“Rarity really hasn’t been herself since then,” Pinkie sigh as her ears fold.

From her chair she reaches toward the tiny mountain of brownies sitting upon the table, sixteen to be exact.

Despite being a princess now, Twilight still use the same type of dishes and silverware, even in the regal, crystalline décor, traces of her shone brighter still. As if the brownie plate wasn’t evidence enough, the cup she sip her warm coffee from was furnished from humble oak.

Twilight set her cup down, bringing a pensive hoof to her chin. “I can’t imagine opening another boutique is ever easy, you remember what we all went through the last time she held her big grand opening. Saying it was hectic is hardly an understatement.”

In a single-heavy gulp Pinkie downed the brownie she’d taken from the tray as Twilight spoke. “Mhmm.” There was a slight sparkle in her eyes, despite the air of conversation. “Wowie, Twilight these are pretty good, like Mr. & Mrs. Cake good!”

“Don’t I know it!” Spike’s tiny claw reach high and takes a brownie from the tray, carelessly flicking the warm delight into his maw; savoring it as if it were a gem. He licks his lips in glee as he jumps onto the table to have easier access, plucking another treat from the chocolatey mountain.

“Twilight’s been making me goodies like this for almost a week now.”

“I didn’t know you knew how to bake, Twilight! We should totally host a party together!” Pinkie smile at her discovery.

“Well Pinkie, while that certainly means something coming from you… if anything, it just makes me even more uncertain,” Twilight gives a kind smile in her decline. “I’m not even sure if I’ll be able to bake anything like this by day’s end.

Pinkie furrow a brow as Spike cram another brownie down the hatch.

“I only started doing this for Spike. Since we started living here his workload has doubled, if not tripled… and it took me a really long time to realize it. We all know I can get a little lost in my books from time to time—“

“Ha, a little?” he chewed through his every word, cheeks full and already sticky

To Pinkie’s surprise, Twilight didn’t even bat an eye toward the remark, as she normally would on any given day.

“So in order to make myself more aware or considerate of my friends I made an experimental potion. I thought of doing a sort of mood enhancer but those tend to be a bit messy; the want-it-need-it spell was a lesson well learned.”

Twilight raise her hoof in a matter-of-fact manner and tapped it against the cup’s rim before sliding it against the table toward Pinkie, halting the cup’s momentum with her magic entirely once it reaches her.

“Regarding the potion, I consider it more of a sweetener than anything. A few days a week I treat Spike to something extra-special and the coffee keeps me from stressing out too much concerning my royal duties as well. Strangely enough as you can see I have these urges to make sweet things like cakes, caramels, and all kinds of chocolate I never cared to before.” Twilight gesture a hoof to the brownies.

Pinkie breathe in the scent coming from the coffee, it was a faint aroma that tickled her snout; a mix of cream and taffy blended.

Twilight gently pat Spike’s head, she could practically feel his joy, her own smile beaming, while Spike’s was covered in chocolate.

Pinkie stare at the two in awe, so well off, namely Twilight. She’d never seen Rarity smile so freely or unrestrained as Twilight did this very moment. More than anything she wanted Rarity to smile like this, just once.

“The potion just makes you more courteous of others, honestly doing all this for Spike makes me happy too, so we both get peace of mind eating sweets every now and then.”

“I’ll say!” said Spike, already reaching for his sixth treat.

“Some a few more than others,” she said as she prods her assistant’s tender belly. Pinkie’s ears had sprung to life; Twilight’s smile was really doing a number on her.

“Heeeey! If this stuff helped you, then why don’t we use it to sweeten up Rarity a little too!?

Twilight was a scientist, a researcher at heart… but she was a friend first. The concern on her face was obvious, almost daunting

“I don’t know Pinkie, it’s still experimental. I haven’t tried it on a non-alicorn yet. The side-effects could be a myriad of things. It could even alter her magic.

Pinkie ears plummet yet again, she knew Twilight had a point. “If your magic’s been on the fritz then I can only imagine what it’ll do to poor Rarity.

“Well, my magic hasn’t exactly been on the fritz but— “

Pinkie leap onto the table, leaving her hostess wide-eyed as she slides toward her, stopping her own momentum through sheer will until they were a muzzle’s distance apart. She gave her plea with hooves clasp.

“Please-please-pleaseee, Twilight? We’ve got to at least try, there’s nothing more important in all of Equestria than helping a friend find their smile! We gotta try, before Rarity runs herself into the ground.”

Pinkie Pie had a sparkle in her eyes, puppy-eyed determination. As the princess of friendship it was almost impossible for Twilight to deny that they at least do something. Twilight look into her eyes and knew she was no match; she sighs in defeat.

“I… suppose it was relatively easy to make since it wasn't that strong a dose. I could make another—“

“Yipee!” Pinkie spring to the ceiling, confetti raining from her cotton mane before gravity brought her crashing down with an audible squeak and a smile.

The tray of brownies bounce from the table as she lands, as well as Twilight’s coffee. Pinkie’s tongue expands and stretch to the perfect size for catching all the airborne sugar. The eight brownies seem to parachute unto her tongue, all landing gently in a pyramid before her tongue retract like measuring tape; she swallowed them all in one gulp, her stomach would do the rest.

Twilight wave her hoof to get Pinkie’s attention, “We’ll only go through with it if Rarity agrees to it herself. I’m supposed to meet with her today after her boutique opens so we could discuss organizing her supplies and calculating expenses for the upcoming grand opening. I don’t think she’d mind you coming along.”

“Ooooh, I can’t wait!” She began prancing in place, the oak wood cup falling snug in her fluffed mane and the liquid filling the cup only seconds later.

“Spike, you’ll look after the castle once I’m gone won’t you?”

And as she asked this of her assistant, his less than enthusiastic expression was set on the mare who’d downed nearly a dozen brownies without a single bite. He rolled his eyes as he watch Pinkie’s tongue spin like a rotor, cleaning the chocolate from her lips.

What else should I expect from the Queen of Sweets? He thought.

After his satirical title pass in his mind, something flat fell into his outward claws, a tray of all things, and in the blink of an eye a brownie falls in the center, the biggest one left.

Spike’s tiny dragon tooth show as he grin for all Equestria to see, “Sure thing Twi, take your time. This brownie and me have some unfinished business.”

It was Twilight’s turn to roll her eyes, she couldn’t help but giggle at her adorable and easily appeased assistant.

Pinkie was never the type of pony that needed a potion to make her sweetly considerate of others, she always had been. She threw parties almost daily for the sake of others and more than anyone she knew the tastiest treat was always the last one, because it also left the biggest smile.

“Oh, one more thing, Pinkie Pie. I need to check your measurements before I get started.”

A methodical knock sound at the door.

The sun had reached its peak, and the beautiful songs the birds were singing could even tell the blind what season it was.

“Just a moment,” a lyrical voice called from inside.

She had a habit of leaving you waiting at her door, some were starting to suspect she did it intentionally, just so companions and customers alike would be left to appreciate her home and its posh appearance.

It was difficult to doubt that the unicorn had the tallest traditional home in Ponyville, or the most lavished. The checkered and floral print never looked worn, the golden curtains letting in just enough sunlight to see the ponyquinns sporting the latest vogue, and the delicate flowerbed of forget-me-nots that kiss her home’s feet.

The silhouette of carousel ponies sitting above that guard the entrance of the lavender diamond door. In this suffuse of gold, lavender, and periwinkle anypony’s eyes would eventually be drawn to something.

“She definitely knows who's here now.” Pinkie said grinning ear to ear.

Twilight furrow a brow, “Well of course she does Pinkie, she asked me to come…”

Pinkie just kept hopping in place, she felt as if her cutiemark might actually inflate and carry her away. The bubbly thoughts racing through her head making her spry.

“Oooh! I can’t wait to see the smile on Rarity’s face once she drinks your potion, Twilight!”

Twilight’s eyes spring in rhythm to match Pinkie’s pace, over and under, until her vision begins to slightly blur. She rubbed her aching eyes.

“Pinkie, remember that’s only if—“

The locks click and the door open. “Twilight, I just knew it had to be you.” She couldn’t help but chuckle in her savior faire.

She gave Rarity the same quizzical look she gave Pinkie moments ago. “Huh? What’s that supposed to mean?”

She smiles politely. “Why, that knock of course dear; the rhythmic trio. You’ve always approached every door the same in the few years we’ve known each other.”

Pinkie snicker, “Told ya she’d know.”

Rarity gasp as she points a hoof. “What is… she doing here!? I have enough worries without that cotton cyclone tearing through my shop!”

“Well duh, silly, that’s why I’m here!” Pinkie’s smile remain at the ready.

“I didn’t think it would be much of an issue… She wanted to come along to try and cheer you up a little.” Twilight rubbed a hoof against the back of her neck.

“I don’t even think I can begin to express the magnitude of what she did the last time she was here! She didn’t tell you, did she?”

Twilight shook her head.

“I’d finally received an invitation to Manehattan’s Fashion Week, I immediately had the inspiration for a splendid wedding dress. And after tireless effort, the very day I completed the concept she managed to spill one of her—her messy desserts all over it! I had to work for days on end to finish another in time for the event, it was na disaster!”

Twilight gave Pinkie a curious glance, holding concern for a number of reasons, still untested to this day.

“I said was sorry a million times already for spilling that slice of triple-berry frosted cake all over the dress. I even offered to help, but you threw me out… I even sent over another apology.”

“Pinkie Pie! Cupcakes are not an acceptable apology.” She stamp her hoof in protest.

Pinkie sheepishly dig against the grass, “Well, every other way I could think to apologize was really loud, and you said how much you can’t stand loud noises….” Pinkie look to her dear friend with those sad Pinkie-dog eyes.

Rarity stare her down with diamond eyes, almost in grimace, the fashionista didn’t last long though. Seconds later she sigh in defeat, curls bouncing in her surrender, the same as Twilight did earlier that day.

“I know you would never ruin me intentionally, Pinkie Pie. Besides, I suppose your apology gave me a bit of inspiration for the shape of the dress’ silhouette while I was in the midst of sowing the replacement.”

The trio smiled as the hostess step aside and welcome them in her lovely home without protest this time, the door closing behind Twilight as her saddlebag as the two cross the threshold.

As they trot, Rarity guide them into the kitchen were two steaming cups were set upon saucers, the table that held the tea also kept a vase with a flower the garden’s bed. Twilight set her bag down in the corner.

“You two take a seat, I’ll just take what’s left in the French press and pour myself a cup. I may have a ceaseless amount of worries but that doesn’t mean I can forget my manners as a hostess.”

Rarity smile at her company before heading toward the kitchen’s opposite end.

Her guest took their chairs, looking down at the beautiful fixtures in front of them, the elegant display of ivory and trimmed gold in an assortment of utensils complementing the miniature pot that sit between; filled with cubed sugar that seem to sparkle as the sun peer through the curtain.

Upon Rarity’s mention of worries, Pinkie looked down at her cup and back at Twilight, pointing to the princess’ saddlebag, then shifting her eyes toward Rarity. Of course Twilight knew what she meant, as she didn’t disagree with the sentiment.

She turns to look over her shoulder, “Rarity… would you—“

Oh, no need to worry Twilight. I took so long answering the door after all. I wouldn’t dream of having you drink worn tea from any demitasse, I’m preparing a fresh cup for everyone as we speak,” she hummed as she prep the pot and minuscule plunger.

“Really Rarity, Pinkie and I are fine, this is more than enough.

“Nonsense dear, you’ve come in my hour of need, it’s the least I can do.”

They both knew how Rarity was when she was entertaining company, the two sigh before trying once more. Twilight’s horn shimmer and the vial of potion escape from her saddlebag and hover beside her.

“We actually brought something for you to try, i-it actually goes reallllly well with tea. Pinkie and I really think it’ll cheer you up a little.” She gave an awkward smile, admittedly she felt a bit silly, as if she were trying to sell something.

“Twilight’s super sweetener is sure to make your day a whole lot sweeter! It worked wonders for her and Spike!”

Pinkie could always make it seem as though her smile were as wide as the room itself.

Rarity turned from her brewing, halting the french press as she approach her companions with a curious face.

“Just a few drops usually does the trick for me.” Twilight said, her nervous smile still showing her excellent teeth as she felt one of her more personal urges coming on before she knew it.

Please say yes, Rarity, you’ll be a such a big help to me! Twilight mused to herself, as a bead of sweat spill down her brow.

“Hmm…” Rarity glared at the vial, her face now disproportionate from Twilight’s point of view as she appeared as if she were in a lime-tinted funhouse mirror.

My little Spike-wikey hasn’t been feeling his best either? I really should stop by to see him and Twilight more often. Rarity thought, as she study the liquid.

“So, what do ya say, Rarity?” Pinkie sat in her seat eagerly awaiting her answer.

Rarity now glance in her direction, a bit annoyed at the ever-innocent smile she could always portray.

I suppose they’re both sincere… and I can’t recall the last time there was a scientific mishap of Twilight’s. And if I refuse Pinkie will just use those fiendish eyes on me again… I suppose I could stand to lose a bit of stress and be a little less critical of myself, if only for a little while.

Rarity nod, “I’ll try your tonic—sweetener, just this once.”

“Yip—I mean, woohoo!” Pinkie had to contain herself, she’d barely been hanging on all this time. Her terrible attempt at mimicking Fluttershy at least manage to keep her from bouncing to the ceiling and possibly being thrown out again.

“You won’t regret this Rarity!” The joy on Twilight’s face was obvious as spoke, almost eerily so.

Ooookay Twilight, calm down, you’ve don’t want to scare her away do you!? Just… take a deep breath and prepare the journals. You’ve already taken the steps to make sure the potion as safe as possible, this is what any good friend would do.

“S-so Rarity, now that you’ve agreed to let us try to cheer you up a little, I’d like to ask you a few questions before we get started if you don’t mind.”

What’s gotten into her all of sudden? Rarity was growing suspicious of Twilight’s oddly enthusiastic smile.

“But Twilight I need to finish making the tea, the hayseeds I prepared are—“

“Oh! Oh! I can do it!” Pinkie raised a hoof as if she were a filly in class.

The tiny vial shimmer as it floats toward Pinkie, landing in her forehoof.

Rarity’s eyes dilate, “Pinkie Pie, you know how to use a french press?”

“Sure do, the Cakes keep one in their bakery. Mrs. Cake can’t greet customers without her coffee, she won’t even speak to me until she’s had a cup.”

“It’s settled then; Pinkie will be fine in here while we take a few notes on you!’ Twilight had already begun gently pushing a slightly frantic Rarity into the other room, “For instance: The girth of your horn.”

“Excuse me!? A lady does not discuss…”

It wasn’t long until they were no longer in earshot of Pinkie Pie, she held onto the vial as tightly as she could, her warm thoughts of the three of them all smiling in harmony all snug just made her grin a silly-tongued face.

Pinkie looked back at the two cups still set in such a charming fashion atop the table, the steam still present, and as Twilight said they would be just fine with what they were given before.

Pinkie Pie scoffed. “And Applejack said Rarity wouldn’t be too happy about me knowing her whole house inside and out, but that’s silly. Now I won’t have to bother her at all and she can keep playing with Twilight. It’s like the two of us are super friends!”

Pinkie Pie was indeed a very caring sort of pony, she knew all her friend’s homes; including where they kept all their dishware, to even their most private belongings, that way she knew where not to intrude, which to her was mandatory for planning surprise parties.

She reaches a hoof above, into the cupboards—exactly two from the left of the oven, to find a cup and saucer of similar design; utensils as well, in the drawer next to the sink.

Rarity had already poured the hot water, Pinkie simply dropped the hayseeds and dark blend into the press and the plunger did the rest, after carefully adding a bit more boiling water using her all-purpose-always precise tongue measurements; she gently stirs the tea with a spoon and let it brew until it was complete.

The aroma was wonderful. Rarity might have been onto something, she thought as she breathe in a healthy amount before taking the vial from her cotton mane, she wasn’t sure when or how it got there, but details never stopped her before.

“Twilight sure seemed awfully excited today, especially when Rarity agreed to try this stuff out, I’m pretty excited too so… we gotta give it our best shot for Rarity, she has a lot on her plate right now opening up another store. If anything…”

And then a lightbulb appeared over the earth pony’s head. She nods to herself with effervescent approval. She removed the cork from the vial and began to prepare the kitchen table for three.

“Perfect!” Pinkie couldn’t help but be proud of herself when she saw her work, she hadn’t broken, cracked, or accidentally baked a single thing in Rarity’s kitchen… though she wasn’t particular too proud of the last one.

“I sure hope Twilight and Rarity aren’t having too much fun without me, hmm. It has been awfully quiet.”

Pinkie trot toward the exit, thinking of all the fun, silent things her two friends had to be doing in the ten minutes or so she’d spent preparing a third seat.

“Alright-ie gals, the tea is ready, come on!” she signal to them all hoof and smiles, seemingly ignoring the spectacle.

Rarity now stood on her hind-legs, her clenched forehooves covering… whatever it was that she wished to keep private, as well as parts of her that didn’t require coverage in their equine culture. A yarn of sweat crawled down her forehead as Twilight continually appear and reappear in magical burst, measuring every bare inch of the unicorn the tape could touch; while the tape could not measure levels of comfort it did a fine job elsewhere, cutiemark and all.

Twilight had just finished measuring the thickness and diameter of Rarity’s trademark curls before the unicorn let out a squeal of joy at Pinkie’s declaration.

“Ah ha! Excellent timing Pinkie Pie.” Rarity’s horn shimmer and the measuring tool escape Twilight’s eager clutches, and soar carelessly to a unmapped corner of the room.

Twilight’s ears sink with her heart. “Aww, but Rarity I hadn’t even gotten to your—“

A nervous giggle interrupt whatever intimate part of her Twilight was about to invoke. “Come now, Twilight, we don’t want the brew to get cold do we?”

She readily heads toward the kitchen.

Pinkie just smile through it all as she normally would, everything seemed ordinary to her, too ordinary to even question something as simple as two of her closest friends getting along and so… closely.

Twilight’s sadness was short-lived as an epiphany greet her, a look of utter satisfaction decorating her face; the face of an assignment well done. With a poised hoof Rarity managed to wipe the last bit of sweat from her brow, though she looked positively exhausted from her previous experience.

The two pass Pinkie one by one as they enter the kitchen, swiftly they grab their chairs and each one reside at an end, taking in the scent of what most considered the cornerstone of liquid of solace.

“Pinkie Pie this smells lovely, my nose can’t tell the difference from my own technique, I can’t even smell the tonic.” The hostess smile, her trust in her friend had been well deserved.

Rarity examined her cup, pondering uncertainties before looking at the miniature sugar pot. Though, I’d rather not risk adding anything until I know exactly what I’m in for.

Twilight saw her suspicion, “Not to worry Rarity, it’s odorless, if elixirs have a strong scent it’s usually for a very good, or very bad reason. Our tea should turn a deep blue in a few minutes, oh, and remember to take light sips.”

Twilight was sure to note the importance of ingesting only a delicate amount so often.

“I’m just relieved I had all your measurements recorded accurately; even down to the cusp of your horn. Though I can’t recall a time I would have made such a mistake, not since Celestia first took me under wing, heh, I was so clumsy back then.”

Twilight just sat there smiling within her pride and memories, proud that her crown hadn’t gone to her head, and that she could still find bliss in such studious things. All the while Rarity’s cheeks flush due to the intimate nature of Twilight’s happiness.

Pinkie’s hushed giggling wasn’t helping either, every so often she’d whisper the word “cusp” between a cupped muzzle.

Despite Rarity’s blushing, she was shooting daggers at the princess. “Twilight… you do know that most ponies don’t keep records of their friend’s curves and figures. It’s like knowing the ins and outs of their home, a touch intrusive.”

Pinkie’s giggling abruptly end as she now looked like the cat caught eating the canary.

Twilight blink as she tries to wrap her mind behind this level of intrusion, she was genuinely surprised. “They don’t? But Rarity, don’t you keep records of all our measurements too?”

Rarity sigh as a hoof press against her temple, “Twilight dear, I am a seamstress. I have to know a customer’s curvature and figure to fit them just so, it’s completely different.”

“Speaking of figures, Rarity, I’m really surprised, it’s been nearly a year since I’ve tried to measure you and you’re still the same size all-around. It’s impressive really, I’m really curious to know how you manage to maintain your shape.”

Rarity’s lashes flutter, “Oh Twilight, you’re too kind,’ she primps her mane with a hoof. “Why, darling I’d be glad to share my diet and exercise regimen with you, you’re not the only one who's good with scheduling. I’ll show you my records before day’s end.”

“It’s a deal,” Twilight’s ears gave anyway her already obvious excitement. Hearing the word schedule in a sentence usually had that effect on her.

Rarity already seemed as though she were beginning to lighten up from the banter alone, and compliments always put the unicorn in a good mood.

“Oooh, Rarity, I can’t wait for you to try it!” Pinkie’s tail sway gently back and forth in her chair.

“Pinkie Pie, I hope this potion allows me to feel even half the joy you seem to acquire from helping others receive whimsy.” Rarity place a gentle hoof upon her companion’s.

“And Twilight thank you again for coming, it’d become impossible to manage every little thing in my mind without you being around to assist me. During this time of year; the sun shines even longer, birds sing themselves a different color each day, and their lovely voices wake the flowers from their bed.”

Rarity sigh within her words, giving a weary smile as she stares through the ajar curtains, soon her gaze falls to her cup as she watches its color change almost too gradually for her taste.

“Spring is also the busiest season, every dress is longer than the day it was sown, and every year you come to my rescue; and at the chime of noon without a complaint. I’m starting to worry that my friends are too good for me.”

Pinkie was stunned after hearing such a remark, “Are you crazy? You’ve done tons for us too, Rarity.”

Pinkie and I may have underestimated how stressed Rarity truly is if she is saying silly things like this.

Of course Twilight agreed with Pinkie’s protest, she looked down at her cup seeing how quickly her expression change tone, unlike the liquid in her cup.

“Then enlighten me, Pinkie Pie, what generous deeds have I done for any of you this year alone?”

Pinkie’s vision elevates as a single hoof go searching within the candy forest atop her head. She hadn’t glanced at her own tea yet, as her hoof flee from the forest it emerges with a tiny yet colorful monochrome box. She set it in the center of the table.

Twilight watch every movement, curious to a fault, and Rarity just raise her cup with a gentle grip of magic affixed to the cup’s handle as she guides it toward her muzzle and sip until the soothing flavor steal her grim focus for an infinitesimal moment in time.

“Look Rarity!” Pinkie opened the box, and inside were fabrics, one for every endeavor over the years that Rarity was responsible for their attire. The box practically held a prism of rainbows, every thread immediately identifiable to Rarity without touch. Their outfits from the Grand Galloping Gala, Fluttershy’s dangerous mission camouflage, as well as their gowns for Cadence’s crystal wedding.

“I’ve been collecting them ever since Twilight came to Ponyville, isn’t it great!?”

Rarity simply stare into her cup again, and this time, she enjoyed the unicorn smiling back at her, she breathes in the steam coming from her cup and gave a sigh of relief.

And who says it’s a terrible thing, to have friends that are too good for you sometimes? Rarity’s thoughts were already growing sweeter.

Twilight and Pinkie both knew what that smile and heavenly sigh meant, they followed suit and raised their own demitasse, Twilight and Rarity purse their lips blowing cool breaths against the cup’s rim, Pinkie’s tongue could simply take any temperature.

And at that moment the room seem to sit still, time only disturbing the world outside as they all grin in parade under the glow of the sun.

“Divine doesn’t even begin to describe what I’ve tasted, it’s just as the right balance of sweet,” Rarity’s jewel-toned eyes were dazzling, as though she were captivated, locking eyes with the stallion of her dreams.

“I’m glad you like it Rarity, I honestly didn’t think it would be this good. It’s unlike any blend I’ve ever tasted and—“

Twilight pause, Unlike anything I’ve… tasted. But the potion virtually makes everything I’ve mixed with it taste identical, but this taste completely… her expression turned to dread.

She looked down at her tea, and it was still as dark as it ever was, a rich burgundy. She looked to Pinkie whose face was all giggles and glee from finally seeing Rarity inevitable joy surface. As Twilight look to her left she notice Pinkie’s was also the same color. “Pinkie Pie… you didn’t, did you!?”

She nods, “Yep! Sure did, sharing is always the right thing to do Twilight!”

Author's Note

I've never done something like this before, so any criticism is welcome.
I hope you enjoyed passing by.