> Baking Perfect Pie > by Kumare Tanamaru > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Introductions > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Well, here I am." I thought out loud. things will be different here. New ponies. Hopefully they will except who I am. "Here I come Ponyville!" I shouted in delight. I'm not very good with keeping my mouth shut. That's something to work on. I don't really know what will happen here. I just moved out from my parents house and I'm on my own for the first time. Maybe I can get a job at- "Oof! Oh, 'scuse me ma'am," The rainbow maned pony turned around "No prob kid. Hey you're new, aren't you?" she replied with slight enthusiasm "Uh, yes ma'am, I-" "Whoa, enough with the 'ma'am' kid. You look about as old as I do!" she jumped in the air and hovered for a bit. I had never seen a pony with... Wings? "Oh, uh. sorry." "Geez kid, lighten up! I'm Rainbow Dash, pleased to meetcha!" "Likewise Rainbow Dash!" I said cheering myself up, but, why was she staring at me like she was expecting something. "Uh, so what's your name?" she said rearing. "Name..? Oh, name! I have one of those! It's Pineapple. Pineapple Spice." Sheesh, I had forgotten my name for a couple of seconds. She was pretty and all, but that was your first impression? "Hey, don't look so down. Since you're new to Ponyville, you should probably talk to Twilight. You'll know her when you see her." She chuckled "She's probably got her nose stuck in a book." "Oh, ok. Thanks Rainbow Dash!" I said with a nice confused smile. "See you later kid!" she called as she flew into the clouds. What in the world was.... A pony with wings?! Oh well. I might as well go see Twilight. I sighed and started off into a direction. How was I supposed to find Twilight when I don't even know what she looks like? Nose in a book. I decided. "Um, Excuse me, could I trouble you with a question?" I said slightly timidly. This is out of character for me, I usually just bounce right up to someone new. "Oh my goodness darling! Whatever are you saying? Please speak up, goodness you sound just like Fluttershy with that voice!" She said irritated. "Oh, how's this?" I replied surprised "Much, much better. Now, what is it? Rarity is very busy you know!" She said turning to her work again. "Do you happen to know where the library is?" Gee, great question Pineapple, she only lives in this town. "Why on earth would you want to go THERE? It's simply dreary, and not to mention full of stuff only Twilight likes. Why, I was never raised to spend my time doing something boring! 'You always have to do something that excites you, dear.' is what my mother told me when I was young and-" "Not to be rude Rarity, was it? But I'm just trying to look for Twilight." I replied annoyed. "Oh. Looking for Twilight hmm? She'll be at the library. Why are you looking for her anyways?" "Well, I'm new in town and this weird pony with wings named Rainbow Dash told me to look for Twilight and-" "Oh that Rainbow Dash! She has no respect for others. Although not nearly as aggravating as Applejack. Which reminds me! Come! let us go!" "Um, ok?" I looked at her in confusion. Hopefully she'll take me to the library. We walked along for a very long time. She was going on and on about something. Something about when she was young, and destiny. She asked me if I was new, and I nodded my head. I told her my name and where I came from, but that didn't seem to interest her very much. We trudged along very slowly, and all I could think about was how long I had to listen to her rant about her past, and her work. I usually wasn't like this. I usually tolerate more than this. Especially when my mother lectured me about always doing the right thing and stuff like that. "We're here!" She finally said. I raised my head, but all I could see were apple trees. "Excuse me, but where exactly are we? This looks like a farm, not the library." "Why of course! We're here at Sweet Apple Acres, why on earth would you think I would go to the library?" "Because I was... never mind. Who lives here anyways?" I rolled my eyes, not caring if she saw or not. "My good friend Applejack! Maybe she can help you with whatever it was you were ranting about on the way over, Pineneedle." "Pineapple." I said annoyed. "Whatever." I sighed and went inside the barn. What was up with these ponies? They were all crazy, and didn't know how to help somepony. "Anypony here?" I shouted slightly angrily. "Juss a second!" replied a slurred voice. An orange pony with a hat came trotting down the stairs. "Whut can I help ya with, pardner? Say, I haven't seen you about these parts before, ah you new?" I stared in amazement. She smiled at me. I didn't know what to say. What was up with her voice? it seemed so silly and out of place. Tying that thought to my words I said: "Uh... Why are you doing that with your voice?" "Huh?" "Your voice, whats wrong with it? Are you okay? Do you need medicine?" Then she said something that shocked me. "Well, why ah you pink? It's just part of who ah am. Same as you, can't help bein' pink. It's alright, I know you're new to Ponyville and such, whut did ya need help with?" Nice going doofus. "I'm on mah, I mean, my way to the library. And this one pony named Rarity led me here." "The library? Ah you lookin' fer Twilight?" "Yes! I am." I sighed in relief. Finally, somepony that made sense! "Well, ah'd love to help you, being new to ponyville and all, but ah haf tuh stay here 'nd take care of the farm here." I looked at the ground in disappointment. "But.." she said as she raised a hoof to her chin. "Ah bet Fluttershy could git you there lickity split! knowin' her, she'll love ta help yew. She should be here any minute now, ah asked her ta come on down for a favor, but i'll get mah little sis ta help me with it." she said in decision. "Oh, thank you very much Applejack!" "No problem pardner. By the way, ya got a name stranger?" "Pineapple Spice!" I said with over enthusiasm, which she chuckled at. "Nice tah meetcha Pineapple! interestin' name. Makes me kinda hungry!" "I get that a lot! Although I don't see why, my name's not edible or anything!" "that was random," She chuckled. "Sounded a bit like Pinkie Pie fer a second." Pinkie Pie? "Applejack! You'll never believe what Trey got m-" She exclaimed in a hushed tone, and stopped upon seeing me. "Well hi there Fluttershy! This is Pineapple, ah need yew to take him to Twilight straight away! An' don't stop to sniff the flowers along the way now, ya hear?" "Oh.... okay...." The winged pony replied while landing on the ground from her flight. Again with the wings, I don't understand what's going on. "Now Fluttershy," Applejack scolded "don't chu start with the shyness, this here fella needs some help, alrighty? Now, introduce yerself, an be on your way." "...okay..." "My name's Pineapple, what's yours?" "uhm.. my names... fluttershy......" she shrank down as if trying to hide herself. Ho boy. "Fluttershy, was it? well, shall we be on our way?" "Uhm... yes.... if, that's okay..." she replied shrinking even further. "Where are we going......?" I could hardly hear her, but replied to the answer the best that I could. We began our walk along the road back into town to find the library, and I tried my hardest to be nice and converse with her. This is it. My new life begins. > Met Your Match > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "So, are you enjoying your stay in ponyville so far?" Fluttershy smiled at me. She had been opening up little by little. "Hard to say so far. I've met a pony with wings and a rainbow mane," "Rainbow Dash?" "Yeah. I met a pony that was obsessed with her work, and rants a lot." "Rarity?" "Yes again, and Applejack wanted to eat my name, which I don't find to be very appetizing." I slipped again. "Oh. Do you mind me asking where you're from? If... that's okay...?" she said, half shrinking. "I'm from way out of town. Um, do you mind me asking you something?" "Um... I'm not sure..." she stopped, expecting the worst. "Why do you have wings? I've never seen that before! Back in Trottsten, we don't have ponies that fly... I'm sorry, that's sort of strange." "Oh, d-do you not like that about me? Because I can walk if you'd prefer.... I'm sorry." "Huh? No, that's not what I meant Fluttershy. It's just... foreign I guess." "Oh..... okay........." she said looking down and playing with a rock on the ground "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings..." I felt bad for opening my mouth.. not only did I hurt her feelings, it looks like she's about to cry. "Fluttershy?" I heard a voice call out from behind us. "There you are, I've been looking for you!" It was a colt, a little bit older than myself came trotting up in the distance. Fluttershy sucked in a huge gasp and squee'd. "TREY!" she shouted as she bolted off into the distance to join the male. "Wow, didn't see that coming. Like, at all, did you?" "Um, Pineapple, who are you talking to...?" "Uh, no one." "So, you're the new kid in town huh? I'm Trey. I'm sure you've met my filly-friend Fluttershy as well huh?" "Yupperdoodles! And let me just tell you, you've got quite a gem there Trey.I'm Pineapple Spice by the way. Fluttershy here was just showing me to the library to see twilight. Apparently she'll have her nose in a book. I've got to say though, that must be awfully uncomfortable..." "Um, are you alright there kid?" Trey chuckled. "Of course! Why do you ask?" "Well, it seems like you've been hanging out with Pinkie Pie too much. Anyways, there's the library. Me and my filly have some stuff we gotta get done. See you later!" I waved goodbye to the two as Fluttershy roosted herself on his back, and she hugged him. I smiled at the romance that the two had made. Their story must be an interesting one... "Nice, isn't it?" The voice was somewhat soft, and had a hint of longing to it. "I'm Twilight Sparkle," she said to me as I turned around and saw the purple pony standing there. "Finally!" "E-Excuse me?" "I've been looking for you everywhere! And look at the time! I was here at like, 7:45, and now it's like, 12:00! you have no Idea what I've been through! First it was the 'Hey, you must be new, go see Twilight, I'm Rainbow Dash, stop calling me 'Ma'am'!' then it was 'My mother taught me this, and why would you want to go to the library, follow me, I'll take you! oops, wrong place? Oh well, Applejack will take care of you now, tahtah!' Then 'ah'd love to help yew, but I gots tuh stay with the farm! Fluttershy will take care of yew!' then it was '...............hi...............' and now I'm here." "Oh, I see you met Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Fluttershy." she chuckled. "Gee, what gave you that idea?" I said as I squinted at the purple filly. "Well, welcome to ponyville, it's very nice here! You know, when we're not saving the place from Parasprites, or Nightmare Moon, or things like that. I hope you find everything great here!" "..." I was speechless. She sat there for at least two minutes smiling at me. All I could do was let my eye twitch. "Is something-" "THAT'S IT?!" I groaned. "What do you mean?" "I came all this way just for 'enjoy your stay'?" "What were you expecting?" "I don't know, but something definitely not this boooriiing!" And now you just troubled the book worm. "What do I do, people? Their all crazy!" "Have you met Pinkie Pie already? Because she talks to the air like somepony is there also." she said confused. "Who's Pinkie Pie?" I said even more confused. "Oh, well, there she is right now. Go ahead and talk to her. Good luck! I'll show you around after she runs off." Pinkie Pie trotted up singing a familiar song about cupcakes. She was Pink, had an interestingly fluffy mane, and had blue eyes. "Hi there! I'm-" She gasped in all of the oxygen around her and bolted off. "Okay then, shall I show you around.... Hey, where did he go?" Twilight looked around, but I was already off chasing the Pink mare that ran away There was a rustle in the bushes as Pinkie Pie slowly poked her head out of the bushes. "I lost him! Good, He's new, I should-" "Who are we hiding from?" I asked She gasped all the oxygen again and bolted off. "Whew! That was close! He'll never find me in this pot!" "Why are we in a pot?" I asked again a bit annoyed. "How are you doing that?" "Doing what?" "Getting here before me? duh!" "Um. I just followed you." "Well Stop It!" She screamed "I just wanted to talk to-" but it was too late, she had bolted, and I was left there in the pot by myself. I walked my way back to the center of town to meet the mayor, and along the way introduced myself to the locals, and a few of the ponies I had previously met. I sighed. Darn it. I finally found the filly that everyone was talking about. Pinkie Pie. "Hello? Is the mayor here?" "Right here~! What is it you need? Oh, you're the new colt in town, aren't you?" "Yeah. That's me." "Your new home awaits you, it was just finished being built yesterday. All the specifications are as you ordered! Enjoy~!" "Thank you Mayor." I said while walking out the door to my home. it was already 7:00, and I was beat from traveling. When I got home, I turned on the lights and put all my stuff away. I had a lot to think about tonight. A job, getting to know people, and maybe even finding a nice filly to hang out with, Like Trey and Fluttershy. After all that I had to go over, and all that I had been through, there was only one thing on my mind. "Pinkie Pie..." I closed my eyes, and went instantly to sleep. > Stranger Than Pie? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Do you know why you're here, Pineapple? What? No, what are you talking abo- You were sent here for a reason. W-who are you? Why- You were a disgrace. That's why we sent you away. Your parents couldn't handle you anymore. No. Yes. That's why they- NO. Left you. NO! I jolted awake to find myself on the floor. Just a dream... I had arrived here in ponyville just yesterday, and I was still unsure of what to do about money to pay off the house. These ponies are nice. None of them seem too... judgmental. I pulled the sheets off of myself and made the bed. Breakfast for one? Looks like it. I suppose I- My thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. It was Applejack. "Well howdy do? Juss popped by to see how your first night in Ponyville went! Mighty fine I reckon! Nice to see somepony bright eyed and bushy tailed so early in the mornin'!" "Goomornin Applejack.." was all I could mutter to her. "Anyways, I suppose you're wonderin' why ahm here!" "Please enlighten me Applejack!" I said as enthusiastic as I could. "Me an' some of the girls are gonna go git some breakfast, and one of them in particular was wondering if you wanted to come!" She smiled, as if hiding something. I raised my eyebrow to that and decided to play a little joke on her. I squinted at her "Okey Dokey Lokey...." I said staring at her. Her eyes were shifting back and fourth as if they were in a pool of water. "W-why ah you lookin' at me like that? I got nuthin' to hide or nuthin'! no siree, nuthin' hidden here!" "Relax Applejack, I was only kidding!" I snickered. "Oh.. ah haha." she forced out a laugh. "Yes, I'd love to go to breakfast. Who invited me, by the way?" I said while closing and locking the door. "Um.... it was, uhm... Rainbow Dash! ah mean Rarity! ah mean, it was Rainbow Dash and Rarity!" Her eyes were still shifting back and fourth. "Rainbow Dash and Rarity, huh? Never would have guessed. Shall we go?" "Yer comin?" "Yupperdoodles!" "Well hogtie me and gag me with a spoon! Let's get tuh goin'!" A spoon? Great Celestia... As we arrived at Sugarcube Corner I was greeted with delight by my new acquaintances that I met just yesterday. "Hey there Pineapple!" said Rainbow Dash. "Yoo hoo~ Pineneedle!" Said Rarity It's Pineapple... I thought. "Howdy everypony!" said Applejack. "I brought Mr. Spice like Rainbow and Rarity requested!" She seemed to emphasize their names as if hinting at something, but I chose to ignore it. "What?" said Rainbow Dash falling over. "Oh yeah... Thanks Applejack!" She said as she nudged Rarity. "Hmm? Oh! Yes, thank you dear!" I raised an eyebrow "So, How's everypony doing?" I asked. Nopony said anything for a short while. this gave me a little time to think about how many ponies had showed up. Two.. Four... I counted in my head "Hey... where's Pinkie Pie?" I said almost concerned. To this Twilight instantly said: "She'll be here in a bit. Fluttershy, will you bring out the food please?" "Certainly!" She said smiling and giggling a bit. We talked about what had happened during my trip from Trottsten, and why I decided to come to Ponyville. "Well, it was time to get out, find my own way, you know what I mean?" They all nodded. The five ponies seemed to have eaten all of their food very quickly, as if in some sort of rush. "Anyways, I-" "Would ya lookit the time? We have tuh go now, don't we girls?" "Yes! That's right, we really must be on our way!" replied Twilight hastily. "Oh, um, alright? I'll come too." I replied confused. "No! Heh heh, I mean, no. You need to eat. We'll see you later, okay?" She said with a forced smile on her face. "Oh, okay then." Looks like they don't want me around... I thought lowering my head to my food again. They left and I tried my hardest to put on a smile to wave them goodbye. I didn't understand it. Did they not want to hang around me? Oh well, I'm sure that whatever they- My thoughts were interrupted by the feeling of somepony breathing down my neck. I turned around to ask him to back off a bit, but was greatly surprised. "Excuse me, but could you... AH!... Pinkie Pie?" I said with my complexion starting to turn white. "Oh, I'm sorry. Did I scare you? If I did, I didn't mean to... Whatcha eatin'? Ohh that looks yummy! Mind if I have a taste?" She said taking a big bite out of my sandwich as she smiled genuinely. "Sure, would you like to join me for lunch? Or the rest of my lunch that I have?" I chuckled "Would I!?" She exclaimed as she sat in the seat across from me. "Hey, um. I'm sorry about screaming at you yesterday. I wasn't trying to avoid you or anything... I was just in a hurry!" "It's alright," I said. "Stretching out my legs a little doesn't hurt anypony!" She was sweet. She seemed harmless, and she had beautiful sky blue eyes. Her mane was as fluffy as the clouds were. She smiled and showed off her perfectly clean teeth and ordered with delight. She must of seen me staring at her because she questioned me about it. "Why are you staring at me?" I sat there for a second and then responded ".... huh? Oh, I don't know." I said shaking my head. She laughed. It was the cutest laugh that I'd ever heard. "You're silly! By the way, my name's Pinkie Pie! I throw parties! But that's not all I throw. I throw balls, I throw parties..." She went on for awhile about what she throws and such, which gave me more time to admire her in all her perfection. She was beautiful, and I had never felt like this for anypony before. Especially not a filly. Her pink mane swished with the slight breeze, which distracted her a bit. She's... "... And basket balls," Amazing. "And sometimes I throw up! But that was only when I ate those baked bads! Hey, are you alright?" "H-huh? Yeah! Why?" "You were staring at me again!" She gasped "Do I have something on my face?" "No, no. Not at all." "Oh. Okey Dokey Lokey! So, what's your name?" "Name....? Oh, name!" "Really? That's strange, I've never heard of anypony with the name 'Name' before!" Great going. What are you talking about name? H-huh? There was a giggle. You're silly! Hey, Name! Guess what? Me and the other ponies want to meet with you so we can learn everything there is to know about you! isn't that fun? Pinkie Pie was sitting across from me smiling the biggest and most beautiful smile ever. Name? oh, no. My name's actually Pineapple Spice. Sure, I'd love to come! "Okey Dokey Lokey!" She said out loud. "I like your name by the way, it's cute!" She said this and then looked away, covering her mouth with her hoof. "Oh, I guess. Somepony got hungry when I mentioned my name to her." "Well that's silly! Your name isn't edible! At least, it doesn't seem like it is!" She gasped "Is it? Can I be the first to taste it?! Can I? Huh, huh, huh??" I laughed out loud "If you can figure out a way, I'll let you!" I smiled at her, and she reacted to this with a slight loving smile. The clock sounded and the pink filly gasped in shock. "Ohmygosh!" "What?" "We're late!" "Late?" I said confused "Yes, late!" "Oh! Right!.... For what?" "Your party, duh!" "Party?" "What, you didn't think I'd throw you a party when you first got here?! If I didn't, that would be sooo incredibly borriiing! That's why I dashed off, I have to get everypony an invitation, plus I had to plan the party! C'mon, let's go!" She grabbed my hoof, and we trotted off into Ponyville's town library. > Pinkie's Party > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Surprise!" The entire town shouted at me as I entered the door to the library. "Wow, and I though library's were suppose to be quiet! I like this much better! Let's party!" The party raged on for quite some time. We danced the day away and I tried my hardest to make sure everypony was having fun. I also tried my hardest to talk to Pinkie Pie some more, but she kept getting distracted, and I kind of had to force my hanging out with her a little bit. She didn't seem to mind very much, but I still felt bad for doing so. She decided to tell me half of her life's story. She had grown up on a rock farm with her parents, and she didn't know how to smile back then. With the beautiful smile that she had on the entire time I had known her, that was hard to believe. She was interrupted by a certain rainbow maned pony that wanted to start another conga line. "C'mon Pinkie, It'll be fun!" "Okey Dokey Lokey! But what about Pineapple?" "Hmm. I got it! He can be at the head! It's his party anyways!" "Great idea Rainbow Dash! What do you say, Pineapple? Don'tcha wanna start it?" "Of course!" I responded with delight. Wow, back home we NEVER got to do stuff like this! The conga line had started when the song "Pony Rock Anthem" Started playing. The DJ was somepony I was a little familiar with. She told me her name was Vinyl Scratch, and she said she was happy to attend my party. I think she enjoyed playing music for my party than actually partying. The conga line stopped soon after the song had ended, and everypony scattered too the different parts of the room as they were before. "Hey, has anypony seen Rainbow Dash?" asked Twilight curiously "I'm *pant* right here!" She seemed out of breath and then winked at me. Huh? I didn't understand why she did this. Maybe it was a regular thing for her? I didn't know her well enough to know yet, so I blew of this detail for a while. "Alright everypony," said Vinyl Scratch "everypony partner up, it's time for a slow song." She said putting on a new record. It was a nice and soothing song, but there was a problem. I didn't have a filly to partner with! I started to panic. I had one filly in mind, but I didn't know if she wanted to dance with me. "Hey, Pinkie Pie." "Oh, hey there Dashie!" "Why don't you go partner up with Pineapple? I mean, you threw this party for him, and you don't want him to be left out of the funnest part, do you?" "Ohmygosh, you're right! Okey Dokey Lokey!" She said as she bounced toward me. Rainbow Dash winked at me again. I had a feeling that she knew my feelings for Pinkie Pie. In gratitude, I nodded my head at her. "Hey, havin fun yet?" "Yes, very much!" "Well, it's slow dance time, and you know what that means~!" "Um. Is there something special?" I said confused. Wasn't the point of slow dancing to slow dance? "Of course! But you won't know that until you try it!" "Oh, Okey Dokey Lokey!" I smiled at her, and she returned with the same gesture. "Here, let me help you." She said taking my arm. She took my arm and lifted me onto my hind legs. She then placed my hoof around her waist and I blushed a little. She then put her hooves on my shoulders. "Now, we're going to have to support each others weight, okay?" "Have you done this before?" "Nope!" she said smiling "Oh. Then this should go well!" I said. She was staring at me and smiling very widely. "Why are you blushing?" I suddenly realized that I was "Well..." I said trying to come up with something to say. "I've experienced anything like this before. Parties, lights, music, other ponies, dancing. especially not with a pretty filly like you." "Aw, well you were missing out then!" She said Well that didn't work. I thought. "You're doing well for your first time dancing, Pineapple!" She smiled at me and I smiled back. Her mane was covering one of her eyes, and she looked, as Rarity would say, "Simply Divine!" "Hey Pinkie Pie?" "Yes?" I was about to say something, but just then the song ended and she put herself down from our dance. "Oh, the song's over." "Yep! So, what did you want to tell me?" Just then lightning struck and the electricity went out. Perfect. I thought. There was slight panic, but everypony calmed down after a few seconds. "Um." "Here, come with me. Hold on to my tail, but not too tight!" I did so and we went into the back room, where Pinkie Pie lit a candle. "So, what did you want to tell me Pineapple?" She grinned with a slight smile. "I like you a lot Pinkie Pie." "Aw, well thanks! I like you too! You're really fun to be around!" She obviously didn't seem to understand. "No, Pinkie Pie. I really like you." "You just said that! Why are you repeating yourself?" "Pinkie Pie," I said moving closer to her. "I really like you." "Oh! Oh..! ..........................Ooooohhhhh......." She finally understood. "Yeah," I put a hoof on her arm and she smiled. "I've liked you for a long time now Pinkie Pie." "I..." "You?" "For once in my life, I don't know what to say..." What should I say now? Tell her you love her! But, I don't know if I do! *sigh* You're hopeless! "Well," She said gathering her thoughts. "I'm glad you feel about me in that way, but I don't know how to feel about this! It's the first time anypony has liked me in that sort of way. Especially not a handsome colt like you! I'm sorry, but I'll need some time to figure out my feelings first. I really do like you Pineapple, but let's just stay friends for now, okay?" "I can live with that." I said with a loving smile. "Good, I'm glad you think so~!" She pulled me in for a hug, and I let the moment last for what felt like forever. Her mane smelled like vanilla, and her body was warm and soft. She pulled away and gave me a loving smile, and loving eyes before saying that we should probably return to the party. I agreed, and we went back into the room filled with ponies. Suddenly the lights came on, and Twilight decided that it was time for everypony to go home. "Wait, Pineapple." Twilight said "Can you stay and chat for a while? The gals and I want to talk to you. I think it might be kind of crucial to your living here in Ponyville." I looked at the clock. "I've got time. What did you girls want to talk about?" Twilight paused for a second. "Your past. We want to know everything! Where you came from, why you left, stuff like that." "Oh yes," said Fluttershy as she walked Trey out the door, giving him a kiss goodbye. I sighed I want that... "We'd also like to know what kind of critters there were back where you were from." she continued. "Yeah," said Rainbow Dash. "I also heard from a semi-reliable source that you've never seen a pony with wings before, what's up with that?" "Never seen ah pony with wings?" said Applejack. "Shucks, that sort of thing is purtty common around these parts!" "Whoa, whoa slow down there girls," I said. I'll explain everything. Juss, I mean just hold your horses." I took in a deep breath Here goes nothing. > Meeting With The Six > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here goes nothing "What should I start with?" "Well," said Twilight "Start with why you left your home." "Okay. Well, when I was a young colt I was the only one in my family to be a different color than everypony else. I was a light shade of pink, and the rest of my family was a dark shade, although my mother was pink, she was still a dreary color. My mother told me that there had been another pony in the family that was pink, but she was... let loose from the town. Anyways, I had been different from everypony else, but no pony ever told me why. I liked to play outside while everypony sat inside doing a puzzle, or something 'safe'. My mother told me that I shouldn't act up in public. I asked her why, and she said that if I were to act up in public then they would take me away, and I would be 'let loose' from the town." I frowned. "That's terrible!" said Twilight in shock. "It's, uncouth! Why you poor dear, Pineneedles!" "Pineapple!" everypony shouted at Rarity. "Whatever." "That's juss awful. How could any mother deny her child ah childhood?" said Applejack in annoyance. "Yeah, especially playing outside! That's just uncoup!" "It's uncouth, dear." "No it's not, it's uncoup! As in, why-would-you-want-to-stay-coupped-up-inside-all-day-instead-of-playing-outside-all-day!" "Right. Of course dear Pinkie Pie." Rarity said rolling her eyes. "Shh! You're interrupting the story! Go on Pineapple." said Rainbow Dash "Huh? Oh, right. Where was I?" "Let loose from the town?" said Twilight. "Right, right. Anyways, I continued on being as careful as I could with my 'strangeness'. I thought maybe if I stayed inside for a longer period of time, then I would be safer than playing outside from dawn til dusk. So, I tried my hoof at puzzles. I was good at them, but they were boring. I-" The door flung open and in came three young fillies. A white unicorn, a yellow earth pony, and another orange pony with wings, which I remembered that they didn't have names. or at least not to my knowledge. "Applejack! When are you comin' home?" "Shht! Applebloom! Yer interruptin' him! Mind yer manners now." "Oh. Pardon. But Applejack, you were supposed to take us to the lake to see if we can't get a scuba-diving cutie mark!" "Oh fer the love of Pete! Not today Applebloom. Why don't you an' the rest of yer friends sit there and listen to Mr. Pineapple's story." "But-" "No buts now, ya hear? Sit tight." "Fine." The three little fillies took a seat on the ground in front of the rest of the older ponies, that remained standing. "Please continue, Mr. Pineapple." "Okey Dokey Lokey!" I said They all stared at me for a while as I regathered my thoughts. "I tried my hoof at playing ball in the house with my brother and sister, but they never wanted to do anything that could potentially harm them. Which was no fun at all! Talk about a snooze crew!" I said slightly jokingly then continued. "Well, I tried a bunch of things in the house. Decorating, playing music, all sorts of things. The one thing I did try that suited me very well was baking. Although it was the downfall of me. My mother had come home to the smell of sweet cupcakes. All she said was 'My my, what is that delightful aroma?' She came into the kitchen to see me putting another batch into the oven, while my brother and sister decided that they wanted to chow down on some of my fresh cupcakes." "Wait wait wait!" exclaimed Twilight "This doesn't make any sense! I thought you were supposed to be telling us why you came here! Not telling us how you got your cutie mark!" The three fillies faces on the floor lit up with excitement as they stopped their game of rock, hoof, tree stump. "Gosh darnit Twilight, juss let the poor colt finish!" I stood there a little confused "Well, you see Twilight," I said to her "This all ties in to how and why I left." "Oh. Ah hehe. Please continue." she said shrinking back, as if she had taken characteristics from Fluttershy. "Well, as my siblings were about to eat the cupcakes I had made my mom came in and brought them away from them. The she said 'Pineapple Thyme Spice! What in the great name of Celestia are you doing?!' I didn't know what she meant, but my cutie mark appeared. She told me that she was going to have to report me to 'Them' because of my insubordination. They came and took me out of my home and locked me away in a cell, where they fed me for three years." "WHAT?!" all of the ponies exclaimed Fluttershy had her eyes open extremely wide, and had the biggest frown on her face that I had ever seen. "After the three years were up," I continued "they brought me out and showed me back to my parents. I was overjoyed to finally get out to see my family again. But... They weren't happy to see me at all. They shunned me. I wasn't allowed to go home." "WHAT?!" the ponies exclaimed again. "That's right. My mother told me that she didn't want to see my face again. My brother and sister got to say goodbye to me, but I wasn't allowed to see my father, and I have a feeling that he didn't want to see me either. So, I was forced to leave the town with supplies to last me long enough to find the next town over. That was Ponyville." "Oh mah stars! That's juss awful!" Said Applejack "What happened next, what happened next?!" Shouted Pinkie Pie. I looked at her and tried my hardest to smile at her. At least she cared. "I set out. It took me at least two years to get here I think. I had to go pass the Great Swamp, go through Clear Canyon, and around Vasst Lake." "Wow. Those are some of the wonders of Equestria! You're so lucky!" "But Twilight," said Fluttershy with empathy. "If Pineapple wasn't kicked out of his home, he would have never seen all those things! You poor, poor dear." "It's alright Fluttershy," I said trying to lighten the mood. "There's only one thing I want from my parents now." "For them to get an earful?" said Rainbow Dash. "To come back and love you?" said Fluttershy. "To buy you a nice dinner?" said Rarity. "To show yew some respect?" said Applejack. "To explain why they made the decisions that made?" said Twilight. "Pinkie Pie? You want to guess?" I said. She thought hard for a minute or two, pacing around the room in confusion, and muttering something inaudible. "I've got it! Since she didn't want you baking, and she didn't want you playing outside, AND she didn't want you to see your dad before you left, that could only leave one possible thing!" "What?" we all said in confusion. "Your wedding!" "Pardon?" said Applejack "How in tarnation did ya come up wit that Pinkie Pie? That's-" "Right." I said. "See? I told you Applejack!" "I just want them to see my wedding. To show them that I can put a smile on my face regardless of what they did to me. It was wrong. I'm sure they know that already, but I just want them to see how happy I am to have parents." Scootaloo look to the ground when I said that, and then she spoke. "I know what you mean." she said walking out the door. "Well," said Twilight "We'd love to help you Pineapple, but..." "You don't really have plans to get married soon, so I don't think we can!" said Rainbow Dash in her usual triumphant manor. "Thanks, all of you. It really means a lot to me that you would do want to do that for me." "We're always here for you Pineapple!" said Pinkie Pie with a loving smile. A tear formed in my eye as I thought about my mother. They started falling from my eye's when I thought about my brother and sister. When I thought about my father, I completely lost it. All of the ponies in the room gathered around me and comforted me in my time of need. Pinkie Pie especially. These ponies, I thought They don't care what happened to me in my past. They're my true friends, and I couldn't ask for better ones. "We love yew Pineapple. An' don't chu ferget that." said Applejack My tears rolled down my face, and onto the floor where they flowed together. Just like a family should > Seconds Please! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I wiped the tears from my eyes and headed for the door. "Anytime you want to come over and hang out, feel free to ask!" said Rainbow Dash I thanked her with a smile and headed out the door towards home. It was about five in the afternoon, and the daylight was fading very quickly. "Pinkie Pie," said Rainbow Dash "Why don't you walk home with him?" "Hmm" Pinkie Pie pondered. Rainbow Dash smiled and winked at her. "Okey Dokey Lokey!" she said before prancing off in my direction. "Hey! Wait up!" I looked behind me to see the pink filly bouncing up behind me. "Oh, is there something you needed Pinkie Pie?" "I don't think so... I just wanted to walk with you!" "Oh.. Alright then!" I said smiling. She smiled back. She was amazingly beautiful. Her mane was fluttering in the wind, and I tried my hardest not to put my arm around her. Her blue eyes sparkled in the dim sunlight, and I finally decided to speak. "Let's stop here." "Here? Why?" "Well, I've always liked music, and I never went to high school, so I just thought it might be nice to see." "Okay then!" We stopped and watched the band for a while, carefully observing their forms and movements. Trey saw us and decided to stop the band for the day. "BAND!” “MOVE!” “ATTEN HUT!” “MOVE!” "Alright, the section of the day are the Tubas!" The tubas sang out in joy, and started singing the T-U-B-A song. "Tubas dismissed!" said Trey in a loud and proud voice "Everypony else, DisMISSED!" He trotted down from his tower smiling with great intensity. "Hey you two!" he said. "What's going on?" "Oh, Pinkie and I just stopped by to see how your practice was going!" "Yeah! It sounds wonderful!" "Thanks! We've been working, and so far I think our show will take us all the way to the State Marching Competition in October! Our show is entitled 'From The Sky' and it's about why Pegasi are involved in our lives." "Pegasi? What's that?" I asked. "Huh? What do you mean?" "Back where I'm from, we don't have... Pegasi..." "Oh. They're the winged ponies you see flying around. It's called a Pegasus." "Oh... I hadn't seen a Pegasus until just yesterday... So I wouldn't know." "It's alright, I understand you're still new. Thanks for coming by! If you'll excuse me, I have to go and meet the most wonderful filly in my life! Bye!" We waved goodbye to Trey as he walked away from us and was instantly tackled from the side by his filly-friend Fluttershy. Or as he liked to call her- "Flutterheart" I turned to Pinkie Pie. She was staring at me, but instantly turned away when I looked at her. "So, Pinkie Pie." "Yes?" "Would you like to hang out some more? I mean, I understand if you don't want to. Me telling you that I liked you is probably making it sort of awkward-" "Of course!" "It's okay, I under.... wait, huh?" "Of course I would, silly! I mean, just because you like me and probably want me to be your filly-friend, doesn't mean we can't hang out at all! That would be silly!" she snickered and pushed me a little bit. I complemented this playful gesture by retaliating with a slight nudge which she giggled at. Go on, just tell her: "You're really fun to be around, Pinkie Pie." "You're really fun to Pie, Pinkie!" She giggled as I realized what I had said. "I mean, You're really fun to be around, Pinkie Pie!" I stammered. She giggled again. "Thanks, you're fun to be around also!" I smiled and she pushed me again, this time leaving her body close to me for a while. I smiled and blushed. She was so perfect, so cute, and so much fun! She looked at me lovingly, and I blushed again. "I've really enjoyed the time you've spent with me, Pineapple! Not very many ponies want to hang out with me..." "Why not?" "Well, they're afraid that I'll do something weird and crazy, so they don't really want to spend time with me. But not like you! Oh no, you actually gave me a chance! And I'm sooo grateful that you did!" she smiled at me, and I smiled back. "Well, I'm always here if you want to do something!" "Thanks." She said smiling, and pushing her body against mine. She stayed like that for a while. My house came into view, and she finally pulled away. Was that on purpose? I opened the door and offered for her to come inside for a drink. "No thanks," she said. "But I wouldn't want you to go home empty handed!" I was confused. empty handed? She pulled her face closer to mine, and I closed my eyes. "Goodnight~" she said. I felt a warm sensation on my cheek. Then, I thought of something. "What was that?" "Just a little something to help you sleep well~!" she said. "Hmm..." "What? Was that not good enough?" "No no, it was... Fine." She giggled. "Seconds, please!" She laughed. "You're so silly!" she said. I felt the warm sensation on my cheek again, but this time there was a little more of a spark to it. She wrapped her arms around my neck. I decided to be nice and return the favor, just as many times as she had given me. She blushed and giggled her cute giggle. "See you tomorrow?" "Okey Dokey Lokey~!" She said before bouncing off into the distance, singing a song about cupcakes. I went inside and flopped on my bed. I hadn't realized how tired I was until I did so. I can't believe I kissed her! Yeah, well don't get your hopes up. And she kissed me too! And what, you think she enjoyed that? Shut up. I never heard from that degrading voice in my head ever again. It was nice and quiet while I fell asleep. "Pinkie Pie," I said out loud. "I don't want any other filly but you." I closed my eyes, and went to sleep. > Steady As She Goes > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Hey, Pinkie Pie!" "Oh, hey there Pineapple!" "Are we going to hang out today?" "Yup!" "Great! Shall we go? I heard of this great place to eat and-" I was cut short. "Stop. Come here." she said smiling at me. "What is it?" I asked concerned. "I want you to know that I figured out my feelings for you. I really like you too Pineapple. It seems like you're all I think about nowadays! I can't get you out of my head. So I wanted to thank you." Thank me? I thought. She pulled me close, and moved her lips. I could tell what she wanted, and I moved my face closer to hers. "I.. I love you Pinkie Pie." My eyes opened. Just a dream... I sighed. I remembered the warmth on my cheek from last night, and I smiled to myself. Do I really... Love her? I thought. There was a knock at the door, and I got up out of bed. Unlike yesterday, I didn't fall off. I walked over to the door in confusion. I opened the door, and there she was. "Hi there!" "Oh, hey Pinkie Pie!" "Mind if I come in?" "Not at all! Please, come in!" She smiled as she entered my home. "Is there something you needed?" "I don't think so. I thought we were going to hang out today!" "Oh, of course! What would you like to do?" She brought her hoof to her chin and began to think. It looked like she wanted to say something, but was holding herself back. "I know!" she said in finale. "We could go to Sugarcube Corner! You don't have a job, do you? Maybe they'll let you work with them! I'm sure Mr. and Mrs. Cake wouldn't mind." "Sounds great!" "Okey Dokey Lokey!" said Pinkie Pie. "Shall we go?" "Oh no," she said. "It doesn't open for another hour. It is seven in the morning after all!" "Oh, right. Well, what do you want to do until then?" "Actually," she said with a worried look on her face. "I was hoping we could talk about what happened yesterday?" Oh boy... I thought. Here we go... "Sure." I said closing the door. "Look, Pineapple. I know you like me and all that, and I told you that I was going to think about what you said. I want you to understand something. I've never been in a relationship before, so I don't know whats to be expected. I really do like you Pineapple, but I'm afraid." I looked at the ground thinking of what to say. She was confronting me with her feelings. This hasn't happened before... What do I do? "I really want to be your filly-friend Pineapple." she said as she came up and rubbed her neck against mine. "What do you think?" "I think you're absolutely right. We don't know what we're doing. But just to be sure, we're a couple now, right?" She smiled at me. She brought her lips close to mine. I leaned into her and we shared a passionate kiss. It lasted a very long time. The spark of our relationship ignited ***** We had sat around talking for at least an hour. "Hey!" I said. "I've got an idea!" "What is it?" she said nuzzling her head into my chest. "Maybe we could go talk to Fluttershy and Trey about what to expect in a relationship!" "Hey!" she said getting up "Now there's an idea! Let's go!" We walked out the door and headed to Fluttershy's cottage. I knocked on the door, and Fluttershy answered in surprise. "Oh! Why, hello you two. What brings you over this way?" "We wanted to talk to you and Trey about something important!" I said as Pinkie Pie nodded her head "Oh, of course. Please, come in. Trey is out back." "Wow, I love what you've done with the place, Fluttershy!" Fluttershy giggled. "Thanks. Trey helped me. We're going to expand because of... well.... um..." she said, shrinking back. Pinkie Pie waved me on to go out back to find Trey. I winked at her and made my way outside. "Hey Trey." I said walking up to him. "Oh, hey Pineapple. What's up?" "Oh, Pinkie Pie and I wanted to talk to you and Fluttershy." "I figured as much. Let me guess, you want some advice on how to work a relationship, don't you?" "Actually, yeah. But how did you know that?" "I thought you might've been partial to Pinkie Pie since we first met. Remember when I asked you if you had been hanging out with Pinkie Pie too much? That's when I figured that you would go for her." "Oh... that's what you meant." "So, you wanted to talk to us huh?" "Yeah, if you don't mind." "Well, I think-" "AAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEE!!!!! THAT'S SO AMAZING!!!!!!" There was a sudden scream from inside the house. It shocked us both out of our wits. Trey had dropped his watering can that he was using earlier for the flowers. "I guess Fluttershy told her the news. Haha, rather dramatic one you got there." said trey, wiping the shock off his face. "C'mon. Let's go inside." he said as I followed him with my mane still frazzled from the sudden shriek. "Hey you two." said Trey. "I'm guessing you told her, huh Flutterheart?" "Yes! Oh, I mean... if that's... okay...." "Of course!" "Told her what?" I said. "That she's PREGNANT! That's what!!" said Pinkie Pie in excitement. My jaw fell to the floor. Pregnant? Already? I thought. "Wow. That's great!" "I KNOW!" said Pinkie Pie as she came over to me to hold my hoof. I let her, and she smiled with joy. "So, you two need some advice, huh?" "Yes, please!" both Pinkie Pie and I said at the same time. They looked at each other with worried looks. "We...." "Can't." We both had surprised looks on our faces. "What we're trying to say is..." "You never know what to expect," "And love happens when you don't expect it, but when it comes, Celestia knows it's absolutely wonderful!" "We're really sorry about that." said Trey. "I never expected what happened to my dear Flutterheart," he continued as Fluttershy went into to kitchen to get us some drinks. "But even with what happened, I still loved her, and I never wanted to be away from her side. Needless to say, what almost separated us from each other, brought us closer." Fluttershy came back into the room with a tray. That's when I noticed something about her I hadn't seen on her. After she gave us our drinks, she walked over and sat down next to Trey. That's when I saw it. Across her lower belly was a scar. I hadn't seen anything like that in a long time, not since Brother Joel came to Trottsten. I guess I had stared at it too long, because Fluttershy began to speak about it. "I... was attacked by a Manticore in the Everfree Forest..." she said. Trey frowned and held back his tears. "When they got me to the hospital, they told Trey I was in bad condition, and that I needed a kidney transplant within the next three days, or else I wouldn't make it." "Really?" I said in astonishment. "Mmmhmm. Trey never left my side. He was there the entire time, and he tried to give me his, but it wouldn't fit in my tiny body. I needed one from a smaller pony. That's why Applejack can't harvest very much anymore." "Applejack gave you her kidney?! B-but... she has to work the farm!" "I know. She said that *gulp* Big Macintosh couldn't see me die. He was very upset, and pleaded that her sister did it for me..." "Wow..." "At first, I couldn't look at Trey... because I wasn't pretty anymore... Like he had said to me before." "But it wasn't true," said Trey finally. "She was still the same pony I had loved before, and after the incident. It was hard to see her like that," he said. "But it was for My little pony. I couldn't leave her." Fluttershy blushed. "Oh, Trey." she said with tears in her eyes. "I love you, Flutterheart." said Trey before they enjoyed a passionate kiss together. "C'mon," whispered Pinkie Pie. "Let's let them have their time alone." We got up without saying goodbye, and left the cottage. "Wow! Did you see that? Did you? The passion, the romance!" "I saw it Pinkie," I said pulling her close to me. "I saw it." I smiled at her and kissed her on the cheek. ***** "Hiya Mr. Cake!" shouted Pinkie Pie. "Whoa!" he shouted. "You scared me there, Pinkie Pie!" "Oops," she giggled. "Sorry!" "Did you need something Pinkie?" "Yessiree!" "Well, don't keep me waiting!" "My friend Pineapple here was looking for a job! He's an incredible baker, and I was wondering if you could hire him!" "Hmm, I'll have to check his skill level. Can you bake a pumpkin pie?" "Of course!" he squinted at me. "And what spice should you be the most generous with?" "Cinnamon, of course." "Good! Just nine more questions..." I squinted back at him. "Bring........ It.......... On." "The most famous cake in the world is what?" "Victoria sponge!" "Correct!" he exclaimed "Next question: What, if any, kind of nuts are used for Sweet Monkey Bread?" "Walnuts!" "Correct! Next question: how many eggs are used to bake a baker's dozen of cupcakes?" "2.1!" "....... Correct! Next question: What is the most used temperature for Baking? "375 degrees Fahrenheit!" "Correct! Next question: For how many hours do you chill a Chocolate Torte?" "Two!" "Correct! Next question: What kind, and how many, spoons of ginger do you need for gingerbread?" "Two Teaspoons!" "Correct! Next question: For how long do you need to bake Reganadas on 425 degrees?" "Fifteen minutes!" "Correct! Last question: In order to make Sand Tarts, what ingredients do you need?" "Too easy 1 Cup of butter, 2 Cups of flower, 1/4 of a tablespoon of water, 4 Heaping tablespoonss of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and 1 cup of nuts, chopped fine." "Corrrrrrect! Welcome Aboard!!!!" said Mr. Cake putting an apron around my neck. "Whoo! Go Pineapple! You're the best! Whoohooo!!!" cheered Pinkie Pie. "Heh, it was nothing, really." I said blushing a bit. "Nothin'? You call that NOTHING?! The reason why we've never had any other workers here is because nopony could get past question two! Let alone get past the Sand Tarts! My boy, you have a very special talent for baking! You'll start in a week! We have to prepare you with your own kitchen after all Mr... uhh....." "Spice." "Spice! Welcome to Sugarcube Staff!" he said with a huge grin on his face "Now hear this," he said standing on one of the tables to get the ponies attention "We have a new Baker Extraordinaire as a part of our staff!" he said pointing to me "Mr. Pineapple Spice!" All of the ponies cheered. It was a dream come true. I finally got to work with what I loved. Baking. "Goodbye Pineapple! See you in a week!" he said shutting the door. Pinkie Pie hugged and kissed me. "That was amazing! He was all like 'What's the diameter of the average cake?' And you were all like '32.678204586727452746658 inches!'" I chuckled. She was so cute when she was like that. "Haha, thanks Pinkie Pie!" I said. "You're welcome! but..." I stopped. "What's wrong?" I asked. "I want to keep us a secret, okay?" I was shocked. "B-but why?" "Well, I don't know how the girls will react. Especially Twilight." "Why Twilight?" "Well, back when Fluttershy and Trey got together, she tried to break them up so she could be with Trey, and not Fluttershy. Truth is, she's never had a love before, and she felt like he was the only one on her intelligence level." "Wow..... Okay. If that's what you want Pinkie. Okay, I'll keep it a secret." I said. She bounced up and down in joy. "I'll see you tomorrow then, Pinkie?" Her eyes soften as she looked at me lovingly. "Of course." she said. We kissed passionately at my doorstep for a couple of seconds before she bounced off in her usual Pinkie-Pie way. She's perfect. But remember what she said about Twilight. Oh great, you're back? No, I'm just warning you. Oh. Okay, thanks! Nopony was around at the time so I called out to Pinkie Pie "Hey Pinkie!" I shouted. She turned around. "I love you!" I saw her smile "Love you too~!" she shouted back. I shut my door. The Flame Grew Larger > It's A Pie, Silly! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It's been almost a three months since Pinkie Pie and I have started our relationship, and she still doesn't want me to tell anypony about our relationship. I know that it might be a little bit wrong to keep everypony thinking that there is nothing going on between us, and it kills me inside lying to them. But I told Pinkie that I would do it for her, and I'm not about go back on my promises. I waited at the cash register for the customer to come pick up their order of Chocolate Eclairs. I wonder what Pinkie is doing... I haven't seen her in a while, and she didn't come over this morning to tell me good morning like she usually does.... "Excuse me, sir?" "Hmm?" I snapped out of my deep thought "Is this my order?" "Are you Link?" "Yes. I ordered the Chocolate Eclairs Deluxe?" "Here you are. Thank you for your patronage!" I smiled my best at him as he walked off. "Mr. Spice?" "Y-yes Mr. Cake?" "May I have a word with you in the kitchen?" "Oh, of course!" I shuttered. I had no idea what he was going to tell me. "Pineapple," he said. "I've been worried about you lately. You've been spacing out all day! Is there something wrong?" What should I say? "Everything's fine!" "Look Pineapple, I appreciate that you respect me as your boss and all, but I'm not just your boss. I'm your friend also. If there's anything you need, don't hold back. Alright? Just do your best now." "Okay. I will..." I said "Mr. Cake?" I said before leaving "Thanks. I'm going to take the rest of the day off, if that's alright with you." "Of course, son." A tear formulated in my eye. Son... I haven't been called that in years... It's been too long father.... far too long. I walked down the street with tear filled eyes, and headed home. ***** I returned to the front of my house to find Pinkie Pie there waiting for me. I greeted her with a slight smile, as if trying to hide my puffy red eyes, and wet face. "What's wrong?" she asked in a soft caring voice. "It's nothing.. really." "Don't give me that... I'm just trying to care for you." "I..." I felt my chest raise and my eyes swell. "I miss my father.... I miss my mother.... I miss my family...." I said finally letting my tears fall while trying to keep my voice audible. Pinkie Pie led me to the couch where we sat down as I held her tight and told her that I never wanted to let her go. She pressed her head under mine, and told me that she didn't want me to. I continued to cry as she stayed there holding my hoof and kissing it, trying to make it all better, as a mother would do for a young pony. She asked me if I wanted anything, or if I even wanted to talk about it, and I shook my head. She just stayed there, catching my tears as I let them fall onto her fluffy cloud of a mane. When I finally stopped crying long enough for her to say something else she told me she would be right back, and got up and went into the kitchen. I waited on the couch there alone for a while. I had never felt so alone, and so cared for at the same time. What made me think of this? One little action? One traumatic event? I can hardly even think about myself without feeling pity. And when I think of my father... I shook this thought away from me. Pinkie Pie cares for me. When I think of her... all of the pain of absence goes away. I truly love her. "Close your eyes." I heard Pinkie call from the kitchen. I did so and then I felt a warmth next to me. It was Pinkie, but there was something else. Some other form of heat. "Okay," she said. "Open them." I opened my eyes to find my little filly holding a chocolate-chip cookie with icing and a two candles. The candles were leaning against each other, sharing the flame. "Happy birthday, my perfect Pineapple." Tears overwhelmed me. I had seen this before. "Happy birthday, my perfect Pineapple." "Wow mom, you made this?! It looks delicious!" "I baked it especially for you. I used up the rest of the flour." "What?" I said "You used up the last of the flour, for my birthday?" "Yes. Go on now, blow out the candle and make a wish." "Go on," Pinkie said. "Blow out the candles and make a wish." I closed my eyes and blew. "What did you wish for, Pineapple?" "I wished that my family would have a good time." I said. "Just by being together." I said in remembrance. "Thank you Pinkie. I love you." "I love you too." she said nuzzling her head into my shoulder "Pinkie," I said with tears in my eyes. "I don't think you understand. I love you with all my heart. Remember that, no matter what happens, I will always love you." She paused not knowing what to say. "Oh Pineapple, you have always been different. But it seems like it's always for the better." "Thanks mom." I said I held them both in my arms. Both Pinkie, and my mother back home. Because somewhere deep inside me, I knew that my family was missing me. And I was missing them all right back. ***** "I can't believe that you remembered." "Of course! How could I forget my favorite colt's birthday? I couldn't not throw you a party. Even if it was a party of two." she said as she kissed my cheek. "I don't think I can kiss you much anymore tonight.." she said with a smirk on her face. "W-why is that?" "Because there's flour all over it." she said as she delivered a hoof full of flour straight to my face. She laughed the amazing laugh that she had and backed up. "Oh, you think that's funny, do ya?" I said as I wiped the flour from my face. "Well come here!" I said as I started after her. "Oh no!" she said in a playful tone. "Oh yes!" I answered back as I threw some of the flour at her. "I haven't seen Pinkie Pie or Pineapple for a few hours, and it's getting dark. Where do you suppose they are, Applejack?" "Well, ah don't really know. Ya don't suppose they'd be together, do ya?" "I don't know. Why don't we check Pineapple's house first?" "Lead the way, Twilight." said Applejack as they darted off towards the house. Twilight went to knock at the door, but abruptly stopped at hearing something. "Whut's wrong Twi-" "Shhht! Do you hear that?" "Hear whut?" "Shh, listen!" Twilight whispered They stopped and listened for a while. "Ah do hear sumthin. What do ya figure it is?" "I dunno, but I want to find out. Let's check the window." Twilight said. They tip-toed over to the window to find two love-birds romancing. "I finally got you Pinkie!" "Whew! Yeah, you did." she said out of breath. I stood up and helped her to her hooves. "That was the most fun I've ever had at one of your parties, Pinkie." "Why is that?" "Because I got to spend all of my time with you! That's why." She blushed. Not being able to refuse her beauty, even though now covered in flour, I kissed her. She kissed me back and we both sat there smiling dumbly for a couple of seconds. "Well ah'll be." said Applejack. "Would yew look at that?" "I'm looking," said Twilight in awe "But I don't know what to think about it." "It's juss so sweet, ain't it?" "I guess so," she replied. "But why haven't they told us? Who knows how long this has been going on for? I have to evaluate the situation." Shock overcame Applejack as she stared angrily at Twilight. "Now wait juss a cotton pickin' second. Yew remember the last time yew 'Evaluated the situation'?" Twilight's cheeks flushed. "B-but this is different!" she stammered. "Oh yeah? How?" Sweat dripped from Twilight's face. "Listen here, missy. Ah don't want to see them torn 'part from your doin' now, ya hear? Even if that means having to use force. Got it?" said Applejack stamping her hoof into the ground. "Yes....." Twilight sighed. "I shouldn't get involved... It's just that, you know..." "Ah unerstand Twi, but you have to juss wait for love 't come yer way. It don't just show up like.." she paused. "Well, like magic. It juss don' work th' same. Okay?" "Alright... Let's go home... and forget we ever saw anything." "Mighty fine idea Twi." They turned and headed home. ***** "So, Pinkie." "Yes?" "I was wondering... since we've been together a while now, would you like to stay the night?" I instantly regretted what I had said in that moment. She blushed and backed away. "Oh....... um...... I don't know........ Mr. and Mrs. Cake might get worried....." "I understand... I don't know what came over me... I just.... I don't want you to leave me. I don't want to be alone tonight..." She looked down and thought for a bit. "I'm sorry... I don't know if I can do that Pineapple... In fact, it's getting pretty late... I think I should go..." "Okay... I'm sorry." I said trying to hide my embarrassment. She opened the door and stepped outside. I kissed her and told her goodnight. I closed my door and started up the stairs, but much to my surprise there was a knock at the door. "Pinkie?" I said opening the door. "I don't want to be alone tonight either." she said with a sad look on her face. "Besides, one night can't hurt." I showed her up the stairs and I asked her if she needed anything to help her sleep. "No, that's okay." she giggled. "All I need is you." she said plopping on the bed and pulling the sheets over her. "Well, are you coming, or what?" I got into bed, and we shared a deep embrace. "I don't ever want you to leave Pinkie." "I won't. As long as you have a beating heart," she said yawning "I'll be there with you..." she said before finally drifting off to sleep. I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her close. My heart only beats for you. was my last thought to her before I fell asleep with her. > Rarity's Ring > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Well, I thought to myself. It's been a year for me and Pinkie Pie, and I still haven't told anypony. It's time we got past this... It's absolutely ridiculous! Besides, I think I might ask her to marry me... and if I do, I have to have the perfect ring. Pinkie Pie was there for me in my time of need on my birthday, and I want to make her feel special. I love her with all my heart, and this last year has proved that to me. I must ask her. But first, the ring. Hmmm..... Where can I find such a talented pony in that area...? I stamped my hoof in the ground "I should go see Rarity!" I set off to the Carousel Boutique. "Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where everything is chic, unique, and magnifique!" Rarity said as opened the door. "Oh, Pineapple, do come in!" "But, this is a shop for ladies..." "Pish posh! What do you need, hmm? Rarity is very busy." "Well, I don't know how to say this, but... I need a ring." Rarity stopped her work abruptly. "Why, whatever for?" she looked at me with a confused face. "It's for somepony..." She gasped "Oh my goodness! You're going to propose to somepony?!" she said as she ran up into my personal space. "Tell. Me. Everything! "Uh... It's for Pinkie Pie, and I.... I love her Rarity. I know it was wrong to tell you that I had nothing other than a friendship with her a few months ago... but we've been together for a year now, and I need to show her that I will take care of her for the rest of her life." "A year?Oh my my my Pineapple! How ever did you learn to keep secrets like that? "Something I learned back where I was from" I shuttered. "Well, I'm certain she will say yes. A ring for Pinkie Pie hmm? Well, I can certaintly whip up... The per-fect ring!" "Wait, where’s that music coming from? "What’s the per-fect ring? An emerald or ruby, A shiny topaz gem. You can’t go wrong with diamonds, ‘Cuz they’re a girl’s best friend. A citrine ring is perfect! Or perhaps a rare moon’s tear, Why must there be so many? We’ll find one, don’t you fear!" "It has to be perfect!" "Perhaps something pink? "You’re the designer, Tell me what you think!" "Beryl, bloodstone, Rainbow moonstone, Spinel, Fluorite, Star diopsite, Iolite, Jadeite, Kunzite, Kyanite Topaz, Sphene, Aquamarine!" *shrugs* "A tiger’s eye?" "Nah, too informal." "A mystic topaz?" "Too abnormal." "A melanite ring?" "That’s way too dark! Something that matches her cutie mark." "Moss opal?" "Nah." "Quartz cat’s eye?" "Pass." "Hackmantite?" "No way!" "Maw-sit-sit!" "… What the heck is that?" "Well, the maw-sit-sit is one of the more unusual gemstones in the world. It was first discovered in 1963 and named after a village in northwestern Burma." "Uh… no thanks…" "Hold on! I’ve got it!" "Oh really, have you now?" "A sapphire will do the trick!" "Are you sure about that pick?" "Of course, I am the designer." "Will it match her pink attire?" "No, her eyes silly!" "Right! Anything for my filly." "Alright then, it’s settled! A sapphire ring I’ll make!" "Please keep it inexpensive, You know, for Pinkie’s sake." "I shall resist my thirst for art," "She’s got to love this present from my heart~!" "It’s the per-fect ring~~!" "Don't you worry Pineapple, I'll have it for you in the morning." "Thanks Rarity, I really appreciate it! Just don't tell anypony!" "I swear!" I squinted at her. "Pinkie Pie swear?" "If I must... Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." I left feeling a bit more confident for my long day at work. I hope Pinkie likes it. You had professional help I put on my apron and walked inside Sugarcube Corner. ***** "Good morning Mr. Spice!" "Good morning Mr. Cake!" I said overjoyed. "My my, what is it that has got you in such a good mood?" "Oh, well I-" I stopped myself. "Is Pinkie Pie here? "Not that I know of." "Good. Anyways, I'm going to propose to Pinkie Pie!" "Wh-what?!" "Yeah, and the reason I'm so happy is that I just picked out her ring, and It'll be ready in the morning! Isn't that wonderful??" "Ho no, oh no, oh NO!" "Uh... No...?" "We have to start planning for the wedding TODAY then!" "But I haven't even-" "And what will happen if she says yes?! Then we'll have lost time! HONEY! GET YOUR STUFF AND COME ON! Take care of the old place, will ya?" "But I-" "Where are we going?" "Pineapple is thinking about-" "SHHHT! not so loud!" I said in panic. "Oh, right." he said. "Pineapple is thinking about proposing to our dear sweet Pinkie Pie." Mrs. Cake's jaw fell to the floor. "We have to start preparations TODAY!" "That's what I said! Now c'mon, lets get to it!" They ran out the door and I was alone in the shop again. Sheesh, I thought. I haven't even asked her yet, and they're already stressing about it being perfect. I guess I can't blame them, after all, I do want the absolute best for my filly. I smiled to myself as I thought of this. I really hope that everything turns out perfect! She'll be so surprised! I turned to the cash register and was ready to receive orders. ***** What a day. I thought to myself. Who knew running that place was so exhausting? I opened the door and went inside my house "Hey, I'm home." I said. "Hey there, how was work?" "Tough. I had to work the whole place by myself." "What happened to Mr. and Mrs. Cake?" "Oh, they left early to-" I stopped myself. "To...... Pick up more ingredients!" "Oh... Okey Dokey Lokey! Though that must have been awful... go sit down in the living room, and I'll fix you up something for dinner." I kissed her on the cheek "You're the best." I said She giggled, but said nothing as I walked to the living room and sat down. She took a little while in making my dinner, I didn't mind, so I began to think about home. How are my brother and sister? How is my mother? How is my father...? "Here you are, honey~!" "Since when did you start calling me that?" I chuckled "Since now silly! Now eat up, you don't want it to get cold~!" I was a well made meal. The hay was stacked neatly in cubes in the corner of my plate, the apple slices were perfectly cut, and the veggies were stir fried in margarine. "Looks great Pinkie!" I said with my mouth open and watering. I stuffed my belly full and went on tell Pinkie about how my day at work went. She didn't really know much about baking except for a few recipes here and there, but she listened very well to what I had to say. It was like I made her a whole new person, more relaxed and somewhat happier. "Pinkie?" I said to her softly, while caressing her shoulder. "How much do you love me?" "What?" "How much do you love me?" She paused and looked at the ground. "I love you more than anything Pineapple. I would do anything for you, and I really do want to be with you every second of every day. I've become a happier pony because of you. The truth is, when you first told me that you liked me I was in the middle of a depression in my life. Thinking about all of the comments that people have said about me... people didn't understand who I was, people didn't see the real me. The more serious me. I went home and cried every night. I cried to Celestia to bring me another form of joy, something, anything that would take me away from that horrible place. I guess she must've heard me, because that's when you came to Ponyville. When I first saw you I was overjoyed, and wanted to meet you right away, but I had to stay my usually 'Pinkie Pie' way, and throw you a party. That night, I wasn't just throwing the party for you, I was throwing it for us. For what we might become. You're the best thing that has ever happened to me, Pineapple. I won't ever ever ever forget what you've done for me. No matter what comes between us. That's how much I love you." I looked into her sapphire eyes. "I never knew that Pinkie." I said "I didn't know how you would react... I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable." "Don't worry, you didn't" I said with a slight smile. Pinkie Pie yawned loudly. "You look tired." I said. "Let's go to bed." "Okay." she said. I laid her into bed and put the covers over her. I stayed up for a while though. I had a lot on my mind. I had a big question for her tomorrow, and I didn't want to screw anything up. Big day tomorrow. Sure you're ready? I... You can wait, you don't have to tomorrow. ... No. I do have to tomorrow. I thought. "It's time to get over my fear of rejection and abandonment. I don't just have one question. I have two. One for Pinkie Pie. One... for my family." I laid down next to Pinkie and stroked her mane. I fell asleep next to the most beautiful filly in the world: Pinkie Pie. > Baking > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Ahh..." I said stretching and yawning a bit. "Good morning Pinkie Pie." She opened her eyes slowly and yawned. "Good morning honey~" she said without moving very much. I put my hoof on her cheek and kiss her softly. "I have to go, I have to pick something up, and then I have to work. What are you doing today?" "I have to go to the doctor." "Really? Are you alright? What hurts?" I said in shock. She giggled. "Just a check up, sweetheart, but thank you for your concern~!" "Just want to make sure you're okay, sweetie pie." I said smiling "I've got to run, behave for the doctor Pinkie. I love you." "I will. And I love you too, bye!" I closed to the door and was off to Carousel Boutique. ***** Pinkie Pie got up out of bed and looked in the mirror. 'Pick something up?' What could that be? she thought to herself. I had better get to the doctor soon. I don't want to be late. she thought as she frowned at her reflection. I'm not all that beautiful. I have my flaws... and yet he still thinks that I'm perfect. Why? she thought. Why am I so different from Twilight? Why am I so different from Applejack? Why am I so different from Rainbow Dash? Why am I so different from Rarity? I'm lucky to have him..... Celestia. If you could hear my prayers, what have I done to deserve such a colt? Tell me, why are you so generous? I'm not complaining, but was it for him, or was it for me? she stared at the mirror, but could only see her small figure trembling from fear. "I need to go to the doctor." she said finally turning away from the mirror. She turned and headed out the door to Doctor Whooves office. "Welcome Pinkamena!" "Hello Doctor. What do you need to do this time, a shot? A blood sample?" she said chattering her teeth. "Oh no, nothing painful my dear. Though there is something we may need to take a look at." "What is it?" "A urine sample. Now, if you don't want to you don't have to, but it would be greatly appreciated. There is a restroom right there. I'll be back in a little bit. Please, drink something." Pinkie Pie nodded and looked at the restroom door. "If I must..." "Ms. Pinkamena? Ah, there you are. Are you finished?" She blushed and held out the cup filled with a yellowish liquid. "That's good, now I'll be back, I have to run some tests. You're welcome to those magazines." She looked at the table to find an ad on how to "Style your mane Perfectly." At the sight of this she pushed her mane out of her face. ***** The bells rang as I opened the door to Carousel Boutique. "Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where everything is- Pineapple! Ahh, just the pony I wanted to see!" "Mornin' Rarity. have you got it?" I asked eagerly. "But of course! I looked everywhere! I searched high, and I searched low. Low and high! High and low. But, with the help of Spike, I managed to find the absolutely PERFECT jewel for your young lover. It's in the back. Come come! Come and see your magnificent gem!" she said as she took my hoof and led me into the back room. "Viola!" she said unveiling the ring from the sheet it was under. The gem was perfectly cut, and was a brilliant ocean blue, and the same as Pinkie's eyes. The gem was cut into the shape of two heart, joined together by a string. All made with the same sapphire. "Just wait until you seen what I engraved on the inside!!" she said as her voice cracked into a shrill, untamed noise. I looked in the inside of the the ring and read what it said out loud. "Our hearts will always be one." I said. "Rarity, this is beautiful!" I said as I hugged her. "Puh-lease! It's the least I could do for two very good friends of mine! Now go! Work first, then propose to her in a place she shan't forget! Au revoir!" Rarity said to me as she pushed me out the door with my package. "It's the perfect ring." I said running off to work. ***** "Well, Pinkie Pie, I have some good news, and I have some bad news." "Really?! Whats the bad news?!" "Haha, nothing." said the doctor. "I've just always wanted to say that!" he said delightfully. Pinkie Pie frowned. "Ahem." he said straightening out. "Well, there is nothing wrong with you, but I do have some quite exciting news for you." "What is it...?" she said slowly. "Well, unless the machines are lying to me, you're pregnant. And you've been pregnant for a little while now. About three months. Not just with one child though. Twins actually. They'll be due sometime in March. I suggest going home and telling your husband." he said. "But..." she replied with a scared look on her face. "I don't have a husband." "Oh... Oh... I'm.... very sorry to hear that... It said that the father was someone by the name of 'Pineapple Thyme Spice' if I'm not mistaken." Pinkie Pie felt a sudden rush of relaxation. "Thank you doctor." she said smiling at the ground. "I really appreciate you telling me." she said as she gave him a hug. "I've got to tell Pineapple right away!" she said running our of the office. ***** "Order Up! I've got a dozen cupcakes for 'Berry Punch,' a cake for 'Lyra' and three dozen muffins for 'Ditzy Doo!'" I yelled into the filled room of impatient ponies. The ponies walked up and I gave them their orders. I turned around and got back to work. "Hello," said a voice. "I'd like to have a conversation with the excellent baker!" I turned to see Pinkie Pie standing there with a huge grin on her beautiful face. "Hey there Pinkie Pie! You need a word with me?" "Yes." she said switching her attitude. I pulled her inside my private baking quarters and closed the door. "I have something I need to talk to you about as well." I said. "Really? Well you go first then!" "Okay. Here goes." I said sitting her down. I knelt before her, holding her hooves in mine, and looked into her eyes. "Pinkamena Diane Pie," I said. "I've loved you for a very long time, and we have had some fantastic times together. I want you to know that you have turned my life around. I was in great depression from my past, and I had nopony to turn to but you. You've made this past year the best year of my entire life, and our relationship has blossomed into the beauty of true love. I want you to stay by my side forever Pinkie Pie. So I ask you now-Will You Marry Me?" I said opening the case to reveal her ring. From her eyes fell the tears of joy, and love. She cried tried her hardest to smile at me. She threw her arms around my neck and shouted with great enthusiasm. "Yes! I will marry you~! You've made me the happiest filly in the world~! I will never leave your side Pineapple. I want to be with you forever and ever." she said trying to hold back her tears to make her voice audible. I slipped the ring on her and kissed her passionately for the next twenty seconds. "Well would yew lookie there? True love." said Applejack. "I must say, I've never seen such passion in such a simple form of affection like that before, and I certainly didn't expect it from Pinkie Pie." said Twilight. "Yeah! That was great Pineapple! Nice moves!" said Rainbow Dash. "I made that ring~! How do you like it Pinkie Pie? Does it fit alright? Is it too small? Do you like the design?" said Rarity. "I don't think there is another pony in the world that is more perfect for you than Pineapple, Pinkie Pie." Fluttershy said. "Girls!" Pinkie Pie said with a humongous smile on her face. "How did you all know?" "I brought them here." said Rarity. "We didn't want to miss this moment!" "You all are great friends!" Pinkie said as she hugged them all. "Pinkie," I said standing up. "Isn't there something you wanted to tell me?" "Oh yeah! I almost forgot! You all might want to sit down for this one. It's pretty important! I have to tell you all what I found out at the doctor!" she said as she smiled the beautiful smile that she always had. Father, I thought. If only you could see me now. You'd see the adult that I've come to be. > In The Oven > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "So Pinkie? What is it?" "I'm pregnant!" Everyone's jaw dropped, and fell silent. "How.... Do you know?" I said. "I told you I was going to the doctor. He told me. He had to explain to me that he used something called a 'Sonic Screwdriver' or something like that." "Oh really? Interesting." I said looking down Sonic screw driver? "I think that our kids are going to be fantastic Pineapple!" Everyone fell silent again and I looked around "You know what this means, don't you Pinkie?" Rainbow Dash said. "It means it's time for a PAR-TAY!" she said rushing out the door. ***** "Hey there Pineapple! Enjoying your party?" Twilight said with a smile. "Yeah. Thanks again for planning it on such short notice." "Oh, it was nothing. Organization is just something I'm good at." she said praising herself. "I admire that..." I said. "...I heard the story about what happened with you, Trey, and Fluttershy." I said trying to move the conversation along. "Oh... You did... did you?" she said blushing. "I think that it's very sweet that even though you tried to ruin their relationship, you were going to give up your one and only kidney for your friend. I admire that also. I was always raised by the words 'Blood before friends, but until then, friends above all else.'" I said staring off into space. "They aren't just your friends, Twilight. They're your family." She stared at me for a long while. "I..." she said. "Sorry, excuse my rudeness. How are you enjoying the party?" "I'm enjoying it! But I have a question..." "Yes? "How can you be so good at baking when you haven't had much experience with it?" "Well, you see, when I was just a little colt and my mom and pop were at work I had the entire house to myself and my siblings. I had all day to study the cook book that I was working out of. This was a special cook book though. It was handed down from generations of the Spice family tree, and I was lucky enough to get to study it!." "Oh. Okay, I thought that there was something strange about you being able to bake so well, but even so how did you get so good without much practice?" I raised my hoof to my forehead and poked at it. "Memorization, my dear Twilight!" I said in a joking manor. "You memorized the entire thing?" she said in awe. "Heavens no!" "Oh, I thought-" "Just the baking portion. Which is about a quarter of the book." "How big was this book, exactly?" "Hm... about five inches thick, I presume. I can't really remember." Her jaw involuntarily dropped a bit. "Come on Twilight!" Pinkie Pie said. "Dance with us!" "I'll be right there Pinkie! Hey, Pineapple?" "Yes Twilight?" She came up close to my face and I backed up. "Promise me that you'll take EXTREMELY good care of Pinkie and you guy's kids." she said unblinking. "No pr-" I began "I'm serious. She can get kind of weird." "Twilight." I said. "I just proposed to her. I will never stop caring for her no matter what. Love doesn't even begin to describe what I feel for her." Twilight smiled at my sincerity, and I smiled back. "C'mon Twilight!" Rainbow Dash said impatiently. "We're waiting for you! Vinyl is about to play your jam!" "Okay, I'm coming! I had better go." "Hey, Twilight?" "Yes?" "Love will find a way. No matter who you are, what you do, or what you say. Love will always find you. Just when you expect it." She stared at me with tears in her eyes. "Thank you. That means a lot to me." "Go and have fun. I've got to talk with my fiance." She turned and left. The last thing I saw was a tear hit the floor. ***** Pinkie Pie was sitting down at the snacks table talking to Rainbow Dash when she waved at me to come to her table. Her blue eyes were as bright as sparkling sapphires, and her ring did that justice. "Pineapple! Over here!" "I'm comin'." I said trotting over to the table and trying to avoid getting in anypony's way. "So," Rainbow Dash said to me. "Pinkie and I were just talking about a bachelor outing for just me and Pinkie Pie here. Is that cool with you?" A bachi what now? "I don't know... sure? Just... make sure she stays safe!" "Will do pal! C'mon Pinkie Pie, let's go!" "Okay! See you later Pineapple!" she said coming up to me "I love you~!" she said kissing me. "I love you too. Have fun! Stay safe!" "Yeah, yeah, see ya!" Rainbow Dash said. I sighed and turned around to see everypony cleaning up the mess. "You guys don't have to, I can get it!" I said with a smile on my face. "We threw this party for you, so you shouldn't have to clean!" said Twilight. "But I-" "Ah ah! No 'buts!' We insist!" said Rarity. I let out a sigh. "You guys are really great friends, you know that?" I said smiling. They all smiled back. Why does it seem like something's missing? Why do I feel like it's not enough? The smiled leaked off my face and I went upstairs. The other ponies were gone, so I could go right to sleep. I touched Pinkie's pillow. This is the first time in a long time that I haven't been able to sleep next to you all night. I looked up at the ceiling. Tears welled up in my eyes. Come home soon...? I'm lonely... Tears fell from my eyes. She'll be back. Don't worry, she'll come back! I hope........ > The Icing On The Lie... I Mean Cake > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "So Rainbow Dash," Pinkie said. "Where are we going exactly?" "Oh Pinkie Pie, we're going to a magical place called the 'Colt N' Lead.' It's supposed to be a really awesome place to get a cider!" "Like, apple cider?" "Yeah!" "But Dashie," she said "Can't we just get that from Applejack?" "We could..." Rainbow said slowing down. "But Applejack doesn't have super duper amazing 20% cooler, bounce off the walls, clean your tongue thirty times, eat a chocolate cake, throw a pie into a pony's face, fight a pony in a race Grape cider!" "Oh. I guess it's pretty good then, huh?" "Yup!" The two ponies trotted along in silence for a while until they came to the door of the Colt N' Lead cinder shoppe. The two looked at each other as they heard sounds of breaking glass and yelling inside the establishment. Rainbow Dash opened the door and both of their pupils shrank to the size of peas. "Hey there-" the man behind the counter said dodging a bottle. "Rainbow Dash! You came at the wrong time, you might wanna- Yikes!" he said dodging a chair. "Leave." All of the attention went to the door, and the two ponies standing in it. "Welcome to th Colt N' Lead! I suspect ye want a drink o' this apple cider, yea?" "Oh yes please!" Said Pinkie Pie. "That's what we came for!" "Pinkie I think-" Started Rainbow Dash. "You shut it! This young lady wants 'erself a drink. Joe! Pley som music. M'lady, you cn have my seat." "Why thank you kind sir!" she said hopping to the chair. "Ye welcome." "Pinkie I-" Another pony came and sat next to Pinkie Pie. "So, who be ye? Where ye from?" said a buff and mysterious pony. "I'm Pinkie Pie, and this is my good friend Rainbow Dash! C'mon Dashie, they're friendly!" "Yeah!" said the big one. "C'mon Dashie." he said with a smirk. Rainbow Dash swallowed hard and stepped in the door. The clerk hid behind the counter and started praying to Celestia for his life. "I-I'm not scared of you tough guy! C'mon Pinkie, these guys are bad news." "No they're not! Their pretty funny!" she said cheerfully "Yeah, we're funny Dashie!" "Don't call me that!" "They look funny too! And smell funny. Like grapes!" The big one's face turned serious and he turned to face Pinkie again. "Excuse me little pink one?" he said furiously. "PINKIE!" "Shut your trap, Dashie!" he said then turned back to Pinkie Pie who looked angry. "And you! Do you not like the way my face looks? Because I can't change it!" "First off mister," said Pinkie Pie. "I don't like the way that you're talking to my friend! And second, I don't care about what your face looks like, you big mean 'ol bully!" she said getting up from her chair. "You sit back down! I'm not done talking to you!" he said pushing her to the floor. "Ouch!" "You did NOT just do that!" said rainbow dash charging at the buff pony, kicking him in the face. "You bloody Pegasus!" he said swatting her away like a fly. "As for you!" he said turning to Pinkie who was getting up off the floor. "What might this be?" he said yanking her arm and pulling off Pineapple's ring. "Give that back!" she said kicking him in the body. The buff pony was sent to the floor with a mighty thud, and looked up at Pinkie Pie picking up her ring. "Now you've done it." he whispered as he got up "PINKIE PIE!!!" ***** There was a large thud and the commotion arose. Pinkie was on the ground, the buff pony was on the ground, and every pony was telling Rainbow Dash to get her friend and leave. After that there was no movement. Rainbow Dash grabbed Pinkie and flew out the door into the woods as fast as her wings could carry her. And after that? There was silence. ***** "W-What happened Rainbow Dash?" Pinkie said opening her eyes. "There was a slight fight and- Ahh! My wing..." Pinkie tried to get up, but the force of pain pulled her back to the ground. "Don't try to get up. He hit you pretty hard. He hit me pretty hard." "Where is... my ring....?" Pinkie said drowsily. "Don't worry, you've got it. We'll make it home, and you'll be all better. C'mon, I've got ya." she said lifting the passed out pony onto her back. "I've got ya." ***** Pinkie opened her eyes and winced. She had a pain in her back and head. She looked around for Rainbow Dash, but she was no where to be seen. The nurse walked in and looked at Pinkie Pie. "Oh, You're awake. Your friend Rainbow Dash brought you in. Though, she's having trouble recovering her wing." "Oh... Can you check something for me after I get back from seeing her?" "Miss, you shouldn't be getting up." "Please. I have to. It's important." "Alright. Make it quick." Pinkie got up and went into Rainbow Dash's room. "Rainbow Dash?" "Hey there Pinkie Pie..." she said sitting up. "Thank you for what you did... You're a really great friend." "Any one of us would have done it Pinkie. Especially Pineapple." "Don't tell him." she said turning to go back to her room. "W-What?" Rainbow Dash said in shock. "Don't tell Pineapple what happened. Promise me you won't." "Pinkie I-" "Promise me!" she said falling to the floor crying. "I... Don't know what.... will happen to us...." she said between bursts of tears. "Pinkie?" "What....?" "I promise, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't tell him." Pinkie got up and left the room. He'll hate me. Forever. Tears rolled down her eyes and she got back into her bed, weeping from the pain. > Ding! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Push Pinkie, Push!!" I yelled. "Hey Pineapple," she replied "You remember when I told you that sleeping over wouldn't hurt?" she said with a crazed look in her eye. "Yeah? What about it?" "IT HURTS!!!" "One more time!" the nurse yelled to Pinkie over her screams. "I C-CAN'T!" "Yes you can!" we yelled back. "YAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!" "What was that noise, Twilight?" said Rainbow Dash "The sound of progress, my friend." she retorted. "Whut in tarnation is that spose to mean?" asked Applejack "Really Applejack? It means she just birthed one of little foals." said Rarity. "Scuse me miss know-it-all, did ah ask yew?" "Girls!" Fluttershy interrupted. "We're not here to fight... We're here for Pinkie Pie, remember? She's going through a lot of pain right now." "Okay..." Applejack said in defeat. The nurse and I came out of the room with sweat dripping down our brows. She looked at me and smiled as tears formulated in my eyes. "Congratulations. We'll have her and the foals cleaned up so that you can go home in a jiffy. I'll need you to fill out some paper work and get the birth certificates ready to go." "Yes ma'am. Thank you for taking care of them..." I said looking at the ground. "It's hard for me to see her in pain. It was almost unbearable." The nurse raised a hoof to my shoulder. "You were very strong, and very brave Mr. Spice, and I'm sure she knows that." "Nurse? She can have visitors now. Mr. Spice? She wants to see you." "Oh. Alright, have a good day nurse...?" "Krystal. Krystal Klear." "Thank you very much Krystal." I said to the blue and white pony. She nodded her head at me and I trotted down the hall to join my friends in Pinkie's room. ***** "Where's Pineapple?" "I'm right here Pinkie!" I said pushing through the crowd. "How do you feel? Are you alright? Are you in pain? Is there anything I can get you?" "I'm fine Pineapple... I'm just tired... Have you seen our foals? They're beautiful." she said unwrapping the tiny male pony. He was a brown coated foal, with a gray mane and bright yellow eyes. He yawned and moved his head to his mother's chest. Pinkie Pie unwrapped the second foal and I saw the familiar color that myself and my fiance shared. She was a little pink filly with bright blue eyes, and a separated color mane like my own. It was pink like her mother's, and then split into a beautiful ocean blue that glinted slightly in the light. The small filly looked at me and I smiled at her. "They're so small..." I said. "Aren't they amazing?" Pinkie replied "Well ah'll be. Ain't that just sumthin?" Applejack whispered. "Whoa! Look at 'em! They are small!" said Rainbow Dash "They're so adorable that I could just shout...! Yaaaaay~....!" she whispered. "Haha, not as adorable as you Flutterheart." Trey said as he pulled Fluttershy close and kissed the side of her head. "Aw! They're simply adorable!" Rarity said. She gasped and then started again "I MUST start designing cute little outfits for your son and daughter!" she said with her eyes sparkling. "What are you going to name them?" Twilight asked. The room fell silent, and everybody looked at her. "What? You have to give them names! It's a legitimate question!" "I guess we hadn't really thought of that, have we?" Pinkie Pie asked me. I shook my head with a puzzled look on my face. It was true, we hadn't really been thinking of names. "Well, I want one to have your last name at least Pinkie." "Okay... Hmm... Well, do any of you have any ideas?" she said looking to her friends "Hm... How about Bolero?" "What about Elizabeth?" "Lightyear?" "Stop!" said Fluttershy. "Well that's a weird name Fluttershy. Why would anyone name their kid 'Stop?'" Pinkie said. "Pinkie, with all due respect, Fluttershy and I think that you should name your kids yourself. The name suggestions coming from your friends are all names that they like. Not what you want. Take some time to think about it with as much space as possible." Trey said eying everypony in the room to leave. "Take your time. You want the names to not only reflect ancestry, but personality and looks." he said stopping in the doorway. He turned and smiled at me and I smiled back. When Trey had left the room, I looked at Pinkie and our children and thought hard. "I have an idea." I told her. She smiled and I brought my hoof up to touch the little filly's mane. ***** "Thanks again for these carriers Twilight!" Pinkie said. "Your welcome Pinkie Pie! I thought I might as well get a practical gift as well as some goodies." "So," said Rainbow Dash. "Chocolate Pie?" "And Paprika Spice?" said Rarity. "Where did you come up with those names Pineapple?" Fluttershy ask me. I looked at Trey and smiled. "We thought that maybe going with the same kind of names that Pinkie and I have. We made the decisions based on what we felt was right after that." The smile on my face was growing from one ear to the next. This is where my life is. Nothing could possibly ruin this. I looked up and saw the library come into view. Spike was right outside the door waving at us coming and he opened the door for me and Pinkie Pie to get through without any problems with Chocolate and Paprika. "Thank you very much sir." I said tilting my head to him. "I gotcha man!" he said. "Hey Spike? Could you get Pinkie some water please?" I said. "Sure thing Pineapple!" he said running into the kitchen. "Spike...?" Twilight said. "Yeah Twilight?" replied Spike. "Were you doing... That again?" she said staring at the opposite side of the room. I looked over in the direction Twilight was looking in and I saw a Saxophone and a pair of sunglasses laying on the ground. "Oh!" he said running over and picking them up. "You play Saxophone?" Trey asked. "On occasion, but not when any ponies are around." he said blushing and stuffing the items into a closet. "He's been obsessed with that Saxophone ever since we bought it for him. He does this weird thing where-" "Twilight!" he said embarrassed. "What?" "Well don't tell them!" he said shifting his eyes to Rarity. "Oh. Sorry Spike..." We all laughed at this as Spike held his back to the door, preventing anypony from getting to the closet. I looked at Pinkie and the foals and smiled. Welcome to the world little ones. Don't worry, I'll take care of you... I promise. > Complications > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I yawned and opened my eyes to a blank ceiling. I had been up almost all night taking care of Chocolate and Paprika. Chocolate decided that he wanted to keep me up as long as he could without bothering his mother, who was out like a light. Paprika on the other hand must have been hungry because she didn't want to stop crying until I woke up Pinkie. It was amazing how quickly she got up after I told her that Paprika wouldn't stop crying. After she was fed, she went right back to sleep just as quickly leaving me to take Paprika back to bed and make sure that she fell asleep. By that time, it was four in the morning. My eyes were heavier than lead balloons, but I managed to keep them open long enough for me to get up and take a bath. I turned the water off and chuckled. It was going to be this way for a while, at least until the little ones are big enough to where we won't have to get up that late. I looked out the door and something caught my eye. There was a receipt in the waste basket. Out of curiosity I picked it up and looked at it. We haven't bought anything recently... I thought. I looked up at the clock and realized what time it was: Time to go. Pinkie Pie had woken up and I went to kiss her good morning while simultaneously stuffing the receipt into my apron pocket. "Good morning darling." I said to her. she yawned and tried her best to smile at me. "Have a good day at work sweetie." she said giving me a quick kiss. "Have a good day with the little ones." I replied. She smiled and hugged me. I turned to go out the door, but stopped in the door way. "I love you all. More than anything." I whispered to myself. I put on my hat and walked outside. ***** "Have a nice day Ms. Bon Bon!" "You too! Oh, and congratulations by the way!" "Thank you! Come back soon!" I smiled and waved to the light creme colored pony. I wiped my hooves on my apron and heard a crinkling noise in my pocket. What is...? Oh... That receipt. What is that about? I thought. I started to pull it out of my pocket, but before I could get it out I heard Mr. Cake call me. "Pineapple! Can you come here please?" "Yessir!" I called back. I guess it can wait til later. I thought, stuffing the paper back into my pocket. "Yes Mr. Cake?" "You've filled ten orders single hoofedly!" "Uh. Yessir. Is that a bad thing?" "Why heavens no!" he said in shock. "It's just that that is a lot of orders! A new record for you in fact. Anyways, that's not what I called you for. I wanted to know how she's doing. Mrs. Cake and I have been wondering for a while now." "Oh! Well, it was a successful! It was really painful for Pinkie, but she's doing fine now. We had two foals, a boy and a girl, and that's pretty much it. If you want you can pop by later to see them!" "That would be delightful!" he said with a huge smile on his face. I chuckled at the joy and smiled. "I've got to get back to work." "Wait! Why don't you take the rest of the day off?" "What? But-" "No buts! Go spend time with your family! You don't have much time before your proper wedding. I'd say four days. Go on! I'll take your shift." I smiled wider and hugged him out of pure happiness. "Thank you so much Mr. Cake!" "Go on!" he said shooing me out the door. I put up my apron and went out the door. Then I remembered something. The receipt! I have to know what it's about. I thought. I walked back into Sugarcube Corner and went to my apron. "Sorry Mr. Cake, I forgot something in my apron." "It's alright Mr. Spice! Have a good day!" "You too!" I said walking out the door looking at the receipt. It's for the hospital... Why would this be there...? It's not the one from yesterday... I thought looking up. I guess there's only one way to find out. ***** "Hello?" "Yes, what did you need sir?" "Is Krystal here?" "Yes sir. She's in room five." "Thank you." I said looking down the hall. I trotted down the hall and stopped before I got to room five and waited. When the blue and white pony came out I called her by name. "Krystal!" She turned around quickly with her eyes opened wide. "Oh... Yes? Is something wrong?" "I need to see what this receipt is for." She eyed it for a long time and then looked up at me. "It looks like it was for two ponies. Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash. I remember that day. They came here in an emergency. Said they were in some sort of fight down at the Colt 'N Lead. Rainbow Dash was banged up pretty bad, and the other was not as hurt, pretty close, but crying a lot." I felt my heart drop into my stomach and my legs get cold. "A fight? Before she birthed our children...?" Krystal looked up at me. "I'm very sorry..." My expression was blank, and I have only a faint idea of what happened next. It felt like my vocal cords tore. ***** I kicked open the door to the establishment and dust flew everywhere. I stepped in slowly and looked around. "Alright." I began. I looked at the owner and he hid behind the counter in the front. "Who did it?" "W-who did w-what?" the owner said. "I'll give you all two seconds to tell me who did it." I said with fire in my eyes and heart. "Hey." I heard a voice say as I instantly shifted my eyes to be fixed on him. "I saw a pink pony juss like this one when that Rainbow one clocked you Joe." "Yeah. I think your right." "So it was you huh?" I said staring directly through him with my burning gaze. "You hit her?" "Well, she was bein' rude, that rainbow one. So I-" "I meant the pink one." I said walking right up to his face. "And what if I did?" "Then your going to go straight through that wall. You and your buddy there." "HAHAHA! You think YOU, a girly prancing pink little pony, can get me through that wall?! AAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! I'd like tuh see yew freakin' try it!" "If you insist." I said to him. I immediately turned around and kick the black coated pony clear through the wall of the establishment. I fixed my eyes on the slightly less buff pony in the seat next to him. "Your turn." I said as I turned around once again. I kicked him straight up into the roof, with a less powerful kick. After all, I wasn't angry with him. The black coated pony came back through the wall and spit red saliva onto the ground. "Is that the best ya got?" he said with one eye half closed I stopped in the middle of my stride and turned around. "You want more? Fine. Your move." He charged at me with all of his strength and I dodged and tripped him. His face hit the floor with a loud thunk, and I smiled slightly at this. He got back up and immediately swung at me, to which I tripped him again. This time taking him by the hooves and bending them behind his back. "Check mate." I said as I stamped my right hind leg into his upper back, keeping him from getting up. "I give... I give! I'm sorry!" he cried I lowered my mouth next to his ear. "So am I." ***** Why would she not tell me what happened?! I don't understand! Does she not trust me?! I thought. I turned my head towards the sky and yelled "ANSWER ME!!!" I panted and tears rolled down my face. I came to a trot, then to a quick sprint, and then to a full run all the way back to my home. Where it was "Safe." I opened the door weeping loudly. Pinkie came to the door and put her hoof on my shoulder. "What's wrong Pineapple??" she said with a frown. "Why..." I began through a curtain of tears. "Why didn't you tell me..." Pinkie shook her head in confusion. Then started backing up. "I-I..." "I didn't want to hurt anypony. I didn't want to feel this way towards you. I just wanted you to trust me!!" I said taking a vase and throwing it across the room where it met with the wall and shattered into pieces. Both of the kids started crying and I did too. "Well." she said with an angry look in her eye. "I didn't think you would act this way. I didn't think you were so immature." "Don't you pin this on me! It's not my fault you tried to keep this from me!" I said enraged. "You woke up the kids." she said turning around going into the other room. "DON'T TURN YOUR BACK ON ME! I'M TALKING TO YOU!" "Well I'm NOT talking to you!!" she screamed. "And if this is how you really are... Then I'm never talking to you ever again." she said with both the children in their carriers. "Let me through the door." My face turned from anger to sadness as I opened the door and stepped out of the way. She stopped right next to me and whispered in my ear. "The wedding is off." she said before leaving my home. Tears rolled from my eyes and I fell on the floor crying. Congratulations. I heard my father say. You just lost the three most important things in your life. I am so proud of you son. > The Fix > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Pinkie Pie, your being irrational!" Twilight said. "No, I'm not Twilight. You don't know what I saw." "Okay, so what if he did? That doesn't mean you should just leave him!" "Twilight, I'm through talking about this." she said with a tear rolling down her face. "Come on guys." Twilight whispered to the rest of the ponies. "We have to do something about this. I'm not going to let their love dissolve." she said sternly. The five ponies rushed out the door to Pineapple Spice's home. ***** Applejack knocked on the door while Rainbow Dash looked through the window at me. I looked up and saw her wave with a forced smile. I got up and walked to the door. I opened it and looked at the floor. "I know you guys probably want me dead. Go ahead and kill me. There's nothing left for me to lose." I felt a hoof hit my face and tears came out. "Get a hold of yourself Pineapple!" Fluttershy exclaimed. "Whoa whoa whoa!" said Rainbow Dash. "Fluttershy, did you just hit him?" "As a matter of fact, I did. Now, get your sorry ass up off the floor, and come on. I've got a plan." I looked up at her. Her confidence beamed through out the room and I smiled a bit. "First," I said. "Tell me everything that happened that day Rainbow Dash." ***** "And so when I hit him again, I got Pinkie Pie and myself out of there." "But why didn't she want to tell me anything?" "I think it's because she thought you would react violently and take it out on her. She didn't want to loose you over this. I think she was afraid you would do what you did." "I was alone for three days." I said. "I had never felt so alone... I thought she..." "She what?" asked Twilight. "I thought she abandoned me..." "It must be because of your parents. Sending you to that prison and then not wanting to see you again... That would drive anypony insane." Trey said "Not only that, but that sort of thing carries into all the relationships with EVERYpony you meet." said Fluttershy. "But like I said, I have an idea of what we could do to get this all doctored up. "I'll do anything." I said to her. "Alright then. Here's the plan: We'll go back to Sugarcube Corner and tell Pinkie Pie that there is a special pony coming in for business that will help her take care of her children since she is supposedly going to be a single mother." "I'm listening." I said. "Well, once we have her convinced that we're on her side, you'll walk in and talk to her, and everything will start to get better! It's brilliant!" she said with excitement. My expression changed from happy to a confused smile. "And you're sure this will work?" "Y-no....... But it's worth a shot! Are you ready?" I looked at the ground and thought for a second. Am I ready? It's been three days since I've talked to her... No. I have to. I looked back up at Fluttershy. "I'm ready." ***** "Well Pinkie Pie. We can't really argue with what you're saying..." said Twilight. "Yes, we are your best friends after all!" Fluttershy said joyfully. "Thank you all..." Pinkie Pie said with a smile. "In fact, we invited for an important pony to come here to talk to you about being a single mother!" Rainbow Dash said. "Yeah, an' he's gunna help yew financially til yous can get yerself a job!" Applejack added. "Really? You guys did that for me?" "Of course Pinkie Pie! We couldn't let a dear friend like you be miserable." Rarity added dramatically. "To have friends like you..." "Is she really gonna-" "Shht!" Twilight hushed Rainbow Dash "To have friends like you To make everything new, If I have a bitter problem," "We'll be there to solve it!" "I have many new fears, So please listen my dears, I couldn't ask for a better batch of friends!" "In a fix?" "Or in a bind?" "Count on your friends we're right behind you!" "Honesty, loyalty, generosity makes harmony," "Where would I be without my friends? Where could I go til my life heals and mends?" "Oh where oh where could your friends be?" "Right here sitting next to me! Here comes the pony, to help me with my problems." "He'll help with everything, we promise he's not a phony!" "Then, to you sir May I offer you some lemoooooonnnnn....." The door flew open and I walked in. "Ade?" Twilight looked at me and motioned her head towards Pinkie Pie. "Pinkie Pie...?" "Why are you here? Twilight, where is the pony that will help me with the kids?" "He's right there." she said smiling. Fluttershy closed the door behind me and I moved towards Pinkie Pie. "Don't come any closer." Pinkie warned me. I stopped in my tracks and thought. "Pinkie?" "What?" "Do you remember when we first met? How you reacted to me. Heh. That was really cute." I said taking a step closer. "What about it?" "Do you remember the party you threw me? I had a lot of fun. I was embarrassed around you because I didn't know what you thought of me. Isn't that stupid?" I continued taking another step closer. "What are you doing?" she said scowling. "I was nervous talking to you. You were the first filly that made me truly happy. In a romantic sense that is." I stepped closer to her. "Psst!" Rainbow Dash whispered to Applejack. "Where's he going with this?" "Ah haven't the darndest idea." "I remember I thought that you had the cutest laugh ever, and the most beautiful smile." Pinkie Pie said nothing and I stepped closer. "I also remember when we were talking when the lights went out... That's when I confessed my feelings for you. Let me tell you something, I was terrified. Saying something like that to such a beautiful mare was kind of out of character for me." I inched closer to her. Pinkie looked into my eyes and shook her head. "Where are you going with this?" she asked me. "Right here. If you let me get this close, I can only hope that you still feel something for me." Pinkie suddenly realized where I was. I was about five inches away from her face. "And the last thing I have to say is this: I love you." I pressed my lips against hers and prayed instantly. Celestia... Make her remember the love we had for each other... Please. Remember. I must have been doing something right because Pinkie Pie didn't pull away. After a while I felt tears flow from her eyes, and I let mine loose at the feeling of this. I released the passionate embrace to speak. "I missed you." "I missed you too." "I don't know what came over me... I just flipped. Hearing that you were beat made me blind with rage, and I..." Pinkie put a hoof over my mouth shushing me. "It's alright..." she said between bursts of tears. "Sometimes bad things happen. Complications get in the way, but I will always, always, always love you. I guess we just have to understand that it's all part of baking the perfect pie!" I chuckled to myself a bit. My eyes told Pinkie that I loved her, and Pinkie replied with a kiss. All of the other ponies in the room had tears rolling down their faces. I pulled away from Pinkie, kissed her forehead and held her in my arms. "I'm glad you remembered." "How could I forget?" I smiled and kissed her on the forehead again. ***** "It's late you guys, I need to be getting home. Spike wasn't expecting me out so late." Twilight said trotting off. "Bye! See you tomorrow at the wedding!" Pinkie Pie called. "Oh! Wait, Twilight!" Pinkie said trotting up to her. I couldn't make out what she said, but it sounded important. Twilight looked at me and replied with a nod. "Good night Pineapple! See you tomorrow!" "Night Twilight!" I said. Pinkie Pie trotted back up to the front door and hugged me. "Time for bed... It's been a long couple of days." I said. "And It'll be a very long day tomorrow too!" she said kissing my cheek. "Goodnight Pineapple~!" she said before trotting to the back room. "... Wait, huh? What's that supposed to mean?!" > Giggle At The Complications And Stuff That Makes Your Life Seem Bad > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Crying flooded the house as Pinkie Pie and I woke up simultaneously. "Your turn." We said to each other. "I'll get Chocolate." Pinkie said. "I'll get Paprika." I said in return. We both got out of bed and went into the room. It was about two in the morning, and I had gone to sleep three hours ago because of them. "Shh, shh now... It's alright..." I said picking up the little filly. She stopped crying and looked at me. I stared into the filly's eyes and smiled. What is going through your mind...? Do you even know who I am...? The little filly smiled at me and I hugged her gently until she finally fell asleep. "What is with you Pineapple?" Pinkie asked me. "What do you mean?" I whispered. "You're so good with putting them to sleep... I'll bet it's because you're really boring!" she said smiling at me. "Oh, I'm boring am I? That's not what you said nine months ago." I chuckled. She blushed and smiled a bit. I walked up to her and kissed her on the cheek. "Lets go back to bed." She yawned and I put my arm around her. "Yeah, I'm kind of tired anyways." We hopped into bed, and slept the night away. ***** "Come on, come on!" Twilight said. "Everything has to be perfect!" Mr. Cake added. Twilight was running around fixing the decorations and checking every nook and cranny for mess-ups or mishaps. "Let me see the lighting!" A pony on top of a banister flicked a switch and Twilight looked around. "Too much! Bring it down!" "Gotcha!" he said sliding a little switch down a bit. "Now that's not enough!" "I'm on it!" He brought it up a little more. "Too much!" she yelled again. "Never mind, I can get it." Her horn sparkled and produced a purple glow over the switch that the pony on the banister was using to change the lighting. "Hmm... no... no.... no........ no... There! Perfect!" "But ma'am that was what I had it at before..." "Hush up. Now don't move the switch anymore!" "Uh.." "Mr. Cake!" Twilight said. "Are the special guests here yet?" "How should I know?" "Oh... Right." Twilight's ear twitched to the sound of trumpets outside the building. She raced outside to see what was the matter. A large white pony stepped out of a carriage wearing her hair in an exceptionally fancy way, and was also touched up with a bit of make-up. "Hello there Twilight Sparkle." Twilight's jaw dropped as if it was the first time to every see the Princess. "Princess Celestia? What are YOU doing here?" "I came to see the bearer of the element of laughter's wedding. It is very important for the future of Equestria." "Why is that...?" "Well, I don't know." the princess said in confidence. "Luna! Please come on, we don't want to hold up the guards from getting home. "BUT I LOOK I mean... I look ridiculous. "You do not, please sister." Princess Luna stepped out of the carriage wearing her hair in a similar fashion to her older sister's and frowned. "Do we look ridiculous, Twilight Sparkle?" she said blushing. "Not at all Princess Luna! You look beautiful!" "Why thank you. Now, where are the festivities?" "Inside. Please come in!" "So," Luna started. "Who's wedding are we celebrating?" "Pinkie Pie's." Twilight replied opening the door. "Ah yes. The shrieker." "Don't worry Princess, she won't be shrieking today!" Princess Luna smiled and looked around the establishment. "My condolences Twilight Sparkle, this establishment hath been decorated beautifully!" she said with her eyes opened wide. "I couldn't have done it without my friends! And Mr. Cake here!" Princess Luna turned to him and held out her hoof. "A fine establishment!" she said as she shook his hoof almost clean off of his arm. "Oh! Princess Luna!" Fluttershy said as she came in the door with Trey. "What are you doing here?" "I am celebrating the joining of two halves with you and your colleagues!" Trey's jaw dropped. "Y-you k-know P-P-Princess Luna?" "I never told you that? My bad.." she said looking down at the ground. Trey went to Luna and bowed. "It is an honor to have you here Princess." he said "Thank you peas-I mean... citizen." she said correcting herself. "My name is Trey, I was the bandmaster in Canterlot for a while. I composed music for the band at the school there." "Ah! Most honorable!" she said. "It was nice meeting you Princess Luna!" he said turning back to Fluttershy. "Interesting couple, aren't they?" Twilight said to Princess Luna. "Indeed. They seem very happy together. Well, I am going to join my sister in greeting more ponies around the place. I presume you will be greeting everyone who comes in?" Twilight realized she was still standing at the door holding it open. "Um, yes! That's what I'm doing!" she said covering up her embarrassment. "Hay there Twilight!" Applejack said coming to the door. "You beein' whut they call an 'Usher?'" "Yep! How are you holding up?" "Well," she said. "I reckon we're doing mighty fine on this end." "Eeyup." a large red pony said from behind Applejack. He was carrying flowers and had a nice suit on. "I reckon that this is gon' be very emotional Twilight?" he asked her. "Yes Big Macintosh. Extremely." "Eeyup..." he said with a sigh. He put down the basket and took out a beautiful white flower. He motioned for Twilight to come closer and she did. He put the flower in her mane and smiled. "Wow.." Twilight said blushing. "T-thank you Big Macintosh." "Eeyup." he replied in his usual manor. "Oh, and good afternoon to you too Granny Smith." The green pony sniffed and a tear fell from her eye. "A-ah'm sorry. Ah juss git so emotional at weddin's." she said blowing her nose. "Aw Granny, it hadn't even started yet!" Applejack said comforting her. "Ah know!" she replied before breaking down into tears. "C'mon Granny Smith. Let's git ahr seats. C'mon Apple Bloom!" she called out the door. "I'ma comin'!" the little filly said trotting into the room. "Whoa... Juss wait til Sweetie Bell and Scoot git a load o this!" There were flowers in her hair, and the little filly itched at them. Twilight smiled at this and looked out the door to see who was coming next. There was a slightly brownish gray pony with black hair and a bow tie approaching. "Um, welcome Ms.." "Octavia. I am the musical entertainment?" "Oh! Right, please come in! Do you play the Piano?" "No. I actually play the Cello." "Oh." Twilight said in slight disappointment. "I assure you ma'am, I will not disappoint you. Oh my, is that Trey? He was one of my former instructors that I had in Canterlot before switching to Orchestra!" She trotted over to Trey and introduced herself. Trey took a while and looked at the brownish pony. "Ah yes! I remember you!" he said in excitement. Twilight turned her attention back outside and watched some more ponies come in the door. She greeted them and gave them all a warm, inviting smile. Twilight put a hoof to her head and touched the flower that Big Macintosh had given her. She blushed and looked out the door once again. "Good afternoon Twilight." Rarity said. "Oh, hey there Rarity! Oh, hi Sweeite Belle! You look very pretty today!" "Yeah, yeah," she replied. "Is Apple Bloom here yet?" "Why yes she is. Wait, where's Scootaloo?" "Oh, she's coming with Rainbow Dash. They had a flight session today." she said looking for Apple Bloom. "Oh, I see." Twilight said "We're here!" Rainbow Dash announced. "Yeah! Did we make it on time?" Scootaloo said out of breath. "Yes. Welcome! Where's your nice clothes?" "Oh, Rainbow Dash said I didn't need to dress up." "Yeah. It's cool Twi. We won't mess anything up. No way, no how!" "Well, if you say so..." "Hey Sweetie Belle! Apple Bloom, where are you guys?!" she yelled across the room running in as fast as she could. Oh boy... Twilight thought. "Ah see the party's already started. Howdy there Twilight!" said a familiar voice. "Braeburn! Good to see you!" "Like wise little sister! Sorry ah'm late. Am I late?" "Not at all! Come on in!" "Thanks Twi. Man, this suit is itchy, I'd take a leather vest an' a hat any day!" "I know Braeburn" she giggled. "I know." Twilight welcomed him and thought for a second. Is that everypony on the list...? Oh, no where is...? "Why hello there everypony! I hope I am on the list, and not showing up as a phony." "Hey Zecora, of course you're invited!" "Ah, Twilight Sparkle! Greeting your friends before the ceremony?" "Yup! I'm saying hello to everypony!" Zecora raised her eyebrow at Twilight and smiled. "Oh darn it! Sorry Zecora, It sort of rubs off, you know?" "No apologies necessary, although I apologize, for a gift I do not carry." she said looking down. "It's all right Zecora, being here will be enough!" she said motioning her in. Zecora smiled and walked in the building. Where are the special guests? Pineapple and Pinkie should be here any sec- "Hiya!" Pinkie Pie said hopping up and down with her sisters. "Pinkamena, dear, don't mess up your dress." her mother said. "Pinkamena, Inky, Blinky, listen to your mother please." Pinkie's father said. "Hey Twilight. I- Whoa!" I said in shock I looked inside the building and saw everypony hanging about and having fun. I swallowed hard. "Large turn out... And is that...?" "Princess Luna and Princess Celestia? Yep! Princess Celestia said it was crucial to be here for this event." A guard walked up to the Princess and whispered something into her ear. "Oh really now?" she said. "Well, you can take care of it by yourselves. Take the tactical Captain and be on your way. I cannot be absent for this event." "Wow." I said. "This must be really important to her..." "Not just her," Twilight said to me. "But all of Equestria." I swallowed hard again. I hope I don't mess anything up. "So, who's marrying us? Where is he?" "Well, actually it's a she." she said smiling. "Okay, where is she?" "She's right here." she said to me. "You're marrying us? Do you even know how?" I said in shock. "Yup! Isn't that cool? I was up all last night studying on what to say! I even memorized it!" I looked at her and laughed a bit to myself. What did I expect? If it had to be somepony, she was the most likely choice as an intelligent figure. "Well, shall we get started the-" "Excuse me," A voice said from behind Twilight A dark brown pony wearing a black cloak interrupted me. He was joined by a young girl, who was a dark pink, and had black and gray mane. Her eyes were bright yellow, and she didn't seem to have any emotion. Perhaps she was shy? The next pony to come in looked like the mother of the two younger ponies. She was pink and had a golden mane that was rolled up above her head. She looked worried. Was something bothering her? The last pony to come up was a strong brown colt that seemed to be sad. Who are these ponies? Are they on the list? Why do they all look so sad? I haven't seen them around here before, did they come from Canterlot? I pulled Twilight aside for a moment to talk to her. "Twilight," I began. "Who are these ponies? What do they want?" "Obviously they're here for the wedding Pineapple. Now go get ready, we're about to start." I sighed. She was right, but I wanted to find out who they were. It'll just have to wait, Pineapple. You have to get married. "See you up there Twilight." I said eying the family. The father looked at me and squinted, as if challenging me. I walked away and told everypony to get ready. "Alright, names please?" "Travis." the father said "Tasha" said the timid mother. "Pepper." the daughter told Twilight. "Tarragon." said the brother. "Alright," Twilight said. "Last names?" "Spice." ***** Music filled the room with joy, as the wedding song was played. I looked back and saw Pinkie Pie walking up the aisle. I looked around and finally found Spike in a tux sitting next to our children, taking care of them. Good. Thanks Spike, I owe you one. Pinkie was walking up the aisle with her father guiding her. She was wearing a veil, so I couldn't see much of her face. The only thing I could make out for sure were her eyes. Her beautiful sapphire eyes. I smiled at her and she smiled back from what I could tell. I looked over to my side of the rows of ponies and saw the strange family sitting there, unmoving. The father looked at his watch and turned to look at his children to make sure they were behaving. To my knowledge, they hadn't moved at all. The mother was watching me closely to see what I would do next, and our eyes met. I felt a sensation. A strange sensation that overcame my body. Who is she? I've... met her before somewhere. "Dearly beloved" Twilight began. "We are gathered here today to witness a beautiful occurrence take place in this very room." I looked back and realized that Pinkie Pie was holding my hooves in hers, and looking at Twilight. "To join this mare," she said pointing to Pinkie Pie. "And this stallion," she paused. "In eternal bonding through marriage. I've seen her before... Maybe at the market place...? No no. earlier than that... maybe I went to school with her in Trottsten...? Although, she does seem older than I am. And just who are their kids? They seem so out of place. They look extremely bored. My mind raced back and fourth like waves in the ocean. I KNOW I know those ponies! "And so do you, Pineapple Spice, take you, Pinkamena Diane Pie, to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in health, til death do you part?" I snapped back into place. "I do." I said looking into Pinkie's eyes. My ear twitched as I heard the strange ponies gasp. "And do you, Pinkamena Diane Pie, take you, Pineapple Spice, to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and in health, til death do you part?" "I do." she said to me as her eyes filled up with tears. "Then Pineapple, you may kiss the bride." I closed my eyes and pushed my lips against Pinkies. They were wet and warm, and her lip quivered every so often. I felt my heart race as I wrapped my arms around my bride and held her tightly. I heard the ponies in the room crying and I couldn't help letting my own tears flow from my eyes. It was by far, the most passionate kiss I had ever shared with Pinkie, and I will never forget that moment. The happiest moment in my life. ***** "And now we party!" Pinkie Pie said after we stepped down from the alter. A new music pony was up at the turn tables flipping on a new record. She had a blue and turquoise mane, and was wearing goggles. Twilight was mingling around and eventually stopped to look around. What's she up to? "I'm sure of it! We're staying, and that's final." said the mysterious pony with the black cloak. I turned around to find Pinkie Pie pouring us both a drink and I sighed. "We're finally hitched now..." "Yup." she said smiling wholeheartedly. "Where's Spike with the kids?" "Right here. The little one decided it would be a good idea to nibble on my finger. Ouch..." he said wincing "I'm gonna go get some disinfectant." I laughed and looked at the little children sleeping. "And how are you doing today, Paprika?" "Excuse me," I felt a tap on my shoulder and I turned around to see the mysterious pony with a black cloak standing before me. "You are the groom, yes?" "Yeah. Who are you?" The pony's eyes filled with tears as he flung his arms around me. I was in shock. I had no idea what to do. "My..." he began. "My son..." "Son...?" I said puzzled. I looked up and saw the mother crying and the two children smiling at me. "You may not remember me much... But it's me." he said pulling away. "Travis Spice... Your father." My eyes widened and I backed away from him. My mind raced through memories of him, and my entire family. "F-father...?" "It really is us, son." the older female said. "Pepper, you remember your brother, right?" Travis said. "Sort of." she said unblinking and looking at the ground. "Tarragon, don't be rude. Say hello." the mother said. "Hey Pineapple. It's been a long time. Too long." he said patting me on my shoulder. There was only one thing that I could say at that time. One name I could remember. "Tasha." I said. "W-what?" the older female said "My mother's name was Tasha. That's the only name I could remember from Trottsten. The only name I cared to remember." I said looking down. I put my hoof out to the older female and she stared at blankly with tears forming in her eyes. "If you are my family, my mother would know what to do when I put my hoof out to her like this." I said closing my eyes. I felt a breath on my hoof and then felt the female's nose nudging and rubbing the bottom of my hoof. She hummed a tune that I recognized instantly. I opened my eyes and saw her rubbing my hoof. She looked me in the eye and said the most beautiful words I had ever heard in my life time. "Your family will never leave you. Even if you are far away, we will never leave your heart. And you will never leave our hearts." Tear flowed from my eyes as I began to loose myself. "M-mother...?" "Shh shh dear... It's alright. I'm here now..." I pushed myself into her arms and she welcomed me there. "Looks like you finally found your lost family, Pineapple." I heard my bride say to me. I pulled away from my mother and wiped the tears away from my face. "Yeah... I have." I said turning to her. I trotted up to her, picked her up and kissed her passionately. "And it's all thanks to you." I whispered in her ear. "Let me introduce you to my family." I turned to my past family and smiled. "Guys, this is Pinkie Pie. She's my new bride, if you can't already tell." I said smiling and sniffling. "Pinkie Pie," I said "This is my Mother, Tasha." I said pointing to the shaded pink pony. "How do you do, madam?" she ask shaking her hand. "And this is my sister, Pepper." "Nice to meet you, Pepper!" "Likewise!" Pepper said smiling enormously. "This is my brother Tarragon." I said putting my arm around Pinkie. "Good afternoon!" "Hello." Tarragon said greeting her with a warm smile. "And this is my father. Travis Spice." I said respectfully. He held out his hoof and didn't smile. Pinkie shook it in confidence, and my father smiled. "A good confident mare. Good job son. I'm proud of you." Tears welled up in my eyes once again as Princess Celestia and Princess Luna walked up behind me. "Excuse me," Princess Celestia said. "May we talk with you Pineapple? Oh, and you too Pinkie. It's kind of important." I looked back at my father and his jaw dropped to the floor. "I'll be right back dad." I said laughing a bit. I trotted over to the princess's table and took a seat, holding Pinkie's hoof in my own. "Yes Princess?" Pinkie said. "There is something important that we must discuss with you. As the element of Laughter, you know that you will eventually have to pass this duty down your family tree, right?" "Yeah, but wasn't there a thousand years before it was found again?" Pinkie said puzzled. "Well, there is something that you have to understand about the Elements of Harmony. The Elements of Harmony are never reborn as the same thing twice." "I'm sorry," I cut in. "What exactly is your point?" Luna looked me in the eye and moved her hooves impatiently. "What my sister is trying to say is that your children are an important part in Equestrian history. Once there are children of all of the Elements of Harmony, the Elements will be reborn. I have studied this further, and to me it looks like your daughter will be the next Element. Your son, will be extremely important. You must tell him to protect his sister with every inch of will power he has through their youth." "What Element is she going to be?" Pinkie asked impatiently. "It looks like Life. As in Life in nature." Celestia said bringing up her tea cup. "We're still waiting on Fluttershy's children to grow up. They will also be important to the Elements of Harmony. The only thing we fear is whether or not there will be more Elements or not. It does not need to concern you in this day and time, but just know that your children might be part of a huge war someday. Someday when we, as Alicorns, can only be a bit of help to you less powerful ponies." "So what's the plan of action?" I asked. "Pray." Celestia said standing up from her seat. "Come Luna, we must return to Canterlot." Luna got up and followed her sister to the door. Luna smiled at me, and I smiled back. Celestia stopped at the door. "The only one I am truly worried about is Twilight. With the close call of her almost giving her life for her friend, we cannot afford to be too careful." she said looking me in the eye. "Make sure that she finds love. Make sure they all do. Goodbye." I couldn't say anything. There was too much happening at once, so I just waved them away. ***** "Let's not worry about it for now, dear." Pinkie Pie told me. "Yeah...." I said looking off into space. "Well, we've almost got everything cleaned up here Pineapple!" Twilight said looking at me. "Is something wrong?" I looked at the flower in her mane and smiled. "Not at all." I said walking up to her. "Thank you for a truly great time." I said hugging her tightly. "Oh! You're welcome..?" She said blushing. "Take care, Twilight Sparkle." I said turning away and walking to my family. "You too..." she said confused. I reached my family and brought them all in for a group hug. "So, where are you staying while you are here?" "Well, we don't really know..." my sister said. "We don't have a place to stay." my father said bluntly. Pinkie pondered the predicament and I looked at her. "I know!" she said in finale. "Maybe Applejack has an extra place for you to stay! Perhaps you could ask her?" "Perhaps." my father said smiling. He turned to me and chuckled. "You did a fine job pickin' this one out." I laughed. "I didn't pick her." I told him. "My heart did." ***** The rest of the night flowed over itself, and for the first time in Ponyville, it seemed like everypony was happy with what was happened that day. Twilight Sparkle went back to the library carrying Spike on her back. It was late, and the little dragon had fallen asleep on the way back. Twilight opened the door and went into her home. "Well. I'd say today was successful!" she said to herself proudly. Twilight stroked her mane and took the flower out of her hair. "Very successful indeed." she said blushing, and putting the flower in a vase. > Epilogue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Chocolate, Paprika!" Travis called out into the twilight air. "Time for dinner! You're mother is waiting!" "Aww, but grandpa, it's not even dark out!" Chocolate called back. "I didn't say it was. I said it was time for dinner, now come on inside!" he said gently. "Darn, I thought we were gonna get to catch fireflies! C'mon Paprika, lets go inside..." he said goose-stepping his way towards the door. "Wait!" Paprika called to her brother. "I think I see one!" Chocolate's ears perked and he turned around. "Really?" he said with his eyes lit up. He trotted back to his sister and laid down next to her looking at the grass. "I saw one land just there!" she said to him. "Are you sure...? It looks like it's just another bug..." he said frowning. The bug lit up and Chocolate jumped back in surprise. "Whoa! Git em! Don't let him get away!" he said to his sister who tried to get it to go into a jar. "I almost... Got it!" she said hopping into the air. The jar was filled with light, and both the foals stared into the glass jar in awe. "Whoa... Just like Dad said!" Paprika pointed out. "And just what do you think you two are doing out here?" I said to the children. "Uh, hi d-dad!" Chocolate began. "W-we were about to come inside! Honest!" "And why didn't you come inside after Grandpa told you to?" "We were catching Fireflies!" Paprika said bouncing up to me. "Oh? Well then you must know what time it is." The foals looked at each other. "What time is it??" "It's a very special time." "Tell us!" "It's time to go inside! Oh BOY!" I said with an enormous smile on my face. The two looked down in disappointment as Chocolate put the jar in my hoof, and started walking towards the door. "Come on, don't look so sad you two. Your mother made your favorite meal~" "All right!" the two said dashing into the house. I looked down at the firefly in the jar and sighed. You know, somehow I think that this firefly represents me. How I was contained by fear, and was driven by sadness back in Trottsten. I opened the jar and watched the bug fly out and join the rest of the fireflies in the air. "Have a good life. You deserve it." ***** "So," I began after swallowing a bit of fruit. "Is there anything you two specifically want for Celestmas this year?" "Well, not really. We have family! What more is there to want?" Paprika said with a huge smile on her face. "You're your mother's daughter alright." I said laughing a bit. "Chocolate?" Pinkie Pie said. "What about you dear?" "Not really. I can't think of anything at the moment." he said pondering. There was a knock at the door and I got up to answer it. I opened the door and there were the Cutie Mark Crusaders, all grown up. "Hay there Pineapple!" Apple Bloom said. "How are you doing Apple Bloom? I haven't seen you in a while! You've really been growing up!" "Yessir! C'mon Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo." Both of the ponies came up the walk and I greeted them both. "So, what can I do for you girls?" "Applejack wanted me tuh give this tuh Pinkie Pie, and Scoot an' Sweetie Belle wanted to see the little ones!" "Oh, well come on in!" "Are ya hungry? We have leftovers!" "Sure! I'm starved!" Scootaloo answered. "Well, help yourselves. We've got plenty." ***** "So, have any of you seen Twilight recently?" "Not that I know of." Sweetie Belle answered. "I actually haven't seen her in a while to be honest." "Hm... Strange. I think I'll go try to find her tomorrow morning." "Why?" Scootaloo asked. "I... Have a job I've got to do for Princess Celestia." I said. "It's pretty important." "Oh... Well... We have to be goin' really. Our sister's are gonna get worried." "Yeah, and Rainbow Dash promised me I could stay at her place tonight!" "Perfect timing! The little ones have to get to bed." "Night Mr. and Mrs. Spice! Night kids!" the former crusaders called to us. "Goodnight!" we all called back. "I just can't get used to that!" Pinkie said closing the door. "Getting called Mrs. Spice? Yeah, neither can I. Anyways, time for bed kiddos!" "Aww, can't we stay up a bit longer?" "No, not tonight." Pinkie said "Fine..." they said going into their room. I tucked them into bed, and went to turn off the light. "Wait!" Paprika said. "Yes?" "Can you tell us a story?" she said with her eyes lighting up. Pinkie entered the room. "Oo~! Yeah! Tell us a story!" she said sitting patiently on the floor. "Haha, alright. What story do you want to hear?" "Tell us about how you and mom met!" Chocolate suggested. "You want to hear that story, huh?" "Yeah!" they all yelled." I looked around the room and took a seat in a chair in the corner of the room. "Let's see... Where shall I begin?" FIN....?