“Thanks again, Pinkie Pie. That sure was awesome!”
Today had been Gummy’s birthday party, and all of Pinkie’s closest friends had come over to celebrate. For hours they played Pin-the-Tail-on-the-Pony, ate delicious treats, and danced until they collapsed. Rarity had even given him an adorable bejeweled bowtie as a gift. But now it was late; Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy had all gone home. Rainbow Dash, however, had stayed behind to help Pinkie clean up. The bouncy pink mare never had any problem clearing away the aftermath of huge parties, but Rainbow had decided to stay and lend her friend a hoof anyway.
“Of course, Dashie! I’m super glad you had so much fun!” Pinkie grinned as she deflated the last balloon. She looked up at her little pet alligator, which was currently perched atop her head. “Gummy is super glad, too! Can’t you tell?”
Rainbow looked at the gator’s completely blank expression. “Uh…of course,” she smirked, tying off their twelfth trash bag. “His pure, unabated joy is practically written all over his face.”
“I know!” Pinkie gobbled up the leftover sweets on the table and nodded her head merrily. Rainbow rolled her eyes.
“Well, Pinkie,” the pegasus said with a yawn, “I really gotta be heading home now. I promised Twilight I’d come over in the morning so we can discuss the latest Daring Do book. You gonna be alright here?”
Pinkie tried to speak, but since her mouth was brimming with food, nothing but a garbled mess of sound came out. Rainbow raised an eyebrow. “Uh, what was that?”
Pinkie took a huge gulp. “I said ‘Sure! Thanks for all your help, Dashie!’ But can you do me one last favor and toss that last bag on your way out?”
“Sure thing. G’night, Pinkie.” Rainbow grabbed the end of the trash bag in her mouth and allowed her wings to lift her a couple of feet off the ground. Pinkie opened the front door and watched as the magnificent pegasus soared outside, dropped the bag onto the already-brimming trash can, and took off into the skies.
“Goodnight, Rainbow Dash! And thanks again for coming!” Pinkie called out to her friend’s disappearing figure. She closed the door and looked around; barring the last few dishes that needed washing, the party room was once again in perfect order. Satisfied, the pony gave an exhausted sigh.
“Ah…well, I can take care of those in the morning. We need our sleep too, right, Gummy?” She looked toward her pet once more, only to find him now curled up in her mane and snoring quietly. She gave a little giggle, turned out the party room lights and, careful not to wake her little buddy, trotted up the stairs to her bedroom. Smiling fondly, she gently laid the little gator onto his bed.
“Good night, Gummy,” she whispered. “I’m glad you had a great birthday, and I hope you dream of strawberry frosting with rainbow sprinkles and a cherry on top.” She gave him a gentle peck on the head, and then climbed into her own bed. Cuddling her favorite rubber chicken, Boneless, she quietly drifted off to sleep.
