Chapters Love (and other things) in Prance
Prologue: The Opportunity
Prologue: The Opportunity
The sun was rising slowly across Ponyville. A few ponies were up and about while most were still asleep. One such young stallion, who went by Paint Smear, was very awake and anxious. He just couldn't believe this day had come! In order to truly understand why he was so excited you’d have to go back to 2 months ago…
Flashback to 2 months prior…
2 months prior...
The stage area was full of ponies, graduates and family members alike. All the young adult mares and stallions were anxiously waiting for the signal to throw their caps. Two such colts, Thomas “Tommy” Hayfield and Paint “Paintball” Smear were the only two out of 60 students that weren't actually anxious. In fact, they were positively chilled. Then Tommy looked up and saw the blue flag signalling it was time and he nudged his best bud. A sea of navy and sky blue caps flew into the air and cheering voices roared throughout the open-air stage area outside the high school. Paint Smear and Thomas got together with two more friends and walked over to their families. Thomas went and hugged his parents and their two friends to their families, Paint saw his older brother deeper in the crowd and went to talk to him.
“There’s the graduate I was looking for!”, his brother, Blueberry exclaimed as he nearly crushed his baby bro in a hug.
“Aww! Gee…*wheeze*...Thanks Blue.”, Paint Smear replied once he could breath again.
“Well you can’t blame me ‘paintball’, I’m just so happy.”,Blueberry responded.
As they were talking with some teachers a mare happened to look up at the senior mural and she was amazed by what she saw.
“My goodness! Who were the students who did this?”,She asked in a very thick prench accent, to no one in particular.
A passerby noticed it too and replied.
“You mean ‘student'. This was painted by Paint Smear. I swear he earned that easle on his flank and this is proof!”,The filly replied and walked off.
At once the older mare went off in search for this ‘Paint Smear’ colt.
Paint Smear had just picked up his diploma when a strange mare approached him.
“Excuse me Monsieur. But you wouldn’t happen to know where I can find a colt by ze name of Paint Smear would you?”, The mare asked.
Paint Smear chuckled humbly and replied, “Why Madame you are looking at him.”
The mare gasped in surprise and then started talking rapidly in Prench. She spoke far too fast for Paint.
“Woah There! I apologize but you are going far too fast Madame.”, Paint exclaimed.
The mare noticed this and stopped briefly before starting again in plain Equestrian.
“Ahh...my apologies monsieur. I was simply complimenting you on your work with that mural over there.”,She said and indicated to the mural of the senior class in front of Town Hall.
Paint Smear blushed and thanked her. She then continued to speak.
“You see, I work at a prestigious art university in Paris, Prance and I think-NO! I feel that you should truly consider attending there in ze fall.”,The mare stated.
“Well...That sounds lovely Misses…?” Paint started but fell off.
“Oh! Excusé moi. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Madame Honeydew and I work for Le Collège des Arts Créatifs en Paris, Prance. If interested, I would like it if you would come and take a tour of our campus.”, Madame Honeydew responded.
“A College scout. I see...Well if I may, would it be alright if I talk this over with my legal guardian and older brother, Blueberry?”, Paint Smear asked as his brother came back over.
“Monsieur. Might I introduce myself, my name is Madame Honeydew. I represent a prestigious art school in Paris, Prance. And If I may say your petit frère has some true talent, judging by that mural I saw. Now, if interested I would like him to take a small tour of our main campus in Paris.”, Madame Honeydew said.
Blueberry smiled as he pulled his brother aside and quickly discussed the matter. They turn back and head back towards the scout.
“Well...Madame Honeydew, It does sound tempting and all but to confirm things it would be my pleasure to show you a sample of my portfolio of artworks.”, Paint Smear suggested.
Madame Honeydew thought this over for a bit before agreeing to seeing a sample.
“Excellent! Thankfully for you, Madame I almost never leave home without it or a sketchbook.”, Paint joked as he shows her a few samples of his works.
Madame Honeydew looked upon them in awe before giving them back to Paint Smear. She smiled, hoofed the portfolio back to its owner, gave the two stallions some information about the school and said that they’d be in touch within a few days. Then she left the family of two to celebrate.
2 months later…
The day had come. After a few dozen or so letters concerning a scholarship, here Paint was all packed up with Blue about to head onto the 6:10 train to Paris.
“Now, are you sure you’ve got everything? Clothes? Bits? Art supplies? Stationery?”, Blueberry asked rather nervously.
Paint Smear chuckled and replied, “Yes Blue, I’ve got everything from toothbrush to paintbrush. Remember we’ve gone over this stuff practically all of last night.”
“I know...it’s just...I can’t believe it. You’re all grown up and travelling Equestria. Going to the very place mom and dad always talked about going….”, Blueberry stopped before he started to cry.
Paint Smear turned to his 29 year old brother and hugged him tight. Then he heard the train whistle and let go.
“There’s my train. I gotta go.”, Paint said.
“I know. Be safe. Learn alot.”, Blue responded as his brother boarded the train.
“I will. Love you blue!”, Paint Smear called out from his window.
“Love you too paintball. Have fun.”, Blueberry waved as the train pulled off.
Author's Note
Welcome to another New story of mine involving a new O.C. of mine, Paint Smear. This fic will have some songs to go along with it. This first one has two:
Love (and other things) in Prance
Chapter 2: House Hunters and Get Togethers
Author's Note
This fits for the whole chapter.
Chapter 2: House Hunters and Get Togethers
After an...interesting afternoon with Ocean Storm, Paint decided that it would be best to go on back to the collège before it got too late to take a tour. It was as they were walking towards the admissions building A rather important thought occured to Paint Smear, a thought he...unintentionally put off til the last minute.
“I...am mad I just thought of something! I have no idea what I’ll do as far as housing….damn.”, Paint openly cursed his busyness and lack of remembering.
Ocean just wrapped a forearm around his back and smiled, “Dude. Lucky for you, you’ve got a friend who’s more than happy to let you crash on his couch for the night!”
At that Paint sighed in relief and thanked his friend as they grabbed two maps of the collège and soon left back to the central downtown area.
25 minutes later….
The colts arrived in a rather shady portion of town where there were more apartment buildings than houses and a lot less trees. They eventually turn and enter a rather large apartment building with four stories. The trek to the 3rd floor was hard because the stairwell was really narrow, but they eventually made it. After carefully walking around a broken cider bottle they made it to Ocean’s apartment.
“Real classy place here, dude !”, Paint said sarcastically as Ocean opened the door to his apartment.
“Thanks, but not for long it won't be.”, Ocean replied as he stepped around a open box and moved a few boxes out of the way so Paint could get in.
After maneuvering through a maze of boxes they came upon the living room which was all but packed in boxes except for a matress and real nice futon couch.
“Welcome to maison de Océan Storm ! Take a load off and park it on the futon over there,” Ocean started happily, “ I got a couple sodas in the fridge and my coltfriend’ll stop for some take out. I hope you like Neighponese food, because there's this A-MAZING one right down the street.” he finished while grabbing two sparkling apple sodas and hoofing one to Paint.
Paint took it and sat down. Happy to finally sit down somewhere after being on his hooves practically all day. Just then the front door locks clicked and in walked a rather tall, slightly bulky colt about the same age as them.
“Oh that must be him now!,” Ocean yelled from the kitchen, “Hiya honey. How was your day?” he finished.
The colt took off his hat and saddlebags to reveal a long red mane and piercing green eyes. He then replied in a rather deep voice, “Was good babe. Got your message and the food, and you must be Paint Smear! I must say when Ocean told me we’d have somepony over I wasn’t expecting someone so young looking!”
“Oh now Brick! Quit teasing the dude.”, Ocean laughed as he came back into the room to hear both boys laughing.
Brick laughed as he distributed the foreign food around, yet he couldn't help think that the new colt’s name sounded familiar...but from where? “Perhaps I should ask? ”, he thought to himself before clearing his throat.
“So, Paint Smear. Where ya from?”, Brick asked.
“Ponyville!”, Paint said through a mouthful of noodles. Surprisingly Paint was thinking the same thing that Brick was.
“Cool, cool ya know...I got relatives in Ponyville, a uncle. Maybe ya know him; Blue coat, Dark blue mane and tail, music note cutie-mark-”, Brick started but was interrupted by Paint Smear.
“Noteworthy! Yeah I know him- wait!” Paint started as he took a closer look at Brick and his memory was jogged, “No way! You’re that little ‘Bricky' he always talked about! Ha! Oh Luna that is awesome, you know I was just talking to your uncle just yesterday actually as I was getting ready to pack.” he finished as the night wore on.
The Next Day...
“Well. I guess I’m not the only pony in history to like waking up early. Looks like somepony owes me 80 bits.”, Ocean Storm chuckled quietly. Both colts hoof bumped in agreement and decided to let Brick sleep in as they left.
1 hour later…
Ocean and Paint decided to grab breakfast at the café that morning (mainly because Ocean practically had to beg Paint to try his maman’s breakfast crêpes avec confiture de fraise et de jus de pomme. ) So they sat at the same table as before and since they already knew what they wanted, they just asked Ocean’s mom if she could make that. To which she obliged happily and the boys helped themselves to a true parisian breakfast. Afterwards Ocean payed and he and Paint were off in search of an apartment.
After about 3 hours of searching and researching, it seemed like they weren’t going to find anything on the first try. So they briefly stopped and Paint offered to help the two lovers move into their new apartment. With that in mind they took off to continue moving. When They got there Paint was definitely surprised to see that those two were indeed moving up high (which made sense for the pegasus of the pair.) to a very nice cosmopolitan-esque 8 story apartment building. Their apartment was on the top floor, where the artists’ lofts were. There were only 12 apartments on that floor and theirs was the only one with a red door, making it very easy to find and get everything moved in.
“Alright guys, looks like all that’s left is the couch and that we can get later on. But for now...Let’s celebrate! We’ve got a new apartment and soon Paint here will too!”, Ocean exclaimed as he got the kitchen together.
“Hey guys, Do you know of any available apartments in the area? I know, Ocean and I have been looking for like HOURS and so far no luck.”, Paint asked tiredly.
The others shook their heads in unknown sadness as Paint sighed and excused himself to leave.
Paint Smear found himself walking around the theatre area and wound up in the park. Right as he got in the park he remembered why he came to this area in the first place.
“Oh my lord! I totally forgot I’d meet her here today! *groan* I never told her what time and she’s probably waiting on me!”, Paint said suddenly scared and nervous all at once.
Right as he said this, Roseblossom happened to walk in the park. She too was thinking the same things he was.
“Oh mon dieu! How could I have forgot to ask him what time to meet!?! *groan* He’s probably already here and waiting on me!”, Rose said suddenly scared and nervous all at once.
Both of them were so preoccupied with worry that they didn't even watch where they were going and they literally walked right into each other.
“Oh my!- are you alright? I’m sorry I didn't see you- Hey wow y-you’re here!”, Rose said rather fast and rambly as Paint helped her up off the ground.
“Y-yeah! I..kinda realized we never actually settled on a time to meet and I just happened to be walking about and...well I guess we both know how that ended up.”, Paint chuckled nervously.
The two then found a nice shady tree to sit under and talk, which at first seemed...well awkward but soon became easier as they began to learn more about one another.
“Wow! You seriously know how to play the violin?!”, Rose asked incredulously.
“Yeah...I’m kinda self-taught. I also am a master swordstallion.”, Paint replied.
“Amazing. Well I guess it's only fair to tell you that I’m a skilled marksmare in archery, plus I play the flute. Like you I am also self-taught.”, Rose said.
“Incrédulité! That truly is anazing, Roseblossom.”, Paint replied.
“Oh please, call me ‘Rosie' all my friends and family do.”, Rose said.
Paint smiled and spoke, “Then you may call me either ‘Paint' or ‘Paintball', I go by either nickname.”
Rosie smiled at that before her horn kinda did a bit of a “magical hiccup” causing the flower in her mane to disappear and reappear on her tail.
“Oh damn! I am so sorry about that! M-my magic can sometimes ‘hiccup' whenever I get nervous or if I sense a really powerful form of magic nearby...thankfully it isn’t the latter but still equally embarrassing!”, Rosie yelped in surprise before turning rose red.
Paint just chuckled and replied, “No it’s far from embarrassing it’s actually rather cute.”
As he said that, Rosie’s face went from rose red back to light rose pink as she calmed down from her hiccups and genuinely smiled at this rather incredible colt who doesn't even mind her little quirk.
About a few hours later they decided to just walk about the city and explore. Because Paint told Rosie about how he is an artist they somehow ended up on a tour of the Louve. Then they went on a nice stroll in the park before somehow ending up under the same tree they met under. Paint was sketching in his book and Rosie was laying next to him.
“Hmm...what are you drawing?”, Rosie asked quietly.
“Almost….and...there! It's done”, Paint replied as he showed her the portrait he did of her while laying down with a lily in her mane.
“My goodness!...It is beautiful I love it!”, Rosie said.
Paint blushed as he put his supplies away, “Merci. That means a lot. But this really isn’t my best work. Though it does mean a great deal that you think that it is good.”
Rose smiled as they lay there, just enjoying each other's company. That is until Paint got a phone call from Ocean.
“Hey dude, what’s up?”, Paint answered his phone.
“Bro! You’ll never believe this. There’s an apartment next to ours that’s available!”, Ocean said rather excitedly.
“NO WAY!...there’s gotta be a catch.”, Paint replied.
Ocean sighed, “There is the small thing concerning the price...it’s 4,000 bits to rent. Then 400 bits a month for rent. It’s fully furnished and I really think you’ll love it!”
“My goodness! This is amazing! Literally the best news I’ve gotten all day!”, Paint Smear replied happily while Roseblossom looked on in joy for her “crush”.
After a few more minutes of excited talking, he hung up and looked over to Rosie.
“Well...looks like I possibly have a new place here! I just need about 5,000 more bits to pay it off and be able to pay for rent….which means, I need to start job hunting.”, Paint said happily as he looked over to his “crush” and an almost overwhelming warmth filled his chest as he saw her smiling.
Sometime later...
Rosie got up along with Paint and both of them decided that they go to Ocean and Brick’s apartment to celebrate what would surely become an interesting next few weeks.
Love (and other things) in Prance
3 Weeks Later…
“Oh Thank Celestia for older brothers! This is great! I can’t believe he managed to wire me this amount!”, Paint exclaimed joyfully as he counted the bits he just got.
“What? What did he do?”, Rosie asked as she helped him put away groceries.
“He wired me eight 500 bitcoins along with an explanation on how in tartarus he got this kind of money!”, Paint replied as he got the last grocery bag out of his saddlebags.
“So that would be 4,000 bits total. Add that to the 1,800 bits you already had saved…...that’s 5,800 bits you have.”, Rosie did the math as she put away the milk and came back to her saddlebags to grab a special package.
“That it is Rosie. 5,800 bits to be used mainly for bills/rent…. It doesn't help that I’m still unemployed but that will soon change if I get that job I applied for.”, Paint said with slight confidence.
“Well then here’s a little something to help you on your interviewé. Rosie said as she hoofed him the package from her saddlebag.
“Aww, gee. Rosie you didn't have to get me anything!”, Paint said with a tiny hint of a blush forming.
“Well I was going to wait until the Summer Sun Celebration tomorrow morning to give you it...but I think you could use it now!”, Rose said cheerfully.
Paint opened the box and nearly fainted when he saw a brand new professional grade art kit and mini easel.
“I figured you’d like a new one because I noticed your old one was getting pretty worn down. Do you like it?”, Rosie asked. Excitedness turning into worry as he didn't immediately respond.
“Like it? I LOVE IT!!!”, Paint exclaimed as he jumped around like a excited child. Then he did something neither of them expected. He leaned in and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.
Roseblossom, at the rather unexpected contact between lips and cheek, turned an even brighter shade of rose pink. It was then Paint Smear realized what he did and turned a deep shade of red.
“I-I-I’m so sorry! I-I don't know what came over me! I was just so excited and well…”, His voice fell off as he noticed a small grin turn into a full blown smile appear in her face.
Before she could even think about what she was about to do, Rose grabbed him by his shirt collar and kissed him full on the lips. At first Paint was very confused but nonetheless kissed back. Eventually they both had to come up for air and the kiss ended.
“Woah!.....”, Paint said after a minute of catching his breath.
“Ditto!....”, Rose agreed.
After a few more moments of awkward sikence between the two of them Paint broke it.
“Y-You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that. Almost a full month.”, he said after a while.
“Same….” Rose started, “....I-I feel as if I’d be lying if I didn't say I’ve been….attracted to you for quite some time.”, she finished.
At that Paint chuckled and, feeling a bit more brave, kissed her again. To which she happily accepted with eagerness. They were so lost in the moment that neither of them heard the front door open and somepony come in. They did notice, however when they heard two low whistles and a few catcalls and quickly broke apart from their “mini make-out session”.
“Well it’s about time you two!”, Brick said.
“I was beginning to think you two would never ‘fess up your feelings!”, Ocean laughed.
“Now I hate to break up this little love fest, but Paint does have an interview to be getting to with a certain sword defence studio.”, Brick stated, to the amusing shock of Paint Smear.
“Sweet Luna you’re right!”, Paint shouted as he started scrambling around trying to find his sword-fighting outfit and sheathed weapon itself.
Rose laughed as she held up his tunic and tights, Ocean held up his boots and Brick held (very gingerly) his actual sword and sheath. Paint spun in a full 180° as he saw his friends with his stuff and carefully retrieved his tunic and tights from Rose. He then proceeded to go to his room to change from “artist mode” to “swordstallion mode”.
“Brick! Could you pass me my sword?”, Paint asked/shouted from his room.
Brick just chuckled and gave his friend his weapon through the door. Paint, with his green tunic and black tights on, swiftly attached his scabbard and hilted his sheath to his side and across his back before finally combing his silver mane and tail.
“Now I’m ready.”, Paint said in a rather serious tone as he exited with his ensemble nearly complete.
The three ponies who were sitting in the livingroom quickly stood in awe as their friend was nearly dressed for his interview. All he was missing was his boots and shield, both of which Ocean gave to him proudly. Paint slipped on the boots and carefully adjusted his shield to his back before doing a last minute check through that he had all essential weaponry and defence mechanisms plus his résumé and keys in his saddlebags, which he had already placed on his back before the shield.
“So...how do I look?”, Paint asked.
The stallions’ jaws hung open while Rose was the only one who had enough sense to talk.
“I think...you look more amazing in this than anything I’ve seen you in ever…”, Rose said in slight shock.
Paint smiled and kissed her cheek as he opened the door for everypony.
'And such a gentlecolt too’ Roseblossom thought to herself as they made their way out into the bright late morning sky.
When most ponies think job interview, they would automatically start stressing. Yet that wasn't the case with Paint Smear. Just like the day of his graduation, he was completely calm and chill as he entered the studio. When the young filly at the front desk saw him, she instantly noticed the aire of ‘warrior' around the stallion.
“comment puis-je vous aider monsieur? ”, the receptionist asked kindly.
Paint smiled at the filly and asked in prench where the manager was. He also explained that he was there for a job interview. To which the filly pointed him in the direction of the outdoor training area.
The area was practically empty save for an older stallion who could easily be mistaken for a helpless individual, but Paint knew better than to judge by first glance. His first instinct was that this old stallion had a lot of powerful energy stored in his fraile frame. He boldly but cautiously approached the stallion.
“Bonjour Monsieur , My name is Paint Smear. I’m here about the open instructor position.”, Paint spoke in a calm tone with a hint of edge.
The stallion rose from his cushion and stepped right in front of the colt. His eyes a smouldering grey looked into Paint’s emerald ones as if he were observing his very soul.
“You want the job yes? Well Monsieur, you’ll have to prove your worth. Shall we begin?”, the old stallion asked.
Paint nodded and readied his sword and shield, having already expected this as a requirement for possible employment.
The older stallion readied with a long bladed sword of his own and the two stallions had an all out respectable sword-fight. Clash!, Bang! the sound of sword against shield, coupled witb the various grunts and snorts from the males made for a truly interesting spectacle to witness….had anypony been there to bear witness. Pretty soon the old stallion was getting tired and Paint saw his opportunity to strike and end the match finally. With one light swing of his sword the match ended.
“I must say ‘yearling’ that was some impressive fighting I’ve seen in years.”, the old stallion praised.
“Merci .”, Paint replied slightly out of breath.
“You start next Monday with a morning class of 20 young colts ages 7-12.”, the stallion replied.
Paint stood his ground as he sheathed his sword and bowed in the way of a warrior. His face was neutral but inside he hoof pumped the air in triumph.
“Thank you Mr….”, His voice fell in unknown as he walked away.
“Blade Curve. See you next week ‘yearling'.”, Mr. Blade Curve replied as he sat back down and Paint exited the facility.
Ocean couldn't help but pace the sky as the three of them waited outside the studio.
“Ooohh! I can’t take ze suspense! He’s been in there too long! I hope he got it.”, Ocean said. His voice full of worry before he was covered in a red aura and brought back to the ground by Rose.
“Honey, you must stay calm. I’m sure he got it! We’ll...just have to be a bit patient.”, Rose said right as the door swung open to reveal a tired and sweaty Paint Smear.
“Sweet Celestia!...So...How’d it go?”, Brick asked as Rose helped him down the steps.
“Well...let’s see how it goes after next Monday! I did it!”, Paint faked out and told them.
Love (and other things) in Prance
Ch. 4: Summer Sun Celebration pt.1
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Love (and other things) in Prance
Ch. 5: Summer Sun Celebration pt.2
Author's Note
This is appropriate.
Ch. 5: Summer Sun Celebration pt.2
When the boys finally got to Rose’s apartment building, their eyes were mainly on Sabine’s dress and the fact that she was perched on a railing looking like she’d sooner pounce and rip ‘em in half than have them escort her to main street.
“Damn!”, all three exclaimed as they saw Sabine.
“That had better be a good ‘damn!'” Sabine started, “Filly, C’mon!” she finished while yelling back up the fire escape.
A flash of light and a few seconds later, Roseblossom appeared behind the boys. Who at first jumped out of suprise then relaxed. Yet it was Paint whose jaw almost hit the ground when he saw her.
“bons garçons du soir. ”, Roseblossom greeted the boys sweetly.
While Brick and Ocean goggle and fawn over how both girls look, Paint Smear still had a massively goofy grin on his face and was still silent. Although, Rose noticed this and approached him timidly.
“Paint? Is everything okay?...Paint Smear?”, Rose questioned as she waved a hoof over his face in an attempt to get his attention. It apparently worked because a few seconds later he snapped out of his daze.
“Huh? What? Oh! Uh...H-How out of it was I?”, Paint said with a bright blush.
The two stallions and lone griffon laughed at their friend, while Rosie wrapped a hoof around his.
“Its okay Paint.” Rosie soothed.
“Ha! I was right. Alright boys, pay up.”, Sabine laughed as Ocean and Brick hoofed her each 40 bits. Then they all made their way to a taxi port to catch a cab.
30 minutes later….
They exited the cab and paid. Then they made their way towards the center of the huge celebration. Everypony there was anxiously waiting the arrival of Princesses Celestia and Luna to set the moon and raise the sun respectively to officially start the longest day of the year.
“Let’s kick off the longest day of the year with the most epic party of the year!”, Sabine yelled. Thus causing the crowd of ponies, griffons, and other creatures to cheer in agreement.
At promptly 5 ‘o clock in the morning the princesses arrived. Luna, who prompted to simply fly there instead of taking a chariot, landed first and addressed the crowd. Not long after, Celestia's chariot landed and she approached the stage where she was greeted by the mayor of Paris and her sister.
“Guys this is WAY exciting!!!”, Brick shouted over the noise.
“Definitely”, Ocean replied as he found his family
“Even better than the one I saw in Ponyville.”, Paint shouted to the surprise of Rosie and Sabine.
“YOU WERE THERE WHEN NIGHTMARE MOON RETURNED?!?!?!”, both ladies yelled in shock.
“First-ow!” Paint started as he rubbed both ears, “Second, yes. Yes I was there and was in so much shock I nearly froze. Yet that event still inspired me to paint one of my most inventive paintings I’ve ever done. I guess I wasn’t the only one to think so because the day after I finished it, Princess Luna herself happened to be in Ponyville at a ‘welcome back’ party and...I gave it to her. She liked it so much I just let her have it. Of course after the initial shock of meeting a princess wore off.” he finished.
Both Sabine and Roseblossom stood there wide eyed but then snapped out of it when Ocean Storm nudged them both to look at the sky as Princess Luna lowered the moon. The excitement only intensified as the sun slowly came up. As the sun reached it's apex there was a tremendous roar of cheering and applause.
“In all my years….never have I seen such a beautiful moonset and sunrise.”, Paint said in awe.
The others agreed as the morning officially began and the crowd started to migrate towards downtown.
Love (and other things) in Prance
Ch. 6: Summer Sun Celebration pt.3
Author's Note
**This is the song that Paint and Ocean play on their instruments.**
***This is the song Roseblossom sings.***
Ch. 6: Summer Sun Celebration pt.3
Sunrises in Prance were generally rather beautiful but this one seemed almost hypnotic in it's splendor. The quartet of creatures marveled in it as they went about celebrating that morning at Le Café de Chat Brun. Ocean Storm flittered around rapidly as he and Roseblossom went about the restaurant cleaning and getting everything ready for Ocean's family's traditional Summer Solstice party that was to take place that night.
“Alrighty, well...that just about handles everything except food, but you and père have that covered. Right mère ?”, Ocean Storm asked as he got done hanging the small banner outside the café.
“Qui ! We’re going to need your help too Ocean. You need to be here at 5 o'clock sharp to help set up.”, Sweet Treat replied to her son as she came out with a tray of cookies and lemonade for him and his friends.
“Bien sûr, maman. Je serai ici ce soir pour mettre en place. ”, Ocean replied as he landed.
As they continued discussing the prep, Rose and Paint cleaned the tables and swept the floors all while talking about the upcoming party.
“S-so let me get this straight. They have this MASSIVE party here at the café every summer solstice?!”, Paint stated in amazement.
“Yes, It's a rather fun tradition of theirs to throw a huge party every solstice. There’s also a small talent show they hold for the young generations and this year just happens to be our year at last!”, Roseblossom laughed as she finished setting a table.
Ocean flew back in as they were talking and spun around in mid-air as he threw flowers into vases.
“Yep. Ooohh! Paintball, mon amie, of course you are invited as well. Family and friends are all welcome to our second-biggest party of the year!” Ocean started. “And of course you’re welcome to showcase anything at ze talent showcase *gasp* you could even play your violin!", Ocean finished slightly out of breath.
Paint Smear thought that over for a second. It had been a while since he publicly performed for anypony...and it would give him a chance to brush up on his skills once again.
“What the hay? I might as well right?!”, Paint Smear accepted happily.
“That’s ze spirit Paint! You are in for an unforgettable night of food and fun you’ll see!”, Ocean replied excited.
*8 hours later…*
The entire café was lit up in beautiful lights as ponies from various places, both old and young filed into the restaurant and part way into the park. The celebration was in full swing once somepony finally got the stereo going. Paint and Rosie had only just walked in when they were instantly hoofed some sparkling apple cider (courtesy of Brick).
“So glad you two decided to come!”, Brick said above the noise as he lead the two towards the stage area. When they got there, that’s when Brick noticed Paint carrying two cases. One large and one small.
“So I see you decided to do ze talent show.”, Brick said noting the cases.
“Well Ocean and I are doing it. He just asked me to pick up his guitar while we were on our way. And yes, I’m playing my violin tonight.”, Paint replied.
Brick laughed as Paint signed his name on the list of performers (his was first, to his shock).
Well...looks like you and he are up first then!”, Rose laughed.
“It looks like it-”, Paint started as he saw Ocean approach them with two plates of food on his wings.
“-Bonsoir everypony! Here you two, eat up!”, Ocean said rapidly as he hoofed the plates of food to Rose and Paint.
Paint and Rosie ate in relative silence as they watched ponies dance and just having a grand time. After some time, Roseblossom got up and excused herself to the restroom. Then Ocean heard a pony on the loud speakers say that it was almost time for the talent show.Ocean appeared out of nowhere and literally threw Paint over his shoulders and bolted towards backstage.
*backstage*
“Okay first, Damn! I did not know you were that strong?!? Second, bro. Seriously, chill out. Remember, I’ll be right there next to you. After all, we’re doing the same song...just on different string instruments. Plus...believe me as out-of-practice as I am with my violin...you’ll sound a hell of a lot better!”, Paint reassured his friend as they got on stage to perform.**
*Some time later…*
As Ocean Storm and Paint Smear packed their instruments and left the stage, they were met with massive hugs from their significant others respectively.
“‘Stormie' that was beautiful! Oh I’m so happy right now!”, Brick said teary-eyed as his coltfriend hugged him close.
While Brick was busy praising his colt. Roseblossom decided to praise hers (albeit...with a bit more dignity than Brick).
“So….before it’s said, I did warn you guys that I was out of practice.”, Paint said.
“Okay...when were you going to tell me you were a violin prodigy?!?! Seriously that was the second most amazing thing I’d ever heard in my entire life!”, Rose said as she hugged him.
Paint hugged her back as the rest of the performers went on. Eventually the last performer was ushered off the stage and the party was starting to kick up a bit more. More ponies were dancing, eating and just celebrating the official start of summer. By the time it reached 2 am Ocean had already taken a rather drunk Brick home and Paint and Rose decided things were getting a bit too wild and they left to go sit in the park for a bit.
*In the park…*
Paint and Rose sat/lay down underneath their tree. They just talked back and forth about some of the best summer experiences they’ve had in the past. All was good until Rose asked him something.
“*giggle* okay...wow! That is pretty crazy. Getting your entire head stuck in a banister while squirting water guns...that’s…*laughs* ...really funny!”, Rosie laughed.
“Yeah. Took my brother and two of my friends an hour to get my head unstuck.”, Paint finished.
Rosie’s laughs died down as she then thought about something.
“Hey Paint. I just realized that...well with most of your stories were about things either you and your brother did or you and your great-aunt did together...what about things with your parents?”, Roseblossom asked curiously.
At her question, Paint Smear visibly froze. He tried to think of what to say without tearing up. He then slowly exhaled then answered.
“...well...you see...my parents...they...they…*sigh*...they died when I was 3. My brother and Great-aunt raised me.”, Paint replied. A single tear rolled down his cheek. Rosie saw the tear and kissed it away.
“Oh Paint. I-I had no idea...though I guess I can empathize with you on that subject. You see, I myself was orphaned as a foal. I dealt with such horrible conditions in the 3 orphanages I was in before getting adopted when I was 8.”, Rose admitted to a slightly shocked Paint.
“Oh...my sweet Roseblossom. I-I had no-”, Paint started.
“-I know...it’s okay. Really I think my past is what truly molded me into the mare I am today. The same might be true for you as well Paint.”, Rose said as she hugged him close. Paint still crying slightly as she held him.Absentmindedly, she started to hum a song she had been working on.
“W-what’s that?”, Paint asked.
“What? That song I was humming? Oh...just something I had wrote a while back and am still working on.”, Rose replied.
“It sounded nice. Can I hear more?”, Paint asked.
Rose smiled as she started singing.***
*After she finished*
Paint lay there in complete shock from what he just witnessed.
“I know, I know it was pretty bad and I still need to wo-”, Rose started before a muzzle pressed against hers cut her off abruptly. She at first was surprised by the forwardness of the kiss but she slowly returned it. After a few minutes Paint broke the kiss and smiled at a slightly dazed Rosie.
“T-that was beautiful. That had to have been one of the best songs I’d ever heard. Of course I’d expect nothing less from the best songstress in all of Prance!”, Paint exclaimed in happiness. To which Rose blushed and laughed before kissing him lightly on the nose.
“You really know how to sweet talk a mare don’t you?”, Rose smirked.
“Heh! The only mare I’d do that to is you mon amour.”,Paint said as they nuzzled and cuddled under their tree.
Love (and other things) in Prance
Ch. 7: Visitors and Date Nights pt. 1
*1 month later…*
Paint rolled over in bed feeling massively tired. He was so out of it, he almost didn't feel the other presence next to him.
“H-huh? Wa?”, Paint mumbled as he stretched out and his hoof connected with something soft--and breathing.
‘what the heck?!’, Paint thought as he opened his eyes only to see what...or...who it was that was next to him asleep. He tried to remember how she got there but the only thing that came to mind, was a nasty headache that forced him to lie back down and grumbled unintelligibly.
Slowly but surely she rolled over and opened her eyes--only to open them wider as she was unsure of why the hay Paint was here in her bed! Or at least she thought it was her bed.
“W-what happened last night?”, Rose asked as she shielded her eyes from the bright light pouring in from the open window.
“I was hoping you knew.”, Paint replied sleepily. For a brief moment, they just lay there in silence until Rose realized that they were in the same bed and sprung up faster than a poptart.
“Sweet Celestia! Paint...last night we didn't...you know...did we?!?”, Rosie asked panicked.
“I may not remember much of last night, but I can safely say I’m definitely positive we didn't have sex last night.”, Paint assured her while rubbing her back. While that reassured her a bit she was still confused as to how they ended up in the same bed together without something else happening. While Paint was equally confused, he managed to barely get out of bed and stretch his hooves as Rosie did the same. Then Paint had an idea to help shed a little light on the subject of them ending up in the same bed.
“I completely forgot! The security cameras!” Paint started as he went over to a small camera on his bedroom wall, “these should help figure out what happened, this one is connected to the other 3 in the apartment so this should be helpful.”, he finished. While he went over to his laptop to trace back the footage, Rosie went to go freshen up in the bathroom.
*About 15 minutes later…*
After Rosie was done getting together, Paint called her into the room.
“Okay, I think I’ve pieced together exactly what happened to have us in the state we were in this morning.”, Paint said as he showed her footage of them coming into the apartment the previous night looking really tired but really happy. It then shifted to the bedroom cam to show Paint collapsing onto the floor near the bed and Rosie barely managing to get him onto the bed. She tried to get up from laying him down but he subconsciously grabbed her forehoof and dragged her onto the bed in a cuddling manner. Then the video ends.
“So that’s what happened. You were crazy tired and collapsed. I tried to help you back into bed then you pulled me back in to cuddle and I must’ve fell asleep soon after.”, Rosie deduced.
“That’s what it appears like. On that manner, I’d like to apologize on the involuntary cuddle session last night.”, Paint said as he blushed. Rose just smiled and nuzzled him before going back to whatever she was doing. Paint then got up and grabbed his phone to see if he missed and calls and sure enough, as he unlocked it, 8 missed calls. 4 from Ocean and 4 from his brother.
“*sigh* I might as well see what the fuss is all about.”, Paint said to himself as he walked out of the room and into the kitchen to call his brother first.
“*ring. ring. ring*...h-hello?”, A voice on the other line said sleepily.
“Hey, Blue. I saw that you had called me last night 4 times. Sorry I didn't get them I was asleep.”, Paint said sadly.
“It's okay--*yawn* It happens. I was calling you to tell you some news.”, Blueberry replied.
Paint looked confused for a second before replying.
“What news?”, He asked.
“Guess who’s coming to visit for a few weeks?!”, He asked/exclaimed.
Finally putting two and two together in his weary brain, Paint gasped in amazement.
“No way!?! When are you getting here?”, He asked excitedly.
“My train comes tomorrow and I’ll likely be there sometime tomorrow evening. I’ll be staying until your first few days at the university. If that's alright with you that is?”, Blue finished.
“YES!...I mean, yeah that’s cool. You can stay at my place for a while.”, Paint replied ‘smoothly’.
“Alright then, I’ll see you soon little brother.”, Blue chuckled as he hung up.
Deciding he’ll check on Ocean later on, Paint remembers why he came into the kitchen in the first place. He starts grabbing the ingredients needed for hay bacon, prench toast, eggs and grape juice and starts to fix breakfast for the two of them.
25 minutes later…
Rosie comes into the kitchen to the sight of a beautifully made breakfast and a slightly messy Paint Smear in a blue apron with prench toast mix on his cheeks. She stifles a giggle as she walks over to him.
“This looks fantastique ! Paint, you seem to be just full of surprises. I had no idea you could cook!”, She says as she licks the mix off his cheeks. Causing him to shudder in nervous bliss.
“Merci beaucoup mon amour . This is but one of the things that I have planned for us today though. Since I don’t have work today and I know you have the day off as well, I’ve devised a rather…’spécial’ day for us today.”, Paint finally said as he placed the cups of grape juice down before holding out her chair for her.
“Such a gentlecolt.”, Rosie said before kissing him on the nose...which she untimely missed and ended up kissing his mouth instead (not that he complained at all). They then sat and continued to eat in a rather comfortable silence.
After breakfast, Paint went and showered while Rose decided to tidy up a bit while he was in. ‘As much of a gentlecolt he is, he’s still a colt. They leave messes!’ she thought to herself as she tidied. After a while, Paint emerged from the bathroom in a short sleeved button down loose shirt and freshly combed messy mane and tail.
“Well, that was a good way to continue from a...rather awkward wake up. Nonetheless, I just need to check on Ocean real fast before we head out.”, Paint said as he grabbed his béret and headed next door to Ocean and Brick’s apartment.
“Celestia help me, Brick! Brick! Can you hear me?! It’s Paint.”, Paint tried to call to his attention with no success. So his natural instinct said to pick him up and set him somewhere briefly. As he set Brick on the couch, he heard it again. The sound of somepony throwing up. He ran towards the sound to find Ocean in the bathroom puking in the toilet.
“Jeez, Ocean! What happened?”, He asked as he held Ocean’s greasy wet mane back as he threw up more.
“*cough* Last night….wasn't good…”, Ocean said after finally stopping. Paint went and got a cup of water for him to rinse his mouth with.
“That much I gathered. Why did I find Brick passed out and injured on your living room floor and you in here puking your guts out?”, Paint asked with clear concern for his best Parisian bud.
“Well damn! Sounds like you two had one crazy night! Makes me waking up this morning with Rosie next to me sound less weird.”, Paint commented to Ocean’s clear shock.
“You and Roseblossom-- did you two...you know. Screw around?”, Ocean asked to a flabbergasted Paint.
“N-No! Definitely not! Believe me, that was her exact concern when we woke up too. Thankfully, I had security cameras around. Apparently all that happened was I got so exhausted from work last night, she came and helped me into bed and I unconsciously wrapped her up into a involuntary cuddle session. She ended up falling asleep not long after I did.”, Paint explained. That seemed to ease Ocean’s weary mind as he proceeded to fall asleep not long after he finished. Paint just tucked him into bed before getting Brick and bringing him to bed as well. After making sure they both were situated, Paint made his way towards the door to see a smiling Rose standing there.
“How long were you watching for?”, He asked as he left the re-locked apartment.
“Oh...only for all of it. That was a good thing you did Paint.”, She responded before nuzzling him.
“Well, they had a pretty rough night. But they should be fine in a few hours. Now--” he started before hooking an arm across her shoulders, “I believe I did say we had a beautiful day planned for us! Let’s get started, shall we?”, he finished.
Roseblossom just chuckled and replied, “Yes. We shall.”
Love (and other things) in Prance
Ch. 8: Visitors and Date Nights pt.2
Author's Note
THIS IS THE LONGEST CHAPTER I'VE EVER WRITTEN!! *phew* now that that's out the way:
For the first half
For the rest!
Ch. 8: Visitors and Date Nights pt.2
A few hours later…
Rose and Paint were busy at the market when Rose’s phone went off. She excused herself briefly before stepping aside to answer the call.
“Bonjour?....Oui, c'est elle ... oh mon dieu ... Qu'est-ce que tu fais en m'appelant maintenant!!! ... Eh bien, je suis occupé pour le moment ... Je suis sorti avec …” She pauses briefly due to not being able to tell the pony on the other end about who she’s with “Un ami ... Qui est ce n'est pas votre préoccupation! ... Indiquez votre entreprise, maintenant! ... Sérieusement. C'est tout ce que vous m'avez appelé ?! Demandez à la mère où elle est! ... Qu'est-ce qui vous fait que je sais où c'est? ... *sigh* C'est dans ma vieille pièce, au-dessus de mon lit, les clés sont sous ma croix ... d'accord ... Bien, mais ne le totalisez pas! Je le ramène plus tard à la gare de train demain ... Parce que mon frère d'ami est venu pour une visite et je souhaite faire une bonne première impression. Pourquoi êtes-vous si curieux aujourd'hui? ... bon ... ok ... dites au père et à la mère que j'ai dit bonjour ... d'accord ... au revoir Jamie ”, She finished as she headed back towards Paint.
“Everything alright love?”, Paint asked as she appeared slightly annoyed.
“*sigh* Yeah I’m alright. Was just my little brother asking where my cart keys were. He said something about wanting to use it to pick up his friend and his fillyfriend up at the balloon port. Honestly, he could just teleport there and back! Don’t see why he’d need to use my cart to pick them up.”, Rose replied with a huff as she paid for her half of items.
Paint placed a reassuring hoof on her shoulder before giving her a light kiss on the cheek.
“Hey, it’ll be fine. Believe me, my brother would always get really anxious whenever I asked to borrow our cart for various reasons. Yet I always remind him not only that I’d be careful but of this one time I covered for him at his job when I was 12 and he had to get it fixed so, in context he owes me for life! Plus all those times I stayed up waiting for him to get home from his marefriend’s house.”, Paint responded with a good-natured chuckle.
“Hmm….I didn’t know your brother had a marefriend?”, Rose said.
“Oh yeah! Emmaline Playbutton’s her name, but we all call her either ‘EP ' or ‘Emma ' for short. I have a funny feeling he might bring her along with him since they always travel together! She’s a musician and cinematographer. She’s been with Blue since I was 5 and he was 14. Together those two are some of the most musically gifted ponies I’ve ever seen or heard..y-you know, aside from you darling!”, Paint finished with a nervous brow wipe. Rose laughed at her coltfriend’s sudden flustered state as he paid for his half of the items they purchased.
“Well then, I’ve the feeling we’re all going to get along fine. Besides I truly can’t wait to meet your brother. From what you’ve told me, he sounds like a wonderful stallion.”, Rose said as she placed her bags into her saddlebags and quickly gave him a nuzzle.
“He is. He really is...of all the ponies to look after me when Aunt Claire died, I’m glad it was him and not some random pony from the Foal Protection Services. Needless to say we’ve had our hard times and there were times when we got on each other’s nerves, but at the end of the day, he’s still my brother for Celestia’s sake. Honestly, I’d be lying if I said I haven’t missed him in these past almost 2 months…”, Paint’s voice fell off as he started to get a tad bit emotional (quickly hiding the fact that he let a few tears slip from his mare due to...well being a stallion!).
“Oh, mon amour don’t be sad. You’ll see him again tomorrow. It's simply the matter of patience.”, Rose reminded him with a hug as they continued their way back to her apartment.
15 minutes later…
They finally reached her apartment when Paint’s phone rang but instead of a call tone it was the tone for a video call. Paint, a bit surprised and slightly out of breath answered without looking at the caller ID.
“Hello?”, he asked.
“Hey baby bro!”, the voice on the screen said.
If Paint Smear had turned his head any quicker, he’d swear he’d have gotten whiplash. He was rather shocked to see his brother on the screen.
“Blueberry!? What are you doing? Judging by your location I can see that you’re on the train.”, Paint asked.
“Well I’d think you’d be happy to hear from me personally that we managed to catch an early train. We’ll be in Paris in about…” he pauses briefly to look at the times on his ticket “...oh 3pm today.”, Blue finished.
Paint dropped his phone briefly as he was shocked to hear that his brother was coming early! He didn’t even register that Rose had tapped his shoulder and asked if he was okay.
“Today...as in...less than 2 hours, today?”, Paint nervously asked.
“Yeah. We’re super excited to see you!”, Blue responded.
“Wait--We? What do you mean we?”, Paint asked although he was pretty sure he knew the answer before it was said.
“Duh! Me and Emmaline! We’re on our way--oh! That’s the conductor. I gotta go. See you soon Paint!”, Blue said hurriedly before ending the call.
Paint hung up on his end before sliding down onto the couch in a semi-shocked state.
“Paint? You okay?”, Rose asked again.
“S-Sorta...my brother just MuzzleTimed me to say that he and his girl are coming in less than 2 hours! They got an early train and are on their way!”, Paint exclaimed.
“Well, what’s so wrong with that? They’ll be here a bit sooner.”, Rose said.
“Not only does that give me very little time to prepare my guest room, but that kinda throws a wrench into my plans for later.” he paused to take a deep breath “I had planned on taking you out on a nice dinner date tonight before preparing for tomorrow. Now that my brother and his marefriend are headed here today, I’m going to have to play host to those two.”, he finished as he put his head in his forehooves.
Roseblossom thought on this for a moment before getting an idea. She quickly grabbed Paint's saddlebags and levitating them onto him before doing the same with her own. Without explaining herself, she teleported them both back to Paint's apartment.
“Rose! Why in Equestria?!-”, Paint started before being shushed by a kiss.
“Amour I understand that you’re confused but trust me. We’ll have your apartment ready and plenty of food stocked up before your brother comes.”, Roseblossom said sweetly as she kissed him again.
1 and ½ hours later…
After working at speeds that would put a wonderbolt to shame, the pair collapsed onto Paint's bed.
“*pant* Remind me to…*pant* ...never do that again when I know there’s company coming!”, Paint said through pants.
Rose just chuckled before getting up and pulling out her phone.
“What are you doing?”, Paint asked curiously.
“Getting us a Uber cart. It's almost 2:30.”, Rose replied to which Paint shot up like a Poptart.
“Shit! Then we’d better get a move on if we’re gonna get to the train station in time.”, Paint exclaimed as he changed his shirt and slipped into his work boots.
“Love, relax. Okay the cart will be here in about 4 minutes and then It's only a 20 minute drive to the train station. We’ll make it in just enough time to greet your brother.”, Roseblossom reassured her coltfriend before grabbing her purse and slipping on her own shoes.
By the time they left the apartment and got down to the first floor, their Uber driver was waiting for them patiently. The pair greeted her with smiles before getting in and heading out to the train station.
20 minutes later...
The cart stopped right as the train was approaching the station. Roseblossom explained to the driver that they were picking up guests and that she’d get a “big” tip for dropping the 4 of them off back at the apartments (knowing a good bribe when she heard it from a college student, the driver happily accepted). Exiting the cart and entering the station’s platform area, Paint Smear couldn't help but feel a bit nervous about seeing his brother for the first time in nearly 2 months. ‘I hope he doesn't hate my apartment...or What if he dislikes my job choice?...Or even worse! What if he and Roseblossom don’t get along at all! Sweet Celestia, this better go right or so help me, I’ll lose it!’ , his internal monologue was cut short by a train whistle and a gush of steam followed by the sound of train doors opening and all around them, the sound of busy ponies either exiting the train or boarding filled the mid-afternoon air.
“Love? Everything alright?”, a slightly worried Roseblossom asked her visibly anxious coltfriend.
“Hmmm? Oh! Y-Yes. I’m fine darling. Just a...just a bit nervous about seeing my big brother is all.”, Paint responded in a reassuring tone as he scoped the crowd, only to lock his sights on a familiar clean-cut, coffee colored mane and garnet irises. He got out the hastily scribbled sign he wrote that said his brothers’ name and waved him over.
“Blueberry Smudge!”, Paint called out, to which the aforementioned earth pony turned and his face broke out into an enormous grin as he lead a white unicorn mare towards the pair.
“‘Paintball '! In Luna’s name, I’ve missed you waay too much little bro!”, Blueberry exclaimed as he nearly squished the life out of his baby brother.
“Blue...can’t...breathe!!”, Paint wheezed out painfully. To which Blue swiftly released his grip slightly.
“Sorry. Just couldn't help myself!”, Blue chuckled. He then finally took a good look at his brother and noticed two things: 1. That his little brother had gotten at least two inches taller since leaving and that he now sported a small amount of stubble on his chin and jaw. And 2. That there was a mare beside him. Noting this, he instantly released his grip on Paint entirely and smiled warmly as the mare cleared her throat and nudged his brother in the side.
“Oh! Right...uhh...Blue...t-this is Roseblossom. My marefriend.”, Paint said shakily as he introduced her.
“It’s so nice to finally meet you.”, Rose greeted happily.
“You’re excited to meet me? I’m elated to meet the mare who’s finally stolen my hard-headed little brother’s heart!”, Blue roared with laughter as he picked up his suitcase. Emmaline on the other hoof nearly crushed Paint in a equally strong hug.
“Geeze, EP!...You’re gonna hurt somepony someday with that death-grip you call a hug!”, Paint wheezed out a second time.
“You know I couldn't help it! I haven't seen ya since your graduation! Of course I’m gonna squeeze ya!”, EP replied.
“Sometimes I tend to wonder how you don’t have a single blood relative that’s an earth pony, yet you have the hug power of a full grown earth stallion!”, Paint admonished gently. Causing the others to laugh.
“Well, are we just gonna stand around at the station or are we going to put our bags down someplace?!”, Blue said.
“Relax, Let's get to the cart everypony. I hope she doesn't charge waiting fees.”, Rose replied as they all headed back to the cart and headed back towards Paint’s apartment.
40 minutes later (due to traffic)...
“Well, everypony Bienvenue chez moi! Welcome to my home.”, Paint said quietly as he lead them all into his recently cleaned apartment (with the exception of one room).
“Woah, Paint you really found a nice place here!”, Blue said approvingly.
“Thanks, and the best part is that its 10 minutes from my job and 20 minutes from le collège .”, Paint replied in an almost relieved tone.
“What job?”, EP asked as she sat in a chair.
“Don’t you remember? He wrote me about a month or so ago saying that he’d found a job as a self-defense instructor/swordfighting trainor.”, Blue reminded her.
“Oh yes! I remember now. How is that going Paint?”, EP asked.
“It’s going fantastic! While the pay for a beginner instructor is kinda suckish, heck it still beats my last job.”, Paint said.
Rose made a note to ask on that subject later as she was otherwise busy straightening up a few things that got unnoticed from earlier. As she straightened, Paint took the opportunity to give them a tour of the apartment.
“Okay well...this is the kitchen….and over there is the livingroom obviously!...hehe...oh! Here’s the bathroom and...here’s where you you’ll be staying!”, Paint went on giving a tour before stopping in front of the spare room with twin beds in the center of the room. A bedside table next to each with an armour to the far left wall.
“This looks just perfect! Considering we’ve been on a train for 14 hours, anything sounds perfect at this point.”, EP sighed as she unceremoniously flopped onto one of the beds.
“I see she’s claimed her bed.”, Blue chuckled only to get hit with a pillow.
“Great, while you guys unpack and settle in I...just have a few things to take care of in here that won’t take long.”, Paint said as he left towards the specifically closed door and unlocked it, revealing his still incredibly messy room.
Paint sighed as he began to clean his own room. He soon realised that cleaning to silence felt awkward so he found his phone and scrolled through a playlist before a rather silly song came up that he felt the absolute need to play as he made his bed. He put it on a loop as he started picking up his dirty clothes and lining up his shoes. After all that was done he made sure his dresser was in order and mirror clean before finally re-collapsing onto his bed in an heap of tiredness. Roseblossom, having witnessed him at almost impossible for anypony speeds, cleaning his room simply fell back onto the bed next to him.
“I take it the only room we skipped was here?”, Rose asked.
“Yep. But I’ve got it covered...even if I’m tired...it did get done.”, Paint sighed as he stretched.
“Oh that I can see! We’ve been incredibly busy today…” she turns over onto her side facing him, “...But you still managed to get everything in order even with an...unforeseen factor thrown into the mix prematurely.”, she finished as she briefly pecked him on the lips.
“Mmm...thanks mon chaton .”, Paint smiled.
“Hmmm...Votre chaton ? Why the sudden cute nickname?”, Rose asked. A hint of mischief in her voice.
“Why not? You’re soft, sweet and gentle like one. So as I said, mon chaton .”, Paint replied before being pulled into a hug...which ended up turning into more than that as they ended up lying on the bed making out...with Rose ending up underneath Paint. Unknown to them, Rose left the door open and by chance, Emma walked past and saw the ‘heated' scene. Feeling the need to call them out, she wolf whistled and did a few catcalls. Immediately splitting the pair apart (but not having them sit up).
“H-how long were you standing there?”, Rose asked as her face lit up bright red.
“Long enough to see you too locking lips like it's the end of the world.”, EP chuckled before walking away.
Paint snorted in annoyance before looking down and his own face turned red as he realized the...compromising position that they were in.
“Uhhh…..”, he uttered.
“Yeah…..”, she said before he very awkwardly climbed off her and fell off the bed.
“Ouch!...that could’ve ended better.”, Paint said as he got up and rubbed his sore backside.
“*giggles* Yes that could’ve ended far different....and honestly...I’m kind of glad it did...I mean...while I was loving what we were doing...I mean...I...uh…”, Rose giggled before stuttering and making nonsense.
“...You didn’t want to go too far. Right?”, Paint asked.
“Yeah.”, Rose replied. To her surprise, Paint let out a sigh of relief.
“Good, because honestly...I don’t think I’d be ready to take our relationship to that level quite yet.”, Paint admitted.
“Oh Dieu merci! C'est bon parce que je ... honnêtement, je ne suis pas encore prêt pour le sexe non plus .”, Rose admitted as well.
Paint laughed as he scooped her up into a hug and carried into the kitchen.
5 hours later…
Paint was woken up from a brief, unintentional nap by a banging on the front door.
“Wha-? What the hell?” Paint grumbled as be rolled out of bed and went towards his door “Who is it?”, he shouted to the door.
“It’s Ocean! Open up bro!”, Ocean shouted from the other side.
Paint snapped out of his sleepy haze instantly as he opened his door.
“Ocean! Sweet Celestia, why did you go banging on my door at…” he paused to look at the time “8 o’clock at night?”, Paint finished as he rubbed his eyes.
“Paint, did you forget what tonight is?”, Ocean stepped fully into view in a nice white dress shirt with navy dress pants and black horseshoes on his hooves. Paint scratched his head before having an ‘oh' moment.
“Damn tonight was when you were going to try and propose...again! I completely forgot!”, Paint said shocked. Ocean face hoofed before gently shook his friend awake.
“Oh P. We’ve had this planned out for over 2 weeks, but I get it. Plus whatever we did last night will likely never happen again so I suppose us having a double date is a...no?”, Ocean asked while spouting a ‘puppy dog’ face.
“Gah! Fine. Except...would you mind making it a triple date? I...kinda forgot that my brother and his marefriend are in town and I kinda really have to entertain them somehow and I figured I’d show them how we do the nightlife here in Paris! Am I right?”, Paint finished breathlessly.
Ocean nodded excitedly as Rose came out of the bedroom looking slightly worse-for-wear but with a content smile on her face. He instantly picked up on this and immediately his mind went graphic fast.
“I know that look Ocean, I swear if you’re thinking what I think you are, you’d better stop before I tie you up by your wings and hang you from a ceiling fan!”, Rose snapped at her friend.
“And...being that I know you can do that, I...I’ll shut up now.”, Ocean quickly silenced himself after that.
“Anyways, I suppose now would be a good enough time to introduce you to my big brother.” Paint started before clearing his throat “Blue! Can you come in here for a sec?”, he finished as his brother soon came into view.
“Ocean, I’d like you to meet my older brother, Blueberry Smudge. Blue, this is my best Prench bud, Ocean Storm.”, Paint introduced the two stallions.
After some small talk and another introduction between Ocean and EP, they got ready to go only after Paint, Rose, Blue and EP got themselves ready. When they were all ready they headed out on the town.
Love (and other things) in Prance
Author's Note
**(The routine Paint and EP do.)
**(The song Paint and Rose do)
Ch. 9: Out on the Town
1 hour later on the streets of Paris…
“Okay, everypony let’s get on with getting to our destination but I also insist that we take the scenic route.”, Ocean suggested within respect of their added guests.
“That actually sounds fantastic!”, Blueberry said as they crossed the road.
Out of nowhere a distracted stallion pulling a taxi wasn’t paying attention and came within a fraction of a second from barreling into Paint and Rose.
“Hey! Sortez de l'idiot de la route! ”, The driver yelled in prench.
“Translation please?”, EP asked Ocean.
“The driver just yelled at them to get out of the road.”, Ocean stated.
“Dit le trou du cul qui vient d'essayer d'aplatir ma petite amie et j'aime les crêpes! ”, Paint yelled back in perfect prench as he stomped his hoof warningly before guiding the group across.
“To clarify, Paint got pissed that he and Rose nearly got run down by the driver. Thus he shouted back.”, Ocean again stated.
“Oh, then that makes perfect sense that he’d yell.”, Blue said with EP nodding in agreement.
“Anywho, Look! We’re passing by the Arc de Triomphe! Such a magnificent structure.”, Brick said as Blue snapped a picture.
“If you’d like, we can visit the Louvre tomorrow afternoon after my morning class”, Paint suggested to his brother.
“That sounds great! Plus that’ll give me a chance to see where exactly you work little bro.”, Blue said excitedly as he playfully ruffled his brother’s mane.
Paint snorted and rolled his eyes in annoyance as they continued on. Eventually they arrived at a run-down looking building. Ocean halted the group as he said that this was it. Then they all entered. What they saw could only be described as: Rowdy, Loud, Crazy and Cool...in other words…
“This place looks crazy! I love it!”, Rosie yelled over the music.
“It’s a Karaoke Bar! What did you expect?!”, Ocean yelled back before a thunderous applause ripped through the audience.
On that note, Paint pulled Ocean aside briefly to talk.
“Dude, why a Karaoke bar? Especially for a proposal?!”, Paint asked.
“Because this is actually where Brick and I first met!”, Ocean started before going into details of how he and his coltfriend met 4 years prior.
“Wow. That sounds like one crazy night, but at least it worked out in the end!”, Paint said as they found the others and grabbed a booth near the soundstage.
“Okay, at first I was hesitant but now I definitely wanna go onstage and do a song! What do ya say Paint? We can do our old routine to that one song?”, EP asked/begged her friend.
“Ohhhh, Em! Not that stupid routine again!”, Paint complained.
“Oh come on! I know you still remember it plus I’m sure they have the standard version of that song available. It’ll be fun!”, EP countered with a pout.
After a second as well as a near death-glare from Paint, he relented and agreed to it. Ep squealed like a filly as she dragged Paint up onto the stage before teleporting to the DJ booth to select a song. Teleporting back, she whispered something into Paint’s ear that made his face turn bright pink in embarrassment.
“What routine was she talking about?”, Rose asked Blue.
“You’ll see…”, Blue said with a cryptic smile as some **music** started.
After they finished to a loud applause, the two sat back down. Paint with a irritated scowl and EP with a smug grin.
“AHAHAHAHA!! I knew you were gonna hate that!”, Blue laughed before dodging a empty water bottle thrown in his direction.
“Shut it, Blueberry.”, Paint growled in embarrassment.
“Oh, c’mon Paint! It wasn’t that bad!”, EP said.
“She’s right, that was actually rather cute.”, Rose gushed in a way that a mother would over their obviously embarrassed foal in a costume.
“It was not! That was completely embarrassing and she knows it!”, Paint griped as he was pulled into a side hug by EP.
2 hours later…
“Paint, you got the song ready?”, Ocean asked.
“Don’t worry, Rose and I have got it covered.”, Paint said as the DJ came over and told Rose that she and Paint were up next.
“impressionnant! Merci. ”, Paint thanked the DJ before he and Rose got up and headed to the stage.
Meanwhile, Ocean couldn’t have looked more nervous as he fumbled with the box in his jacket pocket. Blueberry noticed the sudden change in his demeanor and scooted over to him while EP and Brick sat and ate.
“Hey. You ok?”, Blue asked.
“Honestly? No. I’m completely terrified. What if something goes wrong? Or if he doesn’t say yes?”, Ocean said with a trembling voice.
“Hey, judging by the letters Paint’s sent home, which quite a few of them involve stories involving you, You seem like a pretty great young colt. On that note, I’m positive Brick will say yes. Believe me, I felt the same way when I proposed to Emmaline.”, Blue reassured him.
“Wait. But Paint said that you two were simply coltfriend/fillyfriend?”, Ocean said astonished.
“Yeah well...don’t tell Paint this but, I...actually proposed a month ago. We were planning on getting married here in Prance so that my little brother and only family wouldn’t miss it. As an added bonus, Emma’s always wanted a Prench wedding!”, Blueberry explained with a smile.
“Woah, when Paint said you were cool, he really meant it. Thanks by the way for the talk.”, Ocean said genuinely.
“No problem. Now shhh! Paint and Roseblossom are on.”, Blue instructed as they turned their attention to the pair standing on their hind legs and began **singing**.
🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤
“Oh mon Dieu ! This--This is the song we met to. Ocean that’s amazing and they are killing it!”, Brick exclaimed happily.
“Trust me, nothing is as amazing as you mon amour . But yes, they are--as they say in Manehatten--’sleighing it’ up there.”, Ocean complimented as well as acknowledged their friends’ performance.
(AN: See what I did there? HAHAHA! Kill me for that bad pun.)
💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
As their performance drew to a close (as well as a uproarious cheer from the audience), Ocean lead Brick to the stage under the pretense that they’d be doing their comedy bit. When they got there, Ocean quickly grabbed a microphone before addressing the crowd.
“Umm...Attention à tous! Je vous présente une annonce spéciale. ”, Ocean began before looking at a very confused Brick. “Brick, baby these past 4 years have been some of the best of my life. I honestly can’t imagine how my life would be if you weren’t in it. When we’re together, it is like a magic unlike any other.” he paused to slip the box out of his pocket “I feel as if this next question is a waaay long overdue one. The moment we met, I knew you were the one for me...so...Brickford Mason Wallflower…”, He paused for dramatic effect.
‘Brickford ’, Paint Smear thought while resisting the urge to laugh.
‘Mason ’, Roseblossom thought while resisting the urge to laugh.
‘Wallflower ?’, Blueberry thought while resisting the urge to laugh.
“...Will you do me this great honor...and marry me?”, Ocean finished and looked up to a absolutely near hysterical Brick.
“Yes! Yes! Yes, I’ll marry you!!!”, Brick nearly shouted in happiness.
“Oh merci Celestia! You have no idea how happy you’ve made M--EE!!”, Ocean started before being lifted high off the ground by Brick. A deafening applause emanates from the crowd as Brick dd a very cliche dip kiss on Ocean.
🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
1 hour later--at Paint, Ocean and Brick’s apartment building...
“Did that really happen? I mean...like are we seriously engaged?!”, Brick said breathlessly as the group ascended the last flight of stairs towards the two apartments.
“Yes babe! Yes it’s true! And I simply can’t wait to start wedding plans!”, Ocean replied equally excited.
“Ooooohhhh! Not so fast O’! If i left you two to plan a wedding, I can only imagine the horror show that would be!”, Rose stated bluntly.
“What!?! C’mon Ro, It wouldn’t be that bad!”, Ocean replied.
“Remember I let you plan my cute-cenera when I was 9?”, Roseblossom asked.
“Or my ‘congratulations-on-getting-a-job’ party you insisted we have?”, Paint added.
“Okay! Okay! So my track record for party planning isn’t the best but everypony still had fun right?! That’s what matters.”, Ocean defended himself to the amusement of the others.
“Even so, Please mon meilleur ami, I insist I get a friend of mine to help plan it out thoroughly!
Ocean sighed. Seeing as his best friend wasn’t going to relent on the matter, he caved in and agreed.
“Génial! I’ll get on ze phone and have her here within the next 2 days! This will be so AMAZING!!”, Rose near shouted in excitement.
“Why do I have the feeling that I’ve just unleashed a monster?”, Ocean whispered to Paint as they got to their respective apartments.
“Hmmm….possibly because you’re in for a hell of a time while planning for a wedding. Trust me bro, I have a little experience with these things. You’ll both survive.”, Paint reassured his friend before unlocking his front door and the group split up to the respective apartments.
Love (and other things) in Prance
Ch.1:Bienvenue à Paris (Welcome to Paris)
Author's Note
This is for the traveling music To imagine to!
For when Paint Smear and Roseblossom meet.
Ch.1:Bienvenue à Paris (Welcome to Paris)
The ride on the train was rather long, but not exactly boring for Paint Smear. After all he had his sketchbook and pencils plus an abundance of things to sketch. He also had quite an abundance of ponies to talk to, as it turns out Prance is absolutely amazing in summertime, so that would lead many ponies to travel there for vacation. While on the train though he made the mistake of talking to a rather grumpy old gryphon which earned him a smack on the side from her bit purse. He even made friends with another colt who was to be attending the same college as he come fall. All in all it was a rather interesting train ride and when he got off the train he was greeted to a rather familiar sight of a busy train station. Ponies coming and going this and there, trying to make their destination on time. It was while looking at the commotion that Paint Smear saw a familiar looking mare with a sign that had his name on it. At that, Paint picked up his knapsack and suitcase and trotted towards her.
"Madame Honeydew? What a surprise! I wasn't expecting anypony to come and meet me at the station.”, Paint Smear said rather surprised.
Madame Honeydew laughed at this and spoke kind-heartedly, “Mais bien sûr! jeune poulain, je l'ai vu votre travail et je dois dire que je suis tombé amoureux dès le premier instant! Il semble donc que juste pour moi de faire personnellement votre séjour à Paris est le plus agréable ainsi qu'une une source d'inspiration.”
Paint Smear just smiled wholeheartedly and replied in Equestrian, “Why thank you very much Madame but truthfully, My works are nothing that special. Simply something I know how to do well. They wouldn't even compare to some of the works here in Paris. But I am honoured that such a kind mare like yourself would complement my works as such.”
Madame Honeydew smiled as she lead them to the taxi port and they boarded. As they were riding to the college, Madame Honeydew talked with Paint Smear about some of the classes he’d be eligible to attend with this scolorship and the benefits of taking all sorts of advanced art corses that would be available. Paint listened with as much excitement as a foal who’s just been told he’s just won a lifetime supply of candy. All the while that their talking, Paint Smear is also looking around at the fast-paced flow of east Paris.
1 hour later…
The taxi came to a stop in front of a grand building. Only complimented by the Flags of Prance and Equestria flowing majestically in the slight breeze. The two Earth ponies exited and Paint Smear gathered his belongings as they started to take a small tour around the campus. As they trekked on a big blue blur whizzed past them before crashing into a nearby wall.
“Bon dieu! est-ce que tu vas bien?!”, Madame Honeydew exclaimed in shock.
“Yeah! What she said! You okay dude?”, Paint Smear asked in clear surprise.
The colt in question got up and dusted himself off as he got his bearings.
“Hey! I thought I recognized that crazy silver mane. Hiya bro! And a very good morning to you as well Madame Honeydew!”, the colt replied happily.
“Bonjour, Ocean Storm. How’s your morning been?”, Madame Honeydew laughed.
“Hey Hey! Madame, there's the dude I was telling you about.”, Paint said enthusiastically referring to Ocean Storm.
The aforementioned colt shook his mane and wings as he and his “train bud” parted ways with Madame Honeydew, with Paint Smear promising to come back later on to continue the tour. The two 20 yr olds talked back and forth about anything until they reached the front of the collège.
“Heya Paint, ya know this isn’t my first time in Prance. Perhaps I could show you around the Metropolitan area that is downtown?”, Ocean Storm offered to which Paint happily accepted.
30 minutes later…
The two new friends spent most of the morning touring the metropolitan downtown area, to which had the most amazing shops and boutiques. Ocean Storm even convinced Paint to buy a béret from a local vendor (“Every artist’s must have accessory!”, he convinced him.). Pretty soon they came upon the restaurant district and in amazing timing too because they had started to feel a bit “hungry”...well more like starving!
“Hey Ocean, you wouldn't happen to know where we could grab a bite to eat would you?”, Paint asked as his stomach let out an audible growl.
“Hmmm….*gasp* As a matter of fact I do know a quaint little café that I know you’d just LOVE!”, Ocean Storm exclaimed as he all but dragged his friend towards the theatre district where there lay a nice cozy little café nestled between a book store and a park.
They approached the café as Paint tried to read the title before Ocean rushed him inside. They found a nice table by a front window and sat, but it wasn't long before the two colts were ambushed by a large, heavy-set older pegasus mare who saw Ocean and shouted in glee.
“My goodness! Ocean you’re back! Why didn't you say you were coming home so soon? And who’s your friend?!”, the mare bombarded Ocean Storm with questions and hugs.
“Good to see you too Mère!...please let go before I pass out!”, Ocean Storm wheezed out before his mother released him.
Ocean caught his breath before answering the questions and introducing Paint to his maman and papa. He also explained that this was his family's café.
“So. What is up with that name? ‘Le Café de Chat Brun’?”, Paint asked after a good hearted laugh.
“Oh that’s easy! The name comes from this lovely little lady here.”, Ocean says while picking up a chocolate brown female kitten, “This is Charlotte. She’s mypetite bonbon !”, Ocean replied while petting his kitten.
Paint Smear laughed and joined in petting the kitten right as their waitress came by the table.
“Welcome to ‘Le Café de Chat Brun’ . How may I help- Oh mon Dieu! Ocean! When did you get back?!”, the mare started but then was shocked to see Ocean.
Ocean laughed as he hugged her and replied, “Just returned today and I’m not alone, this is mon amie Paint Smear!” he finished while indicating to the other colt next to him.
It was at that moment that the mare looked over at the colt and her eyes grew wide with curiosity, as did his when their eyes met.
“B-Bonjour Mademoiselle… Je suis Paint Smear.”, Paint replied shakely.
“Je’ mappelle Roseblossom….h-how might I be of service today?”, Roseblossom asked timidly.
The colts gave them their orders and she went to fill them. A few minutes later she returned with their food and looking a lot less red-in-the-face.
After Paint was done with his food and his plate had been taken away, he used that opportunity to attempt to get to know this rather charming waitress while his friend was busy with family. So he rose from his seat and approached the filly, who appeared to be on break.
“S-So...uhh...Roseblossom. Wow...uhhh...okay...you...y-you have a rather beautiful name!”, Paint Smear said rather louder than intended before he instantly shut up as his naturally brown fur turned bright pink in embarrassment.
Roseblossom couldn't help but giggle nervously as Ocean quickly swooped Paint aside to talk.
“Bro. What the hell?! That was you’re best opening line?”, Ocean chuckled.
Paint’s blush only intensified as he replied, “Well...yeah! I mean...I don’t exactly have any experience in this type of stuff.”
Ocean Storm just laughed as he patted his friend’s back, “Dude, just try to act natural. Maybe ask her about herself. Get to know one another! It’s not physics. It’s simply...mutual admiration. Who knows?! Maybe it could lead somewhere else but let’s start with baby steps.”
Paint agreed that this was NOT going to be easy...but he’d at least be willing to try. So he gathered whatever courage he had left and approached her once again.
“Ahhh...pardon that, rather embarrassing statement from before. What I meant to say was: I-I-I think you’re name fits with your n-natural beauty...and...and..I would like to get to know you better. I-If that is alright with you that is!”, Paint Smear mentally slapped himself for that comment, but was surprised to hear an almost melodic laugh emerge from the mare in question.
“I would like that, Paint Smear. Alas, I am rather busy today as I imagine you are as well. So...perhaps we can meet tomorrow in ze park next door?”, Roseblossom suggested.
“Okay. Sounds excellent!”, Paint replied happily as he and Ocean were heading out the door.
“Well alright. See you tomorrow in ze park! Au revoir boys .”, Roseblossom called out to them, “Oh! And Welcome to Prance, Paint Smear!” she finished.
