasn't full, but I had gotten enough to satisfy my stomach. Rarity collected the dishes and set them in the sink.
"Thanks, Ms. Rarity", I said.
"You're welcome, Darling", Rarity said, "Now, I'm afraid you must run along. I have work to do". I looked down, knowing this was gonna happen. Rarity knew I didn't want to leave, as I saw a guilty look on her face. "But, you may keep the robe. I wouldn't want you to freeze out there".
"Well, thanks for the robe", I said, "But that doesn't really help anything". Rarity thought for a bit, then smiled.
"Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt to let you stay for a little while longer", she said.
"Really?", I said, my mood starting to turn.
"Yes", Rarity said, "But, I don't have much for you to do, unless you would like to watch me finish the orders I must complete".
"Sure", I said, smiling again, "I'd love to".
"Well then, follow me", Rarity said. Rarity walked off, me walking next to her. Soon, we stopped at a room. Rarity opened it and allowed me in. Rolls of fabric, glitter, accessories, ribbons, and other clothing-related stuff were in there, neatly on shelves. Also, there was an ironing board and a desk next to each other, and stronger scents of perfumes were spread out through the room. I had to admit, it looked good.
"This must be your workroom, Ms. Rarity?", I said.
"Yes", Rarity said, "What do you think?"
"I like it!", I said, "You really like neatness, don't you?"
"I do", Rarity said, "I love it". She whispered to herself, but I still heard her. "See, Applejack?! Neatness is better than being uncouth! Even a little colt thinks so!"
"Ms. Rarity?", I said, "I'm not trying to correct you, but I'm fourteen".
"Oh... sorry", Rarity said, "I speak to myself sometimes".
"So do I", I said.
"Anyway", Rarity said, "This is my most important and favorite room. I would appreciate it if you would not touch anything unless allowed to. I'm not being mean or strict, but I do not trust stray hooves on my supplies, not even Sweetie Belle's. In fact, I don't even allow her in this room, because I'm afraid she might mess something up. You may sit in that desk over there".
"Yes, Ma'am", I said. Rarity chuckled.
"Alright", Rarity said, "Also, please don't bother me while I'm working. I have five big orders I have to fulfill, and need all the time I can get". I nodded and sat at the desk. To my right was a cat, laying on her bed, playing with her mouse toy. She looked cute, but I didn't touch her, because I didn't know how she would react to it.
"Ms. Rarity?", I asked, "You have an adorable cat". Rarity looked at the cat.
"That's Opalescence", she said, "I've had her ever since I was a filly. But, I wouldn't try to pick her up, unless she allows you to. She can get very aggressive at times".
I nodded and reached down to touch Opalescence. I lightly touched her back, making her jump and hiss at me, making me jump as well. But, she soon stopped hissing and smiled. I don't know what I did to calm her down, but she stopped hissing. Since she was calm, I tried again. This time, she allowed me to touch her. She didn't claw at me or hiss, she just let me pet her. Then, I attempted to pick her up, and she let me do that too. I held Opal in my hooves and pet the top of her head, making her purr loudly. She was even cuter when she purred.
"Aww...", Rarity said, "How cute! She's grown attached to you!" I smiled and gave Opal a quick nuzzle. "But it's surprising that Opal's letting you hold her. She's usually so cranky she won't even let anypony touch her, sometimes not even me".
"That's weird", I said, continuing to pet Opal, "Isn't a cat supposed to love its master?"
"Yes", Rarity said, "Opal does love me, but she sometimes has a problem with getting along with me, though".
"Oh, OK", I said, going back to Opal and Rarity getting to work. For several minutes, I sat in the desk, holding and petting Opal. Like I said, Opal was cute when she was purring. After a few minutes, Opal began to squirm out of my hooves. I let her go on the ground to see what was going on. She just walked over to her litter box in the corner. I averted my eyes and let her have her privacy.
"AHH!!!!!", Rarity screamed, "My best fabric! It's ruined!" I saw a golden, shiny fabric laying on the ironing board, big holes cut in it. "Sweetie Belle!!!!!!!!" She banged her hoof on the board. "Now it will take me even longer to complete the orders because I have to sew this back together!" I looked at my cutie mark and smiled.
"Ms. Rarity", I said, "Maybe I could sew it back together for you". She looked over at me.
"Darling", she said, "I understand you want to help, but this is my rarest fabric. I can't risk it".
"Please, Ms. Rarity?", I said, "I can sew really good, and plus, it would help you finish faster". Rarity grunted with desperation and sighed.
"O-OK", she said, "Let me get my sewing kit". She used her magic to open her drawer and levitate a small chest out of it and onto the ironing board. "Now, please be careful! Please!"
"I will, Ms. Rarity", I said, opening the chest and pulling out a needle and some gold thread.
I moistened the threat and pushed it through the hole of the needle. After that, I knotted the other end of the thread and I pushed the needle through the edge of one of the damaged holes. I started to sweat from nervousness, but I ignored it. I would have been able to go right through it, if I didn't have Rarity staring down my back like a hawk.
"OK", I said in my head, "Just like Mom taught me". I kept thinking about the way Mom taught me while I started sewing. "Nightmare Moon is banished to the Moon, but soon returns to wreak havoc on Equestira. Princess Celestia flies to stop her, but goes back to the Castle to grab some snack cakes first". I chuckled a bit. That part always made me laugh. "After filling her tummy, she finally flies out to Ponyville to turn her little sister from bad to good, and succeeds. The two go back to the Castle". I looked at what I had done. I had perfectly filled half of the hole. I smiled at kept going.
~~~~~~~~~~
Soon, I had finished sewing the fabric. I smiled at my work. I had filled each hole perfectly, and the fabric looked like it had never been damaged. I put the needle and thread back in the chest and stepped back a little.
"Done, Ms. Rarity", I said to Rarity, who had been pacing the floor around the desk for several minutes. She instantly ran over to the ironing board and gasped loudly at what I had done.
"M-my fabric!", she said, "It's perfect again! I can't believe it! But, it was too damaged to be sewed back this back this perfectly! Unless..." She looked at my cutie mark. "What does that cutie mark of your's mean? What is your special talent?"
"Needle-work", I said, "I'm good at anything that has to do with needles".
"ANYTHING?!", Rarity said.
"Yes", I said, "Anything. Sewing, stitching, knitting, crocheting, even acupuncture".
"W-wow", Rarity said, "I... I can't thank you enough, Darling".
"No problem, Ms. Rarity", I said.
"How ever can I reward you for this?", Rarity said.
"What are you offering?", I asked.
"Anything you wish for!", Rarity said. I looked down at the floor, rubbing the back of my head.
"Anything...?", I said.
"Yes!", Rarity said, "What do you want? Bits? Gems? Expensive fabrics? A meet-and-greet with Sapphire Shores? Opal?"
"No...", I said, "I want something even more valuable than any of that".
"What's that, Darling?", Rarity said. Taking a deep breath, I said what I wanted.
"A... a home...", I said, "With... with somepony to... take care of me..." Rarity's smile dropped to a frown.
"Oh... you want to live here, don't you?"
"Yes... if I can..."
"Darling, I told you a can't adopt. I have to be twenty-three to adopt, I'm only nineteen".
"You don't have to adopt me. That's not even what I asked for. All I want is to live here. Think about it, I have all I need here. Food, shelter, water and even a pet".
"Well... yes... but..."
"Ms. Rarity, please let me live here. I won't be a bother to you".
"Umm... alright, Darling. I'll let you live here". That's all I needed to hear. I hugged Rarity as tight as I could, being careful not to hurt her with my Earth Pony strength.
"Thank you thank you thank you thank you!!!!" I didn't want to let go of her. She just allowed me to live with her. I finally had a home, real food, and a real bathroom.
"You're welcome, Darling. Now, there are some things we need to talk about while you're living here".
"I'm listening".
"Judging by the way you acted at the table and not leaving a mess in the bathroom, I'd say that you are the most responsible colt I've ever met. However, if you want to live here, there are a few rules you must follow".
"What are they?"
"Number one: No eating outside of the kitchen or table. Not even outside. Anytime you want a little snack, you may have one, but you have to eat it in the kitchen, no where else". I nodded. "Number two: Stay out of my bedroom or workroom unless I allow you to enter. Also, if you need me while I'm in my bedroom, knock first". I nodded again. "Number three: Any messes that you make are to be cleaned up immediately. The number one thing I can't stand is a mess". I nodded again. "And last: manners are required under this roof. If you fail to use your manners, there will be a consequence for you".
"Yes, Ms. Rarity".
"Now, I would allow you to sleep with me in my bed, but then Sweetie Belle would want to. You will either have to sleep on the pullout-couch in the living room, or with Sweetie Belle in her bed. I would recommend the pullout-couch".
"Why not with Sweetie Belle?"
"Because... she has a bit of a problem with... bedwetting".
"Oh..."
"I've tried everything I can to help it stop, but it won't".
"Doesn't she wear anything to hold it?"
"She wears protection, but sometimes, it leaks, and I wouldn't want you to wake up in a puddle of... that".
"Oh... OK. Am I allowed to let Opal sleep with me?"
"Yes, but she usually prefers her own bed. I have one of the softest beds in Equestria and she still prefers her bed".
"Wow".
"Alright. I have to get to work, now. I have a television in the living room. You may help yourself". I nodded and walked into the living room, Opal following me.
~~~~~~~~~~
I was sitting on the living room couch, petting Opal in my lap, and watching a movie, when Sweetie Belle had walked in, closing and locking the front door behind her. She sat down next to me and sighed.
"Friday...", she said, " "I love Fridays". She looked over at me. "Oh, hi, Diamond Crown".
"Hey, Sweetie Belle", I said, "How was school?"
"It was fine", Sweetie Belle said, "I'm finally passing math". She looked at Opal in my lap. "Whoa! Opal's actually letting you hold her?!"
"Yeah", I said, "She likes me. I don't know why, but she does". I nuzzled Opal, making her purr a bit louder.
"Aww!", Sweetie Belle said, "She's so cute when she's purring". Sweetie Belle reached to pet Opal, but Opal clawed at her hoof, basically saying "Leave me alone!"
"Huh...", Sweetie Belle said, "She still doesn't seem to like me much".
"Why not?", I said, "She's been around you more".
"I think it's because I accidentally stepped on her when she was a kitten", Sweetie Belle said, "It was an accident, but she doesn't seem to care". She looked up at me. "Oh, I almost forgot!" She reached into her saddlebag and pulled out a necklace. It was made up of colorful macaroni and other uncooked pasta noodles. The noodles all hung from a green yarn and at the very end was a small hoof-drawn picture of me, judging by the Earth Pony shape and coat and mane color. I smiled as I put the necklace on. It was a perfect fit.
"Thanks, Sweetie Belle", I said.
"You're welcome", Sweetie Belle said, "I knew you would like it! I thought about it hard". She stretched and stood up. "Well, I have a Cutie Mark Crusaders meeting to got to".
"A what meeting?", I said.
"A Cutie Mark Crusaders meeting", Sweetie Belle said, "It's a meeting me and my friends go to every day".
"Oh...", I said, starting to get confused. Sweetie Belle giggled.
"You look like you need some fun", Sweetie Belle said, "Wanna go meet my friends? We can play a few games together".
"As long as you don't try putting makeup on me, or something", I said.
"Oh, no no no", Sweetie Belle said, "I don't like makeup. Rarity always tries to make me wear it, and it feels slimy".
"And no 'Spin the Bottle', either", I said.
"What's 'Spin the Bottle?", Sweetie Belle said.
"Never mind", I said, "Sure, I'll go". I set Opal on the couch, told Rarity I was leaving, and walked off with Sweetie Belle. After walking around Ponyville, we walked by my old alley, and I saw my family portrait in my box. While Sweetie Belle wasn't looking, I quickly ran into the alley and grabbed the picture, stuffing it in the pocket of the robe. I then quickly rejoined Sweetie Belle before she had time to notice.
Soon, we reached a treehouse. It was neatly decorated and looked pretty new. Yeah, it was Sweetie Belle's alright. Sweetie Belle climbed up a rope ladder and pulled herself up into the treehouse, as did I. Two other fillies were in the treehouse. One was a beige-colored Earth Pony with a red mane. She also wore a big bow that was the same exact reddish color as her mane. The other was an orange Pegasus with a purple mane. Her wings were abnormally small, but I didn't care. At least she had some.
"Sweetie Belle!", the orange one said, "You're late! We told you the meeting was right after school!"
"I'm sorry", Sweetie Belle said.
"Next time", the beige colored one said, "Don't be late!" She spoke in a southern accent, which was a little new to me. Anyway, the beige filly looked at me. "Who are you?" I was about to speak, but Sweetie Belle beat me to it.
"This is my new friend, Diamond Crown", Sweetie Belle said. I strained to fight a blush. I haven't heard somepony call me a "friend" in years, and it made me a little happy to hear it.
"What's he doin' her'?", the beige filly said.
"I invited him", Sweetie Belle said, "I figured he could help us get our cutie marks". The beige filly rolled her eyes.
"Sweetie Belle", she said, "He already has his cutie mark. How in the world is he goin' to help us git our's?"
"He could tell us how he got his", Sweetie Belle said.
"I don't care how he got his", the orange filly said, "I wanna go ask Rainbow Dash!"
"Scootaloo", the beige filly said, "Even if ya did, ya know her cutie mark has somethin' to do with flyin'".
"Don't mock me because I can't fly, Applebloom!", Scootaloo said, jabbing her hoof in Applebloom's shoulder, "It's not my fault you're not as strong as Applejack!"
"Umm...", I said, getting a little uncomfortable, "Maybe I should come back later?"
"No!", Sweetie Belle said, "I want you to stay. Please tell us what your cutie mark mean and how you got it".
"It means needle-work", I said, "My special talent is needle-work".
"Can ya be more specific?", Applebloom said.
"Sewing, stitching, acupuncture, knitting, and all of that stuff", I said.
"I'm not allowed to touch the needles Rarity has", Sweetie Belle said, "She thinks I'll accidentally poke myself". Scootaloo laughed.
"Wow, needle-work!", she said, sarcastically, "Like anyone is honored just because they know how to work with needles". She then tried mocked me in a voice that sounded nothing like mine. "Uhh... I'm Diamond Crown, and my special talent is knitting a scarf for my mommy". She laughed some more.
"Mockery", I said, "Something ponies do to other ponies because they wish they were them. I have a cutie mark, and you wish you had one".
"Hey!", Scootaloo said, "I could get my cutie mark any time I want!"
"And how long have you been a Blank Flank?", I said.
"Eight years", Scootaloo said, "But who cares?"
"And plus", I said, "I'm an orphan, and I love my mom. The next time you insult me by using my mom, there will be some problems for you".
"Yer an orphan?", Applebloom said, "But with a name like Diamond Crown, ya must be a rich pony that gets spoiled by yer parents".
"No", I said, "I used to be, but my parents were killed in a fire, and my home was destroyed". I could see a look of guilt on Scootaloo's face.
"So", Sweetie Belle said, changing the subject, "Has anypony thought of way for us to get our cutie marks?"
"Yeah!", Scootaloo said, "I made a whole list!" Scootaloo pulled a small scroll out of mane and give it to her friends.
"Bowling?", Sweetie Belle read, "Fishing? Comedy? Flag-holding? Foalsitting? You realize we've tried all of these, right?"
"I was thinking we could try them again", Scootaloo said, "Those are the closest changes we got, so I figured we could do them again".
"Ah don't see why it wouldn't hurt", Applebloom said. I didn't want to engage in any of those activities.
"Uh, Sweetie Belle", I said, "I think I'm just gonna go back to the Boutique".
"OK", Sweetie Belle said, "Tell Rarity I'll be a little late coming home". I nodded and left the treehouse.
Once I got back to the Boutique, I let myself in and locked the door. The first thing to greet me was Rarity's voice and her loud sigh.
"I'm finished!", she said, "I finished five dresses in only two hours! That's my new record!" I walked into her workroom, seeing five beautiful, complete dresses laid on the ironing board. Several colors and gems covered them, but the main fabric used was the one I had sewed back together. Rarity looked over at me, smiling. "Darling, you're back!"
"Yes", I said.
"Look at my work!", Rarity said, "And if it weren't for you, I wouldn't have been able to complete these".
"Well, I didn't want you to be overdue", I said, "Since you were nice enough to provide me with a home, I decided to be nice and repair your fabric".
"I must reward you for this!", Rarity said, "What would you like?" I thought about it for a while, but then, my sweet tooth kicked my brain. Smiling, I decided to be rewarded by going to Ponyville's best bakery.
"Well", I said, "It's been a long time since I've been to Sugarcube Corner. I'd like to go there".
"Then it's settled", Rarity said, "I'll treat you". She lead me out of the workroom, closing the door and turning off the light. Right when I was about to step outside, I felt a sharp pain in my left hind leg. I had cramped up, really bad. I wasn't used to walking so much. I didn't like stepping out of the alley because I was afraid of the other ponies, and I spent more time sitting and laying in a box than walking. Rarity looked back at me, a little concerned. "Are you alright, Darling?"
"I'm *groan* a little cramped", I said, "I'm not used to *groan* walking this much". Rarity smiled and used her magic to lift me onto her back. I looked at Rarity with a look of confusion.
"I'll carry you", Rarity said, "I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself on the way there, would I?" She giggled and walked out, locking the door behind her. I smiled as I rode on Rarity's back as she kept walking. The gentle bouncing motion felt so good, and I sighed and relaxed. I've never rode on another pony's back before, not even my parent's. I've always thought it was weird for a pony to ride on another pony's back. But now, I see why littler fillies and colts love it.
"M... Ms. Rarity?", I said, my voice sounding very weak from the relaxation.
"Yes?", Rarity said.
"Th... thank you", I said.
"You're welcome, Darling", Rarity said.
~~~~~~~~~~
Soon, Rarity and I had finally reached Sugarcube Corner. Good thing too, because Rarity walked for a straight twenty minutes, and I was very close to falling asleep from all of the bouncing. Anyway, the moment Rarity walked into the bakery, several aromas of different hot, baked goods assaulted my muzzle, making my stomach scream at me.
"Is there a specific table you prefer to sit at?", she asked. I saw my favorite table. Well, it was a booth. The only booth. It was by the biggest window and by the arcade, and surprisingly, it was empty. I used to sit at that booth every time I went to Sugarcube Corner with my parents. I knew where I wanted to sit.
"That booth over there, please", I said, pointing to it. Rarity carried me over to the table and used her magic to sit me near the window. Then, she sat down right next to me on the same side. Not across from me, but next to me. It made me remember when I used to sit with my mom, and she would sit next to me. I smiled and rested my back against the seat.
"You wouldn't mind letting me sit next to you, would you?", Rarity said, "I'm a little uncomfortable sitting alone in a booth".
"That's OK, Ms. Rarity", I said, "You can sit here". Rarity smiled.
"Thank you, Darling", Rarity said, "You're so generous, and I'm the Element of Generosity for crying out loud".
"Element of Generosity?", I said, surprised, "You mean... you're a holder of one of the Elements of Harmony?"
"Yes", Rarity said, "I hold Generosity, while my friends hold the others".
"Cool", I said. At that point, an all-pink mare had came up to us, a huge smile glued to her face.
"Hi, Rarity!", she said.
"Hello, Pinkie Pie", Rarity said. Pinkie Pie leaned in and kissed Rarity full on the lips. It made me very confused, but I payed no attention.
"Here for the usual?", Pinkie Pie asked.
"Actually", Rarity said, "I'm treating my little assistant here". Pinkie looked at me.
"Well", she said, "Welcome to Sugarcube Corner! I'm Pinkie Pie, and you are?"
"Diamond Crown", I said, smiling.
"Well, Diamond", Pinkie said, "I'll be your waiter for today. Can I start you off with a drink?" I looked at the menu in front of me, as did Rarity.
"I would like a vanilla milkshake, please", Rarity said, "Extra-thick". Pinkie wrote that down on her notepad. I kept looking for a while, then finally decided.
"Same thing", I said, "But in chocolate, please". Pinkie wrote that down and then left. I leaned back against the seat again and sighed.
"Now, Darling", Rarity said, "You don't have to order cheap items. If there's anything you would like, you may have it, no matter how much it costs".
"Are you sure, Ms. Rarity?", I said, "I don't want to end up cleaning out your wallet".
"Of course it's alright", Rarity said, "I have quite a supply of bits, because I sold five dresses to Sapphire Shores last weekend. Plus, I recall you saying you haven't been here for years, so I'm gonna let you have as much as you like". I smiled and thanked Rarity. Soon, Pinkie had came back with our milkshakes and gave them to us. They were in huge glasses, and seeing mine made me very thirsty.
"I'll be back to take your order!", she said, walking off to the next table.
I starred at my milkshake with excitement and thirst. This wasn't just an ordinary shake, either It was bedazzled with several toppings. The chocolate ice cream was easily seen, but along with that, diced hay, oats rainbow candy sprinkles, whipped cream, and caramel sauce covered the entire top, and along the edge was cane sugar, and poking out the side was one of those crazy loopy-straws. I grabbed my shake, latched on to my straw, and began drinking. The ice cream easily traveled up the straw and into my mouth. I kept drinking, not even wanting to unlatch from my straw. While I was slurping mine through my straw, Rarity was eating her's with a spoon, afraid to spill it on herself. We had our shakes in silence for a while, then Pinkie came back again.
"So", she said, "What can I get for you?" I finally unlatched from my straw after drinking a fourth of the shake and looked at the menu. Everything looked good, but even though Rarity told me I could get anything I wanted, I still couldn't just allow myself to waste all of Rarity's money. I was gonna say we need more time, but before I could open my mouth, Rarity went ahead and ordered.
"I'll just have a personal apple pie, please", Rarity said, "With a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on top". Pinkie wrote that down. I looked at the section Rarity found that in and saw that it was twenty-four bits. That was pretty pricey for a personal pie, but it made me feel a little better about getting something I wanted. After a few more seconds of looking, I finally decided on something.
"Can I have the Triple-Fudgie-Brownie-Chocolate-Chip-Cookie-Sundae, please?", I asked, "Extra melted marshmallows and sprinkles?"
"Are you sure?", Pinkie asked me, "That's a pretty big sundae, and it can cause tummy aches".
"I'm sure", I said. Pinkie shrugged and scratched that down.
"Oh", Rarity said, "Would you mind making the crust a little less crispy? I don't want to sound uncouth when I'm chewing".
"Sure, Rarity!", Pinkie said, "Anything for you!" Pinkie leaned in and kissed Rarity again. After seeing that again, I had to ask what was going on, but I waited until Pinkie left first.
"Umm... Ms. Rarity?", I asked.
"Yes, Darling?", Rarity said.
"I-if you don't mind me asking...", I said, taking a deep breath, "... wh-why does Ms. Pie keep kissing you?" Rarity chuckled.
"Of course I don't mind you asking", she said, "Pinkie is my wife".
"Wife?", I said, "You mean... you're a..." I stopped myself from saying that "L" word, afraid to offend Rarity.
"Yes", Rarity said, "I'm a lesbian, but I'm not ashamed. I'm actually proud of myself for being able to marry such a lovely mare".
"But", I said, "I thought a mare can only marry a stallion".
"That's what some ponies think", Rarity said, "But all you have to do is notify the princesses and if all three approve, you can marry the same gender".
"Oh", I said, "But she seems so much different from you".
"She is", Rarity said, "But she's herself, and I respect her for that". I smiled and leaned back, my shake in my lap, drinking silently. After a few more minutes of drinking my shake, Pinkie had came back with my sundae and Rarity's pie and gave them to us. I smiled as I stared at the large bowl of ice cream, brownie and cookie pieces, whipped cream, sprinkles, and melted marshmallows, with a large cherry on top. My stomach yelled at me ad I started eating, as did Rarity. The sundae was very sweet and delicious, and I really loved it.
While I worked on my sundae, I looked around and saw several families sitting at the other tables, eating and laughing with each other. It brought back so many memories of eating at Sugarcube Corner with my parents. Sugarcube Corner was our favorite place to visit, and every time one of us had a birthday, it would be here, as a private party. Like I said before, I really miss my parents. If I could have one wish from Princess Celestia, it would be for her to resurrect them. I pulled the picture out of the robe's pocket and held it close to my heart. Even through a picture, I could feel my mom's warm hug and my dad's soft kiss on my cheek.
"Darling?", Rarity said, "Are you alright?" I noticed a tear that had started making its way down my cheek. I didn't even feel it, but I just let it go.
"I...", I said, starting to break down a little, "I'm just having flashbacks". She looked at the picture in my hooves and was concerned.
"Oh...", she said, "You miss your parents, don't you?" I nodded and wiped the tear from my face. "Oh, Darling, I'm sorry". I looked at Rarity and asked for something I desperately wanted.
"Mrs. Rarity?", I said, using "missus" after knowing she was married, "Can I... I...?"
"Yes, Darling?", Rarity said, "What is it?"
"Do you mind if...", I said, "...if I...?" I forced myself to finish my sentence. "...c... cuddle... you?"
"Oh...", Rarity said, "Go ahead, Daring".
A half-smile formed on my face as I moved closer to Rarity and snuggled into her side, sighing loudly. Her coat felt just like Mom's, just a little warmer. I felt as if I were sitting with Mom again. I didn't want to let go of Rarity, at all. I peeked up at her and saw that she was looking at me out the corner of her eye with a small blush.
"Aww...", she said under her breath, not knowing I could hear her, "He looks so precious! Even more than Sweetie Belle!" She looked down at the floor. "I really wish I could adopt him and end him from his pain. Why do I have to be nineteen? I really want him in my family, and I'm sure Pinkie would too". She looked up. "Unless..."
"Unless what, Mrs. Rarity?", I said, sounding a little excited.
"Oh", she said, "You heard me?" I nodded. "Well, I want to adopt you as a brother".
"A brother?", I said, "Why not a son?"
"Because then Sweetie Belle would be your aunt", Rarity said, "And I'm sure you wouldn't want somepony who's younger that you as an aunt".
"Good point", I said, going back to my sundae.
"Anyway", Rarity said, "As I told you, I'm too young to adopt. However, if I can notify Princess Celestia and get all three of them to approve, I could". I smiled. "However, I can't today, because the princesses are very busy. But tomorrow, I'll send a letter, and hope I get lucky". I smiled and looked down at the floor.
"Mrs. Rarity", I said, "If they do approve... thank you". Rarity smiled and pulled me into a hug.
"You're welcome, Sweetheart", she said, kissing my cheek, leaving behind a red lipstick print. I ignored it because what she just called me flattered me heavily. The only other person to call me "Sweetheart" was Mom, and it made me blush every time. And speaking of blush... "Aww... you're blushing". I noticed a large, deep red blush, forming across my face. The gold color of my coat making it easily seen.
"I...", I said, "I kinda... like being called... 'Sweetheart'", I said.
"Well", Rarity said, "That's what I'll call you then". She nuzzled my cheek, making my blush grow a lot deeper. I finished the last few bites of my ice cream sundae and slumped down in my chair, resting my hooves on my stomach.
"That was the best sundae ever", I said, licking the whipped cream from my face. I saw that Rarity had finished her pie as well.
"Had enough?", she asked me.
"Yes", I said.
"Great", Rarity said, "Then I'll go ahead pay the check, then we'll go home, alright?" I nodded as Rarity left a few hooffuls of bits on the table and stood up, levitating my on her back. She said goodbye to Pinkie and left.
~~~~~~~~~~
It had gotten dark outside once we got back, but it didn't bother me much, because that alley wasn't my home anymore. Rarity opened the door and walked in, letting me off of her back and locking the door back. We saw Sweetie Belle asleep on the couch, the television on. Rarity smiled.
"Sweetie Belle's asleep", she said, "Just the way I like it. Now I can finally get my beauty sleep without her making any noise".
"She's asleep on the couch", I said, "Does that mean I have to sleep on the floor or something?" Rarity smiled.
"Of course not, Sweetheart", she said, "You can sleep with me in my bed". I smiled. Just the thought of sleeping in a real bed make me excited. "Follow me up to my boudoir, please". I followed Rarity upstairs to her bedroom. She opened the door and allowed me in, closing and locking the door behind herself. Rarity's bedroom was a lot more neater and clean than any other room, even her workroom. She had a double-mattress bed with a large blanket, her carpet was made of soft cotton, and of course, strong smells of perfume was everywhere. I liked it.
"I like your bedroom, Mrs. Rarity", I said.
"Thank you, Sweetheart", Rarity said, "I keep my bedroom as clean and neat as I can".
"I can see that", I said.
"Now", Rarity said, "I have to get ready for bed. I'll be in the bathroom for a few minutes. Please wait until I'm finished before getting in the bed, alright?" I nodded as Rarity walked into the bathroom. Soon, she was finished and walked back out, wearing a robe that looked similar to the one she gave me.
"I'm finished", she said, "Go ahead". I walked over to the bed and was about to grab the end of the blanket with my teeth, but a blue Unicorn aura prevented me from doing so. "Please don't get in like that. You'll cause the blanket to be incorrect".
"Then how do I get in?", I asked, a little confused.
"Do it like this", Rarity said. She got up and slid herself through the top of the blanket until it reached her chin. I shrugged and got in the bed the same way. I knew why she didn't want me to get in the way I was about to at that point. The blanket was comfortably tight and the sheets were cloud-soft. Plus, the mattresses were spring-less, just like my old bed. I couldn't help but sigh. It had been the first time in years I even touched a real bed instead of a box. "Are you comfy, Sweetheart?"
"Yes", I said between a yawn, "Very comfortable".
"Alright", Rarity said. She used her magic to pull two sleepy-time blinders out of the drawer of her nightstand. She gave one to herself and one to me. "Here you go. It'll help you sleep". I took the blinder and put it on, but raised it slightly above my eyes so I could still see a little.
"Thank you, Mrs. Rarity", I said.
"You're welcome, Sweetheart", Rarity said, putting on her blinder, "Goodnight". She turned off the light with her magic and rested her head on her pillow. I pulled my blinder over my eyes and closed them, pulling the blanket up to my chin and sighing. But, as comfortable as I was, I still didn't think I could sleep.
"Mrs. Rarity?", I asked.
"Yes... Sweetheart?", Rarity said between a small yawn.
"Can I cuddle with you again?", I said, "Just so I can sleep?"
"Go ahead", Rarity said. I smiled and snuggled with Rarity, burying my face deep in her coat. Like I said, her coat felt just like Mom's, just a little warmer. I smiled and slowly drifted off to sleep, hardly able to wait what the next day had in store for me.
