> Love
>  by Flutterlulu
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The cake (Twijack)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The cake

A soft noise catched Twilight Sparkle's attention. The girl turned around and saw that her girlfriend Applejack had just returned home, closing the door and taking off her cowgirl hat. Their doggie Spike jumped on her to greet his other owner wagging his tail glad to see her.
“Hi there, sugarcube!” Applejack said to her love.
“Hello, honey” Twilight answered smiling from the kitchen. “It's just 6pm, why are you back home so soon today?”
“Oh, there wasn't much to be done at the farm today... Big Mac did most of my work too, I really have a great brother...” she explained approaching her. Only then she noticed what her girlfriend was doing; she first squinted at Twilight, then at what she was holding, then at her again with an expression between scared and bemused… and a little desperate too. It couldn't be that Twilight was trying that again. “Twilight... Honey... What exactly are you doin’?”
Said girl glared at her. “What does it look like to you? I'm baking.”
Applejack's face darkened further. “You're bakin’... a pie?”
“Yeah, a pie. So what? I know I'm not cut out for baking cakes, but I can still improve,” Twilight answered defiantly.
“Ehm, yeah sure, you can. Uh, of course” babbled Applejack “So, while you're busy, ehm, bakin’, I'm gonna take a shower... See you later!” she answered leaving quickly the kitchen as if the baking tin was radioactive.
Even though Twilight Sparkle was able to learn new things amazingly fast (she learned how to read when she was just four years old) and remained the cleverest girl Applejack knew, baking was one of her weaknesses, especially baking pies. She could manage better with other dishes, but with pies there was no hope. She had already tried twice to bake pastries and even an apricot pie, but they just had gone right into the trash in the end. Although she followed the recipe with the same carefulness she used in everything else she did, successful results had never been achieved. That's why everytime she got too close to the recipe book Applejack prayed that she wouldn't peek into the dessert chapter. But the damage was already done; Twilight was putting her creation into the oven and Applejack could only wish that it wouldn't be that bad.
Spike also understood that everytime his dear, book lover owner decided to do some cooking it was time to tuck his tail between his legs. He was smart enough to sense it from Applejack's nervousness anytime Twilight opened the oven - even just to clean it. When such events occurred in the kitchen, Spike looked for shelter under their bed and there he stayed hidden until the burnt smell faded away or Twilight's frustrated cries stopped, once again desperate for her impressing lack of culinary skills. Luckily, when this happened, it was not up to Spike to comfort Twilight and Applejack was always ready to make her smile again. Although the blond girl wasn't very good with words, she was always able to steal a smile from her girlfriend telling her that it would be better next time, that a burned dish wasn’t a big deal, that there were worse things in life and Twilight eventually agreed with her. Besides, Spike was aware how much those two cared for each other, and they never had a serious argument despite Applejack’s doubts about Twilight’s cooking skills.
After she got out of the shower and put her pijamas on, Applejack came back into the kitchen to find Twilight all focused on one of Daring Do's novels. She approached her, hoping that she was not mad at her for her scarce enthusiasm about her culinary attempts. She gave her a kiss on the forehead and Twilight put down the book on the table to wrap her arms around her love.
“You're afraid the pie will be uneatable like the last time, aren't you?” she asked leaning her head on the other's shoulder.
Applejack didn't want to hurt her feelings, but honesty was her best virtue and she couldn't tell her lies “Well, all I want to say is that you shouldn't begin such adventures with the oven all by yourself... You know you ain’t exactly the best cook in the world.”
Twilight sighed. “Yeah, I just wanted to try... I did my best this time, I'm sure it will be good. It's an apple pie, you know... your favourite.”
Applejack's lips curved in a tender smile and she gave her another kiss on the head. That extraordinary girl deserved trust after all. “Yeah, my favourite. I bet it'll be good this time.”
They cuddled each other until the oven timer went off.
“Well. Let's taste it, shall we?” Twilight said happily and placed the apple pie on the table.
Applejack cooked dinner and they ate all before trying dessert. Twilight was extremely eager while the other girl looked extremely dubious. Twilight cut a slice for her girlfriend and one for herself, and put them on their plates. It really looked good after all and Twilight plunged the fork in it, took the little piece to her lips and... bolted to the garbage bin to spit it out, immediately followed by Applejack.
After cleaning her mouth, Twilight looked sadly at her girlfriend. “Applejack, how is it possible that I can do complicated math problems and I can't even make a pie?!?”
She was about to weep and Applejack hugged her to offer comfort. She hated so much to see her sad…
“C'mon, calm down. It ain’t that bad, sugarcube. There are worse things in life than not being able to make a pie!”.
After few seconds she had an idea. “Hey, I can teach you how to make a delicious cake tomorrow, if you like. Maybe if you watch someone showin’ you how to make one, you can learn much more easily.”
Twilight raised her head and smiled with her eyes still wet. “Thanks, honey. I love you.”
“Don't mention it, sugarcube. I'll do anything for you... I love you too.” She covered her lips with hers, transmitting all the love she felt. Then she gently scooped her into her arms to take her to bed. Luckily there were other things she could do much better than baking.

> Princess Charming (RariPie)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Princess Charming


Rarity had grown used to her girlfriend's antics, but that evening she felt unsure. She and Pinkie had been engaged for two years now and Rarity would never have thought to like so much being with another woman. She had always liked men, but after few years of profound friendship with Pinkie she had finally understood what there was under that layer of eccentricity and playfulness.... and she had found something she liked much, too much to be a simple friendship: a bright soul that always saw the glass half full, eager to make anyone smile at all costs, that fully understood the value of friendship. It wasn't only superficial hilarity as it might appear at first sight. And when Rarity had understood that Pinkie was interested in her too, she had let her friend court her. They had begun hanging out together, only the two of them, and surprised all their girl friends when they told them about their engagement. Who would have thought that such a sophisticated, stylish, neat freak girl with a dozen of ex boyfriends could get engaged with another girl so messy, unpredictable, often lacking of line of reasoning and apparently crazy? Well, nobody could have expected it.
Anyhow they had been together for two years and it had been the most beautiful part of Rarity's life until that moment. Every day she discovered a new aspect of Pinkie that she had missed before, and of course it was impossible to get bored with the queen of fun herself. Sometimes she could get annoyed about Pinkie's childishness, but her love helped her to forget most of the other's childish behaviours and Rarity knew that she would always have a smile on her lips with Pinkie by her side.
Altough she really felt in love with her, Rarity always kept in mind that Pinkamena Diane Pie could abruptly do something so absurd to be even hazardous whenever she felt like it, so she never let her guard down. Everytime they had a date it could even happen to die under unclear circumstances, you coud never be sure with Pinkie. So one of her duties was to curb Pinkie's enthusiasm and she had managed most of the times, but this time she had a strange presentiment.
Pinkie Pie had been acting strange for days lately, as if she was hiding something from her. She talked softly to herself (it was strange because she usually did it much louder), she didn't listen when she was addressed and she wasn't so bouncy anymore... Rarity had even found her wandering furtively in the downtown few weeks ago and Mrs. Cake told her that Pinkie had spent a lot of time in her room talking solemnly, but the confectioner didn't want to eavesdrop from behind her door.
That was why Rarity felt a little unsure during their last date. Pinkie had told her that they would have dined at a well-known restaurant in Ponyville and then they would have taken a stroll. Nothing else. But Rarity asked herself what kind of craziness she would have been ready to face from her girlfriend eventually.

It was 7:30pm. Pikie Pie would be there very soon. Rarity checked her makeup, hair, dress, purse and shoes... Everything in order for her pink-haired love. She also took the pepper spray, just in case. Luckily Sweetie Belle was at home with their parents that week and Rarity didn't have to look after her.
The doorbell rang taking Rarity by surprise. She got up to open the door and found herself facing a bouquet of roses as big as a bush, with legs and a full head of pink hair. After a moment of bewilderment she realized that the strange entity in front of her was actually her Pinkie, which had brought her the biggest roses bouquet she had ever seen.
“Hi, darling...” Rarity greeted her a little uncertain, trying to figure out what she was planning to do that evening. Rarity called 'darling' all her friends, but the sweet tone she used -and that was only for her girlfriend- revealed the deep affection she felt.
“Hi there, Rarity... Atishoo!” Pinkie said behind the bouquet. “Sorry, I got a petal stuck up my nose. Look, I brought you flowers! Roses, your favourites! Do you like them?” asked Pinkie while rubbing her nose with her arm.
“They are marvellous, Pinkie. Here, let me help.” Rarity said taking the roses inside and Pinkie followed her closing the door behind them.
“So, honey, this evening we'll do as we said, right?” Rarity asked as she arranged the roses in different vases. One of course wasn't enough for all of them.
“Absolutely positive! I want this evening to be great!” Pinkie's voice trembled a little.
“Very bad sign,” Rarity thought. “Luckily her hair looks fluffy as usual and not smoothened, or that would mean that she's sad and I could even expect the end of the world.”
Pinkie came closer to her love and surrounded her in a tight embrace. Rarity hugged her back affectionately. Since the stylist was taller than her girlfriend, she placed a kiss on her head smelling the strong scent of sugar that followed the baker everywhere she went.
“I must ask Twilight to tell her about the possible consequences of diabetes” Rarity thought. “It is going to be a wonderful evening, if you'll be careful not to kill the waiter this time. Last time we went to the restaurant, the poor guy got hurt really bad... Now we can't go there anymore. It's a pity, that restaurant was so classy...” She said still hugging the other.
“And expensive.” she should have added. But if she found an exclusive place, money was not a prolem for her.
“That was an accident. It wasn't my fault, he slipped... Anyhow, we should go now. I'm starving and I really want a taste of their new triple lemon chiffon cake!”
“You're always so informed about cuisine, darling.” Rarity arched an eyebrow.
Pinkie raised her head and looked into her eyes, blu against sapphire. “I'm so informed that I could swear before Princess Celestia that you'd make the most delicious cute snack in all Equestria...”
Before Rarity could blush at the compliment – perhaps a little corny, but always a comliment made by her most importan person in the world – Pinkie stood on her toes to kiss her fondly. Rarity kissed her back, feeling her quiver a little. They loosened the embrace and Rarity grabbed her purse.
“Can we go now?” Pinkie asked shifting her weight from a foot to the other.
“Yes, let's go.” Rarity answered and headed for the door.

They walked to a small restaurant but cozy and romantic at the same time, illuminated by a soft glow that warmed the atmophere. As they stepped inside, Pinkie addressed the waiter who was a friend of hers. After all it was hard not to find somebody in the area that didn't know Pinkie Pie.
“Hi there, Silver Platter!”
“Hello, Pinkie!” the waiter guy with blue hair said noticing the girl. He was very slim and smart looking. He got closer holding few dishes to take back into the kitchen and smiled at her. “How's it going, Pinkie? A romantic night out with your girlfriend, uh?” he winked at Rarity, causing her to flush a little.
“Yeah, Pinkie always does her best to make me happy. She always brings me to such nice places.” Rarity knew little about the waiter but he looked like a friendly guy.
Pinkie threw herself at her and squeezed her between her arms. “My sweetie pie loves this mushiness... or she wouldn't be my sweetie pie!”
Rarity didn't like much such expicit displays of affection in public: a lady should not attract attention in awkward situations. “Hum, can we sit at our table please? I bet this little rascal is hungry.” She tried to unwrap Pinkie's arms from around her chest as the fluffy-haired girl ignored her attempts with blissful disregard of any sense of decency. The waiter sensed her embarassment and promptly accompained them to their table, slightly away from the others. Rarity thought that the distance was wanted and smiled at the idea that Pinkie really did her best to make everything perfect. The waiter brought them the menus as they sat down.
If Rarity hadn't felt the compelling need to check her purse for the trousse in that precise moment, maybe she would have noticed the knowing glance between Pinkie and Silver Platter.

“Darling, do you think that eating two first courses, a second course and three desserts is really healty for you?” Rarity asked still incredolous in front of such disregard of one's personal health.
“Hum, you're right. Maybe I should order another dessert. I don't wanna lose too much weight.” Pinkie answered with a little concern.
“It's unlikely you're going to lose too much weight, don't worry.” Rarity grumbled resigned.
Pinkie Pie wasn't fat, nor skinny: most of her body fat was focused on her hips and thighs, but there wasn't enough to make her look fat; she was just a little round. Rarity, who had always paid great attention to physical appearance, had finally managed to fall in love with someone who, differently to her previous partners, did not correspond to the stereotype of “handsome and glamorous”. And her friends were happy to see that she had succeded to overcome her apparent superficiality.
Their dinner proceeded uneventfully. Pinkie was telling her about that time she had baked a five-layer cake and curiously it turned out that the oven was too small, but when Rarity ate the last titbit of dessert she trailed off. “So Mrs. Cake told me 'Pinkie, you're putting it in the wrong oven, use the bigger one!' and I couldn't understand why people make ovens so small, and then... Oh, you're finished eating? Good...”.
Rarity, still trying to follow Pinkie's speech, noticed the sudden interruption. “Uh? Yes, I'm done. Do you want to go already?”.
“Not really... Ehm, well...” Pinkie was strange. She called Silver Platter who immediately approached.
“Is everything all right, ladies? May I clear your plates?” he said sending a look of understanding at Pinkie.
“Yes, thank you”. Pinkie winked at Silver Platter. Rarity took notice of those glances and a thought flashed through her mind: was her presentiment right? Was something strange about to happen?
Silver Platter snapped his fingers and four people sitting at a table nearby suddenly got up; musicians, judging by the shape of the bags they held, and they quickly drew out their instruments. It was a string quartet, two men and two women elegantly dressed that promptly disposed themselves near Pinkie and Rarity's table. They started playing a soft tune. Obviously all the people inside the restaurant were looking at them and Pinkie stood up screeching with her chair.
“Hum, darling... What's the meaning of all this?” Rarity asked sheepishly. Even though she loved to be the focus of attention, she preferred to have the situation under control. And in that case it wasn't exactly that way. She was very confused and wanted to understand what was going on in order to avoid possible disasters and to become even more embarassed.
Pinkie Pie cleared her voice and started to speak loudly. “Well, Rarity, maybe you believed that this was a date like any other, but actually it's not. Maybe you have noticed I was not the usual Pinkie these days, but there is a reason. You know I'm sooo madly, unconditionally, deeply, head over heels in love with you” - the diners around went oooh - “I know you return my love... we have been together for two years and I have understood that no woman more amazing than you can exist... You're generous, romantic, you always care about others, you help me with my scatterbrainess when I make mistakes... Maybe you have your flaws too, you're a little vain, prissy, but we all have our own flaws. To name some, I'm too exuberant and silly. But I love you just the way you are and I know you love me the way I am. I wouldn't ever change you with any other woman in the world. I'm sure I want you to be by my side for all my life, so... Rarity, my love, will you marry me?” with these words Pinkie pulled out a small box from one of her pockets. She opened it and showed its content to Rarity: a marvellous diamond ring.
Silence. The string quartet stopped playing and the diners' murmurs subsidied into silence. Rarity would have never expected something like that, especially from her little Pinkie Pie: she couldn't believe that the other took their relationship so seriously to ask her to marry her. Rarity had always dreamt to look like a princess at her wedding, with lots of flowers, guests and a stunning prince beside her... Well, in that case the prince would have been a princess, but was that really important? She loved too much her crazy and scatterbrained Pinkie Pie to change her with any other rich, handsome and charismatic man.
“Yes, Pinkie. I will marry you.” she said softly shedding tears of emotion. There was a thunderous applause and Rarity stopped to worry about her make up melting while Pinkie hugged her and put the ring on her finger (on the wrong one of her right hand) and the string quartet started playing a wedding march. None of them noticed that few among the guests were not cheering, surely some short-sighted bigots. Silver Platter came back running and uncorking a bottle of sparkling wine that offered to his two friends. Pinkie squeezed him in a joyful hug. Rarity suddenly understood. “But... but... you had it all planned out.”
“Yep, Silver helped me arrange everything. He's been fundamental!” Pinki answered.
“Congratulations, girls. I'm so happy for you.” Silver Platter grinned from ear to ear.
“Was my wedding proposal enough special superfantastic?” Pinkie whispered embracing Rarity again. 
Rarity smiled hugging her back. “Like a fairytale, darling”.

Later Pinkie Pie and Rarity were heading back to the stylist's home with an arm around each other. They were discussing about the wedding preparations without missing a detail. They would have worked together, Pinkie was the world's best party planner and Rarity could keep her from hanging balloons everywhere, replacing them with cute white ribbons. Then Rarity remembered something. “Pinkie, when I told you that I wanted to marry you and the quartet started to play a wedding march... What would have they played if I had said no?”.
“They would have played a funeral march, obviously” was the answer that left Rarity a little puzzled. “But I was sure that you would have said yes”.
“Uh, anyway, speaking of our wedding, darling, how many people should we invite?” Rarity asked admiring the shiny ring now on the right finger.
“Well, it's logical... Everyone!”
Rarity looked tenderly at that girl with messy hair, a little plumpish and with a few screws loose and she understood that when Pinkie said 'everyone', she really meant EVERYONE. Rarity wondered where they would have hosted all those people but, thinking better, who had ever seen few guests at the wedding of a princess?