//------------------------------//
// A New Experience 
// Story: On the Inside 
// by Rose Quill 
//------------------------------//

I couldn’t help but laugh as Sunset left the deli, a brown bag containing some foodstuff meant for her and Twilight. I had been nervous about our friends finding out about us, not sure how they would feel about me dating one of their tight-knit group. Seeing as how Sunset hadn’t been upset so much as surprised had let a lot of the tension drain from me.

“See, silly?” Pinkie said, taking another slurp from her soda. “Told you they wouldn’t be upset with us. They just want us to be happy.”

“I’m sure,” I said, toying with one of the chips on my plate before eating it. “It’s just…” I sighed. 

“I’m just still jumpy, even after everything we went through,” I finished. “It seems like they took to us a little too quickly. How can they accept us like this?”

“Well,” the fluffy haired girl said without pause. “We’ve got someone that stole a magical relic from a princess and tried to create an army and another that tried to rip holes in the fabric of the world into another one while crazed on magic.” She smiled at me. “All you and your sisters tried to do was get a bite to eat and make everyone love you.”

I put my head down and groaned. “You would remind me,” I said.

I felt her reach over and patted my head. “Chin up, sweetie!” she chirped. “After all, you don’t have anything to worry about from us anymore. You’re all one of our friends now, and I can’t get enough of that smile when you let it out.”

I gave her the smile, one that was easier to let out every day she and I spent together.

“Thanks, Pinks,” I said, using the nickname somewhat nervously, despite her permission.

“Anytime!” she beamed, finishing off her drink and glancing at her watch. “Ready to go? Maud is meeting us at the park later today to do our PSSSD.”

“What’s that mean again?” I asked as I stood as well.

“Pie Sister Secret Swap Day,” she said, pulling a small box out of nowhere, causing me to raise an eyebrow. “And this year I’ve got the perfect thing for her!” She giggled and turned to bounce her way out of the cafe.

I followed and then flinched as she threw the car keys to me, fumbling with them as I tried to get a grip.

“You drive,” she said, hopping in the passenger side and propping her feet up on the dash.

“But I’m still…”

“No time,” she said, grinning and beckoning me forward. 

I climbed into the driver seat and started the vehicle. I started stalling by adjusting mirrors and the seat when a hand reached over and grabbed the lapel of my vest.

Before I had fully realized what had happened, Pinkie’s lips were pressing against mine. After a moment of shock, I eased into the kiss, my heart fluttering like a loose butterfly.

After we separated, she held me close, eyes staring into mine. “You’ll do fine, Ari,” she whispered, resting her forehead on mine.

I was still trying to process what had happened.

“You ok?"

“Yeah,” I said, smiling. “Just getting used to getting kisses from someone I care for.”

It was an still an interesting experience, and I leaned forward to see if it still set me aflutter.

It was even better the third time.