Colors of the Heart: Specials

“Today is really quiet...” I sighed, rolling over on my bed and resting on my belly.

Yesterday had been quite busy; I spent the greater half of the day with Rarity, and met the rest of the girls in the evening.  I was extremely nervous that they wouldn’t like me or think I was weird.  I didn’t expect things to go nearly as well as they did, but I was extremely thankful for it.  That took a lot of courage for me to expose my true colors—or lack of colors I should say.

Shifting positions, I looked out the window to the rainy, dull day outside.  While others would find a day like this poor, I found myself smiling; I loved the rain.  It was on rainy days like these that I was able to go outside without the fear of the watchful eyes of large crowds bearing down on me.  I often visited Center Park on days like this.

Though, in my new home, I was far too uncomfortable to go outside and explore on my own.  Having only been in Ponyville for two days, I decided I would just relax here at Rarity’s while everything sank in.  There would be plenty of time to explore my surroundings later.

A sudden rumble from my tummy interrupted my thoughts, reminding me I hadn’t eaten yet today.  Even though it was now past lunch time, I didn’t like the prospect of having to eat somepony else’s food.  Rarity worked hard to pay for it; I shouldn’t be the one eating it.  Though, my stomach disagreed with me, rumbling again as if to demand I reconsider.

Well, I suppose a small lettuce and tomato sandwich couldn’t hurt...

With a goal in mind, I crawled to the edge of the bed and hopped off before making my way down to the kitchen below.

Rarity had told me that if I needed anything that I could find her in the inspiration room.  Though, I figured I should let her get some work done before I bothered her.  This was, after all, what she did to make a living.  So, I decided I would just help myself to a little bit of food.

I hummed a little tune to myself as I walked across the kitchen floor towards the fridge before opening it.  I was really surprised to see just how well stocked it was.  She had vegetables of all kinds and just about every dairy product you could think of.

With this sort of selection, I could make a really mean sandwich.

Though, I was content with using the bare minimum of food that wasn’t mine to eat.  So I retrieved a small head of lettuce, then a tomato, and sat them on the kitchen counter before shutting the refrigerator behind me with a hind leg.

Now...  where does she keep the—

“Hello!” came a sudden, small voice from behind me.

A cold chill went down my spine.  As far as I was aware, it was only Rarity and myself here, so I didn’t bother to wear my cloak.  A nervous sweat started to form on my forehead as I turned around to face the unknown pony.  There behind me sat a small, white unicorn filly with an expectant look and smile.  She had a lovely soft white and pink, curled mane.

“H-hello...” I replied weakly with a nervous smile.

“You must be Prism.  Rarity told me about you, that you would be staying here for a while,” she said with moderate enthusiasm as she trotted across the kitchen up to me.  “I’m Sweetie Belle, Rarity’s little sister.  It’s nice to meet you.”  She extended a small forehoof to me.

She’s so well mannered.

I was thoroughly impressed with how calm and polite this little filly was.  All the fillies I ever saw were always rowdy and rambunctious, not to mention quite rude.

I slowly extended a forehoof to meet hers.  “It’s, um...  n-nice to meet you, too,” I replied softly, giving her hoof a small shake.

“Rarity told me a little bit about you, about how your coat and mane are all white and stuff,” she said, looking me over head to hoof curiously.

I bit my lower lip and shifted my vision away from her momentarily.  “You, um...  don’t think it’s weird, do you?”

“No, I think they’re very beautiful,” she commented, walking around to my right side and taking a lock of my mane in her forehoof.  “And I really like your mane, I wish my mane was this pretty...” her expression sank into a small frown as she lifted another lock with her other foreleg.

I shied away from her touch before covering a small laugh.  “Your mane is very beautiful too, you know; those curls are very lovely.”

Her expression quickly lit up into a large smile again.  “Really?  You think so?” she asked, reaching to her mane and bouncing a lock with a hoof.

I nodded.  “My mane is boring; it has no real shape or volume to it.”  I lifted a section of my mane before letting it fall unceremoniously back into its exact position it was in before.  “See?  Boring.  You should be proud of your curls.”

Sweetie Belle brought a hoof to her chin, looking in thought.  “Well, I hadn’t really thought about it like that,” she mused before looking back up to me.  “Well, I still think your mane is very pretty.”

I covered another small laugh.  I found myself warming up to this filly rather quickly; she was adorable and reminded me of myself when I was little.

“Is it true that your magic is really colorful?” she asked, looking up at me expectantly.  “Rarity said that your magic is different, and not to be surprised if I see you using it.”

“Sweetie Belle!” the familiar voice of the fashionista suddenly called out from the hallway across the kitchen.  “I told you that so you wouldn’t ask her!”

“Oh?  Um...  oops?” she replied back to her sister with a sheepish smile.

Rarity facehooved with a groan before trotting across the room to me.  “I’m really sorry about that, Prism.  I just didn’t want her making you feel uncomfortable.  So I told her in hopes that it wouldn’t come to this,” she informed me before looking back to Sweetie Belle disapprovingly.  “Though I suppose I should have known better.”

I let out a small laugh and shook my head.  “No, it’s fine Rarity.  I just didn’t know there was anypony else here other than us; that’s all.”

Rarity gave me a slightly confused look for a moment before her eyes widened in realization and she covered a small gasp.  “I’m so sorry, darling!  I entirely forgot to mention earlier that Sweetie Belle will be staying here for a few days!”

“Rarity, it’s fine; don’t worry about it,” I again reassured her before looking over to Sweetie Belle.

The little filly’s ears were drooped down and she had a guilty look on her face, as if she had done something wrong.  I felt compelled to assure her that wasn’t the case.

I walked over to Sweetie Belle and pat her on her head.  “You did nothing wrong, so don’t worry about it, okay?” I said to her, looking down to the filly with a soft smile.  “And to answer your question, yes, my magic is really colorful; it’s prismatic.”

Sweetie Belle’s mood quickly perked up as she looked back up to me.  “That must be really cool!” she spouted.  “Can I see it?”

“Sweetie Belle!  Did you not hear a single word I said earlier?  You’re being very rude!” Rarity quickly added, casting her sister a stern glare.

I flashed the filly a nervous smile as she sat watching me expectantly.  “I-I, um...  I’d rather not...  not right now.”

Sweetie Belle visibly deflated at my words.  “Aww...” she sighed out, giving me a disappointed look.

She’s just so adorable!

If there was one weakness I had besides tea, it was cute things, and this little filly registered a 9.0 on the cute-o-meter.  How could I resist a face like that?  Also, if she was to be around for a while—and often—it was probably best she see it for herself anyways.

“Well...  I, uh...  I suppose I could show you...” I reluctantly said, caving in to the filly’s adorableness.

“Yay!” she quickly exclaimed, jumping up to her hooves in excitement.

Rarity cleared her throat, likely to get my attention.  “Well, I must admit.  I wouldn’t mind seeing it again myself,” she commented, gesturing to the small head of lettuce on the counter.  “That should be light enough, yes?”

I nodded.  “Yeah.  Now, watch closely, Sweetie Belle.  I’m only going to do this once,” I said, looking down to her with a wink.

Sweetie Belle quickly darted up to the counter and stood up on her hind legs, resting against the cabinets, and watching the vegetable expectantly.  I couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle.  She seemed to be as interested in magic as I was at her age, which made me feel a little more comfortable showing her.

Taking in a relaxing, deep breath, I focused my magic on the head of lettuce and levitated it just off the countertop.

Much to my surprise, the young filly didn’t give too much of a surprised reaction.  She instead stared intently at the floating vegetable.  After a few moments, she turned to me with a warm glow in her eyes.

“That is sooooo pretty, Prism!” she exclaimed quite softly, before looking back to the levitating vegetable.  “I wish I could do that.”

Rarity walked up to the counter and poked the lettuce with a forehoof.  “Yes, it is absolutely marvelous, darling.  I really don’t see why you are so ashamed of such a beautiful thing.”

I gently sat the head of lettuce back down before turning to Rarity with a nervous laugh.  “Well, I’ve just had so many bad experiences, I don’t like the attention it draws.  Ponies have also called me a freak and a monster because of it.”

Rarity craned cocked her neck, taken aback at my words.  “That is just ridiculous!Those ponies are just a bunch of foals!  You shouldn’t let experiences like that detract you from using such an amazing gift, darling.”

“Well, it’s hard to forget them...”  I slowly trailed off, staring down at the floor solemnly.

There was a long silence in the room before Rarity glanced to the vegetables on the counter.

“Tell you what, Prism.  Allow me to make you something to eat,” she offered before turning to Sweetie.  “Are you hungry as well, Sweetie Belle?”

“I’m starving!” she quickly replied with a small jump.

I shook my head.  “You don’t have to make me anything.  I’ll just make myself a sandwich and I’ll be—”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Rarity quickly interjected, waving a hoof dismissively at me.  “I know you are hungry, dear.  You have been eagerly eyeing those vegetables ever since I came in here.  I’m going to make us all some lunch.”

“But—”

“No buts!  I will hear nothing more of it!” she declared sternly, turning away with her eyes closed and snout raised, opening the refrigerator with her magic.  “You are my guest, and it is my responsibility as your host to feed you.”

I let out a slow sigh in defeat.

That doesn’t make me feel any better about eating your food though...

* * * * * * * * * *

Despite my reluctance, I had to admit that Rarity is a wonderful cook.  The pasta salad she made us for lunch was absolutely delicious.  Shortly after eating, Rarity went back to work while Sweetie Belle went off to play.  I can’t say I approve of a filly playing outside in the rain; she even left without a coat.  What if she got sick?  While it may be none of my business, perhaps it’s just my instincts as a mare speaking for me?  Regardless, with Sweetie Belle and Rarity busy, that left me to retire to my room once more.

While I never really had much of a problem spending time alone, I found myself becoming progressively bored as the hours continued to roll by.  Sure, I was used to being alone and spent a majority of my time alone; though back then, I always had Mr.  Wiggles to talk to or my arts and crafts to keep me busy.  Unfortunately, at the moment, I had absolutely nothing to do and nopony to talk to.  I contemplated seeing what Rarity was up to a few hours ago, but I didn’t want to bother her.  Although, as the hours crawled past, curiosity and boredom got the better of me and I found myself heading downstairs and into the fashionista's inspiration room.

Rarity was standing in front of a row of brightly dressed ponnequins, eyeing them closely.  She looked to be deep in thought.  I considered calling out to her, but judging by the fact that the room was littered with every color of cloth imaginable, I decided I didn’t want to distract her thinking, so I silently watched her from the doorway.  After a few minutes, she eventually turned around, her expression shifted to surprise as she took notice of me.

“Oh, good evening, Prism.  Is there something I can help you with?” she asked as she turned back to the ponnequins

“O-oh, um...  no, I’m fine.  I was just curious what you were doing,” I answered sheepishly, scratching the back of my neck with a forehoof.  “There, uh...  wouldn’t happen to be anything I could help you with, would there?”  I trotted up to a random piece of salmon colored cloth laying on the floor and picked it up with a forehoof, closely examining it

“I’m actually just finishing up for the night, darling,” she began as she turned to face me.  “Although, I do appreciate the...” Rarity trailed of, watching me with a look of interest for several moments.

I looked over to her before suddenly dropping the cloth in fear I may have upset her.  “I-I’m sorry!  I didn’t mean to—”

“You’re fine, Darling, don’t worry.  I was thinking, bright colors look simply fabulous against your pure white palette,” she stated, gesturing to the salmon colored cloth in front of me.

“Mother always said the same thing.  She would have me dress up in bright yellows and pinks when she brought me along with her when she attended formal showings of her paintings,” I informed her, gesturing to the fabric with a small frown.  “I didn’t really like the attention it brought me, but mother said it made me look adorable, which made me really happy.”

Rarity paused for a moment before briefly glancing to her ponnequins, then back to me with a sly smirk.  “Actually...  Prism, darling.  Maybe I could use your help after all.”

My ears perked up at her words.  “Really?  What do you need help with?” I asked with much enthusiasm, glad to finally be some help to the fashionista.

Rarity turned and gestured to her dresses on display with a sweep of her forehoof.  “You see, I just finished these new designs, and I’m simply dying to see how they look on an actual pony.  It really helps me to have a ‘live’ model for any final adjustments.” Rarity said before turning back to me with a mild pouty look.  “Won’t you be a dear and try a few on for me?  I would really appreciate the help, darling.”

I looked to the dresses apprehensively for a moment.

As much as I dislike dressing up, Rarity is letting me stay here for free, and also made me lunch earlier...

I let out a faint sigh, seeing that I was clearly trapped into doing this.  “Okay, I’ll do it.”

“Fantastic!” she exclaimed, using her magic to slide a room divider from seemingly nowhere next to me.  “Now, just hold still a moment.”

Never before did I think it was possible to be dressed by another pony so quickly.  In what felt like an instant, Rarity somehow managed to move me and place a rather...  tight, yellow Victorian ball-gown on me at the same time.  I took a moment to examine the dress, taking note of how well fit it was, despite the tightness.

She must do this with other ponies often.

Rarity slid the room divider away suddenly and took a few steps back, inspecting me closely.  “Yes...  yes!  It looks absolutely marvelous on you!” she exclaimed, circling me several times, and getting a closer view from all angles.

“It’s...  a bit tight...” I managed to wheeze out, feeling as if I was in a vice rather than a dress.

Rarity stopped circling me and brought a hoof to her chin while examining my midsection.  “Hmm, yes...  it is a bit snug, isn’t it?  Well, it is designed for the standard mare size, so I’d have to custom fit something for you if it were to be more comfortable.”

Did...  did she just call me fat!?

Rarity tapped her chin a few times with a forehoof, humming to herself.  “Hmm...  what this outfit really needs is a hat.”

Before I could comment or remark, Rarity levitated an excessively large and frilly yellow bonnet and promptly stuffed it on my head.

I need a mirror!  ...actually, wait...  maybe I don’twant to see this.

“Oh, that looks fantastic on you, dear!” Rarity cooed, cupping her forehooves together.  “Oh you simply must see this!”

Again, before I could say anything, Rarity slid over a large stand up mirror and rested it in front of me.  Looking at my reflection, I had to fight hard against a primal urge to cringe at the...  gaudy outfit; this was most definitely not my taste in clothing.

“I know exactly what would complete this Victorian look!” Rarity suddenly exclaimed as she lifted my mane and tail in her soft blue magical aura.  “Braids!”

I let out a nervous laugh as she circled around to my side.  “Um...  I really appreciate the compliment, but I don’t think...  that is...”

I trailed off into silence once I noticed the fashionista wasn’t paying any attention to my words.  She was clearly ‘in the zone’ and lost to the world at this point.  I was left with only one option now: Acceptance.

After a few moments, and several painful twists and tugs, I looked to the mirror once more to find my mane and tail braided with needlessly large yellow ribbons bow-tied on the ends.

My ears fell back as I let out a small sigh in defeat.

Oh Prism...  what have you gotten yourself into?

* * * * * * * * * *

A few hours, and several iron vice-like dresses later, I finished modeling the fashionista’s new designs and was very ready for bed.  Although, despite my great discomfort and reluctance, Rarity was elated with the results.  Though, somehow I couldn't seem to shake the lingering suspicion that I was more ‘entertainment’ than actual ‘help’.  Regardless, it made her happy, so I felt somewhat better about being a freeloader in her home.

The two of us said our goodnights and I made my way back up to the guest room for some much desired sleep.  Though, after reaching the room and walking towards the bed, I heard somepony call out to me.

“Prism, wait,” came the familiar voice of a small filly.

I turned around to find Sweetie Belle at the top of the staircase, holding a large sheet of paper in her mouth. the young filly trotted up and lifted it into my field of vision. I looked down to her confused for a moment before she spoke up.

“Fore yew!” she exclaimed, muffled through her teeth.

“Oh!”  Taking the paper from her, I placed it on the bed next to me.

Looking the paper over, it was actually a drawing; a rather crude drawing, but one nonetheless.  It was a picture of what had to be me and her, standing together while I was holding up a green object in my prismatic colored magic.  I guessed it was probably the lettuce from before.

Under the picture was a small caption.

“My new friend Prism.  The coolest unicorn ever!”

I felt my chest warm up and quickly melt at the sudden gesture of friendship.  Nopony other than Mother had ever drawn something like this for me before; this was new, different...  and very special.  I couldn’t think of the words I wanted to say; I simply had none to give.  Though I found my lower lip starting to tremble, as I felt my eyes begin to moisten.

Sweetie belle looked up to me with concern as her ears fell back.  “I’m sorry...  I didn’t mean to make you sad...” she said, visibly deflating down to the floor with a sad look of her own.

Without a moment’s hesitation, I quickly sat down and snatched up the filly in a tight embrace, and nuzzled her.

“No...  I’m not sad, I’m happy... very happy,” I reassured her with a small sniffle.  “Thank you so much...”

Sweetie wrapped her small hooves around my neck, returning the hug.  “You’re very welcome!  Being my new friend, and being so cool, I wanted to do something special for you,” she stated, pulling away and looking into my eyes with a happy smile.  “So when Rarity told me that you loved art, I had the perfect idea: draw Prism a picture!”

The wall of tears I had been fighting to hold back quickly gave way to my emotions I was feeling at that moment.  This little filly quickly became very special to me; quickly became a good friend.

“Please don’t cry, Prism,” she said softly, wiping away a stream of tears from my cheek with her tiny hoof.  “I’ll be your friend anytime you need me, like if you want to go outside and play, or stay inside and draw, because I love to draw.”  Her expression sank a little bit suddenly before looking away.  “I only wish that I was better...”

I shook my head.  “I’ll teach you, as a thank you for being so nice to me.”

Sweetie’s ears perked up as she turned to face me, her expression exploding into excitement.  “Really?!You’ll teach me how to draw?”

I slowly nodded.  “Or paint, or color.  Just feel free to ask,” I replied, wiping my muzzle with a small sniffle.  “As my new friend, I will gladly teach you.”

Her happy expression grew into a large smile as she reached up and pulled herself into a hug around my neck.  “Thank you so much!  You are soooo awesome, Prism!”

I softly stroked her mane, letting out a small laugh.  “You are very welcome.”

Sweetie Belle pulled away and hopped off of me.  “Well, I’ll let you go to bed.  I just wanted to give you that before you fell asleep,” she said, gesturing a hoof to the drawing on the bed.  “I’ll see you tomorrow!”

I closed my eyes, covering another small laugh before replying, “See you tomorrow, Sweetie Belle.”

With that, she gave a small wave and quickly made her way downstairs to the floor below.  I found myself still glowing from the experience and feelings the little filly brought me.  I picked myself up off the floor and crawled into bed.

When I have foals of my own, I hope I have a daughter just like her...

With a warm smile on my face, I rolled over, got myself comfortable, and fell fast asleep.