Ditzy pushed the door open, unveiling our new home. "Well, here we are. I know it's not much but it's home". The apartment looked very cosy, the living room connected directly with the kitchen with four doors leading to the rooms and a bathroom, "Wow, Mama! This house is amazing!", Dinky ran into the apartment looking around excitedly. Ditzy smiled happily, "I'm glad she's happy, my little girl deserves happiness". I nodded, "She's a wonderful young filly, Ditzy. This is a really nice apartment! A room for each of us and a nicely sized kitchen! Why don't I whip us up some breakfast?". Ditzy nodded, "Yes please, I'm starving!". I walked into the apartment and into the kitchen, "Want something to eat, Dinky?". She called from one of the rooms, "Yes, please!". I pulled out a carton of eggs and placed them on the table, before pulling out a skillet and placing it on the grill. Dinky ran into the kitchen, "Can I help?". I nodded, "Of course! You can crack the eggs if you want". Dinky squeaked in excitement, "Yay!". She pulled up a wooden stool and stood beside me. I gave her an egg, which she whacked on the side of the frying pan twice before opening it, releasing the yolk and whites into the skillet where it sizzled loudly. I pulled a bag of bread from the cupboard and took out a few slices, "Do you wanna dip the bread into the egg?". Dinky nodded and took a slice of bread, before pressing it down onto the egg mixture, then flipping it over and doing the same on the other side. She left it in the pan to fry, "Wow, Dinky. I'm impressed!", Dinky beamed proudly. "Mama! Mama! Come watch me cook with Crimson!". Ditzy appeared from the left bedroom, "Coming, Muffin. Oooh, that smells wonderful!". Ditzy came over and peered over my shoulder, "Was that you, Dinky?". Dinky nodded happily, "Did I do good, Mama?". Ditzy picked her up and hugged her tightly, "You did very good, Muffin! You're quite the chef", Dinky giggled happily. I smiled and flipped the French toast onto a plate, "What do you want on your French toast, Dinky?". Ditzy opened the cupboard and pulled out a small bag of sugar, "How about some cinnamon sugar?". Dinky nodded eagerly, "Yes, please, Mama". Ditzy handed me the bag, I opened it and sprinkled some onto the French toast, before handing it to Dinky. "Thank you, Crimson! Mama, can I go watch cartoons?", Ditzy put her down and ruffled her mane, "Sure thing, Muffin". Dinky ran off into the living room and sat in front of the TV. "What do you want on your French toast, Ditzy?", Ditzy pushed the cinnamon sugar bag towards me, "Just some of this please. Thanks, Crimson". I nodded and cracked a fresh egg into the skillet, before pressing a slice of bread onto the egg mixture. "So what're your plans today, Ditzy?", Ditzy sighed, "Just a late morning through afternoon delivery run. It'll take me a few hours". I placed the slice of toast onto a plate and sprinkled some sugar onto it, before offering it to Ditzy, "If you want I can stay with Dinky for the day, maybe take her out for a trip into the town". Ditzy stopped eating, "You'd do that for me?", I nodded. Ditzy hugged me tightly, "Oh thank you! I feel so bad leaving Dinky home alone, you've just done me a huge favour. Thank you so much!". I smiled, "It's no problem at all, Ditzy. Make sure to eat your breakfast, you've got work ahead". Ditzy pulled away, "You're right, need my strength. Thanks a bunch, Crimson". Ditzy picked up the plate and went to sit with Dinky. I put the last slice of bread into the skillet, turning it once before leaving it to fry for a moment. Hm, Ditzy hugged me. Woah, nonononono, I shouldn't think that way. I'm just feeling that way because of my recent break-up. Ugh, I'm so needy. I flipped the toast onto the plate and sprinkled some cinnamon sugar onto the slice, then went to sit down with Dinky and Ditzy. The TV displayed the opening sequence to Blood Bound, my favourite cult horror show about a sect of vampires who harvested the blood and souls of other ponies in an attempt to resurrect their unholy god who was destroyed by a crusade of holy warriors. "Blood Bound, eh? Good show. I didn't know you liked this kind of thing, Ditzy", Ditzy laughed, "I'm not the one who likes it". Dinky was spellbound, completely oblivious to our conversation, still eating her breakfast. "Cool. A filly who likes ancient demon warriors, you hit the jackpot, Ditzy". Dinky waved a hoof near my face, "Sshhh, TV", I giggled, "Sorry, Dinky". Ditzy pulled Dinky close to her and stroked her mane softly, "Mama's gotta go soon, Dinky. Crimson is gonna take you around town, okay?". Dinky nodded obediently, "Okay, Mama. I promise I'll be good for Crimson". Ditzy ruffled her mane, "Good girl. I'll be as fast as I can so we can spend some time together in the new house", with that Ditzy stood up and headed for the bathroom. "So where do you wanna go, Dinky?", Dinky shrugged, "Maybe we could go to the game store, I'd like to buy USG: Equestria 3. It's got multiplayer so me and you could play together". I smiled warmly, "I'd like that. I love USG: Equestria, I had the limited edition Plasma Cutter until it broke into pieces. Accursed plastic toy companies", Dinky giggled, "You're so silly, Crimson". Dinky turned around and rested her head on my shoulder, filling me with a feeling of warmth and happiness. The sound of water pounding against enamel resonated quietly from the bathroom, somehow it made me feel a desire to get a shower, I hadn't one in a few days. (Yeah, that's your reason), I shook my head. Bad thoughts, bad thoughts, bad thoughts! I focused on the TV, trying to erase any unclean thoughts. "Do you like my Mama, Crimson?", my heart skipped a beat. "Woah, uh, I... well, I like her as my friend, Dinky. I would never try and ask your mother out", Dinky stood up on the couch, only increasing her height slightly, "You mean you don't think my Mama is beautiful?", I shook my head vigorously, "No, no, she is beautiful. Amazing in fact. It's just that I wouldn't want to risk our friendship on a relationship. Plus, I still have strong feelings for my ex-girlfriend, Snow Sweet". Dinky nodded in understanding, "So, when your feelings for Snow Sweet go away, you're going to ask my Mommy on a date?", I shook my head again, "No, Dinky. Besides, your Mommy is too wonderful for me", Dinky nodded, "My Mama is the best Mama in the whole world!". I laughed warmly at her innocent comment, "I agree, she's a wonderful mother". The bathroom door opened slowly, Ditzy entered the living room with a white towel covering her torso. She casually trotted into her bedroom and shut the door behind her, "I'm gonna hop into the shower then we'll head out, okay, Dinky?". She nodded, still completely lost in the TV. I entered the steam-filled bathroom, closing the door behind me, and stepped into the tub. I turned on the hot water, letting it scald any dirt or sweat clinging to my body. I used the strawberry shower gel to clean myself... the scent reminded me of Snow. I wonder what she's doing right now. I hope her and Rose are okay. I hurried and rinsed the strawberry off quickly to erase any rising emotions. I conditioned my hair, making it comfortingly soft, then rinsed my hair as fast as I could. I jumped out the shower, feeling much better, and re-entered the living room. Ditzy was sat in front of Dinky, talking comfortingly to her, "Now, Dinky, I know you'll be good for Crimson. Just make sure to stay with him in busy areas and always cross at the road crossings. I love you so much. I'll be back soon". Ditzy noticed me and smiled, "Oh, look at this Crimson, they gave me a new uniform!", she took a step back so Dinky could see too, then opened her wings to full spread, displaying her new uniform proudly. She was wearing a light blue fabric jacket that was in the shape of a t-shirt, with the same colour shorts that stopped at the knees and a grey softcap that had a patch on the front displaying: "Canterlot Premium Mail Service". The entire ensemble fitted her petite figure perfectly, framing every curve beautifully. She looked amazing, strong, beautiful and highly attractive. It made me blush a little, "You look... amazi- uh, official, smart", I smiled nervously to hide my embarassment. Ditzy smiled proudly, "Thank you, Crimson!". Dinky looked at me playfully, "Mama, you look beautiful!", Ditzy blushed, "Thank you, Dinky". Ditzy smiled mischeviously, "Don't you think Mama looks beautiful, Crimson?". I could feel my face burning, "Well, uh, she-she looks very... uh, very pretty, yes". Luckily, Ditzy didn't seem to notice my embarassment, "Thanks again, Crimson. Anyway, I gotta go deliver my first route. Bye you two!", with that she left the apartment, gently shutting the door behind her. I turned to Dinky, "Why did you do that?", Dinky began laughing mockingly, "You like my Mama, you like Mama! Hahahahaha!". I shook my head quickly, "No I don't! You're a sneaky little mare, you know! Come on, lets head into town". Dinky nodded, still whispering "Crimson likes my Mama, Crimson likes my Mama". I shook my head, "Silly filly".
The bustling streets were packed with rich and somewhat pretentious upper-crust ponies, adorned with fancy dresses and expensive tuxedos with ridiculously shiny jewellery to match. It made me feel quite humble. "So were do you wanna go first, Dinky?", I had to yell to be heard, "Game shop, please!", Dinky reached out to hold my hoof, so I reached down and took firm hold of her hoof. We walked gingerly through large crowds in search of the game shop, only seeing pretentious bakeries and some Frenchy shops like Parfum pour homme/Parfum pour femme, etcetera. "You know, Dinky! I don't think that they have game shops here! Or any fun shops! It's all fancy nonsense!". Dinky held onto my hoof tightly, "Okay! Could we maybe just get something to eat!?". I spotted a small bakery across the way, "Stay close to me!", I gently pulled her through the enormous crowd and headed for the bakery, making sure Dinky was with me every step of the way. We were almost there when somepony bumped into me, knocking Dinky over. I quickly got on my knees and picked her up, before running the last few metres into the bakery. I pushed the bakery door open, hearing a little jingle on the way in. I sat Dinky down on a small cushioned chair, "Are you okay, Dinky? Are you hurt?". Dinky was pressing her lips together in an effort to prevent crying, but a small tear still fell from her eye. I checked her knees, one had a small but noticable scrap, that was slightly red with irritation. I rubbed it softly to remove any dirt or grit from the cut, accidentally making Dinky wince. "I'm sorry, Dinky. Some ponies can be so rude". Dinky sniffed, "Can... can you kiss it better?". I nodded, "Okay", I lifted her injured knee up and kissed her cut gently. Dinky giggled through tears, "Thank you, Crimson. I feel much better". I smiled warmly, "Good, what would you like to eat?". Dinky pointed to a large, semi-cut chocolate cake adorned with cherries and white chocolate curls. It looked delicious. "I'll join you in that aswell, I think". I walked up to the counter and rang the small golden bell, summoning a well-built but still upper-class Earth pony, "Greetings, sir. How can I help you today?". Thank goodness this pony wasn't pretentious like the rest, "Hello, can I have three slices of that enormous chocolate cake, and can I have one slice wrapped up please?". The stallion nodded, "Certainly, sir. That will be fifteen bits, please", (FIFTEEN!?), "Uh, sure. Here you go". I laid out fifteen bits on the counter, the cashier took the bits and dropped them into the till, before expertly slicing three rather large slices for Dinky, Ditzy and I. He placed two slices on a gilded plate, and placed the other slice in a small plastic box to keep it fresh. "Thank you for your patronage, sir. Come again soon", I took the large plate and placed it on a small table in front of Dinky. She stared at the slice ravenously, before diving in to take a huge bite out of it. I found it humorous, "You've got quite the appetite, Dinky. It's even bigger than mine". Dinky nodded, "Yefhp, I lovfph cake". She chewed a second longer and swallowed the lot, "I'm still a bit confused, Crimson. You say my Mama is beautiful and pretty, but you haven't asked her on a date. Why not?". I smiled nervously, "Well, she is very beautiful, but we have only really spent time together the past few days. And even though I do like her as a friend I don't think I 'like' like her", Dinky sighed sadly, "I think Mama really likes you. You make her happy and buy her nice things and you never say mean things to her to bully her. I know you like like my Mama because you're face always goes red with love when she's around and you always do nice things for her and me and today when she showed you her new uniform your face went really, really red with love. I like you too, you're like a daddy for me. I've never had a daddy before, but that's okay because my daddy was a bad man. He made my Mama cry", Dinky stopped for a moment, her face contorted into an angry scowl, "But I don't wanna talk about my bad daddy anymore. You make my Mama happy, and I think she like likes you too. Why don't you ask her on a date?", I was about to object, but Dinky was really smart for her age, "I... I guess I do 'like' like your Mama. She's really pretty and beautiful and strong. But I don't know if I should feel that way. I still miss Snow. But, your Mama just makes me feel... funny inside, like butterflies are flying around in my stomach. I just don't think your Mama 'like' likes me, Dinky". She finished her cake and wiped her mouth with a small napkin, "Maybe you're in love with Mama. Maybe you more than 'like' like her. You could be my new daddy!". I smiled and nodded, "I'll be like your daddy anyway, even if your Mama doesn't 'like' like me. I'll keep you safe and be there for you". Dinky smiled, "Good. Hurry and finish your cake, Crimson, I wanna head home, I don't like shopping in Canterlot".
I used my own apartment key and pushed the door open, releasing a cool blast of air escape from the apartment. Dinky rushed in and turned the TV on, throwing herself onto the couch in exhaustion, her little filly legs unable to handle the bustle of Canterlot. I glanced at the clock: 2.57pm, Ditzy said she wouldn't be back for another hour or so. I felt a little sadness at this, but dismissed it. I placed Ditzy's slice of cake into the refridgerator, wishing she was here. Her presence made me feel comfort and warmth, Dinky did too with her playfulness and innocent mischeviousness. Yet I still longed for Snow Sweet's touch. I don't know why though, she hated my guts. She'd probably have me put down for a couple of bits. Still, I'd give anything to hold her one more time, to breathe in her strawberry fragrance that filled me with such happiness and joy. I ran my hoof through my hair as self-comfort and sighed, "Snow...". I shut the refridgerator and went to sit with Dinky. She looked up and smiled, moving aside so I could sit down. As soon as I took the seat Dinky moved across and held onto my arm affectionately. I felt a rush of warmth in my chest, I felt loved. I pulled my arm from Dinky's hold, before wrapping it around her and pulling her into a hug, which she welcomed wholly, "I'm glad you're here, Crimson. I hate being alone when Mama is at work, so it's nice to have somepony to sit with and watch TV with too". I held her firmly, keeping her in a hug while she watched TV, "I'm glad I'm here too, you're a very nice filly and it's an honour that your Mommy would let me stay here". Dinky wriggled a bit to make herself comfortable, "I wish you and Mama were together. I can tell that you and her like each other very much, even though you say you don't. Ask my Mama to be your very special somepony, Crimson, I want you both to be happy together. And you could be my daddy". It felt nice to be wanted, and the thought of somepony as amazing and wonderful as Ditzy made me feel fuzzy inside, "I suppose you're too smart to lie to. I think I... I think I do love your Mama, Dinky. She's just perfect in everyway. She's beautiful, she's loving, she's a wonderful mother, she's so kind too! I wish she did like me. But some part of me is telling me that I don't love your Mama, that I still love Snow Sweet...". Dinky tilted her head, "But... Snow Sweet sounds like a bully. She made you leave your little girl because of an argument, she shouted mean things at you and she made you leave all your friends. And she pushed you down. My Mama would never yell at you, or hurt you, or make you leave". I squeezed Dinky playfully, "I know, your Mama is awesome. But I just don't know if a relationship is in the cards right now. Maybe in a few weeks, Dinky". Dinky's body dropped sadly, "Okay, but I know that you and Mama are in love. I can feel it in my head!", she rested her head back on my shoulder and sighed. I felt a buzzing in my jacket pocket, probably my phone. I reached in and pulled it out, I was receiving a call from... Snow Sweet. Should I answer it? "Don't answer it, Crimson! She's a mean lady!", I slowly and reluctantly swiped the 'Answer' tab, "I'm sorry, Dinky, but it might be to do with my daughter".
I exhaled brokenly and held the receiver to my ear, "Hello?". Silence. "Hello?", I heard somepony growl down the reciever, "Who the hell do you think you are, Crimson? Is this your big plan, turn everypony against me? Even my own bloody daughter!?". Dinky heard Snow bark down the phone, she stood up and planted her hooves on the couch, "You leave Crimson alone, you bully!". Snow gasped, "Who was that? Was that a child? Where are you?". My face burnt in anguish, "I'm staying at a friend's apartment, I'm looking after her child". Snow made a mocking tutting noise, "Her? You're sleeping at another mare's apartment? Which mare, is it even one you know or is this some kind of laborer deal?". It brought me great pain to hear the mare I love taunt me relentlessly, "It's Ditzy's apartment, she's moved to Canterlot to get away from Ponyville, same as me. Is Rose okay?". Snow 'hmph'ed condescendingly, "Ditzy? Her? That's who you're staying with? The inbred freak with wall-eyes? What're you trying to get into her shorts or something? Wow, you're even slimier than I thought", I felt an intense anger welling up, but I didn't want to... hurt her? "Don't refer to her like that, she's a wonderful mare who took me in with open arms. Maybe if you...", I cut myself off before I succumbed to my anger. "Maybe if I what? Just grow a pair already, Crimson". Dinky scowled intensely, listening to the conversation, "N-Nothing. Is Rose okay?". Snow grunted, "Hm, yeah, just dandy. She won't even let me hold her because your attention-seeking stunt you pulled last night, I've had her crying all day, "Daddy! Daddy!". That's not all, after you left last night, Candy was saying how I should've talked everything through first, not even listening to what I said. Then there was Mana ripping into me about how I'm a 'heartless wench' and how I was lucky to have you. THEN Parasol comes over and sternly talks to me about how my emotions cloud my judgement. So well bucking done, Crimson, I officially have no social life now. I hope you and that retard find happiness with each other", I was about to respond but the line cut out. I tried to call her back but she hung up immediately, "Oooo, I hate her, Crimson! She's such a horrible bully!", Dinky's voice was squeaky with anger. "I know, Dinky. I know. I'm sorry you had to hear that, it's just that some ponies get angry when change occurs. Or if they can't accept that they're wrong for once". Dinky sat down and sighed, "Why do they have to be so mean to my Mama? She's so nice and sweet, it's not fair what they do". I hugged her firmly, "I know, Dinky. But, after that whole display... I think... I may be ready to move on. Why should I love someone who treats me and my friends like dirt?", Dinky beamed exuberantly, "D-Does that mean you'll ask my Mama on a date?", I nodded, "I'll try, I get a little nervous when I try to ask mares for a date". Dinky jumped up and cheered, "Yay! My Mama's gonna have a special somepony!". I ruffled her mane playfully, "I hope she says yes. Remember, Dinky, your Mama has to say yes too". Dinky stopped jumping, "But I KNOW she likes you, I can feel it in my head. My brain tells me it is true!". The front door clicked, Dinky squealed excitedly, "Mama!", she jumped down from the couch and ran up to greet an exhausted Ditzy. "Mama, I missed you!", Dinky leapt up into Ditzy's arms, "I missed you too, Muffin! Thanks again for looking after her, Crimson. I owe you one". Dinky looked at me and mouthed, "Ask her!". I blushed, an overwhelming nervousness creeping in, "You okay, Crimson? Was Dinky a good little filly?". Ditzy looked at me with a radiant smile and beautiful eyes. I was at a loss for words, "Uh, I, um, ah, uh, y-yes, yes! Yes she was, Very... v-very well... behaved". Ditzy regarded me with confusion and humour, "Are you sure you're okay? You seem a little disoriented?". I kicked up dust with my front left hoof in shyness, trying to kick my brain back into gear, "I-I-I'm okay.. Just, um, a little... off(?)". Ditzy nodded, talking gently to Dinky, "Okay, everyone has off days". Dinky glared at me, "ASK HER!", I shook my head, bracing myself. "D-Ditzy?", my voice accidentally cracked mid-word, making Ditzy giggled, "Y-Yeess?", she mimicked my voice break playfully. I inhaled, at the point of no return, "W-Would you maybe want to go out... somewhere with me... a-and Dinky for a daaa-activity, tonight?". Dinky watched Ditzy intently, waiting for her response. Ditzy looked at me quizzically, "You mean... like a date?". I mustered up the last of my courage, "Y... yes. If-if you want to". Ditzy paused for a moment, leaving a painful, painful silence in the air. Dinky forced her eyes shut, anticipating Ditzy's next words. Ditzy looked at me blankly, before a light smile appeared, "Sure, I'd love to. What did you have in mind?". My muscles sagged in phenomenal relief, Dinky silently cheered a small "Yes!". Ditzy looked at the floor shyly, smiling like a mischevious filly, "Maybe the park? I hear it looks beautiful at night when Princess Luna lifts the moon to replace the sun". Ditzy nodded, still staring at the floor, "That sounds perfect. Do you wanna head out now, it's already sunset". I nodded, grabbing a jacket for Dinky from the coffee table, "Sure, let's go".