> No Sharing > by Grey Faerie > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Flirt with Me > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Really!? That's what happened?" Discord said in disbelief. He had gotten his usual letter from Fluttershy for the week that spoke vaguely of another party pony coming to town. Apparently though, what he thought happened and what really happened didn't seem to match up. "So, this 'Cheese Sandwich pony comes to town, kicks you out of your job as party planner, competes with you in a 'goof off' then turns around and goes on about how you inspired him?" Pinkie nodded. She looked to have recovered from her moment of insecurity. "Gag. I swear, if I had been there not only would I have clearly schooled him in the matter of parties; I would have gone ahead and told him off." "Like what? And of course, no one could ever beat you in partying. You know about more forms of parties than I could ever imagine. And some I could if I tried hard enough." "Oh, well it'll be a little like this, clears throat, You're the worst person I've ever known! You earned your cutie mark WAY later in life thanks to this one pony and how do you repay her? By trying you're level best to outdo her knowing FULL WELL she'd get hurt. ESPECIALLY after her friends ignored her for you. And how creative were your ideas? Oh, yeah - 'do the same things she does, only bigger - yay'. What are you? Some bored, spoiled rich brat, jealous of your neighbors' happiness so much that you MUST buy a bigger toy to show off? No wonder you never got your cutie mark until that day. At least you sort of made up to her. You should be glad she does not hold any grudges. And it's good you left Ponyville - Celestia could only guess what I'd have done if you stayed. That's all I have to tell you, good day." "Really?" Pinkie looked up at him with sparkling eyes. He stopped as she had suddenly stopped walking and looked down at her. She was so earnest for his confirmation of sincerity. "O-of course Pinkie. Why wouldn't I? You're my gal and protege in the wonders of Chaos. My little Queen of Random, curly que." "Awesome." Pinkie said. She was a little embarrassed to be wiping at her eyes. She smiled wide up at him then continued on their way. They were on an adventure to the market. A venture Discord loathed to Pinkie's confusion. She still had to ask him about that. The list was gratefully short though Discord grumpily had pointed out that they had to visit a different stand for each item. Pinkie wore her basket hat on her head and a purse slung around her neck. Discord 'wouldn't be caught dead or alive with a basket like some namby pamby peasant boy'. Pinkie had questioned him on his choice of adjective and he replied that his other choice of words would make him come off as closed minded. She had shrugged in agreement. Pinkie could see the first booth of fruit they needed to go to. Discord could see the mare he needed to talk to. "Hello there, my sweet tart. How are you today?" Discord asked. "Giggle, I'm good. You?" She said from behind her hoof. "As good as you are looking." he winked. "Oh you, how corny." "I'd say sweet. Like your flank." The wink was implied in his tone. "I'll take two boxes." Pinkie cut in. She had been rolling her eyes at his come-ons. "Okay! Five bits. Thank you for doing business with us." "I'll be looking forward to being 'doing' with you later. Business that is." The mare blushed. Pinkie didn't need her twitches tell her of the headache she'll get from all of the coming eye rolling. The engaged mare selling plates was asked if she like 'it' clean or dirty. The young mare standing by the orange stand was complimented on her 'juicy red lips'. The two twin mares selling seasonings were asked a predictable, 'which of you is the spicier sister?' And the older mare giving out sampled was asked if she was 'part of the sample platter too'. Pinkie wondered even more why he hated grocery shopping. He seemed to be having enough fun making bad pun pick-up lines. They had finished their list and stopped by the local Haylage* Cafe. Their waitress was a 20s something with green hair pulled back into a bun. Pinkie couldn't help but be assaulted by 'librarian' and 'loosening up' puns. "Hey there! Cause hay is for horses, Welcome to Haylage Cafe." The waitress greeted with a well practiced smiled. "Hey there yourself." Discord smiled back. Pinkie smiled as well. But for the reasons of pity. "Have you made your choices yet or do you need more time?" "Um, I'll have a hayburger with a large serving of fries-potato not hay-a large chocolate shake and three chocolate cookies." Pinkie said. She let the mare take her menu and put it in her side bags. "Ooo, that sounds good. Well, darling, I'll have the same only do you have uh, soy? I'm guessing you don't have any meat?" "No, sorry." "Hmm," he stuck out his lip, "Yeah, I'll have soy and extra fries dear. And two chocolate shakes! Pinkie, I'll steal some of your cookies." "Okay." she mock reluctantly agreed. "Is that all?" the mare had to ask. It was part of the script. "Yes! No wait." he looked back over the menu, "Yes sweety. That'll be all." "I'm not your sweety!" she snapped. Discord was taken aback. "Ah-I'm sorry de-. I mean, I didn't mean to offend!" he explained. "He's old fashioned. He calls everypony dear, darling or something like that. I'm his girlfriend so I know all about it. I'm really sorry." Pinkie pleaded. She had come to the rescue. The waitress had at first looked ready to continue snapping at Discord but now it seemed like she at least understood. "Okay. I'll be back with your drinks." She took his menu and left. "Thank you! We'll tip well!" Pinkie called out to her. She let her face fall as she sighed in relief. "I really didn't mean to make her so upset. Sometimes I forget about my little 'endearment' habit." "Also your nickname habit. But it's fine. I know you didn't mean to make anypony mad." "I know. It's just weird when people call me out on it." Discord leaned on his arm, "Are you going to have all of your fries? Cause they go great with my chocolate shakes." "It's ponies here and No! You got your own fries. Leave mine alone. I got my own fries to go with my own chocolate shake. Enjoy your soyburger." "Ehhhh." Discord recoiled like a child. He was prompted into one of his pouting fits. Pinkie pulled out her water bottle. She downed what was left and hoped a little food would help with her headache. "Hey look! She's pretty." Discord said, having been distracted. A lean mare was walking down the other side of the street. She had wavy silver hair over an orange coat. She quickly was lost from sight. "Ooo, look there." Another mare, plumper this time, was trotting through the crowd. She had crimped purple and yellow hair over a yellow coat. Discord continued to be entertained by passing ponies... "Ha! Look at him! I wonder what ever a blotch cutie mark could mean." He had moved on from mares to anypony to catch his interest. Whether in a good way or not. "Maybe he works in censoring?" Pinkie had become tired of trying to curve his insulting remarking. "Hey! I like her." Pinkie peered around till she saw who he was pointing out. It was an off-white mare with really curly pinkish hair. "You really do like curly hair." Pinkie spoke more to herself. "Huh?" Discord was stopped just as was when the waitress snapped at him, "What do you mean by that?" "What do you think I mean? Almost every girl you point out either has curly hair, wavy hair, hair put in some sort of a curl. Anything but straight." "Chuckle, silly Pinkie, that's not true." he said confidently. He then let multiple emotions cross his face as he thought about it. It gave away his thoughts of That's not tru- wait, uh, Yes, no. There had to be- well she uh. Pinkie raised an eyebrow when he did turn back to her. He slightly blushed from the confirmation of her remark. "Well..." he defended, "Curly hair is more fun. It's not all..straight lines and boring-ness." "You're full of bull-shit. Boring-ness?" "Pinkie! Such words to come out of you. And you make up words! All the time might I add. I can do it too." He pouted and turned away. He preoccupied himself with sucking out what remained of his shake. "What ever you say Dizzard." She looked at the clock on the wall, "Hey, we should go." Discord turned back to her, "Oh? Ahhhh." "No more pouting. Come on." she encouraged. "Aaaaaaugh." Discord sighed, draping over the seat then sliding out of it. He soo sadly picked up the bags with the new dishes. He frowned as he moved the straps onto his slumped shoulders and followed Pinkie toward Sugarcube Corner. "Thank you so much. You two really helped me." Mrs. Cake said. They had just put away all of the shopping. "It was no problem Mrs. Cake. I didn't even break a sweat." Discord said. He leaned against the counter. "Diz, can you bring up that vase to my room?" Pinkie asked. "Of course! Anything for you." Pinkie giggled and followed him up. They reached her room and he looked for a place to put it. He brighten when he found a spot on an end table. It was a quick snap and it was filled with brightly colored flowers. "Thanks." "Your welcome. I'm going to go now." "Okay, love you." Pinkie said. She pecked him on the lips. "I know you love me. You gave me your fries!" "Ha! Only some." "More like half. I'll see you later." he grinned then gave her a peck as well. Pinkie was still all warm and fuzzy inside as she worked at her desk. > Suspicious Glances > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pinkie was so excited today! She had a new party client. She skipped down the road with bags full of papers and swatches and confetti samples. She had a book with a whole verity of party themes and loved coming up with new ones. Ooo, I wonder what it's going to be? Maybe a birthday party or a surprise party? I can't wait! She made it to the restaurant that she was meeting her client at. He was told to have a pink place card on his table so she could find him. He was a yellow unicorn with spiky, two-hued blue and violet hair. His cutie mark was a beer mug on a clover leaf. He worked at The Capall Hoof as a bartender. He waved at Pinkie. She grinned her widest smile. "Hello! I'm Pinkie Pie. Party Planning expert. I'm happy to meet you." "I'm Quick Shot*. And I'm very happy to meet you too. Pinkie Pie! The Element of Laughter, savior of Equestria. No one told me you were so pretty in real life." "Haha, you flatter me. Now, let's get to business. Just what type of party are you looking for? I've got a few suggestions in my Theme Book." Pinkie said. She pulled out the book from her bag. He leafed through it. Pinkie waited patiently. Well, as patient as she could be. "What type of party is it? That could help eliminate choices. Some are more garnered toward children or couples." "I'm just having a regular party party." "Ooo! The best kind. How many people are going to be there?" Pinkie pulled out a notepad and pen from her hair. He stared a little when she did that. "Around 30-40. Mostly close friends and their friends." "And their friend's friends. Hehe, I know how that is. So it's a, about medium party with the potential for more. Is it going to be at your house or do you need a venue?" "At my house. Wow, didn't expect so many questions. Are you going to be there the entire time?" "Only if I'm needed. Somethings I do entertainment or help with kids." She smiled. "Entertainment? Like, what?" He leaned on his hoof and looked at her from across the table. "Oh, like jokes or dancing or story telling. Sometimes I'm just there to help get ponies break out of their shell and hit the dance floor." "I bet you have a lot of good moves. Can you be at my party?" "If you really need me there, but that's an extra fee. Mostly I'm set up and clean up. The before and after. That way the partiers can just have fun without worry and I'm not standing in the background somewhere." "Oh, well, I guess I'll pay. Haha, I've never bought anypony before." he winked. "Haha! That's funny. I guess if you look at it that way. So, what else?" she grinned. Pinkie was used to Grey and her love of puns or stupid jokes. "Well, I think I might need to look through this book a little more. There's so many choices! And prices to consider. What about food or DJs?" "It depends on what theme you're doing. If it's really just a party party, it'll be what ever you want. Is it a sit down meal.." "No, no. Haha, a buffet or a table with food on it is more like it." "Okay! Did you want a DJ? Or a band. Or simply to rent a sound system." "I can do that?" "Yep. If all you need is a music player and some sick speakers, I can get it." "Chuckle, sure. I think that might be good." "Awesome." Pinkie wrote down a few things on her notepad. "I'll give you some time then to go over the book and decide what you want. Call me tomorrow for a meeting time." Pinkie held out her hoof for him to shake. He took it and smiled. Pinkie blushed a little. Pinkie bounced into her room through the window. Don't know how she did it, seeing as her room's on the second story. Discord was lounging on her bed with a suspicious magazine. He turned page as she bounced around the room. "I'm so excited, I'm so excited. I've got a new client and he's funny too." "How so, sweetie?" "He made a funny joke about 'buying me' to entertain at the party. Then he winked." Pinkie was bouncing on the bed but Discord wasn't bothered. "He winked?" Discord looked up from the page. "Yeah, but it was just to make the joke clear." "Hmm. When are you going to see him next?" "I don't know. I've got to wait until he calls tomorrow to set up a meeting. I left him to look through the Theme Book and think about what he wants." "Okay." "Hey, what are you looking at?" Pinkie put her hoof on the top of the page to look over. He snapped it to himself. "Just Writer's Weekly. For my hobby." "Not your sewing magazine?" "No, I just steal Rarity's." Pinkie glared at him. "Kidding! My love, the new one just hasn't come yet." "Okey dokey." she said suspicious, "I've got to go downstairs. The Cakes are training a new pony to take over for me." "Finally?" "Yep!" She gave him a quick kiss then left the room. He went back at his magazine. "Don't make a mess!" Pinkie called out from the hall. His face flushed and he glared at the door. The next day, Pinkie was watching the counter. The new baker, Golden Sun*, was in the back. He was a yellow earth pony with orange hair. His cutie mark was a cake with a sun on it. Golden was a cousin of Mr. Cake. "Pinkie! Phone for you." He called out. "Okay! Thank you." "Hello?" "Hey, it's Quick Shot." "Oh, hey, you're calling for a meeting time right?" "Yeah, how about lunch? Around noon?" "Hmm, can you do one?" "Sure." "Okay, see you then." Pinkie hung up and looked at the clock. It was only 10 o'clock now and she had the lunch rush to get ready for. She walked into the back. "Hey, Golden. I need to clock out before one. Do you think you can handle the end of the lunch rush?" "Yeah, where are you going?" he asked. "I have a client to meet about his party. Also, I've got to tell Discord, watch the counter for me?" "Okay." Pinkie walked out and to her room. Discord was playing with Gummy on the floor. "Hey Dissy-doodle-dear!" "What are you calling me now?" "I'm going to have to skip lunch with you." "Why?" He looked at her. Gummy took the opportunity to clamp on his beard. "I have to meet Quicky." "Snort, Quicky? Yeah, I bet." he snickered. "Discord! Anyway, I've got to meet him at one and I'm working the lunch rush, so no lunch with you." She booped his nose. He pulled Gummy off his beard and put him down. Gummy went after his tail. "Ahhhhh." "I've got to go back down now." "Fine." He pouted. "See you later!" Pinkie left the room. Discord stared after her. The gears turning in his head. They squeaked and groaned. A few need to be oiled. Others completely replaced. "Hmm, I don't like this Gummy. I have a bad feeling." Gummy looked at him and each of his eyes moved independently. "You're right. But I'm still going. Do you want to come?" Gummy stared. "Great! Come along Detective Gummy. We're going on a stakeout." Pinkie left a little before one. She had a few of her supplies from yesterday. Quick Shot was waiting for her at the same restaurant. "Hey Pinkie!" "Hey Quick Shot. Have you looked through the book and made your choice?" Pinkie sat down at the table. "Yes, but I think we should eat first. Have you had lunch yet?" "Nope, I'm starved." Quick Shot called over the waitress. He and Pinkie looked through the menu. "Ooo, they've got chili. Ooo, Pappardelle with Mushrooms, fancy." Pinkie remarked. Quick chuckled, "That's cute." Pinkie blushed, "What? It's a little fancy. So, what are you going to have?" "I don't know, this lasagne looks good. Hey! Browned Butter Gnocchi with Broccoli and Nuts. That sounds good." The waitress came by and took their orders. "So you work as a bartender?" "Yeah, I like it. I like the social interaction. I really like making up new drinks. It can really be an art form." "I bet! I like to drink every now and again." "You should come by then. I'll make you a special drink." "Hehe, how special?" "I'll make you the best we have, on the house." "I'd rather drink it in the house." "Bahahaha! You're so funny Pinkie." Discord had snuck out through the window with Gummy firmly attached to his mane. He could of used the front door but why be boring? He darted around in the bushes and behind carts. There was a cafe across from the restaurant Pinkie was at. Discord dove under a table, disturbing a cop and his gryphon wife*. The Cop raised an eyebrow. "I'm spying on my girlfriend. A client thinks she's single." The cop looked around and spied Pinkie with the offending stallion, "Carry on." Discord saluted. He pulled out a pair of binoculars. Gummy jumped on to the table and stared at the couple. "Um, I'm Officer Steel. This is my wife, Aya." "I'm Discord as you should already know. He's Gummy. He likes your mustache." Discord said. Steel nodded and rubbed his mustache. He was a brown unicorn with black mane and tail. He wore a dark blue with black-and-white squares banded police cap. His cutie mark is a nightstick over a doughnut. His wife was cream white and brown feathers with green eyes. Discord peered across the street to Pinkie and Quick Shot. "Oh sweetie, you're so cute. Hey! That's what I said. An art form, phh. You serve to a bunch of drunks. Like she'll ever want your awful drinks. You just want to get her drunk. You're so funny." Discord mocked. "Having troubles?" "Huh? No I can see them clearly." "That isn't what I meant. Are you and your gal having troubles?" "No! Of course not. I'm just keeping tabs on her, for safety." "It's not a sign of a healthy relationship for you to be spying on her. You do this often?" "No, I just don't like the way she talked about him. He winked at her." Discord put down the binoculars and turned on his back. "Did she seem to like it?" the gryphon asked. "I'm..not sure. She did like the joke he made. And she's laughing now, and blushing. He's flattering her." "If you're jealous, you should talk to her. Without trust, there's no relationship." "I'm not jealous! How could I be jealous? He's some bartender from Ponyville and not even that good looking. I, on the other hand, have too numerous aspects of greatness to myself." Discord said. "If you're so great, why is your gal having lunch with another guy? Sometimes it's how you treat your gal that matters. It doesn't matter how great you think you are if she's happier with another guy." Discord had a thoughtful look on his face. He looked back over to Pinkie who was happily eating her pasta. She looked so cute trying to slurp her noodles. He got up and sat on the ground by the table. Gummy wandered over and climbed on his head. "You're right Gummy. We should leave. I'm not the biggest fan of the popo so I'm going to be mad if you're wrong. I'll..trust her." "Okay, and just to let you know the popo don't much like you either. And staking is a crime in Ponyville." "Aye, aye officer." Discord saluted before sneaking away. "They're cute together." Aya remarked. "They are. I hope they make it." Steel replied. > No Trust, no Nothing > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discord was walking down the street. He felt upset about what the cop had said. Was Pinkie really happier with someone else? Should he let her go? He pet Gummy who wagged his tail. How could he be jealous? She would never just leave him. They were so perfect together. He sighed. Discord walked on to Sugarcube Corner. Might as well be where she expects him to be. He was coming up to the building when he saw Pinkie already there. How did she get there so fast? Probably her Pinkie power. Then he thought about it. Ha! Did that guy do something wrong and she left his ass? He grinned and quickened his walk. As he got closer, he saw her with somepony. It was, Cheese Sandwich? He recognized him from the pictures. He got close enough to hear them. "Oh Pinkie, I've loved you since that first party!" he said, holding her. What does he think he's doing? Discord had every intention to break them apart. "No Pinkie, let's keep it in the family." Called out Big Mac. He ran towards her and scooped her up. "Hey! She's mine!" Discord yelled. He stole her back and held her up in the air. "You know, I've always thought of you as kinda cute." Twilight!? "Me too." Fluttershy said. Then Applejack came and Rarity then Rainbow Dash, all saying the same thing. "I love you Pinkie!" "Be mine!" "No mine!" "We love you too!" The Cakes yelled out. Discord soon realized Pinkie wasn't with him. Where did she go? He looked all around but only saw the other ponies. They swarmed him. Where was Pinkie!? Discord, Discord, "Discord! Wake up!!" His eyes fell open. He was in Pinkie's bed. Pinkie was staring down at him. He pulls her into a tight hug saying, "You're mine and only mine! And only I'm allowed to flirt with you." "Dissy, you're okay. You were just having a bad dream." she said. She pet his head to sooth him. "I don't like being alone." He admitted. He curled up. "I know, it was just a dream." He calmed down then his face flushed. He uncurled from around Pinkie. "I'm perfectly fine. Just needed to wake up." He looked around the room. Everything was where is should be. Gummy was by the desk with a chew toy. He stared at Discord. "I'm fine Gummy. Thank you for your concern." He looked at Pinkie. She had a worried expression. "I'm fine. How did you meeting go?" "Fine." "Well, what did you do? Start from the beginning." He grabbed a pillow and leaned on it. "You want to know everything?" "Of course! Every last detail." he smiled. "Okie dokie loki!" "I'd rather drink it in the house." "Bahahaha! You're so funny Pinkie." Quick Shot laughed. "Thanks. I try." The waitress came back with their food. Quick Shot levitated the fork to eat his food. Pinkie held the fork as best she could. She would twill the fork in the noodles, bring it up and the noodles slid off. She stabbed at them and mouthed at the noodles. Once she got them, she tried slurping them up. It didn't work out that well and the sauce dripped everywhere. "Darn it." "I could help you if you want?" Quick levitated the fork to feed her. "No! No, I've got it. I'm a big girl." Pinkie put up her hoof. She decided to just pick up the plate and slurp up the noodles that way. "So, what kind of party did you decide on?" "An Irish theme. Lots of green and good drinks. You could wear a really cute outfit. I think you would look good in green." "Oh, I don't know. Anyway, I'll look through the book for the supplies. Do you have it with you?" "No, it's still at my house. Do you want to come with me to get it?" "Na, I've got another copy. Bring it over to Sugarcube corner by tomorrow. Here, I've got some other things for you to look at." Pinkie pulled out the decoration samples. He looked through them. She thought back to the book. It was page 35, Irish party. Needed supplies include green table clothes, clovers... Food is more sit down but can be made to be buffet style. Total price.. "Are you okay with the price?" "Huh? Oh, yeah. And it includes you too, right?" "Not the one in the book. I'll write up a bill." Pinkie shook out a pen and pad. She wrote up the budget and list of supplies. "Here. You can look it over and sign at the bottom." "Okay." He sighed it and passed it back to Pinkie. She tore off the second page and gave it back to him. "Well, it seems we're done here. Check Please!" The waitress came around and they paid. "It doesn't have to end. I really think we need to talk some more. I could tell you all about the different beers I want. And we've got to go to my house." "If you want to supply your own beer, you can. And I've already said no to your offer to go to your house." "Yes! But don't you need to see the venue first?" "Well...that is a good idea but how about another time? I need to get back to bakery and also start ordering things." Pinkie got up from the table. "I could walk you back." He said getting up as well. "No need." "Pinkie," he bit his lip then grabbed her hoof. "I really like you and I want to get to know you better." "What!? He confessed to you? Did you say no? Of course you would. What am I thinking?" Discord said. "I didn't exactly say no." Discord sputtered for a moment. "Didn't exactly say no? Why not! You're mine. Very, very much mine." "We're not married. And besides, you seemed happy enough to gawk at other mares just yesterday." "Aha! That's it! You're getting revenge on me. How devious." "It's not revenge. Wow, Diz. Never took you for the possessive, jealous type." "I'm not jealous. Nor am I possessive. Unless you like it. Then I'm totally possessive." he growled. Pinkie hopped off the bed and out of his reach. Discord pouted. "I've got to go back downstairs. New employee and all. We still on for that movie after dinner?" "Is this that 'playing hard to get' you mortals like to do? I do like the thought of a chase." "Maybe~ Now behave. I'll see you at dinner." "Okay, love. See you at dinner." he waved after her. Discord leaned on his arm. Gummy came over and jumped after his tail. Discord smiled as he moved his tail back and forth. Wait.. "Hey! She never told me what happened afterwards. Pinkie! What did you say? Ga!" Discord flopped back on the bed. "What did she mean by not exactly no?" Pinkie looked at Quick Shot. She looked at his face and the hoof in his hoof. But I'm dating Discord! He and me. But then..maybe.. Pinkie thought back to the day before. The way Discord just flirts with any mare he sees. It would be wrong. And petty to get revenge. But, sometimes he just needs to learn a lesson. And..It would be interesting to see how he responses. "I'm not looking for anypony right now." "Oh. But that's not exactly a no." "Not exactly." Pinkie took back her hoof. "I'll see you later okay?" "Of course! How about tomorrow? We could go for a walk." "That sounds nice. Bring the book too." "Will do. Goodbye." "Goodbye." Pinkie walked away. A pensive look crossed her face. She wasn't sure about this whole thing. What if I hurt someone? She and Discord were sitting in the movie theater. They had gone to see a historical action movie about a gryphon war, Over The Mountains and Through The Mist*. It was by the same director that did Beyond the Vale*. "The actress who does Celestia isn't that good." "How so, Dizzy?" "Her butt isn't big enough." "Pphhhehehe. Shh, Cordie." "Well it's true." Pinkie snuggled into his side. He took a large slurp of his soda and she gave him a look. He smiled at her. They walked down the road to Sugarcube Corner. Discord sometimes tried to hold her hand. It wasn't that easy for her to walk, so he put it down. "Look at the sky. It's so pretty." "It is. It's always unique to see the sky from a planet. Out in space, it's just endless stars and void. It's okay. But, on a planet, it's so pretty." "What was it like on other planets?" "Well, each was different. Most are just a different arrangement of stars. Some though, the sky is different colors. Orange, red, green. Some are blue. On some planets, they're near nebula's." "Nebula's? What that?" "It's like clouds of pure color floating through the darkness of space. Each a unique shape. There's one called the horse head nebula." "Really!" "Yep, I've been there. Some night skies have large strips of stars. It's the galaxy from far away." "Wow, to be able to see the galaxy." Pinkie frown, "But Luna controls the stars. Does that mean there is no galaxy? Or that we can't see it because Luna won't let us?" "No need to get existential. You can see the galaxy. Luna just make sure the stars little up. You're on the far edge of the galaxy so all the stars are dim. Luna brightens them." "What of when she moves them?" "Stars move on their own. It just looks like she moves them." "So, what are you doing all the way out here?" "Well-um, I'm just here on vacation. It can get tiring venturing through all of time and dimension. I like this place. It's like my own personal island." "Is this a different dimension than you're normally in?" "Yes, but I can't tell you anymore. There are rules. Some even I don't break." "Okay." Pinkie skipped down the road. She was meeting with Quick Shot for their 'walk'. Pinkie hadn't been sure about the whole thing. She didn't want to risk ruining her and Discord's relationship. She was, at one point, pretty sure she wasn't going to go through with it until Dizzy started flirting with the girl behind the counter, the one seated next to them, and the one he saw on their way home. Pinkie sighed. Maybe a little flirting won't hurt too much. Quick Shot was waiting for her by the park. "Hey Quick Shot. How are you today?" Pinkie smiled. "Great! How about you?" "Awesome. So, what're we doing?" "I thought just a nice stroll through the park. They have some booths set up for games today." "Oh, that sounds fun." Discord paced around the room. What did she mean by not exactly no? It was driving him up the wall. Well, maybe not driving, but he was walking on the wall and ceiling. Should I just trust her? Should I let her go? Ugh! Discord looked over at Gummy. He was bouncing on a balloon Discord had made. He looked at Discord. "I don't think that would work. For alligators maybe." Discord dropped off the ceiling onto the bed. Gummy bounced over to him and chomped on his foot. "Now that makes sense! But, wouldn't that be wrong? It'll be just like yesterday." Gummy stared. "Too true wise Gummy." Discord jumped to sitting up on the bed. He snapped over Pinkie's full length mirror. He leaned over to touch the mirror's surface. It cracked and rippled. The image changed to show Pinkie in the park playing at a booth. She was trying to throw the ball to knock down bottles. Discord smiled. Until Quick Shot walked over and smiled at her. Discord's frown was so deep it seemed to be trying to fall off. Discord continues to watch them walk around the park. They laughed together and played games. At some points, they walked so close, they were touching. Discord gripped Pinkie's pillow. He didn't notice how it changed color or that the room was turning strange. He never took his eye off them. At the end of the 'date', Quick gave Pinkie some flowers. They smiled at each other. "Yahooow!" Discord jolted as Gummy bit into tender skin. The little lizard looked at him. Discord looked around the room to see what he's been unknowingly doing. He sighed and snapped his fingers. "I don't think this was a good idea. But not knowing would have been too much!" He fell back on the bed and put the pillow over his face. The gator turned in a circle then laid down on Discord's stomach. Discord decided it would be too rude to remove the gator. So, he laid in bed and wondered. It was a while before Pinkie made it back home. She was so happy. The flowers bounced on her back. Quick had given her a hug before they parted. Sugarcube Corner came into view. She went in through the side door and up the stairs. She opened the door to see Discord and Gummy on the bed. They looked so cute together! She did wonder why her mirror was by the bed though. She looked around the room and saw a vase with some old flowers. She pulled them out and put in the new ones. She went over to her desk and dropped off her purse. She felt a twitch but wasn't worried. It was only Discord coming over to put his arms around her. "So, how was it?" "Fun. Oh! That's what the mirror is for. Wait. You were spying on me?" She turned around. "You shouldn't be leading him on like that!" "I'm not leading him on." "Yes you are! And, you're two timing me." "He's just a party client! The hugs and flowers are him saying thank you." Pinkie tried to explain. "Really!? You think I'm that dumb?" "Oh, you're pretty dumb alright." "What do you mean by that!" Discord's anger started to flare up. "If you don't know what I'm talking about then it just proves how dumb you are." "I'm sorry but I'm not allowed to read minds. If I did, I would know what new brand of insanity you're into these days. You're cheating on me! In front of me no less." "It wouldn't be in front of you if you didn't spy on me." Pinkie's words left before she could think what they were. Her stomach dropped and she felt a cold wash over her. Discord's face stilled. He looked heart broken. Did she just admit to it? "I didn't mean it that way! I only did it because of you!" Pinkie tried reeling back up her anger. "Me?" "Yes! You! You're a heartless flirt. You shamelessly hit on other girls and tell them how pretty they are..." Pinkie choked on her words. This was the point, wasn't it? Giving him a taste of his own medicine. She just didn't realize how much his actions had been hurting her. "I-I'm sorry." Discord's voice cracked as she pulled her into a hug. They didn't say anything for a while. "You put his flowers in our vase?" Pinkie looked up in question. They were laying on the bed curled up together. "Oh, yeah. I needed a place to put them. You can..get rid of them if you want?" Discord snapped and, while Pinkie couldn't see them, the flowers changed into a collage of types and colors. He settled back into the pillow. "I'm sorry." "No, Pinkie. I am. You were right. I am pretty dumb at times. I'll be sure to rein it in more on the flirting, okay? But, it is still a part of my nature. It may take a very long time to act exclusive." "I know! I understand and that's why I've never really brought it up before. You just get a little carried away at times." "I that know now." He chuckled and said, "You're going to have to tell Quicky that you're taken." "I know. I'll do it tomorrow." Pinkie said, then after a thought, "Hehe, Quicky." They broke into giggles and stayed there together for the rest of the night. > Epilogue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pinkie slurped her shake. It was strawberry today. Discord sat across from her with his fries. He dipped them into her shake when he thought she wasn't looking. "Hello again, are you enjoying your meal?" The waitress asked. Discord smiled, "Of course! Thank you for asking." The waitress nodded and trotted away. Discord turned to Pinkie. "See! I'm making progress! I didn't flirt with the pretty waitress like I really, really wanted to." "You are indeed making progress." Pinkie smiled. She looked back at the street. "Hey, don't you think that stallion is really hot." Pinkie joked. "Eh, he's okay but that mare next to him is fine." "Do you want to play a little game?" "What type of game?" he asked, dunking a handful of fries in her drink. She scrunched her face at him. "Let's make up a story for the ponies walking by. Like that guy waiting by the tailor. I bet he's really a rich noble come to find the love of his life." "Yes, but the truth is, his wealth comes from black market deals." "Discord! That's not fun." "Just wait a sec, let me finish." He said, playfully offended, "He doesn't know that's how his parents are rich, so after he finds his true love is the tailor's sister. His parents are arrested. She stands by him throughout the whole trial. He's currently waiting for her to meet him so they can leave town and start anew somewhere else." "Ooo, that's nice. Look at them. The older couple." Pinkie points, "They look like perfect couple but the truth is, they just met. She got lost and ended up in the park. He saw her by the pond and offered her some bread crumbs for the ducks." "Yes! But then a wind blew and the crumbs went everywhere." he spread his arms out wide. "What do you think their past is like?" "Hmm," Discord bent down to her level, "He used to be a circus performer that got drafted into battle. He left behind a beautiful tight rope walker with one eye." "One eye, wow. That's skill. She used to be a nature activist who chained herself to trees. She always loved climbing as a child and wished other children could experience the view from above." They continued on with their stories. Discord was fighting back a fit of giggles when a certain officer came by. "Just wait here Pinkie. There's someone I want to talk to." He quickly snuck some fries into what was left of the shake and ran off. "Why, hello there officer." "Discord. Not up to trouble today are you?" "Oh no, I have disturbing the peace scheduled for later. I just wanted to talk to you." "Did everything work out with your gal?" "There were a few hurdles but yes. We're all good now." "A few hurdles but it worked, hm? Tell me, how it went?" "Well, I did trust her. But it turned out she was doing it on purpose. I guess in the end trust didn't work out like it was suppose to." Discord grumbled. Steel raised one eyebrow. "Hmm... could you tell me about it in more detail? I promise no one else will know about this." Discord sighed, "It was all my fault as it turns out. I can't help it! It's who I am. I...she got tired of my 'flirting' with others." He rubbed the back of his neck, "And she liked the thought of giving me a taste of my own medicine. We argued for a moment and she sort of, admitted to cheating. Or at to wanting to cheat. I didn't mean to make her feel bad." Steel looked down, his mind trying to come up with an answer. Being bland and sensitive was not something he was used to. His thoughts drifted to his wife, knowing she would have something to say. But she was not present, so, he would have to think of something for himself. He finally realized Discord expected an answer and he spent a little longer than he should lost in his thoughts. "Well," he began, "I suppose it is quite understandable. It's hard to suppress our most 'natural' urges. And I say 'natural' as in something we got so used to do that became part of us. I used to be quite a troublemaker in my youth. And I was quite lazy too. But once I met Aya, through a chance encounter at a trip I made here, I knew I could not spend my entire life risking myself in stupid bar brawls around Manehattan and doing an occasional odd job here and there to get enough bits to survive. I wanted to marry her and live with her, so I knew I should mature up. I moved here, where she lived and began the hard task of straightening myself up - not only for her, but for me." The stallion used his magic to take off his hat and wiped the sweat from his brow, before putting it back on. "It wasn't easy. I got this job and found out I was quite good with it. Even nowadays, I sometimes get the urge to stop trying to argue with drunk and disorderly stallions and just hit them. But I don't act on these urges. It would be bad not only for my relationship, but also for me. And Aya would hate to see that. What I mean is... well... you WILL feel like hitting on girls once in a while. That's only natural and will never fully fade away. But you can do it. Specially if you do not plan on cheating Pinkie. I mean... through all I heard here and there, you just do it out of sport. But if you do not plan to cheat on your marefriend - which everyone would disapprove, may I add - then why do you need to hit on them anyway? Looking at people who catches your eye is natural once in a while. Even Aya does it. But she does not actually go and hit on every stallion in this town." Steel smiled and looked up at Discord "Good thing it all ended well, but remember to check yourself, so you don't slip again. Pinkie is a very nice mare and, though I do think she could have better, she decided to give her love to you. She does not deserve a broken heart. And you do not deserve to regret losing what might be the only person who loved you." The cop mentally flinched as he finished his words, knowing he was accidentally blunt again. But then again, that could bring the point home. He watched the ponies coming and going with their business, then turned his gaze to the skies - due the position of the sun, it meant he should get back on patrol soon. Finally, he turned back to face Discord and waited to see if he had anything to say. Discord stayed quiet for a moment. He hated getting speeches directed at him. Mostly because they're about what he's done wrong, but this one was important. "I do like what you've said. I do need to change for her. Her kind like to settle down with one person. But my kind, me. I hate settling down, in anyway. It's too boring just sitting around in one place. There's a whole universe out there for me to have fun in! So many girls. I just see them being born and raised everyday. I'm ageless. There's always going to be something new just around the corner." Discord looked up at the sky, "Everything is still growing. I want to live. I never want to just stand around at some road house like there's nothing to do." He looked back at Steel, "There's a road there that can take you anywhere but some choose to believe they've seen it all. I know better. There's always something new. The reason I go as far as hitting on them is because the most fun you can have is by interacting with what you see. Seeing is one thing, playing with it is another. You can see even the most ordinary thing in a new, remarkable light by the interaction you get." Discord sighed and rubbed his face, "I guess I just don't want to become like so many others. I love life too much to believe it could ever be old news. I love Pinkie, I really do. She's so, fun. And creative. Among my kind, laughter can come to mean life. It's the enjoyment of life. I don't want to lose anyone just cause I can't sit still." Steel's lips moved to give a hint of smile. "I know the feeling, I might not be old or smart or special in any way. But some things are true and, indeed, no one experiences it all. But you know? You can still have a lot of surprises with just one mare. Or a griffin, in my case. No one truly knows someone else, you know. Yes, you want excitement, but if you cannot find it with Pinkie Pie, then I believe you are the most dense troublemaker I have ever came by. And that, coming from me, means a lot. You can spend your entire life around someone, yet, they still do or say something that will catch you by surprise. And in that little mare's case, I am positive that this goes up to eleven. I believe that, since you made your choice to stay by her, then you should try to walk this road together." He then stopped and rubbed his head. "Wait, that sounded wrong. It is like I meant for her to hit on other people too. What I mean is that you both still will have a lot to find out about each other, making your lives an exciting adventure with each other. Ever see my wife when you are roaming around Ponyville? She seems quiet and placid, tending to her garden and some chickens..." Steel shuddered. "That she likes to eat. But every day, I discover something new about her. Or she discovers something new she shares with me. Or we do nothing, yet, have a good time together. Sometimes, even while you did not discover everything life has to offer, you find out the best it has. And, to me, it is to spend a nice day around the ma- I mean, griffin I love. I believe you have never felt anything so strong for anypony - or anyone for that matter - that made you WANT to be with her. So, instead of going on with your 'discovery', you should try to discover what you already have, which is new to you." "Hmm, that is a good point. I guess, in a slightly morbid way, it wouldn't hurt to stay around for one lifetime. It has been a while since I've done that. And when it comes to Pinkie, there is the saying 'You wouldn't know it if it smacked you in the face'. I think this is the Universe smacking me in the face and telling me to stick around for a while. Pinkie is... just about everything I could ask for. She is just so surprising in the best way. Thanks Copper." He saluted him and ran off back to Pinkie. Steel stood there, a smile forming on his face as he saw Discord walking back to the cafe he was sitting with Pinkie. "Anytime." He then trotted off to work the last hours of his shift. When Discord came back, Pinkie raised a brow in question but he shrugged. "So Pinkie." "Yeah?" "How did that party ever turn out?" "Oh, I don't know. I finished the orders and set up but I didn't stay for it." "Really?" "Yeah, it just didn't feel right. But I did hear that the police were called, so I'm glad I didn't stay." "Well, that's good to hear." Discord snickered. He wasn't petty. Not at all! It just pays to be on friendly terms with the police. Then they're more willing to do little things for you. Like getting a certain party shut down early.