//------------------------------// // Chapter 6: Date // Story: The Magic of Laughter // by Don Pony //------------------------------// The party went on for hours; Sugarcube Corner was closed to give the party as much privacy as possible. All of Pinkie's best friends were there playing games, dancing, eating cake and having fun. Usually she was the one throwing the party and making sure that everypony was having a good time, but now she was the guest of honor and they treated her like royalty. Especially Twilight who would pop out of nowhere, whenever Pinkie seemed to need something. She liked the attention, but thought it was a little too much. Pinkie was sitting in a chair, more like a throne right at the back of the room. “What’s that throat, you’re getting dry? Well some punch is going to solve that!” said the guest of honor. A purple flash went to the table with punch and other sweets and came back to her “Here, you go. Anything else you want?” said Twilight with a small bow. “Punch without cake is boring, but I’ll go get it myself.” Again, the unicorn rushed to the table, took a slice of cake and gave it to her friend “Your cake, your highness.” “Your highness? Twilight you don’t have to be... so much like a servant.” Pinkie wasn’t really comfortable about it. “Don’t be ridiculous, it’s the least I can do for the most special pony I know.” Pinkie Pie was stunned. “I’m the most special pony she knows?” She wondered to herself for a moment. She then stood up and took a royal pose, raised her head upright and put her right hoof on her chest. “Then, I hereby decree that thou shall be my royal companion from now on.” Her eyes went wide as she realized what she just said. “Royal companion? Seriously?! What in the hay was I thinking?” She thought to herself. However the response was different from what she expected. Twilight bowed and said. “It’d be an honor, your highness.” She took a chair and sat right next to her. Which made Pinkie completely nervous; at least it was nice to have Twilight sit next to her. Twilight was sad that the party was ending, so she tried to convince the rest of her friends to stay for a bit more fun. "Come on, the night is young and so are we. What do you say, another round of punch for everypony?" She continued on about how she didn’t want the party to end, but they had been celebrating ever since they had arrived and were all very tired. Her friends thought this was strange, considering that it usually was Pinkie who insisted on keeping the party going. Even though she was tired as she could be. It wasn't until Twilight saw Spike sleeping on a cake, that she realized it might just be best to go home for now. They all left while the Cakes cleaned the place up. "Pinkie, you can go to bed now if you like. It was a hard day for you, and you might need the rest." Mr. Cake said as he was sweeping the floor with a broom, but found himself talking to the air because the pink pony had already headed upstairs to her apartment. The upstairs of Sugarcube Corner had a fully furnished apartment, which the Cakes had been renting to Pinkie Pie for years. It wasn't too big, but big enough to have everything the earth pony needed. Once she had entered her apartment she was greeted by Gummy. Who was eating Madam Le Flour, everything in the room had been gummed on by the toothless alligator. Because of her leaving without a word, nopony remembered to feed her pet. Pinkie came near the alligator with a frowny face, she looked at him for a moment and said "Meh!" She was too tired to even think about her stuff being gummed; besides nothing would be seriously damaged except for Madame Le Flour. Pinkie tumbled upon her bed to fall asleep, usually this would happen immediately. But tonight she was thinking over and over again about Twilight, and that kiss she had given her on the cheek. How much she wanted to kiss her back, and to spend a little time with her alone just looking into her eyes. She would give everything for just a night alone with Twilight. Yes, they saw each other every Thursday at noon, but even then ponies crossing by would interrupt them. She just wanted a quiet time for them to share together. Her need for sleep finally overwhelmed her thoughts. Usually she didn't dream, or if she did dream she wouldn't remember them. Pinkie saw an image of them walking down crystal streets together. It seemed that they were there for some reason, but she didn't know why. Both of them were wearing beautiful gala dresses and Twilight was wearing a crown, it was the crown that represented her element of harmony. Twilight spread her wings... "Wait... Twilight has wings?!" Well apparently she does, as she flew over and hugged her pink friend. She held onto her as they flew up and across the Crystal Empire. Pinkie looked into Twilight's eyes and kissed her, "My little princess" she whispered in her sleep. She woke up all red and sweaty in her bed. The sun was up and she had to get ready for work, even though she was still tired from the huge party last night. "Twilight with wings... yeah, sure. Even I think that’s coo-coo." Pinkie said sarcastically as she stepped on her Take-o-shower 2000. A machine that cleaned everypony who stepped in to it, Pinkie got it from a brown pony that was very good at machines even though his cutie mark was an hourglass. It was a big machine with three stages and a conveyor belt, which took Pinkie into the first stage that was "applying shampoo". A sticky pink substance came out and puffed Pinkie's mane and tail out even more. The second stage was "washing", a couple of hoses came out and blasted her with a torrent of water, to clean and rinse the shampoo completely off before she was moved on to the last stage "Drying". The fans where beneath the conveyor belt and were so strong that they levitated her a little. This helped her mane get its puffy properties. After she finished getting ready and fed gummy, who had eaten the rest of the tea party members, except for Rocky. She was now ready to start the new day. She bounced down the stairs as the Cakes were preparing everything for the day of work "Good morning, Pinkie Pie. French toast and orange juice for breakfast just for you." said Mrs. Cake while prewarming the oven. "Oh, thanks Mrs. Cake, you shouldn’t have. What are you doing here so early anyway?" Pinkie usually woke up at the same time every day; her internal clock was quite accurate. "So early?" Mr. Cake asked surprised. "But it's almost time to open." Pinkie Pie startled at that fact, stopped eating her breakfast and jumped into the kitchen. "Don't worry; I'll have everything prepared in a minute!" Usually she was the first to wake in the morning. So she could have the materials, ovens and even some mixes ready for the Cakes to start baking with. She got everything on the table that would be needed for her to start work. "It's okay Pinkie, we thought you'd be tired after the trip and the party. So we woke a little earlier to have everything set." Mrs. Cake said calmly. "Now, would you open the door? I just put some cupcakes in the oven and I want everypony to smell the aroma." Pinkie, as always, appreciated the gesture. But started to feel annoyed by everypony cutting her so much slack. She opened the doors and the first thing she saw was Spike about to knock. "Oh, good morning Pinkie." Spike was still yawning and looked tired. "Hi Spike, you want to be the first one in line for breakfast?" Spike yawn once again "Nope. Twilight woke me up and said to give you this." Spike handed a letter to Pinkie. She took the letter that stated: Dear Pinkie Pie: I don't feel like the party was good enough for the things you have done for me. Thus, I invite you to Ponyville's Cafe at 8 P.M. for dinner. Your royal companion. -Twilight Sparkle" Pinkie thought. "She remembered the royal companion thing, and she is still doing it? That was amazing!" She finally had the chance to spend time together with her, but it might be a romantic setting as well. Pinkie started to jump around the bakery and squeal in excitement, but this caused the baby cakes to wake up. She got herself together and pretended she was serious. "Spike, please tell Twilight that I'd be honored." Spike was standing there, sleeping on his feet. "Spike? ... Spike!" Pinkie yelled to make the dragon wake up. "Did you hear me at all?!" "You wanted me to tell Twilight..." Spike said nervously. Pinkie gave a sigh. "Just tell Twilight I said yes." "Okay. Good night." Spike left walking like a zombie. The earthpony was so excited that she was squealing and giggling, but then she remembered. "Shoot, I have nothing to wear." All her clothes were party dresses and a huge variety of costumes. But none of them good for a date... if it was even a date. She ran through the doors heading to the Carousel Boutique and she once again left the Cakes alone without a word. She arrived at the place just as Rarity was organizing materials. As she went into the shop the bell rang catching Rarity's attention. "Oh, hi Pinkie. How may I help you?" "I... kinda... sorta... you see..." Pinkie pie couldn't even say what she wanted. A familiar voice sounded "Oh for Celestia sake! Would you just say it?" "Rainbow Dash? What are you doing here?" Asked Pinkie "Rarity's dresses have been selling... slowly and she asked me to come by again." Rainbow wasn't happy at all and rolled her eyes. "But what is it with you, girl?" Pinkie Pie closed her eyes and told them the reason she was there. "Twilight invited me for dinner and I don't have anything to wear. I need a dress to impress her." Rarity jumped towards the pink pony all blissful. "Oh, that's so great. I designed a dress for somepony like you, but I knew you would never use it. Its right here, hang on a moment." Rarity left the room, running for the dress in the chest in her room. Meanwhile Pinkie and Rainbow were alone in the living room just looking at each other. "So... are you going on... a date?" asked the pegasus while rubbing her wing. "I don't know. I want to think that's the reason Twilight invited me." Pinkie answered happily. "So you like... really want to be with Twilight?" Rainbow asked further. "I know it’s weird, but she it's just... I can't honestly describe it." Rarity appeared with the dress and put it on the "transformation spot" as she called it, then took Pinkie and helped her put it on. It was a beautiful yellow dress with little light blue trim around the edges and a few light blue ribbons. The design was simple and the combination of colors odd, yet it looked wonderful on Pinkie. "You just need to do something with your hair and nopony will be able to resist you, you enchantress." said Rarity. "Wao wee Rarity, is perfect. Thank you. How much is it?" Pinkie asked with a big smile. "Nothing, dear. You just come and tell me all the details about the "DATE" as soon as you can, and that'd be more than enough." Rarity answered with a little grin. "Thanks, Rari. See you Rainbow. Laters" As fast as she came by Pinkie left the building. "Rainbow, are you okay? You haven't said anything." Rarity was worried about her friend "I'm fine... Let's just get this over with." Rainbow posed on the transformation spot looking down at the floor, evading Rarity’s eyes. The time flew by at Sugarcube Corner. Ponies came and went and Pinkie worked faster and harder thinking that it might help her feel the time go by faster, and it did. When the time was about right for Pinkie to get ready she went up to her apartment. The voice of Rarity came into her head "You just need to do something with your hair..." and she wondered, "Something with my hair?... maybe if I iron my hair... I haven't had my hair straight in years, which could be fun." She took the hair iron and started to style her mane and tail. It was hard, for years she had the same style of curly puffy mane. After that she put the dress on and the shoes that came with it. She was ready. Pinkie arrived at the cafe and saw Twilight in a beautiful green dress with little white decorations; it had Rarity written all over it. She took her time to prepare to talk to her, and then took a big breath and let it go. She looked at where Twilight was, and she wasn't there anymore. Where could she have possibly gone? Then a big shout came from behind her. "Surprise!" Twilight used her teleportation spell to get behind her, and Pinkie jumped from the acoustic assault. "Twilight? You totally got me!" Pinkie enjoyed the scare and started to laugh. "That's new from you, usually I'm the one who does the surprising." "Come on, let's eat. I'm starving." Twilight headed to the table that was reserved for them. The whole place was deserted except for the waiter pony that was formally dressed, and because of the lack of ponies around, he could fully attend to the two of them. He took their order and quickly went back to the kitchen. The service was completely efficient, like the whole place was only for them. This was great for the service, but made it harder for Pinkie to talk to her friend as the waiter got in the way constantly. Finally, as the plates were set and everything was ready for them to eat. The waiter stepped back. This was her chance... if it wasn't for the fact that she didn't know what to say. Her mind had gone completely blank from overthinking. "I don't like your mane." A harsh commentary that came from the unicorn. "You don’t think I’m pretty?" The earthpony felt heartbroken. "On the contrary, you look gorgeous... but your mane doesn't. It doesn't look like you, your normal style fits you perfectly." Pinkie Pie put her hoof to her mouth and started to blow. Soon the hair popped back to its usual form. "How about now?" "Now, you are completely gorgeous." Twilight made a little smile. The night went on like it was a normal dinner between friends. Even if this was Pinkie's big chance, she was too nervous to think of something smart to say. They just talked as usual about what they did that day and other stuff like that. But mostly they were quiet while they ate their food. When they were done Twilight invited Pinkie for a walk through the park. They left the bits on the table for their dinner and headed on their way. They arrived at their usual spot, but before they went to the bench Twilight raised her hoof preventing Pinkie from walking any further. “Wait a second.” Twilight used her magic to illuminate the area. Then she teleported around as if she was looking for something. She then returned to Pinkie and said “The area is safe. You may enter, your highness.” Pinkie wasn’t used to the royal treatment, but she liked having a “guardian” with her. Although she dreamed her as a princess last night. She followed Twilight thinking that they were going to the bench, but they walked passed it and went directly to the fountain. The royal companion sat on the side of the fountain and invited her friend to accompany her. For a moment there was only quiet, as they looked up into the night Luna had made. It looked different; the stars were shining brighter than normal. Then Twilight decided to be the first one to talk. "So Pinkie... there's something I want to ask you." She stopped for a moment, took a deep breath and shot her question. "How did you end up here, in Ponyville?" As Pinkie sat there staring at the moon. "Well, as you know, I got my cutie mark for making ponies happy with a surprise party for my family. But they didn't really share my passion for laughing and sometimes really didn't like how I was. One day we were moving rocks to Ponyville. My parents and sister didn't like the town all that much, but I loved how many things there were to see and do. We would stay there for two days, one to rest and the other to gather supplies for the farm. I had plenty of time to wander around and came across Sugarcube Corner. My eyes illuminated when I saw how the sweets and candies made ponies happy when they ate them. I talked to Mr. and Mrs. Cake and asked them how did that work, they showed me a little of the baking process and said that when they bake their cakes they put all of their love and passion into them so they will taste better when somepony enjoys one of their treats. I was fascinated with all the magic they seemed to put in there baked goods and figured I could make ponies happy with them as well. That place was perfect for me, but sadly I had to go home the next day. So I bought a book for baking they were selling and took it with me. When I got back to the farm I started to make tons of cakes, cupcakes, muffins and candies, I almost filled our living room with all of them. My parents... let's just say, weren't happy. After that I got depressed because I couldn't seem to make anypony happy, nor could I do something that made me feel like I accomplished something. As much as I loved my family I didn't want to work on the rock farm all my life, but I didn't know what to do. One day, my Dad decided to go get some supplies and he asked me to go with him, also to say goodbye to my mother and sisters. I had gone with him on other errands but never did I have to say goodbye, it was weird but I did it anyway. We went on our way to Ponyville, there he took me to SugarCube Corner. Turns out he had made a deal with the Cakes, they didn't have any children at the time and needed a little help. So he would let me stay with them while they took me as their apprentice. He asked me if this would make me happy and I cried like a little filly. I didn't want to leave my family but this felt like it was my destiny. He hugged me and said they would always be there for me. Since then I've been working at Sugarcube Corner, trying not to waste my father’s gift to me”. Twilight's jaw dropped, she could never imagine going through something that sad for her dreams. But now she had something else bothering her. "Why have you been so serious lately?" Pinkie lowered her head to answer. "Well, since the accident I've been trying to be more "grown up" as you wanted." "Pinkie, I didn't mean that. I was angry and I didn't know what I was saying." Twilight said apologetically. "To be honest... I always liked the way you are. So carefree, so true to yourself, not caring what anypony else would say, it's so... you. I don't want you to be any other way." "You do?" Pinkie blushed and shrunk shyly "Th... thank you. I always like you, too... I mean, I like the way you are. How you take care of things you like, how you focus on what you want and how you really are. I love spending time with you." The two of them gazed into each other’s eyes, the wind blew moving the leaves of the trees, and the silence of the night was keeping everything in order. The pink pony was shaking, she couldn't control herself and a little voice was saying "kiss her", but another voice was saying "she is your friend, don't risk it". She was breathing heavily, her heartbeat was crazy and her mouth started to mumble nonsense. Until she finally decided to tell Twilight the truth "Twilight... I... I... I always..." Before she could even finish a sentence, Twilight came close to her. She put her hooves on Pinkie's cheeks and adjusted her face to look at her. Twilight was blushing too and smiling; her eyes shined and showed she had a plan. Then Twilight moved slowly towards her friend until Pinkie could smell her sweet aroma and feel the fur of her coat, and without any warning she kissed her. Pinkie's eyes widened in surprise, she felt her friend kissing her so passionately, and saw how beautiful she was. She closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around her, and kissed her back. The soft lips of the pony kissing her felt like heaven, it was like nothing she had ever felt before, she felt like her soul had reached the skies and was bouncing on the clouds. She didn't feel her heart, she couldn't tell if she was breathing or not, she didn't know if she was alive, the only thing she knew was that she didn't want this moment to end. The kiss felt like it lasted for what they thought was hours. They only separated to stare into each other’s eyes again, Pinkie caress Twilight's face lovingly while she asked "This means we're dating, right?" Twilight giggled at the question "Yes, dear. Yes, it does." Then, the pink pony became worried "What would everypony else say?" "I don't care. The only thing I care about is being with you." Answered the unicorn as she ended the sentence with another kiss. They went to the library to spent the night together, until the sunlight touched the ground.