//------------------------------// // Or Not (25) // Story: Summoned // by BlackWing //------------------------------// Or Not "Welp, this sucks." "Yup." Spike agreed. We spent most of the afternoon out there, and nobody even gave us a second glance. "I wonder why it didn't work?" "Dunno. Guess nopony was in the mood for a hug." I pondered glumly. "Well, it wasn't so bad. Just sitting outside all day in the sun, drinking lemonade and eating ice cream." Spike snickered while gobbling his scoop. "May as well call it a day then." I sighed. "I think I'll go to Sugercube Corner, want anything?" "Sure do, but, Twilight'll get mad if I eat too many sweets again, because she'll have to take care of my sore stomach, so, I better not." "Suit yourself." I entered the bakery, and the moment I did, I found myself face to upside down face with Pinkie. She was somehow standing on the door that I just opened. I don't get it. "Hey Alex, you're looking kinda glum." Next thing, she was behind the counter, wiping the same spot over and over with a rag. "Wanna talk about it over a milkshake?" "Bartender, listening to the woes of the weary traveler? Good one. Sure, gimme a vanilla please." She went to work getting my drink, while I hummed patiently, waiting for her to return. After taking a couple sips, I began. "Well, this morning, We visited Rarity. Spike said we were going to go out gem hunting, because Rarity asked him to, but when we met Rarity, she said she said no such thing, and she wasn't available today anyways, because she has a very particular schedule. So, me and Spike got to thinking that maybe it was a changeling in disguise, so, we set about trying to catch it. Best way I figured was to give ponies hugs, and see if I felt cold, but nopony wanted one. I'm fun and huggable right? Aren't I? Now, I feel like I could use a hug." "Aww, silly filly, that's what Pinkie's here for!" So she snuggled up and put her head under my hand, letting me pet and scratch her ear. "Aww yeah. That's the spot." Hilariously, the pink pony started kicking her back leg like a dog. "Alright, thanks. I think it's about time I got back to Canterlot." "Busy day Princess?" I asked. "You wouldn't know the half of it. I literally spent ALL day just putting my stamp on things. Normally the council comes up with ideas, they go through a dozen rounds of voting, making changes, before it finally gets sent to me, and I staple, stamp, and sort. I trust the council on decisions like this, so I start thinking I could just put my stamp on all of them and be done with it, but I have to read them so I know what new laws and such are being made. At least I only have to do it once a month, and I've gotten it out of the way." Celestia let out a deep breath. "And how was your day?" "Could have been better. Talked to Rarity, found out she had apparently said a bunch of things she didn't, which just screams changeling, tried to find them by giving out free hugs, nopony wanted one. Kinda depressing, but I guess everypony was busy today. So, Pinkie helped cheer me up, aaand, I may have learnt something interesting." "Oh?" She raised an eyebrow. I began scratching behind her ear. She closed her eyes and let out a soft moan of relaxation. "Oh, that is nice. It's one spot that, unless you can levitate objects, is pretty much impossible to get, even with help. Perhaps you should offer ear scratches next time?" She giggled. "Hmm, yeah, maybe. Thanks. You always know just what to do. And I think I figured something else out as well. The reason I like you so much, I think it's more of a, motherly love. I mean, you're pretty much a parent to the entire nation, if you think about it. "Hmm, yes, I suppose I am." "Well, good night. See you in the morning." "Good night Alex." Motherly? Is that why I can't find anypony to call my own? They all think of me as a parent?