Ponyville. Such a quaint town, with a reputation for being charmingly rustic. Well, I suppose I gave it that some of that reputation, but that does not mean it isn’t true. There’s something so...simple, about life here. Now don’t get me wrong; simple isn’t always bad. Quite the opposite actually. I needed to take a break from the complex life that is the Canterlot upper class.
So far, I was enjoying myself. I was what I assumed to be the center of the town, for the biggest building in the town was located here. The Town Hall, perhaps. It was covered in pink and red banners, celebrating today’s holiday: Hearts and Hooves day. I took a moment to admire the decor. It was very tasteful, but not over the top. Far different to anything back in Canterlot.
I’m not willing to give up that life though, heavens no. However everypony should spice up their life a little in order to try new things. I am quite lucky in that respect. I’m what you could call a ‘trendsetter’. Other nobles are not so fortunate.
I trotted around the town, gazing at the couples that were enjoying their day. It was quite a sweet sight to see. I saw mares with mares, but I didn’t judge them. I don’t think anypony was.
Ponyville has a sort of relaxed atmosphere about it but you’d never hear that from the citizens. I’ve heard stories ranging from a rampaging ursa storming into town and a plague of parasprites. Curiously, a few ponies always seem to pop up: Rarity and her friends.
I peered around quickly, not spotting them. I was hoping to avoid that particular mare today. The only reason I left Canterlot was to escape an entourage of lovestruck mares on Hearts and Hooves day. No doubt that Rarity would be the same. Even so, if she found me, one mare following me is better than ten.
She’s very sweet though, that can’t be denied. The first moment I met her, I knew she was lying. Granted, she was staying in Canterlot Castle but the rest wasn’t truth. It’s perfectly understandable why she would resort to lying though. If you don’t have considerable influence, you must follow the herd in order to survive. I make it sound wretched but in all honestly...it is.
I had used my influence in order to save her hide and even when the truth finally come out, I still supported her. I’m very glad she (eventually) stuck by her friends though. In Canterlot, friendship is fake, all too often.
I kept walking along, smiling at anypony who came by. It really was a perfect day. I can almost imagine it in a postcard. The sun was shining, big clouds hung in the sky. I even saw a butterfly or two.
I was curious to see how Ponyville’s inhabitants handled Hearts and Hooves day. In Canterlot, it is simply a contest to see how can get paired up with the most powerful noble. Hence, my reason for being here. Last year’s Hearts and Hooves day wasn’t a disaster it was just...tiring. Today, I wasn’t looking for a special somepony. I was merely observing. Perhaps fade into the background for once.
That plan didn’t get off to a great start, I must say. I was heading towards the establishment named ‘Sugarcube Corner’. I had heard that they sold the greatest of confectionaries and I thought I could spoil myself today. Yet before I could even enter, something pink appeared from seemingly nowhere and blocked my way.
“Hi Fancypants!” Aah. Her. I wasn’t prepared to see her so soon. I remembered her and her...certain ways. “Whatcha doing here?”
My first instinct was to not act surprised at all. I don’t think it worked, but she didn’t comment on it either way. My next task was to try to remember her name. “Aah, Pink...Pinkie Pie, was it?” She nodded and the silly smile she had on her face grew even bigger. “I was just visiting your quaint little town.”
She seemed a little disappointed at that, tilting her head to the side. “Just visiting?” It didn’t take me long to figure out where this was heading.
I gave her a firm nod, with a small smile. “Indeed. I must say though, it has been very enjoya--”
“You don’t have a special somepony?” I didn’t scold her for her interruption but in Canterlot, something like that would have had her disgraced from the city. That’s an exaggeration, if you didn’t realize.
I really would have preferred not to talk about this but I suppose it was inevitable. I kept my smile on as I answered, “I do not. However, that isn’t--”
“Don’t you get lonely?”
That question stunned me for a short bit. “Not at all. I have many fine mares waiting for me back in Canterlot.” I blinked after saying that. That blasted question had thrown me off more than I thought...thankfully, she seemed innocent enough not to notice my mistake.
“Why aren’t you with them then?” she asked. I was getting a little bit annoyed with all these questions but I could see the concern in her eyes. It was rather touching.
Unfortunately, I didn’t really have a answer for her question. Time to bluff my way through. “I’m just...not.” In hindsight, there were probably hundreds of better excuses out there.
Either she was way too trusting or she knew that I was lying and was changing the subject topic. Finally. “Okie dokie lokie!” She bounced on the spot and turned around to face Sugarcube Corner, before looking back to me. “Did you wanna cupcake?”
“Why yes, I was looking to--” before I could finish, she darted off inside. Suffice to say, I was shocked at the speed at which she could go. I also started to wonder exactly why she kept interrupting me. She seemed excitable, so perhaps she was impatient...but that doesn’t explain why she inquired into my love life. I started to get an inkling of suspicion that I was long winded.
Before I could conclude on my thoughts, she was back, cupcake in hoof. “Here you go!” she chimed, grinning so wide that I thought her face would tear itself apart. Eugh. A horrible thought. The cupcake though, was the very opposite. It was basic in design but that only added to its charm. It was covered in pink icing and on top was a traditional love heart. I assumed it was made out of cherry.
I enveloped the treat in my magic and let it hover by my side. “Thank you Pinkie Pie, how much do I owe you?”
She blinked in surprise. “Why would you owe me anything?”
Now it was my turn to blink. “You kindly bought me a cupcake, so it is only fair that I pay you for it.”
Pinkie shook her head rapidly, her mane getting whipped everywhere. No wonder it was so...everywhere. “I didn’t buy it, silly! I made it!”
I dismissed the thought that she made it in those few seconds. “Aah, I see. Even so, I still owe you something.” I opened up a pocket with my magic, retrieving a couple of bits from my wallet within. I had to open it first; it has a special magical lock, you see. Makes it all the more harder for pickpockets to grab its contents. I levitated the bits near her but she backed away from them.
“Nononononononono.” She shook her head again. How was her neck still intact? “You don’t understand. I made this for you for free!”
At this point, I was lost. “But...you’re not a waitress or a servant.”
“Nope!” she answered, still maintaining that smile of hers.
“So therefore, I owe you something. I insist, take the bits.” I brought the bits closer to her but once again, she retreated from them.
“No you don’t!” she giggled. I don’t think I’d ever heard a laugh so genuine in my life.
I simply couldn’t wrap my head around why she wouldn’t take my payment. In Canterlot, favours were always repaid with either another favour or bits. Every noble had the money to do so. It was just simple etiquette. I realized that this wasn’t Canterlot but despite that, it still seemed like the most sensible and kind thing to do.
I decided to put the bits back and changed tact. “Perhaps there is something I can do for you then?”
“Eat the cupcake!” Pinkie ordered, pointing at the treat.
I suppose it’d have to suffice, for now. I lowered the cupcake towards my mouth and I took a bite. The sweetness leapt onto my taste buds immediately. It was almost overwhelming. I never thought cherry could taste so good. Truly, she was talented at her craft. I resisted the urge to wolf it down and took my time with it. All the while, Pinkie was staring at me expectantly. Once I had finished, I got out a napkin from a pocket and dabbed it around my mouth.
“That was simply divine, Pinkie Pie!” I exclaimed.
Pinkie laughed again. “Thanks! And you don’t need to call me ‘Pinkie Pie’ all the time! Just Pinkie. Or Pinks. Or whatever you want!”
I was glad she said that actually. “Aha, well in that case, Pinkie it is.” I quickly started a new conversation topic before she could. I thought it’d be interesting if I turned the tables on her. “So do you have a special somepony?”
“Nope.” I tried to look for evidence that would suggest how she felt about the matter. I got nothing.
“And how do you feel about that?”
“All I care about is making my friends happy!” She gave me a single, firm nod. Seemed like she was very serious about that. It was noble, yet I couldn’t help but fear that she never gave time for herself.
“Hm, I see.” That was all I wanted to say. Intruding too much would have been rude. It felt awkward to just let the conversation stop like that but luckily, Pinkie was on the ball.
“Soooooo did you wanna see Rarity?”
“No!” I blurted out. Damnation, Pinkie was brilliant at destroying your composure in a matter of seconds. I tried to build mine back up. “As I said, I’m just visiting.” Time to divert the conversation once again. “What did you plan on doing today?”
“The only things I plan are parties. The rest I kinda make up as I go along,” she replied nonchalantly.
“Well, I think I’ll take a walk around town.,” I said as a hint to end our meeting. She didn’t catch onto it.
“Oh! Can I come too?”
Looking into those expectant eyes of hers, I found it hard to say no. “If you wish.” I don’t know what she would’ve done if I had said no. I couldn’t imagine her sad. It was like trying to imagine Prince Blueblood being humble...haha, what an absurd notion.
I set the pace, walking away from Sugarcube Corner (the cupcake I ate had surprisingly satisfied my hunger) with Pinkie walking alongside me. I looked around and almost everywhere were couples. Strangely, the majority of them were female and female. Canterlot wasn’t as...progressive on social matters such as that. It was quite odd, seeing so many mares together. The best part was that their eyes weren’t focused on me.
Surprisingly, Pinkie had kept quiet. She was seemingly looking at the same ponies I had but I didn’t look at her face to determine what she was thinking. We were walking past a nice little restaurant before she finally spoke up.
“Aaaaaw!”
I turned my head, looking at the pink mare. “What is it?”
“Over there!” she chimed, pointing at a couple sitting at a table just outside the restaurant. They were simply staring into each other’s eyes romantically. There wasn’t even food on the table yet. “That’s Lyra and Bon Bon. Don’t they look so happy together?”
I nodded. “Quite.” There wasn’t much else to say. It wasn’t my place to comment on them.
“They’ve been together for about...uuuuh...three years now!”
“Three years you, say? Are th--”
“Yes. Three years I do say indeed!” she interrupted, copying my Canterlot accent.
I refrained from frowning. It was rude yes but...I suppose it was a little endearing. “...yes. Are they married?”
“Nope.”
“Hm...I see...” I trailed off, thinking. In Ponyville, it seemed, relationships went at their own pace. In Canterlot, it was usually a case of who can marry the most powerful noble. At least, it was for the upper class.
“Do you want to get married someday?” Pinkie asked me, looking up into my eyes.
I rubbed my chin with a hoof, musing over the question. “It would be nice. I shall need a heir to continue the Fancypants line anyway.” I had already thought about this subject before and had decided that if I couldn’t find real romance, I would have to settle for a fake one. Fleur de Lis, most probably. Rumours were already circulating in Canterlot that were we a couple anyway.
I blinked, realizing I was staring off into space. I looked down at Pinkie and posed her the same question: “And how about you?”
She shrugged absent mindedly. “It might be nice...I dunno!” In all honesty, I didn’t think a mare like her could settle down with somepony else.
We kept on walking and soon found ourselves in the Ponyville Park. It was rather serene and beautiful, with bright and colourful flower birds and the songs of birds that flew between the big strong trees. Like everything else in the town, it wasn’t too complicated or over the top.
Note to self: invest in a summer home here.
This was probably the most romantic area in Ponyville and that was to be expected. Couples had taken every bench in the vicinity, some were kissing, others were giving gifts and a few were just enjoying each other’s company.
During our walk, Pinkie had repeatedly brushed against me. I passed it off as an accident but I could not take it forever. However, I still wanted to be polite.
She brushed my side again and I took the opportunity to speak. “Pinkie, I’m afraid I have to point out that you are brushing against me a lot. Could you kindly stop, please?”
She halted and looked up at me. “Oh! Sorry about that!” she chimed, before continuing her stride.
“Thank you,” I said with a smile, one that she returned. I was relieved--no way of telling where a simple request could get you with this mare.
We had been walking for quite some time, an hour or two perhaps? Regardless of the time, I had began to notice that some other ponies were giving us curious looks. Not that it bothered me. I was a new face in town and chances were that many ponies didn’t know me all too well. Even if they did, they may have been too nervous to approach. In that respect, I was glad Pinkie did. It was nice having someone to talk to without them constantly asking me for favors or my approval over something.
Even if it was nice there was something...odd about it all. I had heard stories of this famous--or depending on the view, infamous--mare. The stories went from her throwing wild parties to her seemingly appearing out of nowhere. The pony beside me was acting a lot more mellow than the one in the stories. Perhaps it was because of the day? I can see why no couple would want their romantic day ruined by a loud party pony. I also had first hoof experience when I briefly saw her at that party. It just did not seem to add up.
“So Pinkie, do any of your friends have special someponies?” I asked out of genuine curiosity. I wouldn’t be surprised if Rarity was seeing someone.
“I think Rarity is having a date with some stallion in Canterlot...I can’t remember who.” Hah. Knew it. “Fluttershy is having a tea party with her animal friends.” Admittedly...that did sound adorable. Somewhat childish though. “Applejack is working at her farm...”
“Hm, she doesn’t sound interested in this whole affair,” I said. Wait, did I just interrupt her?! I really hope that being here isn’t ruining my social graces. “Apologies. Carry on.”
“It’s fine!” she replied with a giggle, then carried on, “Twilight is with Spike at the library.” Curious. ‘Spike’ sounded like a tough stallion...certainly not someone who I pictured being with the mare I saw at that party. “And Rainbow Dash...huh. I haven’t seen her all day!”
“And you are with me,” I said with a light chortle.
“That I am!” she exclaimed. She opened her mouth to say something but then snapped it shut. Curious.
“Were you going to say something, Pinkie?” I inquired. It may have been a bit intrusive, but I had the hunch something had been bugging her all day.
“Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeell...” she looked at another couple, this time a mare and a stallion, who were feeding some ducks at a pond. “Don’t you wonder what it’s like sometimes?”
“What--” I cut myself off, for the gears in my mind had clicked into place. “Sometimes, yes.”
“It’s one of those things you can never feel unless you’ve experienced it, I guess,” Pinkie stated. I almost gasped in surprise, having heard such words come out of her mouth. Clearly she was smarter than I thought.
There was a moment of silence before I spoke, “Would you like to experience it one day?”
“Would you?”
I looked up at the sky. It was beginning to set now, the blue slowly transition into a bold orange. “One day, yes.”
I heard the smallest of sighs escape Pinkie’s lips. “Me too,” she said quietly. I was beginning to see where this was going, or where it could go, at least.
I had to be sure though. “Pinkie...” I cleared my throat, “Are you...?” I waved a hoof, hoping she’d catch onto what I was getting at.
She looked back at me, seeing my gesture. “I...I dunno.”
I couldn’t imagine myself with her. We were just two very different ponies and the rule ‘opposites attract’ wasn’t a rule that could be applied anywhere. Yet despite that, I couldn’t just deny her so easily. Clearly the young mare was still growing up and discovering herself. So I opted for the middle path.
“Pinkie, how about I offer you some dinner, hm?” I asked, giving her a charming smile.
Her mouth formed an ‘o’ shape. “What like...a date?”
“I suppose so. Although let me be clear: I’m not your special somepo--”
“Wooo a date!” she yelled at the top of her lungs, much to my embarrassment. I couldn’t back out now though. “This is gonna be so fun! I know the perfect place with lots of tasty grub! But not actual grubs ‘cause that’d be icky. I know that because I gave Rainbow Dash a cupcake with worms in it once and she had to go the hospital after eating it!”
Before I could think about why anyone would want to eat a cupcake with worms in it, Pinkie was already bouncing down the road. “I’m on a date and it’s gonna be great and the restaurant will be first rate!” she sang.
I laughed to myself, slowly catching up with her. I suspected that she knew we weren’t a couple; she wasn’t rubbing herself all over me like many of my admirers do. Still, hopefully this would teach her something.
And who knows? Perhaps it would be a rather fun dinner too.