There was a slight nip in the air and the trees, though typically vibrant green in hue, had become a fiery sea of reds, yellows, oranges, and browns. Fall was already well underway in Ponyville, and as I made my way through the forest that surrounded the quiet town on all sides, I became painfully aware of that fact. Everywhere around me was absolutely teeming with life. Squirrels scurried across the ground and through the treetops looking for any scraps of food they may have missed while the remaining birdies zipped by singing their pretty little songs; deer pranced through the woods enjoying their little time left while the beavers finished building their homes; every creature throughout the forest was frantically working to finish their final preparations for the winter. This time of year the natural world was more alive than the busiest, most robust cities in all of Equestria, and I was there to lend my helping hoof to any of my little friends that might need it.
For the past month or so I'd been helping the little creatures of the forest to gather up their food and prepare their homes for the cold, while still tending to my regular duties of feeding them and caring for the poor sick and injured creatures. Of course I'm always happy to do anything for my little friends, inside though, I could feel my heart sink every day with the sun, knowing that I was another day closer to my least favorite time of year. Every year it was all the same: the fall came and from the point on everyone was just so busy... There was no time for picnics or tea parties or anything fun... From the time that fall started until the spring, I was all alone. What did I have outside of taking care of my animal friends? I mean of course I had my friends and Angel Bunny, but they all had their own problems during the winter and were always busy, and Angel did his fair share of sleeping during the winter as well. I really didn't know how I would handle another winter alone in my little cottage, but today wasn't the day for that. Today was probably the last day that I would get to spend with my little friends until the spring, and I wasn't going to give into the looming depression that winter wrought. That was a bridge I'd have to cross when I came to it.
The morning was filled with all sorts of chores that the animals needed help with. The squirrels in Ponyville park needed help finding more food, the beavers on the east river had a dam collapse that took almost two hours to fix, and Harry the bear got into a nasty scrap with a hive of bees that chased him into a thorn bush. Needless to say he needed a little extra help after that... My final chore of the day was flying lessons with the remaining nestlings around town. By the time I was done helping all of the animals I was beginning to feel down. It was already past noon and I was out of things that I could do to help my friends. The depression of my situation started to set in as I settled myself in one of my favorite spots on a hill looking out over Ponyville. Apparently my expression was noticeable as I soon found myself surrounded with squirrels, bunnies, birds, and animals of all kinds looking at me with saddened eyes, and I couldn't help it anymore. I let the feelings wash over me and take my breath with them, letting out a sigh as I began.
“It's alright little friends, I'm just tired. After all it has a been a busy day, and the past month has been busy too.” They weren't buying my story one bit. They knew me better than anypony and they saw right through me when I was lying. “Alright, so maybe I'm not that okay... but it isn't anything you should worry about. I'll be just fine I promise.” I said with a half-hearted smile, but they just kept staring at me expectantly, knowing that if they did so long enough I'd crack and talk. “Fine... It's just... the winter is so lonely because all of you are either gone or asleep... Not that I'm complaining of course, I know that you all need your sleep and to be somewhere warm and sunny. I just get so tired of feeling so lonely all the time...” A few of them began to look around at me and at each other pensively, trying to come with some solution while others simply stared, nuzzling me or cuddling up to me trying to cheer me up. “Thank you little friends...” I said cheerfully. Their attempts at making me feel better was touching, and of course they worked. Suddenly one of the birds busted out into an excited chirping fit, eliciting a response from some of the animals and a few other birds alike. I could feel my mane being slowly lifted into the air and swiftly pulled it into perfect, beautiful braid that fell gently down around my neck and shoulder while a few others had picked some flowers to weave into it. I couldn't help but giggle while they did so, and I sang a few notes of their little tune as they worked. One of my little squirrel friends handed me a small blue flower while a bunny had settled on rubbing my hoof. “Why thank you,” I said taking the flower and giving it a sniff and tucking it behind my ear, then nuzzling him on the cheek, “and thank you too!” I said nuzzling the little rabbit as well.
Then one of the ducks who had joined our little circle spoke out with a loud QUACK! I understood well what they were all trying to hint at now. “A-A special somepony..? Oh no, I don't –” Then the birds began chirping excitedly at me trying to convince me of the idea. “That's very flattering, thank you, but I'm just not entirely sure –” Then all of the little circle chimed in with little compliments and ideas, and anything they could say to get me to at least consider the option. “Alright, alright, settle down. Thank you all very much, I'm flattered that you think so highly of me, but I'm nopony special. Admittedly it'd be wonderful to have somepony all my own, but I just don't think that it's very likely. Besides I'm far too shy for that sort of thing, and honestly who would really think of me that way?” All of them remained silent. Some of them annoyed and some of them looking at me with saddened eyes, but all of them listening to what I had to say. “I really do appreciate you all trying to cheer me, and I feel much better now, but try not to worry about me. I'll be just fine, I promise.” I said cheerfully with a smile. It wasn't a lie. I knew I'd be kind of sad that winter, but I would be okay. After all, they'd all be back in the spring and they were all I needed to be happy. Then there was a loud rumbling from tummy that startled not only me, but all my little friends around me. “I guess I missed lunch today...” I said with a blush and a small smile, and with that I stood up and started walking for home.
As I crossed the bridge from the western side of the forest into Ponyville I had only just realized that it was long past noon, and my tummy was furiously growling at me that it was hungry. It wasn't long before the sweet and sultry scents of cupcakes and cookies and confections of all sorts hit me like a brick wall. It was already late in the day, and I was starving, so I decided that it would probably be for the best if I just stop by Sugarcube Corner for a quick bite to eat, and maybe chat up Pinkie Pie if she wasn't too busy. I always loved talking to Pinkie Pie. She always had something fun and interesting to talk about and always knew how to make me laugh, even if she could be a little oblivious sometimes. It was easy to smile around her and even just thinking about her, and I smiled all the way to Sugarcube Corner. I opened the door and a bright Ding! resounded throughout the large empty room, and as I took a step inside my vision was clouded with pink and a large pair of smiling, blue eyes as a loud “Hi, Fluttershy!!” rang in my ears.
“Oh! Hello, Pinkie! You startled me...”
“Woops, sorry Shy-shy, I'm just really excited to see you! I've been so bored all day... but now you're here!” She said ushering me inside and to my favorite table by the window. Almost on cue my stomach let out a very loud growl as I tried to hide a blush behind my mane, but only a few stray strands of hair fell to cover me. I'd completely forgotten that my hair was braided.
“Uhm... e-excuse me...” I said meekly with a little smile.
“Wow, it sounds like somepony missed lunch! Hold on just a sec, I'll be right back!” Pinkie dashed off towards the kitchen, leaving me all alone in the large, open dining room of Sugarcube Corner. It was an odd thing seeing the Corner so empty. Every time I'd ever been there it was always full of ponies chatting and having a good time, whether it was just a regular day or one of Pinkie's wonderful parties. Seeing it now was almost eerie, but more relaxing than anything. I'd never really had a chance to study the inside of the building before. The yellow walls were illuminated by the midday sun and further served to accentuate the finely crafted carvings of candies and cupcakes and sweets engraved into the supports and rafters of the building. The wall accents and lighting fixtures all took the shape of some type of sweet treat that would leave even the most polite pony drooling. It was a cozy place, and very peaceful in the quiet. Then the silence was suddenly broken by a surprisingly sweet and gentle voice that floated merrily from the kitchen. It was Pinkie Pie humming a little song of her own creation. I'd never heard her voice so soft before. It was peaceful and realxing and sincere, and it was like I was hearing her real voice for the first time. I soon found myself loftily listening to her hum while I watched out the window at the slow paced world in Ponyville. It wasn't too long before the sweet smell of delicious carrot cupcakes came wafting throughout the bakery, enticing each my senses and garnering a longing growl from my tummy. Carrot cake was my favorite, but of course Pinkie knew that. She knew everypony's favorite everything, especially if it was something sweet. Even so I still felt flattered that Pinkie would make me a fresh batch of my favorite cupcakes at a moments notice. The more I thought about it a tiny knot started to tighten in my tummy. I wrote it off as a hunger pang and quietly anticipated the delicious sweets that Pinkie was making.
It wasn't long before Pinkie came bounding out of the kitchen with a large tray stacked full of cupcakes and another with some glasses and a pitcher of lemonade on her back. How she managed to balance all that out is still a mystery to me and always impressive. She bounced up to the table and made a quick twirl with a certain chaotic grace that only she could pull off as the trays slid perfectly on the table. Not missing a single beat she slid excitedly into the booth right next to me. In her hurry to sit, she slid just a little too far over and bumped her flank right into mine. She either didn't notice or didn't care as she hastily grabbed one of the little cakes and presented it to me.
“Here you go!” She said with her ever-cheery tone. “I made these just for you! They're carrot cake, your favorite right? Or has it changed? If it has I can always make more!” She said nervously, fearing my nonexistent scrutiny of her cupcakes. “Oh and look! I made them look like little fall trees because I know you like nature and stuff!” Upon closer inspection they really did look like tiny fall trees with blazing tops. They each had icing that was either red, yellow, orange, brown, or multicolored and were covered with sprinkles of the same color scheme. I had to admire her creativity, and I almost didn't want to eat them because they were so cute.
“Oh my, they're so cute! Thank you Pinkie these look wonderful.” I said taking small bite out of the one she'd handed me, thankful that I finally had some food. As I sat there enjoying the little cake, I noticed that Pinkie was staring at me rather intently. I couldn't help but feel slightly uncomfortable with her staring as I questioned the reasons she might be in my head. 'Is something wrong with me? Do I have something on my face?' The silence was deafening as I mentally criticized nearly every aspect of myself in every possible way wondering what was wrong. I had thought about asking but I didn't want to be rude so I just sat there until she finally said something.
“Uhm... Are you feeling okay, Shy-shy?” She asked with a concerned look on her face.
“Y-Yes..? Why?” I asked nervously. There really was something wrong with me. Pinkie suddenly raised a hoof to my forehead. “What in Equestria is she doing??” I thought to myself as she felt of my forehead and cheeks before speaking out.
“Well it's just that your face looks a teeny-tiny bit like an overripe tomato...”
'I'm blushing!? But why??' I had no idea when I'd started blushing, and I really had no idea why either, but now that I knew it my face turned ruby red in an instant. Desperate for some kind of answer I said the first thing that came to mind. “S-Sorry!”
“Sorry? But what are you sorry for, Shy-shy? I was just worried you were feeling sick...”
“I-I guess I am just a little... I haven't really eaten today so my tummy is a little upset...”
“Well here then, silly filly!” Pinkie said giggling, pushing the tray of sweets closer to me, “Eat all you want! I can always make more!” She pulled one of the small cakes out herself, devouring the whole thing in one bite. I couldn't help but giggle as she'd made a bit of a mess of herself in the process.
“Uhm, Pinkie?” I said giggling, “You have a bit of frosting on your face.” I said pointing at her snout.
“Huh? Where??”
“Here, let me get it.” I pulled a napkin from a nearby dispenser and wiped off what was on her snout, still giggling the whole time. I could have sworn I saw the faintest tint of a blush on her face as I wiped the frosting away, but I figured it was just the afternoon sun playing tricks on me.
After a few cupcakes I began to feel a little bit better, though there was a persistent little knot in my tummy that refused to go away. I must have eaten more than half of the cupcakes on the tray, but I did have a bit of an appetite that day. As we sat and ate we just talked and talked for hours about nothing in particular – work, friends, gossip, really whatever came to mind, and then whatever tangents Pinkie went on about. I could sit and listen to Pinkie ramble for hours and enjoy every minute of it. It was like hearing a big story that doesn't seem to make sense in pieces, but when you hear it all together it's actually as epic as the Illiad... in a Pinkie Pie way of course. After a while I began to notice that it was getting late and that Mr. and Mrs. Cake were still nowhere to be seen and even more surprising, the Corner was still empty.
“Uhm... Pinkie? Isn't it time for the dinner rush about now? And where are Mr. and Mrs. Cake and the twins?”
“Oh yeah! I forgot to mention that the Corner is actually closed!” Pinkie said pointing at a sign in the window that I hadn't even noticed when I was coming in. “Not forever though!" She quickly added in a nervous tone. "Mr. and Mrs. Cake said that they needed a vacation, so they hired somepony to come in and operate the store while they're gone, and I'm on paid vacation until further notice while they Cakes travel across Equestria to see the sights and feel the wind in their manes!”
“Oh no, I'm so sorry Pinkie, I didn't mean to make you work on your vacation!” Pinkie always worked so hard at the Corner and planning her parties, I felt terrible making her work when she should be relaxing.
“No, no! Seriously, it's okay, Shy-shy I mean honestly it's sooooooooo boring with nopony else here.... I mean honestly there has been no pony here all day until you showed up, which was a super-duper awesometastic surprise! You know you probably saved me from death... Literally I was about to bake a “Death by Chocolate” cake before you got here and smother my boredom with it.”
“O-Okay... I'm still sorry for making you work. How much do I owe you for the cupcakes, Pinkie?”
“Oh don't worry about it, Shy-shy, it's on me!”
“Oh no, I couldn't possibly accept that Pinkie. I mean it is your vacation after all. Is 10 bits enough? If not I have more...” I wasn't about to just let this go and Pinkie knew it. I couldn't just let her work on her vacation and then pay for my meal too. No I had to do something to repay her, and she saw that I was determined to do something.
“Well, how about this then? I'm really not sure how long the Cakes are gonna be gone, and all I have to do is keep the place clean and tidy until they get back, so I'm gonna be super-duper-ULTRA bored until they get back. Bored to the point of tears, Fluttershy. Do you want me to cry? I didn't think so. So! How about you come by and hang out with me when you get a little bit of spare time and we'll call it even? Ooh! Maybe you could even help me plan for my Fall Harvest party! Ohmygoodnessit'llbesomuchfun!! You can help pick out the streamers and blow up the balloons and make the food and set up the tables and pick the music and it'll be so much fun!!” Pinkie was gone in her own little world at this point, excited at the thought of a party, but even more excited to have someone help her with it. Admittedly while it didn't feel totally even, and I would've done it anyway, I decided that it'd be good for me to spend more time with Pinkie. 'Who knows? Maybe it was just what I needed to keep me from sitting in my cottage all alone this winter.'
“Of course, Pinkie. I'd love to spend more time with you, and I'd be more than happy to help you plan your party.” I said over her rambling about the planning that we could do together. I gave her a soft smile as she bore a grin that threatened to extended beyond her cheeks.
“EEEEEE!!!” She squealed in excitement, pulling me in for a tight hug. I hugged her back and we both stood up at the table. I just happened to glance over at the clock and realize what time it was.
“Oh my goodness!” I exclaimed seeing that it was a quarter past 9. “I completely lost track of time, and I still have to make Angel Bunny something for supper!” I began to trot quickly towards the door before Pinkie stopped me.
“Wait!” She said putting a hoof on my shoulder to keep me from running out the door. She darted to the kitchen and came back out with a tiny paper bag with one of the cupcakes from earlier in it. “Here! I almost forgot that I made one for Angel. He likes carrot cake right? Or do bunnies eat carrot cake? Or is carrot cake bad for them?? Oh no, if it's bad for him I can make something else really quick, it'll just take a sec –” I pulled Pinkie in for another hug cutting her off mid-sentence.
“You're a lifesaver, Pinkie! And yes, Angel loves carrot cake. Thank you so much, I really appreciate it.”
“N-No problem, Shy-shy!” Pinkie said smiling as we released from the hug. “So, you're gonna come by and see me again this week right??”
“Of course, Pinkie.” I said giving her a soft smile in return. “Bye, Pinkie and thank you again for a lovely evening!” I called to her as I headed out the door.
“Bye-bye, Shy-shy! Oh, and you're mane looks really cute like that by the way!” She called back as she disappeared inside Sugarcube Corner to do a little cleaning before bed. I felt bad for not staying to help, but I figured that I could help her another time. 'Hold on a second... Cute..?' I stood there for at least a full minute blushing, lost in thought at Pinkie's comment about my mane. I was quickly brought out of my thoughts when I remembered that Angel was already mad at me and was only going to get angrier the longer I was out. I broke into a trot and took to the sky and flew myself home as fast as my wings would carry me.
When I'd finally arrived home Angel was already upset, standing right in front of the door as I walked in. I half expected it to be locked again, and it probably would have if I'd been gone much longer. He just stood there staring at me with a stern look as he quickly pointed to the clock.
“Yes, I know it's late Angel, I'm sorry I got caught up at Sugarcube Corner talking to Pinkie and...” He instantly perked up when he heard me mention Sugarcube Corner and saw the little bag I was carrying on my back. He motioned towards the bag as he hopped over to me nuzzling my foreleg. I couldn't help but giggle at him. Despite his attitude sometimes, he really was a sweet and adorable little bunny. “Yes, Pinkie did send you a cupcake home. It's carrot cake. You like carrot cake don't you?” I said giggling as I remembered Pinkie being.... well Pinkie. Angel quickly hopped up, grabbed the bag and immediately pulled the little cake out and started eating it. “Are you still mad at me?” I said nuzzling his cheek as he ate. He simply waved me off as he bounced towards the living room to eat his treat. “Alright, I'll get started on your supper!” I called to him as I made my way to the kitchen, all the way thinking, 'Thank you Pinkie Pie.'
When I got to the kitchen I got out the necessary things to make a salad for Angel and myself. I chopped up the lettuce and carrots and tomato and added a splash of oil with a few spices, and all the while I found myself humming. It took me a minute, but I soon realized that I was humming the same sweet and soft tune that Pinkie had been humming earlier. Suddenly, the knot that had been growing in my tummy since it started back at Sugarcube Corner came unfurled, releasing a swarm of butterflies that filled my tummy, tickling my insides in a sort of unbelievably painful bliss. It was the most wonderful, and at the same time, most terrible sensation I've ever experienced. I'd never felt anything like it before in my life. I almost that that I was going to drop to the floor, but I kept my composure as I finished making Angel's salad. When I'd finished making his, I decided that I really wasn't that hungry anymore and put up the rest of the ingredients and cleaned up the dishes I'd used before putting them back up. I sat Angel's salad in it's usual place by the stairs as I called to him. “Goodnight, Angel! Momma's going to bed!”
I ascended the stairs and made my way to my room. As I entered I carefully took the braid out of my hair and laid the flowers that were weaved into it carefully on the dresser inside the doorway. I crawled under my covers, hoping to find some solace from the fluttering in my tummy in a quilted cocoon, but to no avail. I tossed and turned for at least half an hour before letting out a groan of frustration, wishing that sleep would find me soon. Finally I turned to my nightstand and just happened to notice the book that Twilight had loaned me several days ago. 'Maybe if I read what's left it'll take my mind off of things' I tried to reason with myself as I picked up the book and opened it to the marked page. I read silently the last few pages:
She had everything set. The dinner was cooked, the sable set, and everything was perfect to the smallest detail. He would be here soon; that perfect stallion – her best friend since she was just a filly. She took the time to carefully rehearse what she would say to him.
“Bon Ami” stated in front of the mirror, “I love you...” She remembered those words and replayed them over and over in her head as the doorbell rang. She let them burn themselves into her memory as she opened the door. She immediately forgot them as she saw him standing there.
He stood tall with a fresh manecut and his best tie, he forgot it too when he saw her. They stood there outside the house staring at one another for at least a full minute before either of them said anything. Finally, Bon Ami spoke.
“You look beautiful.” He said shyly as he turned his head slightly away hoofing at the ground.
“You look very handsome yourself.” She replied giggling at the nervous stallion. “Come on in, dinner is ready at the table.”
They talked as they normally would as they ate the delicious meal that Mia had prepared for them. The talked for what seemed like minutes, but were actually hours about everything and nothing at the same time. Finally when they had finished their meals they found themselves locked in an awkward silence, both of them searching for the words that they'd so carefully rehearsed for weeks before this dinner. Mia was scared, and so was Bon Ami, but they both knew what they had to say, and so they began in unison.
“Mia..”
“Bon Ami...”
“I love you...” They said in unison as they moved closer together and their lips...
I trailed off as I read the last paragraph. My mind was long removed from the story as I drifted off to sleep. Before I slipped off into a blissful dream, the last thing that I could think of was her.
'Pinkie...'
