The day was fairly slow, Derpy kept coming back for more muffins, but nothing more than that. Pound was getting ready to go up to his room when Fluttershy entered the shop with her daughter, Autumn Spice.
“Hello Fluttershy, and hello there Autumn. How are you today?” Mrs. Cake said, and Pound flew straight toward them.
“I’m good, how are you?” Fluttershy replied.
“I’m good as well. Can I get you something?” Mrs. Cake offered, and Fluttershy shook her head.
“Autumn would like to help bake, if that’s okay.” Fluttershy said, and Autumn popped up behind her.
“H-hey Pound Cake. How are y-you?” Autumn said, and Pound smiled. Autumn’s stutter made her even more beautiful.
“I’m good.” Pound said.
“Shall we begin baking?” Pumpkin stuck her head out from the kitchen door, and Autumn rushed after her, her orange and pink mane flowing behind her. Pound had been baking all day, and had been growing tired of dusting flour off his wings, but he’d do anything to spend some time with Autumn.
***
“Could you hoof me the brown sugar?” Pumpkin asked, and Autumn grabbed the brown sugar from the top cabinet, and gave it to Pumpkin.
“Keep stirring this while I ready the oven.” Pumpkin said, and Autumn took the spoon from Pumpkin’s magic.
“The recipe says 350 degrees!” Autumn said.
Pound stared in awe. They’re just like one pony! He thought, as the two fillies worked together to ball up the cookie dough. He had asked if there was anything he should do to help a few times, but was met by a distracted mumble, and he assumed his request was denied. Soon, the dough was in the oven and all three of them were cleaning up. Of course they accept when he asks to help clean up the mess.
“This was really fun.” Autumn said, and dipped her mop in the bucket.
“I’m glad you enjoy baking so much.” Pumpkin said, and they both nodded.
“I’m glad you come here so often.” Pound said, and then clamped his mouth shut. I wasn’t supposed to say that out loud! He thought, angry at his loss of control. He had said his thoughts out loud, but luckily they weren’t met with as much attention as he thought.
“I’m glad you come around often, too.” Pumpkin said, and Pound was grateful for his sister covering for him.
After the kitchen was sparkling clean, the three young ponies went out into the main part of the shop. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie where chatting by a table, while Big Mac and Mr. Cake spoke by the bar, a mug of cider in their hooves. The three rushed over to Fluttershy and Pinkie, and both Pound and Pumpkin were met with a surprise hug attack from Pinkie.
“Oh you guys! You’re soooooo big!” Pinkie said excitedly, and squeezed them harder. Pumpkin seemed to be enjoying the hug, but Pound was eager to escape. Not that he didn’t like Pinkie’s hugs, he just didn't like them in front of Autumn, who was trying to hide her giggles at the hilarity of the situation.
“What did you bake today, guys?” Pinkie asked.
“Chocolate chip cookies!” Autumn said excitedly, and jumped in front of Pinkie.
“Aww, you guys, I love, love, LOVE baking cookies! Let me know next time you bake, because I would love to help!” Pinkie said, and Fluttershy giggled. Pinkie Pie was always entertaining to the young ponies, even now that she was older.
“Well, we better get going. Come on, Autumn Spice.” Fluttershy said, and got up from the table.
“Hold on a moment, Mother.” Autumn said, and pulled Pound Cake aside from the group.
“Hey, Autumn. What’s up?” Pound said shakily, and Autumn giggled.
“The sky. But I wanted to ask you something.” She said, and Pound leaned in a bit closer.
“Yes?” he said, and Autumn breathed deeply, as if preparing for something. She squeezed her eyes tight.
“Do you think you’d like to go out sometime just you and me? It’s okay if you don’t want to, I was just wondering.” Autumn asked, and opened her eyes. She had asked her question so quickly, that the words slurred together and sounded more like a single word than a sentence.
But Pound didn’t care. He had to use all of his willpower to keep from yelling out ‘Yes! Yes of course! I love you so much Autumn Spice!!’, so he managed with a simple “Sure.”
Autumn blushed, “So, um, tomorrow afternoon? 2:30? At the park?” Autumn asked, and Pound nodded.
“Great, I’ll see you there, I promise.” Pound said.
“See you there!” Autumn said, and then walked away with her mother, pink and orange mane flowing behind her.