Training Sweetie

The living room was anything but spacious at the moment. Boxes of various sizes were somewhat organized and stacked. A cabinet, desk, bed frame and other furnishings took up one side of the room.

A man walked into the room carrying two boxes, followed closely by two ponies about half his height, carrying their own boxes. He set his boxes on top of a stack, “Few,” he sighed in relief wiping sweat from his forehead with a towel, “thanks for the help gentleme-gentlecolts,” he corrected throwing the towel aside, “I do believe that’s the last of it.”

“No problem Royal Foalsitter James,” answered one of the stallions in gold armor as he set his own box down.

“That’s retired Royal Foalsitter James to you, also here. Take this I really appreciate your help,” James said offering the stallions two small bags of bits. They looked uneasy about it, which was odd because they usually looked nothing about anything, “come on. I’m not bribing you or anything and bits isn’t much an issue for me.”

They hesitantly took the small bags, “Thanks,” they said in unison and began to leave.

“No problem.” he replied as they left, “wait,” they stopped in their tracks and looked at him, “could either of you tell Princess Celestia that I got my bits worth for the modifications she had made for this house?” One of them nodded, “Thanks,” he smiled and waved as they closed the door behind them.

James took a good hard look at the white door they closed and then the window where they could be seen flying off with their fancy carriage.

He turned around to all the unpacking and assembling he’d have to do in the next few days or week. The thought to pay somepony to help him crossed his mind. He certainly could afford it. He kicked that thought onto the ground and told it not to get back up. He brought his hand to the bridge of his nose and sighed, curse his pride.

It was a little after noon and he had at least one thing he needed to do before the day was done. With that in mind, he had one thing he actually wanted to do right away before finding a room for his new bed and then setting up said bed.

After locking the door to his new house he went into town. He lived a little on the outskirts so it was somewhat of a walk. Ponyville was its name. It truly looked like an ideal little town. The street had no litter. The houses where mostly the same but nonetheless charming.

Finally, he made it to what appeared to be a market of some sort. Ponies watched him cautiously as he explored. This was nothing new after one year in a new world of candy colored ponies.

All he wanted was to find a pony that could make him comfortable clothes. He approached a random pony, “Excuse me, do you happen to know where I could find a good tailor?”

The pony smiled weakly, “W-we only have one that I know of, she does good work.”

“Oh... good, do you know where I could find her?”

The mare pointed in a direction, “you can find the Carousel Boutique down the road, take a left at the next street.”

“Thanks,” he replied and headed the way she indicated.

He came to a building that looked like a giant gingerbread house with a cupcake sign. He stopped for a moment to admire the artwork. He briefly thought that it might just be real, considering he lived in a world where emeralds, diamonds, and all the jewels got to the size of his fist like it was no big deal. He gave the building a thumbs up and continued his self imposed quest.

He assumed he had arrived when came to a large building that looked like it was designed after a circus carousel but was mostly all white for some reason. A peek through the windows revealed some display mannequins wearing dresses, which he took as confirmation.

He entered and a bell rang from the door. Noone came to him as he looked around. He heard yelling from somewhere above him. It was too muffled to make out what was said. All he saw were dresses on pony mannequins and a few on a rack. They looked pretty, but that left him with little confidence that this pony could make the things he wanted. As he looked around he heard somepony stomp down the stairs followed shortly by a half gasp of surprise half scream of terror.

He turned to see a shaking mare, “Wha-what are you?” she asked. She had a white coat, deep purple mane, and three gems as a cutie mark. She was the same size of most pony adults, about level to his waist.

“Hello, I’m James Copperback,” he introduced himself as he casually approached the frightened mare, “I was told you may be the only tailor in town. I was hoping you could make some clothes that’s more comfortable and free than the suits I’ve been stuck with for the last year.”

She recovered from her paralyzing fear and looked a little perplexed, “James? Where-” she muttered the rest to herself.

“Speaking of names what’s yours?” he asked snapping her out of her thought.

“Oh! Do forgive me. Everything is happening at once as it were, and you caught me at a rather bad time. I’m Rarity and this is the Carousel Boutique where every garment is chic, unique and magnifique.” She said with pride, “Now why do I feel like I know your name?”

“You probably know me from the fact that I’m the only human on Equus” she looked at him blankly, “okay, maybe not. How about that I’m the Royal Foalsitter. You might’ve-.”

“Oh my yes!” Rarity interrupted clapping her hooves excitedly, “now I remember. James! You were the first Royal Foalsitter to be anointed in over four hundred years! Which was rather peculiar, because we weren’t in need of one.”

“Um yeah,” he replied, putting a hand behind his head, “Anyways, I was hoping you might be able to make me some casual clothing that’s not as restrictive as the suits I’ve been wearing for the last year. Something like what I got on right now would be great.” He finished. All the while she looked like she was thinking up a storm, pacing back and forth.

“Do you by chance have proof you’re THE Royal Foalsitter?” she asked suddenly.

With a shrug he reached into his pocket and pulled out his badge. He initially felt it was ridiculous that they’d have a title of Royal Foalsitter. That was before he learned about the lust god and all the foals born after its defeat. He showed her the badge. It was uninteresting, mostly so foals, fillies, and colts wouldn’t mess with it.

They must teach ponies government sanctioned badges he assumed, because she recognized it instantly with a squee and large smile.

Rarity sighed, “I’m afraid I don’t have the time to make you anything right now,” she held up a hoof, “but if you help me out, I promise I’ll make you four sets of whatever you want free of charge and pay you for your services.” Rarity offered.

“My services?” James asked more than a little confused.

“Yes,” she answered sweetly blinking her eyes and smiling innocently. It made him more suspicious of her than anything. He gestured for her to continue, “you see I just got an invitation to compete in The Fashion Contest in Manehattan!” She explained excitedly, “but my parents went on a two week vacation,” she said sullenly.

“Okay? I still don’t see how I come into the picture.” James said.

“They left my little sister with me to foalsit and I love her to death, but I really need to start making a name for myself and I can’t do that if I’m too busy taking care of her.” Rarity explained.

“...How long will you be gone?” James asked.

“At least seven days,” she answered.

“One week for a fashion contest?”

“Yes! It’s a test of skill, ingenuity, and design! The top two ponies get to show off their dresses at Manhattans third largest fashion show!” She explained.

“Third largest?”

“Well, like I said I need to start making a name for myself, and this is the best way to do it. The only way actually,” She reasoned.

“The only way?”

“Outside of Princess Celestia visiting Ponyville and stopping by my shop herself, I’m afraid I’m going to have to climb the ladders like everypony else. Don’t get me wrong I love Ponyville, I grew up here, but Canterlot is so majestic, elegant, and sophisticated,” she said with grand gestures. James could think of a few less friendly words to add to that list, “I want to own a shop there. It’s my dream you see.”

Her horn lit up and a couch came to her as she got on both hind legs, “but now I can’t even start working towards my dream!” she said dramatically, covering her eyes with her forehooves, and falling on the couch. She revealed a little more than James was used to, especially considering he came from Canterlot, “unless, unless you help me... please!”

James looked away quickly. With a heavy sigh James rubbed his forehead with the palms of both hands going up through his short black hair. He really didn’t want to be foalsitting anymore. After dealing with the absolutely entitled brats of Canterlot for one year he was glad to be done with them. Princess Celestia was a genius to suggest he retire somewhere outside of Canterlot. Those nobles paid him enough to buy and modify his new house in Ponyville with just two days/nights of babysitting. Just so they could have bragging rights.

Looking around he could see a mare who really loved dresses, at least, and he had to admit they did look pretty good, “Okay, but only if you make that nine sets of casual wear, one for each day I’ll have to foalsit your sister and two extra because I didn’t expect to be doing this.”

“Yes!” she screamed excitedly, getting off the couch and it floating away as quickly as it came. She ran up the stairs. After moment of waiting there was some yelling and that was muffled, followed quickly by Rarity running back down the stairs with some tailoring supplies floating in her magic and wearing stuffed saddlebags. Another smaller set of hooves stomping from above. “Here’s my keys and here’s half your pay,” she said floating them to him. “The bits you can use on my sister for food will be upstairs in the guest room which is where you’re welcome to stay.”

“Okay,” James answered, “can yo-”

“ Sweetie Belle hurry up!” Rarity yelled facing up the stairs.

An adorably angry “I’m coming!” was heard back, as more angry stomping commenced.

“Is she allergic to anything?” James asked getting Rarity’s attention. He actually managed to get all the information he needed while the filly stomped on the floor back and forth somewhere above them.

Rarity magic-ed a list into his hands. At the top was “1. DO NOT LET SWEETIE COOK.” The rest of the list was normal things like brushing teeth.

Rarity yelled for her sister with an ultimatum, which got one final stomp.

A white blank flank unicorn filly with dual light pink and light purple mane and tail stomped down the stairs. Her eyes were light green. She noticed him and shook like leaf looking up at him. Her previous tantrum all but forgotten.

She looked adorable and at about the age most fillies and colts get their cutie marks. He smiled at that. It meant a lot of his work load was cut in half, the nasty stuff to.

“Sweetie Belle this is James Copperback,” Rarity introduced, “he’s a Royal Foalsitter and he’s going to watch you while I’m at Manehattan.”

“What’s a Royal Foalsitter?” Sweetie asked in confusion her fear gone. He found it odd. She gasped excitedly, “does that mean I’m royalty?”

Rarity sighed, “no Sweetie, it’s just a title for a foalsitter hired by the crown to foalsit anypony.”

“Oh,” Sweetie said in disappointment, “how come I can’t go with you?”

“We’ve been over this Sweetie and it’s no longer up for discussion, upt-” Rarity interrupted Sweetie before she could say anything, “now, I really must be going before I miss the train. Ta. Ta.” Without another word Rarity left her sister in James care. That actually shocked him, maybe he underestimated the power of official badges. Still it seemed wrong to him.

James looked down at Sweetie and decided to sit down cross legged. She was tall enough to reach a little under his knees while standing on all fours. He found most ponies were intimidated by his height and reducing that helped a lot, “So have you had lunch yet?” he asked once he was comfortable, she nodded yes, “was there anything you wanted to do?”

She nodded no looking down with a slight frown, “maybe play with some friends?”

She yet again nodded no again looking more depressed than she already did, “Well, I’m new in these parts do you think you could maybe show me around town?”

She nodded no again. “Why not?”

She just looked down dejectedly. “Think about it,” He suggested, “you’ll be giving little old me a tour,” he said bringing out his arms wide, she looked at him oddly, “taking me to all the hip and tubular places you hang out at,” he finished making a sign with his hands. Sweetie looked more confused than anything else, at least it wasn’t sad, “I’m sorry… I know you’re not having the best time right now, but I’m trying my best.”

“...It’s okay,” She said finally.

“So you do talk?”

Her face got rosie and she scowled at him, “I’m not a foal! I just didn’t feel like talking!” she yelled, it was squeaky.

“That was adorable,” he complemented, “but seriously, I’m completely new in town. I just got done moving all my stuff into my new house like forty minutes ago and I’ve never been here before today. All I wanted to do was find a tailor and get new clothes and you saw how that turned out,” Sweetie scowled but it didn’t seem to be directed towards him, “Honestly, at this point you know more about this town then I do,” He explained.

“I do?”

“Based off everything I know about you so far yes, and we can go anywhere-” he hesitated for a moment, “-in town,” nailed it, “that you want to go.”

“Anywhere?” she asked herself. A light bulb seemed to have went off in her head as it shot up, “Oh oh oh! Have you ever been to Sugarcube Corner?” she asked excitedly.

“Sugarcube Corner? Never heard of it. What is it?” he asked. It sounded like a candy shop or perhaps a corner ice cream store. That trend seemed to exist in this world as well.

“Only the best place ever!” she squealed, as she ran towards the door and jumped for the handle a couple times. Her tail swaying back and forth not revealing anything. Her mane bouncing lightly when landing. She finally managed to open the door.

James got up and followed as she ran outside.

“One Moment,” he said, then locked the door with one of the keys Rarity gave him and casually walked to the filly who was eagerly waiting at the end of the walkway. He followed her into town, ignoring the looks ponies gave him. If they had a problem they could talk to him about it.

It wasn’t long before they made it to the large gingerbread like building he came across earlier. Sweetie opened the door and entered. He knew she was out for sweets but considering what her sister just did to her. Well, he fully planned on buying the poor filly just about anything she wanted, within reason of course.

The ponies went quiet as he entered and got in line besides Sweetie. He just ignored them and waited till it was their turn.

They waited so long ponies actually got use to his presence. “H-how may I help you sir?” asked the stallion running the cash register, well mostly use to his existence.

“That was a long wait,” James noted.

“I’m sorry sir but my wife and Pinkie are making a delivery and that left everything else to me. N-now what can I get you?” The stallion asked with a shaky smile.

“I understand and that depends,” James said thoughtfully, “Sweetie what do you want?”

Sweetie blinked a couple times and looked around as if she just woke up from a line coma he supposed, “I’ll have the triple sundae surprise! and a vanilla milkshake!” she ordered with a smile that was a little too big.

Her smile gave him a bad feeling, “Before I order, how large is a triple sundae surprise?” The stallion got on his hind legs then brought his forelegs together and spread them apart a ridiculous amount, “you can’t be serious.” James asked. The stallion was. James looked down to Sweetie, no way was he carrying anything that large out of here, “Sweetie could you find us a seat?”

Sweetie let out a sad gasp of some kind or something, “Okay,” she said downtrodden before going off and sitting in a corner booth in the distance. Her voice lost a lot of its life in that one word.

“I’ll have a strawberry milkshake, and do you think you could bring two empty bowls and spoons for that triple sundae surprise? Also how much?” The stallion answered and he paid. He went to Sweetie and sat down on the opposite side of her. It was a little uncomfortable, as the booths were made with ponies in mind but that wasn’t new either.

“So…” Sweetie said, “What did you get me?” She asked though it sounded like she was accusing him of something.

“I got you what you ordered,” James answered ignoring her tone, it was cute to him if anything.

“Then why’d you send me away? It’s not the first time my sister changed my order.”

“Well, I’m not your sister.”

She remained silent after that. James looked around and waved at some of the ponies inside.

Soon enough the stallion came by and put down their milkshakes with straws, two empty bowls, and two spoons then left. Sweetie glared up at James as he grabbed his milkshake.

She looked ready to make a scene before the stallion set a freaking huge ass sundae down between them. If it wasn’t for the straw he would of spat out his drink, instead he almost choked on it.

It had vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream each coated in caramel, strawberry sauce, and chocolate sauce respectively. Its base was bananas and chocolate cake. Topping it all was whip cream and sprinkles. James could do nothing but stare at the monstrosity before him. It looked like the only reason diabetes should happen, which is to say it looked very good.

He leaned to the side to see Sweetie staring at it, “See, I told you I got you what you ordered,” he said smugly.

She rubbed an eye and smiled up at him, “Thanks.”

He grabbed a bowl and a spoon, “umm so what do you want?” He asked as she looked down.

“Huh?” she asked addressing him and blushing slightly.

“Do you want a little bit of everything or maybe just the vanilla ice cream?” He asked as he got more to the side of the table so he wouldn’t have to lean over to see her, it was that large.

“I’ll have a little of everything,” she answered. He went to work and put put a little of everything in the bowl, “Oh, could you get me some extra cake?” he did so then gave it to her, “Thanks.”

He went about getting his own bowl filled and then ate. Sweetie already had her head in the bowl eating like a adorable pig.

...

“Ugh,” Sweetie groaned after half way finishing her third bowl, “I think I’m gonna be sick.” James just finished his third bowl and felt the same. They didn’t really talk much outside of Sweetie asking for the two other bowls.

So much of the sundae was still left. He really didn’t feel like dealing with it, “Sweetie do you want to bring any of this home?”

“No, I don’t want to think about ice cream right now,” she groaned as she rubbed her stomach.

“Can you walk?” he asked a little concerned.

“Yeah,” she answered as she sluggishly got out of the booth and on her hooves. He followed suit, putting a tip on the table, before leading the way towards the door. Sweetie slacking behind. He held the door open for her and they exited.

“I guess the rest of the tour will have to wait until you’re feeling better?” James asked looking down at the filly as she struggled to walk.

“I feel like I’m going to explode,” she groaned, “I’ll show you around tomorrow or something.” she said as they slowly walked back to the Carousel Boutique.

“Sounds good to me,” James agreed as they walked.

“Can you-” Sweetie began, stopping in her tracks, “can you carry me the rest of the way? I don’t feel so good.”

James squatted down and gently picked her up making sure to avoid any sensitive areas. Her fur was as soft as it looked. “Woah, I’m so high,” she exclaimed. He made sure to walk smoothly now that he was carrying Sweetie, “Thank you,” she said after a bit.

It was a definite change from the noble fillies and colts from Canterlot, he’d never get a ‘thank you’ out of them. Well, besides some of the lesser nobles. They still had a slight reason to appear well noble. “No problem,” he responded.

Eventually they made it back to Carousel Boutique and he had to set Sweetie down so he could unlock the door, “You feeling better?” He asked as he opened the door and held it open for her.

“A little,” She answered with a small smile before walking in.

He suddenly had to take a leak, “Um, do you know where the bathroom is?”

“Which one?” she asked.

“Anyone, the closest one.”

“There’s one on the right, past that door,” she answered pointing to said door.

He hurried to the door and found a short hallway he quickly entered the only door on the right, almost slamming the it behind him. After a long moment he exited feeling a lot better, “you done?” He heard Sweetie ask from the other side of the hallway which led to a kitchen and dining area.

He found her sitting at the dining table. Coming from Canterlot it wasn’t the best kitchen set-up he had to work with, but he’d make do.

“Yeah,” he answered walking to her, “So this is the kitchen? You know, I have a list saying I’m not supposed to let you cook. Do you know why that is?”

Sweetie pouted and crossed her front legs while she sat on a chair, “because my sister is mean.”

“Oh really? In my experience anytime I’m given a list it’s best to follow that list. If only to keep their parents happy with me,” he smiled mischievously at her, “with that said, I could be convinced to forget about this rule if you tell me the real reason she doesn’t want you to cook.”

“Really?” she perked up.

“Yes really.” he answered.

“B-because I almost burned down our house.” she said ashamedly looking down.

“Wow, that’s pretty bad.”

“I know!” she cried bringing her hooves to her eyes and sniffing.

“Hey, hey calm down,” he soothed quickly getting to her side kneeling and rubbing her withers. Pony fur could be so soft. She seemed to relax a little and breath easier after a moment, “how about you let me teach you how to cook? We got one week. I’m sure all you need is a little guidance, and you’ll be okay.”

“I-I don’t want you to get in trouble,” she said.

“I-” he did not expect her to worry about him getting in trouble, “thank you for your concern, but I promise I won’t let anything like that happen. If for some reason I can’t teach you anything then we’ll stop, but I believe, no, I know you’re smart, and I know you can do it,” He patted her on the withers and stood up.

She rubbed tears from her face with a forehoof and smiled, “Thank you.”