For a few seconds, nopony spoke. Ruby just held her paw to Oculus’ cheek, trying to comprehend what she was feeling.”… You don’t have fur.” Ruby noted in a flat monotone.“Nope!” Oculus chirped. She couldn’t help but smile at Ruby’s dumbfounded look. “Your cheek is smooth and hard.” Ruby continued, and stroked Oculus’ cheek with her thumb.“Yep!” Oculus confirmed.“So you’re not a pony?”“Well, kind of. I’m a changeling, sort of a shapeshifting bug horse.” Ruby’s paw tensed slightly.“A changeling?” She asked, and Oculus sensed a twinge of fear in her tone. “The things that attacked Canterlot a few years ago? The monsters that eat love and turn their victims into emotionless husks?” Oculus’ smile vanished in an instant; she had gotten used to ponies fearing her species, but it still hurt to be called a ‘monster’.“Well… yeah, my species attacked Canterlot.” Oculus admitted. “But we’ve changed. We’ve learned to share love instead of stealing it. We’re not monsters anymore.”“Oh. Well, I guess that’s okay.” Ruby sighed, and quickly added, “Uh, sorry for calling you a monster.”“It’s okay.” Oculus replied. “Everypony does it. But thank you for apologizing.” Rose gave a weak smile and asked,“So… you’re not afraid of me?” Oculus shook her head.“Why would I be afraid of you? You’re nice.“

“Yeah, well, most creatures don’t bother with diamond dogs.” Ruby admitted. “They think we’re all greedy gem hoarders. Heck, my own pack thinks I’m a loser because I can’t see.” A tear soaked into her fur, but before she could make to wipe it away, Oculus wrapped her hooves around Ruby’s neck.

“Hey! What are you doing?” Ruby yelped, and tried to wiggle free.“It’s called a hug.” Oculus explained. “It’s how ponies say that they like you.” Ruby stopped struggling.“You… like me?” She asked. “Even though I’m a blind loser?“

“You’re not a loser.” Oculus insisted. “You’re a kind and thoughtful puppy.” She paused, and then admitted, “I saw you sharing your gems with that hungry dragon. That was very thoughtful.” Ruby gave a half-hearted smile at the compliment.“My pack doesn’t think so.” She sighed. “They don’t like sharing their gems, but I think we have enough to share. Heck, maybe I could convince them to start a trade agreement with the dragons. I’m sure they have something we could use.” Oculus’ smile broadened significantly.

“That sounds like a wonderful idea.” She said. “You should tell your pack, I’m sure they’ll consider it.”“And if they don’t?” Ruby asked. “What if they punish me for suggesting it? What if they banish me from the pack?” She hung her head, but Oculus lifted her head so that they were looking at each other.

“Then you can come and live with me and my husband.” Oculus replied. “Whatever happens, I’ll always consider you as my friend.” There was a brief pause, then Ruby wrapped her paws around Oculus’ neck in a gentle embrace, which Oculus happily returned.

• * * * * * * * * *

And that’s the story of how Ruby the diamond dog made her first friend, Oculus the changeling. Hopefully, the next time I draw Ruby I’ll make her look more like a diamond dog and less like a regular dog. Oculus belongs to ChibiChangeling.