//------------------------------// // The Taste of Love (Is Sweet) // Story: The Omniship Omnibus // by Baby Seal Burritos //------------------------------// Pinkie smiled at me from behind the counter and I thought for the hundredth time how much I loved her. She was beautiful and radiant; she was laughter personified and joy; she was Pinkie Pie the party planner; and she was a precious friend. I had seen her unhappy, and it was not something I enjoyed. But more and more recently she’d been opening up to me, and letting me know how vulnerable she was behind that brilliant smile. And that vulnerability just made me love her more. I laughed when she told the story of her hectic morning through her own giggles and snorts, and she gesticulated wildly with her hooves and used old pastries as props. She beamed so brightly that I couldn’t help but beam right back at her. She packed me up a bag full of treats and leaned over the counter to kiss me on the tip of my nose and send me on my way with a swat on the butt. I pranced out the door, full to the brim with joy as I promised over my shoulder to see her later that evening. I couldn’t wait. --- Rarity ranted at length about the stress of her current workload, and I nodded sympathetically to her as I extended a croissant her way which she accepted gratefully. For those who didn’t know her as well as I do, they might be shocked to hear that Rarity continued to rant through bites of flaky crust, completely abandoning her pretenses of politeness. A smile tugged on the corners of my mouth as I felt once again so unduly blessed to have come so far with Rarity as to let her be so comfortable around me to not have to put on a show. She was tired and overworked, and yet she still shone with the beauty of a thousand diamonds even as strands of her mane stuck out at random intervals and bags had appeared under her eyes. She was generosity, yes, and she was proving it now by putting together three dozen sets of clothes for a children’s play that was being put on by the Canterlot orphanage. They had offered to pay her, but she had refused. And even working for free she did her finest work. Warmth filled me from my hooves to the tip of my ears, and I wrapped her in a warm hug and reminded her of our get together later that evening. Her tired but joyful smile put a spring in my step as I exited the boutique. I couldn’t wait. --- Applejack was working just as hard as Rarity if not harder for the physical aspect of it. Big Mac was out with the flu, and Applejack was harvesting the apples as best she could on her own. I offered her a turnover, and she sat down to take a break with me. When I asked her how things were going she shrugged and stared off into the distance before sighing and admitting she was falling far behind. I can’t remember when Applejack stopped being so careful not to admit when she was struggling, but hearing her confession just stoked the warmness in my chest even more, and I offered to come back and give her a helping hoof when I was done with my errands. She smiled at me, and it was a smile full of relief and gratitude. I felt giddy once again at the realization that she would accept my help despite her pride. I nuzzled her cheek and promised to hurry right back as soon as I could. She grinned and hollered after me that she would be excited to see me when I did. I couldn’t wait. --- Fluttershy was up to her wing tips in sick animals, and although I couldn’t be of much assistance to her I allowed her time for a break and a cup of tea to go with her cranberry biscuit. She was quiet and stared into the depths of her tea cup, and I knew that she was still on duty trying to plot out the best course for each animal that needed her help. I never minded the silence that sometimes came with visiting Fluttershy. She was warm and kind, and she always did her best to let me know that she was happy I came by. I was always extremely happy to visit her cottage, and it was often a peaceful place despite how many sick animals clambered for her attention. She would never turn a friend or an animal away, and this was one of the many things I adored about her. I finished my tea and donned my saddlebags, wrapping a foreleg around her and giving her a firm hug. I would see her later tonight if she wasn’t too busy, and if she thought of anything I could do to help I’d be at Applejack’s later helping with the harvest. Fluttershy smiled at me, and I left feeling lighter than ever. I couldn’t wait. --- Rainbow Dash was sometimes hard to find, but it had become a game between us. I’d search the sky for her and she’d do her best to stay out of sight until hunger forced her to give in. That morning she barreled out of the sky and landed next to me with an excited grin and a proud flap of her wings. She had forgotten all about the game today, it seemed, and she was brimming with pride as she detailed her latest aerial maneuver that she had perfected. She danced on light hooves and lashed her tail back and forth as told me all about it, and I giggled giddily at her gumption. She was interrupted by the mayor who stopped to thank Rainbow Dash for her help this morning with the tearing down of an old building outside of town. And even as she tried to play it off as no big deal, I could see that she had done something incredible again. Rainbow Dash turned back to me when the mayor trotted away and rolled her eyes and insisted that it hadn’t been a big deal at all. I grinned broadly, and she teased me about it. But I loved it. I loved every moment of it. I gave her her cupcake and waved her off as she darted back to work, shouting after the rainbow blur that she’d better not forget about tonight. I couldn’t wait. --- I was sore and tired from working in the orchard with Applejack, but as my eyes drifted over the five other ponies present I knew that each was just as tired from long days doing different tasks, each suited just for them. I lifted my glass of cider and tapped the side of it gently with my hoof, drawing all of their attentions to myself. I looked into each pair of eyes, and I swear I’d never been so content in all my life as I was looking at each of these brilliant ponies. I smiled and it took no effort. “I just wanted to say that I love you. I love each and every one of you.” Each of them smiled back, and I knew that they felt the exact same way.