The Unicorn's Curse

by aebed

First published

Diamond Tiara upsets the wrong show mare and is inflicted with the most horrible curse imaginable! One that forces her to be nice to everypony.

Diamond Tiara upsets the wrong show mare and is inflicted with the most horrible curse imaginable! One that forces her to be nice to everypony.

The now cursed Diamond Tiara must find a way to remove the horrific infliction, or suffer a lifetime of not being about to point out the flaws of other ponies. After all, how will they better themselves without Diamond to guide them?

And what of relationships? Will her new inability to mock others make more ponies like her? Or will it just alienate her from the few ponies she could call friends? Maybe she'll even find love.

Thanks to Mattricole for providing the prompt and Yukito for his roundabout inspiration. Additionaly, thanks to FrostMane for being the closest thing I have to a proof reader and AliRedStar for just being himself.

prologue

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Today was a saturday like any other for Ponyville’s greatest filly. I woke up, took a wonderful bath and ate pancakes for breakfast as I always do on a saturday. (I love them with maple syrup!) After that my Mum brushed my mane. She brushes my mane every morning as she tends to be quite busy so we spend as much time as we can together.

She brushes my mane, I brush her mane, (lots of brushy) I help her with her make up and whatever else it takes to make us both look as good as possible! We talk about all sorts of things, like her job and all the things she’s done, my Mum is so awesome! Today she told me about the time she was modelling in Manehatton and she was attacked by two thugs who tried to rob her! Fortunately my Mum is tough and she scared them away, one day I’ll be a model just like her! She even bought me my diamond tiara!

My Mummy had just gotten home from Canterlot and she brought me a present like the always does, only this present was different. Rather than buy me a toy she bought me my beautiful tiara. The moment I put it on my head and posed in the mirror my cutie mark appeared. It was at that moment I knew I would follow in my Mum’s footsteps and become a model.

As soon as I was ready I left the house to spend the day with my best friend, Silver Spoon. Who is lucky to have me by the way. She’s pretty cool, and rich like me but she’s also quiet and a little snobbish. She always talks about how her family has been nobility since the times of earth pony independance, like that makes her family any better than my Daddy.

We spent the morning swimming in the lake just outside of ponyville. It was a warm, spring day, the ducks and swans were our only company in the slowly moving waters.

Unfortunately though, those stupid blank flanks (ew) came along and ruined it! We told them politely to leave and what does chicken brains do? She has the nerve to yell at me! ME! About how we didn’t ‘own’ the lake. But being the kind and wonderful filly I am I decided to let her off with a few clucks and words about how her parents clearly didn’t spend enough time with her.

That stupid bumpkin then tried to put on an imitation of me, which totally sucked by the way. She finished her stupid, foalish imitation and the other two started laughing, it wasn’t even funny! Silver and I put them in their place though. All I had to do was say Sweetie Belle was a fat, talentless marshmallow who can’t sing and she starts crying like a little foal! While the other two losers tried lying to her, saying she wasn’t (she totally is), Silver and I pushed them into the mud.

Unfortunately those stupid hoof suckers didn’t leave and started getting bitchy so Silver and I had to find something else to do. That’s when we came across that stupid unicorn, Trixie. She has this tacky old caravan that’s like a billion years old and all I had to do was say “Nice caravan!” and she completely flips! She kept on going on about how the stupid and pitiful Trixie is the greatest pony ever (she’s not half as awesome as Silver, let alone me) and how we should treat her with respect. Naturally I put her in her place but then she did it...

Okay I admit, I was a little over the top when I called her a “Talentless whorse.” and that referring towards her mother as a “mare of loose virtues” was less than necessary, but her reaction was totally over the top! She cast her weird unicorn magic on me, it made my tummy ache and my head hurt but when it was over she simply hooked herself up to her carriage and left! Silver was useless of course, she just cowered as soon as the witches horn lit up. I wasn’t scared of course, but that didn’t mean I trusted the witches spells.

After that I went home, my stomach felt like it was twisted into knots and I almost fell asleep on my hooves. I threw open my front door and continued my valiant effort towards my bedroom. I thought I was gonna die! I curled up on my bed and tried to get some sleep. Silver had disappeared somewhere, probably to get help.

This is the story of how I received the unicorns curse...

Chapter One - First Day

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I gradually wake up the next morning, blinking my eyes open and wincing as my head felt like a stampede of buffalo had stormed through it. Today was a sunday so I don't need to get up until later but my Mum is going on another important trip and I can’t go with her because of stupid school so I need to get up so I can see her before she leaves this morning. I got up, out of my bed and walked over to my already filled, bubbly, warm bath. Having servants is so awesome! I jump into my lovely, warm tub and soak in the pink bubbles for a few minutes.

I need to see my Mummy now, before she leaves so I hop out of the tub and wrap myself up in a soft, pink towel, drying my coat and mane quickly before tossing it into a wash basket and trotting gracefully from my bedroom, down into the living room, totally not almost knocking over a couple vases along the way. I blame the headache.

The living room is a large, yet cosy room. Sunlight streams through the large bay windows onto the dark rug that dominates the centre of the room, covering much of the dark, hardwood floor. An onyx fireplace sits against the far wall, littered with decorations. The wall opposite the windows is taken up solely by bookcases with a couple of reading chairs and desks besides them. Three large sofas sit in the middle of the room, around the fireplace.

My Mummy and Daddy were sitting together on one of these sofas. They paused their conversation as they noticed me entering the room. I broke out into a canter towards them, jumping into their hooves. We had a family hug with me in the middle of the two greatest ponies in Equestria, besides me of course. The hug ended and I lay against my mother's belly, snuggling up to her soft, pink fur. She felt amazing as always!

“Diamond, I’m afraid I’m going to have to leave a little early.” Mum said. This happens sometimes but it’s okay, she always comes home. I nod against her fur and she kissed me on the head forehead like she always does when it’s time for the cuddle to end. I pull away and she stands up.

“You’re going now?!” I thought I’d at least have more time than this! She simply smiled before responding. Okay, maybe I’m not so okay with my Mummy leaving all the time.Especially not when she leaves early.

“I love you very much Diamond, but I need to go now.” I was speechless. She walked over to Daddy before walking over to the door. She said a goodbye before closing the living room door behind her. I stood there in shock, I wanted to spend a least a little more time with her before she left! I should have never left the house yesterday. My headache had returned full force because of that stupid witch and I missed the chance to spend the time with my Mummy.

My Daddy tried to console me but I didn’t care, I didn’t even listen. I slowly walked towards the door my Mum had just left from, opening it and slamming it shut behind me. One of the maids rushed over to me asking if I was alright so I yelled at her to go buck herself, not caring about whatever she said in response or the fact Daddy doesn’t like it when I’m rude to the help.

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A few hours later, or maybe fifteen minutes, I didn’t keep track and time blurred together I left my house to go for a walk through town. I like walks, walks are relaxing. When my Mum isn’t busy (my Dad is also busy but he sometimes join us as well) we walk through ponyville into the whitetail woods and spend the day in the trees. We would often bring a picnic and eat it by the lake together.

It was especially peaceful in the autumn after the running of the leaves. Even though my family never actually participated in the run, every year, no matter what we would go to the woods. The sunlight would stream through the now bare treetops, glistening off the morning dew on the crisp, golden leaves. I’m normally not the type to ‘play’ outside but even I must admit it’s fun to just run through the leaves and watch as the wind picks them up into small goldish-brown twisters.

I was distracted from my thoughts by literally the last pony I wanted to see, Sweetie Slut. She’s a dorky white unicorn who’s about a year younger than me. Her mane is a curly mess of pink and blue and her eyes are this weird green colour. She was sitting outside her sisters boutique with a wash bucket and some fabric, I doubt she’s even doing that right. She’s the most annoying one of those stupid crusaders, with her annoying squeaky voice and the fact she looks like a marshmallow, I doubt she’d taste like one though. Maybe I should try it some time, wait no! Bad thoughts, bad! Whenever I’m around her she makes me feel ill and my face becomes red with what could only be anger. I really needed to vent right now and this cryfoal is an easy target. Seriously, she’ll cry about anything, she’s even cried about spilled milk before!


I knew exactly what to yell at her to get her attention. I drew my breath in, getting ready to yell those three words that would leave her a blubbering mess. “Hey, blank flank!” Is what I meant to shout. But for some reason it went wrong, what actually came out was “Hey, sexy flank!”

“Huh?” she looked over to me with those big, ugly eyes of hers, well okay, that was an exaggeration, they’re actually kinda pretty. Still not as good as mine though! Okay… back on track, I panicked! I never meant to say that, why would I say that? I backed away a little, I was kinda confused and needed to collect my thoughts. The little whorse however couldn’t just leave things alone, she actually had the nerve to start following me! “Are you okay Diamond?” Like she cares.

“Fine, please stay, you’re awesome!” It did it again! She’s totally not awesome, well her eyes are but... dammit, I got distracted again! The blank flank looks at me nervously for a few moments before her face became flushed anger, it was so adorable! I-I mean gross! Blank flanks are gross!

“Is this just some kind of tri…” she yells, before being cut off.

“Sweetie Belle~ is that one of your friends? You can go play and I’ll finish your chores if you want.” Ah, Rarity, sole fashionista of Ponyville and noble, ladylike, generous, composed, elegant, talented and last but certainly not least absolutely, mind blowingly gorgeous,. She has a pristine white coat with a styled purple mane fit for royalty. Her body curves perfectly from her narrow waist to her soft, taught marshmallow flanks. She’s nothing like her loser sister, Rarity is better in every way, well except the eyes. Dammit!

“But Rarity~” Sweetie calls back in that whiny tone of hers. She’s clearly not good enough for her sister.

“It’s fine Sweetie, I can manage on my own. You two have fun now!”

I stood in shock, was I now on a playdate with the blank flank or something? She turned around to face me. ‘What are you looking at, blank flank?!’ “Like what you see, cutie?” Okay, this is getting old, what’s wrong with me? Sweetie just blushes and looks towards the ground.

“Y-you really think I’m cute?” Her hoof slowly moves in a circle in the dirt. My cheeks became even more flushed with anger!

Alright, alright. She’s kinda cute to be honest but there’s no way I’m admitting that willingly! “Yes.” oh buck! She looked up at me with a goofy, happy expression, getting way into my personal space.

She suddenly starts to frown again before asking, “Why are you being so nice?”

“Will you go out with me?” I blurted out, I’d tried to say will you go away! Maybe it’s this stupid headache…

Sweetie gasped in shock before screaming. “YES!” Wow, well I suppose she did just get asked out by me, the prettiest, richest, smartest and coolest filly in Ponyville so I can’t blame her. “Where are we going?”

Ugh. I just agreed to a date with a blank flank. Well, at least she’s cute. My cheeks were practically on fire now I was so angry! “Ummm… t-that new Prench place m-maybe?” I stammered, I was clearly seething with rage at the situation. My headache was slowly dying down but my stomach felt like it was lined with lead.

“Okay! When are we going?” The marshmallow beamed. Well this probably would be the high point of her life so no blaming her. I’ll probably feel better in the morning so I’ll let her down then.

“Tomorrow night, after school?” She nods in agreement and pecks my cheek, ew~. I suppose I’ll just have to put up with it, it was kinda nice I suppose. The marshmallow takes a few steps back, that grin still on her face. She is cute I suppose, but she’s weird.

“I’ll see you tomorrow then!” She giggles and runs back inside the boutique.

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Okay, so far this has been the weirdest day of my life. I was walking down the street towards my house, thinking about what had just happened. What was gonna be a routine insult turned into a date! Sweetie is SO lucky. The main issue of course was obvious.

Why couldn’t I say anything to her? At least, anything I would normally say. Why does that stupid, adorable blank flank make me feel so angry and happy at the same time. Yes, I said happy. When she felt happy I felt kinda happy, happiness is infectious, so what?!

I suppose dating Sweetie isn’t so bad. I’ve always preferred fillies really and she’s certainly a cutie. Especially with those… nope, not gonna say it, not again, no matter how much those sparkling orbs remind me of emeralds.

Fact is there’s a lot worse out there, plus her sister is awesome! I think I can stomach one date with Sweetie with my reputation and my sanity intact.

I walked along, thinking about how my date might go until I got home. It was actually kind of exciting, my first date! I also need to tell Daddy so he can make the reservation.

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Over the next few minutes I worked out where my Dad was and what I would have to say to get him on board with the idea. I agreed to take Sweetie on a date and Daddy always taught me to never break promises because it only makes things worse. Also, if I have to take her on a date I’m gonna do it right!

I found him still in the living room. He was sitting on his reading chair with a couple of books and a hot mug on the table in front of him.

I put on my best ‘Daddy’s little filly face’ and walk into the room.

“Daddy~” I say in my cutesiest voice. He turns around to face me with a slight smile.

“What is it you’re after Diamond?” Was it really that obvious I wanted something?

“I kinda wondering if you would book a table for some friends and I at that new prench restaurant in town.”

”Le Bistrot Pierre? Your Mother was bugging me about going there earlier. Of course you can go! I’ll book their finest booth!” I run up to him and hug his neck tightly. He laughs and hugs me back, kissing the top of my head and letting me go. Daddy will always do what I want so long as I act cute.

I exit the living room again, heading back to my room. I still had to pick out a dress after all. I’m way prettier than Sweetie but her sister is a fashion designer and I refuse to show up to a date without being properly dressed up and I certainly will not allow that blank flank to out dress me.

Chapter Two - School

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I hate mondays. Mondays are the worst days because that’s when the weekend stops and you have to go back to school. What makes it even worse is school means schoolmates and schoolmates means lots of laughing when they find out about my date with Sweetie. No way that blank flank is keeping it a secret. She’s probably already told all her friends and family! What makes it even worse is the fact I can only seem to say nice things to her. What if it’s not just her?

What if I have to be nice to everypony?!

Is this what that witch did to me? Did she curse me to be nice forever? I’m probably worrying too much, she’s a useless unicorn who can only make crappy illusions, no way she could actually curse me like that. It has to be a complex spell, right? Perhaps I should stop worrying about it.

Okay, back to mondays. Want to know why this monday particularly sucks? Not because my Mum left, not because Daddy is working late, not because of my date with a blank flank, not even because it’s raining! What really makes this monday the suckiest of mondays is the fact that I forgot my homework.

I was so busy swimming, mocking unicorns, being attacked by said unicorns, saying goodbye to family members and getting into dates I completely forgot about my homework! At least that’s a better excuse than the cat ate it again. Hopefully miss Cheerilee will understand. She’s normally quite forgiving with this kind of thing, but I may have slightly abused her generosity. The colt who cried wolf huh?

So I got up and completed my normal morning ritual. Bath, pancakes, maid brushing my mane because Mum is in manehatton, drinking cocktails most likely. You get the general idea. Soon enough it’s time to go to school so I put my saddlebags on and leave my house. Silver and I are neighbours so we always walk together and, sure enough there she is, walking towards my door.

I smile and wave before trotting down the pathway to her. The rain quickly soaks through my coat but I reach Silver and huddle under her umbrella. They’re really useful things, these umbrellas but unfortunately they’re not exactly stylish, that and they get in the way so much. Still, I was grateful for the shelter as we began to make our way towards school.

“So, how are you feeling?” Silver asks.

“What?”

“After you went home saturday, you didn’t look so good.” Ah, that. I sighed and collected my thoughts before replying.

“I’m feeling a lot better.”

“You should talk to the town guard, you were attacked after all.” I honestly didn’t feel like doing all that.

“She’s long gone, no point.”

We walked in silence for a few moments, well not total silence, the rain made sure of that. We carefully avoided the mud puddles that dotted ponyville’s streets as we walked through the downpour. I should have brought my boots, my hooves are getting wet and muddy. I hate mud, even more than I hate mondays. So now this day sucks even more!

“You sure you’re okay?”

“Fine, just a little tired.” At least I can still lie. It was only now that I remembered my big issue this morning. “Hey Silver… did you do your homework?”

“Diamond!” She snaps. She always takes this type of thing way too seriously.

“What?” Short and sweet. just like Sweetie! Wait, where did that come from?!

“You didn’t do your homework again did you?” I opened my mouth to reply but she continued. “You do this every time and one day you’re gonna get in big trouble!”

“I know, I know! It’s not my fault this time!” The schoolhouse is now in view.

“How is it not your fault? You had all yesterday to do it!”

“SHIT HAPPENED!” Okay, I kinda screamed that. I perhaps lost my temper a little. Spoon just flinched and pulled away slightly. “Buck this.” I galloped the remainder of the distance to the schoolhouse. I know it wasn’t exactly the smartest thing for me to do but I’m stressed! Stressed ponies are allowed to do stupid things.

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The schoolhouse is a small building. There are only four classes, a playground, a staff room, a couple of supplies closets and the toilets. My classroom was fairly typical, blackboard at the front, with the teachers desk just before it, then a few rows of student desks. Various posters and past works by present and former students alike adorn the walls.

Needless to say when I got there I was wet, very wet. And muddy. Today sucks. I took my usual seat at the back of the class, ignoring the giggling foals around me. All the others in the class were muddy and wet as well, except one. The pristine, white, blank fl- I mean marshma- uhm… Sweetie Belle. Somehow she’d avoid a single speck of mud or moisture. I guess that’s rather admirable. Maybe she’s not so bad to be seen around, she certainly keeps herself clean. That is to say, when she’s not covered in tree sap. Maple syrup maybe? Ah! No, bad brain!

Silver Spoon soon walked through the door and she looked pissed. Maybe I shouldn’t speak to her for the rest of the day. I turned away as she sat down next to me. I busied myself in my saddlebags to avoid her gaze. They are absolutely soaked, how could this day possibly get any worse?!

A wet and clearly annoyed miss Cheerilee storms through the door, clearly that’s how! She slams the door behind her and pushes her saddlebags underneath her desk. “Alright class! Homework at the ready, lets just get it over with.” The others all pulled out completed sheets of homework and I’m left sinking under my desk, trying to make myself as small and inconspicuous as possible. It doesn’t work as Cheerilee works her way around to my seat. “See me at lunch, Diamond Tiara.”

She didn’t even sound mad. That’s when you know they’re really mad. I meekly nodded as she walks back to the front to begin the lesson.

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The day really dragged on as I awaited the inevitable at lunch. I could barely focus during maths and I think miss Cheerilee picked up on it. When miss Cheerilee told the others they could go out to lunch I was forced to stay behind. I could have just snuck out but that would have just led to more trouble. Hey, I’m learning! I walked to the desk at the front of the class and awaited my punishment.

“How are you Diamond?” Well, that was less than expected.

“Umm… fine?”

“Are you sure? You can tell me if not. I know your parents tend to be rather busy, I was just wondering if you were under much stress at home.” I sighed before replying.

“I’ll be okay… It’s just been a hard weekend and I really miss my Mum.” Cheerilee looks at me with a sorry expression. I hate it when ponies feel sorry for me. It should be the other way around.

“I understand. I can give you to the end of this week to try to finish your homework.” I take it back. Pity is awesome! I still need to keep up appearances though so I look up to miss Cheerilee, smile and say.

“Thanks miss Cheerilee!” she smiles back.

“Go on, go get lunch.”
The rain had stopped mid morning but I still didn’t particularly want to go outside. When it gets like this one of the classrooms is set up as a reading room. I walked in and the layout is more or less identical to my classroom, as is expected. I scanned the room for something to do. Some stupid colts were playing some stupid game in the corner, stupid colts. Other than that not a lot going on. Sweetie was sat with her blank flank friends. I can’t help but look at her and start to feel a little red in the face.

Sweetie clearly notices me watching her as she waves me over. Well, I might as well. It will allow me to test out this supposed curse at least.

“Hi Diamond! How are you today?” She’s way too enthusiastic.

“I’m fine.” I decided to give it a little test. ‘your mane looks like a birds nest, Sweetie.’ “Your mane looks wonderful Sweetie.” The white unicorn blushes.

“T-thanks.” she’s so cute when she stammers! Well she is… can you blame me?

Bumpkin and chicken of course have to butt in. “Hey! I don’t want a meanie like you anywhere near one’a mah friends!” Ugh, her voice is so annoying.

‘Go buck yourself, bumpkin!’ “I think it’s wonderful you care about your friends so much and it means a lot to me, you being there to look after Sweetie.” Oh come on! They didn’t even sound similar, how did I end up saying that? Oh well, it seems to have worked at least slightly. Sweetie is blushing, Apple Bloom is clearly confused, probably trying to figure out the big words I used like ‘wonderful’ and ‘it’s’, Scootaloo however seems to be furious. She walks up to me and pokes me in the chest, the stupid foal. “Leave my friends alone!”

“Scootaloo!” A squeaky, high pitched voice rang out. Guess who? No, it wasn’t Dinky, you fail, go buck yourself. It was Sweetie, the little white unicorn was actually trying to stand up for me, against her friends too! It’s just so cute! “Be nice.”

Scootaloo glares for a few more moments before walking away, grumbling. Apple Bloom promptly joins her but I have a feeling I’m being watched closely.

“So when are you picking me up?”

“Huh?”

“Tonight, when are you gonna pick me up to go to Le Bistrot Pierre?”

I’m picking her up? Fine. “Six, I suppose. I got us a private booth.”

Sweetie blushes brightly. “That sounds great! I already picked out my dress.”

Crap. I still needed to choose a dress, something to outdo Sweetie with. I can’t let my date be prettier than me! Wait, I know just the one! I smile back at the unicorn. “As have I, I’ll see you there.” I move to walk away but she calls me back.

“Hey, Diamond!”

“What’s up Sweets?” I say, looking back towards her. She blushes again, probably because of my new nickname for her. She clearly loves it.

“We could umm… spend lunch together…” she says, looking down at the floor and tracing her hoof in a circle on the desk she’s sat at.

D’awww, no wonder my Daddy can’t resist me. Fortunately I’m not my Daddy. Spending lunch with her can’t be so bad though. I’m not gonna find Silver after this morning and it’s still muddy outside. Which reminds me, I’m still muddy and Sweetie is still pristine. Doesn’t she care that she might get her perfect coat messy? I would. Then again, she gets to spend time with me so it doesn’t really matter how muddy I am, she’s still lucky. “Sure, why not? What did you have in mind?”

Okay, I think I’m actually starting to like Sweetie Belle. She’s still a ditzy unicorn without a talent but she’s kind and kinda pretty. She is her sisters sister after all. At first it was awkward but we started talking and it turns out we enjoy a few of the same things. The same kinds of music, fashion and even gems, surprisingly enough!

As it turns out Rarity goes gem hunting regularly (add brave and multi talented to the list) and she often takes Sweetie with her. Sweetie obsessed with her big sister and I can understand why, I might even be a little clingy if Rarity were my sister! Of course gems are a big part of jewellery, as well as my cutie mark and name. She also said she likes singing but I’m sure I’m better.

I’m honestly starting to look forward to our little date tonight! Maybe it won't be so bad.

I think today is starting to look a little brighter. I don't even care that I couldn't insult Apple Bloom! Wait...

Chapter Three - The First Date

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I ran home as soon as school ended. Partly to have a long bath to get rid of this dirt, partly to give myself plenty of time to prepare for the date and, of course partly to avoid Silver Spoon or anypony else who might question what I was doing hanging out with a blank flank all lunch.

I ran to my room. I didn’t describe my room before, did I? Well there’s not much to say, except that it’s so cool! It’s big, of course and even comes with an en suite bathroom and a walk in wardrobe! The walls are white with a pink trim. There are three large windows with large pink curtains. Oh, and there’s my princess sized bed! It’s soft and big and pink! My room is the best in Ponyville, probably all of Equestria!

Carefully brushing my wet mane (I’d just finished my bath), I looked in the mirror of my makeup station. I can’t miss a single hair, my mane must be perfect for this date. I certainly can’t be beaten by Sweetie’s curls. I used to think they were a messy, tangly… mess, that’s a result of those stupid adventures her friends force her into (no way she goes willingly). But since then I’ve realised it’s kinda cute. Her mane certainly doesn’t have the beauty and grace mine has but it does have it’s own charm and that’s why I need to make sure mine is doubly brilliant.

I wonder if Sweetie will like it? What a stupid question, of course she will! She said she already got a dress, and I haven't even tried to find one. Maybe… yeah, Mother won’t mind if I borrow one of hers! I quickly toss my brush down and run to Mummy’s bedroom. She has a walk in wardrobe like mine, but hers is even bigger! my parents bedroom is darker than mine, bigger too but I don’t stop to look around, I run into the wardrobe and start my search for the perfect dress.

After a good five minutes of rummaging around I realise one thing. My Mum’s dresses don’t fit me. Right now I was wearing one I’d seen her wear for a fashion show not long ago. It was Hoity Toity’s centerpiece of his spring fashion line. Mum looked stunning in it, the way the soft fabric hugged her curves left stallions drooling, on me it almost looked like I’d put a bedsheet on my head. I should probably look for some of my Mum’s older dresses. I know she keeps them in the top drawers, at the back of the wardrobe. I even knew the perfect dress as she’d shown me it before, but unfortunately it’s too high for me to reach, fortunately I’m smart.

I pulled one drawer out at the bottom and used it as a step, I opened the next drawer and climbed up on to it. I could feel the dresses being ruffled below me but at least now I could reach the draw I knew contained the dress. I slowly eased the drawer open but lost my balance! I tumbled down to the the floor, the drawer missing me by inches! At least I got it down. Getting up I pulled my prize out of it’s resting place.

It’s in pristine condition and absolutely perfect for me. It’s a dual layered dress with the lower part the same colour as my coat and the upper part resembling my mane. Both pink and white diamonds lace the dress, making it sparkle magnificently as I lift it to the sunlight from the small window in the wardrobe. It’s perfect!

I quickly put the dress on and left the room, pausing to admire myself in the mirror. I look absolutely perfect! The dress fits me like it was made just for me and the colours, this dress is sure to outdo that blank flank! Not that she won’t look pretty, I’m certain she’ll look great too, but I have to be best. After a couple more minutes of admiring myself in the mirror I return to my own room. I’m sure one of the maids will clean up after the mess I made later.

I soon found myself sat back down in front of my mirror, placing my tiara perfectly on my head and making last minute adjustments to my mane. Daddy had booked me a carriage as well, I can’t walk around in the mud, certainly not twice in one day, on top of that I even have a date! It would be a disaster if either of us turned up mucky. I’m sure picking her up in a carriage will be the perfect way to impress her, not that I’ll have to, the mere fact I’d agree to this is enough to awe anypony, but when Diamond Dazzle Tiara does something she does it right! Except homework.

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The carriage trundled along the muddy, Ponyville streets, before eventually stopping outside the large, colourful building that is the Carousel Boutique. I took a quick glance outside the carriage, still muddy.

Before I get the chance to step out of the carriage and brave the muddy field between myself and the boutique, Sweetie canters out the door. Well that was considerate, now only one of us has to get muddy, though she seems to be kicking up a lot of mud, not surprising at the speed she’s going. Then I noticed the slight illumination from her horn, she’s using magic to protect her dress from the mud. Clever filly. Wait, did I actually just think of Sweetie Belle, as clever?! Sure, she can be a bit of an egghead but normally she just seems rather… ditzy.

Sweetie climbs into the carriage and I finally get a good look at her. By Celestia she’s gorgeous! Wait I… no point denying it anymore. I think Sweetie is cute, there, I said it! She’s still a blank flank, but at least it won’t be a total humiliation being seen on a date with her.

She’s wearing a pretty, pink dress, trimmed with white and purple. I bet her sister made it, Rarity is so great at making dresses afterall! The dresses she makes are elegant and… oh, the blank flanks talking.

“Um... Diamond?” she waves a hoof in my face.

“What?”

“You looked kinda zoned out. Did my dress do it?”

“Yes, no! Kinda.” I pause for a few moments. “It’s very pretty, but I was caught up in thought.”

“Th-thank you Diamond!” she says with a blush. Wait, did I actually call her pretty to her face! I even meant to do it! Is this stupid curse getting even worse?! I need to find somepony to fix it, maybe I’ll ask that unicorn, Twilight. I suppose she’s an alicorn now, and a princess. Like she could ever have all the traits of a good princess. Huh, Sweetie’s talking again, I must stop getting so distracted by my thoughts.

“I really like your dress too! You look very elegant.” She’s still blushing, that’s so cute! What? It is! I smile in return and thank her for her recognition of my beauty and grace before the carriage driver sets off towards the restaurant.

----------

We arrive at Le Bistrot Pierre not long after. The trip, for the most part is silent, well I remained silent whilst Sweetie wouldn’t stop talking about all the dumb stuff her and her blank flank friends get up to. Honestly, those fillies should be put in padded cells before they kill themselves, or everypony around them. Probably both.

A couple minutes later and we’re sat at our own private booth, a waiter beside us, waiting for our orders.

“Umm… I’ll have, the um, saladey keesar and a tarty tarttan please!” the waiter merely stared at me, creep.

“Elle aura la salade César et tarte tartan et je vais prendre le ris de veau à la Reine et crème brûlée merci!” I have to say I was a little surprised Sweetie knew so much Prench. The waiter smiled and, after uttering a few more prench words, walks away.

“Wow, Sweetie. Where did you learn to speak Prench that well?” She blushes again.

“My sister taught me a few basic words and how to pronounce them properly.” That sounded like a lot more than just a few basic words but it doesn’t surprise me. A mare as classy as Rarity would be multilingual and would share such talents with those around her, like a true lady.

“Well that was amazing! I...” My sentance died in my throat as who walks in through the door? Silver Spoon and her bigot parents. I don’t have a problem with being with a filly, after all what’s wrong with love between the same sex? Most assume I’d be against that sort of thing but really, I’m not. Thing is though, Silver’s parents are traditionalists, if she ever brought a unicorn home they’d kill her! Bringing another filly home? I’ve heard what they say about that kind of thing and frankly, I’ve always avoided them.

“Diamond, are you okay?” I glance back to Sweetie and quickly think of an excuse to escape, at least until Silver’s parents are out of the way.

“I need the bathroom!” I said that a little more desperately than I had hoped and quickly trot away to the nearest toilet.

A couple minutes later I re emerge I glance around the dimly lit restaurant quickly, no Silver. They must be seated away from us, thank Celestia. After trotting back over to Sweetie I noticed the food had arrived.

“Where were you!” And now she’s pouting, great.

“Just on the toilet.”

“You took ages.” Okay, I was gone a bit more than a couple of minutes. “I thought you’d left.” Her face turns downwards, she’s too cute, I can’t help it! I move to her side of the booth and wrap my hooves around her… in a hug. Yep, I’m actually hugging a blank flank. Thankfully her dress covers where her cutie mark should be so nopony can tell and, besides she’s cute, nopony can blame me for wanting to hug her, especially when she’s sad.

“I’m sorry Sweetie, I’d never leave you though.” I had kinda considered it, but I never break my promises and taking her out on a date then abandoning her there would be the worst possible way to break a promise.

She sniffles. “Thank you.” she says, slowly pulling away from my embrace.

I shuffle back into place in front of my salad and begin nibbling, it’s great! Sweetie just stares at me in shock. “Wha?”

“You have to use your salad fork!” Oh, that’s all?

“Sho?”

“And stop speaking with your mouth full!” Is she seriously lecturing me on manners right now?

“Doesh it matter?”

“Yes! We’re at a high class restaurant and you’re eating like a foal at a maredonalds!”

Oh. I stop to swallow the food in my mouth and grin sheepishly. “Sorry.”

She nods and smiles. “Now take the small, outer knife and fork in between your hooves, yes that’s it! And use it to eat the salad, remember to keep the fork downturned, no no, other down.”

Wow, I can’t believe this is actually happening. Sweetie is lecturing me like I’m a foal! This couldn’t get any worse! A nearby pony giggles, I turn towards them, red faced and see the worst, possible pony. Silver Spoon. “Aww~ am I interrupting your little date? I see the blank flank is teaching you table manners.” Sweetie looks down again. She really needs to learn how to stand up for herself, but if she won’t I will. Besides, nopony insinuates Diamond Dazzle Tiara is a foal! Except Sweetie.

“Go away, you ugly bitch!” The other patrons of the restaurant immediately begin staring at us.

Silver glares. “I was wondering what got you so mad earlier today, and why you didn’t go to our usual spot at lunch. Imagine my surprise when I saw you and Sweaty Belle sitting together, like best friends.”

“Silver.” It was my only reply, a low, deadly warning.

“And here you are, on a little date. It’s disgusting, I suppose you’re not good enough for any colt so you resort to corrupting some stupid littl…”

She doesn’t get to finish as I tackle the bitch and stomp my hoof into her face. She tries to push me off, but I hold firm and, almost as soon as it started it ends. A waiter picks me up and carries me away from Silver, soon another joins and I’m being from out the front entrance, into the mud. I lay there, in the filthy substance for a few moments… or minutes until Sweetie nuzzles my side.

I look over towards her and gasp. “Your dress!” The lower part is covered in mud from laying down beside me. She must have forgotten her spell. She looks down and frowns, before a warm expression takes over her features and she smiles at me.

“It’s only a dress, it can be washed. I wanted to make sure that you’re alright.” That is actually really sweet. I just got her kicked out of a fancy restaurant, causing a huge scene in the process and she’s still out here comforting me.

“Why are you still here Sweetie?”

She frowns. “Why wouldn’t I be? Nopony has ever defended me like you just did.” She blushes furiously and I feel my own cheeks burning a little. “It was very gallant!”

Wow, she really is amazing. I’m gonna have to make it up to her. She doesn’t deserve to have her first date ruined by me doing something, admittedly stupid. “I’m really sorry!”

She nuzzles me again. She really is great. “I already told you, it was very noble what you did.”

I smile but don’t relent. “I still ruined your first date. I have to make it up to you!” The words echo my determination to prove to… no, to show that…. What am I actually trying to accomplish? Do I just want to make it up to Sweetie. My chest feels really tight, is that a bad thing?

She leans down and pecks my lips. Now it feels like I just ate a family sized ice cream sundae and got kicked in the stomach by a hoofball player at the same time. I honestly didn’t know how I felt, my first kiss! Probably hers too. It felt weird, not bad weird, perhaps not good weird either, just weird. I kinda wanted to do it again, so I pressed my lips against hers and… much better! I could certainly get used to this. But what does it mean? Is Sweetie my fillyfriend now? I’m, strangely okay with that.

She looks surprised too, at first before she beams down at me, saying. “That was nice.”

“Yeah.”

“So does that mean we’re, like dating, dating?”

“I suppose so.” She squee’s in response.

“Can I call you my fillyfriend?”

“Sure, but not in public.” She frowns. “Yet. Maybe once everything has calmed down and we know it won’t cause fights.”

She thinks for a few moments before nodding. Well, that’s it, I have a fillyfriend now, and she’s Sweetie Belle. A filly a couple days ago I mocked and taunted, I am now dating and not because of some curse. Just because she’s amazing.

----------

A few minutes later I’m back on my hooves, covered in mud, walking alongside my new, equally muddy fillyfriend, I’m really starting to enjoy the sound of that. We chat casually about our lives and aspirations. She is probably the only pony who has ever listened to my in depth analysis of why tiara’s are better than crown’s besides my Mum.

We slowly make our way back to her house and say our goodbye’s I promise to take her out again on the weekend and we both knew we’d see each other at school but it still felt kinda painful to see her walk back through the door to her house. Is this what being in a relationship always feels like? It’s nice.

It all feels kinda surreal, like the evening is just slipping by in a blur from all the emotions and my fight with Silver. Next time I should control myself better. Sweetie didn’t seem too bothered, but I still won’t let my temper ruin anything for her ever again. She deserves better.

I drift into my house, ignore the maids who swarm around the mud trail I’m leaving and enter my bathroom. I run a nice, hot bath, filled with lavender scented bubbles. I slip into the warm haven and imagine Sweetie doing the same. Only a few hours till school. Only a few hours till I get to see her again.