Author's Notes:

Hey there everyone! Sorry for the late update. I've rewritten this chapter four times now and I can say it was the hardest thing for me to write! Ugh!

Don't worry though I never give up and that's what counts. So here we are again. What will Trixie make for dinner? What will Mary do in dealing with Derpy? What will Trixie and Diamond do at Sweet Apple Acres? Does pinkie make a party for everything?

(Revision notes)

Now the revisions are done with the chapter and everything is falling into place!

As always feel free to comment or leave friendly advice/feedback! Thanks for the support!

As Trixie told her story about her taking over Ponyville Silver Spoon looked at her with a shocked expression. Here was a mare who took over the town and spoke so casually about it. It scared the metallic grey filly. "So um, Miss Trixie?" she asked wearily. "Do you hate Ponyville?"

"No, Trixie, doesn't hate Ponyville." Trixie twirled the rock with her magic a few times. "Certain individuals yes. You no."

Silver Spoon gave a sigh of relief hearing this. "So, now that Trixie told you about herself. What was that all about a filly named Diamond Tutu, or something?"

"Tiara," Silver Spoon corrected her." She's my best friend in the whole world."

The filly stuck her chest out with pride at the mention of her friend.

Trixie wondered who the filly was this, Diamond Tiara. From what Trixie gathered, she was a bully who picked on others she saw was lower than herself. *Just like Trixie once did not so long ago.*

She turned to face the filly rubbing her back. "What's she like? Your friend?"

Silver Spoon was positively beaming at the chance to boast about her childhood friend.

"She's awesome! She once saved me from a pack of bullies when I was a blank flank and for having to wear glasses."

Silver Spoon pulled her blue rims off inspecting them closely handing them to Trixie. Trixie observed the glasses and the thick frame testing it. The lenses were thick as well. Looking through she realized why they were so. They made it to where the blue mare couldn't see anything except for a big blur. It was very clear to Trixie Silver Spoon’s eye sight was all but shot without them.

"Trixie can't see a thing with these."

Handing the rims back, Silver replaced them on her face once again. "Yeah. Without them I can't see at all. Everything is just one big blur to me. She helped me once when they took my glasses and help me around for the day until I got home. We've been friends ever since."

Trixie nodded still gazing at the rock. "She sounds nice."

Silver Spoon nodded in agreement. "She is," she said looking up at the azure mare. "So, what did you do today?" Trixie looked at her confused. "You said you messed up too. What happened, if you don't mind tell me?"

Silver Spoon giggled lightly. "Well, it's only fair since you told Trixie."

Trixie told Silver Spoon about the joke she made about Mary's mane and calling her pinks. Silver Spoon was surprised by how the Mayor reacted. "I never knew it was such a touchy subject for her," Silver Spoon admitted staring at the ground. "And Diamond Tiara, thought it was a good idea to publish that article too."

Trixie was about to respond when something in her mind clicked. This Diamond Tiara filly published the article? Could she be apart of the elusive Gabby Gums? Dark thoughts passed into her mind on how to get back at the filly for the lies she wrote about Igneous and Trixie. Then again, she was just a filly. She didn't know any better.

From what Trixie was told by Silver Spoon and heard from her fight with her sister Platinum, it was very plausible that she didn't know the weight of what she'd done. But Trixie couldn't shake the feeling off. She was so close to learning the truth, she just needed to ask the right questions.

"So, Silver Spoon. What do you mean she allowed the article to be published?" Trixie asked with concern. "Was your friend Gabby Gums?"

Silver Spoon shook her head. "Good heavens no! Nopony from school would tell us who Gabby Gums was. All I know is that Gabby Gums is or was a she and she goes or went to my school, Ponyville Elementary. Diamond Tiara never told me."

Trixie nodded as the filly continued on with her explanation. Silver Spoon lowered her head as her mane covered her eyes. "She never keeps secrets from me."

Trixie looked down at her saddened. The silver filly pawed her mane smelling the lilac scented soap she'd used this morning. "You know she only wants to keep you safe right?"

"Huh?"

"Your sister," Trixie said pointing back behind her. "She wants what's best for you. Sisters have different ways of showing it but you should listen to her advice."

Silver Spoon thought about it. Platinum always did know what was best. She took care of her when her parents were out of town. She was there for every school play, rehearsals or events she was a part of. "I need to tell her, I'm sorry." Silver Spoon whispered.

Trixie cracked a smile looking at the sky and realized it was later than she meant to stay out. Panicked she stood up abruptly scaring Silver Spoon. "Sorry, but Trixie is late for work and she must be on her way! It was nice meeting you Silver Spoon!"

Trixie ran around the building as Silver Spoon waved weakly to her. Trixie practically barged into the cafe just as the last customer left the register. She saw Platinum who waved to her. "Trixie over here!”

Walking over Trixie hugged the mare over the counter. "It's good to see you again Platinum."

"You too Trixie." Breaking the hug Platinum rang up the order without being told. "One coffee black and a croissant?" she asked slyly wiggling her eyebrows.

Trixie rolled her eyes and replied sarcastically, "You know Trixie so well."

Platinum giggled to herself making the cutest face she could. "I try."

It wasn't more than a minute before the order was ready that Platinum brought it out handing it over to Trixie. "So Trixie," Trixie halted looking back at her, "I know you are still new to town but I was wondering if you get some time off, maybe we could go hang out and see a movie sometime?"

The mare seemed nervous when she asked. Trixie noticed the subtle thing the earth pony did like little nervous ticks. Platinum was wrapping her hooves in her apron and she didn't meet Trixie's gaze. Trixie didn't even remember she was in a hurry and all.

"Sure, Trixie wouldn't mind."

Platinum looked up grinning. "Great! Well let me know when you have off, okay? Come back soon Trixie." she sang waving to her. Trixie waved back and hurried out the door and ran through town towards Town Hall.

*Mary's Office*

Twilight and Spike sat in front of Mary at her desk waiting. "So Mayor, what was it you wanted to talk about?" Twilight asked glancing at Spike. The young drake was looking at the old photo of Mary and Derpy with her daughter Dinky. Twilight nudged him getting his attention. "Spike, don't stare."

Twilight scolded him. "It's rude."

"Sorry," he replied twiddling his fingers.

Mary picked up the photo looking it over. The oak frame was hoof made and the glass was made by a professional glass maker using a sturdy crystal like material. "I actually wanted to talk to you about this Twilight. Have you been able to do anything for her?"

Twilight sighed shaking her head. "Sorry Mayor. I can't do anything for her." Mary's expression dropped. Her eyes watered up as she stared at the picture. "Bu-but she's not getting any worse!" Twilight quickly added. Mary looked over to her and Spike forcing a smile.

"Thank you for trying Twilight." she said placing the photo back on the table. "I was wondering if she might, remember me at all?" she asked in a desperate tone.

Twilight looked uncomfortable. She played with her tail stroking it twice before letting it fall to the ground. "I can't say for sure. Mental exercises can help and objects from a pony's life can help jog their memory. Ultimately all you can do is hope." Twilight placed a hoof on hers. "Mary." Twilight calmly began to stroke the tan mare's hoof with hers. "I'm here for you if you ever need me, OK?" Twilight cupped her hooves over Mary's and they shared a smile.

"Well, I have to get ready for my next meeting. Thank you, Twilight."

Twilight smiled. "No problem Mary."

", Twilight, I need to talk to you about Trixie."

Twilight sighed looking over to Spike who had remained silent, but now chose to voice his mind.

"Madam mayor, she already told you Trixie was under the influence of the alicorn amulet. She was not in charge of her own actions. We've forgiven her and you shouldn't hold it against her." he stated matter of factually.

Both mares looked to him in surprise. Neither had expected him to support Trixie in this manner. For Twilight it was refreshing to see.

He held up his claws. "What? It's true?"

Twilight smiled at him nuzzling him. "Aww Spike, I didn't know you could be so mature!"

"Heh, I know,” he said with a wave of his claw.

The mayor smiled at the two. At at least she didn't have to defend Trixie when she brings this up now.

"Actually I wanted to speak to the two of you about her,” she continued, getting their attention.

The dragon and pony stopped looking at the tan mare expectantly. "I need to make living arrangements for her while she stays in Ponyville."

"What exactly do you mean, mayor?" Twilight asked.

"She is now my secretary and needs a place to stay," she started looking down at Trixie's file she'd pulled out from her desk. "I need her close by and her home was destroyed here and she has no place to live."

Twilight thought hard about this. In retrospect she felt guilty not being able to compensate Trixie for her loss, which would have been an easy letter to write to Celestia about, but alas she was too caught up in other things to get to it. *I never should have let her leave the first time without helping her,* she thought. Twilight looked at the wood grains on the mayor's desk and saw many that converged at several points, but one stuck out and never met the others. She took it as a sign that Trixie was a special case that needed to be treated properly.

After all, she was a student on the magic of friendship and she had an obligation to Trixie to help her. She looked to Spike who gave her a supportive nod. She gave a silly grin knowing he'd be fine with whatever she decided. It was a deep seeded bond that helped them in tight pinches before and it helped in times of hardship. Then she thought of places where Trixie could stay.

"What about at Applejack's farm, mayor?" she asked.

Mary cringed at the thought of Trixie and Applejack living together.

"I was actually at Sweet Apple Acres with Trixie not but a day ago and Applejack, made her distaste of Trixie's presence very well known. I'm not sure your friends are going to be any better. Pinkie might be the best, but I feel Trixie won't get along with her well."

"It takes a special kind of pony to live with Pinkie." Twilight nodded sagely. "She's a good mare but can be much to handle. I respect the Cakes for taking such good care of her as well as the kids. In turn Pinkie takes good care of them too."

"Speaking of which, where is Trixie?" Spike asked looking around from his seat, expecting Trixie to jump out any second like Pinkie.

Mary took off her glasses rubbing the ridge of her nose grumbling at the insult Trixie made about her mane. "She had a previous engagement with Applejack at Sweet Apple Acres. She's working there as part of her punishment. Community service."

The other two looked at her oddly. "Didn't you say she was not welcome at Sweet Apple Acres by, AJ?"

"Yes, and no." Mary replaced her glasses and tightened her tie. "Applejack said she could work there but, well you know Applejack..."

They all sighed nodding together. AJ was a hard case and they all knew it. Especially with ponies like Trixie.

They went over several ideas of what to do with her, as far as living arrangements go. Nothing was coming up. The other Elements might not take well to her and vice versa. Just when they'd given up, Spike spoke up.

"Madam, mayor?' The two mares looked to him. "Where did she stay yesterday?"

Mary pointed to herself. "She was with me at my place yesterday. Why?"

"Well, why not have her live with you?" He shrugged. "We're busy with arranging the library and nopony else would likely want her. So, why not have her with somepony who has already accepted her and likes her?"

Twilight smiled at him with pride. "That's.. actually a good point Spike! Wow, I didn't know you could be so empathetic!"

Spike tilted his head in a confused manner to what Twilight said. "I'm what?"

"Never mind. But he does bring up a good point though, she should just stay with you mayor." Twilight exclaimed happily clapping her hooves together.

"I don't know, Twilight, I just don't know." Her mind went back to her thoughts earlier in the morning. "Coworkers living together can lead to... unusual things."

"But she has nopony else mayo- Mary. She needs support. Think about it." The unicorn glanced at the clock seeing 11:59. "Oh! Spike we have to go! Sorry Mayor, but we need to go, prior engagement and all, you understand?"

"Of course."

The two ponies stood up while Spike hopped on Twilight's back. Mary opened the door for her guests and let them out first. She glanced over to the desk she had placed inside during the morning. A brand-new mahogany desk with six drawers and a bookcase behind it with a file cabinet beside it. The new furniture smell was still hanging in the air, little bits of styrofoam littered the ground.

Mary lead the two to the door letting them out. After seeing the two out Mary walked past Trixie's desk which was empty. She glanced at the clock which read 12:02. *She's late.* Suddenly the doors burst open revealing an exhausted Trixie with her coffee. Trixie dragged herself across the floor panting as the coffee floated over to Mary who grabbed it with her hoof. She turned to look down at the azure unicorn.

"You're late."

Trixie caught her breath and weakly stood up. "Sorry, madam mayor, but Trixie got caught with something important." The azure mare breathed heavily despite having time to rest. "She promises it won't happen again."

Mary held a stoic expression. "Very well, Miss Lulamoon. Make sure it doesn't happen again." She turned to head to her office not saying a word after. Trixie pawed the floor as Mary slammed the door behind her and a distinct sound of a lock turning echoed the hall. Trixie winced at the sound slinking over to her desk there was a pile of papers with a note on them. *Sign and file these papers before the end of the day.*

Placing the note aside, the depressed and saddened Trixie began the long tedious task of signing and filing papers. As the day progressed three meetings took place. The first was with the secondary weather manager, the second was some nutty old mare talking about parasprites eating her pillow stuffing, the third was Mr. Rich and his daughter. Trixie knocked on the door leading to the mayor's office. After a minute the door unlocked and she entered cautiously.

"Madam mayor. Mr. Rich is here to see you."

"Send him in please," Mary commanded coldly.

Trixie shivered at the response stepping aside she opened the door for Mr. Rich to pass. "The mayor will see you now Mr. Rich."

"Thank you Miss Lulamoon. Now Diamond, go sit in the lobby and wait for me, okay?" he asked, hugging his daughter.

"Yes daddy."

The small pink filly responded returning the hug before she marched to the couch and sat down with a stiff posture. Trixie returned to her desk and sat down continuing to work on the papers grumbling to herself at the same time as her quill scratched against the papers. After thirty minutes she realized the pink filly was staring at her. Placing the quill to the side she glanced over to her.

"Can Trixie help you young Miss?" she asked as kindly as possible trying not to sound too annoyed. Which wasn't saying much considering how she felt.

"Yeah, are you Trixie? As in the so called, Great and Powerful Trixie?" the filly asked nervously. Trixie nodded once. "I see. So um, yeah." She looked down adjusting her tiara in her head. Suddenly Trixie remembered something Silver Spoon said. A pony named Diamond Tiara? Could this be her?

"So, you're Diamond Tiara?" Trixie ventured a guess.

The filly looked shocked at her and Trixie knew she had the right one. Why was she so scared though? There was something she wanted to asked her if she ever found her, but in her haste to get to work on time Trixie had completely forgotten.

"Your friend Silver Spoon speaks highly of you." Trixie stood up stretching.

Diamond Tiara sighed in relief. "Yeah, Spoony, is the best." Diamond Tiara began stroking her mane. "I'm really lucky to have a friend like her. She'll never abandon me. Ever."

When Trixie looked at her Diamond held a saddened expression. Trixie sat in the chair across from the pink filly crossing her legs. "Something the matter little one?"

Diamond Tiara bit her bottom lip hearing that. "Nopony has called me that since my mother died."

Diamond’s eyes began tear up. Trixie realized she hit another sensitive subject and quickly reacted. She moved next to the filly and placed an arm around her pulling her close petting her mane. She flinched from the contact but accepted the hug all the same. Leaning into Trixie, Diamond felt warm and safe with not a worry in the world. Suddenly she realized she was embracing a complete stranger and pulled away. Trixie felt hurt by this but she understood. Then she got an idea to lighten the mood.

Trixie stood on her chair doing a heroic pose. "Hey, how would you like to see Trixie perform?"

"Perform? What do you mean?"

"Well, before Trixie worked for the Mayor as her personal assistant, Trixie was a marvelous performer the likes which nopony had ever seen!" she announced sending arcane fireworks across the room.

They disappeared as quickly as they appeared before tiny fairy ponies formed from the colored sparks left behind. Diamond tiara was stunned by the spectacle. As the tiny fairy ponies started to dance until a voice boomed from the Mayor's Office.

"TRIXIE, NO FIREWORKS IN THE HALL!"

Trixie flinched, as did the firepony conjurations mimicking her motions. "Apologies Madam Mayor." She proceeded to mock her by making a silly face and placing her hooves at her hips wiggling back and forth. The pink filly giggled at the silly mare catching her attention. "Well, Trixie thinks somepony has a stick wedged up where Celestia's sun don't shine. Huh?" Trixie nudged the filly as she tried hard not to laugh.

Trixie continued to perform for Diamond Tiara until the Mayor concluded her business with Mr. Rich. The two ponies came out of her office to see a happy filly laughing at the silly antics of a full grown mare. Admittedly, they also found it amusing as Trixie stood on one arm balancing a plate and a book on her nose while juggling a few more books with her back legs. Trixie looked to see what a noise was behind her losing her balance and fell to the floor with a dull thud as her makeshift props fell beside her. Diamond Tiara clapped her hooves laughing as Trixie got up bowing to her.

Mr. Rich joined in clapping his hooves. "Well, done Miss Lulamoon! Very well done! I see you got my daughter's spirits up."

Diamond Tiara blushed pushing her father. He laughed walking to Trixie. "Miss Lulamoon, I hear you're working at Sweet Apple Acres for the week. If you wouldn't mind I'd like you to oversee my daughters punishment by having her assist you. I already made arrangements with Big Mac and the Mayor, would you be interested?" Trixie was about to say, 'yes' when Mr. Rich spoke again. "I would pay you of course."

Trixie flinched. She needed money but she couldn't take money to help a filly in need. Diamond probably didn't mean to say so much, but it didn't sit well with Trixie. "Trixie would be happy to assist you for free Mr. Rich." She bowed politely.

"But daddy!" Diamond Tiara wined. "Why do I have to work on a filthy farm?"

"You're in trouble young lady. After everything you've done I can't turn a blind eye anymore. You need to learn responsibility. I think a little hard work to earn your bits will help," he said flatly. He turned to Trixie extending a hoof which Trixie shook. "Thank you Miss Lulamoon. I'll see you tomorrow at Sweet Apple Acres then?"

"Yes Mr. Rich I look forward to it." Trixie smiled. She knelt down to Diamond Tiara. "Don't worry, working on a farm is a lot of fun once you get use to it."

Diamond Tiara sighed moodily.. "Fine.”.

"Excellent, then we're in agreement then! Come along Diamond Tiara."

"Yes father. Goodbye Trixie!" The filly followed her father. "Goodbye mayor!"

The two ponies exited the Town Hall leaving Trixie and Mary alone. Not saying a word Mary made for her office but was intercepted by Trixie. "Madam mayor? Can Trixie speak to you please?"

Mary stood staring for a minute. Her stoic expression seemed so clod to Trixie. It sent shivers down her spin. "Step in my office Miss Lulamoon." Mary responded coldly walking past Trixie. She sat at her desk looking very annoyed as Trixie sat down feeling awkward. "So what do you wish to speak about Miss Lulamoon?"

*Why does she keep saying Trixie's name like that?* she thought. "Trixie was hoping to make up for her mistake earlier."

Mary cocked her head slightly picking up a quill with her hoof and began to write on a scroll. "Oh, is that all?" Mary didn't even look up. "Well, if that's all you may go then. Your comment is noted." That had done it. Now Trixie was sure this was deliberate and she wouldn't stand for This.

"Mary," Trixie said sternly, taking the quill away with her magic. Mary glared angrily at the unicorn.

"What is the meaning of this!?"

"Please, hear Trixie!"

Mary sighed leaning back in her chair rubbing her ridge of her nose. "Very well, you may speak."

Trixie gave a sigh of relief sitting back in her chair. "Thank you. Trixie is really, really sorry about the nickname she said to you. Trixie didn't mean it as an insult."

"So you say." *That was mean. Why did I say that? She's trying and I really should give her a chance*. "Sorry. I've had a lot on my mind lately. Please continue."

"Well, Trixie wishes there to be no hard feelings between us so..." she paused trying to think what to say. "Trixie said what she did because she, Trixie is..."

Mary watched as Trixie stumbled over herself trying to come up with something to say. But the harder she tried the worse it got. I can't let her just go on like this. Mary thought sympathetically. She's been through enough. "Miss Lulamoon."

"No! Trixie can do this just give her a second to -"

"Trixie!" That stopped the unicorn dead in her tracks. "Trixie, it's okay. I forgive you." Mary got up and walked over to her. "I know you didn't mean it. I’m just, how did you put it, 'have a stick wedge up where the sun don't shine?’” she said giving Trixie a cheeky grin.

Trixie looked at the floor clearly embarrassed. Mary had a conflict of emotions at this moment. One one hoof she liked Trixie but she didn't want things to get awkward between them. She thought about her past relationships and how she was flaky with the most of them. She was a player in her youth and often got in trouble for being that way. She changed when she'd met Derpy early in her career.

Then there was Derpy's condition. She'd recently, within the last year, gotten amnesia of some sort making her forget her relationship with Mary. Now, she felt similarly towards Trixie as she did with Derpy back then. Maybe she hadn't changed as much as she'd thought. Maybe she was still a player.

She couldn't get over the poor mare and her condition. It tore her up to even be near Trixie. It broke her heart to feel that she was betraying Derpy. But how long should she wait before it became too long? Sure she was older than most, but she wasn't getting any younger either, and Trixie was a nice pony. Kind. Considerate. Understanding if a bit rash at times but she had a big heart, Mary knew this.

"You really forgive Trixie?" the unicorn asked looking hopeful.

Mary tapped her chin with a thoughtful look on her face. "Well, I suppose so. I was being unreasonable about my hair. Just know that’s a touchy subject for me Trixie.”

Trixie nodded hugging Mary.

The tan mare hugged back and quickly added, “Of course Trixie could make dinner tonight and that may earn her a few brownie points."

"Well, Trixie better start thinking about what to do for tonight," Trixie said in a overly dramatic proper tone. "What do you desire my lady?"

Mary cheeks reddened at the phrase. "Surprise me," she answered removing her glasses placing them on the desk, "I'm not terribly picky."

Trixie nodded exiting the room to finish her work. Mary sighed, taking her quill and once again began to write before she realized she couldn't see. Replacing her glasses she continued from where she left off on her document.

Later in the day the two ponies locked up and instead of heading home they both went their separate ways with different destinations in mind.

"So Trixie, I'm heading off to see a friend I'll see you at home right?" Mary asked her.

Trixie nodded glancing back at her through the door. "You mean, Trixie can stay with you?" she asked hopefully.

"Yeah, I can't let you live on the streets now can I?"

Trixie looked away dejectedly hiding it as best she could. "Right of course. Trixie is an asset nothing more," she whispered to herself.

"What was that Trixie?" Mary asked not hearing her.

"Oh nothing!" Trixie shook her head. "Trixie just said see you at home!" She made a beeline to the market hoping some of the stalls were still open so she could get ingredients for dinner tonight while Mary was out with her friend.

"Bye Trixie see you back home!"

Mary waved to her heading south of town. She was greeted by many ponies, all friendly except for one cat call made by the town drunk mare Berry Punch, and once again Mary ignored it. After ten minutes of walking she stopped at a familiar cottage with a mailbox that had a muffin on it and a smaller identical one next to it with a muffin and Jr. written on it.

The place itself wasn't big. It was a simple one story cottage made of brick and wood. It had a small garden in the front with grape vines in it and various vegetables. It was common in Ponyville to have a garden. In fact there was a month contest for the most beautiful and productive gardens in all of Ponyville. Sweet Apple Acres being the exception from the contest because that wouldn't be fair.

Mary glanced into the window seeing the famous wall eyed mare carrying dishes on her back. Steeling herself for the conversation ahead, Mary approached the cottage and gave the door a solid three knocks. Moments later the door opened revealing a tiny grey unicorn filly with a blonde mane and tail. She looked up at the older mare beaming happily at her.

The filly screamed tackling the mare with a hug. "MARY! Mom! Mom! Mary's here!"

The filly yelled pulling the mare inside and guided her to a large couch and sat her there.

Inside the entryway Mary looked about as the filly ran off to fetch her mother. It was a small entryway it had three paths. To the left of the entryway was the rooms, the center was the kitchen/dining area, and the right was the bathroom and lounge room. Walking over to the lounge room Mary sat herself on the couch waiting patiently. A minute later the unicorn filly came in leaping onto Mary's lap as a familiar grey pegasus entered to room. Mary smiled sadly at her as the pegasus smiled back with an almost absent minded look.

"Hello again Derpy."How the hell do you do that?

This sounds like a porno name.

hey just cause there's lots of yuri in this fic doesn't mean I will put everypoy together. baka.

I call BS.

Just like Granny Smith.