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// My Thoughts Get Tangled 
// Story: What Changes May Come 
// by Bluegrass Brooke 
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Sunlight streamed down onto Cheese's back as he lay underneath the blooming cherry tree. He smiled as the soothing rays warmed his back and ebbed the pain in his leg. Resting by his side was Boneless 2, and between his front hooves lay An Introduction to Construction Techniques. At first, he was skeptical about Twilight's gift. But, in no time at all, Cheese found himself immersed in the technical details. He smiled and copied another diagram into his personal journal. I love this one. Wonder if it would work as a base for my water balloon launcher?

Cheese could not remember the last time he felt so relaxed. There was nothing he had to do, no parties to plan, and nowhere to be. It was pure bliss. He chuckled happily to himself, wondering what could possibly make this day any better. 

As if on cue, he heard Pinkie's distinctive step coming down the road. He knew it was her, no other pony bounced around like she did. A strange metallic clinking was mingling with the usual sound and he wondered what on earth she could be carrying. Looking up, he saw her approach with a strange musical contraption strapped to her chest. He chuckled softly. Typical Pinkie.

"Good morning Cheesie! I've got some great news."

"Great news?"

"Yup! It's only the most super spectacular awesome news ever." 

Before Cheese could respond, Pinkie hopped right up to him, slipped off the contraption, and lay down in the grass in front of him. She pulled out a newspaper and laid it on top of his book. He leaned down and read.

"'Forty percent off of oats, today only.' Hmm, that's a great coupon Pinkie. Maybe I ought to go buy some?"

"No silly. That's not it." Pinkie hastened to flip the paper over to reveal a colorful, full-page advertisement.

"'Ponyville's 10th annual pair talent contest.' Hmm, it's a week from today."

"Yeah I know. I was thinking of something fun we could do together, then I remembered the contest. I've wanted to enter every year since I came to Ponyville, but I never had anypony who wanted to play instruments with me. What do you say Cheesie? Up for another performance?"

Cheese grinned back at Pinkie. "Of course, I'd love to Pinkie. In fact, the timing couldn't be better."

"Timing?"

"Yeah, I was planning on leaving a week from now. This contest sounds like the perfect way to end my time in Ponyville."

"Oh…" Pinkie's ears went back and she stared at the ground. "I was kinda hoping you'd stay a bit longer."

"I've already stayed a lot longer than I intended to Pinkie. Besides, a drifter like myself gets restless staying in one spot too long." Cheese felt his heart ache at Pinkie's sad expression. "Don't be sad Pinkie. I'll be back soon, we can plan more parties and have a good time then okay?"

"Okie dokey. But you promise you'll be back."

"Cheesie-promise!"

"All righty. Why don't we get started practicing?"

"Sounds good. I'll get my accordion."

Together, the pair found a spot of grass and sat down to practice. The hours flew by effortlessly as they lost themselves in the fun they were having. As they were settling down for a late lunch, Pinkie giggled softly. 

"What?"

"Oh, nothing much. I was just thinking how I wish every day could be this fun."

"Me too." 

They lay under the shade, savoring the quiet moment together. Cheese watched as the breeze played with Pinkie's mane and entrenched petals fast in the tight curls. Light danced off her face, as she pointed to a pair of bunnies playing in the grass. Cheese gulped. She really has no idea how stunningly beautiful she is.


The time passed blissfully, as the pair shared their tales of adventures and mishaps. Cheese enjoyed sharing their party planning frustrations. Her tale about Cranky Doodle was highly amusing. 

"I don't get why ponies don't want to have parties. Do you?"

"Not really. I've met my own fair share of Cranky Doodles, but I've never understood why. I try polka, dancing, piñatas, fireworks, and even limbo but nothing can bring them around. It's hard trying to bring a smile to everypony's face if we can't throw a party."

"I know right?"

They kept talking, unaware of the sun sinking low. It was nearly sunset when Pinkie lept up, eyes wide.

"What's wrong?"

"I just remembered. I'm supposed to babysit the twins tonight for the Cakes. Oh my goodness! They'll think I'm the worst pony ever."

Cheese rolled his eyes. "Pinkie, the Cakes aren't going to think that. But, if you're worried about being scolded-" He stood cautiously. "-I can go and explain the situation to them."

"I couldn't ask you to do that Cheesie!" For some strange reason, Pinkie felt that Cheese should not come along, it was embarrassing. But what's there to be embarrassed about? It's just a little misunderstanding. Oh, I've got to get going!

Pinkie pranced down the road. "I'll see you tomorrow after work for practice!"

"All right!" Cheese turned to lie back down, when his hoof bumped Pinkie's contraption. "Pinkie you forgot your instrument!" Ugh, she's too far away to hear me now. Guess I'll put it in the tent. Now just how in Equestria do you pick it up?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Pinkie galloped into the shop just as the clock tower chimed seven. She was late and she knew it, a whole thirty minutes. "Sorry Mr. and Mrs. Cake! I got distracted."

"Pinkie." Mr. Cake looked serious. The lank yellow stallion was standing next to his heavy set powder blue wife, tapping his hoof impatiently. "I made it very clear to you this morning that you needed to be back at six thirty to babysit the twins. I understand you were distracted, but that's no excuse to shirk responsibility."

Pinkie laid her ears back. She'd never been so embarrassed. "I'm really, really sorry. It was awful of me to forget."

Mrs. Cake sighed. "Just what were you doing that kept you so long?"

Pinkie wanted to answer, but for the second time in years, she was lost for words. Normally, she would come out and say the truth, she wanted to now. But a small voice in the back of her mind was screaming at her not to. What's wrong with me? Just come out and say it already! You weren't doing anything bad. Say it! "I uh…I was helping Twilight organize the library."

"I see. Sounds thrilling…" The pair frowned at each other, then walked to the door. "The twins are asleep right now. They shouldn't wake up. You know what to do if they do."

"Ha, ha. Right." Pinkie watched as the couple left the shop. She felt terrible. I've never, ever lied to them before. Stupid Pinkie! Why'd you go and do something like that?

She trotted up the stairs and into the twin's bedroom. Smiling, she settled into the worn rocking chair by their crib. The rocking motion was soothing, and soon Pinkie drifted into her thoughts. I'm going to apologize to the Cakes later. But why couldn't I say the truth to begin with? I wouldn't lie like that if it were Twilight and the gang I was hanging out with. I'm treating Cheese differently.

Pinkie gasped, a nasty sort of chill filling her chest. 'When they like a stallion, mares treat them differently', 'A different kind of liking' 

Pinkie shot out of the chair, her face crimson. No, no, no! I don't like Cheese like that. I can't… If I did…If I did, that'd mean I'd lose my friends. I don't want to lose them! Get it together Pinkiana. I don't like him like that, I don't. That small voice in Pinkie's head spoke up. 'But you might start to.'

Pinkie paced around the cheerfully decorated room, heart throbbing in her chest. I've got to find a solution. That's it! I'll just spend less time with Cheese. But, I don't want that either! Oh think brain, think!

Pinkie was brought back to her senses by a tiny gurgling. She looked over and noticed pound cake starting awake. "Sorry Pound Cake. Did Pinkie wake you up?"
………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Pinkie's acting weird. Really, really weird. Cheese stared at the mare as she made yet another mistake with the same measure of music. They had been practicing their instruments in the clearing for three hours now, and had yet to master it. Yesterday, they had such an easy time. Now, it seemed Pinkie could not manage to play even the most basic section. "Pinkie, let's take a break."
She clutched her one-man-band tighter. "No, no. It's okay Cheesie, I can handle this."

"Pinkie." Cheese gave her a stern glare and took the instrument from her hooves, laying it on the grass. "You need a break, even if I have to force you to take one."

"Okay."

"Sit tight, I'll get some cider." Cheese trotted into the simple pole tent and came back with a large mug. Pinkie sat, ears back and head hung low. His heart ached at the sight. "Pinkie, what's wrong? You've been acting weird all day." 

He settled down in the grass next to her, and pushed her the mug. "I promise I won't make any more bad jokes all day."

Pinkie giggled and drank the cider. "Your jokes aren't bad Cheesie. I've just been worried."

"About what?"

Pinkie's face felt hot and uncomfortable. Keep it together Pinkie, keep it together! "The contest maybe?"

Cheese snorted and burst out laughing. "Pinkie, you are the last pony in the world who would get nervous about a talent contest. I know you better than that. Come on, what's really on your mind?"

"I lied to the Cakes yesterday. I felt really bad about it too." Stupid Pinkie! Why are you telling him that?

"Really? That doesn't sound like you." Cheese leaned in closer, concern spreading across his face. "Why?"

"I…I don't know." Pinkie could not help but feel miserable. Oh why does he have to look at me like that? "I just was afraid."

"Afraid of what? Being scolded? Pinkie, there are a lot worse things in the world than being scolded. Trust me."

"Not that."

"Then what?"

"Of being found out. Okay?"

Pinkie stood, eyes filling with tears. Cheese could not understand what in all of Equestria had gotten into her. "Found out doing what?"

"I didn't want them to know we were spending so much time together." 

"But we were just talking. It's not like we were doing anything bad."

"I know, and I have a lot of fun when we're together. But I don't want my friends to think that I care more about spending time with you then them. Their friendship means the world to me Cheese. I don't know what I'd do if I lost that."

"Oh Pinkie, you aren't going to lose your friends just because you spend time with me." Cheese rose and nuzzled her neck. "You're the most thoughtful, caring, and fun mare I've ever met. Your friends know that, and they understand. I love spending time with you, more than any other pony in the world. But, if that makes you uncomfortable, I'd rather have you go back to them and be happy. All I want is to see you smile." 

Pinkie giggled and gave Cheese a quick hug. Cheese felt his heart race, the sweet smell of Pinkie's coat was intoxicating. Get a grip Cheese!

"That's my song Cheesie. You're right, guess I was over thinking things again. Let's keep practicing, I want to spend more time with you. After all, we only get to see each other for a few more days."

"All right Pinkie. Let's get started." 
………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Cheese stared up at the unusually shaped library before him. It looked more like the structure was carved from the very oak that sprouted from its roof. I wonder if Twilight would show me the blueprints? He glanced down at the book in his hooves. It upset him that he had to return it, but he was leaving tomorrow after the talent show. Knocking on the purple doors, he entered.

"Twilight? It's Cheese. I'm here to return the book you lent me."

"Coming!" A voice called from the upper loft. The princess flew down gracefully and landed in front of Cheese, taking the book. "Thanks. Did you enjoy it?"

"Very much. I loved the technical descriptions. It was really helpful."

"I'm glad. Next time you come into town I'll give you another. There's this one by Hammer Hoof I think you'll love." 

"That'd be great." Should I ask her? She might think I'm being an idiot. Still, I'm worried about Pinkie. With me gone, who knows how long it'll take before they intervene. "Twilight, I have something I need to talk to you about."

"What is it Cheese?"

"It's about Pinkie. You know she's been running herself ragged lately."

Twilight sighed. "Yes, typical Pinkie. I tell her to slow down but you know her, she won't listen."

"Yes, but I think it's a little more serious than that."

"More serious?"

Cheese felt uncomfortable telling a princess of Equestria such personal matters. But, like it or not, Twilight was one of Pinkie's best friends. "Yeah. I think she's over compensating. She's…she's got this notion in her head that you'll stop being friends with her if she spends time with me. So, she's been running around all week trying to split her time among her friends. Just yesterday she worked at Sugarcube Corner, helped Applejack on the farm, practiced with me, and went to help Rarity. You can't say you didn't notice."

"Well, I did notice. But Cheese, Pinkie will be just fine."

Can she be any denser! "Twilight! It is a problem, she's going to make herself sick running around like this. So far, I've managed to get her to take a breather when we're practicing. But, after tomorrow, I'm not going to be around to watch out for her. So, I'm asking you as a friend, please make sure she doesn't hurt herself. I'm worried."

"All right. I'll give her a talk tomorrow. And don't worry Cheese. Pinkie's done this sort of thing before, we know how to calm her down. I promise, we'll keep an eye on her. So don't worry. Okay?"

"Okay. I'll see you at the show tomorrow." Despite Twilight's words, Cheese felt even less confident leaving Pinkie alone than ever before. Why am I so worried about her? She'll be fine. You're overreacting Cheese, it'll all work out.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Ponyville's park had been decorated with the most wonderful assortment of streamers, balloons, and spring flowers imaginable. The flowers were Pinkie's idea. The mayor had asked them to personally decorate for the contest and they were more than glad to oblige her. Cheese loved planning parties with Pinkie, their minds worked on much the same level. It had really only taken them two hours to set up, but it looked as though the whole day had been spent decorating.

The setting sun glared down on the grassy patch, as most of Ponyville filtered in for the contest. Cheese was thrilled to get the chance to use his talents with Pinkie once more. He smiled as she bounced over to him.

"Heya Cheesie! You ready to get started? The mayor want's all the contestants to line up."

"Right. I'm coming." Cheese could not help but grin broadly. He knew that, no matter the outcome of the contest, tonight was going to be one to remember.
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Moonlight streamed down onto the train station platform where Cheese stood, watching the train come rolling in. Once again, he was sporting his poncho, wide brimmed hat, and of course Boneless 2 on his back. But his exodus from Ponyville was anything like his inglorious entry. Smiling and standing next to him were his six friends. They had assured him that they were indeed his friends, and it warmed his heart. 

Pinkie seemed very anxious at the sight of the train. "You sure you have to leave Cheesie?"

"Quite sure Pinkie. My Cheesie sense is telling me to high tail it over to Fillydelphia."

"But what about you're leg, it's still not healed yet."

"It'll be fine. I'll make it sure to take it easy as long as you promise to do the same."

"Okey dokey. It's a Pinkie Promise! But, you have to promise to write okay? Pinkie promise?"

Cheese laughed and gave the nervous mare a quick hug. "Pinkie promise." He pushed his party cannon onto the train and grinned back at the group. "I'll see you later! We'll have a big party then!"

Rainbow flipped in the air. "Awesome!"

"Yes, it will be quite fabulous to be sure." Rarity grinned, tossing her perfectly coiffed mane. 

Cheese waved until the platform was out of sight. Sighing, he lowered his head. He loved traveling, and had always looked forward to it. Now however, he felt an inexplicable urge to jump off the train and gallop back to Ponyville. No, that wouldn't be right. I'm a traveling party pony and the road's calling me. He smiled as he felt his Cheesie sense go off for the second time that day. Cheese Sandwich is back in the game.