//------------------------------// // 8. Sunday Brunch // Story: Of Coal and Diamonds // by Alaxsxaq //------------------------------// 8. Sunday Brunch The handycolt of Applebloom's manor, normally very calm and reserved, huffed through its halls, thoroughly annoyed at the present situation. Jeffery was not prepared to take on three additional houseguests, let alone three drunk houseguests. The previous night, the "Cutie Mark Crusaders" as they were once called returned to the house inebriated AND escorting...other company. He was feeling a bit cranky as well, his good night's sleep having been interrupted by the activities of the mares. "Why do I put up with her shenanigans?" He thought for a moment. The hefty paycheck his employer paid him every week. "Ah, yes. Though I shall charge her for this additional work. I pray that Bachelorette party is off the premises." He came to one of the guestroom doors and knocked with just the slightest bit of anger. "Miss Scootaloo. This is your 10 o'clock wakeup call." The orange pegasus, her eyes bloodshot and desperately trying to remain closed, grumbled and groaned. "Mmpphh." She then pulled up the blanket and snuggled next to the stallion in her bed. "Quite." Nonchalantly proceeding to the next room, Jeffery again knocked on a door. "Miss Sweetie Belle. This―" The singer's voice lashed out like a cobra. "I heard you wake up Scootaloo!" She recoiled into her bed and massaged her temples, trying to alleviate her splitting headache. "My apologies. Carry on." His tasks completed in this part of the mansion, the handycolt went downstairs to finish the rest of his business. Walking through the large living room to another door, he used his magic to turn the knob and step inside. Behind the threshold was a garage, filled with all sorts of machinery, workbenches, and tools. The air was filled with the sounds of loud rock music, and a yellow mare was standing in front of a lathe, working on a new carpentry project. Babs Seed was reading a magazine not far away. "Mistress Applebloom, I have awoken your friends." He reported, trying to maintain his composure. Applebloom could just barely hear what he had said over the music and her earmuffs. She turned off the machine and removed her ear protection. "Thank you, Jeffery." "And I should also tell you that your new pipe has arrived in the mail, as well as the utility bills. I've taken the liberty of placing them on your desk in the study." Applebloom gave him a nod, and prepared to return to her craft. "Honestly, I cannot fathom HOW you manage to run an enterprise, spend amble time working in here, attend philanthropy events, socialize with your friends, AND go out on weekends to drink yourself silly and fetch the first colt to catch your fancy." Though he was pouring his thoughts out, his tone remained was dignified and respectful. He knew he hadn't crossed any lines, but Babs was shocked to hear the stallion talk this way. "You just gonna let him tawlk to you like that, AB?" "Haha of course! Jeffery is a member of this household, and he's entitled to his opinion. Ah know he means that in the most loving of ways! Anyways, Ah can do everything Ah do because Ah got such great help!" "Yes thank you, but I must confess I do find it a bit tiresome to cleanup." He said dryly. "Would a raise help to rejuvenate ya?" Applebloom asked with a smirk. Jeffery smiled back. "I suppose it might help. Well if you don't need anything more, I shall be off. I have errands to run." "See ya later!" The blue Unicorn exited the garage and shut the door. "You two must have an interesting relationship, huh?" Babs asked, turning a page in her magazine. "Hehe yeah." "You know I never thought about this...but Scoots and Sweetie really can't seem to put away their booze like we can." "Well we have an unfair advantage; our earth pony sturdiness combined with the Apple family's ability to tolerate high alcohol concentrations. Not sure if Ah should be proud of that." Applebloom laughed and returned to her activity. "What're you making, anyway?" Babs shouted, trying to be louder than the machine. "Just a chair. You want it?" Before the policemare could answer, the phone on the wall rang. "Applebloom's Residence. Whadya need?" "Applebloom, Darling! How are you on this beautiful Sunday morning?" "Diamond? Uh hello. Ah―I'm just relaxing. Nothing special." Babs heard her cousin's accent change, and looked at the mare puzzlingly. "Oh good, then you aren't busy I take it?" "Not really. Did you wish to do something?" "Actually yes. I heard your friends were in town. I'd be just thrilled to have you four over for brunch later today, if you're so inclined." "Sure! Ok! When?" "Shall we say...noonish? My place." "Alright! We'll be there!" Hanging up the phone, Applebloom noticed her friend's curious expression. "What?" "You changed your accent. What's up with that?" The yellow mare stared down at the floor, kicking her hoofs softly. "Oh...Diamond Tiara wants me to practice my accent when talkin' with her." "Um...alright. It's kinda weird but that's cool. I heard you say 'we'. What did you rope us into doin' with that creamsicle-headed nightmare?" "Comin' with me to have brunch with her. Come on, it's a great opportunity to make amends and get to know the new Diamond Tiara." Babs shook her head disapprovingly. "You'll have to do better than that. I'm perfectly fine here, or at my own home." "An hour or two ain't gonna kill ya; besides, it's free food." "Free food?...Fine. But I ain't gonna like it, AB. So when do we leave?" "In about an hour and a half. Ah'll be nice and let the two others sleep for a little longer." Applebloom thought for a second, and got a devious grin. "Actually, why don't we do somethin' really fun?" Her cousin recognized that look. Ever the prankster, Babs got the same smile. "I'm all ears. What did you have in mind?" "Let's make some noise!" ---------- Later that morning, a little before midday, the four mares were standing on the snow-covered pathway just in front of Diamond Tiara's large entry doors. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were both clutching their heads, which were still pounding violently. The aspirins they had taken hadn't quite kicked in. "Why did you guys do thaaat?" Sweetie whined. Babs nearly fell over with laughter. "Oh it was hilarious! You two looked like you were about to have some kind of alien baby burst outta your heads!" Applebloom was laughing vehemently as well, hanging on to Babs as they chortled together. Not long after Diamond had called her, Applebloom thought it would be very entertaining for the two awake ponies to get out some pots and pans and start banging them against each other. The entire house reverberated with the din, and the ponies not committing the act weren’t thrilled. "We'll...get you back for this." Scootaloo threatened, still hearing that awful noise. "You can try." Applebloom replied as she wiped a tear from her eye. Having calmed down a bit, her tone shifted. "Alright y'all. Remember what we done talked about; try to be nice. Ah know Diamond wasn't the kindest filly back in grade school. But she's changed." "Alright, AB. You have my word. I won't say anything that'll piss off your new marefriend." Babs said. Applebloom blushed. "She ain't my marefriend." "Mhm sure. That's why you put that bow in your hair. I haven't seen you wear that since we were fillies." The yellow pony had once worn a large bow in her mane so often that it became a trademark of sorts. In fact, most ponies had never seen her without it. However, since then she had replaced it with a stetson, taking after her sister. "Ah'm...tryin' somethin' different. There ain't nothing wrong with lookin' good durin' an outin'!" Babs rolled her eyes. "Alright alright. Well don't keep us waiting! It's friggin' cold out here!" The orange earth pony urged, seeing her breath visible in the air. Without further hesitation, Applebloom knocked on the large double doors. Seconds later, the handycolt known as Saddlesworth answered. "Good morning. Miss Tiara did mention that three additional guests would likely be accompanying you, Miss Applebloom. Please, right this way." With his hoof he gestured for the party to enter the house. "May I take your coats?" "Here ya go." Babs said, essentially tossing her garment at the stallion. "Where’s Diamond?" The other fillies followed Babs' example, throwing their coats onto Saddleworth's back. "You will find her in the Sun Room, just past the entranceway to the Parlor. I believe Miss Applebloom should know the way." The yellow earth pony cleared her throat and threw up her facade. "I believe we will be fine. Thank you." "Then if you would all excuse me, I must attend to my duties." Saddlesworth departed the foyer to wherever his next task was. The four ponies took a look around the room, appreciating the grandiose decorating style. Applebloom hadn't paid much attention to the foyer the other night, and noticed such things as the paintings and grand staircase leading up to the second level of the mansion. The centerpiece of the ceiling was a large gilded chandelier, its lights each encased in fine crystal shells. Photographs and portraits of Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, and the late Filthy Rich adorned the walls. Even the rug in front of the door wasn't spared the luxurious treatment. Babs Seed whistled in a bewildered fashion. "Seems Diamond has some expensive tastes. This one room probably costs more than my net worth." "Oh now don't say that about yourself." Sweetie Belle said, the pain in her head subsiding. "It sure will once I get a hold of you..." Scootaloo mumbled. "I've had my fill of this fine...entrance room. Lead the way, Applebloom." The group proceeded through down the hall past all the slightly open doors. Every now and then they would sneak a peak of what was behind the doors. Some were lit by sunlight; others completely dark. The parlor, however, had its doors shut. Coming to the last door, Applebloom turned the knob and entered into a large, sun-bathed room with what seemed to be some kind of self-contained ecosystem. The walls were glass windows, and along the stone patio was a small stream leading to the right into a garden of exotic and fragrant flowers. Several ponies were tending to the plants, while another cleaned the big swimming pool just behind the garden. On the left side, an "outdoor" kitchenette assembly had been built, complete with various appliances and a large bar. "My goodness...this is...beautifuuuuul." Sweetie swooned, starry-eyed. "It's so strange. It's like its summertime." Scootaloo remarked. Indeed the Sun Room was starkly contrasted by the snow visible just on the other side of the windows. Applebloom cantered down the steps towards a dining table. Sitting at the table was a pink mare accompanied by her grey friend. Immediately Tiara's face lit up at the sight of the red-maned filly. "Applebloom!" She ran up and gave her a hug. "Oh this is so wonderful! Please, let's eat! I'm starving." Diamond then noticed Babs, Sweetie, and Scootaloo. "How are you three doing? I haven't seen you all in years! We have so much catching up to do!" The three fillies gave each other a look of apprehension, and reluctantly found a place at the table. Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Babs all sat on one side; Applebloom, Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara on the other. The pink mare's smile never went away, but the next few seconds were spent awkwardly looking at one another or avoiding eye contact. Diamond Tiara finally broke the silence. "Soo...how have you all been?" Babs was the one to answer. "Fine...I guess..." Sweetie began to utter a derisive comment. "We were just fine bef―" The unicorn retracted her foreleg in pain. Applebloom had kicked her from under the table. "You'll have to excuse her." The yellow pony said, trying to fix the situation. Diamond Tiara's face became calm and serious. "No no. It's true. She has every right to say that." The jewelry clad mare looked down on the table. Her silver companion did the same. "It wasn't right what we did to you all as fillies. We were cruel, confrontational, and just plain ugly." "We were bullies, and no words can describe how sorry we are. So we invited you all over here to make our appeal." Silver Spoon said. "Yes. We understand if you never want to forgive us, but we ARE sorry. And we would love nothing more than to put this all behind us. We're adults now, and if you would allow us, we would be thrilled to accept your friendship." Diamond Tiara held out her hoof, her voice emanating sincerity. The three ponies on the other side of the table looked at one another, then back at the two penitent mares. They all crossed their hooves and frowned. Babs opened her mouth to say no. However, Applebloom's look stopped her. The way she held her eyes told Babs that her cousin really wanted them to accept Diamond and Silver. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle saw it too. Rolling her eyes, Babs Seed finally relented with a sigh. "Fine! We'll give you a chance. BUT! Only for Applebloom. She sees the good in you two, though I don't know how." "Yeah, for Applebloom. So don't try anything funny." The orange pegasus added. The yellow businesspony merely smiled, while Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon became ecstatic. "Yes! Oh thank you all so much! You won't regret this! We're going to have such fun!" The pink mare looked over at an incoming waiter bearing several silver trays. "But for now, who's hungry?" The waiter placed the trays on the table and lifted up the lids. Underneath was an assortment of gourmet brunch items, all giving off succulent aromas. The guests all licked their lips and nearly drooled on the table. Their stomachs each growled ferociously as the food was placed onto their plates. Grabbing their utensils, the ponies dug into the meal. During this time, the six mares talked about their lives and affairs. At first the three who yielded to Applebloom were somewhat hesitant to really ask or say anything. However, as brunch went on they found themselves gradually warming up to Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Sweetie Belle, being such a kind soul, accepted them the most, while the suspiciously natured Babs still was only lukewarm. Nevertheless, thought they might have had trouble admitting it, the guests did have a good time. After everypony was finished eating, waiters came to pick up all the contents on the table. Diamond Tiara wiped her mouth so elegantly and addressed her guests. "I hope you all had as good of a time as I did." "Thank you for the meal." Scootaloo said. "It was delicious." Complimented the white unicorn singer. She noticed Babs didn't say anything and gave her a nudge. "Yeah it was good. Thanks." "You all are most welcome! Actually, Applebloom, before you leave, may I have a word in private?" The earth pony nodded and followed Diamond Tiara to another room. "Hehe yeah. 'In private'." Babs chided. Applebloom shot her a glare. The industrialist was led inside to a small sitting room near the parlor. Diamond Tiara sat down on a couch and got out a cigarette. Lighting it up, she blew a cloud of smoke and smiled at Applebloom. "Have a seat, dear. I have a proposition for you." "Um alright. What is it?" The pink pony leaned in closer to the mare, giving her a sultry look. Tiara's smiled faded to a slight smirk. "You're a great pony, Applebloom. You're very smart, strong, and above all you have excellent character. I must admit I am a tad jealous." Applebloom laughed nervously. "Thank...you?" Maybe Babs was on to something, she thought. "Indeed." She exhaled smoke again. "Already Apple Industries is a powerful entity. Imagine, Applebloom, what we could do together. Imagine how much bigger it could become with my extra capital. You're friendship means the world to me. Perhaps a partnership could form between us as well?" "Are you talking about a merger or something?" Diamond leaned in a little closer. "A union between our two empires. We both could stand to game a hell of a lot of money. And who knows? Perhaps our partnership might even blossom into something...more." Applebloom processed what she had been told. Staring off into space, she thought about the implications of a union. Apple Industries was her...baby. Would it be right to dilute her legacy, for greater success, for more money? "Ah―I'm not sure...I'd have to think it over..." "Please take your time. I'm happy to wait as long as I need to." Applebloom got up from the couch. Still lost in thoughts, she left the room after waving goodbye. Returning to the patio, the businesspony gathered up her friends. Passing down the hall to retrieve their coats, Babs stopped to talk to her cousin. "So what'd she have to say?" "She suggested mergin' our two companies." The other three's eyes bugged out. "Are ya gonna go through with it, AB?" "Ah dunno, Babs. Ah...Ah gotta think this through." Snapping herself out of her trance, Applebloom led the group out along the path and back to her home. Meanwhile back in the sitting room, the pink owner of the mansion was joined by her silver friend. Sitting down on a couch, Silver Spoon looked at her friend’s expression. She could tell something had gone right. Diamond Tiara grinned another devious smile. All was coming together. She could smell the scent of apples in her mane. She could see the kind gaze of her gamboge eyes. And most of all, Diamond could feel the cold hard cash. But, that orange earth pony could prove to be a hindrance.