Hammer & Anvil

Current time: 11:31 AM, Sunday

Jackboot closed the lid of the cast iron container, sealing it shut.

“There we go.” He said. “Now we wait.”

He then turned around and felt his eyes bulge upon seeing the mess he left.

“Now for the part I don’t like. Cleaning.”

He then grabbed a towel and spray bottle of cleaner and began to clean up the sugar and other spilled liquids on the counter and floor.

Twilight entered the kitchen and saw Jackboot cleaning.

“Everything okay in here?” She asked.

Jackboot jumped, tossing the towel into the air, which landed on his horn. He then turned and saw the Princess of Friendship standing there.

“Oh, hello Twilight.” He said as he took the towel off of his horn. “I didn’t hear you come in. And yes, everything is alright. I just got done making what I’m going to bring.”

Twilight looked at the container on the counter. Jackboot had told her and Spike that he had to use the kitchen late in the night before to make whatever it was he’s bringing to the picnic later. She decided not ask what was in the container, because she knew that Jackboot would tell her that she’ll see later.

“Anyway, I’m glad you’re cleaning this up.” She said. “Rarity will be here soon.”

“That’s good.” Jackboot said as he cleaned the last of the spilled liquid. “What’s she coming over here for?”

Twilight was confused. How could he forget that Rarity was coming over?

“She’s coming to cook her quiche since her stove is out of commission.” She said. “Don’t you remember?”

Jackboot’s memory jolted.

“Oh that’s right!” He said, not meaning to be so loud. “I’m sorry, my memory isn’t the best. Ever since I fell off that ladder when I was a colt.”

“Oh right, Spike told me the other day.” Twilight said. “Guess you’re not the only one with bad memory.”

Before either of them could say anything else, they heard Spike calling to them.

“Twilight, Jackboot!” He called. “Rarity’s here!”

Jackboot’s head turned towards the door so fast, his neck actually popped.

Spike entered the kitchen with Rarity in toe. She had a saddle bag with her.

“Hello Twilight, Jackboot.” Rarity said in greeting. “How have you two been today?”

“We’ve been doing well.” Twilight said. “Jackboot just finished making, whatever it is he made.”

“You’ll see what it is later.” Jackboot said. “And I’ll make sure you’ll get the first of it.”

“Why thank you darling.” Rarity said with a smile. “And you’ll get the first slice of quiche, like I promised.”

Rarity’s smile almost made Jackboot melt. How could such a lovely mare not be in some sort of relationship at this point? He wondered.

“You mind if I help?” Jackboot and Spike asked almost in unison.

The two looked at one another, surprised that at that they said the exact same thing.

“Why thank you darlings.” Rarity said joyfully. “My quiche will be done in no time.”

Twilight chuckled.

“I’ll let you three get to work.” She said. “In the meantime I’m going to head over to the picnic spot and get everything set up. Have fun you three.”

The sun shone high in the sky. A perfect day for a picnic.

Fluttershy and Twilight laid out the picnic blanket on the grass; Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo laid out a plate for each pony that was coming, Rainbow Dash kept Angel Bunny away from the muffins that she had brought while Tank and Owlicious flew around above, and Pinkie Pie had arrived earlier along with Gummy the Alligator with an arrangement of cookies and cupcakes. Now they were waiting for everypony else.

“Howdy y’all!”

They all turned and saw Applejack trotting over to them along with Applebloom and Big Mac with Winona tailing behind them. Bic Mac had a wrapped plate of apple fritters on his back with Applejack carrying a large pitcher of apple cider while Applebloom carried enough cups for everyone.

“What’s up Applejack?” Rainbow asked as she pushed Angel Bunny away from the basket of muffins. Before Applejack could respond, Rainbow immediately saw the pitcher of cider on her back. “Is that…?”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac said, knowing what Rainbow Dash was asking.

“Yep, it’s cider.” Applejack said with a chuckle. “You want some?”

“As much I want some, I promised Jackboot that he’d get the first glass.” Rainbow said as Applejack set the pitcher. “So I can wait.”

Big Mac set down the plate of apple fritters as Applebloom caught side of two familiar ponies and a dragon.

“Hey, there they are!”

Jackboot waved over at the others while carrying the metal container. Spike carried the platter which contained Rarity’s quiche while Rarity trotted along while wearing a white sun hat.

“Hello darlings!” She said as she and the boys approached. “How is everypony?”

“We’re doing well.” Fluttershy answered. “Sweetie Belle told me about the gas leak at your house. Is everything okay now?”

“Everything is fine now, thankfully.” Jackboot explained as he and Rarity set their food down on the blanket. “She just needs either a new connecter on her stove or a new stove in general. Either way she won’t be cooking anything until the store opens.”

He then turned to Sweetie Belle.

“How have you been, Sweetie?” He asked. “Have you been breathing well?”

“I’ve been doing okay.” Sweetie answered.

“That’s good, very good.” Jackboot said. “And how about Opal, is she okay?”

His question was followed by Opal rubbing against his leg.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” He said as he petted the white feline.

“Now with stoves and breathing aside…” Rarity said. “…how about we get to eating?”

“Don’t have to tell us twice.” Rainbow dash said as she grabbed a muffin and took a big bite out of it. “Here Jackboot.” She then tossed Jackboot one of the muffins.

Everypony was silent while eating. Jackboot had gotten the first glass of cider and the first slice of quiche as promised. The quiche was very good and the cider was perfect. The muffins, fritters, and the sweets Pinkie had brought were just as delicious.

As they all ate, Scootaloo took notice of the iron container that Jackboot had brought.

“Hey Jackboot.” She said. “Watcha got in that box?”

Jackboot swallowed the last of his fritter.

“I’m glad that you asked.”

Jackboot then took the iron container in hoof and undid the metal snaps and removed the lid. Revealing a very enticing treat within.

“Is that a pie?” Scootaloo asked.

“A caramel apple pie, yes.” Jackboot said. “I spend the lot of last night cooking it. I think there’s enough for everypony. I hope so anyway. Rarity you mind if I borrow the knife you used on your quiche?”

“Of course, darling.” Rarity said delightfully.

That word again made Jackboot almost melt.

He thanked Rarity for the blade and cut into the delectable desert.

“Who would like to have the first slice?”

It didn’t take long, but everypony got a slice of Jackboot’s desert, of which was highly received. But there was one small issue; Jackboot himself did not get a slice of his own pie.

Rarity was the first to notice this.

“Oh darling you didn’t get a piece.” She said. She then took her knife and cut her piece in half. “Here, have half of mine.”

“Oh, that’s alright, Rarity.” Jackboot said. “You don’t have to. I’ll get one next time.”

“Oh please, darling.” She said. “You slaved over that stove making this pie so you deserve a piece. After all, what sort of friend would I be if I didn’t at least?”

That word again. But Jackboot’s thoughts on that disappeared upon seeing Rarity giving him a warm smile as she slid the piece of pie onto his plate. The sunlight shown onto white mare, making her look absolutely beautiful, and the sun hat most certainly helped.

“T-thank you, Rarity.”

The friends were outside for the remainder of the day. Whether they were playing with the animals, eating whatever was left over or just having a simple conversation, time flew by as it was almost four in the afternoon.

Despite this, Jackboot barely said a word as he only listened to what everypony else had to say.

“My goodness, look at the time.” Rarity said looking at her watch. “I must get back to the boutique. I just realized I need finish that dress.” She then turned toward he younger sister. “Sweetie Belle, would you like to come with me or stay and play?”

“I’ll stay here and play.” Sweetie Belle said. “Are we going to have dinner at the castle again?”

“I don’t see a problem with that.” Twilight said. “That is, if we’re still hungry after all of this food. Especially after that pie Jackboot made.”

“That was an awesome pie by the way!” Rainbow Dash said as she hovered with her belly up.

“I second that!” Applejack said.

“Eeyup.” Big Mac added.

“Really? Was it that good?” Jackboot asked.

“Well of course it was.” Scootaloo said. “Where did you learn to make that anyway?”

“I learned the recipe from a classmate back in Canterlot.” Jackboot explained. “I think her name was Frosted Cookie, if I’m remembering correctly.”

“By the way, Jackboot.” Rarity said. “The six of us are going to have a meeting about the Celebration. Are you going to be there?” She asked.

“I will, yes.” Jackboot said. “After all, I was sent here to help with it.”