The Best Gift Of All

"Good moooorrrrning everypony!"

These were the words being loudly proclaimed by a red-maned green mare as she bounced through the (usually) humble town of Ponyville, for today was a very special day indeed.

Today marked yet another three-hundred-and-sixty-five (or three-hundred-and-sixty-six depending on the year - seasons are important, you know. They're what can give us days off work due to the weather) day period since Gallent Rage had come into being. And as a reward for living, she got a bunch of presents!

"Haaaappy birthday!" A certain high-pitched voice made herself known by jumping and landing in front of Gallent.

Gallent backed up in surprise. "Oh! Pinkie Pie!" she greeted.

"Somepony's getting a present!" sang Pinkie. She reached behind her and pulled out a chocolate cupcake topped with vanilla icing and strawberry shavings. This particular cupcake, by the way, was about four to five times larger than usual.

Gallent stared at it in awe. "...For me?"

Yes, of course. Why the buck do you think Pinkie gave it to you? Did you think the "somepony" was meant to be the leader of the buffalo tribe?

"Hey!" said Pinkie. "I don't like your attitude!"

"Um... Pinkie? Who're you talking to?" asked Gallent, tilting her head.

"Huh? Um..." Pinkie tapped her hooves together. "Enjoy your present!" With that said and done, she hopped away, la-la-la-ing all the way.

Gallent did wonder about that mare sometimes, but for now, she was satisfied to just eat her present. She would have to wait until later to properly thank Pinkie for it.

Gallent was able to conquer about 20% of the plus-size cupcake before she stopped, sitting on the grass groaning with a new pot-belly and a cake-covered muzzle.

"Well," she decided, getting up and taking the rest of the cupcake with her, "I'm sure Winter and Lightning can help me out with this." She had been on her way to see Winter Ice, who held the title of her best friend. After all, it was only fitting they spend time together on a day such as this.

Gallent rapped her hoof on Winter's door. She waited a few moments, but nothing happened.

She tried again, but it again went unanswered. Gallent frowned. Why of all days...

"Hello Gallent."

Gallent turned around, and stood there was Winter Ice, much to Gallent's delight. Still, she did think, What is it with this town and surprise appearances...

"I've been looking all over for you," said Winter, smiling warmly. "I wanted to wish you a happy birthday."

"Well, now you can," replied Gallent.

"Okay then. Happy birthday!" After that, the two mares giggled.

"What is that?" asked Winter.

Gallent knew exactly what she meant. "That is what Pinkie gave me," she replied. "There's no way it'll still be fresh by the time I finish it off."

"I... see?" Her friend nodded. "Oh, and Lightning Blade is inside."

"But I knocked..."

Winter rolled her eyes and smiled. "You'll get your answer when we're inside, I'm sure."

She let the two of them in and led Gallent into the living room... where Lightning Blade, Winter Ice's special somepony had made himself comfortable on the couch and was snoring away.

Gallent put the oversized cupcake down and held a bunch of long strands of her mane together and grinned. "May I?"

Winter realized what her friend meant. "Well... okay." You could tell from the look on her face she was trying to contain her giggles.

Gallent moved her mane closer to Lightning's nose, and gently but quickly moved it swished it around.

"Guh - Huh?! WINTER, STAY WITH ME! HURRY!" Lightning darted up high into the air out of sheer shock until he hit the roof, after which he fell back down. He looked up at the mares. "Oh, uh, hey darling. You too, birthday mare," he said sheepishly.

"Hello, Lightning Blade," Gallent greeted him with a smirk. "May we use some of the couch?"

"Go right ahead," replied Lightning, getting right back onto the couch and sitting on his rump instead of lying on his back, leaving space for the other two. Winter sat down and motioned for her friend to join.

"Anything planned for today?" asked Winter.

"Well, not exactly..." Gallent put her forelegs behind her head and kicked back. "Simply hanging out with my good friends is what would make this day good for me. And you're doing a good job of making this a good day already."

"Already?" repeated Winter with a small smile. "But you haven't had your present yet..."

Gallent paused for a few moments. "Winter..." she said. "Not to be ungrateful, but I thought we agreed I didn't expect you to get me a present. It's no secret things are a bit rough for you pair right now in terms of finance."

"Just wait 'til you see it, Gallent," Lightning told her encouragingly.

"Now now, Lightning," said Winter. "We don't wanna give too much away." She turned back to Gallent. "I know what we said... but you're always doing so much for me and all our other friends. Heck, you came to visit when it was your birthday!"

"Winter," interjected Gallent, "What have I told you about doubting yourself? Being a great companion is good enough for me. You think I'm shallow enough to befriend people based on what they can give me?"

"It's not that at all!" said Winter. "I just highly doubt a good relationship can thrive if one only gives and the other only takes."

"Winter, you aren't like that at all," Gallent reassured her. "And you know that."

"Look, you'll see later, okay?" said Winter.

Gallent had had enough of arguing with her best friend. Who was supposedly doing something nice for her. "I guess so," she finished. She'd have to wait until later. And like a fish tank with the right cleaning supplies, all would become clear.