Pinkie Pie bounced and hummed as she made her way to Sweet Apple Acres. This is going to be so much fun! I'm gonna throw the best party for Luna, and Twilight's going to be proud of me, and she'll give me a big hug, and maybe even cuddle! Pinkie's stomach flipped at the thought, and Pinkie decided to flip with it, landing on her rump. She giggled and rolled around, smiling at her daydreams.
“Pinkie, what are you doin now?” Applejack said, smiling as she trotted up to her friend.
“Oh, hi Applejack, you were just the pony I wanted to see. Well, not really, I want to see Twilight but she's sleeping or should be. Anyways I've got to talk to you! There's big news, try and guess what. Come on, try try try,” Pinkie said quickly, springing to her hooves.
“Alright, Ah'm guessin that you're here about that festival the town is holdin for Princess Luna,” Applejack said.
“Yup! That's one hundred and thirty percent correct! Which means it's a little wrong cause you didn't guess that Twilight put me in charge of making sure it's the best party ever! And that's why I'm here now,” Pinkie said, bouncing in place.
“She did huh? Makes sense Ah guess,” Applejack said in an odd tone of voice. “So Ah guess you're wantin to make sure we'll have all the food ready on time? Cause we're actually ahead of schedule, so we'll have no problems gettin everything ready,” she added proudly.
“I know that silly,” Pinkie Pie said grabbing hold of Applejack's front hooves. “I'm here because this is the perfect opportunity for us to showcase the Sweet Apple Cider Cupcakes to the Princess and the entire town! Plus with those tasty treats the party is guaranteed to be a resounding success. But I can't make them without your help Applejack.”
“Good idea Pinkie, let me just tell mah family where Ah'll be and then let's get started,” Applejack said. The two ponies quickly headed off to Sugarcube Corner after packing up a barrel of cider. Along the way Pinkie chatted about her plans for the festival and Applejack offered ideas and pointed out likely problems. They got started baking and after the first batch was done they were joined by Mr. Cake and Mrs. Cake.
“Hello Applejack, how are the cupcakes coming?” Mrs. Cake asked as she entered the kitchen.
“Great Mrs. Cake,” Applejack replied.
“This is going to be so amazing! These cupcakes are sure to catch and keep Princess Luna's attention with their sweet, appletastic taste, with a wonderful crunch and flavor provided by the almonds. All wrapped up in a delicious cupcake that practically melts in your mouth and leaves you craving more,” Pinkie Pie said.
“Enough Pinkie, you're makin me hungry,” Applejack said, laughing.
“Are you girls looking forward to the party?” Mrs. Cake asked.
“You bet,” Pinkie said quickly.
“To be honest, Ah haven't really thought about it. Ah've been distracted lately,” Applejack said.
“By what dear?” Mrs. Cake asked.
“Ah'd rather not talk about it,” Applejack said. Mrs. Cake nodded in response, but Pinkie grabbed Applejack's head and brought her own head right up to hers.
“No way. Something is bothering you and I'm not going to let you be anything less then perfectly happy. If you aren't happy then today isn't perfect, and if today isn't perfect then it isn't as good as yesterday, then that means my days will have stopped getting better and better!” Pinkie yelled.
“The problem Pinkie, is that Ah've been distracted by...something. And Ah'd rather not think about it. So the best way you can help me is distractin me, so Ah'm not bothered by my thoughts,” Applejack explained patiently.
“Oh, okay! Now how can we do that?” Pinkie mused, rubbing her chin.
“Let's just talk about something else, how about why yesterday was so good?” Applejack asked.
“Alright, well yesterday I got to jump on Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Twilight when they were hugging, and then Twilight gave me the responsibility of organizing the party for Luna in her place! Then I got to calm down and cheer up Cheerlie and Mayor Mare, so we got to spend all day planning a festival for Princess Luna,” Pinkie said.
“Sounds like your kinda day alright,” Applejack said. “So why wasn't that day perfect?”
“Cheerliee said that Princess Luna was here to court Twilight, and that made my stomach twist all up into a ball. I didn't know what that feeling meant, and even though I kept a look out I didn't see anything that my Pinkie Sense would be warning me about,” Pinkie said.
“What did you just say Pinkie?” Mrs. Cake suddenly said, jumping into the conversation.
“I didn't know what that feeling meant, and even though I kept a look out I didn't see anything that my Pinkie Sense would be warning me about,” Pinkie repeated.
“No, the sentence before that. You said something about your stomach twisting when you heard the rumours about Princess Luna and Twilight,” Mrs. Cake said.
“Right, my stomach got all twisty, kinda like it's doing right now when I think about Princess Luna dating Twilight. It's really a bad feeling, I wish it would stop,” Pinkie said, holding a hoof to her chest.
“Pinkie are you jealous of the Princess?” Applejack asked, her eyes wide with shock.
“Umm, I guess so? I don't really get why I would be though,” Pinkie said.
“Do you love Twilight?” Mrs. Cake asked.
“Sure I do, I love everypony,” Pinkie Pie replied.
“She's means romantically, like Mr. and Mrs. Cake,” Applejack explained.
“Oh...I have no idea,” Pinkie said cheerfully.
“Well, try thinking back to your last crush. It'll be kinda like that but more so,” Mrs. Cake said.
“I've never had a crush on anypony before,” Pinkie said.
“Alright, well are you attracted to mares or stallions? Cause then just think of whatever you find pretty in a partner and see if that feelin is similar to what you're feelin for Twilight,” Applejack said.
“I'm not really attracted to either,” Pinkie Pie admitted. “Kissing Twilight was a lot of fun, but kissing Trixie wasn't nearly as nice.”
“You kissed Twilight and Trixie?” Mrs. Cake and Applejack shouted in unison.
“Yup, but only Twilight felt good. Hey, is it possible for a pony to fall in love with another pony regardless of what their gender is?” Pinkie asked.
“I don't see why not,” Mrs. Cake said, nibbling on her hoof in worry. “But if you're in love with Twilight then you'll be competing with the Princess. Oh dear.”
“Ah find it mighty suspicious. Pinkie can you tell me when you started to feel this way about Twilight?” Applejack asked, staring directly into Pinkie's eyes.
“Nope, I don't really pay attention to that sort of thing,” Pinkie said.
“Fine then. Can you do me a favour then? Ah want you to just focus on making this party for Princess Luna the best possible party ever. Then we can figure out this whole situation with Twilight right after, alright?” Applejack asked. Mrs. Cake looked at Applejack oddly for a few seconds before brightening up.
“That way you don't have to compete with Princess Luna. It's not like she's going to take Twilight away from Ponyville when she leaves. Good idea Applejack,” Mrs. Cake said.
“Sure thing Applejack,” Pinkie said, before getting back to work. Applejack joined her while Mrs. Cake started cooking up some cakes. The rest of the day went quickly, and Applejack went home in the evening satisfied with a good day's work.
Rarity sat and thought. She sipped her tea. She tapped her hoof against her table and then inspected the bottom of it for any chips in her manicure. She sipped her tea again. She got up, looked out the window, and then sat back down. She sipped her tea. She idly inspected her empty tea cup. She designed a new hat, made out of empty teacups, a few plates, and tea bags. She checked her hoof again. Definitely a little scuffed. She headed to the spa and gossiped with Aloe and Lotus as she got her hooves done. Rarity shared her theory with why Luna was in Ponyville and needed to relax in the sauna for a bit. Rarity got home and her stomach growled. She ate dinner, had another cup of tea and went to bed. The next morning she sat down and ate some breakfast. She stared at her empty plate before getting up and washing it.
“Good morning Rarity,” Sweetie Bell said loudly, startling Rarity.
“Oh, good morning Sweetie Bell,” Rarity replied, holding a hoof up to her chest.
“So what are you doing today?” Sweetie Bell asked.
“I'm not sure, I'm trying to think of a plan but I can't seem to think of anything,” Rarity said.
“Well maybe I can help,” Sweetie Bell offered.
“Maybe, but you've got to get to school,” Rarity said.
“K, oh I wanted to meet up with Spike after school. I'm sorry Rarity, I don't think I'd be able to help you after all,” Sweetie Bell said.
“Spike? That's it! I bet Spike could help me,” Rarity said.
“Aww, you aren't going to take Spike for the entire day are you? I wanted to play with him,” Sweetie Bell said, pouting.
“Don't worry Sweetie, I'm sure we'll be finished by the time you're out of school,” Rarity said, patting Sweetie Bell on the head. Sweetie Bell said goodbye and ran off to school while Rarity headed towards the library. As she expected, Starshine was standing guard at the door, but Rarity had a plan. She walked to the back of the library, and pulled out a gem. She pulled out a finely made silver hammer and tapped the gem once, causing it to chime sweetly. Spike's head popped out of the window shortly and he looked down to see Rarity beckoning him with a hoof. Spike jumped out the window, slamming into the ground.
“Goodness, Spike are you alright?” Rarity asked, as Spike peeled himself off the ground.
“Sure, I barely felt it,” Spike said, dusting himself off.
“Well okay. Please don't do things like that though,” Rarity said. Spike nodded in reply as he munched on the gem Rarity offered him. “Anyways, I need your help with something Spike.”
“Sure thing Rarity, what do you need?” Spike asked.
“Ideas,” Rarity sighed. “I'm trying to think of a way to prevent Princess Luna from seducing Twilight and taking her away to Canterlot.”
“Oookay,” Spike said, slowly.
“But I can't think of anything,” Rarity said, looking at Spike expectantly.
“So why do you think I can help?” Spike asked.
“You're practically Twilight's brother, and I'm sure you don't want to leave Ponyville either. Now come on Spike,” Rarity said, tugging Spike away with her magic. Spike shrugged and went with Rarity. I don't think Luna's actually trying to seduce Twilight, but hey, I can use this as an excuse to hang out with Rarity. Spike thought as they made their way to Rarity's home. A few hours later the pair sat disheartened at Rarity's table. Spike idly pushed a gem around the table while Rarity stared at a blank piece of paper.
“I've got it,” Spike said, lifting his head up triumphantly. “Why don't we fake a letter from Princess Celestia, asking for Princess Luna's presence at Canterlot?”
“That won't work, Princess Luna can make the trip too quickly and we'd be found out right away,” Rarity said.
“Grr, well I don't know,” Spike said, slumping back down.
“I don't get it, you've come up with good plans in the past. I mean you managed to get half the ponies in Ponyville to give you gifts on demand,” Rarity said. “What's different this time?” she mused as she stared at Spike. Suddenly she brightened up and dashed out of the room. She came back moments later with a black hat, with a even circular brim. She plopped it on top Spike's head and stared at him expectantly. Spike just stared back at her, confused. Soon though he began to grin.
“I think I have an idea....” Spike said, as he began to sketch on the piece of paper.
Twilight took a bite of her apple and smiled as Fluttershy told an amusing tale about Angel raising a baby squirrel. I was so worried this was going to be a disaster but so far it's been relaxing and fun, Twilight thought as she soaked up the sun.
“So what's it been like, having Princess Luna in your house?” Rainbow Dash asked, munching on some potato salad.
“It's been great,” Twilight said, smiling. “Exhausting though. I get a quick nap while she handles her court business but then we spend almost all night reading and talking. Then I sleep a few more hours in the morning before beginning my day.”
“Sounds pretty intense. Though I'm surprised that all you do is talk and read, doesn't that get boring?” Rainbow Dash asked, forcing a grin,
“Well, she did give me some astronomy lessons as well,” Twilight said, puzzled.
“So you were stargazing under a beautiful night sky?” Fluttershy asked, looking concerned.
“Yes...look what's going on? Why are you acting so oddly?” Twilight asked.
“We heard rumours that Princess Luna was planning on marrying you and taking you back to Canterlot,” Rainbow Dash explained.
“That's ridiculous,” Twilight said.
“I guess so,” Rainbow Dash said, laughing sheepishly as she rubbed the back of her head. Rainbow Dash quickly changed the subject to the weather plans for the next week. Twilight wasn't really listening, her stomach had started to ache as her mind focused on the fact that this was an actual date and not just three friends hanging out.
“Is something wrong Twilight?” Fluttershy asked, moving closer to Twilight.
“Oh, um, nothing I guess,” Twilight stammered, as she tried to force a grin.
“Come on Twilight, you can trust us,” Rainbow Dash said.
“Alright. It's just, well it's just I don't think this date is going well,” Twilight said, keeping her gaze stuck to the ground. “Don't get me wrong, I'm having a lot of fun. It's just, well I'm not really feeling the romance, you know?” she added quickly. The two pegasi looked to each other, hiding frowns.
“Well, I guess we could do something different. If you want.” Fluttershy murmured.
“Not enough romance huh?” Rainbow Dash muttered to herself. “Well, I don't know, do you have any ideas?” she asked Fluttershy.
“We could, um, take her to...” Fluttershy said, blushing and looking at the ground.
“Right, good idea. Alright, Twilight mind if Fluttershy and I take you up to the most awesome sight in Ponyville?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“I guess so, but what about the food?” Twilight asked.
“Don't worry, I'll carry it along with us,” Fluttershy said. The trio took off, with Rainbow Dash carrying Twilight in her hooves and Fluttershy following close behind. The flew for a bit and then started to glide in a circle.
“Why aren't we moving?” Twilight asked.
“Just need to find a thermal,” Rainbow Dash said. “There!” Rainbow Dash quickly flapped her wings reaching the thermal quickly. The ponies soared high into the sky, until Ponyville was barely visible beneath them. Rainbow Dash moved over to a cloud and laid down on it, taking care to make sure Twilight was balanced on top of her.
“Rainbow Dash,” Twilight said, blushing.
“Well you can't cast the cloud walking spell with your sprained horn, right? So you'll just have to sit on me instead,” Rainbow Dash said, smirking a little. “Don't worry I've seen this sight plenty of times, I can miss out once.” Fluttershy soon joined them, passing out their lunch from earlier. At Fluttershy's gentle urging Twilight sat up and looked around. She immediately gasped in awe as she saw almost all of Equestria laid out before her eyes. The glorious green grass of Equestria mixed with it's many forests, rivers, and lakes to form a beautiful tapestry before her eyes.
“Rainbow Dash brought me up here on our first date,” Fluttershy said softly, as she stared out at the view.
“Uh-huh,” Twilight said, shivering from the wind.
“Oh, your shivering. Let me fix that for you,” Fluttershy said, wrapping a wing around Twilight. The three ponies finished up their picnic, staying close together and enjoying the sights before them. Soon they made the descent back to Ponyville, taking their time and slowly gliding down. They landed and slowly started to walk back toward Ponyville.
“That was amazing,” Twilight said.
“Told you so,” Rainbow Dash said, smirking. “You know I bet that was the first time any non-pegasus saw that sight.”
“It's even better at sunset,” Fluttershy said, as they walked up to Twilight's home.
“Thanks for the lovely time,” Twilight said. She hesitated, quickly gave Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash a hug, and went inside.
“That went well I think,” Fluttershy said.
“Yeah, but we're going to have to step up our game for the next date,” Rainbow Dash said. “Come on Flutters, let's go back to your place,” she said, giving Fluttershy a quick kiss.