Chapter 5: Families, Talents, and Lovers
Cuisine watched Sugar Cube Corner with uncompromising attention. The fact that he could say nothing to his aunt and uncle about Marble’s wanting the opening at the cafe had been eating him for the two days since their date. He had promised not to talk to Tongs and Fruit, but Marble never said anything about not talking to her sister.
He stood up from the bench he had been waiting on, as a pink hoof turned the shop’s sign to ‘open’. He made his way inside and was glad to see that Pinkie was the only pony working front of the shop.
“Good morning Horte.” Pinkie saw his serious expression and walked around the counter. Before he could ask what she was doing, she pulled his face into a smile. “It’s too early in the morning for a frown like that.”
“Pinkie, I really need to talk to you.” Her manipulation of his face made it difficult for him to speak. “Is Marble where she could hear us?”
Pinkie gave him an odd look. “No, she had to go out to finish the last of the errands for mom and dad. Why?”
He removed her hooves from his face. “I need you to talk to you about your sister.”
Pinkie gasped. “You’re going to ask her to marry you already?! I take it she didn’t read the note. Rarity will love this twist. It’s just like something out her romance novels!” She dramatically waxed, “Days after a wild night of wine and passion, the stallion of the mare’s dreams comes to realize what he had done to the innocent creature’s heart, and vows to make the mare his wife.”
Cuisine’s mental gears slipped for a moment. He collected himself, and firmly stated, “For your information, it was a remarkable evening, but there were no events like the ones that your note warned her about or what you described from Rarity’s novels.”
She blushed. “Marble told you what was in the note?”
“She let me read it.”
Pinkie grinned widely. “Then she must have taken advantage of you.”
Cuisine patiently clarified, “There were no carnal acts of any kind, even with the wine involved. By the way, you have excellent tastes, thank you for that addition to the basket.”
“You’re more than welcome. You both need to unwind more. If you two didn’t knock hooves, then you must be one heck of a kisser.” She waggled her eyebrows at him. “She beams whenever she talks about you.”
He snorted a laugh. “Yes, we kissed, but it was only briefly, and she led in the proceedings.”
She made a disappointed noise. “Next time, go for it! Bend her over and kiss her till she has to come up for air.”
He rolled his eyes. “I’ll keep that in mind. Pinkie, I need you to focus. I’m here trying to help your sister get a job at The Grazing Meadow. She made me promise not to say anything to Fruit or Tongs, but I think she’s being far too considerate for her own good. Talk to her, or talk to my aunt and uncle on her behalf.” Pinkie’s contorted expression worried him. “Pinkie, are you alright?”
“Cuisine, you need to go.”
He was certain he had heard her wrong. “Excuse me?”
She went behind the counter and bagged him a couple of fresh muffins and donuts. “Keep your promise to Marble. Everything will turn out just fine. I’ve got everything under control.”
He calmly pointed out, “Pinkie, this is not as simple as one of your parties.”
She looked up from folding the top of the bag. “Don’t you think I know that? I may be a party pony, but I’m not going to let my sister be unhappy if I can do something about it.”
He had not intended to hurt her, or even to be harsh, but his words seemed to have stung her. Marble’s situation must be bothering her pretty badly as well.“I’m sorry Pinkie. I just want to make sure that Marble has the best shot she can have at doing what she wants to do.”
Pinkie came around the counter again and hugged him around the shoulders. “You didn’t say anything wrong. I’m just wound a little tight right now. I know you’re trying to help her, and I’m doing what I can to help her too, I promise.”
She gave him the bag with the breakfast treats. “Marble didn’t eat this morning. You can catch her in town and share these with her. I think she said she was going to go to the First Equestrian National Bank, so you could start around there. If she’s not there, try looking in the market.”
“Pinkie, you’re a wonder. How much do I owe you for breakfast?”
She shook her head. “Consider yours a tip for delivery. Please don’t tell Marble I’ve got a plan in the oven. It’s still not quite ready yet, but it’s getting very close.”
“I’ve made more promises in the last week than I have in the last couple of years. Still, I promise.”
*****
Cuisine caught Marble just as she was coming out of the bank. He offered to take her saddlebags and told her he was on breakfast delivery duty. They found an unoccupied bench near the edge of the park and sat down for breakfast.
She looked in the bag. Seeing the sweets she grouched, “I swear Pinkie is trying to fatten me up.”
“I don’t think so. With her metabolism, I don’t think she understands that we regular ponies can’t live on surgery foods like she does.”
“It’s intentional, trust me. She keeps saying I need a little more curve to my figure.” She self-consciously glanced back and towards her hindquarters.
He leaned in and whispered. “I didn’t get to tell you the other night, since my mouth was occupied with the basket, but you certainly don’t need to worry about your figure.”
With a smile, she commanded, “Hush, you flatterer, and eat your breakfast.”
He grinned and cheerfully obeyed. After devouring his donut, he paused, mid chew on his muffin, as he caught sight of Pinkie racing down the street at full speed. He realized that she was heading in the direction of The Grazing Meadow. Due to the way there were sitting, Marble did not catch sight of Pinkie as she ran past the park. What is that crazy pony up to now?
“Cuisine, what is it?”
“I saw a pony running down the street at a full gallop. I’m not really sure what is going on.”
She shrugged. “From what Pinkie’s told me about this town, there is no telling. I don’t hear any shouts or alarms, so it’s probably just somepony late for something.” She took another bite of her muffin. She stared down at it, as a thought occurred to her, and then asked him, “Why did you see Pinkie this morning?”
“I was hoping to take you out to breakfast again.” Which is the truth, I just wanted to see if I could get your sister to help me get some help for you first. Please, don’t ask anything else.
“I’m glad you having breakfast with me still happened. Give Pinkie enough time, and she can find a solution to just about anything.”
He agreed, “True, but you have to be ready for the most unexpected, crazy idea for the solution.” He rolled his eyes in opposing directions, making Marble laugh.
“Why is it that you can goof around like this now, but in the café you’re so much more uptight?”
“It’s left over from working in Canterlot. We dressed professionally and acted professionally when we walked into the restaurant, or we paid for it. Being formal and as flawless as possible became my shield. I tried to leave it behind when I came here, but it felt strange to work without the uniform and professional approach.”
She poked him in the ribs, causing him to jump. “You can be professional without being stuffy. I’ll help you work on that.” Her face saddened, as a thought came to her mind. “I guess it will have to be after I get back, though.”
He pulled her into a hug, not caring if ponies passing by saw them. “It’s not over yet, you still have a couple of more days with us. There’s no telling what’s going to happen.” Especially since Pinkie is involved.
She returned the hug and then released him. “Speaking of which, I need to drop off my saddlebags back at Sugar Cube Corner, and you need to get ready for work.”
He helped her off the bench and with her saddlebags. “I’ll see you there. Please, just enjoy the next couple of days. Don’t think about the future too much.”
“You and my sister have been telling me the same thing.” She jokingly asked, “You haven’t dated her have you?”
He shuddered at the thought. “By Celestia’s mane, no!”
Marble gave him a scathing look. “What is wrong with my sister?”
“Absolutely nothing is wrong with her! She I and I would not be compatible is all.” He hurriedly added, “Besides, I think she’s dating somepony already.”
Marble’s ears perked up. “Can you tell me who?”
“Not a clue what his name is. I’ve only seen him a couple of times.”
Her ears fell back in disappointment. “Drat, I was hoping you knew. Look, we’ve really got to get going or we’re going to be pushing it.”
He kissed her on the cheek, which caused her to stand still for a second at the unexpected, yet welcome, contact. “I’ll see you there.”
*****
Cuisine did not head straight home. As soon as he was certain that Marble could not see, he changed course, and went to the café. He made his way to the living area, and found his aunt and uncle sitting at their table sipping cups of coffee.
Tongs knew something was going on the moment he cast eyes on Cuisine. “Nephew, are you alright? I see you’re not in your working getup.”
Cuisine nodded. “I’m fine. Are my spare clothes still in the front closet?”
Tongs felt a little better, since Cuisine was still worrying about being properly dressed for his job. “I’m sure they have some dust on them, but they should be there. You don’t have to wear anything to work, you know.”
Cuisine acted as if he had not heard his uncle’s last remark. “I have to ask something. Did Pinkie come here earlier?” At seeing Fruit and Tongs glance at each other, he had his answer. “So she did come here. When I saw her, she was running here at full speed. What was so important she couldn’t just walk over?”
Fruit gave him a sympathetic look. “We promised not to tell.”
Tong craftily countered with his own question. “Why are you so eager to know about what Pinkie had to discuss with us?”
“Because I want to know if she’s trying to…” He stopped, aware of how close to breaking his own promise he was coming.
Fruit smiled, as she realized what was going on. “I see you made a promise too. Well then, since we’re not discussing a certain subject we can’t get into too much trouble.” Took a sip of coffee, and then grinned conspiratorially. Events will occur shortly that will help Tongs and I determine how to proceed on a certain subject. Does that help you?”
Cuisine smiled gratefully and nodded. “Quite a bit, I have to say.”
Tongs generously added, “Fruit and I know when a good opportunity comes along. No matter how certain aspects of tomorrow turn out, we plan to seize the one that has recently walked through our door.”
Fruit hugged Cuisine, as he almost seemed ready to collapse in relief. “We should help each other keep our promises, by not saying anything to any pony, shouldn’t we?”
He hugged her back, as he agreed, “Yes we should.”
*****
Cuisine hung up his tie, and leaned his head back. “Is it just me, or was tonight really wild?”
“I have to agree, we got a lot more ponies that usual for an evening like this.” Tongs dried off his hooves, having finished washing the last of the dishes.
Marble stopped her scrubbing of the counter top and turned to them. “I think the Town Hall meeting is tonight. Mr. Cake was planning on going.”
Fruit agreed with Marble. “You’re right, that’s tonight. That certainly explains the rush. If ponies are already planning on going out, they tend to eat out as well.”
They soon finished the cleanup of the kitchen, and began to head their separate directions. Cuisine gathered the articles of his spare clothing and slung them over his shoulder. “I’ll walk you back, if you would like.” He extended a hoof to Marble, who took it with a smile.
“Get some rest you two. Tomorrow is probably going to be busy too,” Tongs said, as he held the inner door open for Fruit.
Cuisine assured him, “We will.” He grinned, as he added, “I would suggest you take your own advice, but I know that won’t happen.”
“I’ll admit I have a weakness in the form of my wife, not that I mind. She knows how to push all the right buttons and make my willpower dissolve.”
Fruit’s voice sultrily drifted from deeper in the living section, “Something like this, dear?”
Marble and Cuisine could not see what Fruit did from where they were standing, but the blush on Tongs’ face gave them enough of an idea. “That would be it exactly!” He briefly turned back to them. “You two, have a nice evening. I’m certain I will.” With that, he disappeared through the door.
Cuisine shook his head. “I don’t know which of the two of them is worse.”
Marble suggested, “From what I’ve seen, you could call it a tie.”
“I certainly couldn’t argue with that.” He opened the outer kitchen door for her and then locked it behind them after they passed through.
“Pinkie.”
Cuisine was confused for a moment. He asked Marble, as he turned around, “What about her?” When he fully turned, he realized that Marble had named her sister because she was standing about two pony lengths away from them.
“Hello! I’ve come to get Marble tonight.” Pinkie bounced slightly in place, waiting for Marble to walk with her.
“I’ll see you both home then.” Cuisine politely offered.
“Tonight is super special sister time. No coltfriends allowed.” She playfully stuck out her tongue. “Besides, you got to eat breakfast with her and I didn’t.”
Marble groaned. “Pinkie, he’s trying to be nice.”
“It’s fine. I’ve seen you all day, and she hasn’t gotten to. You were considerate with Tray’s family time with us; I will be with yours and your sister.” He kissed Marble gently on her forehead.
“You two are so cute! I should have brought a camera.” Pinkie grinned, and made the motions of taking a photo.
Cuisine reciprocated the tease. “That would not be fair, since we would not be able to take a picture of you and your coltfriend. What was his name again? I can’t seem to recall.”
Pinkie grabbed Marble by the hoof and started pulling her away. “I have no idea who you’re talking about.”
“Big fellow, fairly strong looking, he doesn’t come into town all that often. I remember him pulling a cart last time I saw him. It was a heavy load too.”
“Still not ringing any bells,” Pinkie poorly denied.
Marble was enjoying the play back and forth more than she was going to admit. “Alright Pinkie, I’ll come with you, just one second.” She looked pointedly at Cuisine’s spare clothes. “Is that a new vest and tie?”
“It’s my spare set. I keep some clothes at the café in case of spills.”
She grew curious. “Did you spill on the others this morning, before you came to work?”
Cuisine truthfully replied, “I didn’t make it home as quick as I thought I would. I just got dressed at the café to save some time.”
Both Marble and Pinkie gave him the exact same look of disbelief. “You two, that’s really making me uncomfortable. Quit looking at me like that.” He waved his hooves in the air at them. “I just had to talk to Fruit and Tongs about something, and I lost track of time.”
The resulting looks from both sisters made his blood freeze. Having one of them scrutinizing him for a possible broken promise was one thing, having both of examining him at the same time was horrifying. “We talked about the crystal berries! We didn’t know how we were going to prepare them, since we haven’t cooked with them before. It’s been a long time since Tongs did any baking, and I don’t have the knack for coming up with original recipes. Please! I beg you! Quit giving me that look!”
He had discussed the crystal berries with Fruit and Tongs before getting ready for work that morning, so it was enough to pass Pinkie’s radar. Letting her concerns drop, Pinkie focused on the cooking conundrum. “Oh, I can help with that. Twilight’s brother lives in the Crystal Empire, I’m sure we can get some recipe books from there.”
He tried not to let his relief show. “That sounds like a good plan. I’ll talk to Twilight about arranging it sometime soon.”
The two mares turned to go. Pinkie looked back over her shoulder and winked. She silently mouthed, “Tomorrow.”
He grinned and nodded at her. Now I know when the plan goes into motion. I hope and pray that your plan works, Pinkie, whatever it happens to be.
*****
The next day, towards the end of the café’s hours, Fruit stuck her head into the kitchen from the outside. “Dear, we have some ponies that would like to talk to you.”
Tongs did not seem surprised, which made Cuisine wonder what was going on.
“I’ll be right there.” Tongs put down the knife he had been using to chop ingredients and untied his apron. “Cuisine, if you would be as so kind, please finish this up for me. Hopefully this won’t take too long. I would hate to leave other ponies waiting, if it does.”
“Certainly, you do what you need to do. We can manage things here.” Cuisine stepped over and started to cut and chop the various ingredients, after Tongs left his station. Fruit came in and then carried out the last of the evenings dishes. A good bit of time passed before Tongs stepped back into the kitchen.
Tongs smiled. “Marble, there are some ponies here who would like to talk to the chef that prepared their meal this evening. They were quite pleased with it, and wanted to tell you themselves.”
Marble’s face lit up. “Thank you! I’ll be out in just a second!” She started to undo her apron, but her shaking hooves so she could not manage the knots.
“Let me get those.” Cuisine leaned in, as he undid the knots, and told her, “This kind of thing only happens once or twice a year for my uncle. You should be proud.” He took the apron from her and hung it up. “You’re going to have to tell me all about it, when you get back.”
“I will.” She started to head out the door. Before she made it all the way outside, she made a gasping, strangled sound and then rushed back in. She put her back to the wall and covered her mouth with her hooves.
“Marble what’s wrong?!” She could not even speak to him. She tried to tell him, but no words would come. He rushed over and hugged her tightly. “Please, tell me what’s wrong, you're starting to scare me.”
“It’s my parents and my sister. They’re here.” Her voice trembled almost as badly as she did.
He slowly let her go. “There here?” He stuck his head out the door, and saw Tongs and Fruit sitting and talking with a pair of ponies a little older than they were. Not far from them, Pinkie and who he decided had to be Marble’s other sister were talking animatedly. He pulled back into the kitchen. “What in Equestria are they doing here?!”
She could tell he was genuinely shocked to see her family. “You didn’t know they were coming?”
“No, I didn’t have a clue. I knew that Pinkie had some scheme of hers going, and that my aunt and uncle were under a promise not to tell me about it, but that’s all. I swear on Celestia’s sun and Luna’s moon that I had no clue this was what they had planned.” He returned to hugging her. “Everything is going to be just fine. They didn’t come all this way to be ursa majors in the middle of our café.”
“I hope so.” She put her head on his chest and took a shuddering breath. “Just give me a moment.”
He slowly lifted her chin. “Keep this in mind, when you talk to them.” He kissed her deeply, making sure to be as tender as possible. After a good amount of time, he reluctantly broke the kiss and told her, “I love you. I’ll do whatever is needed to make sure you are happy and safe. All you have to do is ask, and I’ll help you.”
She tightened her hold on him for a second, as she told him, “I love you too.” She released him and calmed down as much as she could.
He opened the door for her and smiled. “Ready?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.” She walked past him and out into the seating area.
“Marble!” The younger, purple pony raced from her seat and hugged Marble. “You cooked this?! I knew you were good, but I had no idea you could something like this.”
“Young lady, we have quite a bit to discuss.” The older stallion, wearing a hat, stated. He motioned towards one of the seats. “Sit down.”
Marble felt Cuisine bristle at her father’s commanding tone. She started to reach for the chair, only to have Cuisine pull out it out for her. She gave him a grateful look, as she sat down.
“I take it you’re the stallion that Pinkie said is interested in my daughter?”
“I am. My name is Horte Cuisine. I don’t believe I have had the pleasure of knowing yours.”
“Igneous Rock is mine. This is my wife Cloudy Quartz and our daughter Limestone Pie.” He gestured to the two mares as he named them.
Cuisine bowed to each of the mares. “It’s a pleasure meeting you both.”
“You don’t have to put on airs, son.” Rock laughed.
“This is how he is." Marble told her father, without flinching at his critical gaze. "Cuisine is a gentlecolt through and through,” Marble stated. “He has never treated me as anything but a lady.” Cuisine put his hoof on her shoulder, and she reached up and placed hers on top of his.
Tongs politely cleared his throat, drawing her attention. “Let’s get right to the crux of the matter at hoof. Fruit and I have decided to extend you an offer to come and work with us. Would you care to join us here at The Grazing Meadow?”
Marble’s eyes would light up when she looked at Tongs or Fruit, but darken with dread when she looked at her parents.
Fruit nearly cried, as she watched Marble’s expression waver between happiness and abject fear. “Marble, it’s alright. We've already talked things over with your parents. Just answer the way you want to.”
Marble answered, without any hesitation, “I would love to.”
Cuisine reluctantly removed his hoof from Marble’s shoulder, as Rock got up from his seat and embraced Marble. “I know your mother and I were not supportive of you when you went off to cooking school. It was a horrible mistake I wish we could undo. We had a good, long talk with Pinkie earlier today. Then we heard all that you’ve done from Fruit and Tongs this evening. We realize this is the right spot for you.”
Quartz added her voice. “We want you to be happy. Whether you're on the farm or not, that’s all that matters.”
Marble hugged her father back. “Thank you. Thank you both.”
Rock turned her loose, and Pinkie slipped in and grabbed her. As she hugged Marble, she whispered, “I told you I’d help.”
Tears flowed down Marble’s face. “Yes you did. I’ll never be able thank you enough.”
Pinkie pulled back a little and wiped away a couple of Marble’s tears. “Just be happy and smile. That’s all the thanks I need.”
*****
Cuisine chuckled, as he followed Marble towards Sugar Cube Corner. “Slow down. Pinkie’s not going anywhere. She’s probably still baking with the Cakes.”
Marble had not noticed that she was leaving him behind. “Pinkie may not go anywhere, but this mysterious coltfriend of hers might. She didn’t Pinkie Pie Swear that he would stick around this morning, just that she would tell me who he is.”
“You don’t have to worry about that. He’s heading behind Sugar Cube Corner right now. He’s pulling a cart too, so he won’t be all that quick.” He had to trot to keep up with her. “He’s not going to vanish into thin air before we can get there, relax.”
She slowed down and matched pace with him. “You’re underestimating Pinkie. Let’s head around back. I don’t think she can make both him and the cart disappear, but she’s pulled some wild things off before.”
“If you were talking about any other pony, I would say you’re being paranoid.”
Marble indicated that they should be quiet, and they slowly made their way around the end of the store. They watched as Pinkie released her forelegs from around the stallion’s neck. He lifted her to the back of the cart, without much effort, so that they could be closer to the same height. He leaned in and kissed her. It was apparent this was not the first time they had kissed, as they were both comfortable with the act.
Marble waited until the end of the kiss, before revealing she and Cuisine were there. “So, this is the mysterious coltfriend of yours. He seems like quite the kisser.”
Pinkie looked at Marble, her face ruddy with embarrassment. “I don’t have to answer that.”
The stallion chuckled, his deep voice a clear baritone. “You must be Marble. Pinkie’s told me quite a bit about you.” He turned towards Cuisine. “Which means you must be Horte.”
Cuisine extended his hoof. “Call me Cuisine, please.”
The taller stallion shook hooves with Cuisine. “I’m Crème Brulee. Pleased to meet you both. You’ll have to excuse me, but I have to finish making my delivery rounds.” He turned back around, gently picked Pinkie up from the cart, and then set her on the ground. “I’ll see you later.” He leaned down and gave her another, albeit much shorter, kiss. He ducked into the cart’s harness, and went on his way.
Marble poked Pinkie in the shoulder. “Just how long have you two been together?”
Pinkie wistfully sighed, still recovering from the last kiss. “Eight months, five days, and ten hours.”
Cuisine snorted. “Not that you’re keeping track.”
Marble shushed him. She returned to asking Pinkie questions. “How did you two meet?”
“He works at his family’s flour mill, just outside of town. He makes the deliveries here. We met one morning, and we just hit it off. He’s strong, handsome, has a wonderful sense of humor, and cares about me, the whole nine yards.” She put a hoof to the side of her mouth and stage whispered, “He’s great at baking desserts too, but don’t go spreading that around." She grinned. "He gets embarrassed. He thinks he should just been seen as the workhorse of the family.”
Marble raised an eyebrow. “And what was that about him seeing you later?”
Pinkie nervously tapped her hooves together. “He and I are going to have dinner with mom, dad, and sis tonight.”
Marble stared at her sister for a moment. “Pinkie, just how serious is this?”
Pinkie ducked her head. “As serious as you and Horte are.”
Cuisine hugged Marble from the side. “Then it’s very serious.” When Marble turned to say something to him, he preempted her by giving her a kiss of his own. They broke the kiss, and he continued, never looking away from Marble, “Since I love your sister dearly.”
Marble smiled up at him. “Pinkie, if Brulee is near the quality of my coltfriend, you’ve chosen a wonderful stallion.” She kissed Cuisine’s nose. “But he’s never going to be my Cuisine.”
Pinkie playfully shook her head and pointed at the pair. “You can have your Horte. He’s a bit too much bit of a stick in the mud for me.”
Mable gave her a look that spoke volumes. “I plan to work with him on that on our next day off. We already have a little cooking experiment planned, if the ingredients come in on time.”
Cuisine did not know whether he should be worried at Marble’s tone or not.
Pinkie grinned. “Just remember, it’s easier to wash up dairy products than chocolate or caramel, especially if it sets.”
*****
“Marble, it won’t make any difference if you watch it bake or not.”
She looked up, as Cuisine offered her a glass of wine. “Thanks.” She turned back towards the oven, nearly pressing her nose against the viewing window. “I just don’t want it to burn. Those berries are expensive.”
He gathered a couple of plates and forks, and put them on the table. He smiled, as he took a sip of his wine, never taking his eyes off her.
She felt him looking at her. She turned her head, and asked, “Is there something on my coat?”
He grinned. “No. I was just admiring one of the natural beauties of the world.”
“I’ll have to make you take your tie off and get some wine in you more often, if you’re going to complement me like that.” The timer dinged, and she quickly pulled the pie out of the oven.
Cuisine walked over and admired her work. “Smells great, looks perfect.”
She cautioned, “But we don’t know how it’s going to taste.”
“Come and sit down. We need to let it cool off a little before we can eat it.” He turned the dial for the timer on the oven. “Just a few minutes, then we can try it.” He led her over to the couch, where they curled up together.
“Thanks again, for helping me get moved in. I don’t know how your aunt and uncle knew about the apartment, but it’s perfect for me.”
“They know a lot of ponies in town, thanks to the café. I’m sure they heard about it from one of their friends. I can’t believe your parents and sister got your stuff here so quickly.”
“We’re used to packing and shipping heavy loads of gems. Some clothing, books, a couple of items of furniture, and a few odds and ends is nothing.” She put her wine down and leaned against him. “I think they wanted to make sure I was comfortable in my new place too. They must have started packing my stuff as soon as they got home.”
He put a foreleg around her, and they sat like, enjoying each other being there, for a while.
She stirred and turned towards him. “Cuisine, I…” The timer chimed again, interrupting her. “What rotten timing.”
He nuzzled her. “And here you were all ready to dive into the pie when it was just out of the oven. Let’s have a slice, while it’s still warm.”
They got off the couch, and returned to the kitchen. Cuisine moved the pie to the table and placed it on a trivet. He held out a serving knife for her. “Care to do the honors?”
She sliced the pie, and put one slice each on their respective plates. She took a forkful, and examined it. “Here goes nothing.” She took the bite and carefully mulled over the taste. “Pretty good for a first shot, it needs a little more vanilla.”
He took a bite of his own slice. “Tastes perfect to me, we’ll let Tongs and Fruit be the tie breaker.” He put his fork down, and then gently caressed her cheek. “Now, what were you going to say, before the timer interrupted you?”
“Forget it. It wasn’t important. It was just a silly question; I think the wine’s gotten to me a little.”
“I don’t believe you.” He drew her to him and kissed her. He did not hesitate, or hold back. He poured his feelings for her into it. He only broke the kiss when she started to pull away. “Now, please ask me.”
“You just answered what I was going to ask.” She took his hoof and led him down the hall, leaving the wine and pie forgotten.