//------------------------------//
// It's A Heartache 
// Story: On The Rebound 
// by AdmiralSassMcAwesome 
//------------------------------//

Something wasn't right in Ponyville. The sofa clerk was still selling quills, the library continued to stay in business despite the obvious lack of custom and ponies still bought clothes even though they almost never wore them. Sure, these things might not have seemed entirely logical, but here in Ponyville they were the norm and they were not what was wrong.

Mr. Cake had been into the market square early to pick up a crate of eggs and some other baking needs which Sugar Cube Corner had run low on, and it was during his return that he overheard Golden Harvest comment upon something to Roseluck which caught his attention. 

"I try so hard to focus on my work, but its getting really frustrating this party drought we're having. I hope Pinkie has something fantastic planned and I hope it comes soon."

"I know what you mean, I'm pretty sure it's been over two months since Ponyville has had a good shindig!" 

Mr. Cake sighed sadly as he tried to internally recall the last time Pinkie had organised a town gathering. Generally, as the entertaining and events management of Ponyville, Pinkie Pie made sure that there were regular dances, picnics, games nights or whatever else was required for ponies to get some needed socialising and unwinding time done. With Pinkie out of action, the town was quickly losing its generally high morale. Mr. Cake noted more than one heated argument this morning in the market. The irritability of Ponyville was definitely on the rise and there was only one pony who could possibly sort things out, and to the misfortune of Ponyvilles residents, that pony seemed to have problems of her own. 

Mr. Cake entered the bakery through the back doors leaving the cart of supplies momentarily outside. "Mornin' Pinkie!" He called out cheerfully.

Pinkie Pie was standing on the opposite side of the room slowly kneading a pile of dough. Ever wearing her heart on her sleeve, it was no secret that Pinkie was feeling less than chipper. Her hair which usually bounced and curled vivaciously was now hanging loosely around her face in gentle waves which moved limp and listless, very much in tune with the general composure of their owner in recent weeks. 

Mr. Cake's smile drooped as his wife entered the room with a baking tray and gave him a sad half smile and gentle shake of her head.

Both Mr and Mrs Cake had been trying desperately to figure out what had turned their almost neurotically happy tenant and apprentice into the apathetic pony before them. 
Pinkie herself was totally unapproachable on the subject. Any question as to whether everything was going okay received a totally blank face which seemed to find the notion of expressing itself to be entirely foreign.

Pinkie's friends had naturally noticed. Well, nearly all of them anyway. The newly appointed Princess had been called away before Pinkies mood change to business in the Griffin Empire which had recently extended itself into a lengthy stay in the Royal Court of Canterlot. Pinkie had received several letters from Twilight in this time but naturally had never replied anything concerning her current feelings leaving the Princess none the wiser. 

Rainbow Dash had concocted seemingly billions of ideas for new pranks and competitions to engage Pinkie Pies interest, Rarity had spent hundreds of bits at the spa getting Pinkie mineral baths, seaweed wraps, massages and hooficures, she had even offered her an entire new wardrobe which she could design herself. In fact, Pinkies friends had been trying so hard that Applejack had even offered up the first crate from this years cider season. But despite all their efforts they received no better response from Pinkie than a sniff. 

Fluttershy on the other hand would have been more than satisfied with a sniff, on the two occasions that she had tried to approach her friend, she had received scowls and glares the likes of which Fluttershy did not even believe Pinkie capable of. 

In desperation, Mr and Mrs Cake had finally decided that as Ponyville seemed to be unable to solve their boarders problems, perhaps she needed some time away.

Mrs. Cake cleared her throat lightly as she came in beside Pinkie who continued to painstakingly push and pull at the dough in front of her as though she were consumed by a heavy fatigue. "Pinkie dear, Mr. Cake and I have been talking..." Pinkie paused to glance at Mrs. Cake for a moment before returning to her drudgery. "We've been thinking that maybe its time we branched out into doughnuts." Mr. Cake smiled in support as he came to stand behind the pair. 

"Yes! After all, they're all the rage in Canterlot, it's only a matter of time before customers start requesting them here."

Mrs. Cake nodded in agreement before turning again to the forlorn mare beside her. "But, Pinkie, as you know, we don't have any experience in making them and as Mr Cake and I have our hands full with the twins, we don't have much time available to acquire the acumen needed, so we've decided that you will be our expert doughnutier!"

The Cakes smiled broadly as they regarded Pinkie to note any changes in her mood, but Pinkie only continued with her task at hoof. 

"Of course, that means you'll have to go to Canterlot for a couple of weeks..." Mr. Cake added.

This caused Pinkie to stop her work abruptly and to turn to look at her employers. Her eyes welled with tears as she searched their faces. " Y-you're sending me... Away?" Her lip curled downwards as she prepared to launch into tears when Mrs Cake suddenly threw her arms around her. 

"Heavens, no! We could never send you away, Pinkie! You're practically a daughter to us!" As she spoke she moved her hooves in a circular motion around Pinkie's back. "No, no! We only mean that we've booked you in for a doughnut making course. It runs for three weeks at the Canterlot Doughnut Emporium, and then you'll come straight back home!" She nodded vehemently for emphasis. 

Pinkies tears abated at this and she brought one hoof up to brush away a stray tear. "So, you're not getting rid of me?"

Mr Cake smiled warmly as he reached a hoof out for Pinkies shoulder. "How could we? You're the best baker in Equestria!" He paused as his wife raised an eyebrow. "Uh, right after Mrs Cake that is... Besides, a change of scenery never hurt anypony, and it only helps you love and appreciate your home even more."

Pinkie stared for a moment before giving a small smile, "and while I'm there, maybe I can stay with Twilight and keep her company, she's been missing Ponyville terribly!" 

Mr and Mrs Cake beamed. This was more like the Pinkie they knew. "That sounds like a great idea, why don't you write to her now with your good news?"

********

Twilight couldn't believe she had lost track of the time. Since she had received Pinkie's letter she hadn't been able to stop thinking about how wonderful it would be to see her bright and totally random friend. What a break it would be from all the heavy political discussion that Twilight had endured these last few weeks? But this morning, Twilight had been... Side tracked. Yes. That's what had happened. Momentarily Twilight had allowed her focus to be captured by another bright and interesting friend she had made. 

Twilight felt a heavy blush come across her face as her carriage pulled up at the station shaking her from her reminiscences. The train could just been seen on the horizon pulling into view, in moments she would be transported back to the sweet Ponyville she longed for through its bounciest resident.

Steam poured out from under the train as it pulled into the station. Crowds of ponies streamed out from the now open carriages, Twilight making use of her newly gained height to crane her neck above the crowd to see if she could make out her pink friend. 
As the smoke from the front of the train billowed down into her eyes, Twilight vision was impeded but not the extent that she did not catch the block of pink in her peripheral vision as it stepped gingerly off the train. 

"Pinkie!" Twilight shouted galloping over to wrestle the mare into a tight hug. "I'm so happy to see you! I feel like I've been away for years!" 

Pinkie nuzzled gently into her friends neck as she returned her hug, only with less ferocity. Twilight pulled away with a quizzical look at Pinkies lack of enthusiasm. She had the hint of a smile on her face as she gazed back at Twilight, her hair was much fuller and curlier than it had been for some time, but it was still not nearly as wild as it used to be. Additionally, her eyes no longer bespoke the undying optimism of the old Pinkie Pie. 

"Is everything okay, Pinkie?" 

She breathed in deeply and nodded. "Yup. Everything's just fine." Twilight was taken aback once more. Since when were things 'just fine' in Pinkies world?

Whatever it was though, Twilight knew better than to pry when Pinkie wasn't readily giving up information. When she was ready, she'd tell Twilight what was happening. 

******

Twilight had requested another bed be set up in her room for Pinkie as soon as she got word of her stay in Canterlot, and now Twilight was glad she had. Something was troubling Pinkie and Twilight didn't want her to be left alone to brood over whatever it was. As long as they were together, Twilight vowed that she would do her best to cheer up and distract her good friend.

After a light lunch off Twilight's balcony, the fillies decided to take a walk in the gardens. As the two headed down the broad corridor, Twilight became faintly aware of the flapping of wings in the distance behind them. She decided to ignore it as Pinkie was explaining a funny incident between Pumpkin and Pound Cake.

"And then Pumpkin fell right in the..."

"Twilight!" 

The mares stopped to face the newcomer who had approached them. Folding his wings down was an orange pegasus wearing royal guard attire. Pinkie regarded him warily as his eyes were glued to a now blushing Twilight Sparkle who had turned her head nervously. 

"Oh hey, Flash. This is my friend I was telling you about, Pinkie Pie." She turned to Pinkie with a grin, "Pinkie Pie this is Flash Sentry..." She paused as though she may say more but resigned herself to lightly biting her lower lip.

"Nice to finally meet you, Pinkie Pie. Twilight's been so excited about you visiting that you're almost all she's talked about." He smiled charmingly at Pinkie Pie whose eyes moved stealthily between her friend and the new stallion. 

It was no mystery to Pinkie Pie that the two of them were romantically attached, and Pinkie's brain demanded that she be happy for Twilight, but Pinkie was simply unable to hide her dismay all the same. Her hair fell dead straight and her lips curled down as water sprang to her eyes.

Flash ceased smiling and gave Twilight a worried look, but she wasn't paying attention to him she had already moved in and grabbed Pinkie Pie's forehoof. "Flash, it's been quite a while since Pinkie and I have seen each other, do you mind if we maybe just have the afternoon to ourselves? After all, we'll have plenty of time to spend together tonight at Princess Luna's meteor shower, remember?" She look at Flash with pleading eyes which seemed to both apologise and beg.

He didn't need to be told twice. "Sure thing Twilight, I totally understand. I'll see you both tonight then. Have fun." 

As Flash vacated the area, Twilight's hoof began to grow soggy under the flood of tears which exuded Pinkie's eyes.

"I-I-I-I'm s-s-sor-r-r-ry!" 

Without thinking Twilight wrapped her hooves tightly around her friend, Pinkie loudly wiping her nose with her hoof. "There's nothing to be sorry for, Pinkie. But I think you and I are going to have to talk..." Twilight pulled away from Pinkie and looked firmly into her glossy eyes. 

Pinkie nodded. 

"Why don't we take a walk in the gardens? The fresh air will make you feel better." Twilight draped a hoof around her friend as they stood and made their way towards the Royal Gardens, Pinkie sniffing loudly as she prepared herself to confess why she had been feeling so sad. 

*******

"Okay, so what's going on?"

Pinkie and Twilight had been walking for a while now and although Pinkie's hair was still dead straight, her eyes had dried, albeit puffily, and her sniffs were almost none existent. 

"Well..." Pinkie breathed deeply and took a sidelong glance at Twilight. She knew it was unhealthy to keep this all in, but at the same time, she really didn't want to admit what was troubling her. What would Twilight, or anypony else for that matter,think of her?

Twilight watched her expectantly, they had come to a stop and Twilight took a seat on a nearby stone bench, motioning for Pinkie to do likewise. "Pinkie, whatever it is, we're best friends, and when ponies are friends, they don't judge other ponies. I want to help you. I want the old Pinkie Pie back, and if whatever you're keeping hidden away is stopping her return then I don't care what it is, I just want it out." She smiled warmly as Pinkie looked up at her momentarily from her droopy position.

Pinkie sighed. Twilight was right. Other ponies needed her. That was what she lived for, making other ponies happy. And if she continued letting this get to her, then eventually it would start hurting others as well. 

"It's... It's about Fluttershy." She finally managed. 

Twilight had to lean forward to hear her as she was speaking very softly. "Fluttershy?" 

Pinkie nodded with a light sniff. "I don't want to feel this way but I can't help it. I'm... I'm..." She looked at Twilight pleadingly, the next word was horrible to say out loud, it was a nasty secret she'd been keeping inside. No, better to let it go. "Jealous of her." Pinkie breathed in sharply and sat back, it was out now, and it felt as though a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. 

Twilight waited for her to go on, but the new Pinkie was not nearly as forthcoming with information as the old Pinkie. "What exactly is it that makes you jealous of Fluttershy?"

Pinkie sighed loudly at this and swung around to face the Princess fully. "Don't you get it? Discord moved in with her last month. The two of them are so... Happy." Pinkie bit her lip as tears rose back to her eyes.

Twilights ears perked up and she moved closer to her depressed friend with a sad smile. "You'd like a special somepony too, huh? I guess it didn't help that Flash came up before..."

Pinkie shook her head vehemently. "Are you kidding? I'm totally happy for you, Twilight! You deserve a special somepony more than anypony... Not that I'm saying Fluttershy doesn't deserve a special somepony..." Pinkie groaned.

"Then...?"

"I like Discord! Okay?!" Pinkie glared for a moment at a startled Twilight before sighing again and stooping forward. "Sorry Twilight, I didn't mean to get angry at you. It's just that... Ever since he and Fluttershy got together I've just been feeling useless and unwanted. Which I know is silly but... "She sighed and shook her head once more. "I guess you wouldn't understand..."

Twilight had never dreamed that Pinkie might have had feelings for Discord. She knew that out of all the ponies terrorised by his chaos, Pinkie would be the first to say she had enjoyed it. But somehow, liking cotton candy clouds had never translated into romantic attachment for the Princess. Regardless, she now understood why Pinkie had looked so forlorn, and recalled a time when she had experienced the very same emotions.

Pinkie suddenly felt Twilight's wing wrap around her and pull her closer to the alicorn. "Actually Pinkie, it might surprise you, but I know exactly how you feel." 

Pinkie look at Twilight with a puzzled glance. 

Twilight gave a short sigh herself now as prepared to repeat things she had hoped had been stored away for good. "You remember when I first settled in Ponyville how I would regularly go and help Applejack around the farm?" Pinkie nodded. "Well, I did it because AJ was my friend and I wanted to help her, but I had another reason too. You see... I had a crush on Big Macintosh."

Pinkie's eyes widened at this news. How did Twilight never let on about it to any of her friends? Well, most likely in the same way Pinkie had never let on about her crush.

"I figured because he's such a shy stallion that it would be best for me to approach him, as he would likely never have the nerve to ask me. On top of that, I was pretty sure that even if he hadn't thought about it before, surely he couldn't say no to me." Twilight blushed. "But it turned out I was wrong. When I went to see him he turned me down nicely, but flat all the same. When I asked him why, he told me it was because his heart was set on..." Twilight blinked rapidly as she recalled that he had sworn her to secrecy on that matter. "Uh, somepony else... Anyhow. What's important is that after that, despite the fact that I went through a bit of a rough patch, I picked myself up and carried on."

"But how? I try to be happy, but I just can't stop thinking about him and about... Her." Pinkie lamented.

"I know it's tough, Pinkie. You've just simply got to throw yourself into something! For me, I chose to begin an in depth search into the history of the Zebra's!" Twilight proclaimed proudly. "For you, it could very well be this doughnutiering. You just need to focus all your energies on that, and considering you're the queen of baked goods, it should be right up your alley. The old Pinkie Pie will be back before you know it!"

Pinkie sat up straight and thought it through. "I suppose there's no harm in trying. And I do love baked goods. Particularly when they're deep fried!" 

"That's the spirit. And who knows where this will lead you! The future is full of possibilities, Pinkie. You just gotta dive in there and start looking!"

After her burst of inspirational speaking, Twilight was feeling pretty good, and more importantly, so was Pinkie. A wave began to develop throughout her hair and a small smile spread across her face as she thought about all the delicious varieties of doughnuts she would learn to make. 

Discoveries lay ahead of Pinkie Pie, and maybe soon she'd find a special somepony of her own...