Well here we are finally guys, Chapter 10. It is a lot shorter than I wanted, only 1 day instead of two, but it is the longest chapter than the rest and does have a cliffhanger ending so I guess that makes up for it. Hope you enjoy.
Artemis woke up the next morning feeling refreshed, most of his pain having subsided during the evening with Twilight taking care of him.
As he allowed his body to slowly wake up he took in the surroundings, light streaming through the window bringing with it a gentle warmth and the sound of birdsong. All in all he felt cosy, at peace and most of all, at home.
Slowly he became aware of the sounds of somepony else breathing within the room and turned his head, only to find it inches away from the sleeping face of Twilight, who for reason unknown to him was sleeping on the floor of the room with her head against his bed.
Artemis didn’t want to disturb her out of some much needed sleep so was content to let her rest. For a while he just lay there watching her sleep, and as he did so he blushed, she really was quite cute when she slept, especially when the reason she was so tired was looking after him.
After a while the light from the window slowly edged across the room until it was shining directly onto Twilight’s face, illuminating her features and her mane. This new heat on her body slowly caused Twilight to stir.
Slowly Twilight opened her eyes and smiled when she Artemis’ face inches from her own, then realizing where she was bolted upright and blushed rather embarrassed.
“S-sorry Artemis, I must of dropped off while reading here last night to make sure you were ok.” she picked up a book off the floor with her magic to indicate she had in fact been reading.
Artemis gave her mane a little tussle which made her blush more but she didn’t resist.
“It’s ok twilight, you looked rather peaceful when I awoke, I didn’t want to disturb you.”
On hearing that she jumped back, “You were watching me sleep?”
“Only for a little while. Why does that bother you?”
She turned her head away, “Not really,” she replied, “Just seems kinda strange.”
“Anyway,” Artemis said, sensing a tension forming, “I believe breakfast is in order, after all got to be ready soon for my day with Rarity.” Artemis noticed a twinge go through Twilight’s body at the mention of spending the day with Rarity but thought nothing of it.
“Of course Artemis,” Twilight smiled, she headed towards the door, however before leaving turned around with a look of concern on her face, “You reckon you’ll be able to shower”.
“Probably not,” he replied, he screwed his face up in concentration, suddenly his face lit up in a lightbulb moment. “You got a bath?”.
“Of course I have!” Twilight retorted somewhat offended, “A pony has to have somewhere to relax as she cleans all her troubles away at the end of a day.”
Artemis looked down at the bed downcast, the sight softening Twilight up a bit, “I’m sorry Twilight, it’s just... well you have a shower, so I didn’t know you’d need a bath.”
He silently chided himself for insulting his friend.
It was Twilight's turn to look downcast this time, she had been aggressive with her new friend and hurt his feelings, and what had he been doing? Asking an innocent question, that’s what.
“It’s ok Artemis, I’m the one who should be sorry,” she smiled weakly at him and touched the sheets where it covered his legs, “I keep forgetting you’re new around her.” she shook her head, “I shouldn’t have shouted at you like that.”
It might of been the sight of her smile, which when splayed out on her face with her head leaning towards her made her look really cute, or the warmth and comfort of her hoof against his leg, but Artemis cheered up rather quickly.
Seeing him cheer up Twilight continued, “Anyway, I do have a bath, well actually its not a bath but more of a Jacuzzi.” she said tentatively, clacking her front hooves together and looking rather nervous.
Noticing her rather obvious nervousness he got rather intrigued, “what's wrong Twilight?” he asked.
“It’s that...” she looked around nervously and then leaned closer to Artemis, “I don’t want you to think i’m some sort of... Party Pony.”
Twilight said that last part with such shame that it was all Artemis could do not to just hug her.
Instead he simply questioned her.
“Party Pony?”
“You know, with all the drinking and sex and...” she looked even more distraught, “disregard for books.”
“Oh Twilight,” Artemis said, his urge to hug Twilight impossible to resist any longer, “I barely know you, but why would I ever think of you like that. There's nothing wrong with having a jacuzzi and i’m sure they are perfect for relaxing.” he smiled and gave her mane a little tussle.
“Anyway,” he said, noticing a small smile appeared on her face and slowly clawing his way out of the sheets which entangled him, “can you bring over the wheel chair please?”
Twilight, who no longer feared that he thought of her as some lout of a mare, obliged and retrieved the chair from the corner of the room to which it had rolled.
As Artemis slipped into his chair, Twilight went and opened the door, holding it open as Artemis rolled on past.
“Any of my clothes washed yet?” Artemis asked, “I doubt this second pair of clothes from Rarity are clean enough for another day’s wear,” he said pulling at his dirt encrusted shirt.
“Actually,” Twilight grinned, “both the first pair of clothes Rarity made for you and your original set are washed, dried, and ironed.” she answered rather pleased with herself.
“You can find them in the small cupboard beside the bathroom door,” she carried on.
“Anyway, you go and have a bath and I’ll make us some breakfast.”
“Um, Twilight...” Artemis said as Twilight started to head down stairs. “I think you are forgetting something,” he pointed at the staircase and his wheelchair.
She blushed rather embarrassed, “Oh right, sorry.” she said. Twilight went back up to Artemis and surrounded him with a field of magic, “It’s a good thing it’s easier to take you down than bringing you up,” she uttered as she staggered downstairs, helping Artemis down.
As they reached the ground floor Artemis turned to Twilight, “Thanks very much for that.”
Twilight was panting exhausted, “It’’s no problem” was all she said before collapsing to the ground. Artemis took this as his queue to go and have a bath.
Artemis eventually found the bathroom, and looking to the side of the door he did indeed find a small cupboard, although small was a bit of an overstatement, it was blooming tiny, in fact it barely had room to contain two sets of clothes. Artemis sighed, well at least he had clean clothes, and he would have to ask Twilight about such a small cupboard later, right now he needed to have a bath and breakfast before Rarity came.
-x-
Artemis exited the bathroom a mere 40 minutes later, feeling clean and refreshed and sporting the first set of clothes Rarity had made for him. He felt that wearing a pony made set of clothes in Equestria would be better. Besides, the clothes made by Rarity were far more comfortable and more fashionable than anything he had ever owned, he decided.
As Artemis rolled his way towards the kitchen he could smell the tell tale scent of Spike’s cooking, and sure enough he found Spike cooking up some eggs, tomatoes and mushroom. Looking for Twilight, Artemis continued into the dinning room and he found her sitting there eating some toast and a cup of coffee at her hooves.
Hearing Artemis squeak into the room, Twilight looked up from her plate and smiled, “You look much more awake,” she said and then sniffing the air, “smell more pleasant too,” she gave Artemis a cheeky grin.
Artemis rolled right up to her and gave her a dig in the ribs, “You’re just lucky you can run away at the moment.” he threatened, his mouth also turned into a cheeky grin, “I see you’ve perked up after that collapse, thanks again by the way.”
“You’re welcome,” she replied rather cheerily. “I do think however we need to make some alternate arrangements for this week.”
“hmm?” was all Artemis said as he was busy looking into the kitchen at what spike was cooking, his mouth drooling at the smell.
Twilight sighed, the smell was intoxicating for her as well but this was something they needed to talk about. She sighed and grabbed his face with her forelegs and turned him to face her, bringing him out of his trance.
To Twilight’s credit, that was a very effective way to get his attention, the sudden heat of her body, and the softness of the fur on her legs causing him to not only blush but snap straight to attention.
“This is serious Artemis,” she said with his full attention, “I can’t just keep dragging you upstairs, it’s not fair to you or me, I mean what do you do if you need to go out for some reason in the middle of the night?”
Artemis thought for a second then agreed, “I guess you're right, I can’t expect you to keep taking me up and downstairs, I’m your guest, I shouldn’t be a burden.”
Twilight shook her head, this human’s concern touching her, “You’re not a burden Artemis, it’s just, I don’t think I can do it every morning and night, and what if I’m not here to help you? No I think its best we see if somepony has a spare downstairs room to house you in.”
“hmm you’re probably right,” Artemis said, “but I’ll miss that bed, even after only two nights of sleep, it’s really comfortable.”
Twilight grinned, “Thanks, but it’s nothing special, besides i’m surprised I’ve not woken you up with a late night study session.”
“Meh,” he replied, “I guess the beds that comfortable, or i’ve been that tired. Perhaps it’s all the clean air out here.”
All of a sudden Artemis’ stomach gave a loud rumble, he looked down embarrassed. Luckily Twilight didn’t think much of it, simply giving a chuckle and calling out to Spike.
“Breakfast nearly done yet Spike? I think Artemis is a little peckish.”
“Just dishing it up now Twilight,” the dragon called back, “Can he wait a minute?”
Artemis’ stomach gave another rumble, causing Artemis to go bright red in the face and to make Twilight fall of her chair in laughter.
“I don’t think so,” she snorted, getting up from the floor still snorting with laughter, however that soon died down when she saw Artemis’ face.
Twilight suddenly felt really ashamed of herself, admittedly she had been laughing rather innocently, but even that innocent laughter was embarrassing her friend. Quickly thinking of a way to cheer her friend up she sighed and launched herself at Artemis, wrapping her legs and hooves around him she embraced him in a near bone crunching hug.
“Oh Artemis I didn’t mean to embarrass you,” she said as she sent her, Artemis and the wheelchair across the room and narrowly missing spike who was somehow balancing three rather tasty fried breakfasts into the room.
Unfortunately the sudden full body contact only embarrassed Artemis more and his face looked like it would almost burst.
Luckily for Artemis, his blood vessels were saved with Spike breaking the tension with a shout.
“Careful you two, You almost knocked me over, and I am not cooking a second time.” he shouted rather grumpily, setting the food down on the table.
Twilight turned her head to face Spike without letting go of Artemis, “Sorry Spike, guess I forgot his chair would roll back.”
“Yeh well, you owe me ice-cream next time,” the small dragon stated, starting to tuck into his breakfast.
“Um Twilight,” Twilight was brought back to the fact she was hugging Artemis, “Can you let go please, I have some breakfast I want to eat before it gets cold,” he said, giving twilight a slight poke in the ribs.
“Oh right,” she said letting go of Artemis and going back to her seat as Artemis rolled forward to eat his breakfast. Twilight felt stupid, she had tried to cheer him up and all he did was brush her off, she had a good mind to go off in a strop until she felt a hand at her shoulder. It was Artemis.
“Thanks for the hug by the way, I appreciate the sentiment.”
Nothing else was said for the rest of breakfast, all three too busy stuffing their faces to talk.
Eventually the monotonous sound of chewing and swallowing was broken by a knock at the door.
“Ahh I guess that will be Rarity,” Artemis said, and he hurriedly finished the last of his breakfast before turning to Spike, “thanks for breakfast.”
“No problemo,” Spike replied with a mock salute.
Next Artemis turned to Twilight, “Seeya this evening,” he said quickly before wheeling towards the front door.
“Have a good day and stay safe,” Twilight called after him before turning her mind to the breakfast plates.
Artemis soon reached the door however he was confused since he couldn’t see a shadow behind the doors window. That's strange he thought to himself and opened the door.
At first he couldn’t see who had knocked the door, that was until he heard an excited gasp from below his viewing height and looked down to see a little filly with a white coat and a two toned mane. He instantly recognized the filly as Sweetie Bell, Rarity’s little sister.
For a second Sweetie Bell stared at Artemis before she called back to a worn out Rarity who was only just traipsing up the path, it appeared the excited filly had ran ahead.
“You’re right Rarity he does look strange.” she called, turning Rarity a bright shade of crimson.
“Sweetie Belle! What have I told you about being rude?” the crimson Rarity exclaimed as she got closer to Sweetie Belle and Artemis.
“But sis I was only saying what you...” however, Artemis didn’t get to hear the rest of the sentence as Sweetie Belle was magically lifted out of earshot.
Rarity finally reached Artemis, “Sorry about her,” she said, “Sweetie Belle can be a bit insensitive.”
By now Artemis himself was red faced, but not from embarrassment but from laughter.
“It’s ok Rarity, really, I’m not surprised more ponies have commented on my strange appearance.” Well not in earshot anyway Artemis thought to himself.
By now Sweetie Belle had caught back up to Rarity and Artemis and came into the conversation looking rather sheepish, “Sorry mister,” she said while looking rather pitifully at her sister.
Artemis looked down at the little filly, his gaze causing Sweetie Belle to shake for few seconds before he spoke.
“Sweetie Belle is it?” he asked and the filly nodded, “Well then Sweetie Belle, it’s ok really it is,” he said with a grin, “I remember being like you at that age.”
Upon hearing she wasn’t in any sort of trouble, Sweetie Belle perked right up. “It’s really nice to meet you mister Artemis sir,” she said and she leaped up onto Artemis’ lap. She landed with thud drawing an ‘oomph’ from Artemis.
Before Rarity could object, Artemis gave Sweetie Belle’s mane a little tussle drawing a small blush from the filly’s features, “so what are we up to today Rarity?” he asked. “Twilight didn’t really know.”
Rarity opened her mouth, but before she could speak she was interrupted by the excited sweetie belle, “We’re going gem hunting.” the filly said jump up and down on his lap, barely avoiding his injured legs.
Rarity, devoid of her grand announcement looked rather annoyed but then her features softened, “Yes we are indeed going gem hunting,” she confirmed, “I have a large order of clothes for Canterlot and I need to get supplies, hope its ok?”
Artemis smiled, “of course it’s alright, why wouldn’t it be?”
“Well...” Rarity began, “it’s hardly exciting work.”
“And Dirty,” Sweetie Belle screamed excitedly, causing Rarity to look disgusted “I love the Dirt, it has so many uses.”
Rarity sighed, “Sometimes little sister, I really don’t think I'm related to you.”
Sweetie Belle laughed, rather cutely “Oh Rarity don’t get your mane in a twist. Why are you so afraid of dirt anyway? It’s harmless.”
“Harmless? Harmless! Oh Sweetie Belle you have a lot to learn about fashion.”
Artemis finally found his way into the conversation, “Rarity, the whole point of today isn’t to do something exciting it’s to spend time with you, I mean you guys are looking after me and I barely know you guys.”
Rarity blushed, “you really want to get to know us?” She asked.
“Well I guess you’re my friends now, so yes” he smiled, his sarcasm carrying over to Rarity but passing straight over Sweetie Belles head.
“Am I a friend,” the young filly questioned him, batting her eyelids.
Artemis really didn’t know what to say, but as he stared into her wide open eyes he realized there was only one thing he could say “Of course you are.” Upon hearing those words Sweetie Belle had a large happy smile, and she excitedly jumped up off Artemis’ lap and down towards Twilight’s gate.
“Come on you two, we got gems to collect.” she called behind her.
As Rarity and Artemis began to head down the path towards her, Artemis turned to Rarity,
“So what’s she doing with us today?”
Rarity looked rather indignant at that question, “Have you got a problem with her coming with us huh? and just after you said she was a friend.” she humphed and started to walk away angrily. However, before she could get away Artemis grabbed onto her tail. She turned to face him.
“It’s nothing like that Rarity,” he replied, “I just thought she would have school today.”
“Oh really?” she thought to herself for a moment and blushed, “Sorry for that little outburst, I guess being an Artist leads one to get a bit carried away.” she giggled a bit before carrying on, “Usually she would be, but...” she looked at her sister who they had now caught up with, “she had a bit of an incident with paint yesterday and was told to have the day off, to think about what she had done.”
Sweetie Belle looked downcast as they came to a halt just outside the path to the tree house.
“It wasn’t my fault, Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara started it.”
Rarity sighed, “I know sis but you should behave yourself, after all a proper Lady rises above the actions of riffraff.”
Artemis turned to Rarity and asked, “Is this a regular occurrence?”
However, before she could respond Sweetie Belle responded, “yeah but you get used to her boring talking about being a lady eventually.”
This unexpected outburst not only caused Artemis to burst into a fit of laughter, but also brought a chuckle to Rarity’s face.
“Oh sweetie,” she chided, however all sense of threat was lost because of her laughter.
After the laughter died down Artemis spoke up, “so where we heading?”
Rarity dried her eyes and regained her composure before answering, “We are going to the western fields, I don’t usually go there but I this morning I felt my horn pulling me there and I am sure I’ll find the gems I need there.”
Artemis was sure there was an innuendo in their but he refused to look.
“Anyway,” Rarity said, taking position behind Artemis so as to push, “Lets get going, we have a lot of gems to find and only a day to do it.”
With that Sweetie Belle jumped up back onto Artemis’ lap obviously wanting to avoid walking all the way there, and they set off towards the western fields.
-x-
A little while later Artemis was sitting in the middle of a field, surrounded by holes and with a lap full of gems as the two sisters went around with Rarity finding gems, and Sweetie Belle who was not so afraid of dirt doing all he digging.
He sighed, it was almost noon and he had done very little besides sitting and watching the two sisters run around, search for gems and occasionally play around. Other than to dump the gems onto his lap, they had seemingly ignored him for the most part, not that he blamed them. It was such a beautiful sunny day, and besides, the two probably didn’t often get chance to play together what with school, Rarity’s work and the amount of saving the world that happened around here.
Still, Artemis couldn’t help but feel all alone.
With nothing but his thoughts to occupy Artemis just sat there staring at the sisters frolicking about. Suddenly a thought struck him, something he hadn’t thought about in nearly a week, his brother, his family. He felt dreadful, how could he have not thought about them for so long? Sure he was in a strange land surrounded by ponies but he should’ve at least thought about them once.
Now that he had thought about them, the flood gates came tearing down, oh how he missed them. Not that he wanted to rush back home.
As he sat there thinking about home, unknown to him, he had began to hum a tune.
He only became aware of this fact when a tired Rarity and Sweetie Belle came over to him and Sweetie Belle brought him to his senses, “That's a lovely tune you were humming there Artemis.” she said.
Artemis shook his head and took stock of what she just said, “oh, you really think so?”
“Yes I do,” she said again, her eyes bright and cheery despite her morning's work. “what's it called?”
Artemis, ashamed that he had been caught humming blushed and said “I don’t quite remember.”
However, Sweetie Belle was not to no for an answer, “Oh come on Artemis, I’m sure you do, there’s no need to be embarrassed I sing all the time.”
Artemis sat silent for a minute with the filly batting her eyelids again, realizing it worked earlier so it might work again now. Eventually Rarity piped up, “Oh come on Artemis darling,” she said, using the fact that Twilight told him he blushed when she called him that to his advantage. “Why can’t you tell us? besides Sweetie’s such a great singer, you should consider it a compliment that she is interested.” and Rarity joined her sister in pouting.
Eventually, after a short amount of time Artemis relented, the cute pony(dog?) eyes of Sweetie Belle, and the kind of sexy pout of Rarity proved too much.
“Fine...” he sighed, “the song I was humming is called home.”
“Home?” Sweetie Belle questioned, “That’s an interesting title.”
While Sweetie Belle sat there thinking about the song title, wondering it could mean, Rarity’s eyes opened wide with realization. “Oh you poor darling,” she said ignoring his blushes as she hugged him, “you’re missing your family aren’t you?” Artemis nodded glumly.
They sat there quietly for a minute, Rarity hugging Artemis tightly with her tail brushing against his feet, causing him to have a rather strange pleasurable feeling.
After Rarity finally let go, Sweetie Belle jumped back up onto Artemis’ lap her eyes again opened into their wide cuteness, “Maybe singing the song to us will cheer you up?” she suggested.
Now Artemis really wanted to refuse, while he loved singing himself he just couldn’t face singing in front of barely made friends. Still he thought to himself that it would be harder to endure their gazes, especially Rarity’s sexy pout since his foot was still tingling from where her tail had been swishing against it.
Reluctantly he agreed, “Fine.”
As both of the sisters sat there with baited breath Artemis began.
“Another summer day, has come and gone away.
In Paris and Rome, But I wanna go home.” He opened up, his voice rather dry and husky but otherwise ok and so he continued.
A few minutes later Artemis reached the end of the song,
“... It will be alright.
I’ll be home tonight.
I’m coming back home.”
As he finished, Artemis noticed that both of the ponies were now lying in the grass their mouths agape. He also noticed to his surprise that Rarity’s eyes were filled with tears and Sweetie Belle’s gaze was filled with awe.
It was Rarity who spoke first filling the awkward silence, “Darling that was just...” she could barely speak but she managed to choke back the tears long enough to finish, “beautiful.”
Next Sweetie Belle spoke, “Yes Artemis that was amazing, I bet singing is your special talent.” This was said so sincerely that Artemis nearly cried himself, he couldn’t believe that someone that good at singing would compliment him.
“Thanks both of you,” he sniffed. “That means a lot to me,” and he gave them both a large hug at once. This large display of affection caused Rarity to burst into a large fit of tears, and fall back recline on a sofa which had appeared impossibly exclaiming.
“This is the BEST POSSIBLE THING.”
At the same time the hug just caused Sweetie Belle to blush and giggle profusely.
The next few minutes were spent with Sweetie Belle returning the favor and singing to Artemis some local Equestrian tunes, which were popular with her and her friends, while waiting for Rarity to recover.
After Sweetie Belle finished her third song, titled ‘Rainbow Tonight’ both she and Artemis checked over to see if Rarity had recovered. What they saw astounded them, Rarity was not only completely recovered, but was sat on her sofa wearing not only a large summer hat but reading a magazine and on the ground in front of her was a fabulous spread of food.
Noticing that the singing had stopped she gazed over at them while peering over the top of her glasses. “Finally you guys are finished, I’ve been waiting like forever.” she exclaimed waving her hooves in the air like an actor trying to ham it up for an Oscar.
“Rarity...” Sweetie Belle started to say, her face bright red with embarrassment. However before she could continue she was interrupted by Rarity.
“Oh calm down sister, am I the only one not allowed to impress Artemis with their talents.” she said winking quickly to Artemis over her glasses which made him blush.
Artemis was so busy blushing at Rarity who he was sure was intentionally fanning her tail at him to make him embarrassed that he missed the small filly saying. “Sisters.”
Despite the extreme awkwardness of the situation, all three of them were acting normal again in seconds, Artemis thought about it for a second and realized it must have had to have something to do with all the food, not that he was complaining, he just wanted to eat.
Lunch for the most part was a fun affair, heaps of food and just general larking about, the climax being Sweetie Belle being covered in blueberry pie.
However, there was one point of awkwardness when Rarity asked Artemis a question.
“Artemis, What are your family like?”
Artemis looked up from the piece of carrot cak he was eating confused, “huh?”
“Your family, what are they like?” she asked again, “Do you have any brothers or sisters? and what do your parents do?”
Artemis sighed, he expected he must of had to answer that question one day, but it was a hard question to answer, not least since he had to remember he was so very far away. Still it was worth it not to have to put up with ‘those’ looks again.
“Well...” he started but struggled to continue, until Sweetie Belle jumped up on his lap and began to do her face again, “I have one brother, who is four years younger than me and is massively into sports. I guess he is a bit like Rainbow dash in that respect.” Rarity and Sweetie Belle looked at him expectantly.
“And your parents?” Sweetie Belle piped up.
“My mum is unemployed, but she loves cooking and my dad is a vicar.”
“A what?” the little filly asked, both her and Rarity looked confused.
“I don’t know how to explain it to you, I guess it’s similar to a priest if you have them.”
“So you mean some sort of spiritual adviser?” Rarity questioned.
“I guess that's the best way to put it.” he said smiling, glad they had something similar in Equestria.
“Well your family definitely sound interesting, but the way you talked about your brother liking sports...” Rarity tried to think of the correct way of wording what she wanted to say. “Well, it just sounds like you don’t. I mean I don’t love them myself but I see the importance in keeping fit.”
“Don’t get me wrong, I understand the importance of physical Activities. I just find most earth sports boring, I guess I’m rather Twilight in that respect.” he said.
Rarity laughed and reached over and poked Artemis in the chest, “I guess in more ways that you admit.”
Artemis joined in the laughter, he was annoyed but he knew Rarity was joking. He hoped anyway.
“yeh I know, so whats up with your family? what is your family like apart from your sister here?” he gave Sweetie Belle’s mane a tussle.
“Well out Parents are always traveling,” said the little filly, “They always seem to have so many adventures, but I miss them.” The filly frowned as she realized how she missed her mum and her dad.
Rarity embraced her sister in a hug, “They always come back every so often, and when they do they always bring back a special gift.”
“Yeh, I guess so.” the filly said starting to smile again.
-x-
Soon lunch was eaten, all three had had their fill of food, and the afternoon continued in much the same way as the morning.
However there was one small difference, Rarity and Sweetie Belle made sure to try and include Artemis a lot more, not leaving him at one side but taking him around the field with them.
By evening the pile of gems on Artemis’ lap was simply huge, Sweetie Belle was covered in dirt from head to toe and Rarity didn’t know whether to hug her for her efforts or give her a bath first.
Eventually the lesson Rarity had long learnt about caring for her sister won out and thus when Rarity, Artemis and Sweetie Belle all reached Carousel Boutique both ponies were in need of a large bath.
As they entered the boutique Rarity turned to Artemis, “Could you please take those gems to the back room,” she pointed to the room where mere days before she had accosted Artemis, “you should find a chest which should be unlocked, the gems should be fine there. That will give me time to run me and Sweetie a bath.”
“Sure Rarity, then I’ll be out of your mane.”
“What do you mean darling?” she asked.
Artemis blushed at being called darling again, “well, I’ve had a really fun day with you two,” now it was Rarity’s turn to blush. “However, I guess I should head back to the library.”
“Oh I wouldn’t hear of it Darling, not yet anyway, you’re staying for dinner.” and she stomped her hoof down to emphasize her point.
Artemis looked at her, and realized he really couldn’t turn down the offer without causing offense, not that he wanted to leave her, he had genuinely had tons of fun today, but he had to head back to the library to find out where he was staying for the next few days.
“Well ok, I can’t turn down such a generous offer, but you’ve done plenty for me today already Rarity.” Rarity’s blush got deeper, “But I do have to leave soon after, I need to find where I’m staying for the next few days.”
“What do you mean? I thought you were staying with Twilight.” Rarity asked
“I was, I mean I am but my room in Twilight’s is upstairs and its a lot of hassle getting up and down so she was going to find me somewhere to stay for the next few days.”
“Oh,” Rarity looked down heartened, “well i would have you stay here but my spare room is upstairs. Anyway I’ll make sure you get home in plenty of time, but you are staying for Dinner.”
Her eyes taking on the sheen of demonic hellfire.
“Ok,” a slightly scared Artemis said, “I’ll stay for dinner.”
“good, now darling can you go put those gems away and I’ll go and get Sweetie Belle and I sorted with our baths.”
With that Rarity and Sweetie Belle, who was looking at dresses the entire time, went up stair, and Artemis who was blushing went to put those gems away without thinking about Rarity in a bath.
Twenty minutes later, Artemis was still assigning gems into various compartments. Apparently Rarity had neglected to mention the fact that all the gems had been colour coded inside the chest. It was tedious work but he was going to do it to the best of his abilities.
All of a sudden Artemis felt a hoof tap him on a shoulder and he span his wheelchair around to sight of Rarity standing there in a full crimson evening gown, one of her own creations he had to guess. Apparently he must of been sitting there open mouthed because next thing he knew Rarity was closing his mouth with her mouth saying “I take it you like?”
Artemis could only nod and stare.
Rarity smiled and blushed “I’m glad you do, I thought it would make more sense to go out to eat, I’m far too tired to cook, besides I’m not much of a cook at the best of times. Is that ok?”
Artemis who hadn’t tried any of the restaurants in town was worried they wouldn’t carry much for him but consented anyway.
-x-
Two hours later a rather content and well filled Artemis squeaked through the doors of the Library, his ears instantly filled with the sounds of shouting.
“He can’t stay with ya sugar cube, after all with all your critters someone is bound to get injured.” came the southern drawl which could only be Applejack.
“But, um well, he needs a lot of care and attention. You can hardly give him that you’re out in the fields all the time...” the timid voice of Fluttershy squeaked.
After this, the room fell into silence as all three ponies: Twilight, Applejack and Fluttershy turned to face Artemis.
“Ahh Artemis, you’re home.” Twilight quickly said before the situation could get awkward, “How was your day?”
“It really good,” he responded, “Rarity isn’t a bad pony to spend time with, if a bit over dramatic.”
Applejack chuckled, “Yeh that’s our Rarity alright.”
“So what’s going on here then?” Artemis asked, looking at all three ponies, “Bit late for a social call.”
“um, we were trying to decide...” Fluttershy said her voice becoming an inaudiable squeak towards the end.
“What she means to say sugarcube is that we ah trying to decide where you should stay, with me.” she swept her hat off proudly indicating to herself, “or with Fluttershy.” who hid her blushing face under her wings as Artemis looked at her.
“Wait a minute so you’re arguing over who gets me?” he asked and all three ponies nodded, well Fluttershy’s was more of a full body shake but Artemis took it for a nod. “and both of you actually want me?”
“Yes siree sugarcube,” Applejack replied, “Why would we argue it another angle?”
“Well I’m just used to people saying you take him when arguing over me, not i’ll take him.”
Fluttershy removed her face out from behind her wings and had a look of pity on her face, “oh Artemis, of course we want you.” she smiled at the end creating a large squee.
“Anyway,” Artemis said, “what’s the problem with deciding where I go?”
“Well, they both want you to stay with them, and they both have valid reasons why you staying with them would be better for you.” she answered, but thought privately to herself, ‘or for them’ but chided herself for thinking that. All the time she had known them, they did all they could to put others first, so in all honesty they were most likely thinking of Artemis first.
“Hmm, why couldn’t I stay with one of them for three nights and the other for three nights.” Artemis suggested. The eyes of both Applejack and Fluttershy lighting up.
“That's a howdy good Idea Artemis, but gosh darn it who will you stay with first?” Applejack asked.
“Well if you’re that eager I guess it would be you.” Artemis said, causing Applejack to get really excited and causing Fluttershy to shudder and timidly run off into the night.
Artemis looked at the two ponies with a flabbergasted expression, what the heck was Fluttershy up to.
“Excuse me,” he said before wheeling himself off into the night to go after Fluttershy, leaving a bemused Applejack in the Library while Twilight sighed and went off to collect Artemis’ stuff ready to take over to Sweet Apple Acres.