Chapter 19
Chapter 19
After breakfast, Twilight and I went to Rarity’s to pick up my new outfit. It may have been early, but Rarity said she would have been working on it all afternoon so we assumed she would be done. Even if she wasn’t, it would give me opportunity to get some more advice while she worked. At the very least, it would allow more face time with the public.
Definite progress was being made with the ponies around town and their perception of me. Nopony was running in terror anymore and I didn’t hear one mention of monsters. Even Twilight wasn’t looking for ponies to turn into a windsock if the wrong words were muttered. Maybe the rest of the nation would be the same. Either way, how my subjects perceived me was not at the forefront of my mind right now. In fact, there was only one pony’s view of me that I cared about today, Roseluck.
Before long, we were sitting in Rarity’s boutique. She hadn’t quite finished yet, so she brought us some fresh tea while we waited. I was surprised to see Spike running around behind the curtain, helping Rarity with her work. Though, every so often I would catch him stealing a sideways glance at her. The look on his face told me everything I needed to know.
“…and I believe… that… is… it!” Rarity called out as she stepped away from what she was working on. “I do hope it is to your liking, Darling.”
“Don’t worry, Rarity. I’m sure it’s perfect,” I reassured her.
She smiled and nodded. Her horn lit up and the curtain was pulled back to reveal her hard work’s reward. There, on one of the only human shaped ponnequins in the world, was a somewhat simple shirt that I believe was called a ‘bolo shirt’ and a pair of tan pants. The shirt matched Luna’s coat and had Celestia’s cutie mark on the left breast. The pants had no insignia, but they had a simple elegance that said ‘class’ without the flash.
“Well?”
“Rarity, it looks perfect. Exactly what I wanted.” I rushed over to try them on. “I knew I made the right choice.”
“Now, now, flattery will get you everywhere,” Rarity giggled, “now go put it on.”
The second the curtain was closed, I began to tear my own clothes off (of course I was careful with them, they were made by my mother after all). Both pieces slid on easily and fit perfectly. I was using the word a lot today, but it was true. I slid the curtain back open and stepped out.
“Well, somepony certainly cleans up nicely. You’re looking good there, Cousin.”
“Thanks, Twi. Though, I think it’s all just thanks to Rarity’s hard work. These clothes fit better than anything I can remember wearing,” I rotated my shoulders to show just how well it all fit before I whispered, “just don’t tell Mom.”
“Really? Oh, I am so glad to hear that. You have no idea how worried I was that you wouldn’t like it.”
“I wasn’t. I knew you could do it, Rarity. You never fail,” Spike told her. He was laying it on a little thick.
“Hmm, yes, well, I said I like a challenge and I think I beat this one,” Rarity said as she eyed her work.
“I’ll say. So, how much?” I asked.
“I told you already, just let everypony know where you got your new ensemble and you can consider us even.”
“Rarity, I’ll wear an outfit made entirely of your logo after this if you want.”
Rarity giggled, “while I appreciate the gesture, I believe that would be a tad on the tacky side.”
“Yeah, but still. I can’t thank you enough.”
“Chris, the mere fact that you think so highly of my work is thanks enough,” Rarity waved a dismissive hoof. “Now, I believe you have a date to prepare for.
“She’s right,” Twilight agreed as she stood from the couch, “let’s get you back to the library to get ready.”
“Gotcha. Let’s go.” I looked back as I stepped through the door, “thanks again, Rarity.”
*****
It was almost time to leave the library to pick up Rose at her shop, which she lived above. I had eaten the trout Fluttershy gave me the day before already. I had a pretty good feeling that any restaurant in a town this small would not have an omnivorous option and I didn’t want my stomach growling all night. My hair was combed, my teeth were brushed, my bits were gathered, and my armpits weren’t stinky. I was as ready as I could.
“Are you sure you’ve got everything you need?”
“Yes, Twilight, I’ve even triple checked.”
“Maybe, but one more time wouldn’t hurt.”
“Twi,” I placed my hand on her withers, “I know you’re just trying to help, but you’ve already gotten me as prepped as possible.” I hugged her, “now, I will have to either sink or swim on my own.”
“I know, but I can’t help but want to see you happy. After all, it’s my fault you’re here.” Twilight’s head dropped.
“And I keep telling you, it was an accident and I don’t blame you. We were both very young and a mistake was made. That’s all there was to it.”
“I know, but I still feel guilty. I mean, I took you from your world and-”
“Gave me an amazing new one. Twilight, my life is far too good for you to feel guilty about it. Now, stop all this feeling down or I’ll be weepy for my date.”
Twilight giggled, “alright.” She started to push me towards the door and I pretended to struggle, “now, just be yourself and you’ll have that mare eating out of your hooves, er, hands.”
“Okay, okay, stop pushing. I’m going.” And with that, and promises of details, I was out the door and on my own.
The walk seemed to take forever. It actually felt like I was walking through mud. My nerves were working overtime and made my mind think of only horrible possible outcomes.
After what seemed like eternity, I reached Rose’s shop. It had been closed up already, but I knocked on the door anyway. To my surprise, it wasn't Rose who opened. Instead, a pink earth mare with a green mane met me.
“Oh, hello, Miss, I was looking for Roseluck. Is she here?”
“R-R-Rose! Th-the p-p-prince is here!” The bright-pink mare yelled as she stepped back from the door, bumping into a display table as she did.
“That’s twenty bits you owe me, Daisy,” I heard another mare call out from inside.
“Uhh… what’s going on?” I muttered to myself.
“Would you two stop that and invite the poor stallion inside?” Rose chastised. She was answered with a double, “oh, right.”
A new earth mare came to the door. This one was also pink, but had two-toned blonde hair. “Please excuse us, your highness, we’re just not used to royalty visiting us,” the new mare informed me as she opened the door wide and bowed while I entered. “My name is Lily Valley, but please just call me Lily. You’ve already met my friend Daisy, she’s the one who looks like she just lost a bet.”
“Pleased to meet you, and please, no more bowing. I never felt comfortable with all that stuff. My name is Christopher Sol, but just call me Chris.”
“Alright,” Lily giggled, “Chris.”
Daisy came into the room where Lily and I were talking. She had a bag in her mouth, which clinked when she placed it in front of Lily, I assumed it was the twenty bits I heard mentioned before.
“So, ladies, what’s this about a bet?”
“Oh, um, you see, when Rose told us about you asking her out, Daisy didn’t believe her. So, I bet her twenty bits that it was true. Now, thanks to you, I get to go and buy myself that new set of saddlebags I’ve been saving up for.”
“Well then, Miss Lily, I’m glad I could help. And, Miss Daisy,” I pulled ten bits from their pouch and handed them over, “please allow me to at least soften the blow.”
Happily, Daisy scooped the bits from my hand, “thank you, very much, Chris.”
“Hey now, if you give away all your bits, then how are you going to take me to dinner?” a joking voice asked from the top of the stairs. We all turned and saw a stunning looking Roseluck. She slowly stepped down the stairs, making sure to sway her hips as she did. The action made her tail wave, just begging to ogled. Her mane and had been braided with each rope in the braid being a different color. She also wore cape embroidered with roses the stopped just below her dock and didn’t quite reach her legs. (Even though ponies don’t normally wear clothing, there was something about an outfit that only allowed one to see certain… areas) “So, what do you think?” Rose asked as she gave a little twirl.
I couldn’t answer, my jaw was too busy trying to catch flies. Lily reached up and closed my mouth for me, snapping me out of my trance. “I, um, think he likes it.” I nodded rapidly in agreement.
Rose giggled, “I’m glad. Now, where do you plan on going tonight?”
*****
Dinner had been at the fanciest restaurant in Ponyville, the Gilded Truffle. Rose had enjoyed her hay soufflé and I had a quite acceptable garden salad, turns out I was right to have eaten that fish earlier. The whole time, we enjoyed light conversation about our likes and dislikes, our hobbies and favorite music, even our favorite holiday. Mine’s Nightmare Night while hers is Hearth’s Warming (I was actually worried she would say the Summer Sun Celebration). As an added bonus, the management had refused to accept bits from me, saying it was their honor to have served royalty. I may hate special treatment most times, but right now, I was willing to make an exception. Instead, I left the bits I brought as a tip for the waitress.
After dinner, we took a stroll along the river just outside of town. It was a full moon and a peaceful night, so it seemed like a good idea. Besides, this would allow us to have a nice chat without ponies watching and listening in.
“…so what made you want to move from Manehattan to Ponyville?” I asked.
“Well, I love flowers and making ponies happy by helping them get just the right ones for whatever reason they need them.”
“Like you did for me yesterday?”
“Exactly, and while Manehattan certainly has a wider clientele, I was just getting so sick and tired of ponies only caring about themselves. So, when I heard about how friendly Ponyville was, I decided I had to come and see for myself. Besides,” she said with a grin, “being so close to the Whitetail Wood means there are plenty of free wildflowers to choose from.”
I chuckled and leaned down to pick a flower from a bush we were passing by at that moment. By chance, it was a morning glory. I twirled it by the stem a few times, instantly, my thoughts were brought back to the biggest mare in my life.
“Did you know mother loves these flowers?” I sat down on the bank of the river. “Where I’m from, flowers are given mainly as a sign of affection, so when I found some of these and gave them to her and she ate them, I thought she didn’t love me or something. I cried my little eyes out.” Rose had sat next to me on the bank. I looked at her and tucked the bloom right behind her ear. I leaned back and took in the sight. The rich purple color of the flower complemented her red hair nicely. Then, I noticed her looking up at me with those big emerald eyes of hers. I froze. I was captured by the beauty before me. Even more so when her cheeks started to flush.
Suddenly, I realized she had been talking for some time. “Um, sorry, what was that?”
“I asked where it was that you came from. I mean, I know you’re the Princess’ son and all, but… how?”
“Ah, well, let me tell you…”
I spent several minutes telling her everything. Well, almost everything. I omitted the fact that it was Twilight’s magic and instead said it was never determined how it happened. I left out the whole crying myself to sleep for a year part.
She seemed to be fascinated. She laughed when I told her about Blueblood being tossed about by Twilight. She cooed when I told her how anytime I cried, Celestia would hold me close until I stopped. Rose was awed when I told her about flying all over Equestria on Celestia’s back. I even caught a tear in her eye when I got to the part about Luna zapping me and calling me a monster.
“…and I just couldn’t take it anymore. I left the castle and came here for my first trek outside the walls. I figured, that since almost all my friends live here, it would be less intimidating than going to, say, Prance or Neighpan.”
“Wow. So you were, like, literally ripped from your home and dumped here? That must have been horrible.”
“Yeah,” I sighed deeply, “but it hasn’t been all bad. I’ve been well taken care of, I’ve got good friends, and I couldn’t have asked for a better mother than Celestia.”
“Yeah, I could see that.” We both laughed. I froze mid-chuckle when she placed a hoof on my chest. “Now c’mon, it’s getting late and I have to open the store in the morning.” Rose stood up and waited for me to do the same.
“O-o-okay.” I stood up, brushed myself off, and walked Rose home.
We stood outside her front door and ignored the prying eyes of her friends peering out the windows. “Thank you, Chris for showing me a wonderful time. I had a lot of fun tonight.”
“Me too, Rose. I hope we can do this again sometime.”
Rose stood on her hindlegs and propped herself up on my chest. She gave me a slightly-more-than-friendly kiss on my cheek. “Count on it.”
She lowered herself back to all fours and trotted inside. I could hear the hushed whispers of Daisy and Lily as she did. Even after the door closed, I just stood there, transfixed, for another thirty seconds. At the end of those thirty seconds, I jumped into the air with one fist raised and spun all the way around. Luckily, my totally justified reaction was kept silent.
I sprinted all the way back to the library. Twilight was waiting for me, but she still jumped when I slammed the door open.
“So, uh, how’d it go?” Twilight asked me.
I scooped her up, tossed her into the air and caught her again before spinning around. “It couldn’t have gone better.” I smiled as I set Twilight back down on the floor.
“Great! Now, how about those details?”
And that was my first venture into the dating world.
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4558911 Sadly, no. There needs to be buildup first to do it right.
wow that was fast
4558916 I was literally finishing when I replied to your first comment.
That was cute
Short chapter, lots of content. I felt myself grinning like and idiot when Chris rejoiced in a mission accplished.
So, no TwiShip in this one? I can live with that.
4558916
He's a story ninja!
That went well.
Can't wait for some kind of motherly freak out from Celestia!
It's going to be so amazing! 
A'www!
That was amazing and I love the way i think you have the take on the reaction of the ponies in ponyville as not outright positve or negative but quick to come to terms with abnormal things despite their initial judgement of things
4558976 I thought about it, but I like their relationship as it is.
Well, its official…rose is going to get a visit from Celestia, boy is her shop soon to get crowded
Hm. Nicely done
This was well done but just for clarification when Chris goes to meet Rose your sentence should be "To my surprise, it wasn't Rose who opened." Just to give you a heads up, still great story keep up the excellent work
"Hay Souffle."
ARRRRRRRRRRGH.
*tries to be calm.*
Look. Hay is cheap bulk feed that farmers use to feed their livestock. Wild horses do not get it and would not, I suspect, eat it preferentially, or even at all if they could get their fill of countless other things that were both nutritious and more tasty. It would probably be regarded the way we think about gruel-- famine or poverty food at best.
So would you people PLEASE stop making everything they eat out of HAY? There's oats, grains, clover, alfalfa, fruits and vegetables, a thousand different alternatives that would make more sense to be made into things like burgers and fries. Failing all else, there's SOY. and I don't want to even imagine what horrible, evil kitchen alchemy it would take to turn stringy dried grass into a soufflé.
4559187 even in the show they enjoy hay burgers and hay fries. Besides, I used it because I thought it was funny.
4559187 *pats on head* There, there....there, there....
Glad to see this was updated. I am looking forward to see where this story is heading.
Some editing with love:
"...flattery will get you everywhere"
Woah, and here I was thinking it gets you nowhere.
I agree that this was a good choice.
I must protest this though.
Flat out lying about such an important thing is usually seen as a serious breach of trust (Well, it will be, when -Or if, but I'm a firm believer in Murphy's Law- Rose eventually finds out).
Personally, I would have told her something along the lines of it being a delicate subject, that it's best I just say it was a tragic accident (Though not without it's silver linings), and asked her to leave it at that.
Then again, these are just the opinions of some random guy on the internet, and not the writer.
4559296
depends on the woman
Good for Chris. Rose is one of my favorite characters
4559206 I agree with you here. If Hasbro can get away with "Hay Puns", why can't we do the same?
besides.."Hay Souffle." has a catchy ring to it, know what I mean?
Although, the "other guy" had a point too: Equine diets aren't limited to just Hay, and can be mixed up with other edibles like Apples, Carrots and Oats.
I would have done the same thing at the end of there date. Good chapter man, can't wait for more
4560525 HAAAY KOOLAID!!!
4561081 Naw..even I think that's silly.
If ponies have any form of Kool-Aid, it's probable similar to Apple Cider or Orange Juice.
Even for an equine, liquefied hay would taste horrible (In human terms, I can eat bacon..but, even I wouldn't drink a "Bacon Shake")
4561992 The point I was trying to make here is that if a pony she respects so highly can have such a positive view of him, that maybe he isn't as bad as she thought he was.
All we can ask is that there will be more dates that will be just as cute as this one, if not more.
4565504 That was the plan, but first, a surprise visit.
4561622 You don't underestimate the power of a good bacon shake.
I just spent the last 3 hours reading this and rereading it and sir I must say good show not great not amazing as those two word have lost all meaning to me now there are only two situations for me good or needs work your fits as snuggly as fluffy butt dose in the good category
P.S. The FEELS and the D`AWWWWWWW's are coming barricade the castle.
4566364 Now you're getting it
4561081 You mispronounced it. It's Hay Aid.
4572176 I. NEVER. MISPRONOUNCE. MY. WORDS. If I say a word in a certain way, then it shall be spoken that way regardless of any neighsayers.
4572263 But Hay Aid (Copyrighted) sounds so much cooler
4572286 Puns aren't supposed to sound cool. They're supposed to induce facepalming, groaning, and/or uncontrollable laughter.
4572315 Well I'm still up for the selling and distribution of Hay Aids in Equestria. Then we will see which version becomes mainstream.
4572672 Exactly remember sometimes the only way to make a bully stop is to show you aren't afraid, easier said than done
4572784 Thank you, I just so happen to specialize in overused jokes.
Meh...This character is starting to turn into a Sue. I think I'll unfave and add to watch for now.
Meh. Rose just seemed a little too ready if you ask me.
But ignoring that, the date went off well, and I can't wait to see what other antics Chris can get himself into
well that was oddly quick for getting a crush one day a date the next and all that but just glad non of the love at first sight came up.
Calling it now. This relationship won't last because either:
1) Rose is a cheating bitch
2) Rose is a changeling and changelings are eeeeviiill
3) Rose is in it for status and money
Why? She's accepting it too fast. So most likely the last one.
Though I usually prefer it to have the main character loose interest or be to blame within fics - it's harder to pull off though.
5898166
4) Celestia is making her date him.
is what we may see in the future~
sheddingoftheego.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/gold-digger-meme1.jpg
Does the Ship King ship?
.... Yes. Yes I do.
LIKE FED-ex~