//------------------------------// // Chapter 7: First Day On The Job // Story: Letters for Cheerilee // by MephileztheHam //------------------------------// “Oh Cheerilee, you are so ravishing tonight. I wonder if you always look this radiant, I should have been direct with my courtship you know” a voice spoke. I didn't recognize it, but it sounded male. I blinked my eyes twice then looked around, I was in a dimly lit room. The walls were lined with some sort of red velvet wallpaper and I found myself sitting at a rather lovely looking table. Two candles, two bowls of steaming something and two glasses of what looked to be wine sat before me. How did I get here? Where was I before? What is going on? “Darling, are you alright? Perhaps I should have chosen a location with better lighting?” the same voice from earlier spoke once more. I looked all around me yet I couldn't find the origin of the voice. “Over here, darling?” I snapped my gaze forward and there sitting before me was a stallion, I could barely tell what he looked like. But from what I could see his fur was colored....purple? And he looked to be a unicorn, I think. Whoever he was I couldn't help but feel safe in his presence, and try as I might I couldn't remember what I was thinking about before. “I hope I don't make you uncomfortable. This isn't exactly the most lively of any dining quarters but I chose a secluded spot. Just as you asked in your last letter” last letter? Oh my, this is my secret admirer! In the flesh! Say something you idiot! “Sorry, I was worried about some things. The usual, you know?” I spoke, suddenly remembering my recent loss of my job. The stallion chuckled as he reached over the table and took my hoof in his own. Instantly my cheeks flushed, thank Celestia this room was dark as hell or else he would see. “You don't need to worry about that whole thing anymore, that mare Twilight has it under control right?” his voice was as smooth as honey. I couldn't help but melt at his tone, he sounded so refined yet manly. “Indeed, but let's stop talking about her. I believe you had something important to tell me?” I said. Wait, did he? I can't remember, what were we just talking about? Why is it so bucking dark in here? “Well, yes I did in fact. I wanted to ask you this ever since I sent you that first letter” the mystery stallion said as he pulled a box out from under the table. The thing was as big as my head! “What is that?” I asked, my eyes glued on the wooden object before me. The stallion said nothing as he flipped it open, revealing a golden band encrusted with every gem you could ever imagine. It shined brightly even in the dim ambiance, it looked magnificent. By Celestia it must be worth at least a million bits! “Would you give me the honor of.....” this can't be happening, is he really going to ask me that? “Waking the heck up!” “Yes! I would love to....wait, what?” before I could say anymore the stallion lunged across the table as he grabbed me. He shook me like a rag doll, telling me to wake up over and over again like a mad stallion. “Wake up, Cheerilee! I gotta go to school!” that voice, Scootaloo? Why the hell is he speaking in....oh, this is a dream isn't it? The mystery stallion rolled his eyes at me and gave me one final shake. And just like that I woke up muzzle to muzzle with a very annoyed looking Scootaloo. Well this isn't encroaching with my personal space or anything. “Good morning, I take it that I slept in?” I yawned. Scootaloo rolled her eyes as she nodded at my question. Without even asking the little filly how long exactly I slept in I turned to the nearby clock on the wall. Ten bucking thirty, I am a hour late to my job at Twilight's and Scootaloo is probably royally screwed with the sub at school. “Well crud, no time for a shower or breakfast. That's real swell, Twilight is going to kill m-” “Can we just go already? You can think out loud later!” Scootaloo whined as she tried her best to drag me off the couch. With a sigh I complied to her struggled ministrations, took a quick shower and left to school with Scootaloo in tow. Thankfully morning rush was over and the town of Ponyville had gotten lax compared to how busy it usually was. Not that I was complaining, I bucking hate morning traffic. There was always somepony trying to sell you something from off the side of the street too, hate the morning rush so, so very much. It's why I try my best to wake up at least thirty minutes earlier most days. But thanks to the lack of traffic we arrived to school in no time at all. Scootaloo said her goodbyes as she scampered off into the building and I made my way to Twilight's home. “You are so screwed, she is probably going to magically bitch slap you for being late. And on the first day on the job too, tisk tisk. sugar” berated my conscience. I saw no point in arguing with him, he was right and it was a little too early to get a migraine. Moments passed and I found myself standing in front of the town library with cold feet. What if Twilight really is pissed off to all hell and she would launch me sky high the moment I knocked? Only one way to find out.... Knock knock knock With those three solid knocks I immediately heard something on the other side of the door tumble and it was shortly followed by hushed whispering. Then came the hoof steps, it sounded like somepony was pacing back and forth on the other side of the door. “Just open the door and let her in, you're making me anxious with all that pacing Twi!” groaned a voice from inside the library. Sure enough the library door opened up to reveal my new part time boss and she looked rather ragged. Twilight had bags under her eyes and I am pretty sure those bags had bags. Did she even sleep last night? “You showed up! I was starting to worry that I spent so five sleepless hours organizing this month's schedule for nothing” five hours? All on a schedule for me? I had heard that Twilight is extremely meticulous about these kinds of things, but that is just ridiculous. “But it's no problem, just make sure to be on time next time” “Sorry, I slept in this morning. Thankfully Scootaloo woke me up before it got any later, I probably would have slept the whole day if she hadn't woken me!” I said, smiling sheepishly. Twilight nodded knowingly and glancing over at Spike I saw he was less than understanding. “I hope you don't plan on showing up late everyday, Cheerilee. I had to do some of the housework that was meant for you and don't get me started on th-” “Hush Spike! Don't worry about him Cheerilee, he's just a little grumpy when he found out you weren't taking over for him. He actually thought you were going to be our maid, such a silly thought right?” quite a silly thought indeed. Me a maid, really Spike?” “Whatever, anypony would have misunderstood if they were in my position. You just worded it weirdly. Using those big words and stuff” Spike huffed, crossing his little arms over his chest. Aw, he looks so cute trying to be all big and bad. “So all of that stuff aside, what's there to do? What is the plan, do you have a list of things for me to do and are there any ground rules I should be aware about?” I asked, hoping my questions would change the subject. “There are plenty of things to do around here, I have a list set up for you and everything so don't worry about that. Oh, and speaking of ground rules there really isn't anything you should worry about besides knocking before you enter a room and things like that. Treat my home like it was your own, this isn't a classroom so just feel free to be yourself! So with that said please come inside and let's get down to business shall we?” I followed Twilight and Spike into the library as she spoke, and I couldn't help but gape around the place in awe. There were so many books, this place really puts my collection at home to shame. The last time I came here there were only a few book cases but looking at it now, Twilight has been busy that's for sure. “Okay, first things first your list” Twilight said as she handed me a slip of paper. Looking over the sheet I counted no less than five items on the list to do. Seems like Twilight wants to make my first day easy, how nice of her. And according to the list the first thing to do was organize the nonfiction bookshelves alphabetically. Looks like my first day on the job isn't going to be a exciting one that is for sure. “And so begins your first day here at the library, I will leave you in the capable hands of Spike while I go about my own tasks. Oh, and go easy on her Spike, ease into the workload alright? Anyways I'm off to research some things, have fun!” true to her word she left, happily whistling aloud as she delved off upstairs. So I have to organize books, clean the shelves among other menial tasks according to the list. It's going to be a long day. Have fun, right. “Sugar, you should be in a better mood you know. This mare gave you a job and everything, you should be lucky she isn't making you the maid of the household! Be enthusiastic and tackle the chores with a smile why dont you?” Well he does have a point, no reason to disregard my fairy gay mother. Not after that little spat with Mortar a few nights ago, that's for sure. By the dimples on Celestia's great ass, that situation could have ended so terribly if it wasn't for Twilight. I am still surprised everything went to hell so quickly, thankfully I have a purple guardian angel to watch over me. I really have to repay her soon, but how? “Hey, are you ok in there? You're staring at that list like a zombie or something and it's starting to freak me out” hearing the little dragon voice snapped me from my musings and brought me back to reality. Shaking my head of my pesky thoughts I turned to the dragon beside me and his curious eyes. “Sorry about that, I was just thinking about some things. And do I really look that freaky when I daydream like that?” I asked. I was half curious and half dreading the answer I was about to get. Something tells me it won't be a flattering one. “Are you kidding? You look like one of those zomponies you'd see at a cheap horror flick. Your eyes were glazed over and everything!” Spike explained all the while perfoming his best zombie expression. “Alright then....anyways my little reptilian friend. What's the plan for today, besides the stuff on this list of course” I asked as I gazed around the library and the disheveled bookshelves. Really not looking forward to reorganizing those shelves, not at all. “I guess we could take a break or something after we knock down a few of those chores. Besides that there is not much else I think, so let's stop yapping and get down to business lackey!” I giggled a bit as I watched Spike puffed out his chest as he and marched over to the bookshelves with a bit of swagger in every step. So I'm the lackey huh? I guess that would be the correct lable for me at the moment, Twilight did say I had to adhere to the purple lizard boy. “Whatever you say boss” I said with a mock salute, to which the little dragon returned with gusto. And so began our misadventure with alphabetizing the books, half an hour passed and it felt like we were really getting somewhere. Spike and I decided on sharing the workload, he organized the top shelves and I handled the bottom shelves. Thankfully Twilight had a ladder for these kinds of chores, but there was no way in hell I was going to stand on that thing. I don't like heights and hooves don't really work well on ladders, whoever designed ladders with so little space between each rung needs to be slapped. “And that's it for....the E catergory....” Spike said with a sigh. I joined in with his sigh with a groan of my own. “This is taking longer than I thought, and it's only one o clock! I never thought I would miss teaching those rambunctious kids back at school” seriously, organizing books is a lot more tiring than you would think. And worse of all my back hurts from bending down to place books on the lowest shelf. I really should invest in another bed. Sleeping on a couch everytime Scootaloo stays over is going to be the end of me if I don't buy a spare bed. “You're telling me, I would guess we would be done with this around maybe four or something” Spike said as he bonked the shelf with his forehead. That sounded about right, here's to another hour or two organizing these damn books.... Two hours later.... “And there goes “Zebra History 101 The Complete Edition” on the shelf! We finally finished!” Spike cheered as the last Celestia forsaken book was placed nice and snug in the shelf. “Finally, I didn't think we would ever finish. At least it wasn't difficult, just tedious” I said as I a stretched, elliciting several soothing pops from my back. Buck my couch, seriously. “One down, four more to go!” Twilight yelled from somewhere upstairs. Spike and I groaned, we forgot there were more things to do. Were it so easy huh? “Shut up if you would be so kind, princess!” I yelled back at the alicorn only to receive muffled laughter in return. Spike laughed along with his caretaker as he jumped off the ladder and landed on my back with a plop. The little guy was quite heavy for his size, what was Twilight feeding him? “Alright my trusty steed, what's next on the list?” Spike asked. First it was lackey, now I am his trusty steed? “Don't be such a sour puss, sugar. Let him have his fun, he's only a kid” said my conscience. Fine, he could have his fun. But only for today, there is a point before I take so much crap from a talking lizard. “Well my stalwart knight, according to the list we have to dust the bookshelves we just finished organizing” Spike and I sighed in unison, looks like the chores aren't going to get any less tedious. “I'll go get the feather duster....” Hours later.... A few hours had passed and the clock struck eight pm, it was a long day but Spike and I had pushed through the worst of it together. Right now we had decided on taking a small break chatting upstairs about this and that. And I can say that after talking with the little dragon, Spike and I have bonded rather well during our chores. He was quite the chatty dragon, talking about the adventures he had with Twilight and her friends. The way he spoke of her with such admiration said a lot about the relationship between the two. They were as thick as thieves, and it showed. It was heart warming to learn that little tidbit from Spike, even though he was a dragon and Twilight was a pony you could tell they were like mother and son in some ways. She did raise him after all, she might not be his genetic mom but she is his caretaker. It reminds me of how I was with my parents. I wonder how they're doing in Canterlot? I bet dad is out taking his walks around the garden and watering his prized tulips. Mother would be cooking dinner as she sung a song from her youth. What would their reaction be if they knew I about my whole job fiasco. First thing they would do they would come visit and ask me to stay with them until I got a new job. They always wanted me close to home, I still remember arguing with them over settling down here in Ponyville. “Equestria to Cheerilee, you're doing the thinking face again” I shook my head of my thoughts and turned to see a impatient Spike tapping his foot. I did it again, I really need to ration my daydreaming to home. “Okay, now that you are back let's go over what is left. We organized the nonfiction bookshelves, dusted said bookshelves and watered the garden plus we bought that book Twilight wanted, Dating Mares and Stallions for Dummies” Spike listed off as he passed the list over to me. “Thank Celestia we got the last copy from that store too. And it looks like Twilight has her eyes set on some lucky stallion if this book is any sign to that” I was glad to see Twilight was taking initiative in the dating scene. Whoever the mystery stallion is he must be quite the interesting individual if he caught the eye of her. Wonder who it is? “Uh yeah, a stallion, right” Spike muttered quietly, as if he didn't want me to hear. But I didn't bother him over it, maybe he is getting a little protective over the ordeal? I wouldn't be surprised if he was, I mean this is technically his mom getting intimated with somepony he doesn't know. It definitely is a cause for some overprotective tendencies. “Anyways we finished four things, one to go right?” “Exactly, according to our to do list the next chore is....have dinner with Twilight?” not the finale I was expecting to be honest. And here I thought she was going to send us to the Everfree forest to find some ancient tome or something. “Finally, I'm starving! I'll cook the three of us some soup if we got the materials” Spike grumbled along with his stomach. Sure enough my stomach growled along with his. I guess we both deserve a good meal after our work today right? “And right on time too! Just as I had predicted on the schedule” Spike and I both squeaked, we both turned to see Twilight poking her head from out of the stairwell. A giddy smile was plastered on her face. “Uh oh, you cooked? Is the kitchen on fire?” Spike said with a laugh. Looks like Twilight isn't the best cook of the household. “Is she really that bad? Should I worry about food poisoning?” Twilight huffed at our antics, her muzzle scrunching up in frustration. “We're just kidding Twi, I am sure this time will be different. Come on Cheerilee” and with that said our little trio marched our flanks downstairs into the kitchen. Thankfully nothing was on fire and everything seemed normal, a table had been cleaned up for the three of us with everything you'd expect at a dinner table. Three bowls rested on the table, wisps of fresh steam hovered over each of them. As I sat down with my companions I took in the sight of my steaming bowl of, what in the absolute hell is this thing? “What in the world?” my thoughts exactly, ol gay conscience of mine. Whatever was in the bowl was burnt to a crisp, a goopy looking brownish crusty substance sat before me. There were chunks of what I assumed to be vegetables of some kind stuck in it, I could be wrong. And the smell, it smelled burned to say the least. At least it wasn't gag inducing. “I tried my best to follow the steps from a cook book I found in the library. It tastes better than it looks, honest!” Twilight said with a reassuring tone. But try as she might I didn't feel one bit reassured at all, this thing looks terrifying. “Maybe, let me jus-Oh my gosh it moved!” Spike screamed suddenly as he recoiled at whatever was in his bowl. His reaction made me look back at my own dish and poke it with my spoon. And I did just that, and as soon as my utensil came in contact with the muck it literally recoiled from it. “Um Twilight, you didn't happen to use any magic on your cooking, did you? Cause I don't think whatever you cooked up from that cook book is supposed to be sentient” I said as I poked my food some more, elliciting even more spastic movements from the goopy liquid. I had read that food could be animated via magic accidentally and I witnessed it happen on one occasion in class. A student turned an apple on my desk to life and it attacked me, I still haven't trusted an apple since. “Oh crud, it's alive isn't it? I thought I had it this time!” Twilight groaned as she banged her head against the desk. “Cooking is supposed to be done with love and care, not magic, Twi” Spike was right, sometimes magic isn't the best substitute to actual cooking experience. But I won't say that to Twilight, it's best to reassure her failure. It's not okay to give a student a hard time unless you're a certain tiara wearing filly, so it isn't okay to give Twilight a hard time. Even though she did butcher our meal. “It's alright Twilight, I can't cook either. Let's just dump whatever this was supposed to be in the garbage and try something else” I said softly as I pulled away from the table and took my sentient food stuff in hoof. “Yeah, how about we eat out or something. And what was this supposed to be anyways?” Spike asked as he gave me his monster food to throw away. As soon as I touched his bowl the food inside made a squelching noise. Sounds like some loose air inside expelled out from within, or was it growling at me? I hope it was the first one. "It was supposed to be tomato bisque with vegetable chunks, you can see how well it turned out" tomato bisque? This goopy slop is supposed to be tomato bisque? Well it's better than what I can do at least. I can barely make an omelot without something explosive happening. With that thought I took Twilight's horrifying meal and dumped it's contents in the trash along with Spike's and my own. “Now that those things are in the trash, how about we go out to eat tonight?” Twilight said disdainfully, no doubt still upset over her cooking catastrophe. But besides her mood, eating out sounded like a great idea. It wasn't too late to go out either, it was still early at night being near nine pm. “Sounds awesome to me, I will go get my coat!” and just as he spoke, Spike dashed upstairs and out of sight. “Actually, I want you to stay home tonight Spike!” Twilight yelled after the eager dragon. A muffled groan was heard upstairs followed by the sound of something falling over with a thud. “Why?!” why indeed, Twilight. “Somepony needs to watch over the library while we're gone, that and there are some leftover gem cakes in the fridge!” and just like that Spike's moans and groans turned into an uproar of cheers as he dashed back downstairs. I watched as the little dragon nearly tear off the refrigerator door as he pulled out a tray of cakes and sweets. And just like Twilight had said, the deserts were topped with what looked to be rubies. Now those things look expensive, and all those gems could fetch a pretty penny at a jewelers. Instead those rubies are going to find a home in Spike's gullet. “Where in Equestria did you find ruby encrusted cupcakes and all that stuff?” I asked curiously. I can't imagine how expensive it must have been to get all of those things. She is a princess and all, but still. “Oh my friend Rarity let's Spike and I have her leftover dress materials whenever she has too much sometimes. Spike would always take his batch of gems to Pinkie Pie and you can guess how the cakes came to be” Twilight explained. “A good way to recycle materials I suppose, but enough about the pastries Twilight. How about we go get a bite to eat?” with that said we said our goodbyes to Spike while he gobbled away at his pastries and left the library behind. It was nice and crisp outside with the onset chilly weather of the winter month on it's way. Soon it will be Hearth's Warming eve and then a new year in Equestria. And to top it all off not a single cloud was in the sky letting Luna's moon shine with all of it's glory. “It's beautiful out isn't it? I bet this would be a great night for you and you're colt friend huh? Who is he?” and out comes the first awkward question of the night. But Twilight didn't answer, she just looked at me with a confused expression on her face. “What are you talking about?” oh, so she's playing that game then? “You know, Spike and I kinda took a peek at that book you asked us to pick up at that store. Dating Mares and Stallions for Dummies, Twilight?” my words only caused poor Twilight to turn as red as a ripe tomato. “T-T-That's private! And I am not dating anypony! I j-just ordered the book for research on something Celestia tasked me with, nothing else!” Twilight stammered as she quickened her pace. “Oh I bet it is nothing, Twilight. But you're stuttering isn't helping your case there princess” I teased, playfully slapping her tail with my own as I caught up to her. Twilight squeaked at my touch and sped up her pace even more. And her face was even redder than before, she was positively glowing red! “Way to make it awkward as hell, sugar. Dinner is going to be a no eye contact affair now mark my words” my conscience said with a sigh. “Oh it's nothing to worry about, she knows I am only teasing!” I tried to reassure myself as I yelled back at my conscience with that thought. But perhaps my teasing was out of turn, a mare like Twilight probably over analyzes these kinds of things and is probably uncomfortable with the unknown. I should probably apologize when we get to whatever restaurant we were going to. For the rest of our walk through Ponyville I kept my trap shut and so did Twilight. Occasionally she and I would make eye contact, but only for a second until we both went back to eyeing something else other than each other. Awkward as hell, and I had only myself to blame. “That is an understatement” “Hush you!” Eventually Twilight and I arrived to a quaint looking restaurant with a sign hanging just above the entrance swishing in the night wind. “The Gilded Mare” was engraved extravagantly on the wooden sign. What a odd name for a restaurant. Anyways, the building itself had tables already filled with diners outside under a a columned roof area, and the windows around the establishment gave a clear view of the experience inside. And boy did it look crowded as hell in there. “Here we are, I'll book us in” Twilight said as she led me inside the restaurant, and once we got inside I noted the smells of spices and smoke. Looking around I caught sight of what looked to be a open kitchen in the far back. So you could see your food being cooked while you wait, fancy. Taking another look around I saw that the place was indeed quite packed with patrons save for a few empty tables and booths. I wonder if the waiters here and uptight? My question was answered when I caught sight of the receptionist, the snootiest looking stallion you could expect in a place like this. Slick backed hair, a twirly looking mustache and a pompous suit to match the whole outfit. His cutie mark would probably be a fancy cane crossed over a top hat or some crap like that. “Welcome The Gilded Ma-oh! Princess Twilight Sparkle, to what do we here owe the pleasure of your presence madam?” oh Celestia he had the stereotypical Prench accent too. And he has cheap smelling cologne to boot, yuck. And it looks like his exasperated words caught the attention of everpony in the restaurant. Time seemed to stop as dozens of eyes were now on Twilight, some ponies bowed and others didn't know whether to stay in their seats or join in with the ones who did bow down. “Oh please rise up all of you, I am just here for a dinner! And Yes I have a reservation for nine, a table for two” Twilight said with a blush as she nodded at her subjects. To have all of the power to get everypony on their knees in your presence makes you wonder what you could do with such power. “Don't even think about it, sugar” deadpanned my conscience. “I was just wondering!” “Ah yes I see you here on the list, if you would follow me your majesty and guest” so much for royal companion I guess, oh well. Twilight and I followed the snooty stallion to a enclosed room passed wooden double doors. And what I saw made my wallet cry out in terror, we found ourselves in the most regal looking room I have ever seen. The walls had portraits of landscapes, a chandelier rested above the table and everything looked cushiony, it just looked all comfortable. All in all it just looked like a dining area that I couldn't afford on my salary. I'd expect to find a place like this in Canterlot, but to find a place like this in Ponyville is quite a surprise. And to make it even more fancy the table was lit by candle light. Rich couples probably dined in here, this room certainly had that flair about it. Just the two of us alone in a private dining room, nothing strange going on here. “And it's a perfect place for you and Twilight to get acquainted with, sensually” added my conscience but I chose to ignore him. He's just being a idiot again, trying to rile me up into another one of his mental quarrels “And here we are, if you two would have a seat we will be right with you shortly” with a curt bow the stallion left us alone, the double doors closed shut behind him. We both took to our seats and began to peruse the menus. Looking through the appetizers alone gave me a heart attack, the prices were ridiculous! Turning to the entree page didn't help, the prices just seemed to double with every page flip. “Any chance they have a kid's menu?” I joked as I continued to look for something that costed less than seventy bits with no luck. The cheapest thing was some fancy smancy soup for fifty five bits, and the worse part is that the breadsticks cost extra! “Oh the prices aren't that bad, get anything that looks good. I'll handle the bill, okay?” Twilight reassured. But I still felt horrible picking anything on this menu, I could barely afford the soup by itself! In the end I settled on the soup with the weird name I couldn't even begin to pronounce. It better taste good for how much it bucking costs! “So what are you getting?” Twilight asked as she put down her menu, her eyes gazing at me curiously. “Just a soup, you?” I answered, folding up my menu and placing it on top of her's. “Oh nothing special, just the hickory smoked salmon with a side of Evergreen grown baked potatos” she stated calmly like it was something you'd order like you would a hayburger at a fast food joint. Wait a second, did she just say salmon. “You're going to eat salmon?” I asked with disbelief. Maybe I heard her wrong? “Yep” “But salmon is meat, it used to be alive” I said, hoping she was just kidding about ordering fish. “No it's not, it's just fish. Pegasi eat fish all the time, it has to do with them being close to avian species. And since I turned into a alicorn a while ago I inherited a craving for the creatures. I assure you that it is natural to eat fish, although it isn't a large part of pegasi diet. I guess you could compare it to eating cake occasionally, unless you're Pinkie Pie of course. But sharing an avian relative allows pegasi to gain nutrients from fish, they don't eat it all the time as I said before.” “When you explain it like that I suppose it makes sense in a biological way, still it seem odd. But I can't say I am comfortable with it, meat, yuck” I gagged, sticking my tongue out as I dramatically pretended choked. Twilight just giggled at my reaction and I couldn't help but giggle along with her. Her laugh was infectious, cute even. “You are so gay” groaned my conscience. “I am not, I was just complimenting her manner of laughter in my mind! It's completely platonic, like when a stallion calls another stallion he is handsome. Same thing!” Whatever you say, sugar” “I am going to ignore you now” I thought angrily to my inner conscience and he just laughed maniacally at me. Expensive meals, a meat eating princess and now my flamboyant conscience teasing me. What a perfect night out. After my little mental confrontation our a waiter came in and took our orders and left us with some wine, he didn't even ask us what we wanted to drink. I guess when royalty dines in your restaurant you just have to give them the expensive stuff so you can get a chunk of their wealth. Bunch of blood suckers. "So....you never did tell me how you and Mortar met. What happened between you two?" Twilight suddenly asked. "Well that's an interesting question, Miss Sparkle" I said sarcastically, and mostly due to the sour emotions her little inquiry brought up. Mortar is the last thing I want to think about, especially during a night like this. "I am sorry, I know it's a personal question. I just wanted to know, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to" hearing the sincerity in her voice calmed me down to think. It couldn't hurt to tell her, we are technically co-workers now. "And it's a great way to get you two closer, if you know what I mean!" joked my conscience. "Okay, well I was a young student aspiring to become a teacher. It was a dream of mine to teach the young minds of Equestria, and I always wanted to teach in a prestigious school up in Canterlot. So after working my butt off in high school I gained entry to a place called Bravehills college. A rather large college that only ponies with near perfect grades were allowed in, or unless you had a lot of bits and were a rich kid. It was and still is the one of the most impressive schools I attended, everypony was so profession there. Quite the change compared to high school, everything was so business like there, but I think it gave the campus a special charm." The memories came flashing back as I told my story. Memories of Bravehills and the years spent studying my flank off in my younger days. "On my first day in blank studies was when I met Mortar. I had shown up late to class and every single seat in class was taken, except for one. He and I spoke for a little while, about how we were excited for our first day of college life. I learned he was a shy stallion, kept to himself and he didn't have many friends. Neither did I, so we became great acquaintances, and then great friends. We found that we were quite a study team together as the two of us nearly did everything together. If you saw us you'd think we were a couple, but we were innocent friends back then." Innocent friends, so naive was the young version of me. If only I knew just what I got myself into. "But that didn't last, I found myself growing fond of him over time. We both liked the same things, we had the same goal for when we finished college as well. However, I learned that Mortar wasn't the type of stallion to ask somepony out on his own accord. He was as spineless as they came, I ended up asking him out. Unsurprisingly he loved the idea, saying that he loved me from the first day we met. Looking back on it now, I was such a fool." "What do you mean?" Twilight asked, a hint of worry in her voice. And she had good reason to be worried, this story isn't all sunshine and butterflies. "I was being played, let me explain. As the years passed us by, Mortar and I were still very much in love. We always took the same classes, always studying at the same time and things like that. The usual things that a couple in puppy love would do you know? Mortar wasn't as adept as I in college though, I took up responsibility as his marefriend to hold him up when he started dropping in his grades. At the time I never knew how stupid I was for doing that." As I spoke I felt that feeling in my chest rise up. The kind that you feel when you absolutely regret something you did, and I regret helping that sleazy stallion out of his own bucking problems. "Oh but I realized just how much of an idiot I was. One day the dean of the campus held a sort of challenge for the students in our field of study. Anypony in the track to scholarly teaching roles, or just ponies that worked for a future in a profession in that field were given a ultimatum. And that ultimatum was a chance to be get the mother of all scholarships, enough bits to pay for the rest of one's college career. No tuition fees, no loans to take part in. And all you had to do to win was write an essay on why you were important enough to get the prize, how you could make a difference in teaching the lives of young minds." Everything went so well, I was so naive. If only I knew just what would happen. "Mortar and I knew just what to do, we would both write the best essay we could manage. And if we won, we would split the money together. He said he would keep studying for us both, that I wouldn't have to worry about working my flank off in a job. I'll take care of us both, that's what he said to me and like the gullible mare blinded by love believed him. We spent night and day working together. Eventually I had concocted the best essay I had ever written, I even had it looked over by my professors." I remembered that essay, the pride and joy of my college career. It will be a long time until I create something else to top that whole piece of work. What a waste. "They told me I was a shoo in to win, Mortar thought so too. He wanted to celebrate early and so did I. We held a little party for ourselves in our dorm, singing and getting drunk like the stupid kids we were. Things got...intimate between us. He was my first, I thought against going through with him, a little part of me wanted to wait a bit longer to see how things played out between us after college. But my beer addled mind was no match for his honeyed words, he promised that he would always love me no matter what. Even if we lost the challenge, if we flunked out or anything like that. That he will always be my knight in shining armor." I worked to keep my voice calm as I spoke, I wanted to yell, to scream out a curse against his very name. But it was too late for any of that now, and besides. I got the last laugh, it just took a few years to get to it. If only this moment of my past didn't pass. "The very next morning I woke up to a empty bed and my essay missing from my room. I was worried, where had my love gone? It was the last day of essay evaluations, I was more worried that Mortar and I would never too late. What happened to him? I thought as I scoured the campus for him. and when I was about to lose hope of finding him, I found him. And he did the one thing I never thought he would ever do to me. He betrayed me." "He didn't!" Twilight gasped. I slowly nodded solemnly, causing another gasp to escape from her. "He did, the bastard entered in my essay as his own. I knew I should have written my name on it, but I stupidly got drunk before I could. And Mortar won the scholarship, winning everything we were supposed to achieve together. But I didn't see anything bad about it, until I confronted him about it. I forgave him for using my essay, that we still won and would be set for a long time during and after college. You know what he said to me?" I flashed back to that moment, to the look on Mortar's face as he spoke. He had changed. As he yelled at my face I saw that the Mortar I knew, the stallion I thought I knew was a fake. All a big fat lie. "You can't be serious? Why the hell would I do that, poppet? His words were not what I expected from him, it confused me to all hell. I begged him to tell me what was wrong and what was the answer I got from my so called lover? He said he never loved me, that he was using me from the very first time we met years ago. I was his gravy train to success, all those times he begged for me to help him in class or to couple together for tests...I was his tool." "That's terrible, I am so sorry..." as Twilight spoke she didn't dare look me in the eye. I didn't blame her, I wouldn't look into my own eyes either if I heard such a terrible tale. But it gets worse. "And you want to know the worst part of it? I wasn't the first mare he tricked like that, I learned that his dream was never to become a teacher. It was just to get rich, that he worked odd jobs before even setting hoof in college for cash. Ripping ponies off as an expert con man. He didn't even get into the Bravehills legitimately, he conned some poor soul out of their application and attended college in their stead." "I went to the authorities over this, that scholarship was supposed to be mine. But what evidence did I have that he was a criminal? His name was on my paper, no other copies existed. And what about him cheating into college? What did I have to prove he was a crook? The answer? Absolutely nothing, and as soon as he was awarded the scholarship he skipped town. Mortar left Canterlot behind with a sack full of bits, and I silently returned to my studies." As I began to end my story I felt washed over with nostalgia and contempt for my past. At least this is where the dark part of my tale ended. "Eventually I passed college with high marks, got a job teaching like I always wanted. Mortar on the other hoof lived in the lap of luxury with the scholarship money. The reason why he is even in Ponyville in the first place is probably due to him wasting all of the bits. Maybe in conning other ponies or something relating to his criminal ways. But now he's nearly toothless, without a job and has nothing against me now. Quite a debacle, but here I am nonetheless, while he is in the dirt." With my tale ended I looked to Twilight, studying her to see what she thought on the outside. She held a sort of sad frown, a melancholy look in her eyes. "You've been through a lot, Cheerilee. I am sorry for what happened to you, but you came out stronger for the better. Didn't you?" I did didn't I? I guess I can thank Mortar for that at least, if it wasn't for his corrupt ways I wouldn't have needed Twilight in my life like I do now, as a loyal friend. "I wouldn't want to encourage ponies to take the same route in life that I had in college, but yes, I suppose I did. I'm just ashamed I fell for his tricks. Gosh I was such an idiot back then...." "You were young and naive. We all go through times like that, but in the end you have a job and valuable friends. In my opinion that is worth more than any scholarship" "You're right, Mortar did get the cash. But I ended up getting everything that made me happy. Friends, family and...." I trailed off as I gazed into Twilight's eyes. "You" I thought, but only thought mind you. "...health" and so after that little trip to memory lane, Twilight and I delved into the small things we learned throughout our lives. Although I had quite a few stories about things I learned from growing up, Twilight had dozens more. But not everypony can go on crazy adventures all the time, the craziest situation I can think about recently is that whole love potion debacle. What a embarrassing mess that was. Eventually we ran out of stories to tell each other, learning new things about each other and being closer for it. But one question still remains to be answered. Just how long does it take for food to cook in this damn restaurant? “What is taking them so long?” Twilight complained, her hoof tapping against the table impatiently. “You would think they would hustle up when royalty dines huh?” I said with a yawn. Twilight said nothing and this led to a moment of awkward silence between us. My eyes were glued on my still untouched glass of wine, yet I caught Twilight glancing over at me from the corner of my eyes every so often. “Break the ice, ask her about her day” good idea inner drag queen. One of us has to break the ice sometime so it might as well be me. Maybe asking about that research she was doing would help grab her attention? “So how was your day? Do anything interesting in your research?” I asked, taking a sip of my wine. Twilight's ears perked up at my question, her eyes boring into my own. Gotcha. “Of course, I learned that transdimensional teleportation spells can be done by somepony that isn't a unicorn. All it takes is a pristine crystal or gem and you would have to imbue it with magic, a unicorn is needed for that of course. But after that you would have to-” Twilight went on and on about teleportation this and transdimensional portals that as she rambled. I lost track of what she was saying somewhere after the imbue magic in a crystal part but she apparently didn't notice. I found that she relaxes easily when anything intellectual is introduced. Just minutes before, she was all uptight and awkward looking. Now she looked visibly relaxed, and she looks better this way. That whole uptight look doesn't suit her, the way her mood just lights up when she goes all intellectual on me. She's prettier this way, wait, why do I care about that? Butterflies in my belly, flushed face, my face feels flush and I have a rapid heart beat. This can only mean one of two things, I am sick with a flu or I am crushing something fierce on Twilight. And I don't feel sick, crap. “Ahem!” Twilight and I both squeaked as our waiter had returned with our food. A plate of cooked fish for Twilight, and a bowl of that impossible to pronounce soup for me. And right as the waiter left, he lit the candles at our table and was gone without another word. “You'd think he would have lit them earlier, anyways, let's eat!” and so we did. Tentatively I tried my soup and immediately my mouth was assaulted by so many different spices working together to create a taste I could only describe as sublime. “This has got to be the tastiest soup I have ever had, how is your....” I trailed off as I watched Twilight attack her meal with animalistic fervor. I forced myself to keep watching as she stabbed piece after piece of fish with her fork and then gobble up said pieces without pause. Suddenly Twilight caught me staring and she turned back into that shade of tomato. “Oh don't stop on my account, princess. Do keep devouring that poor fish as you like” I teased as I took another spoonful of soup. Twilight muttered something under her breath as she went back to eating her food, albeit in a much less barbaric manner this time. And then I noticed something, something that I just realized when the waiter had lit our candles. Wow she looks lovely in candle light, the way the flames cast a certain flare on her features....wait a second. What the hell am I thinking? She's my friend, a friend who helped me a lot lately in my life. Always being there at the right time, always being so smart as she fixed my problems. It's so easy to like somepony like her, as friend I mean. “So are you going to come out of the closet tonight or?” teased my conscience, if he had a body I imagine he would be smiling the biggest shit eating grin ever. “It is just a compliment!” I added. “That you thought of instead of saying to her face” “It's not like I am saying she is beautiful right now, she is down right gorgeous in this lighting. I m-mean I wish I looked half as good as she does, that's what I meant, honest!” I tried my best convince him but I was getting nowhere. I lost this one and he knew it. “You are so flaming gay it hurts, sugar” “I am not!” “Just ask her if she likes you right now, and if she blows you off just play it cool!” for a second I actually considered it, but did I have the guts to go through with it? Why am I even thinking about this, do I like her like that? “Is there something on my face, Cheerilee?” suddenly I realized that I wasn't alone with my own thoughts. And Twilight noticed me gazing at her. Quick, think of a excuse! “There is nothing on your face! I just wanted to tell you that, um, your mane looks lovely!” I blurted out, smooth move Cheerilee. “My mane?” Twiligh tilted her head at me, an eyebrow raised at me. “Y-Yeah, what conditioner do you use?” damnit, what a stupid thing to ask! “My conditone-are you okay, Cheerilee?” Twilight looked at me with her eyebrows furrowed and her hooves crossed over her chest. “She's not buying it, take evasive maneuvers! Change the subject again!” squealed my conscience. “Can I try some of that salmon?” it took me a second to realize what I just said but it was too late. I just dug my own grave with that question. “Um, sure I guess?” Twilight muttered as she stabbed a piece of fish with her fork. To my dismay she slowly but surely floated the fork to me with her magic. And there it was, a mangled chunk of fish just floating there inches away from my mouth. I looked to Twilight and her smiling face, how can I deny that smile? Here goes nothing, crap. “Famous last words” my conscience said with a laugh. “You're not helping, conscience” “You know, this would be romantic if she wasn't feeding you meat” and the snickering continues to my disdain. “Shut up!” With that thought I looked back upon the unappetizing chunk of fish and just went for it. In one swift movement I took the chunk in my mouth and chewed as fast as I could.just ignore the taste, ignore it and get it over with as fast as possible! “Wait, slow down a bit! Don't look like you're rushing or else it will look suspicious!” I adhered to my conscience's words, slowing down my chewing and forcing myself to savor the taste. The disgusting, well cooked flesh of a once living animal. I think I am going to barf. “Don't you dare do what I think you're going to do! Swallow!” as much as I wanted not to swallow I had to. So I did the deed and felt the chewed fish slide down my throat. It was so hard not to gag. But I fought through it and looked back to Twilight with a forced smile. “Delicious” I lied as I felt the oncoming nausea settle in. I am going to regret eating that in a few hours, that is for sure. “Any time, now what were you really going to ask me?” well shit. “I....I just wanted to thank you again for everything you did for me. I am lucky to have a friend like you around, you know? Buck, this was easier in my head. What I am trying to say is that I appreciate you as a....friend” I couldn't say it, I couldn't say the truth. That I was starting to like her as more than a friend. For a split second Twilight looked disappointed with my answer, but only for a second. “And I appreciate you as....a friend as well, you are one of a kind, Cheerilee” Twilight smiled and so did I. But something told me her smile was just as genuine as my own. And let me tell you it wasn't genuine at all. “You blew it” “I couldn't say it” “Bah, coward” I didn't have a retort for his comment, he was right. I didn't have the spine to say what I wanted to say. Maybe next time. After my awkward attempt dinner went on without a hitch with a little small talk here and there. Basically it was uneventful and boring actually. In the end the waiter returned with a bill and I nearly had a heart attack when I saw the price. Let's just say that wine aged fifty years has a few zeros in the price tag. I of course asked to pay the bill but Twilight refused and said she would pay for the expenses. After a much heated argument we settled on paying half and half. So with out bellies full and our wallets empty we left that expensive restaurant behind. As soon as we left the building I wished we had stayed inside a littler longer. It was freezing outside! “What I wouldn't do for a j-j-jacket” I shivered against the cold, hoping my body movement would generate some heat. But it was all for naught, I just seemed to be getting even colder. Suddenly there was a sort of a weird poof sound and I felt warmer somehow. I looked over to Twilight and saw her horn aglow in her magic, including my body as well. It felt like I had a warm sweater on, yet all I could see was a faint purple shimmer overcome my body. And there she goes again. Watching out for me and taking care of me when I need it. Damnit, I think I am starting to like her a bit, as a friend though. Just a friend I assure you, a best friend. “Not as fancy as a puffy jacket from Rarity's, but it will do. Feel better?” Twiligh asked as her body became enveloped in the same purple aura. I was about to say yes, but my conscience had other ideas. “Not so fast, tell her you feel a little cold still. And then lean into her side nonchalantly, watch for her reaction!” I thought it was a stupid idea but I did it anyway, I did still feel cold. Very carefully I leaned into her side, she froze a little bit but kept her steady pace. “See that? Now tell her you're sorry, that you still feel a little bit cold now. Go on!” I rolled my eyes at his advice but I still went along with it. “Sorry, I guess I am still a little chilly. You don't mind, do you?” Twilight said nothing in response and I began to feel a bit worried. That is until she leaned into me as well, a single wing of hers draped over me like a warm feathery blanket. Would you look at that, she feels nice. “I don't mind, it is pretty cold out isn't it?” I was shocked, she didn't mind the sudden physical contact at all. In fact, she welcomed it. But she's just being friendly. “Or she likes you” “She already has her eyes set on somepony and I am not even sure I like her like that. You saw that dating book we picked up for her, there is somepony else in her sights. Maybe this is all just a coincidence and my judgement is clouded from that wine back at the restaurant” I thought. I am probably over exagerrating this whole thing, this was just a night out between friends. But try as I might I couldn't let go of the thought that I liked her, it all seemed ridiculous. Did I even like mares? Was I just over thinking things about Twilight and I? I had so many questions and no answers. I am so frustrated right now, just what the hell am I thinking? “Just trust your feelings and relax. If worse comes to pass I will be your coach” my conscience said reassuringly, but somehow I didn't feel assured by his words. I wonder why. “Don't give me sass girl, just follow my lead and listen to me!” growled my flamboyant coach. Besides that little outburst the rest of our walk back to the library was in pleasant silence as I relished in Twilight's warmth, and no doubt she was doing the same. She was even humming, it made the serene walk even better. But I dared not to say that out loud, I didn't want to ruin the moment. Alas we made it back to the library safe and sound. Yet I couldn't force myself to pull away from Twilight, and she made no indication she was going to move either. She is probably waiting for me to stop without being rude and telling me to do so. Without wanting to seem awkward I reluctantly pulled away, but Twilight leaned towards me again. As if she didn't want me to leave her side, she was still humming without a care in the world. Her eyes were closed too, odd. “Tell her you had a wonderful night, you dumb ass” groaned my conscience. “I had a wonderful night, Twilight” my words seemed to wake Twilight from her stupor and it took her a second to notice we were home. Still she did not pull away from me, instead she did something that surprised me. She nuzzled me, oh my gosh. She's nuzzling me, she is doing the thing! What do I do, what do I bucking do!? “Oh for heavens sake, nuzzle her back you bucking idiot!” screamed my conscience. My mind was torn in two, one half screamed for me to pull away and the other half wanted me to nuzzle. So I did the logical thing, I trusted my gut and nuzzled her back. And by Celestia did she feel amazing, so soft, so warm. And my heart is racing, damnit, I am falling for her aren't I? But before I could ponder my feelings, Twilight pulled away from me and so did her warm touch. Not even a second later and I miss her touch, what is wrong with me? “Well, um....” Twilight trailed off, her eyes downcast from my own. What do I say now? Best to wing it I suppose. “Yeah so....about the nuzzling thing?” my words received no answer from Twilight as she refused to look me in the eye. Maybe I bucked up? Should I apologize? “I'm sorry” to my surprise we both uttered the same words at the same time. Why is she sorry? I am the one acting like a damn school filly on her first date, and we're friends for heavens sakes. What was I thinking nuzzling her like that? I just misunderstood it as nuzzling, that's it! I should still ask her though, just to be sure. “Wait, why are you sorry?” I asked. “It's just, I may have over analyzed this whole thing. I want to apologize for my actions is all” she over analyzed this? What about me and my feelings? I should be the one saying that, not her! “I was going to say something along those lines as well, let's just forget this even happened okay?” my heart sank at my own words, why was I feeling like this? I should feel relieved that I said that, to blow away this whole premise and notch it off as a misunderstanding on my part. But it hurt, it shouldn't should it? “Right....just forget about it....” Twilight muttered, easier said than done. “Indeed, see you tomorrow then?” I said, hoping that our awkward moment didn't ruin my position at the library. But that was the least of my concerns right now surprisingly, I still feel confused about all of this. “Yes, same time on the dot. And this time, don't be late okay?” Twilight teased with a smirk. Okay, so she smiled. That's good right? Unless it's forced....nah. Nonetheless she had disappeared into her home leaving me alone with my thoughts. So I left to go home, thoughts of Twilight swimming through my mind. This was going to be a long walk home. “I cannot believe you blew it, sugar! You bucking had her right where you wanted her and everything! All you had to do was confess and bam! Lesbians!” and here came my conscience yelling something fierce. It is definitely going to be a long walk home. “Confess to what? She was just being friendly and I blew it all out of proportion!” “Son of a....are you even hearing yourself right now? Ponies don't do the things she did if they were being just friendly!” “I know a lot of ponies that used physical contact in friendly encounters, so there!” “You are such a idiot, and what about your feelings back there? Explain that!” “I don't know! I was just confused, I am straight for heavens sake! Just a stupid curious thought that led to one thing, a very wonderful, entrancing thing....” my thoughts went back to Twilight, again. Her nuzzling, her touch, her warmth. She's in my head and I can't kick her out. It was just like how I was with Mortar when we were younger. “See? You can lie about all of this but your emotions, your feelings won't. You like her, get it through that thick skull of yours. And you may have lost your one chance at romance with her back there too” as much as I hate to admit it he was right. I like Twilight, those three words kept coming back over and over again in my head. What am I going to do? “Sugar, you're home” turns out I was indeed home, that went by quicker than I thought. I hadn't even noticed, my mind is a bit preoccupied at the moment. A nice cup of coffee and some writing to my admirer will get my mind off of her. But right as I went to unlock the front door I noticed something, it was already unlocked. Oh crap, did somepony break in? Slowly I sneaked into the living room first, making sure as to not step on any squeaky floor boards. And then I noticed something, a piece of paper on the coffee table. Cautiously I picked it up and read it, keeping an ear to my surroundings just in case there was a intruder nearby. “Hey Cheerilee, sorry that I snuck into your house. I was looking to see if you were home but you weren't so I found that not so secret key under the welcome mat. So I let myself in and stuff, sorry again! I crashed up in your room again, I hope you don't mind. Oh and guess what? Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom came back from their family stuff! Took em long enough huh, and if you come home late don't wake me up!” I let out a sigh as I finished reading, at least it wasn't a burglar that broke in. It couldn't have killed her to lock the door behind her though. And the very nerve of her to take my bed again, my poor back just can't seem to get a break! I may as well write my admirer's letter and hit the hay as soon as possible. And so with a quick romp upstairs I found Scootaloo sleeping in my bed true to her word. She looked so peaceful, at least one of us is going to get a good nights rest. Silently I sat at my personal desk and began to scribble away, making sure as to not make to much noise in my writing to wake up my dear little student. “Dear my admirer....” I began to write, but almost immediately I became side tracked by thoughts of a certain alicorn. I wonder what she is doing right now? She's probably thinking about how weird I acted tonight, how I led her on or something. Things are going to get so awkward between us from here on out, maybe it wouldn't be this way if I told her how I felt. Buck me, I am so stupid. I should have noticed the signs, I am old enough to know about relationships. Yet how could I not realize my feelings, and Twilight's advancements on me. If those were advancements at all, maybe she was just playing along so she wouldn't hurt my feelings. There is no way she shared my affection, she is just too good of a mare to tell me straight to my face. “Fat chance, but you can try asking her about it some day. You might be in for a nice surprise, who knows? Just take it one day at a time, and when the time is right you can try your hoof at wooing her. Just don't buck it up again when you get the chance" My conscience could be right, all I have to do is wait for a better time and see what happens. But there is no point on dwelling on what could be. I'll just have to tackle this whole thing one day at a time.With my new goal in mind I tossed my letter in the trash and went to downstairs for some sleep on my cursed couch. Before I closed my eyes I spent a good long minute staring at the ceiling thinking about Twilight. I never thought I would like mares, especially one like Twilight. My life has been pretty crazy lately, getting fired, Mortar butting in my life and now I was falling for a princess. These next few weeks spent with Twilight are going to be interesting. It will give me plenty of time to get my feelings under control in case I can't find the guts confronting Twilight. Hopefully things will turn out alright, I may even get a relationship when all is said and done. Things are going to get interesting indeed. “And I will be with you every step of the way. With my coaching skills you will no doubt get your job back and get the girl!” “Yeah, yeah team work and all of that stuff. Woo hoo, yippee, I am going to sleep now” and with that thought I closed my eyes, letting sleep take me. As I fell asleep one thing kept crossing my mind, the name of a certain somepony I couldn't wait to see again tomorrow. Twilight Sparkle.