A Baker's Love

Third Cupcake

I awoke to the sound of my door being banged upon. It kept going until I opened the door and saw Starlight, with Sky Dancer looking proud as ever. I yawned and asked what they were up to. They told me they were thinking of taking Neon, since she's back, to the new Bistro called 'Over the Hay.' I could only shrug and say 'why not?' Probably be good to eat somewhere else. I said I'd meet them at Scramble's place after I put up a sign to say my Diner is closed. Some of my regulars are going to be mad at me. Oh well. Its for a friend. They'll understand. Hopefully. Won't they? Anyway, I made my way down to the upper part of the city, towards the castle. It was a hike, but I was the first one at Scramble's door. I knocked on the door as Starlight and Sky Dancer appear.

Scramble opened the door, a hoof over his mouth as he tried to cover a yawn. "What are you guys doing here?"

"Well, we wanted to ask if you wanted to go out for lunch?" Sky asked him, his wings flapping above us.

Scrambled answered with a yawn, then followed with, "That depends on which restaurant we're going to,"

"Why not that new bistro that opened up a week ago?" Starlight piped up. "I heard it was already given five stars."

"You mean "Over the Hay?"" I asked Starlight,

"Yeah! That one!" She exclaimed. "Let's go and try the place out!" She began to jump up and down excitedly, which is odd for her since she's usually mellow.

"I don't have anything better to do so I might as well join in," Scramble shrugged as he began closing his door. He looked the door, placed the key under his hat and we started walking down the street.

We made our to the bistro, and were lucky enough to find an open table, even if it was on the patio. A couple of extra chairs were placed at the table. Scramble and Starlight were confused on why, until Sky exclaimed Neon Glitter and a friend of hers were coming for lunch. "They should be here within a half-hour." Sky finished before taking his seat.

As we waited, we began to talk about the past week while Scramble and I shoved appetizers into our mouths. I told him the same thing I always tell him: Catering for parties. Its an extra side business to make money. I hate going to those things, but the money is good. Helps keep the employees paid while maintaining the restaurant. I also relayed that one of my employee's was leaving since she has to continue her training in Las Pegasus and will be replaced by her friend by the end of the week. They told me to tell her good luck and congratulations.

Sky changed the subject before an awkward pause set in and asked what new idea Scramble had since he wasn't seen for the past couple of days.

"A romance, actually," He replied in his natural, neutral tone.

Starlight and I gasped. I did it more sarcastically, but it is still a shock.

"So, you're actually writing a romance novel? You, whose famous for writing fantasy novels?" Sky asked skeptically.

"Shocking isn't it?" Scramble asked with a smile on his lips. "I just wanted to try something new and thought, 'why not a romance?' Its a territory that I barely explore anyway. Especially in real life. Its surprisingly difficult."

"How so?" Starlight asked, genuinely curious about this new event.

"The biggest thing for me is interest in the plot and the genre in general. Then it's the finer points of emotions, thought process of the characters, and everything else that goes into a story, but trying to gear more towards a more modern lovey-dovey stuff than into the action and suspense that I usually like." Scramble answered. He continued on until a throat was cleared. We turned our heads to see who it was and saw it was Neon Glitter. I probably forgot to mention that she's a famous Pegasus fashion model here in Canterlot, as well as in Baltimare, her hometown.

"Guys, I want you to meet a dear friend of mine, and one of the most famous fashion models in Equestria, Fleur de Lis," Glitter projected softly as Fleur came walking up to the table.

"Please kill me now Celestia," Scramble whispered as he covered his head in his front legs. Meesa hatchin' a connection between story and reaction to mare. Poor Scramble. I know that feel. Wait... No I don't.... Anyway.

We clapped to show excitement. I faked mine on the grounds of celebrities don't strike me as they did when I was kid. I guess becoming one yourself has that effect. Fleur bowed while thanking us for the applause and asked Glitter to introduce us.

"Of course," She replied. "The Pegasus here is Sky Dance. He's a famous classical musical composer and conductor. He's the creator of the score for Written Scroll's famous play: The Mare and the Window."

"That was just a side piece I'd been working on. I thought it was terrible." Sky shrugged. What a ham.

"It was still a very impressive score, Mr. Dance." Fleur complimented. He just shrugged again. I think he also made the connection with Scramble's act.

Glitter pointed to me and listed off my diner and that I was the top chef for both Princesses. Oh great. I'm getting flashbacks of those again.

"I might come down and try your food," Fleur complimented sweetly with a small smile.

"You probably have if you ever been to any big fashion, theater or party since my diner is the unfortunate one to cater." I sighed, my eyes staring blankly back at Fleur, before turning away. I can see so many chocolate cakes now.... I wish I could turn my scream into words right then. Scramble's turn!

"And the pony hiding under his arms is Scramble. He's a famous fiction writer that wrote most of the best selling fantasy novels. His first book is a standardized read in most of the art schools and is still being sold today. What's wrong Scramble?" Glitter asked, showing concern.

"I only caught a few hours of sleep for the past few days. I was going to get some sleep today, these three convinced me to come out here." Scramble lifted his head and gestured to Sky, Starlight and I.

"Writing a new book, I see? What is it the plot?" Glitter asked while taking a seat finally. Fleur followed suite. I think I caught her glancing towards Sky, who was showing more interest in the waitress at the next table than to Scramble. He deffinetly knows.

"I'm attempting to try and write a romance novel. Luckily, I got the first three chapters written down, which are around twenty pages, more or less. Oh, and Fleur and I already meet at Cafe Mesa."

"We did?" Fleur asked, pulling away from Sky and looking Scramble, wide eyed at the shock. What a doof.

"Yes we did. I distinctly remember you forcing me away from my table. Fighting about it and then you leaving in a huff at the thought of not being heard of by a recluse like me. Even with my friend Glitter here." He glared at her. And hard.

"I remember you now. You and your selcouth hat. You were completely rude and very uncivilized." She turned her head away, giving Scramble the cold shoulder. His anger fled him and he just shrugged. A small bit of happiness appearing in his tired eyes. Oh dear. It's worse than I expected.

"I've been meaning to ask: What will the plot be of your new book?" Starlight asked, trying to diffuse the situation. I caught a glance of Glitter quietly talking to Fleur and trying to calm her down.

"Probably your cliche, run-of-the-mill romance with a detective as a hero and the love interest is a victim. It's not much, but I hope it'll get the job done so I can pay rent and eat for the next six months."

"What about the royalties from your other books? Especially your first?" I asked, kind of curious. I already knew the answer but I had to help make Scramble more...humble.

"To the schools mainly. Every foal needs an education to help them decide what they want to do in life. Besides, I'd rather live in a one bedroom apartment and eat 'common food' instead of eat at a fancy restaurant every day. Any pony should know how to cook for themselves."

"I hear that," I said with a raised hoof. "I'll admit, Celestia offered to let me live in mansion, but I went with an average joe apartment that close to my diner. Besides, I like the smell of food cooking while coming up with new recipes that my regulars might like as they read your books." I chuckled.

The waitress the Scramble was hitting on took our orders. I didn't want anything since just eating some of the appetizers were too... how should I say this... cliche? No real pizzazz with the flavors. Scramble just wanted a daffodil sandwich with a glass of water. I brought my own lunch with some fresh chocolate milk. Tasty, tasty milk. Starlight ordered a simple, but luxurious meal since it was her monthly day to pamper herself. Fleur, Glitter and Sky all ordered the most lavish lunches on the menu.

We talked and laughed while Fleur and Scramble remained quiet unless conjured to speak. Well, Fleur was happily talking. Scramble on the other hoof, didn't even bat an eyelash at the rest of his since he liked to eat silently, contemplating things like life, his stories, what he'll be doing five minutes from now since his stomach can't really stomach (ba dum tiss) daffodils. I couldn't help but chuckle at my own pun. I hate myself.

Fleur asked why he rejected her questions when she tried to ask him something. Glitter answered with, "don't worry about that, Fleur. He's a contemplative eater, and he's been like that since our childhood. So don't take it to heart." Fleur didn't like that, but didn't touch the subject.

Scramble shoved the rest of his sandwich down his gullet, gulping down the rest of his water and sighed happily. He placed the money he owed down on the table and stood up.

"Thank you for bringing me to lunch, but I'm going home and going to get some sleep. Glitter it was a pleasure to see you again and stop by when your going to leave again."

"Will do," She replied happily.

"Then I bid you goodbye," He said as he left the bistro.

Fleur and also said her goodbye. She said something about picking up a new set of jewelry and left. It's so obvious it hurts.

"They're in love," we all said at the same time with a laugh.

We each left one after another, with Sky being the last one to leave since he still hitting on our waitress. Starlight and I just rolled our eyes as we left him with that poor mare.

The rest of the day passed by relatively quietly. At least for me, anyway. The Diner remained closed for the rest of the day until the next day. After I opened the doors right at the usual time, did I realize that closing the diner down even for a day has horrible side affects. Within the first 10 minutes of opening the diner was completely packed. Unfortunately for me, I was the only one there and I know for sure no one would be coming to my rescue. Sky would be asleep with that waitress. Starlight would probably be at the observatory giving tours or something. Neon would be at her photo shoot while Scramble is more than likely fast asleep since he's writing a new story. Which only left me. Sometimes, I wish we had one more friend in our group.