//------------------------------// // Chapter 29: Vacation // Story: Mother Celestia // by jl7895 //------------------------------// I finally have some time off. The Applewood trip was my first real vacation in years, so I’d accumulated some vacation days. I decided to take two weeks off, one in Applewood and one in Baltimare for Octavia’s family reunion. We later learned that the reunion was family only, and I couldn’t go because we weren’t married yet. Of course I wanted to go, but I still had time off so I decided to spend it with Vinyl. We haven’t spent much time together yet, or any time for that matter, but that might have been because we were also looking for a new roommate. In the wake of the whole Discord thing, Coco decided not to waste any more time and follow her dreams of becoming a fashion designer in Manehatten. She applied to a prestigious fashion school and received an acceptance letter in a matter of days. Vinyl, Octavia, and I debated on getting a new roommate and decided that we would have more money if we continued to spit the rent four ways. I woke up in my surprisingly big bed towards the end of my week off. I missed Octavia, of course, but I did also miss sprawling out across the bed. I didn’t really want to stay in bed all day, so I took a shower and got dressed. I still needed my coffee, so I went to the kitchen and made a pot and about half-way through my first cup, a colt walked out of the apartment and Vinyl came out a few minutes later, wearing a loose shirt and a pair of short pajama shorts. “Morning,” I said. “It’s 9:45, what are you doing up?” “DJ’d at a friend’s party last night and I thought that I would enjoy myself so I called in early last night,” she said with a smile. “Yeah, about that. I’ll soundproof my room if you keep sleeping around with others so much. I mean, did you even know his name?” “I have to get his name? And don’t make me sound like some sort of hussy. That was the first time in months I’ve gotten any. Plus, neither of us were drunk. He had one beer, if that.” “How did you meet him anyway?” “He was going on about his ex-marefriend cheating on him and he wanted to get revenge or something. One thing led to another and then it led to this.” “Okay… I think you thought about it… just try not to catch anything. You want breakfast?” “Tavi usually makes breakfast. Plus I like our system of just going to the café.” “Tavi’s not here and I’m not completely incompetent without her.” While living in the castle, I would watch Chef Celery Stock prepare a meal and learned some tricks from her. While there was no way that I would be able to match her in quality or plating, I was good enough for me to survive off my own cooking. Octavia, however, was on another level compared to me. Everything she made was delicious, but she made breakfast especially well. I don’t know what she puts in her pancakes and waffles, but they are to die for. “Damn, Golden,” Vinyl said after taking another bite of her breakfast. “This is actually pretty good. Is that cinnamon?” “Not as good as Octavia’s, but-” “Of course not. Octavia made a deal with the devil to get her secret ingredient. So what’s the plan for today?” “I was going to go over the new roommate applications.” “I can’t believe that Tavi is making ponies fill out applications to live with us. Why don’t we just pick the one that’s willing to pay the most rent?” “She’s just trying to get to know the pony before they move in.” “Fine. Who’s first?” “Brawny Spirit. A 21 year old physical trainer. It says that he’s just looking for a place to sleep and won’t be spending much time here.” “Nah, I want someone who can actually do something for us. You know, like how Coco made clothes for us.” “What about Sugar Rush? She’s fresh out of high school and a baker. She’d probably be willing to make us some sweets.” “No, I’ll get fat. What about this one? Flash Sentry.” “Maybe. He was a punk growing up, but turned his life around and got into a Royal Guard training session. There could be a bit of a conflict if a newbie moves in with a Captain. Besides-” I was interrupted by a knock on the door. Neither of us were expecting anypony and it was way too early for any packages. At first I thought that maybe Octavia was already back, but something told me that wasn’t true. Then I thought that maybe the stallion forgot something and thought it would be a little funny as Vinyl and him had awkwardly avoided eye contact beforehand. They knocked again and I decided to answer it finally. “Took you long enough!” Spitfire said as I opened the door. “Spitfire! What are you doing here?” “The Wonderbolts are moving to Canterlot. I need a place to live and I heard you were looking for a new roommate. Also call me Spits.” “Spits?” “Yeah, well you all have nicknames. We’ve got Golden Boy and Miss. DJ Pon-3 and our rising star. Why can’t I be Spits?” “Welcome to the family, Spits!” Vinyl said from her seat. “Cool,” Spitfire said as she walked into the apartment. “Where’s Octavia?” “Family reunion,” Vinyl said, “and lover-boy here couldn’t go. Want some pancakes?” “No thanks. I ate before I came. So, what are the rules here?” “Trash pickup is on Thursday, rent’s due on the first, and clean up after yourself,” Vinyl said. “Cool. Soarn’ is going to be here about noon with my stuff.” “Do you need help moving in?” I asked. "No, I think the two of us can handle it.” “Then I have nothing to do all day.” The three of us continued to talk for a while, but it was mainly Spitfire telling us stories of the Wonderbolts. I started to wonder what I was going to do for the rest of the day and I decided I could hang out around town for the time being. As our conversation ended, I walked out of our apartment and saw Star trying to lock her door while holding a box. I then realized that I hadn’t really talked to her since I helped her move in, which was about a month ago. I’d seen her around Canterlot, but we haven’t had a real meaningful conversation yet. She was either trying to get away from her problems with her ex-fiancé or getting something for her apartment. “Let me get that for you,” I said as I came up to her and took the box. “Thanks,” she said with a smile and an awkward hug. “I haven’t seen you in a while.” “Yeah, I’ve been extremely busy at work and the whole wedding-” “Please don’t talk about weddings. Three months of planning down the hole.” “What’s in this box anyway?” “The last of that ass’s stuff. I was considering burning it and just sending him the ashes, but I’m better than that. Do you think you could carry it to the post office for me? It’s a little heavy.” “No problem. I’ve got nothing better to do at the moment,” I said as we started to leave the apartment complex. “Shouldn’t you be, I don’t know, protecting us from the next great danger or something?” “I’ve worked every weekday for the past few years, I think I deserve a break. What about you? Have you found a job yet?” “Actually, a nice mare was able to get me a job at her modeling agency.” “Was it Fleur De Lis?” “Yeah. You know her?” “We went to school together. She’s-” I accidently ran into somepony and dropped the box. “I’m so sorry!” The offending mare apologized as she scrambled to pick up the things she dropped. “I wasn’t paying attention to what I was doing and-” “No, it’s my fault. I should have been paying attention… Rarity?” I said as I picked up the box. “What are you doing here?” “Oh, Golden! I was here just to pick up some fabrics for my shop, but then I thought since Twilight got me a suite in Canterlot Castle I would make her a dress for her birthday, so I went out to get fabrics for that and then I ran into Fancy Pants and then you and… I should stop talking now.” “You’re fine Rarity,” I said with a chuckle. “Star, this is a friend I made when I went to Ponyville, Rarity. Rarity, this is an old friend of mine, Star Darling.” “Pleased to meet you,” Star said. “Likewise. I’m sorry, but I have to get going. Maybe you can come by the castle sometime,” she said with a smile. She didn’t wait for me to respond and hurried past us. “Does she know that you’re engaged?” “I’ve been meaning to tell her,” I said as I started walking again. “But I’m either on duty and forbidden to talk about my personal life or she gets the last word.” “You have to tell her, Golden. She obviously has a thing for you and you can’t keep her on the hook like that. Plus, what happens if Octavia finds out that you’re flirting with other mares?” “I’m not flirting with other mares.” “She doesn’t know that. Golden, I don’t know if you know this, but you make some mares crazy. I can’t tell you how many mares wore push-up bras during that whole arranged marriage thing. I even wore perfume for the first time because somepony told me it worked like an aphrodisiac. And from what you’ve told me, Octavia waited twelve years for you.” “Alright. I’ll drop by the castle tomorrow and let her down easy. But, please don’t tell Octavia.” “Why?” “I don’t actually know what would happen if she thinks I’m cheating on her.” “Really?” “She trusts me enough and knows that I would never do that, but a mare has trusted me before and it didn’t end pretty. This time, however, I haven’t even thought of another mare since I started dating Octavia.” “Well I have faith in you two. Looks like we’re here. Thank you for carrying that box for me.” “No problem. And thank you for keeping me company.” “Sure. Listen, Fleur got me my first job today, but I should be free the rest of this week. Do you want hang out sometime?” “Yeah, I’ve got absolutely nothing to do tomorrow.” “Awesome. I’ll see you around Golden,” Star said with a smile as she took the box from me. I felt pretty good after talking to Star, but I didn’t feel like walking around Canterlot anymore. I’m at least going to get coffee, but then I think I’ll go back to the apartment and just read. I thought about this café. I’ve been coming here for years now and never gave it a second thought. This was the place my friends and I would go when we just wanted to hang out. It’s the place I took Angel and the Twins on dates and where Octavia and I like to go to today. It’s the place where Star saw me retrieve that mare’s purse. It’s the place I realized that I loved Octavia and she loved me. This place has been an important part of my life and all I’ve ever done is get a cup of coffee. The coffee I drank after that realization was the best I’ve ever had. I tried to make it last the entire walk home, which I was able to do to some success. I was about three-fourths done with my coffee when I reached into my pocket to get the key to the apartment. The door suddenly flung open and knocked me back. “There you are,” Spitfire said as she walked through the door. “Let’s go.” “You just spilled my coffee,” “I’ll get you another cup. Now, let’s get going,” Spitfire said as she started walking. “Where are we going?” I asked after I reluctantly started to follow her. “It turns out Soarn’ accidently sent my formal clothes to Baltimare, so I’ve got nothing for Wonderbolt Derby tomorrow. And I want a new dress for your wedding. You’re coming with me to help me pick out the best looking dress.” “Why me?” “Don’t you help Octavia pick out her clothes?” “Actually, Octavia and Cadence usually go shopping together.” “Well, no offence to Cadence, but I would prefer to go with you. You were basically my brother growing up, so I feel a little more comfortable with you.” “Wait, aren’t you competing tomorrow?” “It’s really a way for us to haze the newbies. Plus, there is still an after party and I need to look my best.” I was a little flattered that she trusts me more than Cadence, but I still don’t like shopping. Spitfire, however, was one of my best friends and she’s been away for a while. It’s would be nice to really catch up. We walked to a local boutique, and the mare working there immediately jumped up to greet us. She seemed to be a big fan of the Wonderbolts and was in awe of Spitfire. She told me to wait in the “husband chair” while she took measurements. After, the mare quickly found dresses in her size and Spitfire tried them on. “What about this one?” Spitfire asked as she came out in the third dress. “I think it looks lovely, Miss Spitfire,” the mare said. “That’s the third time you’ve said that. I want to know what Golden thinks.” “It brings out your eyes,” I said. “That’s it? Can you please say something more? I want to know what you really think. Am I hot or not?” “You know, it’s a little hard talking about how hot your friend is when you’re engaged.” “I think you look hot,” The mare said. “Come on, Golden. We’re friends, we know we’re friends, Octavia knows we’re friends. You can tell me anything and no pony would think anything of it. So, what do you really think?” “I think you look beautiful, Spits.” “Thanks Golden.” Spitfire tried on a few more dresses and bought them all. The mare jumped up in excitement, but I wasn’t sure if that was because her idol bought dresses from her or if she just made a big sale. Either way, she was happy to help us and she was kind enough to earn a few extra bits. I offered to carry the bags for her, but Spitfire said that she was fine and still owed me a cup of coffee. She carried them all to the café where I had the second best cup of coffee of my life. “So, this new cadet comes running up to me,” I said while we sat at the café “and he was crying ‘Captain Shining is going to kill me!’. So I told him-” “Hi, Golden,” A mare said from behind me. “Self Portrait?” I said while adjusting myself to get a better look at her, “I haven’t seen you in a while.” “I know. What are you doing here with Spitfire?” “I’m moving back to town and Golden and I were catching up. What about you? What have you been up to?” “Oh, you know, just painting. Listen Golden, I heard that you and Octavia were getting married.” “In about a month,” I said with a smile. “Cute. So, why wasn’t I invited?” “I’m sure Octavia invited you, but your invite probably got lost in the mail.” “So, I’m invited?” “Yeah. I’ll talk to Octavia about sending you another invite and try to RSVP as soon as you get it.” “Thanks Golden,” she said and then giving me an awkward hug and walked away. “Is she really invited?” Spitfire asked after a few seconds. “Of course not. We really want to make it a friends and family thing.” “Out of curiosity, whose guest list am I on.” “Mine. Octavia’s family is pretty big, with three aunts on either side, two uncles on her dad’s side, and more than fifteen cousins. We decided that our friends are going to be my guests.” “So, you didn’t want her to be there.” “Why would I? She’s just some mare that I vaguely knew from high school. If I invited everypony I knew from high school, and most of them have asked, then I wouldn’t have any room for those that mattered.” “What about Blueblood? Is he going to be an annoyance?” “He’s still being punished, so everything should go off without a hitch. And besides, there is no way that I would ever let him within a thousand feet of Octy.” Spitfire and I finished our coffee and walked back the apartment. I again offered to carry the bags for her, but she insisted on carrying her dresses. When we got back, Vinyl had left and I assumed that she went to her club. Spitfire went into her room to put her stuff away and I started making dinner for the two of us. By the time I had finished, Spitfire came out of her room in a different outfit. “Hey, I’m going out to Vinyl’s club. You should come with.” “I don’t think I’ll fit in there.” “Why would you say that?” “The Captain of the Royal Guard, one of the biggest narks in the world, going to night club. Yeah there’s absolutely no way that could go wrong.” “Alright, then come with me to protect me. A hot thing like me is bound to attract a creep or two. I’m sure they’ll stay away if they see me with you.” “We both know that you can handle any guy that comes your way, Spits.” “Alright, no more Miss. Nice-Mare. You’re going to come with me or else I’m telling Octavia that we had a fling before the two of you hooked up in Applewood. And by ‘hooked up’ I mean I was your first.” “She wouldn’t believe you.” “Do you really want to take that risk?” “Damn you,” I said after thinking about it. I put the food and the refrigerator to save it for another day. In reality, I was right. There was no way that Octy would ever believe something like that, but I wanted an excuse to get out. The problem with being the Captain is it comes with a stigma. Everywhere I go, ponies act different around me. They act as if they just committed a crime and they’re trying to cover it up. It’s why I only go out with Octy. I don’t know if it’s her or if they see me differently when I’m out with another pony, but ponies act differently around me. I didn’t change, as what I was wearing seemed appropriate. The club wasn’t too far from the apartment. The problem came when we saw the line. Vinyl had told us that she was popular, but the line was at least a block long. Spitfire said that she could get us in. “Hold it ma’am,” the bouncer said. “Name?” “I’m not on the list, but my name is Spitfire, Captain of the Wonderbolts.” “Well Miss. Spitfire, you still have to wait in line with everypony else.” “But our friend is the DJ and she asked us to stop by before the club opens.” “Vinyl didn’t say anything about anypony stopping by. Sorry ma’am, but you have to wait in line.” “Hold on,” I said. “Captain Golden Shield, when’s the last time this place was up for review?” “A few months ago. We should be set for a while.” “Usually yes, but the royal guard has gotten some complaints recently.” “What are you talking about?” The bouncer said a little bit concerned. “Look, I shouldn’t be telling you this,” I said as I got close to him and started to talk softer, “we have an informant running a secret inspection tonight. Let’s say you let me and my friend in a bit early. Then I’ll be able to do my own inspection and make sure this club stays open.” “Alright,” he said after a few moments of thought, “you two are in.” He lifted the felt rope and let the two of us into the club. “How did you do that?” Spitfire asked as we walked down a flight of stairs. “You’re not the only pony around here whose name holds value. You really should see what happens when Octy and I go out to dinner.” The club is a two story, high ceiling building. There is a dance floor, a bar, a raised DJ platform, a sky loft, which holds 35 ponies, a “Chill out salon”, which holds 50, and several VIP rooms, as well as a few back rooms too for the owner and employees. The building could hold about 15,000 ponies, not including staff and the extra rooms. The building is outfitted with the latest and loudest surround system and a new light up dance floor. Vinyl was up on the DJ platform, setting up for the night. “Vinyl!” Spitfire shouted to get her attention. She smiled at us and got down to meet us. “What are you guys doing here?” “Spitfire wanted to go out and she dragged me along.” “Cool. There’s nothing going on here, so why don’t we hang out in my changing room until the club opens.” The three of us headed back to Vinyl’s room. The room was pretty plain, but that’s how Vinyl liked it. There were two couches, a small, water stained coffee table between them, and a small rack of clothing. She explained that she would wear different outfits depending on what the club wanted the ponies to do. As it turns out, ponies pay a good amount of attention to the DJ. If they needed to sell more drinks, then she would wear something that has a brand on it. This time, however, the club didn’t need anything tonight, so she wore a white tank top and skinny jeans. We talked for what seemed like an hour. Some pony knocked on the door to tell Vinyl that it was almost her shift. We looked at the clock and realized that we had been taking about three hours. Vinyl threw on her headphones and her sun glasses and walked out of the room. She said that she would try and finish quickly and then hang out with us later in the night. Spitfire, wanting to socialize, went out to the dance floor. I wasn’t too interested in the dry humping ponies call dancing, so I just made my way to the bar and ordered a soda. After a few hours of sitting at the bar and talking to anypony who cared, I decided to leave. This just wasn’t a place for me and I’m sure Spitfire would understand. I looked up and didn’t see Vinyl on the platform. I figured she was on the dance floor having a good time in the club. I found Spitfire and told her I was going home. She tried to convince me to stay, but I already made up my mind. On my way out, I saw Vinyl trying to fight off some guy. He was grabbing at her and saying something I couldn’t make out. It couldn’t have been anything good, seeing as Vinyl looked disgusted. Everything went by in an instant after that. I pulled the guy off of Vinyl, he said some things, I said some things, and he was on the floor with a black eye before I knew it. “Golden!” Vinyl screamed. I didn’t say anything in response. I looked at him and then back at Vinyl. She wanted me to say something, but I couldn’t. I just left. The walk home was longer than I remember. Canterlot seemed so dark and long. It might have been because I just punched a guy in the face. The funny thing is, I don’t feel bad about it. When I got home, I sat in the living room and started reading. If somepony walked in, they would have sworn that I was there all night. I tried not to think about what happened, which is easier done than said. It really was like I was here all night. It was about 2AM when Spitfire and Vinyl finally came home. “Are you alright, Vinyl?” I asked putting down the book and standing up. She didn’t respond. Vinyl just walked past me and went to her room. “Vinyl! Vinyl! What’s wrong with her?” “I don’t know. She wouldn’t talk about what happened and she kept changing the subject whenever I brought it up.” “I messed up, didn’t I?” “You did what any member of the royal guard would do. If it makes you feel better, no one is pressing charges. Everypony in the club saw what happened and if he does, then he has to admit to sexual harassment. You’ve had a long day, go get some rest.” “Alright. Good night, Spitfire.” “Night Golden Boy.” I went to sleep surprisingly easily. It might have been because I was tired or because there wasn’t anything really bothering me, but I fell asleep almost instantly. The one thing that I have missed over the past few days is cuddling next to Octy. I woke up the next morning and began making coffee and breakfast for Vinyl and Spitfire. Spitfire came out of her room the second I finished making breakfast, but there was still no sign of Vinyl. “Vinyl!” I said, trying to talk to her through the door. “I made breakfast.” “Not hungry,” she said back to me. “Alright, well it’s out here if you want it. Hey, I’m going to the castle for dinner tonight. You want to come?” “Nah.” “Okay, I’ll talk to you later.” “Later.” “That was weird.” I said to Spitfire as I walked away from Vinyl’s door. “What?” “Vinyl’s up, but she’s just sitting in her room. She never just sits in her room.” “I wouldn’t look too much into it. She’s probably still in shock about last night. Give her time.” I spent the rest of the day with Star. It took some time and two lattés, but I finally got her to tell me what really happened to her ex-fiancé. The two were deeply in love, or at least she loved him. After high school, they moved into an apartment together. He worked as much as he could so Star wouldn’t have to lift a finger. Everything in her life was perfect. He proposed to her as soon as he got the money together to get her the most beautiful ring she has ever seen. The stress of planning a wedding started to put a strain on their relationship. They started to let the little things get to them and they argued more and more. He snapped and slept with Starlight. Star later learned that Starlight had be sending him messages for years and he never told her about Star. With the help of the twins, Star got enough money together to move to Canterlot and pay for the first few months of rent. After spending the day with Star, I headed home to get ready for dinner. Vinyl was in the living room, but left when I opened the door. “You know Vinyl, if something is wrong you can talk to me.” “We’re good,” she said after the door closed. “Where’s Spits?” “Out with her team.” “Are you sure you don’t want to come with me to the Castle?” “Nah.” “Can you give me an answer that is longer than a sentence?” “When I feel like it.” Usually, I would try and figure out what was wrong with her, but I had to get ready. I considered wearing my captain’s uniform, but I was still on vacation and didn’t really want to wear it. I just threw on a suit and headed to the castle. As usual, there was a long line out the door, but there is a special entrance for VIP guests that Cadence and I used all the time. There was the option of just going straight in, but I wanted to see somepony first. “Hey beautiful,” I said when Cadence opened the door to her room. “Golden!” Cadence threw her arms around me gave me one of the tightest hugs she has ever given anypony. “I missed you so much. I feel like I never see you outside of this castle. Come in, I have so much to tell you.” “How have you been?” I asked her as she worked on her hair and make-up. “Stressed. You have no idea how hard it is being a princess and plan a wedding.” “No, but I know how hard it is to be Captain of the Royal Guard and plan a wedding.” “In fairness, Octavia is doing most of the planning. She only comes to you because she wants your input on a decision.” “Fair enough. Speaking of future husbands, where is Shining?” “He’s helping Detective Homes with a case. While I’m glad he’s doing what he loves, but it’s hell making all these decisions without him. Sometimes, I wish that somepony could take my place for all this planning stuff.” “Amen to that.” “What about you? What’s new with you?” “Spitfire is moving back to Canterlot.” “I heard. Has she found a place to stay?” “Yeah, she’s taking Coco’s spot as our new roommate.” “Okay. How do I look?” She stood up from her vanity. She was wearing a red dress with white accents and white belt around her stomach. “Beautiful,” I said as I too stood up. “Shall we?” Cadence took my arm and we walked to the main hall. Cadence has this irradiant beauty about her. Everywhere she goes, even if she is in just in a t-shirt and jeans, ponies always take a second look at her and tonight was no exception. If anything, Cadence looked more beautiful than she had in months. And this is happiest I’ve seen her in months. Granted, the only time I’ve seen her in months has something to do with work or she’s planning the wedding. “Name?” The guard at the door said as the two of us approached him. “Are you seriously going to deny Princess Cadence and Prince Golden Shield access to a room in their own home?” I asked. “I’m sorry sir. I was just following protocol. I didn’t realize-” “I’m just messing with you Flash.” “Oh, yes sir.” “Relax,” Cadence said, “you’re doing a good job.” “Permission to speak freely, sir.” Flash asked before we could walk past him. “Granted.” “I just wanted to say thank you. I know I messed up when I was younger, but you didn’t give up on me. I know you had to fight Captain Armor and Captain Nightingale to get me into the training session and I want to thank you for not giving up on me.” “Don’t mention it kid.” The two of us walked into the ballroom and were met with a roar of applause. Cadence and I took out seats at the main table. We began to socialize and do a bit of catching up. We made plans to meet up tomorrow, but my future plans weren’t at the forefront of my mind. Sitting a few seats from Cadence was Rarity, giving me a few strange looks. I tried my best not to look her way, but that would also mean not talking to Cadence. I eventually couldn’t ignore Rarity. Giles gave me a note telling me to meet her immediately and her room key with it. I looked over to where Rarity was sitting to see her seat was empty. Either ponies need to stop giving me their keys or we need to have more on hand. Either way, I have to go let Rarity into her room. Rarity was staying in the north tower. While not too far away from the ballroom, it was still a long walk, or it felt that way. There was a silence in the air, like the castle knew what I was going to do. The castle always had this weird way about it. When I was happy, everything seemed brighter. When I was upset, everything was somber or darker. And, in a situation like this, it gave me the silence I needed to think. This time, I was thinking about what I was going to say to her. I figured the best thing to do was just to tell her the truth, or at least try to. Rarity can easily control a conversation and could almost completely stop another pony from talking. “Oh good, darling,” Rarity said as I she saw me climb the stairs. “Well there is only one key.” “I wish I would have known that. Won’t you come in?” “I would but, I-” “I’m not going to take no for an answer.” Rarity grabbed me by the key and me by the arm. As quickly as she could, she opened the door and pushed me inside. She then entered the room and locked the door behind her, having a pleased smile on her face the entire time. “Lovely room,” Rarity said. “It is. Look, I have-” “Everything is so expertly done. The detail in every inch of this room is just magnificent. Wouldn’t you agree, darling?” “They did an amazing job. There’s-” “And this view. I don’t think I’ve ever seen this gorgeous of a view of this beautiful city. Are you enjoying the view?” She asked as she wiggled her hips. “I need to tell you something.” “No need, darling, I already know.” “You do?” “Yes. I know that you love me and you want to make me your princess. I’ve felt it since we first met in Ponyville and I’m ready for you.” Rarity started to take of her dress with a smile. She had a look in her eyes that I’ve seen before, in Lavender. “Rarity!” I said before her dress could fall to the ground. “We can’t do this. Rarity, I don’t love you. I’m engaged to my marefriend of eight years. It’s become physically impossible for me to love anypony else. Rarity, you’re a great mare and an even better friend and I’m sure there is somepony out there for you, but it’s not me.” “But…I felt something…” “Maybe you felt the start of a wonderful friendship. Rarity, you are an amazing friend and you are going to make some colt very happy, but you have to wait for him.” “Thank you,” Rarity said as she started to cry and hug me. She started to talk to me about her problems and I helped her through some things. She felt insecure with herself because none of the colts would look at her. I tried to reassure her that it was just because she was a strong mare and they were afraid that they weren’t good enough for her. Rarity and I talked a bit longer before she said she was feeling tired and asked me to leave. I thought about leaving and going home, but I felt like going up to the balcony. Cadence apparently had the same idea, as she was looking over the edge when I got there. “Penny for your thoughts,” I said as I walked next to her. “I was just thinking about things.” “Really? Because it looked like you were thinking about stuff.” “I was thinking about when we first met in our old play room. I thought you were the weirdest colt ever and there was no way that we would ever be friends. But, the more we played, the closer we got and you became my best friend. Golden, you’ve been my best friend for years and I wouldn’t change a thing. It sucks that the only time we really get to see each other is when one of us needs something from the other. That’s why I’m looking forward to tomorrow.” “Me too.” Cadence and I smiled and hugged the only way best friends could hug. I didn’t stay long after that because we were both tired. I walked home with a smile on my face. I couldn’t think of anything that could bring me down. When I got home, I took a seat in the living room and loosened my tie. I took a deep breath in and finally relaxed. Vinyl soon took the seat next to me and opened a beer.” “We need to talk,” Vinyl said after taking a drink. “About what?” “If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been acting weird around you. At first, it was because I was mad at you. I didn’t need your help at the club last night. Colts try to grab at me all the time and I always fight them off. Then I realized, I was really mad at myself for being mad at you. You were just doing what comes natural to you and protecting your friends. I don’t know, maybe I thought I was mad at you because you have everything and I don’t.” “What are you talking about?” “Look at you. You have your dream job, you’re getting married to the mare of your dreams, and you have a great relationship with your mom. What do I have? I job where colts treat me like a fuck toy, a bunch of notches on my bedpost, and parents who don’t even want to talk to me. Golden, the reason we got this place is because my parents kicked me out when I graduated. Maybe I sleep with so many colts because I hope that one of them would want something more and I don’t have to be the only one that thinks I matter.” “Vinyl, Octavia and I will always think you matter and there is nothing you could do to change that.” “I want to believe that, but what happens when you guys have a kid, move out, and forget about me? What happens when I get too old and the club or anyone wants me anymore? I’ll just sit here, drinking a beer thinking about how I wasted my life. You’ve got your life planned out everything is still ahead of you, but I never plan more than a week in advance.” “First off, you won’t be sitting here alone drinking a beer because I’ll be drinking it with you.” I took the beer from her and took a drink. “Second, we are never going to forget you. If we move out, you’re moving with us, and there is no way you’re saying ‘no’. You are a big part of both of our lives that we will never forget you. In fact, we’ve been talking and I’m not saying that we’re planning anything or guaranteeing anything, but we want you to be our first kid’s godmother.” “You’re really going to sit here and kill your liver with me?” “Until the day it dies screaming.” Vinyl started to laugh and smile. The two of us started to talk and joke around while we shared that beer. Talking to her made me feel like we were in high school. I kept my promise to her too. Every so often, while the two of us are alone and sitting in the living room, Vinyl would open a beer, the two of us would share it, and we would joke around like were are two high school seniors. And it’s the best beer I’ve ever had.