The sun was high in the cloudless, blue sky of Ponyville. The grass was lush and green. The lake next to Ponyville Park had a cooling breeze coming off of it. It was a welcoming feeling for the fillies playing at the park. The park was a dream to the fillies; there were swings, slides, teeter-totters and even spring animals. The tiny rocks that littered the area sowed about the grass as the families watch their offspring play. All except one, a grey mare with a blonde mane was sitting on a bench. This mare in particular was rapidly searching the want ads.
:Earlier that morning, Ponyville Post-Office:
A heavy set, balding stallion was rubbing the bridge of his nose as he tried to find reason in what he was reading. In his hoof was yet another complaint report.
“So Derpy let me get this straight, you lost track of your mail satchel? Why?”
Derpy couldn’t make eye contact; this had been her fourth offense this week. “Because I went to feed some ducks and it fell in the water Mr. Flowers.”
“So now roughly eighteen percent of Ponyville didn’t get there mail, again.” Mr. Flowers said with a long groan.
“I’m sorry Mr. Flowers, the ducks looked really hungry, I just wanted to feed them some oats…” Derpy finally looked at Mr. Flowers. He only returned a contemplated stare.
The heavy set stallion swung around in his desk chair as he put his hooves together, looking at a map of Ponyville. The map had many differently colored pins with yarn interconnecting several of them.
Derpy did not like were this was going.
Mr. Flowers gave a long sigh. “I’m sorry Derpy but I have to let you go.”
Ditzy's crossed eyes went wide with panic. “But, Mr. Flowers please I will do better I swear. I have little Dinky, how can I support her without this job.”
“I know Derpy, but you are already over the limit for complaints. If I don’t, I will be fired for not doing my job. I’m Sorry Derpy I have to let you go.”
Derpy returned her gaze back to the dust covered wooden floor. “I understand Mr. Flowers.”
“Don’t be so down Derpy, you will find another job.“
“I hope so…” Derpy said. Quietly as she walked out the office door, the employees shifted their gaze away from the young mare. They all knew it would happen eventually, it was just a matter of when.
Derpy walked around Ponyville for a few hours, she had no specific destination in mind.
“Watch out!” Derpy snapped back to reality just in time to dodge a cream colored stallion face planting into a mud puddle. The groceries in the bag he was carrying covered a small radius on the ground around them.
“Are you ok?” Derpy asked as her offered a hoof to help the stallion up.
The stallion accepted the hoof and got up from the puddle, mud covered his face. He proceeded to take a small cloth from his coat and took a minute to wipe off his face and horn.
“Thank you for your assistance Miss…?”
“You can call me Derpy…” She said with a sigh, her tone was a clear indicator on how her mood was.
“Well thank you again for your help. My name is Tidy Tails, you can call me Tails. OH. MY. GOSH!” Tails looked Derpy in the eyes his face only inches from hers. “You have an interesting set of golden eyes, oh I bet the stallions just fall ALL OVER YOU!” Derpy took a step back; she was never used to taking compliments let alone about her eyes.
“My, my, my” Tails said. He was now examining Derpy. “The things I could do to your mane, *SIGH*, Well look at the time, it’s almost three and I must be off. It was nice meeting you Miss Derpy.”
The stallion was off before she could even say goodbye to her interesting new acquaintance. Reality set in and she realized she had to pick up Dinky from school. How do I tell her I lost my job? She shook her head. I will just find another quickly. She nodded to herself and took off in the direction of the school.
:Ponyville School:
“Miss Cheerilee, Silver spoon said called me du…du…du…DUMB!” Dinky whined, as she took shelter behind her.
“Silver Spoon! What do you have to say for yourself?” Cheerilee said as she started to comfort Dinky.
“She ate my muffin!” Silver Spoon yelled back, thinking her claim was totally feasible.
“Now Spoon, you know Dinky didn’t mean anything by it.” Cheerilee commented.
“Did too!” Spoon whined.
“Did not!” Dinky said defensively, her lower lip bent slightly.
The bell then sounded signaling the end of the day, too much of Cheerilee’s delight. The foals started to pack their things into their saddlebags; each trying to rush out the door like the school was on fire. Dinky however waited behind Cheerilee until Silver Spoon left the room before running to her desk to gather her things. I can’t believe she called me dumb. I really didn’t mean to. She thought to herself as she finished putting in the papers and utensils into her bag for tonight’s homework.
Dinky made her way out school doors to the ever welcoming sight of her mother waiting for her.
“Mom!” Little Dinky shouted as she made her way to her mother’s side. The warm feeling of her coat pressed against hers was a welcoming feeling that sent a feeling f comfort throughout her body.
Derpy put on the best smile she could for her little filly.
“Dinky, how was school?” The little filly’s tail dropped instantly.
“I don’t wanna talk about it.” She then kicked a rock that skipped across the pavement.
Derpy put a warm hoof around her shoulder. “Do you want to go to the park?”
Dinky’s ears shot up at the sound of the word ‘park’, she looked back at her mother nodding her head vigorously as she gave a wide toothy grin. The events of the day just melted away in a instant.
:Ponyville Park Present Time:
Derpy glanced over the rim of the Equestria Daily to scan the area for her filly. Dinky was playing with a spotted colt around her age on the teeter-totter. Derpy couldn’t help but smile as she saw Dinky’s face light up when she rose into the air. Then Derpy’s gaze fell back down on the newspaper before her, giving inward sighs as she grudgingly scanned the page:
‘Wanted Apple Bucker- Sweet Apple Acres Please apply in person.’ No, I can’t do that, I’m not strong enough.
‘Wanted Part-Time Animal Care taker- Please Contact Fluttershy.’ Derpy shook her head again. I need a full time job.
‘Wanted Nanny Part-time- Please Contact Mr. or Mrs. Cake.’ Derpy sighed as she was the words ‘Part-time’ again.
‘Wanted Full-Time Evening Host Ponyville Host Club- Come prepared for Interview.’ Host? I used to work as a waitress… there can’t be that much of a difference. I am sure Mrs. Cake would give me a good reference. A smile came on Derpy’s face when she started to remember her days working at Sugarcube Corner. “So many muffins…” She said nearly in a daze, only to be shaken out of it when a little filly started to cuddle against her lap.
“Whatcha’ doing mom?” Dinky said as she leaned in trying to read the paper.
“Nothing Dinky.” Derpy said, quickly folding the paper and putting it under her wing.
Dinky filled her cheeks full of air and squinted at her mother. “You never tell me anything.”
Derpy started to pet Dinky’s mane, much to her delight as she rested her head on her lap. “Let’s go home, ok Dinky?” Derpy stated.
“Mom can we have oatmeal for dinner?” Dinky asked, it was her favorite meal and if Derpy didn’t control what she ate, she was sure that is all Dinky would ever eat.
“Not tonight, I was planning on making Mac & Cheese.” Dinky scrunched her face, she detested Mac & cheese. “But if a certain filly finishes her food there might be an oatmeal muffin for desert.”
Derpy said the magic two words as Dinky was already pulling at her mother’s hoof to go home.
:6:00 A.M. Derpy’s House:
“I off to school mom!” the little filly shouted across the house. Derpy was washing dishes, cleaning off the oatmeal they had for breakfast.
“Do your best today Dinky.” She said, knowing full well she could try her best even if she didn’t say anything.
After the morning chores were completed. Derpy showered and got ready for work. Until she touched the door knob and realized she didn’t have a job anymore. What am I going to do about a job…? She thought. Her memory traced back to the newspaper article from yesterday. She opened the newspaper back up to the help wanted section. Ponyville Host Club…well it can’t be worse than dish washing. Derpy cringed at the memory of her first job she ever had.
Derpy took a notepad out and wrote down the address of the shop. Then she stared blankly at the note. This is clear across Ponyville, she sighed and grudgingly left out the front door.
:Downtown Ponyville:
“4508, 4510, and 4512 here it is.” Derpy mumbled to herself, as she finally looked at the building. It was surprisingly more regal than the image of a small café that she had in her mind. The outside was painted eggshell white and the bi-paneled mahogany doors. On the left door however was a small plaque with the three letters ‘PHC’.
Derpy pushed hard against the door but it wouldn’t budge. She put both hooves on the door and pushed again to no avail.
“Miss?” A stallion with an caramel coat and charcoal mane appeared on the side of the struggling mare, his voice was soft as silk.
This caught Derpy completely off-guard as her hooves slipped and head-butted the iron wood door.
“Are you alright?” The stallion spoke. He made his way over putting his head close to hers. He spent a few seconds examining the small bump that was now forming on her forehead. “Dear Miss, please come inside and let’s tend to it.”
Without any effort the stallion pulled the door open.
Of course it’s a pull door. Derpy thought to herself.
The stallion lead Derpy to a red velvet couch. “You sit here; I will go get you something to put on that.” He gave her a wink, and then trotted off. The grey pegasus sunk into the plush couch.
Derpy took a minute to examine the place. It was a lot smaller than she had imagined, the velvet couch she was sitting on was connected to several others spanning the room, some had tables, and some did not. There was a wooden bar with ebony marble top; behind it was a treasure trove of juices, teas and ciders. There were doors that lead off to the right, but Derpy couldn’t see inside from her position.
“I got the med-kit.” The grey earth pony said, as he came down the stairs at the end of the bar. “You should know though, we don’t open until the evenings. If you want service you should have come then.” He said as he was applying some cold ointment on her small bump.
The door to shop opened and a black pegasus pony with dark red mane walked in. He immediately glanced over at the two, and blinked.
“Blue Moon do I really need to remind you of the rule for inviting mares here during off hours? You know full well we don’t provide pillow service.” The black stallion said. His voice was a little deeper and more pronounced.
Moon blushed a little bit, sending a cold glare back at his co-worker. “It’s not like that Black Star, she was at the door trying to get in. Then she bumped her head.”
“Is this true?” the pegasus asked as Derpy nodded in agreement, she was still trying to figure out what ‘pillow service’ meant.
“I do apologize, but I must ask what brings you here at such an odd hour? We don’t open until the evenings.” Black Star said.
“I am here to apply for the host position.” Derpy said in earnest. The two stallions didn’t say anything and glanced at each other.
“I’m sorry my little kitten, I didn’t catch that. What was it that you just said?” Moon said as he pretended to clean out his left ear.
“I am here to apply for the host position. This is the Ponyville Host Club right?” Derpy looked back at the two stallions in front of her.
“It is Miss?” said Black Star, quizzically as he raised an eye brow.
“Derpy Hooves.” she stated. She sat stright and gave a warm smile that warmed the room.
“Yes well Miss. Hooves I am sorry to say that...” Black Star stopped mid-sentence and put a hoof to his chin. After what looked to be him contemplating something he put his hoof down and smiled.
“Yes, well you see mother does all the interviews, you will have to wait here.”
“Black Star that is not really the point you know mother wont—“ Blue moon was cut off when a familiar voice boomed though the shop.
“Morning boys! What are you doing here so early?” Tidy Tails said as he walked into the shop levitating a bag of what looked like to Derpy to be mane products.
“Oh, morning mother it seems you arrived just in time, we have an applicant.” Black Star said with a wry smirk growing on his face.
Moon could feel the chill in his words. He is up to something.
“Oooooooo, where is he?” Tails eyes scanned the room only to see the grey wall eyed mare from the day before.
“SHE is right here mother.” Black Star pointed his hoof over to Derpy. Then quickly walked over to Tails and whispered into his ear.
A wry smile grew on his Tails face. “I see... you do have a point. She could fill that spot perfectly, hmmm yes.” Tails said as he stomped one hoof to the floor.
“Well alright then, Derpy follow me, we will conduct an interview.” Tidy Said with a wide grin. “Boys pick up the usual stuff for mommy, I will be a little busy.”
“As you wish mother.” Black Star said and gave a half stead bow. Derpy and Tails left the room and went upstairs.
- - -
“How in Celestia’s good name did you get mother to give her an interview.” Blue moon as as he put the first-aid kit under the bar.
“I'll tell you on the way, only if you hold the bags.” The black coated stallion said as he grabbed the bit from the register.
“I had to hold them last time.” Moon whined giving his signture pout as he lowered his gaze to his fellow co-worker.
It didn't work.
“Oh, so you don’t wanna know?” Star shot back a smug smile.
“Fine, but this better be good.” The caramel coated stallion held open the door as they left the shop.
:Tidy Tails Office:
Derpy followed Tails up the stairs, there were four doors that were all closed. Tails walked into the door that was the farthest to the left.
“Come on in Derpy, have a seat.” Derpy walked in the room to find a giant vanity mirror with a hair dressing chair. Derpy took the only seat in the room, as Tails laid against the dresser below the vanity mirror.
“So Derpy, do you have any experience at being a host?” Tidy said as he eyed over the new applicant.
“Well I used to work over at Sugarcube Corner. I worked there for seven months.”
“The bakery in town? I do like their rainbow cupcakes. Why did you leave that place?”
Derpy was silent for a while before she answered. “I was fired for eating a muffin order. It wasn’t my fault though, I didn’t know they were for somepony else. Normally they let me eat all the muffins I want…”
Tails chuckled a little bit. “You must love muffins, you would get along well with Dark Star. He doesn’t look like it, but he is a muffin fiend. How are your customer service skills?”
“I have great customer service skills, ponies used to say they would come to Sugarcube Corner just to see me.” Tails ears perked up at the sound of this.
“Really that is good to know, customer loyalty is a big thing here at the club. So what made you want to become a host?
“Well I have a little filly—“
“Wait your married, that will not do at all.”
“No… he is deceased.” Derpy's ears fell, he glowing aura faded.
“Sorry or your loss, but that’s ok then, I don’t what jealous stallion breaking down my doors.” He rolled his eyes with a chipper smile. “Celestia knows we already have enough mares that do that.” He started too chuckled at his own joke.
Why would it be better that he be deceased? she thought.
“So Derpy, we work evening shifts here, will there be a problem with your filly?”
“No, she is very self-sufficient. Although she doesn’t know I am job hunting right now… ” Derpy’s voice got lighter as she started to trail off in thought.
“You're just so precious Derpy, I want you to start tonight.” Tails turned around and picked up a comb and a can of hair spray.
“Wait, I’m hired? Just like that?”
“Well we are understaffed tonight, but it is a slow night so you can get into the swing of things being a host. On a lighter note though… now I can get a reason to style that lovely mane of yours.” Tails walked over slowly to Derpy in the chair.
Derpy sat in the chair staring at the wall opposite the vanity mirror. The wall was littered with photos of ponies that seem to come from every walk of life. The one in the center though caught her eye.
“Is that… Celestia?” Derpy leaned in a little bit only to be pushed back into the chair.
“Don’t move Derpy.” Tails chastised as he was combing out some split ends. “Yes, that’s me and Celestia. She made a personal visit to our club a few years ago. I just HAD to get a photo with her. She is a good mare, well alicorn. She can’t hold her cider at ALL, but you didn’t hear that from me.”
“So this club is popular even among royals? It is so far away from Canterlot.” Derpy said still trying to examine the photo of Celestia.
“I think it’s because we are so far away from Canterlot dear, we normally see nobles here. Our club is quiet famous in Canterlot. Our usual’s though are from Ponyville.” Tails said with a small sigh as he started working on Derpy’s tail. “Wow I must say Derpy; you have a really thick mane.”
“Tails what kind of—“Tail’s put his hoof to Derpy’s month and cut her off.
“You work here now Derpy, call me mother.” Tails gave her a simple smile and started back on her tail.
“Do I really have to call you mother?” Derpy looked at Tails and she got the answer just from the look he gave her.
“Only here at the club, when we are out on the street you can call me Tails.” Tails, in one quick motion, wrapped his hoofs around Derpy’s neck. “But you don’t have to if you don’t want to; I want all my little kittens to address me as ‘mother’ everywhere.” His voice started to lighten like he was talking to some foal.
Derpy really wanted to backpedal away but, being in a chair that was bolted to the floor, the option was not plausible. She breathed a sigh of relief when he broke himself away to gather more supplies from the table.
“Um, mother, what kind of pay do we receive?” Derpy tried to swing the chair back, but a swift hoof stopped it immediately.
“Not yet, kitten, when momma’s done, then you can look. To answer your question, though, the hosts work on tips. At the end of the night, we pool them and split the tips depending on if you have been requested.”
“What if somepony didn’t asked for me?” Derpy raised an eyebrow.
“Some nights you might not be asked for. It’s rare but it is possible. Normally, you wait in the lounge until you’re called. I will have one of the others show you around later.”
“I have to be requested to serve them?”
“Oh, of course, dear, don’t worry though, new-blood always gets requested their first night. That reminds me, there are a few rules around here that you must follow. First things first, no matter what a pony does, don’t act out in violence, it is horrible for business. Also, if a client tries to request a pillow service, simply get up and leave. If the guest tries anything funny, then just come tell momma here and I will deal with them, Kay.”
“What’s a pillow service?” Derpy asked, Tails’ eyes shifted back and forth wondering if she was kidding or not. Derpy’s face showed only confusion and sincerity as her wide eyes bore into Tails.
Tails let out a small forced cough as he leaned in and started to whisper into Derpy’s ear. After a few seconds, Derpy’s eyes shot wide like dinner plates as her force herself back into the chair.
“There is no pony way I am going to do that!” she said, she could feel her face flushing.
“Quite right, Derpy, like I said, if that happens, come tell me.“ Tails said as he finished the final touches on her tail. “Ok, kitten, you can look now.”
Derpy got up and made her way to the mirror. She stood there in disbelief at what she was seeing. Her normal blonde hair now was accompanied by highlights. Her mane was still straight but it looked different, it was more lustrous and beautiful and it seemed to shine in the mirror. Her tail had a lot more bounce, Derpy smiled and started to giggle to herself as she started to swish her tail back and forth.
“I will assume that you like it then?” Tails said with a smirk on his face, as he started to put the products into the drawers. “I have to go out for a bit, I have a meeting with some sponsors over at the Mayor’s house. Derpy’s heart fell as she the realization the time. I have to go pick up Dinky!
“I have to go, my filly gets out of school soon...” Derpy made her way to the door only to be stopped mid-step.
“One second, Derpy, I want you to wear something for me.” Derpy barely turned before Tails had already put a silver necklace around her neck. “There you are, now an official member of the Ponyville Host Club.”
Derpy stared blankly at the necklace; it was a silver chain that was finely polished. Attached to the chain was a jade green pegasus pony with its wings flared.
“What is this for?” asked Derpy, still a little confused of what just transpired.
“The hosts at the club all must wear that while they're working, it’s our trademark. It was a tradition we adopted a few years ago. I will leave that story for later, I must be off.” Tails said as he quickly made his exit, leaving Derpy in a daze. This is a trademark? It’s so pretty!
Derpy smiled to herself, which quickly faded as realization hit her again that she was going to be late picking up Dinky. With hoof over hill, she trotted back down the stairs and nearly plowing Blue Moon and Black Star as they walked back into the club. Blue moon had three saddle bags on his back, each stuffed with sweets and different bottles of cider. Derpy gave them a quick nod as she trotted out the door and took towards the sky.
“Was… that Derpy?” Moon said, looking at the after-shadow of the grey mare.
“I do believe it was, seems we have a sister joining our little family.” Black Star said, as he took notice of the green gem on the grey mare.
“Well, this may be fun after all.”
:Ponyville School:
Dinky’s day was going well, for the most part. Snips and Snail got gum in their coats again. It was not as amusing as it was the first time, Dinky thought it was kind of sad of their desperate pleas for attention. The CMC were gathered in the corner of the room, scanning a map of Ponyville, looking for something new to try to get their cutie marks. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon did not make their usual verbal assault on Dinky, which surprised her given the muffin incident that happened the previous day. Normally, Dinky would spend her breaks from learning with Twist; too much of her dismay was absent today.
Dinky’s eyes simply watched in boredom as the second hand slowly wound its way around the clock face. Maybe mom will take me to the park again? Then the bell finally struck, alerting the foals it was time to leave. For how well Dinky’s day was going, it ended in a sour note. A little filly ‘accidentally’ bumped into her with more force than any bump should be, sending her saddle bag and its contents flying to the ground scattering amongst the floor.
“Sorry, Dinky.” Silver Spoon said as she walked out of the room. Miss Cheerilee, however, didn’t see the transaction, but turned around when she her Spoon apologizing.
“Let me help you, Dinky.” Cheerilee said, as she started to pick up the homework assignments and utensils that littered the floor.
“Thank you, Miss Cheerilee.” Dinky’s smile slowly came back to her face.
“No problem, Dinky.” she said has she rubbed her mane. At this moment, a heavily breathing pegasus came bounding into the room.
“Is…Dinky…here?” Derpy said, still trying to catch her breath. Miss Cheerilee and Dinky just stared at the mare in front of them. That can’t be mom? Dinky took a second glance. Yup, that is definitely mom.
“Derpy, is that you?” Cheerilee asked.
After composing herself and actually standing straight, Derpy simply cocked her head to the side with a confused look.
“Who else would I be?” Derpy asked quizzically.
Cheerilee could feel her face turning red. When in the world did Derpy look like that? Some pony must have put a spell on her. No, there is no spell in Equestria that could manage that.
“Miss Cheerilee, are you alright?” Dinky asked, her voice piercing whatever fantasy that she had concocted in her mind.
After shaking her head and giving Derpy a double take, she finally answered the little filly. “Ah, yes, Dinky.” Almost immediately returning her gaze back to Derpy. “I see you got a makeover, Derpy.” Cheerilee smiled, blood still rushing throughout her body.
“Yah, it came with my new job—“Derpy stopped herself as her eyes fell on Dinky. Derpy could feel her heart racing. What will she think? She knows I tried to avoid her question yesterday.
Dinky simply beamed with a smile. “You got a new job, mommy?” Derpy nearly face-hoofed, but resisted it in the end. Of course, she wouldn’t overreact. What was I thinking? Derpy could feel the muscles in her face contorting into a grin which was now posted happily on her face.
“Yes, I did, Dinky.” A strange aroma started to penetrate the air, it smelled sweet and musky. Derpy tried to follow the strange aroma, the scent only got stronger as she got closer to Miss Cheerilee.
“Are you wearing perfume?” Derpy asked. Cheerilee immediately sat down on her plot in the middle of the aisle as if to squelch the aroma. How did she smell that? She is a mare; there is no pony way she could have. Then Cheerilee saw it, a jade-stone pegasus perched around Derpy’s neck. There is no way she could be? It is not possible. Ok, play cool, Cheerilee.
“Derpy, where did you get that pretty necklace?” Derpy was more curious as to why she just sat down in the middle of the floor and how that strange aroma disappeared. The thought came and went, though.
“My boss gave it to me today.” Cheerilee suppressed a grin that was slowly building. So she works there now… Cheerilee giggled to herself.
“Mom, can we go home now, I’m hungry.” Almost as if on cue an audible roar came from the depths of the little filly.
“Sure thing, Dinky.” Derpy said with smile that sent a shiver straight down Cheerilee’s spine. The two left the room. From what she gathered when they left, Dinky said something about oatmeal.
Miss Cheerilee, however, shut the curtains of the tiny school room and locked the door. Only sounds of whimpers and moans left the room until about thirty minutes later, when a very satisfied mare left for the day.
:Derpy’s Home:
“Then Silver Spoon knocked my book bag on the floor.” Dinky said in a low whimper. Derpy took the little filly and started to comb her mane. Dinky’s muscles started to relax as her body went limp under the pressure of the comb. “That feels good, mom.” The filly let out a small gust of air as her body was entering nirvana. After several minutes, the little filly drifted off to the land of slumber. Derpy carefully lifted up the tiny filly and carried her to bed. As she walked, she sang a lullaby that Derpy’s mother used to sing to her when she was a filly.
~Hush, little filly, don't say a word, ~
~Mama's going to buy you a little mouse. ~
~And If that little mouse won’t play, ~
~Mama's going to buy you a Blue Jay. ~
~And If that Blue Jay flys away, ~
~Mama's going to buy you a unicorn sleigh. ~
~And If that unicorn sleigh somehow gets broke, ~
~Mama's going to buy you a fancy coat. ~
~And If that fancy coat is not warm, ~
~Mama's going to buy you a lucky charm. ~
~And If that charm does not bring you luck, ~
~Mama's going to buy you a dog, named Tuck. ~
~And If that dog, named Tuck, won't bark, ~
~Mama's going to buy you a colt and cart. ~
~And If that colt and cart fall down, ~
~You'll still be the sweetest little filly in town. ~
~So hush little filly, don't you cry, ~
~Daddy loves you, and so do I. ~
Derpy gave Dinky a small kiss on the forehead and turned to leave when a little filly called out to her.
“I love you, mom.” Dinky said, and as quickly as Derpy could turn around, the little filly was fast asleep again. Derpy wiped away a small tear that started to form only to be replaced by another soon after.
“I love you too, Dinky.” Derpy turned on her night-light and the hall light and made sure to leave the door open a crack before she left for work.
:Ponyville Host Club:
“Now, my little kittens, as I am sure you know, we will be having a new addition to the family this evening, so you know what to do.” Tidy Tails said as he sprayed a few doses of Le De Manflôwer around his neck.
“So, what is the new guy like?” came a voice from the far couch in the corner of the room.
Black Star chuckled a little bit while he was paging through a black book. “Don’t worry about that, Ruby, you will see soon enough. Speaking of seeing soon enough though; is your brother Emerald working tonight?”
“No, he is on another date or something like that.” Ruby said as he started to polish his hoof.
Blue Moon rolled his eyes and sighed. “Really, again? That stallion will never learn.”
“At least he can get a date, Mr. Fifteen-percent.” Moon shot an icy stare that didn’t seem to daze Ruby.
“My request rate is increasing, thank you very much. Hey, mother, what is my request rate right now?”
“It’s fifteen percent, Moon.” Tidy said as he prepped the bar for the evening. Ruby started laughing in the corner of the room.
“Well, it will increase eventually…” said Moon who now was taking a particular interest in the ceiling as he leaned back on the couch. The shop’s door opened as a grey mare made her entrance into the room.
“We’re closed right now, miss, come back in thirty minutes, we will be open then.” Ruby said, his voice was calm for extending the distance of the club.
“I work here, I start tonight.” Derpy said innocently. Her voice seemed to hold Ruby’s attention before the words were finally absorbed into his system.
“Wait. What? Mother, is THIS the new hire? You never said anything about a sister joining us.”
“Sister?” Derpy blinked a few times as her head turned just to the side very lightly. A warm hoof was now wrapped around the young mare’s neck.
“It’s a thing we do around here. While we are here, we are all family. Since you are the first mare ever to be hired here, you’re the first sister. Congratulations!” Moon smiled, Derpy could smell the cologne on him, from what Derpy could tell, it was a mixture of rose petals and peaches.
“So I am the only mare here?” asked Derpy, Black Star rose from his corner of the room. He put the little black book he was holding into an inside pocket of his chest jacket.
“Yes, you are the only mare ever to be hired here. I do expect good things from you, though. I am never wrong.” Black Star said confidently as he made his way upstairs.
“How does he know I will be good?” There was an audible grunt from the far end of the room as Ruby got up.
“I hate to admit it, but Black Star is never wrong when it comes to judging ponies. Only reason, though, is because that is his special talent.”
“Someone is just a little jealous, Mr. Twenty-Two percent.” Ruby never heard the comment he was already upstairs.
“What do I do now?” Derpy asked as she walked over to the bar.
“Right now, you can go up the stairs to the lounge, it’s on the left and wait, we will call you down later. Oh, and I stocked the fridge with muffins for you, if I remember correctly, you said you liked them.” Derpy was halfway up the stairs at the word ‘muffin’.
When Derpy entered the lounge, she was greeted by a deadly, icy stare from Black Star who was sitting on a cushion chair in the corner. Derpy’s hind legs nearly caved in on her as the muscles refused to operate. Black Star turned his gaze and started to chew away at a red apple.
Derpy felt the air in the room ease, giving her the signal she could move again. First and foremost on her mind were the muffins waiting for her in the mini-fridge in the corner. Derpy’s smile widened ear to ear, there sat on a plate two of Sugarcube Corner’s famous triple blueberry muffins. They only make five a day, how did he get two of them? Derpy’s mind was in a near daze as the object of her deepest desire was sitting there waiting for her consumption. Until her eyes fell on a sticky note on the plate.
Black Star, these are for Derpy. Do not eat or I will be very mad at you. Mommy loves you.
Derpy’s eye twitched a little as the edge of the sticky note had lipstick on it. Her mind traced back to a memory earlier that day. Tails did say he really likes muffins. So I can guess he knows just what these muffins are and how hard they are to get. Derpy smiled and grabbed the white plate from the fridge that held the two objects of Celestia’s greatest creations combined into one complete and tasty form.
Black Star’s eyes traced the muffins as he bit hard into the apple. I just need to put it out of my mind. They are hers not mine. Black Star closed his eyes and took another bite of his apple.
“Do you want one?” Derpy asked. Her voice still sweet and innocent. Derpy was holding the fabled muffin in both hoofs extended towards the stallion. In Black Star’s eyes the world around him shattered and only the muffin in front of him remained. Golden gates seemed to appear behind the muffin, as the gates opened, clouds poured out from them and tiny pegasi came flying out, blowing on gilded trumpets. Black Star blinked and the world returned to the mare in front of him, after forcing a cough, he graciously took the muffin.
“Thank you.” Black star said, after taking a bite of the muffin.
“No thanks needed, silly, food always tastes better with friends.” Derpy then started to bite into her own muffin. Her face contorted into pure bliss as she ravaged the muffin ‘till only the crumbs on her cheeks remained.
Black Star started to chuckle to himself. Food tastes better with friends, huh? Derpy now was eagerly licking the crumbs from her face. After which, she fell back into the couch and started to rub her tummy.
“Seems I am not the only pony who has a taste for muffins.” said Black Star, Derpy just nodded in agreement. Black Star made his way to the door only to be stopped by Derpy.
“Where are you going?” Derpy asked as she was still settling the muffin she just consumed.
“I have to greet the mares that are lined up outside. Don’t worry, we will call you down for your introduction.” Derpy’s face fell flat for a moment.
I want to greet them, too. She thought.
“Derpy.” Black Star said with a warm and comforting voice. “Welcome to the Host Club.”
Derpy’s smiled returned, much to Black Star’s delight.
Derpy leaned back on the plush couch, slowly rubbing her tummy as if cradling a foal. Several minutes had passed since Black Star had left the room. Derpy sat and enjoyed the smell of the room, besides the present smell of muffin there was a light lemony aroma that wafted through the air. She then looked around the room taking in her surroundings. Several issues of Ponypolitan magazines were stacked on the middle of a table. Why would stallions read Ponypolitan? Derpy dismissed any real idea and continued to scan the room. The wall paper and carpet had the same leaf-green pattern on it, the same kind that would be placed in a tacky hotel. I wonder… Derpy twisted in her chair and started to paw at the leaf nearest her on the wall, a frown wormed its way on to the young mares face. Darn, it’s not scratch and sniff.
A loud cracking sound came from overhead. “Derpy come down stairs sweetie. Momma wants to introduce you to the guests.”
All thoughts about the scratch and sniff wallpaper faded from existence as a bright smile filled the room. Derpy could feel the giddiness run down her spine as she made her way out the door. The hall however smelled very strange, very familiar, but very strange; the musk that creped from down stairs did not detour Derpy. She slowly descended the stairs one by one until Derpy was able to see the full view of the mares crowded together.
“Our newest Host, Derpy!” Tails said, his voice bellowed throughout the club. Derpy was bombarded with a tiny pop-cap party favors as tiny streamers pelted against her. Blue Moon, Black Star, and Ruby appeared at Derpy’s side each taking different poses around her.
“Please, our dear—“Black said.
“-Guests, please welcome—“Blue Moon said.
“-Our new sister—“Ruby said.
“-To the family.” They ended in unison.
The thunderous roars of clapping however did not last long. The crowd and mares just stood there in silence, staring at Derpy, until a voice broke the silence.
“The Great and Powerful Trixie wants an explanation. I was told that a new host was started tonight. Not some common mare.” Trixie said, as she eyed the new addition. “Do you consider me a foal?”
Black Star quickly left his position besides Derpy only to appear next to Trixie. “Oh Great and Powerful Trixie, would you not want me to have a little sister?” He said, as he cupped the young mares’ head in his hoof. “Oh, Trixie, is there anything I could do to change your mind about her?” Black Star blew a small gust of hot air into Trixie’s ear. This caused her to go cross eyed and falls on her plot with low thump.
“I guess if she’s alright with you, she’s alright with me.” Black Star took Trixie by the hoof and lead her to the back table.
“Well, this was fun.” Blue Moon said, as he made his way back to the mare was presently accompanying.
“Back to work.” Ruby said, leaving Derpy to stand there wondering what just transpired.
In the back of Derpy’s mind she had figured that the introduction would be grander. Alas, an introduction was simply that: Just a hello so people knew of her existence. Nothing could be done now.
The three stallions each one making idle chatter with four different mares and catering their whims. Serving them tea or cider that Tails magically brought to the table as he prepared the beverages. Then there stood Derpy next to the bar.
An hour had passed and Derpy’s body still stood there next to the bar, alone, not a single patron had requested her yet. When a new guest had entered they would be greeted by a bright smile. Derpy knew if she could make just somepony comfortable they may just request let her sit with them. Alas, this however never worked. The result was always either Black Star or Ruby, once in a while Blue Moon would get a mare, but it was clear to her that Black Star was the popular one.
“Ah, Derpy what’s wrong?” Tails said as he was mixing up a special batch of apple cider. The smell burned Derpy’s nose, she never really liked alcohol that much.
Derpy just stood there drawing circles in the carpet with her hoof. “No pony wants to hang out with me.” She said, almost as if she were whining about it. This caused Tails to chuckle.
“Don’t worry Derpy my little lost kitten, you will get one soon. Just keep smiling. I know you will get across.” Derpy simply cocked her head.
“What do you mean, ‘get across’?” Tails put a hoof on the confused ponies’ shoulder.
“Don’t worry too much kitten, now do me a favor and take this over to Black Star’s table.” Without warning Derpy was carrying a new glass tankard of blue colored hard apple cider.
Carefully Derpy walked with a silver tray in her mouth. Each step causing the tankard to tip from one end of the tray to the other. Black Star gave a large sigh as he saw the blue pitcher being placed on his table, although Derpy’s large smile faded any thought of the disdain for the vile blue concoction.
“Hey sis, mom told you to give that to me?” Black Star said, knowing full well the answer.
Derpy just blinked. “Black Star… erm… I mean, brother, this isn’t for you. You’re not supposed to drink, remember?” This caused Black Star to smile. Being scolded by a mare was new.
“That blue swill there is not cider.” Black Start commented as he downed the entire tankard causing giggles from the mares sitting next to him, except a blue mare who just stared daggers at a certain grey mare. “It’s a medicine one that let’s just say was invented to kill the mood.” Black Star winked at Derpy, who just smiled not understanding the meaning at all. “Enough of that come join us, unless you have something better to do now.”
Derpy’s mood completely shifted as she stood there staring back at Black Star. “Alright.” Though instead of taking a seat Derpy gave her wings a few quick flaps, hovered over the table and plopped herself between Black Star and a now very disgruntled pink mare. The action earned more than a few laughs from Black Star and a few other hosts taking a particular interest in the scene. After a few wiggles Derpy wiggled into place and now was at full attention next to Black Star.
“Ladies, I reintroduce my newest sister.” Black Star said, making an attempt at crowd control as the mood of the table seemed to be diverted since the arrival of a certain grey mare. Let's see how Derpy can entertain.
A glass tankard flew through the air and landed itself in front of Derpy. There was even a bendy straw that had the word ‘Derpy’ on it. “That’s for you Derpy, it’s just apple juice.” Tails said, as he prepped another drink.
Derpy was hesitant though. She took a hard sniff of the drink. The bubbles from the froth caused her to sneeze. The pink mare started to giggle as she watched Derpy. Derpy did take notice and a tiny idea popped in the back of her mind. She gave the pink mare a playful smile as she started to blow into the straw, bubbles started to form instantly. Soon after the room became oddly silent, all eyes seemed to be drawn to the grey mare. Each and every host knows that they must be proper gentle-colts when working. Blowing bubbles from apple juice was far from normal behavior. The sound of the apple juice grew louder until several heart shaped bubbles floated from the cup.
The room erupted with clapping and laughter, all except a certain Great and Powerful mare.
“Derpy how did you do that? I thought that it was just apple juice.” Blue Moon said, his voice breaking the fit of giggles that surrounded the room.
“Bubbles are my special talent.” Derpy said puffing out her chest before her she started to giggle.
“Please, that is such a worthless talent. Even I, the Great and Powerful Trixie, would shame herself as to even attempt such a ridiculous act.” Trixie’s claim simply fell on deaf ears as Derpy started to blow shapes of animals and cutie marks of the mares present in the room. This continued on for several minutes until Tails came over to the table.
“Derpy, I hate to burst your bubble.” Tails giggled at his own pun “It seems though that you have been requested.” Tails pointed over to a mare in the corner of the room. She was wearing a brown fedora and a matching trench coat. “She is a regular here. Don’t worry about the get up. She is just a little bashful.”
“Can I come too, I want to stay with Derpy.” The pink mare next to Derpy whined, as she latched on to one of her hoofs.
“Sorry Aloe, but this is a private request, only one allowed.” Derpy however was ecstatic. With a few flaps of her wings she hovered up over the table onto the carpet below. I wonder who it could be. Derpy was positively filled with giddiness.
Derpy made her way to the cloaked mare, but something struck at the back of her mind as she walked to the mysterious mare. She seemed familiar. She doesn’t look like anypony I have seen before. She is wearing a coat duh, of course. What caught Derpy’s attention the most was the aroma, the perfumed musk that trailed through the air was unmistakable.
“Hi, Miss Cheerilee.” Derpy said as she sat next to her. “What’s with the funny outfit?”
“How did you know it was me?” She said defensively.
“I could smell your perfume from across the room. It’s the same you wore earlier.” Blue moon (who was sitting in the next table over) started to chuckle as he made sure to keep one ear tethered to the young mare’s conversation. Does she really think that is perfume?
Miss Cheerilee left eye twitched as she quickly adjusted herself on the couch, making a failed attempt to stop the ‘perfume’ from emanating from her body.
“So how can I serve you today?” Derpy said, with a chipper smile.
Oh, I can think of a few things of how you can ‘serve’ me. Cheerilee thought, as she sat there admiring her features. Her mane still had that elegant shine, her innocent stare piercing deep. This causing an involuntary squirm that leads to a sharp bolt that ran thought her spine. She swallowed a large pool of saliva that had been forming in the back of her throat. “Well, I just wanted to support you on your new job, is all Derpy.” Cheerilee lied.
“That’s so sweet of you.” Derpy wrapped her hoofs around the school mare’s neck. Miss Cheerilee melted, almost literally as she hugged back and all the weight was not dumped on her. Two tankards sat themselves at the table. One had Derpy’s new light blue bendy straw with her name on it. Tails said nothing but gave an accepting nod.
The two mares hit it off. Miss Cheerilee was by far enjoying her evening more than Derpy. A mixture of hard green apple cider mixed with the company of Derpy’s innocent playful banter made for a great day.
“Then Snips actually tried to take one of my socks off my clothes line. Colts now a day, I can only imagine what kind of things he would do with it. He said it was for a dare, but really am I supposed to believe that? I am a very attractive mare. I even dated Big Mac till he dumped me.” Cheerilee in drunken daze seemed to stare into the corner almost is if she could see the silhouette of the red stallion himself.
“Why did he dump you?” Derpy said innocently, her eyes staring at her intently as she slowly sipped on her apple juice. Derpy was barely half way done with her drink, while Cheerilee was working on her eighth tankard of hard cider.
“That big jerk dumped me because he likes working rather than being with me.” Cheerilee said, as she slammed the last few gulps of cider from her tankard. “He said he had to do it for his family. I would bet good bits that there is another mare.”
“Wait, when did he dump you?” Derpy asked. Almost as if she was piecing together a puzzle.
“It was about a month or so ago.” Cheerilee said, as she stared at a particulate drop of cider that refused to move from the bottom of her cup.
“Isn’t that apple bucking season?” Derpy questioned.
“Yeah, so?” Cheerilee said still not taking interest in anything than the mysterious never moving drop.
“Well, you’re right. That is not fair. Big Mac should have been more respectful. It’s not like he is the sole provider of the family. There is Applejack; she could easily take their whole orchard just like the last time Big Mac got hurt, and we both know how well that turned out. Don’t forget about Apple Bloom, I’m sure she is strong enough to start bucking some trees. You know, since Big Mac’s been the head of the household ever since he was a colt when his parents died in that horrible accident. I’m sure you considered all of this though when you asked to spend time with him during the busiest part of the year.” Derpy said, as she casually sipped on her juice.
Cheerilee couldn’t take her eyes off Derpy. Each word she spoke felt like a hot arrow was shot through her. Everything Derpy said was wrong, but she knew what she was doing, Cheerilee however couldn’t swallow the lump that had built up inside her throat. Certain buried emotions boiled over inside her until they reach there braking point. Cheerilee flung herself around Derpy tears starting to fall freely as they did. This scene did not pass unnoticed. Several of the mares started to tear up as well, as the also had been ‘accidentally’ ease dropping on conversation. Each wanted to go over to comfort the mare, but they knew the rules. They would have to wait until she left Derpy’s side.
“Derpy, do you think I should apologize?” She asked, she knew the answer but hearing it from some pony else would give her that little edge needed to continue forth since she acted like such a foal.
“Yes, Big Mac is maybe a little more understanding than you might think.” Derpy gave Cheerilee a tap on the shoulder trying to get the school mare to release her from the iron tight grip.
The night continued on as such for Derpy and Cheerilee, as they talked the night away. Cheerilee spent a great deal of time in the bathroom as she evacuated some toxins out of her system. The two friends bid their farewells and the club was silent. Only the hosts remain while Tails went upstairs to calculate the profits of the evening.
“How was your first night Derpy?” Blue Moon asked, as he wiped down the tables.
“It was more fun than I’ve expected. Are nights usually like this?” Derpy replied.
“Actually no, seeing a mare brake out in tears is not something we see here normally.” Black Star interjected. “But in your case I think it may have been appropriate. Good work.”
“Time has come my little kitten here is tonight’s pool.” Tails said as he made his way down the stairs.
“Oh, thank Celestia.” Ruby said, as he rubbed his hooves together.
“You don’t need to be that excited Ruby, it’s not all about the bits.” Blue moon chastised
“Whatever you say poor person, I have plans unlike some pony.” Ruby replied.
“Pfft. Some mare no doubt.” Tails then laid out four sacks one in particular was far larger than the other three.
“This, Derpy, is for you.” Tails said as he handed over the largest sack of bits. “It’s kind of a tradition here that half the profit from the pool goes to the new host on their first night, it’s somewhat like a welcome gift.”
“We still do that?” Ruby asked as he stared down at the small sack placed before him.
“You know we do you bit-pincher.” Blue Moon scolded.
Derpy looked inside the sack of bits, each gilded bit reflected off another. “How much is in here? This looks like way too much for even half of the tips.”
“Half the tips plus your regular commission. It wouldn’t be much of a gift if we included yours in the pool you silly filly. I would roughly say there is about four hundred and thirty bits in there.” Derpy’s heart almost stopped. Two weeks of work at her old job barley scraped around two hundred bits. In a single night she made enough to double that. Derpy set the bag down and gave a warm hug to each of her new ‘brothers’.
“Thank you, this will really help me out more than I can say.” Derpy smiled and perked up.
“They’re just a few bits Derpy.” Blue Moon said, as he finished up. “Well, I’m off. I’m going to go to bed.”
“Try not to get lost like last time.” Ruby said as he attached his saddle bag. “I am not in the mood to go on one of Pinkie Pie’s Search Party Parties again.”
“Shut up Ruby.”
“Black Star, can you escort Derpy home?” Tails said as he was now shutting down the lights of the club.
“Why do you want me to escort her home?”
“I can fly home Mother don’t worry about me.” Derpy interjected.
“A pretty young mare with a saddle bag filled with bits.” Tails said with a cocked eyebrow. “Need I say more?”
“It really is ok mo—” Derpy was cut short when a set of black wings cut off her vision.
“It’s best just to give in when he asks for something or we are going to be here for a while.”
“Oh, ok then.” Derpy said, with a smile. “At least if anything the company will be nice.” The two Pegasi took off to the sky, the idle batter that Derpy had hoped for was cut short, the winds were howling throughout the entire town of Ponyville. Small drops of rain started to fall. The sound of the rain was enough to get Derpy to smile, the cool drops that bounced against her feathers made her giggle. When they arrived at Derpy’s house Black Star gave nothing more than a nod to Derpy before he took off again. The sprinkle had turned into a downpour; dark clouds filled the sky as thunder and lighting danced among them, each complimenting each out with a symphony of light and sound.
Derpy made her way into the house, the house was the way she left it only a few hours before. A loud thunderous crack shook the house as the power flickered on and off. Derpy paid no mind to it though. She loved the sound that came from storms. Especially the rain, the ever pressing beat that came from it was magical in her ears.
“MOMMY!” Dinky cried as she ran from her room and attached herself to Derpy’s hoof. Derpy didn’t need any explanation, Dinky was terrified of storms. She always had been. Derpy lifted the little filly onto her head and made her way to her room. This type of event had become a ritual of sorts on nights like this. Dinky would sleep in Derpy’s room during the night. Derpy cooed a soft lullaby’s into her ear to drown out the noise from the thunder, until her body stopped shivering and succumbed to the land of slumber.
"Hush now, quiet now, it's time to lay your sleepy head... hush now, quiet now, it's time to go to bed..."
Derpy laid in bed with a tiny immobilized body of Dinky wrapped up in her wing. Just the way she liked it. She sat there looking at her sleeping form a bit longer. Until she herself joined her daughter.
The warmth that bathed the pair of ponies, as the light peered through the bi-paneled window, the ray of light slowly crept across the patch work quilts on the pillow white pillow top mattress.
The ash colored pegasus lurched forward on her bed as her eyes flutter opened, taking the morning sun. Her golden mane flattened against her fur from the puffy white pillow.
Derpy licked her lips as she filled her lungs with oxygen, prepping her body for her morning activities. Her gaze fell down to a lavender coated foal that was snuggling with her Daring Do blanket. A tiny pool of drool rested in a divot next to her on her pillow.
She leaned over and nuzzled her little protege with the tip of her muzzle, causing the little unicorn foal to flop on her side. Her mind still engrossed in the oatmeal muffin dream she was having.
Derpy took great care as she wiggled out of bed, trying to disturb her sleeping daughter from her slumber. The soft clops echoed throughout the room as her hooves touched down on the wooden floor.
With delicate, practiced steps she trotted out the door and onto the carpeted floor of the living area. The small scene of the television reflected the grey coat of the mare as she walked across the crème colored carpet.
Derpy stepped into the small kitchen as she started to get prepped to make breakfast. As she filled the copper bottom pot with water, and put it to the stove top on high. While the water came to a boil, the wall eyed mare unfolded her wings and leaned forward, stretching out the muscles that had not fully awakened.
The roaring sound of the bubbling water alerted the mare of its competition, taking no time thanks to copper metals sensitivity to heat. Her mouth bit down on a salt shaker as she filled the pot with the sprinkle soft white pebbles.
With quick ninja like precision she poured the oats into the boiling mixture, a small clang came next as she immediately put the lid on, covering the smell of the breakfast treat. Derpy’s eyes watched the clock as to make sure not to burn their breakfast.
With a few quick shakes, she lifted the pot and set it down on a thick cloth heating mat in the center of a wooden table. Taking a few second to prep the table with milk and crèmes and sugars for the meal, the mare opened a drawer and bit down on a black strap.
The cord was connected to a stop watch; a sheepish smile grew on Derpy’s face as she put a hoof to the lid on the pot.
Click
Off came the glass lid as she watch the clock, the mellow sent of the oatmeal took to the air, filling the small house with its essence. Small puffs of steam bellowed forth from the pop, heating the dining as it dispersed.
“Twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen…”
Thump
Derpy’s eyes twitched as the skittering of tiny hooves blew open her bedroom door, a wide toothy smile showing off her white teeth. She darted across the carpet, although slowing down a bit before she hit the linoleum floor.
Click
“Nineteen point six five, you’re getting better Dinky.”
A small frown started to form on the filly’s face, “That’s not fare mom, the door was close. I should get at least a three second leeway.” Dinky whined in protest.
“Fine, sixteen point six five,” Derpy agreed. “Now sit down and eat your breakfast before it gets cold.”
The little filly started to scoops huge portions of the hot porridge into a ceramic black bowl, turning the oatmeal into a dark brown slosh when she poured the sugar into the mix.
“Dinky don’t forget to—“
“OUCH!” The filly shouted as she took in the first spoonful, small tears worked their way to the edges of her eyes as she stared down her food.
“Blow on it.” Derpy finish, giving a small chuckle, she proceeded to finish the mixture with a nice cold cup of Apple Farm milk. Dinky watched over the brew until the steam finally left coming from the bowl, then, IT. WAS. ON.
Taking vengeance on her earlier fiasco, the filly gobbled down the oats with vigor. Not a single oat was left standing at the battle of breakfast; Dinky had lost the battle, but won the war.
Derpy started to clear the table, while Dinky stared down the gallon of milk. Maybe I have gotten better…
Her eyes closed as her tiny horn glowed a light cyan, the gallon of milk became enveloped in the young filly’s aura. Slowly, it lifted a few inches off the table, the milk inside the container started to slosh about as container.
Thunk
The plastic jug dropped to the table, no worse for wear. Save for the little ones pride.
“Darn it, I was sure I gotten better.” Dinky remarked.
“You will get better Dinky,” Derpy wrapped her offspring in a warm hug. “One day you will be a great magician, just like your dad.” She cooed in her embrace, her warm fur nestled against her.
Dinky looked up, “Mom can we go visit dad again sometime? I’m sure he is lonely.” She said innocently.
Derpy started to pet the filly’s mane. “Sure Dinky, I think your dad would like that.”
The room became still as they both look at each other, Dinky took a moment and nestled into the crux of her wing, a breath of hot air left her lips.
“I love you mom.”
“I love you too, Dinky,” she cooed in her motherly voice. “How about today we have a girl’s day, since I don’t work till five.” Derpy suggested.
Dinky smiled, “That sounds like fun mom! What are we going to do?”
Derpy put a hoof to get chin, “Well let’s go get some muffins first, and figure out what do after that.” Dinky nodded vigorously in agreement, as she leapt off her chair.
The rattling and clanking of dishes filled the kitchen as they got to work on the morning chores, although by the end, both were sporting very real looking bubble beards.
The evening breeze was cooled their coats, from the heat wave that seemed to bake the entire town. Off in the distance there always seemed to be a shimmer that was just barely above the ground.
A grey pegasus trotted to salvation, a candy shop designed like a gingerbread house. On her back, rode her unicorn filly, panting away as the heat soaked into her coat.
“Moooooooooooom, are we there yet?” Dinky whined.
Derpy strode forward, taking great care to step into the shade whenever she could as she walked down the cobblestone path.
“Not yet.” She replied.
Dinky smiled, “Mom do you think they have oatmeal flavored ice cream?”
The grey mare chuckled until she snorted, “Maybe hun, Sugarcube Corner is just ahead.” she finished.
:Sugarcube Corner:
Derpy strode up to the two lavender steps and pushed past the bi-paneled pink doors. To walk straight into the flank of an off red coated stallion, Ruby. On his back was a crème coated pegasus filly, her mane was soft pink.
Wall to wall, the waiting lounge of the bakery, mares and stallions alike pushed and shove in vain attempts to get to the front counter.
Ruby arched his head back as his gaze fell on his co-worker, “Oh, it’s you… trying to get some ice cream too, I take it?”
Derpy nodded, “Yup, me and Dinky are having a girl’s day. I didn’t know you had a foal though, what is her name?”
Ruby cough as some of the mare nearby started to take notice of the stallion’s presence, “This is my niece, Crème. She is staying with me for a while,” Ruby nuzzled Crème’s shoulder. “Say hi Crème.”
Crème smiled revealing a set of braces tracked across her teeth, until she took notice of the unicorn on the grey mares back, taking shelter behind her pink mane, as scooted up the against her uncles neck.
Ruby sigh, “Don’t mind her, she is shy around other fillies.”
“Next please.”
Ruby snapped at attention as he made his way to the counter. Derpy followed in suit and waited for her turn. Dinky however was now taking more notice in the young filly that seemed to always shy away from her gaze.
Ruby cocked his head back and gave a triple scoop vanilla cone to the filly; her demeanor went completely out the window as she sat on his back. The white crème smeared her face as within the matter one ten seconds two of the scoops vanished.
Ruby chuckled as he took a napkin and rub her face, “Just like your mom, can’t resist sweets.”
Derpy chuckled, “You make a good dad someday Ruby.” Several on the mares now stared daggers at the grey manned model.
Ruby through away the napkin, “Yah I get that a lot, but from you Derpy it sounds genuine. Well I must be off now; I need to get this little one back. Don’t be late tonight Derpy, Emerald is working tonight and… well he is kind of special.”
Derpy nodded as Ruby walked past and out the doors of the shop, taking with him a filly that was covered in vanilla ice crème.
“Next please.”
~ ~ ~
Derpy and Dinky left the bakery; Derpy wore the crumbs of a blueberry muffin. Dinky however, was still mowing down a special order. A double scoop muffin top blended vanilla ice crème cone dipped with a hard chocolate shell, covered in oats, it didn’t live very long.
“So what do you want to do now mom.” Dinky said as she crunched down on the bottom part of the cone, ending its existence.
Derpy however was already trotting towards a small haven to escape the scorching ok the heat. The walk was not far at all, as they walked into the glass doors of the spa.
:Ponyville Day Spa:
“Welcome!” Aloe welcomed as Derpy walked in. Dinky however sighed, and she didn’t like taking a bath.
“Oh, Derpy come right on in.” Derpy however just blinked, as her nose scrunch. A light musky smell pierced the air as she walked in, it smell like lavender mixed with something she could not recognize.
“What’s that smell?”
Aloe blinked as she back up nervously, pushing her plot hard against the wall. “Bath salts probably, so… What. Can. I. Do. For. You,” she cooed.
“I just want you to work me over—“
“Oh. MY. Yes I can do that. Let me tell my sister I will be stepping out and I will work you COMPLETELY over.”
“a hot bath—“
“A bath here… Derpy you grown so daring, well maybe if we shut the door…”
“—for me and my daughter Dinky.”
Aloe blinked, “Say what now?”
Dinky jumped down off her mother’s back, revealing herself to the mare. Aloe’s heart fell as her head fell hard against the desk.
“Are you ok?” Derpy asked.
“Peachy,” Aloe retorted. She lifted her head up. “I will start the bath immediately.” Without looking back at the grey mare she left off towards the left, past the curtains.
Derpy heard the rushing waters of a tempted bath beginning to pool. Dinky however was not having much fun as her eyes lazily glanced over the products on the glass shelves. The massage and reclining bed looked oddly welcoming.
Until a crème coated unicorn stallion pranced out from behind the panel, followed by a alabaster coated mare with a blue main. Both sporting hair curlers, Rarity however had almost tripled that of Tidy Tails.
“Rarity you such a doll, I can’t believe how much I am in you debt.”
“Most definitely Mr. Tails, I will get started on your order right away, but we will have to have a fitting first.”
Tails stopped as his gaze fell on a gray coated mare “DERPY! Oh my, I wish I knew you were here.”
Derpy turned, “Oh hey Tidy, I am just having a girl’s day. What are you doing here?”
“Talking with a business associate, she will be making the tuxedo for the host for the upcoming event... Hmmm I guess we will make a dress for you. I don’t think you would look good in a black tux,” Tidy turned to Rarity. “What do you think, tux or dress?”
Rarity glanced over at Derpy; she finally understood when she saw the pendant of the pegasus around Derpy’s neck. “Oh, I thought you were kidding when you said you had a mare host… well I would say a dress would suit her better. Gold trimmed to onset her eyes and hair, she does have such a beautiful ash fur…” Rarity eyes glazed over as she looked over Derpy’s features.
“Mom is the bath ready yet?” Dinky whined as she stood next to her mother.
“Almost hun, don’t—“
“Oh, sweet Celestia, is this the filly you told me about? Dinky was it? You have such a beautiful mane, just like your mothers.” Tidy now went into full hair dresser mode as he mentally rebuilt all the cute combinations that she would look great in. “Again I must be off, come Rarity, let’s discuss pricing.”
Tidy’s alicorn horn glowed vermillion as all the curlers on both of them released themselves, Rarity sported luscious curls, while oddly, Tidy’s auburn mane fell straight.
Tidy frowned as he opened the door for Rarity, and then left himself.
“Mom… who was that…” Dinky questioned.
“Mom’s new boss, he’s a nice guy.”
Aloe sulked as she strode back from the bathroom, “Your bath is ready Derpy… and Dinky.”
Derpy fluffed her wings as she walk past her and into the bathroom, a little filly grudgingly walked past as she followed suit. I think she just wanted to do this for me to get a bath.
The pair walked up the white cermet stair that lead to the giant wooden basin that was packed with bath salts, oils, crèmes and conditioners. Derpy smiled as she cannonballed into the bath water, sending waves that crashed against the side.
Dinky smirked as she leapt in; covering her ears midair to make sure they not become waterlogged. After the initial tom foolery, the salts and to oils in the water soak into their fur, as Dinky sat on her mom’s lap.
Derpy took a scoop of conditioner and start to work over Dinky’s coat, taking extra care on her golden mane. She relaxed as she leaned back against her mother’s fur. The warm caressing waves felt nice in the air conditioned room.
Derpy leaned back in the water, letting her mane soak in the warm waters, both now sporting the wet mane look, as she nuzzled against her daughter’s mane.
An hour had passed since they entered the bath, Derpy now entered mother mode as she vigorously dried off every inch of the young filly. Dinky loved it though, as she sat there humming a tune of a song only she knew. While her mother started to comb her mane, and even putting in a purple bow that complemented her coat.
“Mom, can we do this again next week? Just us time? Not the bath…” Dinky said as she looked up at her mother.
Derpy set down the comb from her mother, “Sure, just us girls.”
Dinky sat and made her attempt to dry her mom’s tail, something she could have done, but she wanted to help. Derpy extended her wings, and did some small preening, pulling out the feathers that fluffed out from her undercoat.
The ash coated mare paid, the filly looked as herself in the large vanity mirror as she swished her tail back and forth. As she admired her new bow, she almost didn’t catch Derpy watching her little vanity session.
She immediately stopped, as she huffed and trotted to her mom’s side. Neither said anything, every girls does that at one point in their life.
They pushed past the door and left, right into the oven that is now Ponyville.
Both dredged along the sidewalk, Derpy extending a wing to keep Dinky in the shade.
“Mom, let’s go home, it’s way too hot out.” Derpy nodded.
“Yah, I think Celestia might be mad today.” Both chuckled, only for a second until a torrent of heat rushed over them.
Today however was a day of celebration for a pegasus, even through the heat he flapped his wings with glee as he carried himself across the sky. Well five feet above the ground, it’s the thought that counts.
Featherweight was all smiles, as his satchel he carried was stuffed full of invitations to his birthday party.
Dinky froze in step as they crossed paths, both making solid eye contact.
Featherweight stopped flapping as he looked down at his classmate, and took a nose dive as he barely had time to remember how to land.
“Dinky is that you?” The young colt said as his face went completely flush.
Dinky giggled, “Yes Feathers, do I look different? Me and mom just got back from a spa day.” Dinky did a little spin. “Do I look cute? Mom got me this bow.”
Featherweight's heart felt like it was about to come out of his chest, “You… look very beautiful, no not that. Wait I didn’t mean that either, your always beautiful.” He face hoofed and sighed taking a moment to compose his thoughts, “Yes Dinky, you look cute in that bow.”
“So what are you up to today Feathers? Normally you’re running around taking photos.”
Featherweight just blinked as he remembered, “Oh it’s my birthday next weekend, I was kind of hoping you would come…” he trailed off.
Dinky nodded, “Mom is it ok if I come to his party, please?”
Derpy however was trying not to laugh; she nodded as she looked down on at her foal. “Sure.”
Featherweight smiled, on the inside he was doing somersaults and hoof pumping. “Here is the invitation; it’s on Saturday around two.”
Featherweight left, as he mouthed over the invitation to Dinky, his face burned a hot crimson as his face got closer to hers. His eyes tracing her frame as he flew away.
“Mom today has been really fun.” She said as she watched her friend fly away.
“Yah it has… you still got to do your homework tonight.”
“Ahhh.”
:Ponyville Spa:
Aloe’s eyes darted back and forth as she bit down on the white towel, the had small grey hairs covering it. She sniffed it, taking in the smell of the grey mare that left only moments before.
With her new item in mouth she trotted off to the back room.
:Seven minutes Later:
Lotus sighed as she looked over the register, great out of receipt taper. She sighed as she headed towards the back room.
As the door opened her voice squeaked as her eyes fell upon her sister in a compromising situation with her hoof.
