Coffee

The lights inside Koko's Coffee Shop flickered on, and a faint smell of coffee beans drifted in to the dining room from the kitchen. Koko Kream descended from the kitchen with a steaming cup of coffee trapped in her levitating aura. She made her way back to her post at the counter with utmost caution, taking little sips of the refreshment as she walked. It was visible in her green eyes that she was still tired, but who wouldn't be? It was five in the morning, and most of Manehatten wasn't even awake, minus the taxi pullers and the few early birds the city occupied. Koko carefully placed the cup of coffee on the counter and started reading the latest issue of The Manehatten Post until the entry bell dinged. Koko teared her eyes away from the paper and to the door.

A rather familiar white unicorn with silky purple hair, blue eyes, light blue eyeshadow, and a rather attractive looking sunhat trotted inside, small bags under her eyes. Koko smiled a welcoming smile and waved. Rarity was one of her regular costumers.

"Why, if it ain't Mizz Rarity." Koko said. "How're ya doin', hun?"

"I'm quite alright." Rarity replied lazily. "Just a bit tired. I was up late working on a new line of dresses I'm supposed to model off at Marina's Fashion Emporium this afternoon."

"Ya look a lot more tired than a bit." Koko replied. "I can put some extra sugar in yer coffee this mornin' if you'd like."

"Yes please." Rarity said. "While you're at it, may I have two pancakes and an issue of The Manehatten Post?"

"Course!"

"Merci." Rarity carefully took a jewel off of her sunhat and gave it to Koko, before resting her chin on the tabletop. She saw her reflection in the glass. Rarity noticed how unapproachable and dull she looked. Her eyeshadow was beginning to fade and since she had forgotten to curl her mane the past few days, it had become flat and boring. It surprised her a little bit, but she shook it off once Koko returned with her coffee, pancakes, and a copy of The Manehatten Post.

"Here ya go, Rarity! Coffee with extra sug, two pancakes, and a fresh copy of The Manehatten Post." She said, setting everything on the table.

"Why, thank you." She smiled.

"No problem. If ya need anythin' else, you know where'ta find me." Koko replied and returned to the counter, sipping her coffee.

Rarity smiled faintly and levitated the newspaper, her eyes skimming the latest news and happenings in Manehatten and Equestria alike. Of course, nothing really caught her interest. She read the multiple articles while drinking her coffee and taking a bite of her pancakes, completely unamused.

Suddenly, the entry bell rang. Rarity flinched. Nopony came to Koko's Coffee Shop this early except her. She put the newspaper down and looked back at the front door to see a rather familiar face. Who but Coco Pommel strolled in to the dining room.

"Mornin', Coco Pommel! The usual?" Koko asked.

"Yes please." Coco smiled at her, before preparing to sit at one of the tables. However, her expression unfolded in to an extremely surprised one upon spotting Rarity.

"Rarity? Is that you?" She asked. Rarity nodded.

"Why, yes. Quite a surprise to see you here, Coco Pommel."

"Oh, I come here daily. I just happen to be here earlier this morning." She joined Rarity at her table. "What brings you to Manehatten?"

"Well, my job in the designing business moved me to Manehatten, so I live here now." Rarity answered.

"I presume your friends are here, too?"

"Well...no." Rarity looked down and scratched the back of her neck with a hoof. "They have their own families and businesses to tend to back in Ponyville. For example, Twilight's kingdom is in Ponyville, Applejack has Sweet Apple Acres, Pinkie Pie has Sugarcube Corner, Fluttershy has her animals, and Rainbow Dash needs to be near Cloudsdale to be with the Wonderbolts. I let Sweetie Belle move in with Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash so she could still be near her friends, thus, I'm here myself,"

"Now, I know you're about to ask why I just didn't turn down the job offer in Manehatten and remained in Ponyville. My friends kept pushing me to just take up the offer so I could live my dream. My dream isn't all that I thought it'd be. My dream requires extremely hard work, sleepless nights, no friends, you name it...the only time I DO see my friends nowadays is when Equestria's in danger and I must help them save it...I know I should enjoy what Manehatten has to offer, it's my destiny to make dresses, but...I guess I'm starting to dislike my destiny."

Rarity looked at her Cutie Mark. It was beginning to become dull and discorded. She let out a sigh, but twitched when she felt Coco Pommel put a hoof on her shoulder.

"I know exactly how you feel." Coco assured. "After the incident during the competition, I had to work by myself without an assistant or mentor, and I was too shy to go find one, so I guess that I just didn't have any friends. I was starting to get lonely...up until today that is. I'm actually enjoying talking to you, Rarity."

"You are?" She asked.

"Well, yeah. You're the Element of Generosity, so...your conversations do generous things for other ponies, if that makes sense."

Rarity smiled a full, sweet smile. "Why, Coco Pommel, that's the nicest thing anypony has said to me in days...hey...we seem to be stuck in the same situation...Coco Pommel, would you like to be...my friend?"

"Would I?!" Coco smiled widely. "Of course, Rarity! I'd love to be your friend!"

Coco wrapped her arms around Rarity, tightly hugging her and laughing. Rarity smiled an equally wide smile. Her Cutie Mark began to brighten again, sending a surging, sweet warmth through her body.

"Hey..." She began. "Maybe I'll curl my mane tomorrow."