Donut Joe meets Luna at the shop, and so starts their friendship, maybe more.
The average Canterlot Donut Shop owner has a pretty plain life, and Donut Joe is no exception. His life consists of selling donuts and not much more, but maybe a Princess can teach him that there is a lot more to life, and maybe she can learn something from him too. This is my first story and any comments on how to improve it are much appreciated.
The night was like any other, I was just closing up shop when I heard the front door bell. I called back “Sorry we’re out of Donuts for today, come back tomorrow.” I made my way to the front, and standing there at the counter was Princess Celestia. “Oh sorry about that, my mistake” she said with a smile. “Oh, hello princess, I guess I could make an exception for you, it would be an honor to make you a donut.” “Well actually it’s not for me, my sister and I went out for a walk and she thought a donut would be good right about now.” I hadn’t even noticed her standing to the side, eyeing over the menu. “I have made my decision” she said “I would like a blueberry donut with frosting.” “Sure Princess that’ll just be one minute.” I got back in the kitchen and got my dough out as fast as I could. Well shoot, a donut for the princess had better be pretty good, I figured, so I got the best of what I had, the freshest blueberries, the sweetest frosting, and even some super sprinkle’s, my all important ingredient. I fried it up, frosted it, topped it with the super sprinkles and if I say so myself, it was a good looking donut. I brought out the donut with a complimentary cup of hot chocolate. “Here you are princess, enjoy.” She studied it for a second, took a bite and said “It is very satisfactory, thank you sir” “I’m glad you like it princess” She gave me a smile, thanked me and was on her way. I have to say, I was pretty flattered that the princess liked my donut. ------ Life went on as usual; I made my donuts and kept the shop in working order. But then, at closing time about a week later, I heard the front bell again. “Sorry we were just closing” I called back “Come back tomorr…” there she was again, Princess Luna. “Oh hello, Princess how can I help you today?” “Hello civilian, I have come here for another one of your donuts.” “Blueberry with frosting?” I asked, “Yes that would be lovely, and your hot chocolate as well if you don’t mind.” “You got it Princess, just a minute.”I made another one just as I had before, I tried to outdo myself this time, but I really couldn’t, that was one good donut. I brought the donut out, but I felt as if I was forgetting something. Oh the hot chocolate! “Uh one minute Princess I forgot your drink.” “That’s alright, don’t worry about it, just the donut will be fine.” “Are you sure your highness? It’s really no trouble.” “It’s quite alright, why don’t you have a seat?” I didn’t know what to say right then, the Princess asking me to have a seat with her, I couldn’t think straight. “Uh sure thing” yup that was the best I could think of. “I don’t think we have been properly introduced, what is your name sir?” “My names Joe” “Well Joe, I was wondering how you became such a fine connoisseur of donuts?” I couldn’t believe it, Princess Luna taking an interest in what I do, it seemed almost too good to be true. “Well, ever since I was young, I always liked donuts, I liked making them, and people liked when I made them. I always wanted to open a store up and when the time came, I moved here to Canterlot and set up shop. Just been making donuts ever since.” “Well I’m glad you did Joe” she said as she got up to leave, “Thank you for the donut by the way.” As she walked away I couldn’t help but hope she’d come back for another donut, and I’m happy to say, she did. ------ The next week, right at closing time she stopped by again, fortunately I had the idea to get everything ready beforehand, so maybe we’d have another chance to talk. “Hello Princess Luna, how are you today?” I said as I brought her donut and hot chocolate over to the counter. “I’m very well Joe thank you for asking, I see you already got my order ready, how kind.” As she looked at me I felt my heart race, I couldn’t really describe how I felt about her, but I felt something. We started to talk about, whatever came to mind, with her it seemed so easy, even though she was in fact a princess and me just a shop keeper, we had so much in common. She spoke so kindly to me, everything she said with a smile, and she looked so pretty when she smiled. A lot was running through my head at the moment, but that was cut short when it came time for her to go. I knew she had her duty to guard the night and all but I wish she could have stayed. Before she went however she looked back at me and asked If I’d be here next week, “Of course I Will, Miss.” “Well goodnight Joe, I’ll see you then.” “Goodnight Princess.”
So next week came and so did she, it’s just this time she wanted a chocolate donut. I didn’t mind making another so much and we still got to talk. It went on like this for a while, every week she’d come in and we would just talk, nothing more. I really liked her but I wasn’t sure how she felt about me. How could she feel about me though? I’m just a Donut Maker and she’s a princess. That thought kept running through my head. I’m just another pony to her, doesn’t really matter does it. But I couldn’t let it be that way, I needed something to make her notice me but then again all I was good at was making donuts and she already knew that. Maybe I could just tell her how I feel, that is if I knew how I felt. Then it came to me, The National Dessert Competition! I’d enter the contest and be able to spend some time with her outside the shop, I bet if I won first prize that would really impress her. I knew just what to make, but I’m going to need to go to Ponyville to get more Super Sprinkles.
Chapter 2 Well I’d been putting it off for a while, but now the competition was in 4 days. Donutopia was just about complete but I still needed to head down to Ponyville to pick up some super sprinkles. While I do enter The National Dessert Competition every time it comes around and while I always try my best this time, winning meant a chance to show Princess Luna I wasn’t just anypony, and I couldn’t pass that chance up. I got on the next train to Ponyville and I was there in no time. I stopped by the Super Sprinkle Shop got my sprinkles and got back on the train, and that’s when I noticed I might be in for a little competition. Chef Gustave had some pretty great looking éclairs, those actually looked really good. I was so busy looking at the éclairs I hadn’t noticed the Cakes entry, the Marzipan Mascarpone Meringue Madness. That also was quite a dessert, but just when I didn’t think it could get any worse Mulia came onto the train with a life size Chocolate Mousse Moose. Even though all the other entrants were pretty sure of themselves, I had worked so hard on Donutopia I was sure I’d win. I got some rest and the next day it turns out someone took a bite out of the Cake’s Marzipan Mascarpone Meringue Madness. While it wasn’t me that did it, I wouldn’t have minded taking a bite. Now I’m not proud of it but when I had the chance, or rather when the lights went out I ended up eating some of Gustave’s éclairs. I knew it was wrong but Pinkie Pie made them sound so great how could I not eat just one, or maybe two. Well I ended up eating a lot of them, but just as I had finished I noticed something else. It was Donutopia. ------ Somepony ate Donutopia, and words won’t describe how I felt, and while I was just as guilty for eating Gustave’s éclairs, I couldn’t help but feel my heart sink. I knew I would never win now and I might as well just go home. Twilight said for everyone to go back to their rooms while she investigated, but what did it matter? I can’t be upset though, I guess I deserved it after all. Not too long after we headed to our rooms Pinkie Pie called us all back to the cart where our desserts had been. Turns out that it wasn’t sabotage as she had originally assumed but it was in fact just Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Rarity, who just happened to be hungry. I was kind of nervous when they started asking who ate the other desserts, but it turns out none of us did it to win, we were just all interested in trying the others desserts. I was just about to give up when Pinkie Pie happened to speak up, I guess she had a plan to fix everything, Well I had nothing to lose at this point so why not? The other chefs and I got the remains of our desserts together and headed to our kitchen. “Well it is clear none of us can win on our own now” Gustave remarked. “That’s ok though!” Pinkie called out from behind us “We can’t win on our own buuut, if we take our desserts and put them together we still might have a chance!” I have to admit it wasn’t a bad Idea, and when we were done the cake looked even better than before. ------ So the other chefs and I brought our cake down to the competition, and even though I wasn’t the only one responsible for our cake we still won. That wasn’t really a surprise to me, I mean that was quite a cake, but what I didn’t understand was why Luna hadn’t shown up yet. Everybody else in Canterlot was here, even Princess Celestia. I just sat there for a while, all this work for nothing, I put the shop on hold for a few days, and I baked the best I ever had, even though I won I still felt empty today. An hour later there were still people here trying out the deserts and having a good time, but I just wanted to go home, go back to the shop and what I knew. I was making my way out when I heard a familiar voice, “Excuse me Joe, but where have you been?” I thought I was hearing things, but there she was, happy as ever. “Uh, hi princess I’ve been in ponyville for a couple of days.” I replied. “Well you weren’t at the shop this week, so I stopped by today and you weren’t there either, I’ve been there for a while waiting for you.” “Well I had to pick up more Super Sprinkles, for my donuts I mean you don’t win first prize at the National Dessert Competition, without Super Sprinkles and help from some friends.” I said, maybe she’d notice my blue ribbon… “Congratulations Joe, that is just wonderful, do you think it would be too much to ask for a piece of your prize winning dessert?” “Um unfortunately Princess, Pinkie Pie ate all of it after it won.” I now regretted not making more donuts. “That’s fine Joe, we could always just go back to the shop couldn’t we?” Alright this was my chance. She wanted to spend some time together and I just came in first place. Maybe I was thinking about it too much but either way It felt like this was the right time. “Well I was thinking maybe tonight, I mean if you’re not doing anything, you would want to go out for a walk?”
Chapter 3 My heart beat faster and my mind started to race. I looked at her, and for that moment time stood still. “It’s alright though” I thought “Worst comes to worst she says no.” But that was the worst, I had never felt this way about anypony before, and I didn’t think that I ever would again. If she said no, she might stop coming by the shop, and I might never see her again, why did I ask her that? She’s a princess I sell donuts, it would never work, I’m sure a million other Stallions have asked her for a night out and she said no, and I sure all those stallions were more qualified to take her out. What was I thinking? Now I’ll neve… “Well I hadn’t planned on anything; I would love to take a walk with you Joe.” As she said this I couldn’t help feel like the happiest pony around. I mean it, I can’t remember a time I felt more ecstatic. I know a walk isn’t much of a first date, and at this point I wasn’t even sure if this was a date, but it was something. Fortunately I had lived in Canterlot for a while now and I think I might know the best spot around for telling a pony how you feel about them. And that was what this night was about, finally telling Luna that she meant something to me, and that nothing made me happier than getting to spend time with her. ------ We kept on our way, talking all the while. I told her the story about the Friendship Express which she seemed to find funny, and she told me about Nightmare Night this year, about how delighted she was to play games and “double the fun” and spend time with her subjects. We were getting close to the balcony, where you can see for miles over Equestria. The sun was going down, and I knew she would have to leave soon but I knew I had to tell her, what I came here to. We took a seat on a bench facing the overlook, and watched the sun go down. “Such a pretty sight, isn’t it?” I asked “I have to agree Joe, it is quite lovely.” “Only the best for you Luna.” “You’re so thoughtful Joe, you always know just what to say to me.” I could see her blush as she turned to smile at me. This was it, time to tell her. “So princess, you mentioned earlier, you enjoyed spending time with your subjects?” “Yes it brightens my day every time.” “Well I was wondering if you liked spending time with me, because well, I really like the time we spend together, and when I’m with you, there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.” She remained silent for what felt like forever before responding. “ I’m sorry, I don’t know what to say.” As I heard this all I could think was; I tried, I did my best, what could I do now. I put myself out there, and she just didn’t feel the same, who could blame her though? I guess some things just aren’t meant to be. “Never mind, forget I said anything.” I felt the smile run away from my face as I came to this realization, and a feeling of heavyheartedness moved in. I’d always just be another civilian to her, nothing more. “Goodnight Princess” That was the last thing I ever thought I’d say to her, but as I was getting up to leave I felt her put her wing around me. I turned to her somewhat confused. “Joe… no one makes me as happy as you do, and every time we are together I feel like we are meant to be.” She leaned in and kissed me, just on the cheek, but really what more could I ask for at this moment. “But Joe” oh no here it comes… “I have to relieve Princess Celestia and guard the night, but it would mean everything to me if we could see eachother tomorrow?” “That sounds good to me princess.” She waved good bye as she flew away. I sat there for a minute and even though she wasn’t here with me, I didn’t feel alone. It’s hard to explain how somepony else could make you feel, but I think more alive than I’ve ever felt before sums it up pretty well. I was on top of the world for the moment, but I couldn’t help but think about how pessimistic about the whole thing I was, that is before she kissed me. Why was I always so hard on myself? I hadn’t ever really had feelings for anypony before, but maybe that is what makes this different, and all in all things couldn’t have gone better for me. I had the girl now, or at least I was working on it, I got to see her again tomorrow, she kissed me, and I won first prize in The National Dessert Competition today. ------ I was pretty deep in thought as I made my way back to the shop, I knew I wasn’t the richest pony around but I knew that didn’t matter to her right now, I just wanted to be there for her and give her the things in life money can’t buy. Then again taking her out for a nice dinner wouldn’t be too bad either, I have a few bits saved up, and I know a few nice places. Come to think of it that’s a pretty good idea; I’ll take her to La Chez Mane, yes it’s pretty expensive, and it’s the fanciest place around, and I’ve never been there, but that’s the kind of places princesses like to eat. I unlocked my front door, went upstairs, got my best suit out of the closet, ironed it, and went to bed. Tomorrow was going to be alright, what could go wrong?
Chapter 4 As soon as I got up I headed over to La Chez Mane and luckily they still had a table open for tonight. After that I headed back and opened up shop. Work really couldn’t have gone any slower today. It was a very average day for what it was, ponies coming in and out as usual, getting their donuts and everything else I sold. I enjoy running the shop and all, but tonight wouldn’t be able to come quick enough. I closed up an hour early so I had time to get ready and meet the princess at the castle. I hired a coach, because well, that’s what high class ponies do too I figured. The coach arrived; I asked the gentlecolts pulling my carriage to head to the castle and was on my way. ------ The ride to the castle was nice, I don’t ride in a carriage very often, and it was a nice change of pace from walking everywhere. We pulled up and I stepped out, feeling pretty classy for just a common pony. I came to the entrance and asked the guards if they would let Princess Luna know Joe was here, which was met with a look of disbelief. “I’m sorry sir the Princess has previous engagements for tonight” “Are you sure?” “Yes. She was very specific, she said she would be waiting the arrival of a colt tonight and wouldn’t be taking any visitors until after that.” “Well I think that might be me.” This was met with another look of disbelief. “Are you sure?” “I think so, maybe you could ask the Princess to come here for a moment?” “Very well, I will let her know.” The guard proceeded to enter the castle, and returned momentarily. “You may wait in the foyer, she said she would be down momentarily.” The guard replied. "My apologies for the misunderstanding.” “It’s alright we all make mistakes.” I joked, as I walked by the guards and into the castle. The first thing I noticed was that, well it was big. It was really big. And gosh it was amazing how well constructed it was, the architecture was astounding. The floors were all marble and the interior was fit for royalty, actually it was for royalty so that makes sense. I was so fixated on the interior I hadn’t even noticed Princess Luna coming down the stairs to greet me. “Joe I’m glad you made it.” I hadn’t known she had been right next to me, but when I did, I couldn’t help notice how beautiful she looked tonight. She wore a dark purple dress, It matched her so perfectly it left me speechless, which is when I realized I had been standing there for a minute just smiling. “Oh uh… I am too Princess” “So what did you have planned for us tonight?” “I thought we could try something different, so I made reservations at La Chez Mane.” “Oh fantastic, I love that place! We can take the Royal Carriage, guards would you please make the Drivers aware that we require a ride for tonight?” She called back to the guards as we went from the foyer back outside. Within a minute, or at least before I had time to tell her I had a coach set up, a carriage being pulled by 4 Pegasi, landed in the courtyard. The carriage was at least twice as large as the coach I had rented, and appeared to be made of gold and some other precious metals, and in the light it shined like a diamond. It was nice but I had already agreed to be carted by the ponies pulling my cart, and as a businessman myself I can’t justify making someone lose business. “Well that is quite a carriage princess, but I already arranged for one.” I said pointing over to my carriage. She took a look at it for a second before saying, “How thoughtful Joe, I absolutely love it.” “I mean we could always take the Royal carriage if you wanted to.” “This is perfect Joe, I couldn’t ask for anything more.” “Well thank you Princess” I said, holding the door open for her. ------
The ride to La Chez Mane was great, it went through a scenic part of town, but I couldn’t take my eyes off Luna long enough to enjoy it. When we got there I opened the carriage door for her like the gentlecolt I am, and helped her step down. As I was helping her out Fleur de Lis and Fancy Pants stopped by.
“Oh hello Princess, it’s so nice to see you, you never go out anymore it seems.” Fleur remarked
“It’s a pleasure to see you too.”
“So what brings you to La Chez Mane tonight?” She asked.
“Well actually I’m on a date.”
“Oh that’s wonderful, who is the lucky colt?” Didn’t she see me right here? I felt like saying something but I guess I’m not one to speak out.
“This is Joe, the kindest, pony I’ve ever had the privilege to meet.” Luna said putting her wing around me.
“Ooooh, I thought that was your chauffeur, enjoy your night Luna.”
“I’m sure I will, thank you Fleur.” “Don’t worry about her Joe, she's always joking like that.” I didn’t know what to make of this I was being insulted, I think, but in what way? Princess Luna liked me for who I was and I knew that, it didn’t matter what anypony thought, if I was good enough or not, all that mattered to me was how Luna felt and nothing else. “I’m fine Princess, let’s just find our table.” We got inside where we were greeted eagerly by a colt ready to take my jacket to the coat room. “Well thank you, wow Princess this sure is a nice place I’m betting the food will be fantast…” I looked up to notice that the waiters and I all had the same shirt and tie. This is turning out to be one odd night.
