Sugarcube Corner ranked among Silver Spoon’s favorite shops; delicious delicacies were all crafted within its kitchen. However, the interior was a far cry from its candy-like exterior. The walls were all painted a dull green, though not a single crack or stream of dust running along it. A few ponies sat at the tables spread out across the room, grins painted on their visages. The tiled floors may as well have been ice as far as Silver Spoon was concerned, the smooth surface chilling her to the bone. At least there was a warm current of air circulating within the shop.
The crisp scent of fresh cupcakes, scones, chocolates, and other delicacies flowed into her nostrils; the aroma urged Silver Spoon to lick her lips and the glass counter only supported this action. The pastries shielded behind glass as though they were works of art brought back memories of when she discovered her special talent; it’d help lighten her mood recalling the fateful day.
It was like any other day for little Silver Spoon back then, her flank still blank and her mind eager for exploration. She recalled meandering into the kitchen and, with her only culinary experience being observations she made, whipped up a simple pastry. It lacked any exquisite qualities, but it had a nice, creamy texture to it. While her craft had evolved multiple times since then, becoming tastier and utilizing more complex techniques, it did signal the beginning of life with a cutie mark. The sudden itch upon its arrival was unlike anything she felt before or after.
And as Silver Spoon trotted alongside Diamond Tiara toward the counter, their stomachs purring together like kittens, something prodded her mind. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were all blank flanks like they both had been, only they were likely to become late bloomers if anything. There didn't appear to be anything wrong with being a little late in getting a cutie mark.
Perhaps their talents require them to be older. Silver Spoon shook her head. No. Sweetie Belle is a talented singer. I've heard her serenades before. A soft giggle left Silver Spoon's mouth. At least I didn't say that word—serenades—in front of Di. She'd pester me about that as well. Silver Spoon rubbed her muzzle, brow raised. The itching sensation within her grew more intense as each second passed.
"Di, can I ask a quick question?" Silver Spoon asked. "I'm just curious about something."
"You can ask me almost any question, Silvy," Diamond replied. She locked gazes with Silver Spoon, a smirk adorning her face. "What's on your mind?"
"Well, we were blank flanks at one point, so—" Silver Spoon took a deep breath, trying to loosen the tension in her muscles "—why do we tease the Cutie Mark Crusaders so much about it?" Before Diamond could utter a single word, Silver Spoon raised her hoof toward her friend's lips. "Now, I'm not saying it because I think they don't deserve it. I'm just curious."
"It's—" Diamond winced "—it's a long story.” She took a deep breath; Diamond straightened her posture. “We'd be here for days if I tried to explain it."
Silver Spoon arched an eyebrow. "Di, are you okay?"
"Of course I am, Silvy." Diamond chuckled, rubbing the back of her neck with a crooked smile across her face. "I'm always okay!"
"Well, if you say so." Silver Spoon's shoulders drooped, a sigh leaving her mouth. "I'm sorry if I offended you there."
"Silvy, you do need to get more sleep. Like, did you roll off your bed and knock your head or something?"
"I'm not drowsy or anything, Di." Silver Spoon nudged an inch closer to Diamond; she forced her eyes to widen. "I'm as awake as I usually am. I mean, Truffle Shuffle should be the pony you ask that question to." She shuddered. "Did you see how much he drooled and snored during class today?”
"Everypony saw, Silvy. With a quick breath, Diamond then cocked her head, her brow raised. "Look, you've been acting all emotional today, Silvy. I'm—like—getting worried about you, especially with how you're questioning what we've been doing for ages. It's kind of weird."
"My recent question just kind of occurred to me." Silver Spoon shrugged. "I think we've all had moments like that, you know. I was only curious, Di."
“Curiosity killed the cat, Silvy.”
“But satisfaction brought it back.”
Diamond blushed, a slight snicker escaping her lips. “Okay, you got me there.”
An aching sensation coursed throughout Silver Spoon’s body. Perhaps these sudden thoughts and sensations revolved around growing up, though Silver Spoon doubted such a change could be so quick. Diamond was about as static when it came to personality as almost anypony she knew, given her static personality since the day they met. Getting her to budge even a millimeter was like pushing an iceberg; Silver Spoon wondered if such a feat would be needed one day. The thought turned her face a little pale.
"What looks good to you, Silvy?" Diamond asked upon reaching the counter. A grin ran across the length of her face, her gleaming teeth visible. "I know what I'm having."
"Just a Prench Eclair will do," Silver Spoon replied. "The chocolate they use is scrumptious."
When Silver Spoon trotted up next to Diamond, a light blue mare made her way to the counter with a spring in her step. Her pink mane was curled up like a cupcake's frosting. Such was the telltale sign of none other than Mrs. Cake, a mare whose baking prowess made Silver Spoon's eyes twinkle at the mere thought.
"Hello there," Mrs. Cake chimed. She placed her hooves on the counter, a warm smile adorning her face. "How can I help you two today?"
"I'd like the Sugarcube Corner Sundae," Diamond blurted without hesitating. She massaged her stomach for a second and grinned.
"I'll have the Prench Eclair, please," Silver Spoon added.
Mrs. Cake nodded, turning toward the register atop the counter. As she punched some buttons with the tip of her hoof, clacks echoing into Silver Spoon's ears, at least she knew it functioned.
"That will be twenty bits, please," Mrs. Cake said.
Diamond shivered, her eyes dilated. "Twenty bits?" she gasped. Trudging closer to the counter with puckered lips, Diamond planted her hooves on the clear, glass surface. "Are you trying to rob me or something? Because—"
"Di! Silver Spoon interrupted. “Honestly, it’s not too bad.” She extended her foreleg toward Diamond, eyebrows ruffled. "Mine cost eight and your sundae cost twelve. There are times to get angry or shocked about something, but this isn't it. And have you seen what Canterlot charges in their inferior cafes?"
"Come on, Silvy." Diamond swiveled toward Silver Spoon, lips puckered and brow drooping. "We can haggle—"
"I'll cover the cost, Di."
Diamond shook her head; she pouted. "You don't have to do that, you know. I have a much better idea, and you know it."
“Sure you do,” Silver Spoon muttered under her own breath. She rolled her eyes, then said, "I'm aware of that, Di, but I'm doing it anyway."
Reaching into her saddlebag, Silver Spoon procured twenty bits and placed them on the counter. Upon raising her head and gazing into Mrs. Cake's pupils, a flickering flame burning within them, she let out a soft sigh. "Sorry about my friend, Mrs. Cake," Silver Spoon murmured. "She's a bit feisty at times, but she means well."
Mrs. Cake raised an eyebrow, then turned around in a huff. "At least someone has manners," she whispered to herself, tail swishing about.
"What was that?" Diamond asked.
"Nothing!" Mrs. Cake giggled, her cheeks flushing. "Just thinking out loud is all. Anyway, please have a seat and your order will be right with you."
"Sounds good, Mrs. Cake," Silver Spoon said. "Thank you!"
"You're welcome!"
When Mrs. Cake trotted through the folding door and into what Silver Spoon presumed was the kitchen, she twisted her body around and made her way to the table before her. Collapsing on the seat with a thud, Silver Spoon's limbs sprawled out as though she reclined on a bed. The seat's woven surface was rough like sandpaper, her back itching somewhat, though anything she could sit on after a long walk was welcome. Silver Spoon sensed the tension in her legs loosening a tad with each second; her lips curled into a bright smile.
"What did I say, Silvy?" Diamond asked with a wide smirk. "You really were tired after all."
A faint chuckle escaped Silver Spoon's mouth, trailing off soon after. "I'm not tired as in I need to sleep, Di." Straightening her seating posture, she rubbed the back of her neck. A hot pink covered her cheeks. "It's just nice to sit down again, you know? Moving about all the time can wear the body down, after all."
"Perhaps." Diamond paused, rubbing her muzzle. "Say, I bet the blank flanks would've gotten kicked out if they tried what we did. They're—like—so lame!"
Silver Spoon maintained a straight face, brow raised. Not a single peep left her sealed mouth as the corner of her eye caught the recognizable, cotton candy mane of a fellow classmate.
"Silvy, I thought you found those funny."
Silver Spoon shook her head. "That's not why I'm being quiet." Lifting her glasses up for a second, she rubbed her eyes. "I just don't want to get in trouble."
Glancing behind where Diamond Tiara sat, Silver Spoon pointed at a small unicorn filly with a fluffy mane at one of the adjacent tables. The filly grasped a chocolate shake with her hoof, sipping it at regular intervals and licking her lips afterward. It was Sweetie Belle, without a doubt, and she was having a treat there as predicted. If Diamond and her made Sweetie Belle bawl, kissing Sugarcube Corner's carpet would be the meal she'd receive instead.
At least she's not looking toward us. Silver Spoon took a deep breath, stretching her forelegs. Please don’t notice us.
A split second later, Sweetie Belle glanced behind her, eyes widening upon making eye contact with Silver Spoon. The latter's heart skipped a beat, a lightness consuming her. Silver Spoon sensed the weight returning to her piece by piece, biting her lip as she forced herself to stay conscious. With quicker breaths, the world to Silver Spoon tilted on its side, its colors rippling into modest waves. Her body wobbled about like a tree swaying in the wind.
"Silvy!" Diamond shouted, leaning toward her. "Snap out of it!"
A pop rang within her brain, Silver Spoon swiveling her head from left to right. "W-what was that?" she asked. With a sigh of relief, she brought her gaze back to Diamond. "Sorry, just felt a little strange for a second."
"Silvy, you looked like you almost passed out." Diamond bit her lip, holding back a giggle. "Geez, you must have gotten—like—two minutes of sleep or something."
Silver Spoon adjusted her glasses, her vision returning to normal. "Do I need to repeat myself? Maybe you're a broken record today, Di." Straightening her posture, a slight snicker left her mouth. "I don't know what happened."
"I'm a broken record for a reason, and I’ll stay that way if I have to.”
“Well, at least I know to expect more of the same lines from you.” Silver Spoon cracked a smile; she chuckled.
“Yeah, it’s kinda funny, but what in Tartarus was your little episode about?" Diamond crossed her forelegs. "There's got to be a reason, Silvy."
"It's something—" Silver Spoon placed a hoof to her mouth. A cold sweat dripped over her brow. There was something about saving a blank flank trouble which churned her stomach; it was necessary for survival. "Well, it's because I'm exhausted. I admit it."
"Didn't you just say you weren't tired, Silvy?" Diamond shrugged, a bemused expression painted on her face. She sighed. "Anyway, please make up your mind or tell the truth next time. Like, I know we’ve told white lies before, but this is serious stuff! I'd rather not see you get hurt or become lame."
Sulking, Silver Spoon gazed down at the table's sparkling surface. Her reflection within the table's sheen was blurred, though detailed enough to where she could spot her drooping visage. "I-I just didn't want to disappoint you, Di."
"Thanks, Silvy." Diamond paused, lips pursed. "Still, you should just enjoy the moment, okay?"
"Okay."
"Are you afraid of the test being passed back tomorrow?" Diamond clamped her hooves together. "Honestly, worrying about a stupid test isn't something you should put so much effort in. As long as we pass, which is easy, we're good."
"Not really." Silver Spoon raised her head, locking gazes with Diamond. "I know I got a B on it."
Diamond cocked her head. "Wait, what makes you say that?"
"I just have a feeling. Did you think it was tough?"
"Sort of." Diamond paused. Her shoulders perked up a second later, eyes widened. "Wait a second!"
"What is it, Di?"
"Whenever you make these predictions about how well you do, you're always right. And not only—"
A plate appeared before Silver Spoon without warning, a crisp eclair with chocolate running along it resting atop the plate. Then, a bowl of ice cream with bananas and hot fudge drizzled over it slid in front of Diamond, halting right in front of her as though it was sentient.
"Enjoy your treats," a soft voice uttered, its owner a yellow stallion with an orange mane.
"Thank you, Mr. Cake," Silver Spoon replied.
"Thanks," Diamond added.
"You're welcome!"
Stepping back, Mr. Cake retreated back to Sugarcube Corner's kitchen as Silver Spoon stared at him from afar. The skips in his steps were a nice touch, as was the wave he and a Mrs. Cake donning a radiant grin on her face exchanged. Silver Spoon couldn't help but smirk as she studied their movements, a warmth filling her heart at the sight. She couldn’t help but recall the days where doing such movements with Diamond were commonplace.
And when such thoughts swirled within Silver Spoon like a tornado, a faint sigh left her lips, head hung low.
"No, things will be just fine tomorrow. I just know it."
"Silvy, as I was saying, your predictions about how you do on tests are always spot on," Diamond continued. Silver Spoon shifted her head back toward Diamond, ears pointed toward her. "You're also crazy accurate in how many correct you got." With a raised eyebrow, Diamond tapped her hoof against the table. A sharp clack split the air, Silver Spoon shielding her ears for a moment. "What's your secret? Are you hiding something lame? Is it luck?" She leaned closer to the gray filly. “Tell me.”
Silver Spoon shrugged. "I'm just lucky, I guess."
"Okay, I can believe that.” Diamond nudged away as to give both of them ample breathing room. “Well, at least you're not 'Miss Perfect Test Taker', otherwise known as Twist." Cringing, Diamond stuck her tongue out as if to spit something out. "Like, she keeps doing so well to where it's not admirable, but embarrassing. Thank Celestia you’re not that much of an egghead."
Silver Spoon’s heart skipped a beat. "That's the first time you've made a jab at Twist in a while, Di." She then twiddled the eclair in her hooves. "Still, what's so b-bad about that?" Exhaling, she squirmed in her chair a bit. "I'm curious."
"Isn't it obvious? It shows she has no life outside of school."
"What makes you think that, Di?" Quivering ever so slightly, Silver Spoon then raised an eyebrow. "I mean, she had to have gotten her cutie mark somehow, right?"
Diamond blinked, her lips closed shut. A blank expression covered her face, chilling Silver Spoon to the bone. Around fifteen seconds later, Diamond retorted with, "Did—did you seriously just defend Twist?" She raised her forelegs up. "Silver Spoon, I know Twist wears glasses like you do, but that doesn't mean you're more alike than anypony would think."
"It's not about the glasses, Di." Silver Spoon snickered, taking a deep breath. "It's just basic logic. Twist might spend hours reading material we'd find so dull, but she's also an artist when it comes to making candy." She paused, her cheeks burning a hot pink.
Maybe there's more in common between the two of us. The special talents we have would suggest that. Still, we have enough differences to where hanging out with her would be insane.
"Sorry, Di," Silver Spoon continued. "Something popped in my mind."
"What would that be?" Diamond asked. She shrugged, then took a bite of her sundae. "Did you remember something important?"
"Just a little joke we did a while ago." Smirking, Silver Spoon exhaled. "Anyway, let's not jump to conclusions so quickly."
"Well, you have to admit Twist is—like—so uncool, right?"
Silver Spoon nodded. "No arguing with that. At least a mane stylist could fix most of that."
"Yeah! That mane is begging for gum to stick on it!" With wide, glowing eyes, a smile adorned Diamond's visage. She pumped a hoof into the air, cheering, "That's the Silvy I know!"
"Well, I guess tomorrow will see the return of the old me." Silver Spoon's throat tightened, a slight ache forming in her head. A tingling sensation coursing throughout her body suggested such a feat may be just a speck on the horizon. It wasn't as though fixing everything tomorrow was impossible, as she had read accounts of such instances, though such claims were few and far between. "Let's eat, Di."
Silver Spoon lifted the eclair up to her mouth and nibbled on it. Chewing with a wide smile on her face, Silver Spoon let her taste buds succumb to the warm chocolate and crisp dough. Swallowing her bite and licking her lips, Silver Spoon brought her attention back to Diamond.
"This is delicious," Silver Spoon said as a matter of fact, eyes sparkling. "The chocolate and dough flavors balance each other nicely. Not to mention how well the eclair is composed in both texture and filling."
Diamond froze in place; she cocked her head. "I didn't understand a word you just said, Silvy."
Giggling, Silver Spoon covered her mouth with the tip of her hoof. "Sorry, Di." She straightened her seating posture. "I guess it comes with the special talent."
"I'd imagine so, Silvy."
"So then, what does yours taste like, Di?" Silver Spoon leaned closer to her friend. "Do you like it?"
"It's great!"
Seconds passed, but neither Silver Spoon nor Diamond uttered a word. The silence lingered, only broken when Silver Spoon replied, "That's it?"
Diamond nodded. "Yeah, I don't have your vocab, Silvy. I remember when I spied you sleeping on a cookbook."
Blushing, a snicker left Silver Spoon's lips. "Yeah, I remember that like it was yesterday. Well, it was kind of embarrassing, but we’ve all had moments like that.” Diamond’s lips curled into a slight smile; Silver Spoon breathed a sigh of relief. “Anyway, let's finish up eating."
And, as Silver Spoon suggested, the two fillies chowed down on the remainder of their treats. They savored each and every bite and, once no specks of food sat before them, the pair pushed themselves out of their seats with filled stomachs and grins brighter than the sun. Diamond trotted on ahead, but as Silver Spoon followed her, she couldn't help but glance at Sweetie Belle. The warm innocence bundled within the unicorn made zero sense in Silver Spoon’s eyes.
Then, Silver Spoon lifted her hoof up, giving Sweetie Belle a meek wave. Wearing a cracked grin, she took a few steps back, only for Sweetie Belle to reply with a wave of her own. Silver Spoon's pupils dilated; she felt her breath taken away.
Did Sweetie Belle just wave at me? Turning around in a flash, Silver Spoon dashed toward Diamond, already a few hoofsteps ahead of her. That couldn't have been genuine, right? Catching up to her friend, Silver Spoon slowed down upon trotting next to her, the blades of grass beneath her hooves tickling them.
"What took you so long, Silvy?" Diamond asked, her soft tone taking Silver Spoon off guard. "Did you see somepony you recognized?"
"Good guess," Silver Spoon replied. Panting, she then wiped some sweat off of her brow. "I saw one of our classmates."
"Who was it?"
Silver Spoon paused for a second, pursing her lips. Thinking of the first name she figured was acceptable, she muttered, "Rumble."
"Rumble?" With shimmering eyes, Diamond then wrapped her foreleg around Silver Spoon; she let out a gasp. "Why didn't you tell me that cutie was there?"
"You never told me you found Rumble cute, Di."
"His cuteness is a fact, Silvy." Diamond rubbed her hooves together, eyes glowing. "I mean, that smile of his is—like—amazing."
"Di, I don't think you'd get along with Rumble too well." Silver Spoon lowered her head. "Sorry to tell you that."
"How so?"
"He's a real sweetheart. A lot of ponies are saying it's down to how he was raised in addition to how well Flitter and Cloudchaser helped look after him." Silver Spoon stared back at Diamond. "I think you'd probably prefer somepony who was tougher or liked to joke around."
"Nonsense, Silvy! Rumble is definitely my type of pony."
Shrugging, Silver Spoon then swished her tail about. "Di, you're setting yourself up for disappointment." She placed a hoof to her chest. "I'm sorry if I'm being a little too blunt, Di."
"No apology necessary." Diamond's grin widened. "I'm going to prove you wrong one day. I just know it!"
With a slight snicker, Silver Spoon rolled her eyes. "Well, I guess only time will tell. Just try to not be so rude to him, Di. Rumble is also a bit sensitive."
Ruffling her brow, Diamond's ears twitched. "I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that, Silvy. And I know Rumble is actually a cool pony. Maybe you want him for yourself, you sly filly."
“I’m not the romantic type, Di.” Silver Spoon's cheeks flushed. Twitching a little, she released a short breath. "It's still something to consider. I don't want you getting into any trouble."
"I know how to get out of it, Silvy." Diamond took a deep breath, her strides longer than before. "If there's anypony who knows how to avoid trouble, it's me!"
A rebuttal swelled within Silver Spoon's throat, trying to climb out. She yearned to list the numerous examples of Diamond's little claim being false, just to get it off of her chest. However, Silver Spoon forced her mouth shut. There was no need to risk escalating the situation further, Silver Spoon's muscles tightening at the thought of upsetting Diamond.
A sharp sensation within her chest nagged her about Diamond's attitude issues, refusing to cease prodding her. Silver Spoon didn't dislike Diamond, such a statement far from the truth. Diamond was her one true friend, after all. All she needed were a few tweaks to fix those imperfections.
Maybe it will all come to pass tomorrow.
Tomorrow couldn't come soon enough for Silver Spoon, the weight of the world crushing her bones.