“Button, you are the biggest moron in the entire world!” said Rumble, shaking his head before going back to his hot chocolate and marshmallows.
“You know, you could be a lot more helpful by giving me advice on what to do instead of sitting here, drinking my hot cocoa, and telling me things I already know!” argued Button Mash, glaring at his friend. He turned to his other pal across the dining room table, who was busy adjusting his digital camera. Featherweight looked up before shrugging and going back to his gadget. “Augh, you’d think my fellow schoolmates and gamer bros would have my back when I’m in a mess!”
“There is a problem, and then there is a buckup. This is a buckup,” answered Rumble, shaking his head. “I still don't understand what in Celestia’s name caused you to say that you had tickets to the Canterlot Winter Ball. The only thing harder to get into besides that is the Grand Galloping Gala. It takes literally over a thousand bits to even get one ticket, let alone two.” Rumble raised an eyebrow. “You’re not gonna sell a really high priced game again for the tickets, right?”
“No, I promised Sweetie Belle I wouldn’t do that again,” answered Button Mash, rubbing the back of his head. “Besides, I already did the math, and not even selling all my games could get half a ticket for that ball. I’ve got to find some other way to get inside.” Noticing confusion on his friend’s face, he added, “I can do math too, you know.”
“You could always just tell her the truth and save yourself from looking like an idiot,” suggested Featherweight. “I’ve dated before, and I can tell you that most mares expect their coltfriends to do stupid things.”
“Yes, but you didn’t see the look on her face when I told her we were going,” Button Mash said before sighing. “It was... like she had a dream of hers come true. She looked so happy that we were going out, I mean... she even said she liked me! Me! I’m just a dork who likes video games, why would such a sweet and pretty mare like her like me?” asked Button Mash, looking at a photo on the wall of his first birthday party in Ponyville with Sweetie Belle by his side. She was the only girl in school at the time who didn’t look at him funny or call him a weirdo behind his back. Sure, her friends Apple Bloom and Scootaloo treated him okay, but they weren’t even close. They either only hung out when Sweetie Belle was involved or said hello on the streets.
“Dude, you should have just ask her out for a dinner or a movie. Why go so far for one mare, even if she is that cute?” asked Rumble.
“She’s not just cute. She’s special...” whispered Button, closing his eyes and resting his head on his foreleg.
Sweetie Belle, she was different. She was his best friend, his longest friend, and the one who he would do anything for. Everything about her made Button feel more frozen inside then an Xbox having a red ring. It was small at first, just noticing the cute smile she had or the giggle that always made him laugh along side her. And as they got older, she became more beautiful than any character in a video game was. Princess Zelda? The DOA girls? Tifa Lockhoof? They were nothing compared to the grace and beauty that Sweetie Belle had; her curly hair, deep emerald eyes, the figure she had maintained. Especially her fla—Woah! Too far man! Think rated E thoughts.
But more importantly, both had been with each other in the darkest of times. He was there when she lost her stuff in the fire when they were little. And she was with him as support when his parents split. There was a level of trust both had shared with each other that they couldn’t share with anypony else. And the fact that Sweetie Belle was the most joyful pony in the world, no matter how bad things got? It made him want to hold her and never let go. I don’t know if it’s love or not.... but I want to be closer to her. I want more than friendship, and hopefully… she wants that too. That’s why I have to make this perfect.
“Hey, I’m curious about something,” asked Rumble, leaning forward. “We all know you had a crush on her for years now, anypony could see that. Why ask her now? What kept you so long?”
Button nervously rubbed his hooves together as he did his best to ignore not only Rumble’s stare, but also Featherweight’s who put his camera down and listened. “Something happened that made me realize I need to try and change my life. It’s been rough for both me and my mom since dad left us and she’s been doing her best to be happy again. A special kind of happiness. I wanted to do the same, so I thought the best way to do that was to do something similar.”
Both colts eyes widened as they looked at each other before Featherweight asked, “You mean... your mom is dating again?”
“Yeah, it was a shock for me too. I don’t yet know who this special somepony is, but she said she would introduce us this Hearths Warming Eve,” answered Button Mash with a smile. “But I’m glad she’s moving on. I figured it was time for me to move on as well, so I decided to just go with what I always wanted to do and ask Sweetie Belle out.” His smile faded before he shook his head. “But enough about that, I need to figure out how I’m going to get those tickets before the ball.”
“Why don’t you ask Princess Twilight?” suggested Rumble. “Sweetie Belle is one of her best friend’s sister. Maybe she would understand if you explain the situation?”
“She won’t do that. I did an article in the paper where she offered to give ponies tickets to the Crystal Empire’s Grand Sapphire Ball, and she got swamped with so many ponies wanting tickets that she had to summon all her guards to restore order,” said Featherweight, shaking his head. “I doubt she’s gonna do that anytime soon. If word got out she gave one ticket away to a stranger, it will be chaos all over again.”
After cursing a bit in Humongorian, Button Mash said, “I need to find somepony who is rich enough to get the tickets. But the only other rich pony besides Princess Twilight would be... be...”
Their eyes went wide open as a certain mare came to their heads. Rumble quickly shook his head. “No. No way. Dude, that’s suicide! She’ll make you do something horrible! You and I both know it!”
“Dude, you're better off just working non-stop for the cash,” suggested Featherweight. “She’s a demon, and nothing good will come from associating with her. Hay, she doesn’t even like you!”
Button Mash shut his eyes and debated his options. Either go beg to the brattiest, richest, and the most snobbish pony that Button Mash had ever met in his entire life, or risk seeing Sweetie Belle hurt because he couldn’t keep his promise on giving them a great date?
He opened his eyes and prayed to all the gaming gods for strength as he got up and made his way towards the door, his friends silently watching him with sympathetic glances. His destination?
Rich Mansion.
***
“What am I going to wear?! What am I going to wear?! What am I going to wear?!” shouted a panicking Sweetie Belle as she paced back and forth in her sister’s boutique. Only one day after learning that she was going on a date with Button Mash, and she was already freaking out.
Rarity walked over to her sister and took her by the shoulders, forcing her to look straight into her eyes. “Sweetie! Sweetie Belle, listen to me! Take deep breaths and calm down. Your date isn’t happening tomorrow, you got time.” Sweetie Belle nodded and slowly began to do the breathing exercises Twilight taught her a long time ago.
Rarity assisted by doing the same thing, following in sync with her younger sister until the two of them were sitting on their haunches, completely relaxed. “Thanks, Sis. Sorry for getting so worked up. I just... I just can’t believe this is happening. I’m going on a date with Button Mash. To the Winter Ball in Canterlot!” She joyful cheered and hopped around like she was eight years old again before leaping into the air. Landing on the nearby sofa, she gave a dreamy sigh. “It’s like something out of a fairy tale.”
Giggling at her sister’s behavior, Rarity walked over to her and nuzzled Sweetie Belle’s mane. “Oh, I knew this day would come, but I didn’t think it would be so soon. My little sister, going on her first date. I always knew that Button Mash was a good choice for you, swear on my dresses.”
Sweetie Belle snorted and looked away from the ceiling to stare back at her sister. “Rarity, when you first met him you two were having a three hour argument on the topic of beanies. He said they were cool, and you called them abominations from Tartarus.”
Rarity scoffed. “Well, there is nothing wrong with a healthy debate once and awhile isn’t there?”
“You were sword fighting with scissors.”
Blushing, Rarity walked over to her workstation and gathered her necessary fabrics she would need. “A-anyway, since I cannot let my little sister go to a ball without a dress, what do you say we make something special that will have you be the envy of the ball. And make Button’s mouth drop down six feet when he sees how dazzling you’ll look.”
Sweetie Belle jumped off the couch and hugged her sister with a tackle. “Thanks, Rarity! You’re the best sister ever!”
“And you’re the best little sister ever.” Rarity smiled before asking, “Could you be a dear and get my designs from my closet? I might have something in my folders I’ve been saving for this special occasion. They should be easy to find.”
“No problem!” said Sweetie Belle, rushing towards the stairs.
She went up and headed towards the halls, while pausing to look at a certain corner that, as hard as she tried, couldn’t help but freeze when seeing it. It brought back a memory that always haunted her, even though it had been years since the incident.
***
Opening her eyes, Sweetie Belle saw her sister, in her night robe, shaking her awake with a terrified look on her face. “Darling, wake up! This is no time to be sleeping! We have to get out of here!”
Sweetie Belle could smell the horrible smoke coming from the hall as she felt suddenly much hotter than the heating in the house should have been. A grim thought entered her mind as she nervously asked, “W-what’s going on?!”
“There’s a fire in the boutique! We have to get out of here! Now!”
The little filly didn’t need to be told twice. She jumped out of bed and followed her sister down the hall but was force to stop when her sister came to a halt. Looking past her, Sweetie gasped in horror as the flames started spreading up the stairs towards them. “What do we do?!”
***
Shaking her head, Sweetie Belle opened her sister’s door and made for the closet where she found dresses, naturally, shoes, also naturally, and some file cabinets. Opening one of them, Sweetie Belle used her magic to sort them out until she saw ‘Sweetie Belle’s Designs’ on one of the folders. She levitated the folder with her magic and was about to close the cabinet when she spotted something strange.
“Sweetie Belle’s Birth?” read out loud Sweetie Belle. “Why would Rarity have a file on my birth?” She looked back at the door to make sure nopony was around before she levitated it out and opened it. Her eyes went wide by the first photo she saw. “What... the... what...”
It was Rarity.
And she was pregnant.
***
Button had never thought that the gates of the underworld were so pretty and pink, but there was always a first time for everything. He once again had to admire the size of the Rich Mansion, making him wonder just how rich Diamond Tiara and her father were. Seriously, it would take three of my houses to fit in here.
Normally, Button Mash would rather enter the mansion in Resident of Chaos then here, but there was no other option. Taking a deep breath, he raised his hoof and rang the doorbell. A kind and sweet melody echoed from inside before it was opened by an aged looking earth pony dressed up in a butler outfit. “May I help you?”
“Y-yes, I’m here to see Diamond Tiara,” answered Button Mash, rubbing the back of this right leg.
“Who may I ask is wishng to see Mistress Tiara?” asked the butler.
Button Mash thought long and hard about what to say. If he just said his name, chances were Diamond Tiara would just turn him away without seeing a single hair of him. He had to answer this in a way that would get the brat’s attention. Gritting his teeth, he answered, “Tell her it’s the geeky video game playing former blank flank that desperately needs her help and is willing to do anything for it.”
The butler raised an eyebrow and stared at Button Mash for half a minute before answered, “Very well.” He closed the door as Button Mash held his breath. A short while later, he returned. “Mistress Tiara will see you, Mr. Mash.”
Button nodded in thanks as he was let inside and gasped. “Woah...”
He hated taking a line from one of his favorite sci-fi show, but it was much bigger on the inside then it was on the outside. The gems padded walls with tons of artwork, the smooth crystal chandeliers on the ceiling, and the sparkling white padded floors; all of it made his mouth drop.
“This way please,” said the butler, guiding a stunned Button Mash down the hall. They took a left and arrived at what looked to be a living room that was three times bigger than his own. The red velvet curtains, the bookshelves that reached as high as the ceiling, the endless couches that looked so soft you could rest your butt on them and never get up. What really made Button eyes boggle at was the size of the TV that seemed to take up half the wall. If he had that to play his games on...
“Thank you, Jeeves, that’s all for now,” said a familiar voice, coming from a chair that had it’s back turned to Button and facing the lit fireplace. The butler bowed and left the room, leaving Button Mash alone with the other occupant.
The chair slowly turned around as Diamond Tiara appeared, smiling at Button with such an amused smirk that made him feel like a bug under the mercy of a spider. She had her hooves touching each other and held in front of her face like some classic spy movie villain, ready to unveil their conquest to take over the world.
“So, Mr. Geeky video game playing former blank flank that desperately needs my help and is willing to do anything for it,” taughted Diamond Tiara. “What do you want?”
Button Mash put Sweetie Belle’s happy face in his mind to remind him who he was doing this for. “I need your help to do something for me, Diamond Tiara.”
A snort from Diamond Tiara jerked her forward before she composed herself. “And why would I help a loser like you?”
Button sighed and ran a hoof through his mane. “Look, I know you don’t like me, and guess what? The feeling is mutual. But you’re the only pony in all of Ponyville that can help me, and I’ll do anything you want to get it.”
“What is it that you want? I’m curious?” asked Diamond Tiara, raising an eyebrow while leaning on the left arm of the chair.
“I need... two tickets to the Canterlot Winter Ball after Hearths Warming Eve,” answered Button Mash.
“Why the hay would you want to go there unless...” Her eyes widen and suddenly she leaned her head back and laughed. “Oh my gosh! You finally did it, didn’t you?! You asked Sweetie Belle out, and you promised her to go, didn’t you?! I bet it was all by accident as well, and you need the tickets so you don’t make a fool out of yourself! Oh, this is as rich as I am!”
“Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up,” growled Button, narrowing his eyes. He waited until she stopped laughing before continuing. “Look, can you help me? Or should I just leave and toss myself into a lake for thinking this would work?”
Diamond Tiara closed her eyes and rubbed her chin. For a few minutes, nopony spoke, making Button wonder if she was toying with him to see how long he could squirm. She opened her eyes and nodded. “Alright, I’ll do it.”
“W-what?!” asked Button Mash, falling to his haunches. “Y-you’re serious?”
“I am, but on one condition,” said Diamond TIara as she pointed at him with a smirk. “You are to be my personal butler until the day before Hearths Warming Eve. You will obey every order I command you to do, no question. If you fail or ignore any order I give, you lose. If you quit, you lose. And you must address me as Mistress Tiara. Do this, and I promise that I’ll give you the tickets. I had no plans on going this year anyway so I might as well be a good little girl this Hearths Warming Eve and be charitable to you lesser ponies. Do we have a deal?”
“I’ll do it, Mistress Tiara,” muttered Button Mash, fighting back the bile threatening to come out his mouth.
Diamond Tiara’s smile grew even wider. “Wonderful, you’ll start tomorrow. Be here 8AM sharp.”
“Yes, Mistress Tiara,” muttered Button Mash as he made his way towards the direction of the door.
It was not going to be a happy holidays for the next two weeks.
***
A pregnant Rarity.
Her sister had been pregnant.
Sweetie Belle felt her entire world starting to spin as she stared at the photo over and over again. Why was there a picture of her big sister, pregnant, in a file about her birth. It’s like... if... no... no no no no! NO!
Without wasting any effort, Sweetie Belle reached further for more in the file. There were medical papers that talked about Rarity’s health and more pictures of her belly growing bigger and bigger. The single thought that was pounding in her brain caused Sweetie Belle to keep searching. She wanted to be wrong. Maybe before she was born her sister had a child and lost it for one way or another? Maybe it was too painful for her to speak about it? And she, Sweetie Belle, was birthed by her mother and father and named after her lost niece in their honor.
It was better than the alternative and finding out your whole life was a lie.
Finally, she reached the end and fell to her haunches at the two items that finally opened her eyes to the truth. The first was a photo of her, as a foal, in the hooves of a happy Rarity. She had seen enough photos of herself as a baby to know it was her. And second was a birth certificate... with her name on it. There was no name for the place of the father, but there was one for the mother.
Rarity Belle. Age Sixteen.
Tears began to form in Sweetie Belle’s eyes. Rarity wasn’t her big sister.
She was her mother.
“Sweetie did you find... find...oh no....”
Slowly, Sweetie Belle teared her gaze away from the folder and towards her pale sister who had her hooves over her mouth. The two stared at each other. Silent. Unmoving.
“You... you’re...” whispered Sweetie Belle, closing her eyes. “All this time...”
“Sweetie, I can explain,” whispered Rarity.
“Explain?” muttered Sweetie Belle, before she opened her raging eyes and threw the file at Rarity. She was so stunned she didn’t even flinch when it hit her in the face. “Explain that!”
“I...I...”
“All this time I thought I was your sister!” shouted Sweetie Belle as she stood up onto her rear hooves, growling. “But in reality I was your daughter?! Why didn’t you tell me?! Why hide this?! Why make me grow up thinking we were siblings all this time?!”
“I can explain!” shouted Rarity, stepping forward. “I was going to tell you when you were older! Really! I never meant to hurt you, Sweetie Belle!”
“Yeah?! Well, great bucking job!” shouted Sweetie Belle, stepping back and heading towards the exit. “Don’t touch me! Don’t even speak to me! Just.... just! Gah!”
“Sweetie! Sweetie Belle! Please!” cried out Rarity, but Sweetie was already rushing down the stairs.
She could her Rarity’s scream her voice over and over again as she ran as fast as he could to her parents house.
No.
Her grandparents house.