//------------------------------// // The Guest of Honour: 14 // Story: Pinkie Pie buys a Human // by Ponyess //------------------------------// . We had closed the shop, promptly at ten o’clock.  Breakfast hours are over, and we will need some time to prepare for lunch, aside from grabbing a bit to snack on for ourselves. The window tables are largely left as they were, where they had originally been placed.  The tables in the middle of the room, had been rearranged; in order to give room for another row of tables, aside from the balconies at the inner side wall. Three balconies had been built and are now on the wall.  Each balcony has a two chairs table. The balcony comes with a door; and can be raised to a level of three feet up, along the wall. A second counter and two additional display cases has arrived and are now installed.  Both of the new display cases ares holding food items for the customers, naturally. Each individual item is labeled, and a price is marked clearly.  There is a beautifully engraved menu standing, on each individual counter; for customers to see what is available. While the Patron of the cafe; Pinkie Pie herself could not be at the cafe at all time, there will still be a need for a second counter at the front.  The second control of the balconies is located under the second counter. There are limits, to how much a building could be changed, in a single day.  The lunch break, is just not enough time to make a complete change of the cafe.  One will also take into account, the stark reality of business itself. Building up a customer base is taking time. Now the door is promptly unlocked and opened; exactly at eleven o’clock.  The lunch guests will be here soon, and they are liable to be hungry. As expected; Pinkie Pie is behind the second counter; she is eager and excited, awaiting all the ponies about to drop upon her like a ton of bricks from the clear blue sky. I am still sitting by the table in the personal kitchen, nibbling at the remains of my lunch.  Ruby and Emerald have started to prepare new food for the cafe; replenishing the stock, after the customers from the breakfast rush. I raise to my hooves and walk to the kitchen sink; where I wash the dishes and leave them to dry during the lunch period.  Once done, I walk out to the counter where Pinkie Pie is already waiting, expectantly. “The milk was a smashing hit!” I exclaim, as I take my place behind the counter. “Yeppers, deppers, it most certainly was!” she responds. “The none-bovine milk did hit the market with a bang!” I respond. “Your sister, Ruby is producing a wonderful product; no complaints, but plenty of praises!  I just hope, the spa ponies; Aloe and Lotus will not complain, when the word of your services hit the streets!” she adds. I am limited to a selection of massages, I can perform with hands and horns!” I point out, giggling. “Maybe that is for the better!  I am not going to set up a steam room, or any general spa services!” she explains. “I guess not!  We could take the heat of the market, on a select variety of services; but that is as far as we could possibly go!” I respond. “I am a party pony; and I own a cafe, I am running for the joy of the town!  I have neither experience, nor time to expand any further!” she explains. “Maybe you could open a party palace, for larger celebrations?” I inquire, half by half in jest. “Maybe, maybe not; Ponyville is still growing, so I guess that could be fun!” she points out, just before the first pony is approaching the now wide open door. “Is that, who I think it is?” I whisper. “No, don’t worry; that is Ditzy Doo, and her daughter Dinkey Doo!” Pinkie explains. “I was hoping we were given something by the mail; Derpy always have such enjoyable packages, with her!” I respond, before the mare is close enough to actually overhear what I am saying. “Derpy Whooves is such an enjoyable mare to be around, in and  out of her service as the mail-mare of Ponyville!” Pinkie responds. “Oh, well; maybe she wants a muffin for lunch?” I suggest, with a jolly grin. “If she comes here, she would still want to have her lunch, even if she isn’t overly fond of muffins!” Pinkie Pie points out. Of course, the grey mare does step over the threshold and enters the cafe; slowly trotting towards the counter, where Pinkie Pie is standing.  Every pony likes Pinkie Pie, and Pinkie Pie is such a delightful pony to be around. Unless you broke a Pinkie Promise; in which case you would be as far away as possible.  The Moon is far too close. “Hello, Pinkie Pie!  Is there a table available; or do I have to make a reservation, like you need to at every other cafe and restaurant?” Ditzy inquires, as she is addressing Pinkie. “Hiya, Ditzy!  I think there is still a table available; you did beat the crowd, so that’s always something!  No, no need to make reservations here! Not yet, anyway!” Pinkie responds, grinning wide. “Finally, I can have my lunch in peace and quiet, without the hassle of making a reservation!” Ditzy exclaims, relieved to be able to have her lunch out. “I take it, you were hoping to enjoy your lunch here!  Take-away is an option, if you would prefer that!” Pinkie Pie inquires. “The Sugar-cube Corner is still packed!  Eating home or in a corner somewhere; just is not the same, as the comfort of a comfortable establishment!  The Pink Balloon does look just right for me!” Ditzy responds, grinning. I had a dozen tables by breakfast, I am adding a few more tables for lunch!  Just look around and see what is calling out to you!” Pinkie points out. “Muffins, cupcakes, pastries, pies, cakes, salads and sandwiches; you really do have everything!  I usually prefer juice or tea; not too fond of bovine milk myself!” she points out. “I do enjoy presenting a wide selection!  I hear the sentiment everywhere; which is why I chose to acquire my milk from a very different source, quite locally!” Pinkie points out. “If there is anything else you could serve for lunch, I do not need to know!” Ditzy respond; “Your milk is not bovine variety?  Locally produced?” she continues. “Then I will spare you the details!  Bovine seems to be too close to home, for most ponies!  I hope human milk is more to your taste!” Pinkie respond. “You know, it is kind of like marrying a cousin; not quite all there in the end!  Ponyville is far too large, for you to marry any pony in your family! I think I found something!” she blurts out. “Pure human milk!” Ditzy reads, on the bottle of milk behind the glass. “Produced locally, exactly how locally is that?” she then inquires. “She is standing in the room; is that locally enough, for you?” Pinkie responds, with a widening grin spreading over her face. “Oh, you don’t say?  You really know how to dress up your girls and keep them happy, did you by chance ask Rarity?” she responds. “Hidden in plain sight; you don’t quite recognize us as humans, unless you know what you are actually looking for!” I realize, as I listen to Pinkie Pie explaining the situation. “When Pinkie Pie say that every pony is her friend; she does indeed mean it and she knows every pony and creature in Ponyville, quite intimately!” I ponder, giggling at my fortune. "Rarity is a dear friend, whom I trust in these matters!  Of course, I had to ask Rarity about how to dress up my girls!  I want to see my friends beam with joy, and not just in my direct vicinity!” Pinkie Pie blurts out. She is almost too fast, for me to make out everything she had just said, and to grasp the nuances of what she was actually saying. “Millie-second?” I ponder; reminded of a comic, I had heard of before. “Peace and quiet; the inner balcony would be perfect for you, unless you have a company of more than one?” Pinkie points out. “You have balconies, in this little cafe?  Now I have seen everything!” Ditzy exclaims. “No, I don’t think you have; but I will not bother you with the details, not even Celestia will live that long!” I put forth, with a conspiratorial wink. “Has bro, but I have the impression your date is here!” I point out, without any further ceremony. “A bottle of milk with two glasses; a large Daisy salad  for two and two diminutive wild strawberry cupcakes, please!” she finally orders. “Ten bits, please!” Pinkie acknowledges. I watch the mare count the bits, before Pinkie Pie is counting and slipping the bits under the counter. "Coming right up, Ditzy!” she then adds. I follow Ditzy with my eyes, as she is navigating the room; between chairs and tables, to the promised balcony table.  She easily trots up onto the balcony and sits down on the chair facing the window; waiting for the impromptu date. “Hiya, Bubble Berries, your mare is already here; waiting for you in the inner corner balcony!” Pinkie explains. “Hello, Pinkie; Thank you, I will be there in a moment!” he responds, following his mare’s hoof steps. “That is your cue, Amethyst!” Pinkie Points out. “Of course, Pinkie!” I respond; as I pick up the tray with their lunch, before I walk over to the balcony. “Here you go, bon appetite!” I exclaim, as I place their lunch on the table, before them. “Thank you!” Ditzy exclaims, excited over the situation she just found herself in. “You are quite welcome!” I point out. Just as I turn my back on the dating couple, I see the white unicorn marshmallow named Rarity with Fluttershy in tow.  Of course Rarity is taking the lead; it is who she is and how she is operating. It is also natural for Fluttershy to be in tow.  Sometimes, she is like the object following in the wake of a large and fast ship on the sea. Yet, Fluttershy is by no means diminished by staying in the shadow of a large personality.  Fluttershy may be kind and meek, but she is a strong mare in her own right. I can easily see the strength in her, as she is following Rarity. “Hello, Pinkie Pie!” Rarity exclaims; as she reaches the counter, just after she entered the room. “Hiya, Rarity and Fluttershy!” Pinkie Pie exclaims; joy beaming off of her, like light of the sun. The drama is literally and figuratively oozing off of the ponies by the counter and flooding the room like a tidal wave from a large comet. “Since you booked a table, and balcony; you are here for lunch?” Pinkie Pie inquires. “Yes, but of course; my dear, I am practically starving!” Rarity responds. “I thought so!” Pinkie responds, forcing me to grin at the remark. “From the appearance; Rarity could have been a marshmallow, molded into the shape of a pony!” I muse quietly, not permitting a sign of the image to slip onto my face. “Salad, and tea, Rarity?” Fluttershy inquires. “A fine choice, Fluttershy; a fine choice, indeed!” Rarity responds; before she is frozen in place, eyeing the menu and scanning the delectable choices before her. “On second thought, the milk is certified not to be of bovine origin?” Rarity inquires. “It is, indeed; Rarity, this is human milk!” Pinkie Pie explains. “The only pony I trust over you, Pinkie Pie; would be Applejack, and just because she is the element of honesty!” Rarity points out, matter of fact. Of course, every pony in Ponyville knows of that, by now.  No point in hiding the fact, you see it in her eyes; when she explains, what she knows to be true.  You never catch her in a lie. Not unless Discord had a finger in it, of course. That was a very long time ago, so most ponies barely remember that now. Then again, even critical details manage to slip between the cracks in memory. While I may not have watched Ruby, while she was producing this milk; but I know she enjoys the milking machine on her room quite alot.  Of course, every purchase for the cafe is registered and documented; for later use. If Ruby enjoys the lactation; but I am not sure if she would enjoy doing it before a crowd, though.  Who would? It feels a bit too private and intimate, to me. “These are the horns of my giraffe design!” Rarity ponders, as she had seen me and my horns. “The tips of the horns are glistering, as if they were wet!” she realizes. “I asked Twilight Sparkle enchant the tiaras, you crafted for me; Rarity, I think they came out just right!” Pinkie Pie elaborates, as she is noticing the glances Rarity was casting my way. “How does she know, everything?” I ponder. “I thought as much!” Rarity responds, permitting a warm smile spread out over her face. “No pony rivals her in enchanting, even if Starlight Glimmer may challenge her magic on specific fields!” Pinkie Pie points out. “Maybe we should challenge the two of them, some day; to see how they respond to our point of view?” Rarity offers, not so much in jest as a clear challenge. “I may not even be a unicorn, but even Princess Twilight Sparkle can’t challenge me in my field!” I respond, giggling. “Exactly, which is exactly the point!” Rarity responds. “I think the two of you needs a bottle of milk and two glasses!” I point out. “My body requires a large salad!” Rarity points out. “I think I have exactly what you need!” I point out, as I select a special, surprise salad for two. “A plate of cupcakes, for the two of you should give your meal that special edge!” Pinkie Pie responds, grinning. “Is this a date?” Rarity inquires, as the chock of a realization hits home on her, like an anvil on the top of her head. “Your choice, Rarity; but either way, it is on me!” Pinkie Pie explains. “I think I will accept!” Rarity announces, steering the steps towards the indicated balcony. “Thank you, Pinkie Pie!” Fluttershy exclaims, in her quiet voice; before she is following Rarity towards the balcony. Once the couple had accepted the offered lunch, I collect the lunch on a tray and follow them onto the balcony. “Allow me!” I exclaim, as I serve them the lunch. “Thank you, Amethyst!” Rarity responds, before she realizes what my name is. “Of course; Pinkie Pie had to name all her girls after gems, the colours of their eyes?” Rarity ponders, as the realization is hitting home. “I hope the meal will be to your satisfaction!” I offer, as I am elevating the balcony to the optimum height. “This is indeed a balcony!” Rarity observes, as she is feeling the floor pushing upwards under her and everything in the room is slowly moving downwards in her field of vision. “It is, indeed; figured you would enjoy the elevated position, where you would be in the limelight!” I respond. “Three feet is not much, but unless we could convince Twilight Sparkle enchant an optical illusion on the room; this is as much as we can manage, without drastic changes of the building!” I ponder. “When it comes to entertainment, and spreading joy; Pinkie Pie is generous, honest and kind for an entire city.  She also has the inspiration and the magic to push it through!” I ponder. “Pinkie Pie has indeed outdone herself; again!” Rarity points out, just as she is feeling the balcony stop. There is enough space overhead, for any unicorn to stand up on the floor, but that is just enough margin for comfort and no more.  Of course, both Rarity and Fluttershy are comfortably seated before the table. I pour up fresh, cooled milk in their respective glasses, observing as they watch me doing it.  Maybe I do enjoy the attention, just a little bit; after all, and I should not deny it. Milk is not wine, and one certainly does not store it to age; it is far too fragile and does not age well or at all.  Yet, a delicate milk glass can still lend a special grace to the drink of choice. Rarity carefully grips her fork in her magic’s grip and stabs the salad eagerly and with grace.  Fluttershy picks up her fork and tentatively stabs the salad before her. For a moment, I watch them eat in silence. As the moment had passed, I step in behind Rarity, slowly and carefully placing my hands over her head.  I spread my fingers and start scratching her between and behind her ears. There is a gasp and what would have passed for the equine equivalence of a feline purring.  This is the queen of the style and drama incarnate. While my estimate of the time is not overly exact, but I give Rarity about twenty minutes worth of adorable bliss.  Slowly, carefully scratching her head; while I manage to give her the equivalence of a massage, of the skin under her mane.  I did not even ruffle the hair on her head, so she will remember the joy of experiencing a scratch properly. I lift my hands and walk around, to stand behind Fluttershy.  As I am standing behind the shy, yellow pegasus mare, I place my hands over her head.  I spread my fingers and slowly reach for the point behind and between her ears as a good starting point. There is an instant and quite distinct change in Fluttershy, from the moment I start scratching her head.  Had I unlocked a secret dream of hers? She is the element of kindness, but does that mean that she does neither want nor need a moment of care and compassion in return? The demeanor and movements of the mare before me is slowly changing, as instants slip through the half condensed honey.  Her eyes are glossing over as she is lost in the moment. Yet, she manages to stab her vegetables with renewed and ever growing grace and precision as time is passing. I watch the two mares stopping, only to take a sip of the still cool milk I am serving them from the bottle.  It is a joy, for me to perform for these mares. Just to see them enjoy my craft and my presence. I am not a pariah of scorn and a target of scolding; but feels like the star in the room, even if it I who is serving them.  Maybe this is a contradiction, to some? I do not care, but take great joy and pride in the instant between the moments. Of course, the bottle is emptied, and they are slowly consuming their meal. As the salad is no more, they move over to the cupcake and chew.  I continue watching them in awe. While it may not be a challenge to hold the pastry; aided by magic like the unicorn Rarity. Maybe it is just me, finding it fascinating to see them eat without the use of nimble hands. The silence remains unbroken.  I may take a step back and move from one pony to the next.  There may be a squeak from my hooves as I walk, yet, the silence remains unbroken.  I hear breathing, but the room is quiet. I see other ponies moving about, below the balcony, yet the room is empty.  There is but the two ponies before me on the balcony. I see and feel the one mare before me, the one whose head I am scratching. Thankfully, I had already had my lunch; before Rarity and Fluttershy entered the cafe.  It is fortunate; since I would have been liable to distractions and could never have performed or enjoyed performing on this level otherwise. Pinkie Pie had already lowered the balcony with Ditzy Doo and Bubble Berries down to the floor.  They had enjoyed the meal, and the date had been a complete success for all involved. Other ponies had come and gone.  Ponies enter the cafe, approach the counter and order their meals.  Some continue to a table and enjoy the lunch there; while others enjoy the take-away option and eat elsewhere.  Considering the breakfast, I could imagine the room still is filled, by now. Pinkie Pie knows how to gather a crowd and entertain the ponies of Ponyville.  She knows entertainment and how to make ponies happy. You just have to grin, in her presence. Yet, I stay focused on the mare before me, the mares on the balcony on which I am standing.  I serve them a meal, please them with what I can do for them. I take joy and pleasure in their joy.  Why do I need anything else? They finally place their forks on their bowls, when they have finished the salad and consumed each and every cupcake.  Their glasses are as empty as the now dry bottle before them. I gather up everything on the tray, before I guide the balcony down to the floor. I step to the side and permit them to step down off of the balcony, watching them leave with wonder and beaming of joy.  I walk back to the counter, where Pinkie Pie is waiting. I am ablaze and beam with joy and satisfaction; as if I had been the recipient of the services.  Maybe this is a girl thing? “What if I am indeed the one given a treat?  I love scratching the pony!” I ponder. “In giving, I receive!” I point out, as I reach Pinkie Pie. “I take joy, in the happiness of my fellow pony!  I give everything I have, in pleasing the ponies before me!” she responds, grinning back at me. “Ponyville is blessed; for a pony like you, Pinkie Pie!” I utter. “The ponies who don’t understand me, compare me with the changelings of old; capable of living only by leaching on the love of others!  I live off of the joy of ponies, in the very same way! Is there a difference, it is in how I give them joy for the sake of making them happy!” she mumble. “Didn’t Twilight say that friendship is magic?  Friendship is just a type of love! Although I guess I have never known any creature readily loving any and all; with nothing but the intent to make them happy!” Ruby points out.