//------------------------------//
// The Wedding Planner 
// Story: No Day But Today 
// by Harmony Charmer 
//------------------------------//

	Cheese watched the guests with a scrutiny unlike any other as he watched from the end of the rows, where no one seemed to notice him. He was used to watching ponies and going unnoticed, so it was nothing new to him. He narrowed his eyes as he saw more ponies begin taking their seats and begin chatting with another, then glanced at his watch. 

'The wedding is gonna start soon,' he thought as he returned his gaze to the hallway, where Pinkie's mother, Cloudy Quartz, was standing with Spike and Discord, who were probably shoving each other over who gets to go first. Cheese imagined that Sombra would knock them both over their heads as he stands behind them, waiting for his turn to enter.

Waiting after him was Twilight, probably prodding and picking at Sombra's tie and mane, nervously waiting for her turn. He could recall how Twilight had begged for the position of officiant, then proceeded to read every piece of literature on the matter. Cheese could practically hear her muttering her opening words for the ceremony, along with the shuffle of her note cards that more than likely included blocking along with the words. 

The girls were next, with Rarity leading and Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Fluttershy going after her in their respective order. Fluttershy had insisted on going last as to avoid being the center of attention, and to make sure that Maud was ready to go after her she had added hastily. Maud was probably as stoic as ever, even if the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Button were messing around behind her. Cheese could only imagine the disaster they had planned for the reception.

Then, Pinkie would be waiting, unseen by Sombra and the others as to avoid any bad luck or broken traditions. Knowing her, she was probably thinking of different cupcake recipes and foods waiting at the reception, especially because she hadn't eaten anything since early that morning. Cheese pondered how she could have been standing for as long as she had, and felt a bit guilty he hadn't snuck in a few cupcakes for her to snack on before going out.

He shook his head of that thought. Pinkie might vomit from nervousness if she ate or drink anything before going out.

Suddenly, his watch went off, letting out a small noise resembling that of a party noise maker. He took a deep breath, then nodded his head at the musical quartet that stayed in the back, so that way the sound bounced off the walls and echoed through the room.

The preludes ceased, then faded into the processional seamlessly, allowing for an easy transition. Cheese turned to entrance, then nodded at Cloudy Quartz, then readjusted his fez as he felt it slip forward. Cloudy nodded in response, then began a nervous trot forward, but kept her head up nonetheless. She wore a simple blue gown that brought out the color of her eyes with a white belt around her waist.

Cheese watched in silent fascination as everypony walked down the aisle in perfect silence, some gazes proud and stoic, others nervous and low to the ground. He rolled his eyes as Spike stumbled after Discord, who had tripped him upon entering the aisle, and prayed that Sombra wouldn't get too upset over it. He let out a breath of relief as he saw Sombra enter, a small, nervous smile across his face. Everything seemed to be going alright.

Twilight entered, wearing a dress similar to the bridesmaids', and Cheese smacked his hoof over his face as he saw her looking at her note cards. She didn't even seem to notice that everyone was looking at her until she was three rows in. Cheese cleared his throat, causing her to look up. She stopped, then blushed, then put her note cards into her dress, a few spilling over and falling out. Cheese sighed and shook his head.

Rarity entered with the flourish she usually did, and even flipped her mane for good measure, which was refreshing for Cheese to see some actual professionalism. Rainbow followed suit, though her chest was puffed out in a semi-ridiculous manner. Cheese noted how Soarin from the Wonderbolts stared at her, then began to understand why Pinkie had seated them near each other for the reception. Applejack was like Rarity, though her golden leaf crown was hidden by her stetson. Not that Cheese minded the stetson, seeing as how he thought they were cool, but it was the fact that it was lopsided and practically falling off her head that bothered him. Lastly, Fluttershy walked in, her head somewhat low and her mane covering her face. Her long legs made her walk down the aisle look like a walk down the catwalk, but her shy demeanor and posture made it look like she was being forced to go to the principal's office for a minor offense. Then, Maud entered, stoic and silent. She looked like a more resolute Rarity with her tall posture and oddly perfect strut. Cheese thought he saw tears glisten in her eyes, but he swore he imagined it.

Then, the music changed. Everyone stood collectively and turned to see the entrance as the Bridal March began, all eyes focused on one spot. The Crusaders skipped in, petals falling everywhere, much to the disdain of Button, who tried very well to not flinch as petals landed all over his face. Then, Pinkie entered, her father Igneous Rock holding her foreleg, possibly to be supportive emotionally and possibly to be supportive physically, seeing as how Pinkie didn't seem to be able to move her legs that well. It was in that moment that Cheese realized that Pinkie was wearing his gift, or rather, something he had borrowed from her to give to her.

If Pinkie was wearing white, you wouldn't have been able to tell with the red cloak covering her dress. Cheese hadn't a clue as to why Pinkie would need a cape of all things on her wedding day, but if it made her happy, then so be it. And by the look on her face, Pinkie did look happy. Nervous, but happy.

Cheese's gaze went to Sombra, who was standing at the altar, an amazed look on his face. He could tell that there was love and happiness in his expression, and that behind it, was a look of nervousness no one would have been able to see except for Cheese. He had a knack for knowing when somepony felt nervous, and he had hoped the scarf around Sombra's neck was helping him to get over it. Again, he hadn't a clue as to why Sombra would need a scarf, but he wasn't going to be the one to judge. However, by the look on Rarity's face, it looked like she was having a mini-fashion alarm going off in her head that she was desperately trying to ignore.

It wasn't long before Pinkie was at the altar with Sombra, both beaming with happiness and love towards one another. Twilight frantically assorted her notes, then began to panic as she noticed the missing cards. Cheese saw Sombra whisper to Twilight, a small frown on his face and a tell-tale look of annoyance in his eyes. Pinkie seemed to be giggling, which prompted a roll of Sombra's eyes in the most affectionate manner.

Cheese felt himself smile as he saw Twilight drop her notes and begin the ceremony, then allowed Pinkie and Sombra to say their vows. "Today, there will be no dearly beloved, no betrothed, and no ancient rhyme of the married."

A murmur with throughout the crowd as the informal words escaped the Princess's lips, and Cheese looked to see Sombra standing uneasily, while Pinkie didn't seemed to be all that bothered to begin with. Still, Twilight continued."Today, there are no dead languages to solemnize vows that are very much alive and will remain so for a lifetime. Today, promises become permanent and friends become family. However, this day is not about the words spoken or the rings exchanged, nor is it about grand pronouncements and recessional marches..."

Twilight looked up, her eyes sparkling and showing a sweet sincerity unlike any. "Today, is about love." She smiled in her usual dorky manner. "Although, a bit of a strange one."

Everyone chuckled a bit at that, Sombra and Pinkie as well. Cheese let out a steady sigh of relief as he saw Sombra loosen up a bit more.

Twilight cleared her throat awkwardly. "I have a close friend of mine who taught me about love and how it worked. She told me that life wasn't measured in how many cups of coffee you drank, how many sunsets you saw, how much you laughed, or even by how much you suffered. She said that life is measured in love, and that in the minutes we have in a year-- 525,600 minutes, to be exact-- are to be measured in the love that the seasons of the year hold.

"I always found it such a strange saying... I didn't really understand love of any variety outside of my family until I came to Ponyville, to be honest. But, one day, the day I came here--" She smiled in nostalgia. "--the first pony I ran into was Pinkie Pie. She ran off the moment I said 'hello' to her, and it wasn't until I went to the library later that night that I realized it was because she planning a party for me. That was the night I found the Elements and realized what friendship was for the first time in my life.

"I had many moments in my life I went through trials, all of which my friends have helped me though. We all saved Equestria from certain doom on multiple occasions. That's actually how these two met, actually!"

Cheese frowned, his eyes flickering between Pinkie and Sombra. 'I don't know if I like where this is going...' Suddenly, he wished that Twilight had looked at her notes and not gone off-script.

But, Twilight didn't act out his fear. "These two met in rather strange circumstances, and they're both different from the time that they did." She smiled at Sombra and Pinkie. "They both grown into a strong pair, despite their trials, and I don't think I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit envious of what you two have together. You two are more than a couple; you're best friends, and that's something that you need to have in your relationship. I can't tell you all how many times I've caught these two giggling about something silly together like a pair of schoolkids, or how many times I've caught them arguing over nonsense like an old married couple.

"Their love transcends time and reason. A millenia of hatred, fear, or isolation could never take away from this love. A lifetime of hesitation or hurt could never try their trust. And no trial is too much for them to bear, for the strength they hold on their own is powerful, but unstoppable together."

It was silent as Twilight took a moment to prepare herself. "This is the day they've been waiting for, even if they didn't know it yet. I know that some ponies don't feel love, and that nothing's wrong with that..." She took a deep breath. "What I'm trying to say is, for the love that these two have, to be shown on this day..." She smiled. "Who's to say that those capable of love shouldn't be able to feel the same?"

Cheese smiled as he noted the sincerity in her voice and the tears of joy within her eyes. Twilight didn't need the notes after all; she had nailed it.

"Now is the time for the bride and groom to exchange their vows with one another," Twilight said. She took a small step back, allowing Sombra and Pinkie's focus to be on one another. Cheese already imagined that they were, by the way they were looking.

"Pinkie, I--" Sombra tried to say.

"Sombry, I just wanted to say--" Pinkie blurted out.

They both blinked in surprise, a small tinge of pink brushing over their cheeks as they laughed quietly in embarrassment. The crowd chuckled amongst themselves, even the elites who had been invited.

Twilight leaned in. "Uh, Sombra, how about you go first?"

Sombra smiled nervously and silently thanked her. He turned back to face Pinkie, his eyes gleaming. "Pinkie, I... I had something prepared for this, I swear." The crowd laughed and Pinkie giggled, prompting a smile from Sombra. "Pinkie, when we first met, I didn't think anything between us was going to escalate. I was... rude, selfish, and harmful to those around me. I caused more pain than I did good, and it didn't bother me. That is, until I met you.

"I know it sounds cheesy, and like an old friend might say, rather cliche and typical, but I'm a better stallion because of you. I mean, sure, I made mistakes even after I knew you, but I was trying not to. Really hard. And even though it would have been a thousand times easier to just forget about what I was feeling and what it was doing to me, I couldn't. I couldn't because I knew that no matter how many times I told myself I didn't want to be with you or that I loved the way you smiled, it all came crashing down every time I saw you.

"Do you have any idea how frustrating it is to be so resolute and calm all the time when you're around? You're a beam of sunshine and sweet lord if it didn't drive me insane. You can make any situation light and fun, even when I'm around. You're the epitome of Laughter, and the fact that you managed to affect me in the ways you've affected others only solidifies that fact. I wanted to hate you, to hate everything about you, and everything that made you into who you are. But, I couldn't.

"I couldn't because of how you snort when you laugh too hard. I couldn't because of how whenever you hear a rhyme, you make a song out of it. I couldn't because of the way you look when you bounce around town, making everypony smile and laugh with one of your silly songs. I couldn't because of every little curl that I know you can't brush without help from somepony else. I couldn't because when I didn't know how to laugh, you taught me. And I couldn't because when I was lost in my own darkness and trapped within a self-inflicted hell, you pulled me out of it like the angel you are.

"I never believed in angels. I never believed in anything, really; I'm not the religious type. I always thought that angels were just Pegasi with schizophrenia or something of the sort." That got a laugh out of the crowd, but it didn't distract Sombra. "I've seen some strange things in my life, some things ponies might call 'miracles'. I've never experienced them for myself, and I never thought I would. But, then, I met you, and everything around me changed. The flames of my anger and hate disappeared, turning into a feeling I never though someone like me was capable of feeling or had the right to feel to begin with... Love."

The words hung in the air, the silence of the enamored crowd making it seem like an eternity before anything else was said. Sombra's eyes were glistening, though his tears were nothing compared to Pinkie's, who had large streaks staining her cheeks. He smiled at her, and she returned the gesture, though she was still rather emotional. "Pinkie, I can't promise to be perfect in the ways you want me to be. I can't promise to remember every single anniversary, every birthday-- yours or any foals we may have-- or every party." He smiled at her. "But I can promise that I'll never leave your side, and that no matter what comes our way, I'll be with you until the very end. I promise to be honest with you-- even if it hurts my pride." Cheese thought he saw his gaze flicker to Igneous, but he couldn't tell for sure. "And I promise that I will love you, and only you, even long after I'm gone."

Cheese sniffled a little, and was glad to see he wasn't the only one moved by Sombra's words. Cloudy Quartz was clinging onto Igneous, who tried to be resolute, but was failing as he smiled at Sombra with his eyes glistening. Limestone had taken to holding her tears back, unlike her sister, who was leaning into Florina with tears streaming down her face. Florina was faring no better, her eyes shining and small sniffles escaping her. Pinkie's friends were all wiping their tears away, Spike and Discord included, the latter of the two residing beside Fluttershy with his paw and claws resting on her shoulders in a subconsciously affectionate manner. Even the Princesses were moved, each one wiping their eyes, and from what Cheese could see, Shining and Blueblood were practically clinging onto each as they wept in the most masculine way possible. Trixie merely resided beside Blueblood, moved by Sombra's words, but annoyed by how Blueblood was reacting, though not as much as Cadence as she was in between the two weeping stallions.

Twilight wiped her eyes. "Pinkie, it's time to say your vows."

Cheese took a deep breath. 'Oh, boy, here we go.'

Pinkie blinked, as if realizing where she was, and then nodded in acknowledgement. "OK." She fidgeted a bit, then took a deep breath before looking back at Sombra. She was nervous, probably from standing for so still for so long, and she was probably thinking about busting into a musical number at the moment. Cheese personally wouldn't have minded it, but Sombra might find it a bit inappropriate to do so, especially since it was their wedding day. Finally, she spoke. "Sombry, I think it's safe to say we both know how bad at I am at being reasonable sometimes... And that when I get unreasonable, I act a bit, well, crazy!" She smiled. "But, I promise that I won't do anything too much for you to handle. Aaaaaaaaand I promise to not be so stingy with my cupcakes, because sometimes I eat too much--"

"And then you end up throwing up on Rarity's new frock like that one time," Sombra finished, eliciting a laugh from the audience, save for Rarity, who was shaking her head and muttering something along the lines of "made of genuine cashmere" and "cost a whole month's salary".

Pinkie smiled at Sombra. "Sombry, I'm not good at saying what I want to say when I want to say it without sounding weird or not making sense to other ponies sometimes. But, I just want you to know that I love you, probably more than any cupcake I've ever had. Including the ones they sell at Sugarcube Corner around Hearts and Hooves Day."

Cheese felt himself tear up and he sniffled a bit. "That's the most beautiful thing I've ever heard."

Pinkie giggled a bit. "Like I said, I'm not good at saying what I want to say... But I just want to say, I love you, Sombry."

Twilight smiled as Sombra returned the words, then stepped forward once more. "Button, the rings?" Button trotted up, the cushion with the rings on his back. "Do you Sombra, take Pinkie to be your lawfully wedded wife, promising to love and cherish, through joy and sorrow, sickness and health, and whatever challenges you may face, for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do," Sombra replied, slipping the ring onto Pinkie's hoof.

"And, Pinkie, do you take Sombra to be your lawfully wedded husband, promising to love and cherish, through joy and sorrow, sickness and health, and whatever challenges you may face, for as long as you both shall live?"

"Yep!" Pinkie answered, eliciting a laugh from everyone in the audience as she returned the action to Sombra.

Twilight giggled. "Then, Sombra, you may kiss the bride." She held up a hoof. "Appropriately! There are kids here, you know!"

Sombra chuckled a bit as he leaned in for the kiss, but was stopped as Pinkie beat him to the punch and kissed him instead. He was surprised, but he leaned into it and smiled happily as he did.

Cheese felt a sense of relief wash over him as the audience clapped and applauded the married couple, a series of cheers and shouts showing their support for the both of them. Everything had gone just right. Just like a certain Princess he knew, he might say that everything was perfectly fine.


*	*	*


It had taken all of Cheese's convincing abilities to get Pinkie not to DJ her own reception. Sombra, though adamant on the matter, was no match for Pinkie's argumentative skills or her switcheroo argument tactic.

"Pinkie, you're not going to DJ the reception!" Sombra had told her.

"Yes, I am! I know all the jams!" Pinkie replied.

"You're not!"

"I am!"

"You're not!"

"I am!"

"You're not!"

"I'm not!"

"You are!"

"I'm not!"

"You are!"

"I'm not, Sombra, and that's final!" Pinkie said with finality.

Sombra huffed. "You are, and that's final!"

Pinkie shrugged. "OK, whatever you say!" Then, bounced off.

It took Sombra a moment to realize what he just said, and he immediately turned to Cheese. "What just happened?"

Cheese had shrugged, then said, "Party ponies, man. Don't question it."

Of course, afterwards, Cheese managed to change her mind, despite her defense of Sombra allowing her to, and instead, Vinyl Scratch was set to DJ the reception.

"Hey, everypony, DJ P0N-3 announcing the newlyweds, Sombra and Pinkie!" Vinyl called out. "It's time for their first dance as a couple! Well, a married couple, anyway, but still, ya know."

"Come on, Sombra, let's dance!" Pinkie exclaimed before tugging Sombra onto the dance floor. Cheese felt a bit bad for Sombra, especially because he still hadn't gotten the hang of modern dancing, or dancing to begin with. But, before the couple could begin their dancing, the whine of the microphone put them to a pause.

Sweetie Belle winced as she held the mic in her magic. "Sorry... Got too close to the speakers."

"What's she doing?" Cheese whispered to Vinyl, who was changing up her discs.

Vinyl lifted her shades. "Duh, it's their gift to the couple. Sweetie told me about it way back."

Cheese frowned. 'Please don't explode, please don't explode, please don't explode...'

Sweetie looked around awkwardly. "Uh, the Cutie Mark Crusaders and I wanted to do something special for the wedding... Something that didn't involve pyrotechnics for once, actually."

"Oh, thank Celestia," Cheese said to himself as the crowd chuckled.

"So, um, here goes, I guess," Sweetie said. She looked down and then up, not sure what to do as the music began. She sang a bit uncomfortably at first, the words almost sounding foreign coming from her.

'Oh, no, she's nervous,' Cheese realized, not sure what to do. He looked around the room, hoping that no one was noticing the nervousness in her voice.

Suddenly, another voice joined in on the singing, and Cheese looked back to see Button onstage with Sweetie. Sweetie looked surprised, but she smiled thankfully as they sang together and suddenly, the nervousness disappeared from her voice. Cheese sighed in relief, then looked at the dance floor to see Pinkie and Sombra beginning their dance with each other.

Pinkie took small steps, allowing Sombra to mimic them, small words of encouragement urging him to continue. Sombra would occasionally nod his head in acknowledgement, then follow through with a step and repeat the process to keep the dance going. Soon enough, he was dancing a little more confidently and was whirling across the floor with Pinkie.

As they continued their dance, Button and Sweetie were singing with each other, both smiling and swaying to the rhythm of the poppy tune. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom appeared behind them, both doing an intricate dance of their own, though Scootaloo was doing a far better job than Apple Bloom was, who was very close to stumbling with each step.

Cheese watched in silent fascination as the dance continued on, Sweetie and Button's words matching the rhythm of their steps. Cheese couldn't help but notice just how immersed in their dancing the two were, and he wondered if they even heard the song playing. 

This was it, Cheese realized. This was where all of it ended and all of it began. Pinkie and Sombra were married now. They were going to move in together, have a family of their own party pony kids, if Cheese's hope held any say in the matter, and they were going to be together for the rest of their lives, quite possibly. Pinkie would no longer be just a party pony; she was going to be a mother. She was going to leave a legacy on the world (and Sombra, maybe), and everything she did was probably going to go in the history books for ponies to look at and say, "Wow, she sounded super cool!".

The thought made Cheese happy. The fact he might not be there to see it all made him a bit sad, but knowing all that would come of Pinkie's existence made him extremely happy. He knew that any of her kids would probably change someone's life with a smile, just like she could. Of course, no one could quite compare to her.

Cheese didn't know how long he stood there, and he didn't know how long it had been since everypony had been allowed back on the dance floor. He blinked, and suddenly, everyone was out dancing with each other. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were sliding around, causing Rarity to snap at them for almost ripping their dresses. Spike was trying to robot dance over to Rarity, but was having difficulty due to her chasing the running crusaders and appeared to be having trouble with his constant moon walking. Soarin and Rainbow were dancing together, but it probably had to do with the punch they drink that Cheese bet was spiked due to the sluggish way they did danced. Discord had picked up Fluttershy and was twirling around with her, causing her to squeal with fear and laughter. Princess Luna was dancing it out with Big Mac, who didn't even seem to notice he was next to royalty and was totally nonchalant about it. Prince Blueblood and Trixie appeared to be doing the tango, which prompted Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor to get into a major dance off with the other couple and do a more expert version of the tango. Florina and Marble were dancing rather closely, and they twirled together as they laughed and giggled with each other, catching the attention of her parents and sisters. Maud seemed to be doing a simple step touch step dance, which Trenderhoof immediately noticed and mimicked as if it were some sort of a mating dance to gain her attention. Sapphire Shores was congratulating the married couple, which caused Sombra to look absolutely starstruck as Pinkie just giggled and laughed at her coltfriend's-- No, husband's reaction.

Husband. The word sounded strange to even think, Cheese thought.

'Well, they look real happy,' Cheese mused, smiling as he saw Pinkie tease Sombra for being so embarrassed about Sapphire and him blush a bit in response. Cheese watched in silent fascination as Pinkie wrapped Sombra's scarf around herself, smiling and giggling as she did. He'd have to ask for the story one day.

'Why not today?' he asked himself. 'I could ask them right now. I'm sure they'd love to tell me.'

He watched as Pinkie and Sombra started to walk off the dance floor, probably to take a break for Sombra's sake. Cheese felt bad that he didn't have as much energy as Pinkie did, but he smiled a bit when he saw them laughing together.

'Maybe I could save that question for another day,' Cheese concluded. 'This is their day, after all. I could hear them tell that story anytime I come to visit!' Of course, he didn't know when that would be, but he didn't care. 'I'm glad that things went the way they did. They went better than I thought. Way better, actually. I just have to hope Discord isn't drunk when he gives his best man speech and that I wish Pinkie happy birthday-- Oh, crud.'

But, as he prepared to go into full party panic mode, he saw Sombra pull out a cupcake from behind him. It was a pink cupcake with red icing that looked like rose petals with a candy heart in the middle of it, and Cheese wondered why Sombra had it begin with. Of course, it didn't matter as Pinkie tackled Sombra into a hug, nearly making him drop it in the process but not as he caught it with his magic. Pinkie appeared to be thanking him at rapid speed and she showered him in quick kisses, though Sombra seemed to be more concerned with the cupcake and whether or not Pinkie was going to accept it. His inquiry was answered by Pinkie shoving the icing on his face, then licking it off his face for humorous effect.

Cheese sighed in relief. 'Way to go, man, you did a good job. Now just make sure you don't forget later on!'

Of course, that didn't matter at the moment to Cheese. Everything that needed to happen had happened, and now, everyone was happy because of it. The day had come, and Cheese now saw that there was no better day for a wedding of two loving ponies. No day but today.