> Sweet Tooth > by RaritySimper44 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rarity was in her room humming to herself as she worked the thread and needle with her magic, she was focused and in the zone as she worked on a new dress for a customer. A repetition of knocks came to her door suddenly, "come in~!" She called to them, in a sing-song voice, keeping her eyes on the dress she didn't even miss a beat as she continued working. Her humming continued as well. The door opened and Spike walked into her room. "Hey, Rarity," he called out to her as he walked in, "working on a new dress I see." "Oh yes darling, such a good look isn't it?" "I got your mail for you." "Oh thank you, darling just set it on the bed there and I'll take care of it when I get the chance," she said still not looking away from the dress, the only sign she gave of even acknowledging his presence was the words she said to him. "Okay", he said as he set it on her bed, all of the mail but one letter, he walked up to her handing the letter over to her. "Here Rarity I think you should open this one now." Rarity sighed as she stopped what she was doing, an annoyed look on her face she turned to him forcing a smile. "Thank you Spikey Wikey but I do believe I told you to put the mail on the bed and that I'd get to it when I had the time, didn't I?" "Yeah, I know but I think it's important, I think you should open it now." He replied waving the letter at her, a big smile on his face. Rarity held back an eye-roll "Oh?" She said as she took the letter from him, inspecting it to see what it was for and who it was from. She gasped in shock suddenly a large excited grin coming to her face. "What, what is it Rarity?" Spike asked curiously. "Its a letter from Fancy Pants himself!" She nearly screamed, her grin growing wider by the second. "How can you tell?" Spike asked his eyebrow raised in surprise. "Its got a stamp that only Fancy Pants himself uses, its the defining feature that sets his letters apart from everyone else!" She said excitedly, she was shaking and struggling to contain her excitement. She took great care as she gently opened the envelope not even ripping it once, she soon had it opened. She took it out of the envelope and read it, her smile somehow grew bigger, consuming her face. She started prancing in place giving joyful giggles like a fool, she couldn't hold it in any longer. "I guess its something good?" Spike said smiling with a raised brow at her. "Oh, its more than good Spike, Fancy Pants has just invited me to a private party at one of his restaurants!" She shouted at him, she was in his face now, her grin still huge. She looked like she would burst from excitement. "How many restaurants does this guy have?" "Oh, darling, I'm not sure but it's quite a few. He bought an entire restaurant chain a few years back and its been growing since, so hundreds possibly thousands! Of course, that's not the point Spike, the point is I'm invited to a private party that he's throwing!" "Oh, well that's great, when is it?" "Three days from now, plenty of time to get into Canterlot, Spike could you be a dear and get my suitcases?" Spike stood straight and saluted her before racing off to get the requested items. He came back a minute later with all her suitcases. "Thank you, darling", she said patting his head in gratitude. She immediately started packing dresses into her suitcases and everything else as well. In twenty minutes she had ten suitcases packed and ready to go. "Thank you, darling, that'll be all for now, she said with a smile." Spike stood straight and saluted her, call me if you need anything at all, my lady~! He said happily before running off. Rarity quickly began working on the dress again, "I simply must get this done before I leave." and with that she began working the needle and thread again, focusing up as she did so. It took her a few hours but she was finally done, she went and slipped into a dress and put on a nice hat and looked into the mirror giving a cute little pose as she did so. "Perfect!" Oh, Spiiiiiiiike~! A few seconds later thumping could be heard up the stairs, the door slammed open and Spike rushed in, "yes Rarity?" "Could you be a dear and help me carry my bags to the train station for me?" She asked with a smile. "Of course Rarity!" He quickly started picking up some of her bags she grabbed some too in her magic. "Come, darling, we must hurry if we are to make the train." "Yes, Rarity!" He said as he struggled to carry her bags, Rarity left the room first but Spike went down the stairs first, it looked like he might fall a few times but they both made it down the stairs without him getting killed though so it was okay. They went out the door and she closed and locked it behind her. "Here Spike darling hold these for me while I go get something to make this easier for you." She then set the bags she was carrying on top of his stack and trotted off. Spike was struggling not to fall over, his knees shook and he groaned and grunted under the pressure, he felt like he might snap in half. "Rarity please hurry I don't know how much longer I can hold it!" She soon came back with a little red wagon and lifted all the suitcases off him and into the wagon, "thank you oh so much Spikey Wikey, now come along and pull it for me, please. " "Yes Rarity", he said with a heavy sigh of happiness and hearts in his eyes as he grabbed the handle of the wagon and pulled it behind him as he followed Rarity to the train station. The train pulled up and Rarity let the busboy take care of her things, "thank you Spike." "Sure thing Rarity, have fun!" Rarity smiled and gave him a gem, he started drooling as it fell into his hands, Rarity giggled and pat him on the head. "Goodbye, darling!" And with that, she got onto the train and was off for Canterlot. > Chapter 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Please be careful with my bags sir, some of those things in those bags are fragile." Rarity politely enjoined the young stallion carrying her bags, he looked as though he were going to fall to the ground with the way his legs were shaking. He gave a strained grunt in response to this as he opened the door to the West Wing of the castle with his magic and struggled inside. "Just drop it anywhere darling," Rarity stated calmly as she walked passed him not even looking back at him. He did so immediately and groaned as he pulled himself from the wreckage that was Rarity's luggage to shaky legs. Rarity smiled and levitated a coin to him, opened his pocket up, and slid the coin inside, "there you go kind, sir, have a lovely day." "Uh-huh, you too ma'am", the colt said in an exhausted tone as he walked out of the room closing the doors behind him. Rarity was going through her things trying to find a dress to wear before he was even out the door. "Oh come on, where is it?! I mean to look good out there if it kills me!" She complained, finally she smiled as she pulled the dress from a bag. "Ah, here we are, perfect!" She pulled on the dress and was out the door with her purse around her shoulders. With that, she trotted out of the West Wing and down the spiral staircase to the streets of Canterlot, she walked gracefully through the streets, smiling smugly to herself as she noticed she was catching more than a few eyes. "Wow, you look amazing ma'am!" A young stallion around her age. "Oh thank you, I made the dress myself." Many other ponies complimented her and she just ate it all up. She walked through the doors of The Tasty Treat and spotted Coriander and Saffron. "Hello you two, I see you two are getting much better business since I last saw you." Coriander turned around and laid eyes on Rarity and gasped. "Rarity!" She trotted over to her and hugged her, Rarity gladly returned the hug. "It's so good to see you!" Coriander said happily. "It's good to see you as well," she replied taking a seat. "What brings you to Canterlot?" "A dinner party with Fancy pants, I decided since I'm in town why not pay you a visit. Maybe have a cup of tea." Her eyes widened at her, "do you really mean the Fancy Pants?" Rarity nodded with a proud, slightly smug smile on her face, "yes indeed I do my dear." Coriander smiled back, "oh Rarity you are amazing." "I know. Thank you, darling, now then I think I'm ready to order. I'll have some Jasmine tea please." "Coming right up Rarity", with that she trotted off. Rarity let her eyes wander around the room, people here and there, some couples she assumes. She felt a little ache in her heart wishing for what they had but still happy for them none the less. Her eyes caught sight of a familiar person, a large chocolate stallion. Well, well. This is quite the surprise, I'd never dream of seeing him in here, of all places. She got up and trotted over to the gentleman, "well, Mister Sun. What a pleasant surprise!" He looked to her and smiled, "Miss Rarity dear, its good to see you too." "I never thought to see you of all people here, I thought of you as more of a coffee person." "I am, but a friend of mine recommended it to me. I happened to have the time and decided hey, why not try this place out? Please take a seat, get comfortable." "Well if you insist." She said as she gracefully took a seat across from him. "So how's your dear wife doing?" He frowned at this and Rarity noticed him stiffen a little as he averted his eyes. "Oh, she's doing fine. A bit busy, otherwise she'd have come along I'm sure." "I see." Rarity said observing him carefully. Clearly, something is going on with her. I shouldn't pry, though. "And how are you doing?" He looked away, and his ears went down, he opened his mouth, but before he could speak, Coriander came over and set Rarities tea in front of her and a drink in front of Chocolate Sun as well. "Here you go, Rarity, sir. Enjoy." "Oh thank you, darling." "Thank you, ma'am." Coriander nodded before trotting off. "You two seem to know each other quite well. Friend of yours?" Avoiding the question, are we? Fine, have it your way. Rarity nodded her affirmation. "Yes, a friend and I came and helped her with a friendship problem a while ago." "Forgive me, but I'm afraid I don't quite follow. He said looking perplexed. "Oh, it's just something the elements of Harmony deal with from time to time. You know I'm the bearer of the element of generosity, yes?" He nodded, "I do now. How do you like being one of the bearers of the elements?" "Oh, I adore it! Almost as much as I adore my career even, I meet people from all over Equestria. From every walk of life, and I do mean every. Some I'd like to forget." She said in disgust and shivered. "Enough about me though, how is your business going?" "Oh it's doing just fine, he said with a forced smile." "Is everything okay Mister Sun?" "Yes of course, why wouldn't it be?" "Because Mister Sun, I'm very good at reading people, and I can tell by your fake smiles that you are in fact not alright." He looked at her like a child that had been caught lying about sneaking cookies from the jar. "Of course I won't force you to talk about it if you don't want to, its really none of my business after all." "I um… thank you for that miss Rarity, on a lighter note, do you plan to go to Fancy Pants' party tomorrow evening?" "Oh yes, of course, darling. It's my reason for coming to Canterlot after all." "Then I look forward to seeing you there." Rarity nodded as she finished her tea, "I have to say, Mister Sun, talking with you was not something I was looking forward to doing", he frowned at this, "but I'm glad I did", she finished, bringing a smile to his face that rivaled her own. "I'll see you tomorrow then Mister Sun." Rarity stood from her seat and they shook hooves, "it was a pleasure darling." "Goodbye, Miss Rarity." Rarity went back to the castle to get ready for dinner. Rarity gave a satisfied sigh as she got out of the shower. She dried off, humming a tune to herself as she did so, it didn't take long to get done. She then pulled herself into a new dress and redid her hair, she began putting her face back on. Suddenly a knock resounded from the other side of her bedroom door. "I'm getting dressed, what can I do for you? Better yet, who are you?" "I'm a servant of the princesses, Princess Celestia sent me to escort you to the dining hall." The voice was a raspy but masculine voice, clearly a man. "I see, well you'll have to wait I'm afraid then, I'm not yet ready." "Very well then, but please keep in mind that Princess Celestia is waiting on you, and she will not eat until you arrive." "And the longer you pester me the longer I will take darling please be patient for me would you?" Rarity said, slowly growing annoyed with the man. He didn't say anything else as she finished her face and put her perfume on and checked her hair one last time before opening the door with a smile. "Hello there." "Charmed. Are you quite ready Miss Rarity?" "I am, lead the way, kind sir." He turned and walked down the spiral of the west wing stairs to the dining hall. Rarity gasped as the doors to the dining hall opened, she stood there looking about, mouth gaping open and bug-eyed at the sheer size of the room. The table alone was at least fifty feet long, food of every variety filled the table from one end to the other. "Hello there Rarity." Rarity was broken from her stupor at this, there at the very end of a long table sat Celestia smiling back at her from her seat. Rarity quickly bowed a moment before walking over to the table to sit down. "By that look on your face, I'd say you like my dining hall." Rarity felt her face heat up at this remark. "O-oh. Yes it's lovely, how could I not like it? It's just so- so- huge!" "Yes, I suppose it is, isn't it?" The butler pulled her seat out and she sat down and he pushed her in. "Thank you, darling. As I was saying I've never seen a dining room this big before….." Celestia chuckled at this, "it's a bit too big in my opinion." "Oh, nonsense you can never have anything too big!" Rarity said as she unfolded her napkin and placed it into her lap. "So Rarity, tell me how you've been since I last saw you." "Oh, I'm fabulous as usual." She answered as she levitated a bowl of fruit salad to her plate and filled a portion of the plate with it. "Business is booming and I'm loving every second of it!" "Good, I was expecting nothing less, to be honest." She said as she cut a piece of hay loaf and levitated it to her plate. "What about your stay in Canterlot? Was it as good as last time?" "It's been lovely, I went to the Tasty Treat and ran into an old friend there. Not the owner or his daughter, although it was pleasant seeing them again of course." "I see, and who is this friend of yours exactly? I hope you don't mind my nosiness." "Of course not Princess, he's a gentleman named Chocolate Sun." Celestia smiled, "is he someone significant in your life?" "No, no he's married, and married men aren't exactly my cup of tea if you know what I mean." "I do." Desert came and went and before long the table was empty and the two women sat there alone. "It's late." Rarity looked at the clock above them, it was passed ten. "Oh my, that it is! I guess time really does fly when you're having fun." "Indeed it does, if you'll excuse me I'm tired and mean to go to bed." "Oh yes of course! I'm a bit tired myself actually. Rarity said as she pushed her chair in and left following Celestia." "It was a pleasure dining with you Rarity." "Oh yes, of course, thank you for your hospitality." With that, they went their separate ways down the halls to their rooms. > Chapter 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The next day was uneventful and boring for Rarity, all she did was sit around making dress designs and read books from the castle library. She was glad when seven came around. She stood outside the restaurant in a line to get in, the sky outside was a mixture of pinks and blues as the last rays of the sun set slowly beyond the buildings preparing to be snuffed out to make way for Luna's night. A large security pony stood beside the door. She wasn't worried though as she walked up to him. "Name?" He said bluntly, looking down at her from indifferent eyes. "Rarity." He took out a list and looked it over, he stepped aside and she gracefully walked into the party. She scanned the faces of the upper crust ponies and smiled when she found Fancy Pants not far off. Surrounded by gentlemen and ladies. She strolled on over to the group with a smile. "Hello Fancy Pants." He looked to her and smiled, "why Rarity, you're looking marvelous as ever. Good to see you!" The others greeted her as well and agreed with him quickly. "Oh, thank you, you all look delightful as well", she said with a wave of the hoof. She smiled warmly at Chocolate Sun, he stood beside FancyPants, it was a brief smile but it was returned just as warmly. She turned her attention back to Fancy Pants just as fast as it had left him. "Cucumber sandwich ma'am?" Rarity turned to the waiter, who was offering the food and smiled, " I will have one." She took a sandwich in her magic, "thank you sir." she tipped him and daintily ate it, taking small bites so she didn't get any on her dress or face. She wiped her face with a napkin from her dress. "So Rarity-" she looked at Fancy Pants expectantly, a charming smile on her face. "How is your work?" "Oh it's marvelous darling, as usual. Soon I'll be opening a new store." "Congrats." The others said the same as him. "I absolutely love your dress, your fashion sense is impeccable!" "Indeed." "Yes I am pretty amazing aren't I?" Rarity said proudly. Suddenly Rarity felt the need to go to the bathroom, excuse me a moment would you all? I seem to need to use the little fillies room. she stated with a smile. "Upstairs and down the hall to the left Rarity." "Thank you." She then trotted off to the bathroom. She went up the stairs, the marble stairs clopping under her feet. She got to the top of the stairs and just stopped, she couldn't believe what she was seeing. A stallion and a mare who she recognized to be Chocolate Sun's wife, Swan Song, were making out. They didn't seem to notice her, or just didn't care, Rarity cleared her throat and got their attention fast. "Hello there….." "R-Rarity, how nice to see you…." Swan Song said. A forced smile on her face. "We um… didn't expect anyone up here…" "It's fine!" She trotted by them and into the bathroom and closed it calmly. "I told you we should have gone into the bathroom." The stallion stated annoyed. "And I said we should have waited until after!" She said angrily. Rarity stood in front of the mirror, hooves gripping the sink as she listened to the two argue about where they should or shouldn't have been trying to eat each other's faces. She felt sick in the stomach, she stared into her reflection's eyes a moment. She didn't want to get into anyone else's business but Chocolate Sun deserved to know. She didn't know what she'd tell Chocolate Sun. She was absolutely telling him though. She took a deep breath and sighed. "I need to pee first." She walked out of the bathroom and found the two were gone. "Hmph. Good riddance." She went back downstairs and she saw Chocolate Sun, no longer by Fancy Pants but by a new group of people. He was facing away from her but his cutie Mark was easily seen. She trotted over to him and put a hoof to his shoulder, he turned around meeting her eyes and smiled. "Oh, Rarity what can I do for you?" "I need to talk to you. Do you have time?" "Of course I do." "Good." "You don't mean now, do you?" Rarity looked at him annoyed, "yes I mean now! It's important! And….a bit personal…" she said moving her eyes back and forth. He looked at her with a mix of confusion and surprise, he nodded though. "Gentleman, if you'll excuse me." With that, he walked to the exit, followed close by Rarity behind him. "Why are we leaving?" Rarity asked confused. "We won't get much privacy in a place like this." Chocolate Sun replied. I beg to differ. "If you say so, sir." She replied as they walked out into the streets of Canterlot. Once they were a good distance away he looked down at her thoughtfully, "so what do you need to tell me of all people, Rarity?" "What do you mean?" "You and I have never had a connection or any real meaningful conversation. Literally ever. What makes you think I'm a good pony to tell anything personal to?" Rarity rubbed her leg uncomfortably at this, "well you see…. It's about you." He stared at her surprised. "Excuse me? What could you possibly know about me? He asked, growing defensive." "I'm sorry to tell you this, Mister Sun, but you deserve to know." "What are you talking about?" "I caught your wife kissing another man." He stared at her surprised and looked away. "I was on my way to the bathroom when I caught them in the middle of the hallway pretty much trying to eat each other's faces!" Chocolate Sun sighed, "it doesn't matter to me who she kisses at this point, it's not my problem." Rarity stared at him, mouth agape in shock, she couldn't believe her ears! Before she could lay into him though he continued. "We divorced." "Um...what?" "We divorced quietly, we decided to wait as long as we could before telling anyone about it." "Who else knows, there's no way you could have kept everyone out of the limelight." "Fancy Pant, Blue Blood, and you as of now. a few others as well though they are not important enough to worth mentioning." Rarity stared at him unsure of what to say. Then she noticed his expression. Pain. she walked up to him and laid a hoof on his shoulder. "I'm so sorry Mister Sun. If I'd known I'd have never brought it up." "I know, and I thank you for that Rarity." "Would you… like to talk about it?" He gave her a glare forcing a sheepish smile to her face, "sorry. I just really like juicy drama." "Don't we all." He stated with a bitter tone. Rarity frowned at him, "I'm sorry." He gave a heavy sigh, "so am I. I shouldn't be glaring at you like that." "No, you shouldn't, but I understand you're stressed and upset with all of this. How…. long ago was it?" "I just said I don't want to talk about it." He stated bluntly. "I know but-" she sighed and breathed calming her nerves. "Sorry." "It's fine", he looked at his watch a moment before meeting Rarities gaze. Let's head back to the party." "Agreed. I love your watch by the way, wherever did you get it?" "It was my father's." "Oh how sweet, a hand-me-down." "Of sorts I suppose. My great great great grandfather's great great great grandfather made it from scratch." "Oh My, that's an old watch. And a lot of great's for one sentence." "It's been passed down to the men in my family for generations." "I love an item with history!" She said with a smirk. "May I have a closer look at it?" "Of course, but be careful." "I only want to look at it, not touch it." He held his hoof out and she looked it over. It was a gold watch with various sapphire gems lining it. "Oh my, it's gorgeous, and in peak condition. I can only imagine the work that goes into its care." "Thank you, it does take a lot of work." "Who takes care of this?" "Not me, I can assure you." "Well yes, obviously not you, this would take a professional with a talent specifically connected to this." "It doesn't matter, let's keep walking." He said pulling his hoof away and walking off. Rarity was asleep in the bed of the castle's west wing, she had had a long night, first, she had to go through a lot of drama, then after she got home she couldn't sleep, she had been thinking of Chocolate Sun all night long. Why had he gotten a divorce? Either way, she hoped the drama was over with. If she couldn't know about it, then it shouldn't exist. Suddenly a knock had come to the door waking her with a yelp. She took off her sleep mask and put her robes on before going to the door, she opened it annoyed. "Who is i-" standing in front of her was Chocolate Sun. "Mister Sun, what a surprise, what can I do for you?" "Forgive me, I thought you'd be awake, I was wondering if you'd like to go for a walk in the park, perhaps later would be best." "Oh, um, yes of course I will join you for a walk darling." She said forcing a smile at him, she was still exhausted from the night before. "Excellent, meet me in the park at three." "I'll do that", she said and closed the door. She got right back into bed and fell asleep. Rarity woke up to Opal waving her tail in her face, "ugh Opal why are you doing this?!" She waved her off to no avail, she opened her eyes and looked at the clock remembering her walk with Chocolate Sun, it was two. She quickly got up, showered, and got ready. She put on a dress and walked out the door towards the park. It took about five minutes to get to the park she had come towards the entrance because she figured he would have been waiting there for her, as a gentleman should. As expected, Chocolate Sun stood there waiting for her, dressed in his vest. Rarity smiled at him waving as she trotted over. "Hello!" "Rarity, right on time, as usual", he said with a smile, the two of them walked into the park down the sidewalk. "Punctuality is very important obviously, so why did you ask me to come here with you exactly?" "It's a nice day, I wanted to talk is all." He said simply. "Oh, I see", Rarity said, "better than sleeping the day away I suppose. so… why did you two divorce?" Rarity asked him gently, too curious not to pry. He tensed at this a moment, Rarity almost apologized but then he spoke. "I spent a lot of money on my father, he was ill, very ill. Eventually, he passed away, I had spent half our savings trying to help him, she was furious and left me soon after, we quietly divorced. Rarity gasped at this, "that's horrible!" She said angrily. He shushed her angrily and she smiled sheepishly, "sorry. I'm so sorry to hear that darling, that's a terrible thing she did." He nodded, "it is, but I'm not mad, I can't be. The relationship was dying anyway." "How so?" "It doesn't matter, just that it was." She didn't say anything to this for a while. They walked in silence for a while, finally, Rarity broke the silence, "darling why did you ask me to come here? I dont believe it was just to have small talk." He sighed, "Rarity I've been through a lot, my father died, my wife left me. I've been depressed for a long time, but being around you makes me happy." "Are you saying you asked me here as a date?" "I did, he said with a smile, Rarity would you like to come to my home for dinner this weekend?" She blushed at this but smiled, "I'd love to darling." "Wonderful!" He said with a smile, "I look forward to you being there." > Chapter 4 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chocolate Sun looked in the mirror of his mansion in his room, a deep frown on his face. He was nervous. And stressed, he was deep in debt from paying his father's medical bills, his business wasn't doing so well either. He was close to losing his home, it had been in his family for centuries, his ancestor had built it, and although the renovations had basically made it unrecognizable from its original look, it was still a big deal, he couldn't lose it. This was also the real reason his wife had left him. Rarity arrived at his home and stared in awe, this is amazing! She said in wonder as she stepped up the steps to the mansion itself, she got to the front door and was about to pull it when the door opened. "Miss Rarity I presume?" "Why, yes it is, did Chocolate sun tell you about me?" "Yes, but I'm also a fan of your work, Miss Rarity, you’ve got quite the reputation." He said, he sounded stuck up and serious. He had the look of a stuck up no nonsense pony. "Thank you sir, that compliment means a lot." "Indeed, please come in and I will let the master know you’ve arrived." She walked in and he walked up the steps to his room to fetch Chocolate Sun. A knock came to the door before it opened and his butler walked in, "master Sun, Miss Rarity is downstairs waiting for you." Chocolate Sun nodded and tied his tie before walking down the three flights of stairs to the first floor where Rarity stood patiently waiting for him. He smiled at her, "hello Rarity, sorry for the wait." "Hello to you too darling! And don't worry about the wait, I'm a rather patient mare. "Your home is magnificent!" She said in awe, and a small twinkle in her eyes. "Glad you like it, dinner should be ready", he said as he reached the bottom of the stairs. Follow me to the dining hall", he said, Rarity followed right behind him, looking around the mansion like a little kid in a candy store. "Is it true this place has been in your family for generations?" "It absolutely is, it was built a few centuries ago." His butler appeared out of thin air and opened a door for them and they walked through, "thank you chives." "Of course Sir." "Such a charming butler, albeit rather …. a stereotypical name." Rarity said. "Yes, chives does have a silly name, but he’s been my family for generations. My great great grandfather hired his grandfather years ago, he comes from a servant family that serves mine." "Fascinating", she said in a hushed voice looking around the dining hall. "Thank you", he said. In the middle of the dining hall was a long table, food was set out onto it, they both sat down and began eating. "I'm very impressed, '' she then pulled out a bottle of wine and set it on the table. "A gift." They began eating and talking, they really seemed to have a connection. "So what was your father like, Chocolate Sun?" "Please call me Sunny, and my father, he was very introverted, hated the spotlight. In fact he hated most people in general, Serious and business-like, but still a kind man at heart, treated my mother like a queen. We would go to a beach house over the summer every year and we'd spend time together. I'll admit I hated him as a boy, he sent me and all my siblings to boarding school." "Which one?" "Canterlot school for gifted unicorns.” "That's a boarding school?" He nodded, nobody calls it that because it doesn't sound as nice, but that's exactly what it is. He also was rather cold, and distant with us all, everyone but my mother, and sister. But as I got older and worked under him, I got to know him more and saw the kindness and warmth my mother got to see, mostly because he got soft in his old age. I realized he only sent me there to help me to be the best I could be." He sighed, ears drooping, "I miss him dearly." "I'm sorry for your loss." "Thank you", he said with a smile. "Also you have a sister?" "And a brother, three in fact, two are twins." "Okay this I’ve got to hear." "What about my brothers?" "And your sister!" "Well, blue Moon, and North Star are the twins, we dont talk about them though", he said rather annoyed. "Why not?" "If I told you we’d have to talk about them." "But darling, we already are." "Good point. Very well, North Star and Blue Moon are loan sharks in Manehattan. They are possible gangsters as well, but that is uncertain." He said with distaste. "I see, and the other brother?" "Chocolate Tail, my younger brother, youngest of all of us in fact." "Oh I had no idea you two were brothers." "Really? No one told you that?" "No." "Hm, I thought everyone knew that." "As far as I know, I'm the first to hear. Besides Fancy Pants I assume." "Hm. Odd..." Chocolate Sun said, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "And then there's Fine Line, my sister." His butler came in and took all the dishes at once and left, the stack was ten feet tall. "My chives, you're quite skilled!" Rarity said, impressed. "I've had years of practice my dear, I have been doing this for sixty two years." He said as he walked out of the room, the dishes almost touching the tip of the doorway. Rarity looked at Chocolate Sun, "sixty two years? How old is he?!" "Eighty one I believe. Not sure. Chives?"He called. "Yes sir?" He Asked as he walked into the room. "How old are you?" "I am seventy nine, I'll be eighty next year." "Ah, thank you Chives." "Of course sir." He said as he left. Rarity looked across the room at a trophy, "pardon me Sunny, but how did you get that trophy." He looked behind him to see a large golden trophy. He smiled, "ah that is a rugby trophy, the team won it, I played with Blue Blood and Fancy Pants you know." "Oh really I had no idea Fancy Pants played rugby." "Oh yes, he was the captain in fact. Very skilled player. We won the Equestrian cup." "Fascinating." "Would you like a tour of the mansion?" "That would be delightful!" Rarity said happily. They got up and walked around the mansion, he showed her all his rooms, except the one he slept in, too soon for that. "Oh Sunny your house is amazing, quiet and lonely, but amazing", Rarity cooed. "It gets better", he said, taking her hoof, he opened a glass door to a balcony, they stepped out onto it and she gasped, the balcony sat above the city of Canterlot. The lights of the city shone beautifully in the night, the stars above were a nice touch as well. "Oh Sunny, it's gorgeous!" She said breathlessly, the sight had taken most of it away. "I know", he said, she turned to him and smiled. He smiled back as they leaned closer to each other, their lips met and the two of them kissed passionately. After a few seconds they broke apart, she leaned into his chest purring in delight, ears flat on her head, a deeper purr came from his chest as well as he held her close. "This is lovely Sunny." "It is, isn't it?" They eventually let go and went back inside and sat in his living room and sat down on a loveseat. Rarity sat nestled into his side, her head on his shoulder, he wrapped a hoof around her. So Rarity I told you about myself, but you haven't told me about youself, care to rectify that for me, hm?" Rarity looked up at him lovingly, "only one way to find out darling~" "Fair enough" he didn't have to think hard on this he knew what he wanted to know, "what got you into fashion?" "Ah a good question, it was my grandmother, she was a fashion designer herself and her work was gorgeous, I decided from a young age what I was meant to do. My parents never understood me, but my grandmother did. She encouraged me, gave me advice and guidance. I wouldn't be who I am today without her." "How sweet. Is she still alive?" Her ears went down at this, "I'm afraid not. She passed years ago. Before I even got my cutie mark…." "I'm so sorry to hear that",cChocolate Sun said with a sad frown. "Yes, I truly wish I didn't have to say it." Rarity yawned as she stretched her hooves, "oh goodness, what time is it?" Chocolate Sun checked his watch, "a little passed three." "Goodness! Could I stay the night? I don't think the trains even run this late!" "They don't, and you may, are you ready for bed?" "I am, I'll need to shower and do my hair of course." She said, puffing her mane up with a smile of pride. He stood and showed her to the guest room and then the bathroom. "Well goodnight Rarity." "Oh yes, you too darling", she said, she pecked his lips once more before walking into the bathroom. Sunny stood, caught off guard, flustered a bit. He smiled and walked to his room, he was in love, he knew the feeling because he had felt it once before, he just never expected it to be so soon. Rarity had a way about her that was irresistible. > Chapter 5 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rarity and Chocolate Sun had been officially dating for six months now, and although their busy schedules kept them apart a lot, they still wrote to each other a lot too. They also would go out to places when they had time, dancing, art galleries and other stuff like that. She tried getting him to come to Ponyville but he wasn't wanting to, not yet at least. Chocolate Sun was in love, and really wanted to tie the knot but didn't have the money. When he told her a large chunk of his money was spent helping his father, he meant most of it, he was filing for bankruptcy soon. He might need to sell his family home to keep his business running. With this going on he had little funds to buy a ring worthy of Rarity. However, he knew someone that would help him with his financial problem, Prince Blue Blood. He had told Rarity they played sports in boarding school, but it went deeper, they were cousins. Chocolate Sun was going there now. He was right in front of the royal castle in which prince Blue Blood lived, he walked up to the guards, "I need to see prince Blue Blood." The guards nodded, one of them walked him inside and stopped a maid, "take Mister Sun to the prince's quarters immediately." "Of course sir!" She bowed and led him down the halls to the prince's room, knocking on the door, "prince Blue Blood, Chocolate Sun is here to see you." "Send him on his way, I'm busy!" Blue Blood called back. The maid turned to Chocolate Sun, "I'm sorry but the prince-" Chocolate Sun pushed by her and into the room, "Blue Blood, we need to talk!" He said loudly as he walked in, looking for him, he was being groomed by three mares. "Well hello Sun, it seems you forgot your manners." Blue Blood replied dryly. "Would you like me to get the guards, prince?" The maid from outside called in with concern. "No no, that's not necessary, everyone out so we can talk in private." None of the maids questioned him instead filing out of the room, one of them being a unicorn closed the doors behind them. "Well, Sun, now that we have the room to ourselves, why have you come barging into my room in such a disrespectful manner?" "Forgive me Blue Blood, but it's important, I need a few thousand bits. Please Blue Blood, it's for a mare." "What do I look like, a bank?" He stated coldly. "Well yes actually, you do", Chocolate Sun said sarcastically, Blue Blood stared at him unamused. "Blue Blood please, I've helped you out numerous times. Give me a few thousand bits, and I'll pay you back in full." Blue Blood laughed at him, "oh please Sun, we both know your filing for bankruptcy, how can you pay me back when you're lower than a commoner with your funds?" "Excuse me?" Chocolate Sun asked heavily insulted by these words. "I may be… dealing with financial problems at the moment, but I assure you I will get back onto my feet in no time. You know how tenacious I can be. " Blue Blood rolled his eyes, "yes I've experienced this first hand, what exactly do you need this money for anyway Sun, a mare you say?" He asked, admiring his reflection in his shiny hoof. Chocolate Sun nodded at this nervously, "it is, I love her very much Blue Blood, I want to get her a ring. "Plenty of low-budget rings, Sun." "A proper ring Blue Blood!" Blue Blood hummed a bit at this, "I see, I believe that's what you said about the last one as well, yes?" Chocolate Sun inwardly winced at this, his divorce was a sensitive topic for him, "I did, and because of that, I know the feeling quite well." "I bet you do." Chocolate Sun scraped his hoof on the ground angrily but kept himself in check. "I'll do anything." "Anything, you say?" Blue Blood said, now interested. "Yes, anything." Blue Blood looked right to his hooves, "give me your watch." Chocolate Sun grasped his hoof in surprise, "good heavens Blue Blood, this was my fathers!" "He's dead, he won't miss it." Chocolate Sun ground his teeth in anger at this, "I cannot- will not part with this, you ask too much!" "Then stop wasting my time!" Blue Blood said angrily and walked away from him. Chocolate Sun looked to the watch and back to him, "wait! I'll give you the watch…" he said sadly. Blue Blood turned to him with a smile, "good call, hand it over old boy", Chocolate Sun barely had enough time to take it off before Blue Blood snatched it away in his magic and turned from him. "My money Blue Blood", he said angrily, ears low to his head and a deep frown on his face. "Yes yes, calm down Sunny", he took out a small sack of bits and tossed it to him, Chocolate Sun caught it in his magic and opened it, quickly counting them all, he felt dread and anger when he found only a hundred coins. This isn't even a quarter of the bits we agreed upon Blue Blood." Blue Blood waved him off, "I never agreed upon two thousand bits. One hundred is what you're getting." He said as he put the watch on his wrist. Not even looking at him as he talked to him. "Then give back my watch!" Chocolate Sun shouted losing his cool. "Absolutely not, we had an agreement, no takebacks." Chocolate Sun took a step forward, feeling rage build up inside him, he wasn't about to be robbed like this. "Blue Blood either give me all the bits or give me my watch this instant." "You mean MY watch, guards! Get this common pony out of my sight!" Blue Blood yelled loudly, his shout echoing in the room. Chocolate Sun lost it as he rushed over grabbing him by the shoulders and pushed him back, Blue Blood tried to fight back but found he wasn't as strong. And was kind of a wuss. Chocolate Sun slammed him into the wall, "you filthy rat! Give me my watch before I knock your teeth down your throat!" He yelled, slamming his hoof into the wall next to his head, cracking the stone wall. Blue Blood stared at him in fear, "n- now Sunny, I'm a prince, you can't hit me, you'll be executed!" His voice quivering. "I don't care, give me my watch!" He yelled, red-faced with rage. "W-what about your family? They can be executed as well!" Chocolate Sun hesitated, a flicker of fear in his eyes, Blue Blood saw it and smiled, "get off me this instant if you value the life of your family, you ruffian." He snarled at him. Chocolate Sun let him go and looked away from him. Blue Blood dusted himself off, sneering at his cousin, "beg." "I beg your pardon?" "Beg, beg for the life of your family. Attacking me is punishable by death, for you AND your entire blood line, now beg!" He yelled at him. Chocolate Sun sighed and looked away, this was humiliating, he wasn't one to beg, he actually had a lot of pride, normally too much for his own good. However, this was serious, his entire family was in danger. "Please, Prince Blue Blood, spare me and my-" "You call that begging?! BEG!" "Please, your highness, I beg of you to-" "BEG SWINE!" Blue Blood roared in rage. "PLEASE!" Chocolate Sun begged, falling to the ground, tears starting to fall down his face. The humiliation now too much for him to bare. Blue Blood laughed at this, "you're pathetic you know that? Begging like a child for a toy, I'm ashamed to be related to you, I also feel sorry for that harlot you apparently love. Get out of my sight before I have your throat slit, swine." Chocolate Sun got up, as he did the guards barged into the room, "your highness you called?" "Took you long enough, worthless peasants, toss this garbage outside, his poor might infect me." He said in disgust, the guards roughly grabbed Chocolate Sun and dragged him out of the room down the hall to the entrance, and tossed him out, sending him flying through the air to the hard cobblestone ground outside the castle. He grunted and moaned as he forced himself to his feet. He looked to the ground as he quickly wiped the tears away, he needed to scrounge up some money somehow to pay for that ring, he had given too much to not go through with all this. Rarity had been writing to Chocolate Sun for three months now, however, there hadn't been a response. She getting worried, something was wrong she could feel it. Rarity was packing her things to go to Canterlot when Spike came running in frowning sadly, "Rarity I'm so sorry!" "What for darling?" He gave her a letter, it was opened, "did you open my mail?!" "Yes, but read!" She grumbled as she opened and began reading. Dear Rarity, It's been a long, time, I'm sorry for that, I just want you to know I'm alive, please do not come to see me. I'll come to you. Rarity read it over and over, sadly. "Well, he hasn't written in three months and now he doesn't want me visiting. He best have a good reason for this!" She said, ears flat against her head. "I think he's dumping you Rarity", Spike said. Rarity bit her lip trying to fight the tears, "this is horrible…." "I'll leave you alone", Spike said, skipping off happily, no doubt because Rarity was likely single again. Chocolate Sun had gotten a job in a warehouse unloading trucks, and he had gotten a job in a restaurant as a waiter. The warehouse job, everyone loved him, an all unicorn crew, and he was by far the physically strongest, everyone made him do all the work, pulling pallets of bricks onto trucks, it was a construction warehouse. He also had to pull them off, he literally did all the work, everyone else stood around watching, relaxing telling him to put his back into it as he struggled to get the pallets put on. It was minimum wage work, two bits an hour. The restaurant gig wasn't much better. He took orders from people all day, getting snapped at, cussed at, and more. His manager also harassed him, never appreciating what he did, only telling him to work harder, he knew he was desperate for work. He worked almost a hundred hours a week, he cut back on food to aave on money. The more he worked, the more tired he became, he was slowing and weakening. The other workers at the warehouse had to push the pallets so he could get them up the ramp, needless to say, they no longer liked him now that they had to work again. And his boss at the restaurant screamed in his face for working slower, Finally, after six months of this bone-breaking work, things caved in. Chocolate Sun was pulling a pallet up the ramp of the truck, it was pouring rain as he struggled to get the pallet up the ramp, grunting and groaning he struggled not to slip on the ramp, it was on a steep angle. "Come on boy, put your back into it!" One of the workers yelled as he struggled to get it up, two workers behind the pallet pushed and shoved to help out, and it did. However, the water on the ramp finally won out as his hoof slipped and the pallet rolled backward, the two stallions pushing behind Chocolate Sun screamed in surprise as they leaped out of the way. Chocolate Sun was strapped onto the pallet, unable to avoid the oncoming disaster, he was dragged down with the pallet as it crashed down to the ground falling apart, everywhere including onto Chocolate Sun. He groaned as he stood from the rubble, he yelped as he put pressure on one of his legs, it was sprained at best. The manager marched over red-faced. "Damn it Sun, look what you did, you could've hurt someone, you're fired!" He sighed as he limped out of the warehouse, he had to get to his next job. He struggled out of the uniform and into the waiter uniform and limped off to his second job as fast as he could. He limped inside the restaurant sopping wet and shivering. The manager was unsympathetic. "It's about time you got here, you're late!" He yelled in his face, he shoved a plate into his chest get to work!" He nodded as he limped off, he came to an old couple, "hello there how may I-" "Get us some tea." "Yes, sir", he said taking out his notepad with a sigh. "What's that sigh for?!" The old man snapped. "Nothing, I'm sorry I-" "I don't want your apology, I want our tea, and two salads, step on it." "Yes sir." He said walking to the kitchen, as he limped to the kitchen the manager walked over, "stop limping, you are making a scene!" "I can't I-" "Stop it!" "I-" "STOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP!" Chocolate Sun decked his manager across his cheek knocking him out, he limped out of the restaurant, it was time to buy the ring. > Chapter 6 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chocolate Sun limped to the train station and bought a ticket to Ponyville, none of the jewelers in Canterlot were affordable for him, the two jobs did not pay that well, two bits an hour even with all the ungodly hours a week didn't add up to that much. Ponyville might be a better option. He got a third-class ticket and sat in the cab with three other people, sopping wet and shivering. A little filly stared at him with concern. "Are you okay mister?" He Didn't answer, instead, staring out the window, worried Rarity wouldn't take him. The train arrived at Ponyville station and they all got off, it was raining here as well. He groaned at this as he walked into the cold rain and limped off to the jewelers. He had trouble finding it, but after a few limps around the town he found it, he walked in, slipping a little as he walked in. "Are you okay sir?!" The mare behind the counter yelled in surprise, she trotted out over to him and grabbed his leg helping him to the counter. "Jeez guy, you look like you've been in a street fight." "Not quite, just a long day", he muttered, "I'd like to buy a ring…" he huffed in exhaustion. "Oh, well if you insist then, come take a look at what I've got!" She said happily, trotting behind the counter. Chocolate Sun looked at her wares, things were expensive here too, for him at least. He had around five hundred bits, he didn't even get a paycheck for this week yet, and likely wouldn't either. He sighed, he took out a sack filled with all his bits, "how much will five hundred bits get me?" "Hm, five hundred bits, not much", she went into the display and took out a simple silver ring with a small diamond on it. "It's the best you're getting for five hundred bits." He sighed and nodded, "I'll take it." She took his bits and he was given the ring and he left. He went to a flower stand and got some flowers, well, a flower, the shopkeeper felt sorry for him and gave him a fake rose. He made his way to Rarities boutique after asking for directions. He was now coming up to the boutique, he gulped nervously as he tried to open the door, desperate to get out of the rain, it was locked, he groaned in annoyance as he banged on the door viciously, "Rarity! Rarity open up please, I'm begging you!" He yelled at the top of his lungs. The door opened and Rarity stood inside staring at him in surprise, "Chocolate Sun?! What are you doing?! " "I'm here to see you, please let me in", he yelled pushing by her into the boutique getting a humph in response from Rarity. "Thank you so much." "I didn't exactly let you in, but whatever, what are you even doing here? I thought you had forgotten me!" He turned to her limping up smiling sadly, "oh Rarity, I could never forget you-" he tried to put a hoof on her but she smacked it away, giving him a nasty glare. "Um, Rarity-" "You've got some nerve coming here after all this time, no writing, no visiting, telling me not to come and visit you, do you know how hard these nine months have been for me?!" He sighed, "I don't, but I can imagine dearest" he held the rose to her, even as a fake it was wilted and ruined from the heavy rain." She gave it a look of disgust and smacked it away like an angry cat. "Get that horrid thing out of my face. You look horrible, what happened to you?!" She demanded. "I- I've been busy", he got on a knee, cringing at his sore leg throbbing as he did so, he took out a box with his magic, a desperate smile on his face, "Rarity, my love-" "Seriously?" "I-I um…. I've been working my butt off for you-" she rolled her eyes at this- he gulped, and opened the box, "Rarity, will you make me the happiest man alive and be my wife-" As soon as he finished his sentence she slapped the shit out of him. "How dare you!" She yelled at him in anger. The slap made his head snap back viciously, he turned to her, ears down and his eyes welling up with tears, he struggled to hold them back, however, he got no sympathy. "You've got some nerve coming here proposing to me after everything, you ghosted me for almost a year and then ask me to marry you!" He looked to the ground in shame, not responding because he didn't know how to, "and look at you, you look horrible!" "It's raining, I-" "It's not just the rain Chocolate Sun", she levitated a mirror to him, "look at you, you look horrible!" He stared in shock, he did, he was dirty, and his mane was unkempt, he thought about it and he realized he had barely showered in the last two weeks at least, he was too tired to remember. His mane was everywhere, and he had deep bags under his bloodshot eyes, he was skinnier than he used to be, he wasn't eating as much, his hair clung to his face from the rain and looked greasier than fast-food fries. "Good gracious you're right." "Chocolate Sun", Rarity started, glaring at him, "are you a drug addict?" "What?! No!" "Gambling?" "Of course not, I haven't done that since I was a kid!" "Uh-huh, then why is your watch missing?" His eyes widened in surprise and fear, "my...watch?" "Yes Chocolate Sun, your watch, you think I didn't notice it missing from your wrist?!" You always had it on whenever we went anywhere, you don't have it anymore, do you?!" He stared at her mouth agape, she was good. "Rarity, I'm sorry but, it's personal…" "No, no! You don't have the right to say it's personal, either you talk to me and tell me what is going on, or you get out and never come back ever again!" She shouted getting red-faced, veins were popping up on her neck in her rage, he'd never seen her like this before. He sighed, "okay. You win, I'll tell you." "Everything?" "Everything." And he did just that, he told her how he spent most of his money trying to help his father, how he was nearly bankrupt and why his wife left him, he told him of Blue Blood and how he stole his watch. He told her how he worked two demeaning and demoralizing jobs for minimum wage, sometimes not even getting paid fully. He told her how he injured his leg and got fired, and how he hit his manager, and got fired by default. Rarity stood there listening to everything intently and with patients, her face blank, a perfect poker face, it was impossible to figure out what was going on in that pretty head of hers. By the end of it, he was crying, letting out all the pent-up emotion, she put a hoof on his back rubbing it. "And that's that", he said to her. She nodded, "good, go upstairs and take a shower you smell like a dead animal." He looked up at her, "really?" "Well, yes, I don't mean to be rude but you really do stink." "No, I mean I can stay?" "Of course, now go and take a shower." He nodded and he limped towards the stairs. She silently pushed herself under him helping to support him as she helped him up the stairs and to the bathroom, he showered and got out feeling refreshed. He limped out, Rarity was waiting for him, "are you hungry?" He nodded, "yes", he was ravenous and proved it when he scarfed down an entire pie. She made him brush his teeth and they sat in the living room talking, after a few hours Rarity sighed, "you need to get to bed, we have a long day tomorrow." "What are we doing?" "We are getting your watch back", she said with conviction. Chocolate Sun was woken up early by Rarity, she had fixed his suit and they left on the first train to Canterlot, he didn't know how she was going to get the watch back, however she assured him she'd make it happen. They made it to Canterlot and later on that day they went to a party, they looked around for Blue Blood. Eventually they found him, he was talking to somebody, and she walked up to him. "Blue Blood, hello." He turned to her, "do I know you?" "Apparently not, but I believe you know Chocolate Sun, your cousin whom you robbed." She spat. He stared at her in mild surprise, then laughed, "So you're the woman he's dating, did he come running to you after we made our agreement?" She didn't respond to the question, "you will give it back or I'll tell Celestia what you did." He scoffed, "go ahead, I'm the prince! She'd never believe a common pony like you over me!" "Oh really?" Blue Blood's face went pale, which considering he's white as snow says a lot. Everyone gasped and bowed as Celestia stepped forward. "Auntie! How nice to see you!" "Do you know who this is?" She asked coldly. "Um....", he looked to Rarity and back to Celestia a few times and gulped, "no...." "She's Rarity, the element of generosity, vetter known as one of the bearers of the elements of harmony. She wrote to me, telling me what you did. And for the record I do believe her. His eyes widened in horror, "you have five seconds to give it back to Chocolate Sun, before I put you in the dungeons." Blue Blood quickly gave it back and slinked off. Chocolate Sun beamed at it in happiness. She smiled at Chocolate Sun, "so you're the man I've heard so much about." He nodded, "I am, your highness." She smiled at him, "I've heard of you, you went to my school alongside Blue Blood. And your twin brothers." She said the last part with distaste. He smiled amused at this, "I did." "Your father was a great man", she said with a hoof on his shoulder. "I know he was." She went down to his ear, "you've got a keeper", she murmured to him as she left. "Thank you Rarity, '' he said, turning to her. "You're welcome, and yes." "Yes? Yes, what?" "Yes, I will marry you." She said with a loving smile, he laughed at this and picked her up twirling her around and kissed her. THE END