“And then what did she say?” Rarity said, sipping her coffee.
“She said it was just an emergency study sesh,” Marsha said, pulling up the strap on her purse. “But then I saw her in class the next day, and I saw her wave at Bryan, and he waved back!” She shook her head, typing on her phone. “Something’s going on, I just know it.”
“Well, I suppose I should warn you not to do anything rash,” Rarity said, wrapping both her hooves around her coffee cup. “I, ahem, have something of a history of acting quite irrationally over boys.”
“I checked his phone and went through all his messages.”
“See, that’s a little much.” Rarity pursed her lips. “And, now that I think about, something I would do. So don’t do that.”
Marsha shrugged. “I had to do something.”
“Perhaps try talking to him about it? And try not to be accusatory. Try to emphasize that you’ll both feel better about it if it’s out in the open. Make him feel like confessing will be a relief, which it will, in a way,” Rarity said. “If he’s been more emotionally distant lately, or spending less time with you, he may simply not be interested anymore—”
“Oh my God, guess how many likes our picture just got.”
“Speaking of losing interest…” Rarity muttered. Her voice rose to a normal volume as she smiled. “How many, um, likes?”
“Too many,” Marsha said, turning her phone to Rarity. Underneath the picture of the two of them was a heart symbol and the number 138. “I never get that many. Must be the Hefe filter. Defs using that again.” She took the phone back and swiped her finger a few times. “Do you have an Instagram? I’ll follow you if you follow me.”
Rarity shook her head. “No, but I might get one. I keep hearing all about this ‘social media’. From the sound of it, I think it’d be a great way to attract interest for my business.”
Marsha typed away on her phone. “You mean the café?”
“No, we don’t actually own this establishment. We simply came here one day and sat down at the tables here. Business picked up and the owners said they were happy to have us. They even set up the ropes to help manage the lines.” Rarity looked out the window at the queue of people still overflowing out the door and down the sidewalk. “When I said business, I meant my business. I hope to open a boutique here in your world.”
Marsha’s eyebrows furrowed. “You’re opening a boutique? I thought you ponies were leaving after your portal thing was fixed or whatever.”
“Well, we were thinking that when the portal is fixed, we’ll probably come back. The café is so popular, after all.” Rarity took a sip of coffee. “Did you know the number of crimes in this area have dropped since we came here?”
“Huh,” Marsha said. “No, I didn’t.”
“Well, they have, and we think it has something to do with this café of ours. Besides, we’ve had such positive reception in general. And I thought, while we’re here, I might as well open a boutique. Humans almost exclusively wear clothes, after all. It’s a much broader market here, and I’ve already got a foot in the door with publicity.”
“Mmm,” Marsha said, still focused on her phone.
Rarity tossed her mane. “You’re free to start petting me anytime, you know.”
Marsha looked up. She stared at Rarity’s back. “You sure? I mean, is that okay?”
“It’s more than okay, dear. It’s called The Platonic Petting Café for a reason.” Rarity flipped her mane, tilting her head to the side to showcase her neck. “As long as you signed the waiver, you’re free to pet me. But! Do watch the mane, dear. It takes a half an hour to do up this mane.”
“Oh, yeah, I totally understand.” Marsha put her phone down and looked over Rarity, only briefly glancing at Rarity’s eyes. She set her hand gingerly on Rarity’s neck, petting with barely any pressure. She withdrew her hand, though, when Rarity turned her head to look.
“Is something wrong?” Rarity said.
Marsha rested her hand on the table. “It’s just that I’ve never pet an animal that could talk. It feels weird.”
Rarity smiled and rolled her shoulders. “Just pretend it’s normal. It’s normal to me, now, after all. I’ve been pet by talking animals all day long.”
Marsha tried again, pressing her hand against Rarity’s soft fur and petting her. She shook her head. “God, you’re way too soft. It’s like petting a marshmallow.”
Rarity blushed. “I, um, yes. Not the first time I’ve heard that today.”
Marsha lifted her hand. “Is that offensive?”
“No, it’s not like that,” Rarity said. Her forehead crinkled in a grimace. “It’s, um, what my parents used to call me when I was a filly. Their ‘little marshmallow’. Just a tad embarrassing, I suppose.”
“Ha,” Marsha said, before covering her mouth. “I’m so sorry. I wasn’t laughing at you, it’s just…” She bit her lip, looking around the café at the crowd of people waiting in line before saying, “My parents called me that, too.”
“Really? No.”
“Uh huh,” Marsha said, faintly blushing as well. “I was Marsha-mallow.”
Rarity let out a snicker. “I’m dreadfully sorry, but you have to admit, that’s clever wordplay. If cheesy.”
Marsha shrugged. “Yeah, yeah. Just don’t tell anyone else.”
Rarity ran a hoof across her mouth, sealing her lips. “Your secret is safe with me. But while we’re here…” She stuck out her hoof. “Pleased to meet you, fellow marshmallow.”
Marsha couldn’t help but grin. She shook Rarity’s hoof. “You too.”
~ ~ ~
“Hello, Ms. Human!” Fluttershy covered her mouth and blushed. “I’m so sorry, bad habit. What are your names?”
“I’m Karen,” Karen said, propping up the child in her arms. “And this is Adeline. Say hi, Adeline!”
Adeline held a finger up to her mouth and stared at Fluttershy, apparently forgetting to wave until Karen lifted her arm.
“Hello, Adeline,” Fluttershy waved back, speaking slowly and softly. “Such a wonderful name. How old are you?”
Adeline seemed to miss the question entirely, until her mother helped her out. “How old are you, Adeline?” Karen said, propping up one of the girl’s fingers. “One year old.”
“Wuh,” Adeline confirmed.
“She’s a little star-struck, I think,” Karen said, taking a seat at the table. “You’re her favourite pony. She babbles on and on about you all the time at home.”
“Oh, I’m flattered,” Fluttershy said. She pointed to Adeline’s purple shirt, which was adorned with many colourful butterflies. “I like your shirt. It’s got butterflies like my cutie mark. See?” Fluttershy turned to show her flank.
Adeline stared at the flank, and if her mind was busy considering the similarities between her shirt and Fluttershy’s cutie mark and drawing parallels between the two, it certainly wasn’t showing. She tugged at the collar of her shirt.
Fluttershy smiled at Karen. “She’s such a sweetheart. Would it be all right if she sat next to me?”
“I’m sure she’d love that,” Karen said, lifting Adeline and setting her down next to Fluttershy’s leg. Adeline looked up at Fluttershy, picking at her shirt.
Fluttershy wrapped an arm around Adeline. “There we go. Aren’t you the cutest little human baby girl?”
Adeline neither confirmed nor denied the claim. Instead, she inspected the soft yellow arm around her and experimentally placed her hand on the fur.
“Yes, very good. Feel how soft that is.” Fluttershy said, watching Adeline spread her fingers out on her fur.
Karen laughed nervously, studying Fluttershy and shaking her head. “I just never thought you’d be real, y’know.”
“What do you mean by that?” Fluttershy said.
Karen twiddled her hair with her fingers. “Well, um, there’s this show on TV that stars you and your friends. It was—well, I thought it was a cartoon. Adeline watches it all the time. I don’t think she knows what you all are doing or talking about, but it keeps her quiet.” Karen shrugged. “I thought you knew about it? Somehow?”
“A TV show?” Fluttershy said. “About us?”
Karen nodded. “Yes. About you and your five friends.”
Fluttershy furrowed her eyebrows. “Is it a documentary? I’ve seen some animal documentaries on the TV. Is that what you mean?”
“No, it’s like a TV show. Like, um… Do you know what actors are?”
“Oh, sure.”
“Then it’s like you and your friends are actors, acting out a story. About you and your friends in Ponyville.”
Fluttershy frowned. She rubbed her chin. “That sounds strange,” she said. She picked up her phone off the table and slid up on the touchscreen, trying several times until the phone unlocked. “Maybe I’m misunderstanding. So you already saw us in Ponyville before we came here?”
“Yeah, I guess we did.” Karen spread her hands. “But I never thought you were real. Cartoons are drawings, y’know, like… never mind, I’ll let you look it up.”
Fluttershy poked at the screen of her phone several times. Her frown deepened. “I’m sorry, I haven’t figured out how to use my cell phone yet and I don’t want to take time away from this. You’ve been waiting in line for so long.”
“Don’t worry, it wasn’t too long today. Besides, we made it a family outing.” Karen pointed to the line outside. “I’ve got two boys. They’re in line with their father to see Rainbow Dash. They couldn’t wait after they saw that YouTube video of her doing all those tricks.”
“Oh, wonderful. I’m glad to hear she’s getting more popular lately.” She set the phone back down on the table. “Anyway, I’ll talk to Twilight about it. I’m sure someone has pointed out this show to her and she might know what’s going on.”
“Okay.” Karen held her hand up to her forehead. “God, I hate to be the one who broke this to you. I’m sorry.”
“Oh, no need to apologize, it’s not your fault.” Fluttershy smiled, looking down at little Adeline. “Now, where were we? You’ve been quiet as a mouse.”
Adeline was inspecting Fluttershy’s tail, holding it up to her cheek.
“You can start petting me anytime, you know. Here, I’ll help.” Fluttershy lifted Adeline’s small hand and held it up to her neck. “See? Feel how soft and fuzzy that is.”
Adeline stared at her hand. She stroked her hand down Fluttershy’s neck, investigating the soft fuzziness.
“Mhm, just like that,” Fluttershy said, guiding Adeline’s hand to petting her again. “You’re so good at this.”
Karen smiled as she watched. She lifted her phone to take a picture of Adeline, who was now petting all on her own. Adeline’s mouth curled up in a toothy smile.
Fluttershy looked up at Karen. “You can pet me too if you want.”
Karen chuckled. “Sure, why not.” She reached out and placed her hand on Fluttershy’s neck, right next to her daughter’s tiny hand. “She makes it look like so much fun.”
Well things are getting interesting. Keep it up!
For all aspiring princess petters: Celestia's line will probably be decently short. I went to a con where both Celestia and Luna's VAs were there, and Celestia's was tiny compared to Luna's. (Possibly because Tabitha St. Germain, but probably also because Luna.). Anyway, I couldn't decide because I love both princesses, but I eventually chose the shorter line and got my Funko Celestia signed.
Shining probably wants pets too, but doesn't want to admit it.
wait what? even the princess?
In a reset vote to see who is the most popular princess the results were as followed.
Luna 50%
Celestia 25%
Twilight 15%
Cadence 10%
Oh my, the bubble has been burst. Something tells me with the introduction of the royal sisters that a sibling rivalry will no doubt follow. I can't wait to see what fun comes next.
Would you believe me when I say that I'm inclined to believe that?
...Cuz I am. This is cute.
7869938
Sad truth of our fandom. Make Luna involved and she's instantly the only thing the majority focus on. EQD even had a bit about not including her in polls anymore because she won them all without fail.
And Celestia, for being an authority figure, for having had to banish Luna, for all the tyrannical-Celestia/selfish-Celestia/glory hog-Celestia fan theories, and because she's not nearly so obviously flawed, they tend to hate her. Also because of her style and representation. Light, warmth, virtue. Everyone these days wants edgy, dark, evil, anti-hero, bleeding heart villain, etc. Anything solely 'good' is considered bad writing and uninteresting.
Celestia does not get a hundredth of the care and respect she should. Best/worst part is, that if this is how things were in canon she'd probably be happy about it, too. Because her sister would be drowning in affection and she'd personally have some free time to herself.
7869946
Yeah, I want to expand this story to include characters beyond the main 6
Hnnnggggg, so adorable. I was really touched by the Marshmallow Fellows (Marshfellows? )
7870047
The Trollestia emoticon was the only icon of any princess. :p Should probably change it, though, so people don't think I'm kidding that there'll be an update lol. Because there will be one.
7870087
Lol nice
Too cute for... Huh, guess not.
7870087 Ooooh, is that a Thew-ification I spot?
Was this supposed to be 'out'? Or remove 'it' and put 'out' after 'show'.
Nice to see more of this.
It's overused, but some guy has to be with Celestia and say "Praise the sun!"
7870113 Unfortunately not, I don't know anything about this guy.
I guess you could say my experience with toy reviews on youtube are thew and far between
Sorry, couldn't help myself. XD
Also I see his uploads list, I'm not actually sure how the term "Marshfellows" would work it's way into toy reviews, so maybe a link to help clarify things?
7870095 Glad you appreciated my portmanteau, looking forward to the next chapter!
So, Bryan is a girl?
pointed out
Lovely chapter. Can't wait to see the oddness that is the alicorns getting petted platonically.
7870147
7870235
Ack! Thank you both for pointing those out. Fixed.
7870196
You're punderful
I'm looking forward to Spike, Derpy, and the CMC.
Looking forward to a continuation.
I am very much hoping that Cadence turns out to be Chrysalis.
Perhaps Cadence is busy at home with the baby, and sends Chrysalis in her place?
Luna: "Sister! It would seem that all of your fans like bananas. I wonder why?"
7870196 Thew Adams is a reviewer who mashes words together into one for comedic effect. He mostly reviews Transformers and started a few memes within the Transformers Fan-culture, the most popular being "sideways-elbow-action".
If you are at all interested in the ramblings of a middle-aged guy and his fairly creative word-play while also talking about toys, I cannot recommend him enough. His reviews are informative and silly at the same time, especially his 'Knock-Off Beatdown' video's.
And judging from your wordplay, I thing you will appreciate his attempts.
Uh, yeah, I've already added this to my favourites, but how do I fave it again? Or at least give it ten thousand likes?
7870574
Oh no I am so scare :v
bbl off to the cafe
7870599
Perhaps unfave and then fave again? Repeat as desired? :p
I'm glad to hear you like it that much :D
ALL HAIL OUR CUTE AND FUZZY OVERLORDS!!!
*proceeds to die of cuteness induced heart attack*
>sees thumbnail
titus
get the cross
Rarity, droppin' some knowledge. Yeeeah.
Also being adorable. Fashion Horse for the win.
And we see now just how extensive Fluttershy's line is. XD
More, sir. Moar.
Nice and adorable how fluttershy react to the child, just so cute!
I dare you to make changeling and/or Chrysalis petting and acting her like uhh what was that word tsundere? You know like I don't like it, but nobody told you to stop petting!
"Fellow marshmallow"
This was sweet, especially Fluttershy's bit. I'm surprised the gang don't yet know about the show.
Then again, Twi will probably just classify it as a multiverse theory or a probability of some kind, who knows. She's not so prone to meltdowns anymore after all.
So, sun, moon and candy butts are next? I didn't know they were present too.
Probably after making the portal work.
I'm just hoping we get to see Big Mac and Shining Armor at some point.
"Car 12, this is Dispatch. Reports of an angry fuzzy alien yelling about folks getting their weird monkey hands off his sister downtown. Copy?"
---
"Dispatch, this is Car 12. Suspect has been subdued with ear scritchies and belly rubs. Returning to the station to 'process' the suspect. You better let all the guys know, this little dude is all ticklish about belly rubs and it's hilarious."
And thus begins a very strange international (dimensional?) incident.
Adorable... though I have several concerns. For one, I shudder to think what Twilight might conclude when she learns that this world believes her to be w fictional character. For another, if every princess is in the cafe, who's moving the sun and moon back in Equestria.
(Yes, I'm overthinking a silly story. That's how I have fun. )
I can see Bronies and Pegasisters coming in legions to this place.
7870574
I for one welcome our demonic/alien/old one overlords. So long as we get petting cafe.
Eh, it lost me when the cartoon was brought up.
media.giphy.com/media/wPo66WcfOGdbO/giphy.gif
I'm taking the front of that Luna line. I WILL NOT BE DENIED! I'LL FIGHT YOU!
7876475
Why's that? I'm just curious.
7870051
You can certainly nitpick Celestia's rule (depending on how much of the comics etc. you include, god knows I've done it enough), but she did manage to hold things together for 1000 years on her own (while missing her sister and having nopony else she could connect with as an equal), so the mare does deserve some polite thanks and cuddles, rather than either borderline-worship or vitriol.
[I mean, if I met an IRL Celestia, I'd probably be terrified, but that's because any human with an equivalent historical record would be wearing a giant neon sign flashing "PROPAGANDA ALERT: This ruler is in reality a mass-murdering sociopath", because of course they are. But she's an Alicorn, not a human dictator, and I hope I'd eventually get over it.]
FrontSevens, I so love these. Please continue.
7872847
I'd imagine the portal has been repaired and either Twilight will go handle it or the princesses can come and go as necessary. (yes, overthinking a silly story can be fun .)
7870574 But we would have all the heroes to save our ass. (as long as WH40k doesn't find its way here)
Marshmallow meets Marshmallow. That was an interesting conversation between Rarity and Marsha.
I seriously wish that this could happen in real life. Also, what if the crusaders came through the portal on accident too?
7898257
I feel like having MLP: FIM be a thing in this kind of...doesn't work for me.
I'm in love with this story. Just thought you should know.
The story is still golden. If I was there I'd be too freakin nervous.