Winterfall

Sugarcube Corner. Boy, what a place! The delicious desserts, confections, and overall diabetes bombs that came from the ovens of the giant gingerbread house took Equestria by storm the from the moment they first passed ponies' lips. It was the lure of world-class treats that brought a large contingent of the Equestrian Royal Military Academy's graduating officers to the cafe that evening, and among the young mares and stallions were Epsilon Ruby and Bright Hue.

"Hey, Red! You gotta try this Lemon Surprise!" Bright Hue deftly snatched a pair of white-frosted cupcakes topped with lemon zest from a table covered in various sweets and passed one to Epsilon, taking a hearty bite out of the other. "Mmm. Fantastic, my favorite!"

Epsilon made a mental note of Bright Hue's favorite flavor before sampling it himself. "Woah. Tangy."

The two had relocated to the outside of the noisy cafe, enjoying the cool spring air and muffled sounds of merriment in the crowded building behind them.

"So," Epsilon idly spoke, "Where are you hoping to be stationed?"

Bright Hue's ears twitched. "Hmm. I was thinking a nice cushy stint in Manehatten would be nice. How about you? I remember you telling me something about the Crystal Kingdom."

Epsilon grinned. "Yeah, everyone tries for Canterlot, royal guard duty and all. I figure I have a better chance landing a spot with an alicorn if I apply up north. Besides, Shining Armor is relocating there since Cadence is apparently the Queen of that area..." Epsilon's voice faded out as visions of a future in Shining Armor's personal detail came to mind.

Bright Hue flicked a piece of frosting at Epsilon's nose. "Hey, I'm your marefriend, not some silly captain of the guard! If you get the assignment, be sure to leave Shining Armor time alone with his wife occasionally."

"Hey I... wha... marry Shining Armor?" stammered Epsilon, ears laying back. "Silly filly, you know I love you."

Bright Hue glanced down. "Remember the deal. No talk of lo-"

"No talk of love or engagement or any of that nonsense until after our three years. I know. I just can't help it sometimes!"

The yellow mare looked Epsilon in the eyes. "I understand. I can't help it either." The two leaned into each other's eyes, breath heavy, hearts pounding.

SPLASH

"Hey, Red! Watch that you don't start a fire while the night’s still young!" A Grinning dark-blue pegasus was hovering above the young couple, empty punchbowl in hand.

Epsilon raised a hoof, but Bright Hue placed a hoof over his mouth. "It's just Splashdown being Splashdown. Let him have his fun tonight. As a matter-of-fact, we aren't going to see anypony from here for at least the next three years!"

Epsilon lowered his hoof, but felt cold inside. So close to a first kiss...

The three ponies pushed the doors to Sugarcube corner open and drifted into a sea of color, sound, and happiness for one last night.