Once again Cheese found himself back in the same old dream, hooves flying across the dark expanse of road. This time however, it was Pinkie and Pinkie alone he ran towards. His heart ached as she glared at him, eyes devoid of their normal kindness. She was shouting something, but he could not make out the words. He gasped, tumbling into the dark pit, scared and alone. Once again, he shot awake, head pounding and heart racing.
Though it was close to the crack of dawn, an uncomfortable warmth had settled in the tent. Moaning, Cheese turned over and tried to fall back to sleep. A small noise broke his concentration. Squeaking? Standing slowly, he made his way to outside. He was a little taken aback by why who he saw standing there. "Fluttershy? What are you doing here this early?"
The nervous pegasus mumbled. "I uh, needed your help."
"Well, why didn't you just stick your head in and shout for me?"
"Oh I couldn't do that. I'd be rude."
Cheese could have pointed out that hovering outside his tent was rude, but it was far too early for lessons in courtesy. "What do you need my help with?"
"It's terrible. Larkspur's gone missing. He must have been scared by the meteors last night and flown off."
Why is this not comforting? "Just what is Larkspur exactly?"
"Oh. He's a butterfly of course. A super rare butterfly with rainbow wings."
"A butterfly?" Cheese slapped a hoof to his forehead. How in Equestria was he supposed to find one butterfly in all of Ponyville? Still, it sounded like a good challenge, maybe even a fun one. "Of course I'd be happy to help you Fluttershy. What are friends for anyway?"
"Oh thank you." Fluttershy pointed to a pair of butterfly nets she had set on the long grass. "We can use these to catch him. But remember to be ever so careful, he's very delicate."
"Okay then." Cheese grabbed the net, surprised at how light it felt in his mouth. "You sure this'll work?"
"I hope so." Fluttershy flew off down the road, Cheese following the mare's long pink tail. Though she looked around at the tall grass and trees, she did not slow down.
"Uh Fluttershy? Shouldn't we be looking a tad better for him?"
"Of course, just as soon as we pick up Pinkie Pie."
"Pinkie?" Cheese halted as though he had hit a brick wall.
"Uh huh. She's so very good at finding things, and I know she'd love to help."
Thoughts dashed through his mind like lighting. How am I supposed to talk to her after what happened last night? She'll be expecting some kind of answer. Urgh! Why did I have to go and say we'd talk later? I haven't thought about my response.
"Cheese?" Fluttershy's soft blue eyes stared hard into his, and he suddenly felt very self-conscious. "What's wrong? I'd thought you'd be so happy to work with Pinkie."
"Of course I am. It's just-" Cheese racked his brain for a suitable excuse. "-Just that I've been hogging her so much lately. You must really want extra time to spend with her, being friends and all."
"Hmm." He's acting weird again, just like last night at the shower. "Did something happen between you two last night?"
Cheese gulped and looked away from the mare's piercing stare. "No, nothing important." He decided to change the subject; fast. "We're wasting time quibbling over stuff that doesn't matter in the first place. Why don't I just go looking for Larkspur in the meadows while you two search the other side of town?"
"Okay, I guess that's all right. Let's meet here before the afternoon shower starts."
"Later." Cheese turned and cantered off, sweating with nerves. That was way too close!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Pinkie's really excited today. I wonder what's gotten into her. Fluttershy watched as her friend dove determinedly into yet another bush to search out Larkspur. Pinkie had been one great flurry of motion since she had picked her up from the Corner. To compound the situation, she was even more talkative than usual.
"I've got him Fluttershy!" Pinkie emerged, curls full of sticks and leaves and blue eyes sparkling with triumph. Boldly, she held out the butterfly net and its contents for examination.
Fluttershy squinted at the insect fluttering inside the net. She sighed, and dropped her ears. "Sorry Pinkie, but that isn't him. Again."
"Oh, he he. Guess I got a little carried away." Pinkie flushed, she really had wanted to find Larkspur for Fluttershy. But, she was having the worst time focusing on the task at hand.
"Pinkie, is everything all right?"
"Everythings okey dokey lokey with me!"
"Yes, but you seem a little-" Fluttershy struggled to put it delicately. "-overly determined today. Does this have anything to do with Cheese?"
Pinkie laughed, rolling in the grass to free the debris from her mane. Her voice was a little too nonchalant. "Of course not. What gave you that idea?"
Fluttershy rolled her eyes. She knew when Pinkie was dodging a subject. "Cheese said something like that too. But I think-" Why won't Pinkie just tell the truth? Does she not trust me? "-I think you ought to tell me what's really going on. You know you can trust me."
Pinkie's expression turned very serious and she looked Fluttershy straight in the eye. "I'll talk. But you have to promise not to tell any other pony. Pinkie promise!"
Fluttershy lied down next to Pinkie, smiling kindly. "Of course. Pinkie promise."
"All right then. But, it's kind of embarrassing." Oh my gosh. I can't believe I'm talking about this. "Last Monday, after the competition, Cheese and I were planning for the picnic. After we done he…he kissed me on the cheek."
"He what?" Fluttershy stared dumbstruck at the blush forming on Pinkie's cheek. "He kissed you? But, that's something a stallion does when he loves you." Fluttershy's stomach dropped out from under her, filling with an unfamiliar chill. "But of course you told him to stop."
Pinkie flushed and looked intently at the blades of grass. "I didn't want him to stop."
Fluttershy's eyes bulged with shock. The chill fast being replaced by internal panic. "You mean you liked it?"
"Mm hmm. It was the best feeling in the world. Last night, just before we met up with you guys, I-" Pinkie took a deep breath, "-I told him I wanted him to do it again."
Flutershy opened and closed her mouth, too confused to make a sound. Pinkie can't like a stallion like THAT can she? It's way too soon for us to start getting those kind of feelings. Isn't it? "Why?"
Pinkie turned to her friend, concern in her eyes. "I don't know, it just feels right. I've tried to fight it, but I can't anymore. I can't." Tears rolled softly on her cheeks. "I think I love him Fluttershy. I love him and I don't know what to do about it. What…what should I do?"
It's true! But, that means… Her heart began to race with the implications of Pinkie's words. Still, she could not let her friend cry alone. Gently, she wrapped her wing around Pinkie's quivering back and gave her a hug. "It's okay Pinkie. It's okay."
Minutes passed in silence, Pinkie sobbing into Fluttershy's chest. Fluttershy found herself wishing fervently to be any place other than in that grassy clearing. The warm summer breeze tickled the fine strands of her mane, and sent the fresh smell of grass to her nostrils. She watched the young birds fly overhead, and wondered if they were heading out on their first solo flights. It never occurred to her what happened after they had to leave the nest. Is Pinkie going to leave like them? What if she wants to stop spending time with us? What if… what if I find a stallion too? Oh my goodness, this is serious.
"Thanks Fluttershy. I feel much better." Pinkie had stopped crying and was smiling weakly at her friend. "Sorry for going all crazy on you like that."
"It's okay Pinkie Pie. It's a big issue." Fluttershy stood up, shaking herself off. "To be honest, I don't know what you should do. Did Cheese say he loves you?"
Pinkie laid her ears back, embarrassed at the realization. "Well no. But he said we'd talk about it again."
"Oh, why don't we go ask him how he feels then?"
Pinkie shot up like a rocket, panic spreading across her face. "Oh no! You can't go asking him something so….so embarrassing."
Fluttershy frowned. "But I don't know what else to do in this-" She gulped, "-situation."
"It's okay really it is Fluttershy." Pinkie sent a shower of grass into the air with her hoof. "Argh! Why isn't there some kind of handbook on this sort of thing?"
Fluttershy giggled quietly and Pinkie joined in. Before they knew it, they were laughing their hearts out. Anypony walking by might have mistaken them to be insane, but they did not care. After what felt like forever, Pinkie managed to speak. "Well, I guess I'll just have to wait and figure this out for myself. In the meantime, we've got a butterfly to catch!"
Fluttershy nodded in agreement, and the pair set off to recommence the search. Despite the restoration of a cheerful attitude, she could not help but feel apprehension. Oh Pinkie, I wish it was going to be as simple as you make it sound.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
He has found the lair of the wild beast, cautiously he approaches. Raising his trusty net, he prepares for the final approach. When-
"Argh!" Cheese felt a ripple pass through his body, and he jumped in the air with surprise. To add to the disruption, his cutie mark began playing that familiar accordion melody. With a defiant flutter, the butterfly Cheese had been working so hard to net, took to the sky. "Stupid Cheesie sense. Couldn't you have waited two seconds?"
He closed his eyes, trying to stop the tingling sensation that still radiated through his body. After what seemed like forever, it ebbed, and eventually stopped. Wow now that was a doosy! There's some serious party in the works in Trottingham. Better get going. Cheese lifted a hoof, then halted, stomach filling with an icy sensation. Oh yeah. Slowly he dropped it, and stared at the nearby road.
A strong breeze lifted his forelock and brought the sweet scent of the apple orchard to his nostrils. Around him the world was alive with activity, sensing the rain to come. And yet, Cheese felt as though his hooves were nailed to the ground. He wanted to run, to scream with frustration, but he was powerless. Do I want to leave? Should I? Is that what my Cheesie sense is telling me?
He frowned, turning to stare at the mark. It's been going haywire lately. Is it broken? He reared and plunged his hooves to the ground in frustration. "Why doesn't anything make sense?" I want to stay with Pinkie, but I need to go. Don't I? Tears began to fall down his muzzle. He never felt so conflicted.
He watched as a pair of squirrels played a game of tag up one of the apple trees nearby. They were very excitable, and were so focused on their game that one bumped right into him. It started backwards, shaking its paw at Cheese and ran to join its friend. He could not help bursting out laughing then. It was too funny. Who am I kidding? Life's way too short to go around so serious. He turned to his cutie mark, eyes filled with determination. I'm meant to bring cheer, and that's exactly how I'm going to live my life.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
The sky was far from clear by the time Cheese made it back to their starting point near Ponyville proper. Above him, the pegasi were bunching dark clouds in tight groups, preparing for their promised shower. He was holding his butterfly net carefully to ensure the three butterflies held within remained contained. The warm breeze that had persisted throughout the day, was replaced by a refreshingly cool one. Somehow, the sight of Pinkie smiling and hopping up and down relaxed him. Fluttershy glanced anxiously at the net. "Hey girls. I've got a surprise for you two."
Fluttershy looked a little harried, her normally straight mane was tangled and sticks poked out from the strands. Still, she smiled and happily examined the net. She gasped with joy. "Larkspur. There you are. And you brought friends. Thank you so much Cheese."
Cheese held a hoof to his head, smiling sheepishly. "It was nothing Fluttershy. I'm just glad he's safe before the rain hit." He looked up at the darkening clouds, frowning. "Better head back Fluttershy, the pegasi seem ready to keep a tight schedule."
Fluttershy nodded, and flew off, the butterflies safely in tow. She waved back to Cheese and Pinkie. "Thanks for the help you two."
Cheese waved back, smiling broadly. "Anytime Fluttershy." After the pegasus had disappeared from sight, he turned to face Pinkie. This isn't going to be easy. But, nothing ever is. "Is now a good time to continue that talk?"
Pinkie nodded, feeling her heart leap inside her chest. She trotted close to him, and together they walked a little down the road away from town. Cheese was humming a tune and prancing along to time. It cheered Pinkie to see him acting like his old self again. She happily hummed right along and scooted closer to him, savoring the earthy scent of his coat.
Cheese flushed as the mare drew near, but secretly found comfort in her presence. He looked around at the empty field, satisfied that they were away from any prying eyes, and turned to Pinkie. "Is here okay?"
"Mm hmmm." Pinkie stared expectantly into his green eyes, tail swishing impatiently.
Cheese cleared his throat, preparing himself. "The other night when I…when I kissed you, it felt right. I hadn't intended it to end up that way, but I'm not going to pretend it was just some passing fancy." Pinkie nodded, tail swishing harder than ever now. Cheese continued, choosing his words carefully. "I considered what you said to me last night. From your words, I assume you want to start becoming a little more than friends. That right?"
Pinkie gave a little squeak of excitement and nodded. "Yes, more than anything Cheesie."
Cheese sighed, fearing the impact of his next words. "I think I might feel the same way. But, I don't think I'm ready yet." He winced, gauging Pinkie's reaction to his words. Her expression had turned to blank puzzlement. "That doesn't mean I don't like you Pinkie. Just that I'm not sure I like you like you."
Pinkie looked a little downtrodden at his words, her tail stopped swishing and she looked down. He doesn't love me back?
Cheese smiled and nudged her playfully with his hoof. "Don't be so sad, just because I'm not sure now doesn't mean I can't become sure in the future." Pinkie perked her ears up and stared at him once more. Cheese stared back, face turning a little more serious. "Would you give me some more time to get my feelings in order Pinkie?"
Pinkie smiled back, and nodded. Then, something else came over her; something completely unplanned. Leaning forward she gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "That's for earlier silly."
Cheese flushed and gave a warm chuckle. They stood for a moment longer, taking in the situation. Right on schedule, drops of water began to fall fast from the clouds. They started, and Cheese turned to Pinkie. "Walk you home?"
Pinkie looked at him with concern. "But don't you have to go home."
"Not right now. I've got some questions for Twilight." Shoving her good naturedly, he turned towards Ponyville. "Coming?"
"Okey dokey lokey." Together they trotted into town. Pinkie had never really enjoyed the rain, but Cheese seemed to love it. He was laughing like a colt, and splashed in several puddles along the way. Geeze, he's so silly! She joined in of course, not to be out goofed by her fellow party pony. On their way, they danced in in no less than seven massive puddles, all filled with thick mud.
By the time they reached the Corner, their coats were saturated with mud and water, and their normally untamed manes laid flat against their necks. Mrs. Cake gasped when Pinkie and Cheese walked in the back door.
"Pinkamena Pie, what in Equestria were you doing out in the rain? Cheese too?"
Cheese held a muddy hoof to his forehead, grinning with embarrassment. "Sorry Mrs. Cake. We were helping Fluttershy find her butterfly friend. Then we got distracted talking."
The middle aged mare clucked disapprovingly, and motioned the pair in. "Come in the two of you and dry off. You'll both catch colds." She trotted over to the stairs. "Dear, can you start the bath? We've got two very muddy ponies here."
A voice called from the upper floor. "I'm on it." Mrs. Cake turned to the pair, now dripping rainwater and mud on her spotless kitchen floor. She trotted over to a cabinet, pulling out two particularly fluffy towels. Handing them the towels, she regarding the two silly ponies before her.
Cheese felt bad about disturbing the Cake's domestic tranquility. Pinkie on the other hand was giggling uncontrollably. Unfortunately for him, it was contagious. Before long, all three of the ponies in the room were laughing uncontrollably. Cheese finally managed to stop, and gasped. "Sorry Mrs. Cake. I'll be sure to bring her back completely clean next time."
"It's fine dear. I'm just glad we can all laugh about it." She frowned at Pinkie. Despite the towel, Pinkie's coat was so smeared with mud that she looked brown. "Go on upstairs and take a bath Pinkie. You're worse off than Cheese is." Cheese stuck out his tongue playfully at the mare and waved goodbye as she climbed the stairs.
Mrs. Cake smiled at the stallion. He was dirty too, but at least some of his coat was its normal sandy shade. I wonder what those two were up to? She chuckled to herself, imagining if Pinkie had confessed to him. Maybe he confessed first? Oh it's just so exciting! Noticing Cheese's confused stare, she flushed and stood up. "What kind of host am I? Would you like something to eat Cheese dear?"
Cheese gulped, he had not eaten anything all day and his stomach ached. "Yes please!" Oh, where are my manners? "That is if it isn't an inconvenience. I am barging in on you."
The mare's pink eyes sparkled with kindness. "Of course it's not. Some kind of baker I'd be not to offer a hungry pony something to eat." She turned and drew some food out of the cabinet, placing it in front of Cheese. "There you are dear."
He grinned at the food; a large piece of bread, sunflower soup, and a big lemon cupcake. "Thanks so much." It was the best food he had had in months. He savored the homemade taste he rarely got to indulge in. Almost like mother's… Defiantly, he shook his head, trying to clear thoughts of her from his mind. Let it go Cheese. She doesn't care about me; she never has.
Mrs. Cake looked concerned at the stallion. He's a party pony like Pinkie, but…something's different about him. "So Cheese, do you have any other parties to plan with Pinkie?"
Cheese swallowed the last of his dinner and shook his head. "No, just my apprenticeship right now. Though I'd never turn down a chance to make somepony laugh." He grinned at the thought of another party with Pinkie. Ponyville has its perks…
With a chuckle, Mrs. Cake picked up the bowl and laid it in the sink. Humming softly, she began to wash it. She'd always had a habit of working and talking, especially since the twins came. "Do you enjoy it here Cheese?"
He nodded vigorously. "Oh yes. It's the most fun I've ever had, though my job is hard sometimes."
"You're a good, honest worker. I'm certain you'll go far." Finishing, she sat back down and smiled at the young stallion. Though he was lank like her husband, thick muscles could be seen even underneath the dirt. She started to talk, when she heard the pattering of hooves.
Pinkie hopped over to them, coat sparkling clean and a fresh towel tying up her mane. "I'm done if you want the bath Cheesie."
"Oh I wouldn't want to impose." He looked at the ground, flushing slightly.
Mrs. Cake rolled her eyes. He really is too polite. "It's fine dear. Go on and clean up. I'm not sending anypony home covered in mud." Cheese started towards the stairs and frowned. "It's the first door on the left dear."
"Thanks." Trotting up the stairs, he found himself in a very comfortable bathroom. The massive tub was filled with warm, bubbly water. Fluffy pink towels, rubber duckies, several bottles of shampoo, and a big bottle of bubble bath reflected the ponies that called the house home. Happily, he slid into the warm water.
"This is the life." He splashed happily, savoring the delight only a warm bath could bring. Traveling over Equestria as he did, Cheese had not had the luxury of a bath since he was a colt. Bathing in streams was nice in the summer, but it was downright risky in the winter. He always ended up with a pail of icy water and a rag. But the warm sensation of a bath was something else entirely. I could get used to this.
After a few minutes savoring the moment, Cheese dried himself off and trotted down the stairs to join the mares. It was a bit of a surprise to see Mrs. Cake and Pinkie giggling like a pair of school yard fillies. I wonder what that's about? He walked over to the pair, smiling broadly. "Thanks for letting me use your bath Mrs. Cake. It was a real treat."
"Oh course dear, anytime." She winked playfully at Pinkie.
Cheese walked to the window and looked outside. The rain had stopped, and the setting sun was reflecting in the many puddles. "Guess I'd better get going. I needed to talk to Twilight before I go home." He grinned at the pair. "Thanks for everything. I'll see you two later." With that, he walked out the door, humming happily.
In no time at all, he arrived at Twilight's library. He knocked and waited for a reply. The door creaked open, revealing a short, purple dragon with green spikes. "Hello Spike, is Twilight there? I need to ask her a question."
"Sure come on in!" The dragon hummed happily as he walked across the wooden floor strewn with books. He called for Twilight, then grinned at Cheese. "You smell nice, did you have a bubble bath too?"
"Yeah. It was a real treat. You?"
The dragon smiled and hopped up and down. "Uh huh. I always have an evening bubble bath." He stared expectantly at Cheese, as though waiting for something.
He cocked his head. "Can I help you Spike?"
Spike shuffled his foot, hands crossed behind his back. "Nothing much. I just wondered…since your parties are so good and all-" He gulped, then spat out the next words in a rush. "Would you plan a birthday party for me?"
Cheese chuckled and gave the dragon a good natured nooogie. "Of course I can silly. Between me and Pinkie, we'll give you the party of your life."
"Yes!" Spike smiled and danced with excitement. The dragon was so distracted, that he bumped right into Twilight's leg. "Ooof. Sorry Twi."
Twilight smiled kindly. "It's fine Spike. Thanks for being so patient. Why don't you go back to reading your comic?"
With a cheerful wave, the dragon marched up the stairs. Twilight laughed and turned to the stallion. "You had a question for me Cheese?"
"Yes I did." Cheese thought on how best to explain his predicament. "It's about my Cheesie sense."
Twilights eyes bulged with purest excitement. She quickly levitated a quill and notebook. "Really? What about it?"
"Well, it's been going haywire lately. One minute it's telling me to go to Appaloosa, the next it's telling me to go to Las Pegasus." He sighed and frowned at the ground. "The intensity is really crazy too. Sometimes it's normal feeling, others it's weak. Today it was almost painfully strong."
"Uh huh." Twilight was scribbling furiously with her magic, nodding her head. "How often does it go off?"
"Well, normally, once I get one sense, it stops. It's never happened more than I needed it to. Its point is to tell me where parties are after all. But lately, it just keeps going off. Yesterday I didn't sense a thing, but the day before it went off three times."
"Hmmm." Twilight frowned, trying to digest the information. "Sorry Cheese, but I don't know why it's acting like it is. Would you be able to come after work to run some tests with me?"
Cheese grimaced. Somehow, the thought of Twilight running tests on him was less than comforting. Still, he needed to get to the bottom of his troubles. "Sure. I'll meet you tomorrow after work." He stood to go, now feeling rather tired.
Twilight gave her friend a concerned glance. "All right. I'll do some research in the meantime."
"Thanks Twilight." Cheese left the library and walked back. It had been a long, trying day. Still, it was not so bad. I've fixed the problem with Pinkie, helped Fluttershy find a butterfly, had a tasty dinner, a warm bath, and to top it off, I'm going to finally figure out what's wrong with my Cheesie sense. Things are looking up after all!