//------------------------------// // C'est La Vie // Story: What Changes May Come // by Bluegrass Brooke //------------------------------// Cheese Sandwich trotted through the sunlit field in high spirits, anticipating all the fun he would have that afternoon with Pinkie. Just in front of him, a pair of rabbits darted through the golden stalks of wheat, seemingly unaware of the pony. He chuckled softly, and stood to admire the scene around him. The path he was on wound lazily through a large field lined by Sweet Apple Acres’ many apple trees. Judging from the ripening fruit hanging tantalizingly close, harvest time would be fast upon Ponyville. Autumn held a special place in the heart of earth ponies, and Cheese found himself caught up in the sheer excitement of it. Sure, his race had no magic, but they did have a pride in what they could accomplish from their hooves and sheer willpower alone. At this time of year, he felt a resurgence of that pride in full force.The entire scene was an intricate tapestry of wildlife, smells, and spectacular scenery. It’s changed so much since I came. Unconsciously, he glanced as his coat, and the rippling muscles now underneath the soft caramel hairs. I’ve changed so much. A cool, sweet breeze whipped his dark curls back, setting a broad smile on his young face. In just a few short months, his entire life had been turned upside down. He walked on through the field, savoring the soft thud of his hooves against the dusty path. Soon his mind drifted to the mare that made it all possible, and the wonderful weeks they had spent together. Ever since their trip to Manehattan, they had been inseparable, and had grown closer each hour they spent together. Cheese found himself remembering their four weekend party trips after their first “hookie trip,” and wondering what they would come up with next. Speaking of which...“Oh no! I’m late.” Breaking into a gallop, he sped through the field, and made his way back to Ponyville. Every day after work, he had taken to going on a long walk through the fields to “get the jumpies out” as Pinkie would say. Try as he may to settle down, his hooves always got antsy if he had to stay in one spot for hours at a time. Normally, Pinkie would happily oblige with a good game or dance, but they needed to get a lot of planning done for the start of their next trip tomorrow, and Cheese did not want to drag down their meeting with his bad habits. He came to the bridge into Ponyville, and skidded to a halt to avoid slamming into pair of ponies walking over the boards. “Sorry.” “Oh that’s all right.” A pretty lilac earth pony turned her head to regard Cheese’s huffing sides. She lifted a hoof, trying to stifle a giggle. “You late to see Pinkie?” “Yeah.” Cheese felt his face turning red and he glanced at the big red stallion next to her. “You on a walk with Big Mac, Cheerilee?” “Yes.” Once again, she broke into that carrying laugh of hers and nudged Big Mac. “That right, honey?” “Eeeup.” Big Mac stared at Cheese, an exasperated spreading across his face. “Now, if ya were goin’ ta meet with her, why didn’t ya just leave early?” Leaning over, he gave the smaller stallion a big noogie. “Get goin’ then. An’ next time, make sure you leave on time.” “Right.” He tore off down the road, a little irritated with his friend. Geeze, what does he think he’s coming from, giving me relationship advice? …………………………………………………………………………………………………… “Well?” Pinkie turned her head sideways, her blue eyes shining in anticipation. “How is it?” Rarity looked up from underneath her red designer glasses, eyes unreadable. She glanced between her dear friend, and the stack of papers in front of her. Slowly, a thin smile broke across her face, growing into a wide grin. “Why it’s fabulous darling.” “Yes!” Pinkie did a victory lap around the darkening boutique, and the unicorn seated on the lounge. “So, when will I be ready?” “Oh, you’re quite ready. I’d even say you can talk to Mayor Mare tomorrow.” “What? TOMORROW!” Pinkie stood stock still in the center of the room. Her small face wore an unusually flustered expression. “But…but…isn’t that too soon?” “No, no, darling. Besides, you said you wanted to get started as soon as possible.” “I know it’s just-” Pinkie gulped, “-it’s a pretty big step. Bigger than anything I’ve ever tried before.” She turned to her friend, a few tears sneaking into her eyes. “Oh, what if I fail, Rarity?” “Pinkie…” Rarity hugged her tightly, “Hush now. I felt the same way when I was in your shoes. Just take a deep breath and go for it, you won’t regret it.” “Okay.” A smile stretched across her face once more. She jumped at the chiming of the small clock on Rarity’s powder table. “Is that clock right?” “Oh yes. I just checked it yesterday.” “Oh no!” Pinkie shot towards the door, and was about to leave when she turned quickly back to Rarity. “Thanks for everything, Rarity. But, I’m late to see Cheesie, and we’ve got to plan for our party trip tomorrow.” Rarity rolled her eyes, and added a mischievous grin for good measure. “Don’t let me keep you waiting. But-” She leaned in, ruffling Pinkie’s mane, “-you’d better tell me all the details.” “Okey dokey, Rarity.” Pinkie whirled around, and ran out the door, seemingly oblivious to Rarity’s hint. Sighing, the unicorn turned to her now empty boutique. The stack of papers still lay on the lounge, and she clucked disapprovingly. “Honestly, that mare. Forgets everything she was doing once he’s on her mind.” Despite her qualms, it appeared that Pinkie and Cheese’s affection for each other was genuine and not just a case of ‘puppy love’ as she originally thought. Grudgingly, she had come to accept them as an ‘item,’ and it was almost becoming natural to see them together. That scared her a little, and she hoped time would ease the pit that formed in her stomach every time she saw them together. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… Pinkie was more than a little flustered by the time she neared the Cake’s bakery. Skidding to the back door she pulled it open and was surprised to see a bewildered Mrs. Cake about to open the door herself. She sighed with relief at the sight of the younger mare. “Pinkie dear. There you are. Come in, I’ve got something important for you.” “For me? What is it?” Pinkie hopped excitedly, until she noticed the unusually serious expression on Mrs. Cake’s plump face. “Yes, come on in and sit down.” Pinkie obliged, and seated herself at the table. Absent mindedly, she fiddled with her mane to cover the large scar on her side. Ever since the accident, it had become a nervous habit of hers, and she had allowed her mane to grow out. Though, as Cheese repeatedly reminded her, it would never cover the scar completely, and she should not worry about it so much. Mrs. Cake kept glancing at Pinkie as she pulled an envelope from the counter. She placed it carefully in front of her. “This was just delivered. It’s from your mother.” “Mom?” Pinkie’s small mouth gaped and her eyes looked searchingly into Mrs. Cake’s. Though she wrote to her family once a month, she never received a letter in return. Her parents and siblings were very frugal, and thought the expense of postage was ludicrous unless the message was of utmost importance. So, that means…Cautiously, she opened it and read. Pinkamena, I hope this letter finds you well. I know we don’t write often, but I hope you know we are still thinking of you. I’m sending this letter because there’s been an accident on the farm. Your father was moving rocks in the east field when a large pile collapsed on him. He’s all right, but he broke a leg, and can’t work for a month. I know you’ve been very busy in Ponyville with your friends. But, if you could spare a few days to help out, we would love your company. Hugs and kisses, -Cloudy “Pinkie are you okay?” Mrs. Cake regarded the now ashen faced mare with concern. “Just okie dokey-” Her voice shook ever so slightly, “-I’m going upstairs now.” Before her employer could get a word in edgewise, Pinkie turned, galloping up the stairs. In a few minutes, she appeared once again in the kitchen, saddlebags strapped to her sides, and a determined look plastered on her face. Slowly, she advanced towards the door. “Pinkie, where are you going?” Pinkie shuffled, trying to push her away. “I’m okie dokey Mrs. Cake. I’m just going to walk home.” “Now? It’s late dear. Why don’t you go in the morning?” She placed her hoof on Pinkie’s shoulder, only to have her recoil. “Pinkie, you can’t walk all that way by yourself at night. Be reasonable.” “No.” Pinkie’s icy tone startled even herself, and she flushed. “Sorry, Mrs. Cake. I’ll be careful, promise. I just-“ She gulped, pawing at the ground, “-my family needs me back home right now. Can you watch Gummy for me?” “Of course, but, are you sure?” “Yup. Just-“ Leaning forward, she hugged Mrs. Cake tightly, “-just don’t worry about me. I’ll be back soon.” The air was still and cool when she stepped out the back door. So many thoughts danced in her head, and she was in such a rush, that she did not notice where she was walking. When she looked up, she was muzzle to muzzle with another pony in the darkened park. “Ooopies, excuse me, but I’m in a hurry.” “Pinkie?” Cheese Sandwich stared back at his marefriend, a playful sparkle filling his green eyes. “Is that anyway to talk to me?” “Cheesie?” Pinkie did a double take and started back. Her small face turned beet red, and she stared intently at the ground, voice smaller than normal. “Sorry, Cheesie. Guess I was kinda lost in thought.” “Lost in thought?” His eyes darted from her stormy expression to the full saddlebags draped over her sides. Something’s wrong. “Pinkie, are you okay?” “I’m fine Cheesie.” With some difficulty, she contorted her face into a fragile grin. Who does she think she’s fooling with that look? Honestly… “No, you’re not fine.” Cheese leaned forward, hot breath mixing with hers. “It’s all right, Pinkie. You can tell me.” “But, I-” I don’t want to talk about it silly! Why don’t you understand? “I need to go. I need leave NOW.” She tried to run away, and to her surprise, he stepped in front of her, eyes glinting with fierce determination. “Cheesie. Let me leave!” “No.” “No?” Pinning her ears, she stared defiantly up at him. “Why not?” “Pinkie, you can’t run from your fears. It only-” He sighed, stroking her pink curls affectionately. “-It only hurts worse. I should know.” Despite her best efforts, she found a stinging pressure behind her eyes, and tears began to spill down her cheeks. She broke down then, knees hitting the ground and sobs breaking the stillness around them. Why? Why does he have to do that? For what felt like hours, but was likely less than a few minutes, he lay next to her, whispering soft encouragement, as she sobbed into his chest. Eventually, she went silent and snuggled closer. He watched the brilliant stars now appearing overhead, and smiled. “You know, it’s a really nice night. Way too nice to be so sad. So, you need to tell me what’s wrong so I can fix it.” “What? So you think you can fix anything just like that?” “Well now, I can try.” Snorting, she looked up at him. “Okay. Guess it is kinda silly not to tell you, seeing as how we’re partners and all.” “Partners?” “Yup.” Pinkie pushed him playfully, admiring the starlight reflecting in the stallion’s eyes. “We’re always together, everypony says so. Besides, you can’t say we make a bad team.” “Silly, I could never say that. So-” A soft smile broke across his face, the kind she loved the most. “-tell me what’s wrong.” “Okay then.” She sat up straight, expression turning a little darker. “I kinda got some bad news today.” Digging in her saddle bags, she pulled out the small letter and handed it to Cheese. As he read, his expression darkened. “Oh Pinkie. That’s terrible. But, it sounds like your Mom’s doing okay. You don’t have to rush out there in the middle of the night.” Pinkie shook her head, “You don’t know my Mom, Cheesie. She’s super hard working, and proud. She would never, ever ask me to come back unless it was super urgent.” “I see. Guess there’s nothing to it then.” He stood up, slinging her saddlebags across his back. “We’d better get going.” “What?” “I’m going too.” Pinkie shot up, panic in her eyes. “But you can’t.” “What? Why not? Isn’t better to go together?” He trotted around her, that playful glint returning to his eyes. “Come on, it’ll be fun!” Oh, Cheesie. “Yes, but. It’s just, I haven’t told them yet.” “Told them what?” “About…about us okay?” Pinkie looked away, staring hard at the empty park benches just in front of them. “WHAT? Pinkie, we’ve been dating for months now. When were you planning on telling them about us?” “Well, later I guess. It’s just, I never had the right time to, you know? Oh, please don’t be angry Cheesie. I love you, I really do. It’s just, I’m a little nervous about telling them. I mean, my parents are really old fashioned and super protective." “So?” “They’ll make it into some big interview. It’s just-” The damp night air helped to steady her nerves, and the next words tumbled out before she could stop them. “-I don’t want them hurting you.” “Pinkie, come on. They’re not going to hurt me.” Why in Equestria would she think that? “Not physically, but-” Her blue eyes sparkled with tears, “-They might ask you a lot of questions; about where you’ve been, what you do, even your family.” Cheese’s smile shattered like a thousand pieces of glass. The familiar chill filled his chest once more, sending his heart racing. Why can’t I ever get away from them? Noticing Pinkie’s worried expression, he tried to recover. His voice was shaky, but his eyes were decided. “It’ll be fine, Pinkie.” “But-” “But nothing. I’m going with you and that’s final.” He pulled away, and started back towards town, Pinkie trotting to keep up. “I’ve just got to pick up some stuff then we’ll be off.” “But, what if it goes bad with my parents?” He winked playfully at her as they continued down the road. “C’est la vie, Pinkie my dear.” “What?” “It’s life, Pinkie. Good or bad, we take the challenges as they come, and we take them together. Isn’t that what we agreed on?” Then, he began to sing in a low, soft voice. “C’est la vie, la vie. Whatever will be, will be. Whatever the weather, We’ll face it together C’est la vie, la vie. Whatever will be, will be. Don’t worry your life away Just stand and say C’est la vie, la vie. La vie, la vie.” The subdued quality of his singing was so different than his usual cheery, high pitched one, that he might have been mistaken for another pony all together. It sent shivers down her spine, but somehow made her feel warm and fuzzy on the inside, like drinking a big mug of hot chocolate. I didn’t know he could sing like that. Her sides pressed against his, “Thanks, Cheesie.” “No biggie, but you owe me a good Polka dance for this one.” “Okay, but let’s not settle for just one.” ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… Pinkie was completely shocked. Being two cheery party ponies, they never grew tired of talking with each other. At least that was what she had always though. Traveling along the narrow road, listening to him tell another funny story, she began to feel almost annoyed at him. What’s wrong with me? Gulping, she turned to him, “Say, Cheesie, could you maybe be quiet?” Cheese stopped mid-sentence and gaped in astonishment at her. “Sorry.” The moonlight was blocked through the thick canopy of trees covering the path. Even in the dim light, he could see her blue eyes staring into his own. “Story too boring?” “No, no, Cheesie. It’s just, I’m kinda feeling sick.” “Sick?” Oh no. He looked her over her nervously. “Are you okay, Pinkie?” He’s really worried. She leaned close, breathing softly in his ear. “I’m okay Cheesie. I just don’t feel like talking.” What? Absent-mindedly he pawed at the dirt and stared into the darkened forest. He drew Boneless 2 from his saddle and fidgeted uncomfortably. “Guess I can be kinda annoying.” “No, Cheesie. That’s not it. I’m just nervous about my Dad, that’s all.” “Right, we’ll make better time if we’re quiet. You sure you’re feeling okay?” The nod of her head was less than convincing, but he went along anyway. It was far too late to have an argument with anypony as stubborn as Pinkie. It’s going to be a long night. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… “What the…?” Cheese stared at their destination with his mouth ajar. It was dawn, at least it should have been dawn. No sunlight pierced through the expansive blanket of grey clouds stretching as far as the eye could see. Just in front of them stood a valley full of an equally depressing sea of rocks. “Uh, what’s wrong with the sky?” “What about it?” Pinkie was beaming broadly at the farm, as though they had found the lost city of Eldorido. “It’s-” He paused, contemplating the most tasteful way to describe it. “-It’s all grey.” Well, that was lame. A soft snort escaped Pinkie, quickly growing into a full on laugh. “Of course it is silly. It’s always grey here.” Slowly, she wove her way down the slope and into the farm. “Why?” “Oh, that’s easy, Cheesie. It’s ‘cause we live super far in the country near a mostly earth pony town.” “What’s that got to do with anything?” Though he did his best, Cheese was much less coordinated on the shale covered hill, and ended up sliding most of the way. His loud huffing sent streams of misty breath into the air, and he moaned internally. I’m way too tired for this. “Well, the clouds naturally gather here, and we don’t have pegasi around to do the job. Even if we did, there’s a lot of land, and it would take a whole bunch of Rainbow Dashes to clear the sky.” The thought of measuring cloud clearing time in Rainbow Dashes caused an uncontrollable onset of laughter from Cheese. “Seriously, Rainbow Dashes?” “What? It makes sense.” Well, it kinda doesn’t, but oh well. Pinkie nudged him affectionately, and started to walk on. “Ready?” “You bet.” The road to the Pie family farm certainly did not deserve the title of road; a path, a winding lane, but most definitely not a road. Their land was festooned with such an array of rocks that it more closely resembled a geology lab. Cheese rarely became exhausted, but after an all-night trek and a full day’s work, his strength was fading. To his shock, Pinkie’s bounce had turned into an honest to Celestia walk. Finally, after what felt like ages, they reached a clear patch of dirt. There in front of them stood an aging farmyard. Though the buildings had obviously seen better days, closer inspection revealed careful repairs and continuous upkeep. Cheese could not stop the broad grin stretching across his face, and he turned to Pinkie. “The carpentry is amazing. Did your Dad build everything?” “Yup a doodles, Cheesie.” Though she spoke to him, her gaze was set on the darkened farmhouse in front of them. A tiny light appeared in one of the windows, and she jumped up in excitement. “Mom’s up for breakfast. I’m going to surprise her.” The ponies made their way to the house, rather more slowly than they left for the trip, though Pinkie’s bouncy walk had returned. Standing in front of the polished wood door, Cheese found himself growing nervous again. To his surprise, Pinkie had frozen stock still, hoof in the air ready to knock. “What’s wrong, Pinkie?” “Nothing. Just-” She unconsciously set her gaze to stare at the massive scar running down her side. “-I forgot about it.” Without hesitation, he pressed his side to hers, and nuzzled her affectionately. “You look beautiful.” Pinkie snorted a giggle, and looked up at the stallion like he was insane. Really Cheesie? Glancing down at her coat it was plain to see that their journey had been a long one. The normally glossy sheen had been replaced by a thick layer of dust. Her mane was frizzy, and strands jumped this way and that, making her look more than a little harried. “You’ve got some weird sense of beautiful mister.” “Maybe, but I don’t think so.” He gestured grandly to the door, and backed up into the shadows. Probably be best to let her do the talking first. They stood there for a few seconds in silence. “You knocking?” “Yup.” Taking in an extra lungful of air, Pinkie knocked loudly on the door. A pair of voices could be heard just inside, and sure enough, it swung open. There in the doorway stood a middle aged mare, bespectacled face wide with astonishment. Her grey coat was already covered in flour, but she happily embraced her daughter anyway. “Pinkamena Dianne Pie! What in Equestria are you doing here so soon? You could only have got my letter last night.” "I left as soon as I got it. I wanted to see you so bad!” “Well, dear I’m happy you came. But you can’t go gallivanting around the countryside at night by yourself! You could have been hurt.” Cloudy turned her head inside the house. “Igneous. Get out here, your daughter’s home.” There was the soft sound of labored hoovesteps against the floorboards as Igneous hobbled forward. His discomfort was obvious from the thick cast on his right hind leg, and pained expression contorting his side-burned face. The dust colored stallion seemed more than taken aback to see his second eldest daughter standing in the doorway. “Pinkamena? What are you doing here?” “I just asked her that, Igneous. Did you know she came as soon as she got my letter? Walked all night no doubt.” Cloudy clucked disapprovingly, and made to straighten Pinkie’s mane. The members of the Pie family were not known to be loud, and Pinkie actually jumped back when her mother screamed. “By Celestia! What happened to you Pinkamena? Who did it?” “Did what?” She found herself growing nervous, and she danced in a circle, trying to understand what was wrong. Then, it hit her. “Oh, the scar?” “Yes the scar! What did you think I was talking about? Igneous-” She motioned her husband forward. “-take a look at this.” The stallion looked intently at the blemish, contemplating. He chewed more vigorously on the stalk of wheat permanently placed in his mouth. “That’s some cut, Pinkamena. Why didn’t you tell us when it happened?” “I didn’t want you to worry.” “Worry? Pinkamena, worrying is what parent’s do. And-” Her blue eyes turned stern. “-you know better than to keep secrets from us.” Secrets? The knot in her stomach seemed to tighten exponentially. If she’s mad about the scar, she’ll be furious about Cheesie. Unconsciously, her eyes drifted to the spot in the shadows where Cheese was standing. “I don’t try to keep them, I just…” Igneous placed a hoof on her back, staring at the scar. “How’d it happen girl?” “I fell in a pit and cut it on a rock.” “A rock?” Igneous snorted, lined face contorting in annoyance. The Pies were always contentious of rock hazards, and he trained all his children about safely sensing and walking around holes. “A rock farmer’s daughter cutting herself open with a rock? What a load of rubbish.” “But, Dad! It’s the truth. Cross my heart.” “Fine.” Something’s not right. Why aint she talking about it? Pinkamena’s never like this. “Your Ma said something about walking out her by yourself. Didn’t we teach you better than that girl?” “Oh, I wasn’t alone. Cheesie was with me.” “Who?” “Cheesie.” Pinkie gestured to the shadow of the doorway where Cheese had been standing. Slowly the stallion made his way out, head hung a little low. His green eyes flashed nervously between the two older ponies. Pinkie hopped next to him, beaming from ear to ear. “Cheesie, these are my parents Cloudy Quartz and Igneous Pie. Mom and Dad, this is my coltfriend, Cheese Sandwich.” Igneous had been prepared for his daughter to bring home something unexpected. In fact, every time she visited, it was always something out of the ordinary. But, nothing and nopony could have prepared him for this. The stalk dropped from his mouth and he stared in consternation at Cheese. Celestia give me strength!