A Love Sweeter Than Candy

A/N: Ah, a subject hardly touched upon in canon. I tried my best. Hey, at least mine isn't as so nonsensical as those who refuse to use grammar. Regardless, enjoy, and I do hope you read the prequel! Otherwise, beyond here, you will be completely (or mostly) lost.

It was finally that day. The day that every little pony dreams about, but only a little filly, like I was, plans so meticulously, wishing for it to be perfect. The day that beholds the most sacred form of unity, matrimony, and one that I half-expected might never come.

The day of my wedding.

Planning the actual event was both a chore, and a breeze. Since Pinkie was quite a party planner, she already had the reception down, and the wedding was just a couple steps from that. Unfortunately, Pinkie seemed to be even more compulsive with the details than me, insisting that everything was 'perfect and then some', because 'I deserved it'. It was sweet, but very troublesome. I mean, it is best to give 100%, but any more...can be pretty troublesome.

The location was actually quite the easy bit-we decided to have it in a fairly open area, doing away with the need to renovate a whole chapel-sized room for it to happen. Considering that we could easily keep the skies clear, an outdoors wedding sounded great to both of us. Fresh air and sunshine definitely fit the bill.

Now, when it came to cake(...she's Pinkie Pie)...I swear, she was worse than Rarity obsessing over the placement of a gem on a dress. She first started with a traditional vanilla-iced layer cake, decided that it was 'too boring', and I had to catch her after she went through maybe 20 different selections. I had to remind her that it was just cake, and the most important thing on that day was, in fact, not the cake, but rather, us.

Working out the whole gown issue was actually easier than I thought. Same-gender unions were not entirely unheard of, but they were rare enough that there was actually not a set custom on who wore what, which worried me. Pinkie so ingeniously pointed out that, despite traditions, there was no outright requirement for both gowns to be white. Tradition, I preferred to follow, but when I considered that I was breaking tradition in more ways than one already, to be with her, I shrugged it aside. It was worth it.

So we went to Rarity, who was absolutely jumping with excitement, even long after we told her of our engagement. A bit of back and forth, and she agreed to whip something up for the 'most dashing, trendsetting couple in Ponyville'.

That felt both flattering and a little unsettling.

The eventual result was, indeed, still, two gowns, but still actually focused off of a basic dress design. Simple, yet meaningful was quite obviously the intent. Pinkie's was a bright, almost-sparkling cyan, with only minimal fringing gold leaf around the edges.

I have to say, when she first tried it on, I had to hold my jaw up to keep it from shattering. I'd admired Pinkie Pie more than once before, but the job that Rarity did with outlining her physique was...flawless. Surely enough, the color scheme helped to bring out the most entrancing thing about her: her irises, which also happened to be a fairly bright cyan. The addition of the veil did little to even hide any detail of her face, though in all honesty, it wasn't meant to. Regardless, it framed her so perfectly, it was almost unearthly.

And I also noticed something else: while Rarity had tried to stick close to tradition as well, I noticed just the few tiniest tweaks that there were. It was unexplainable, but somehow, it brought out both her side of gentle, playful puffiness around the middle, and yet the 'well-toned from so much partying' side as well.

Again, my jaw nearly hit the floor there.

As for my gown, however, Rarity said she had to 'think pretty hard' about it, but I was actually pretty pleased with the result. It was carefully between the shades of midnight blue, and lavender-purple, which I soon realized was dark enough to pass for both a gown, and at the least, the coloring of a rather impromptu tuxedo. To match Pinkie's, a minimal tracing of gold leaves ringed the bottom.

I thought it was pretty good, but Pinkie's compliments dwarfed my own opinions. She consistently smothered me in kisses, unable to stop saying that I looked like 'the most beautiful pony ever', and that she might be jealous if it weren't her that I was interested in.

I had to stop listening eventually, else my head might have turned as red as a tomato and stayed that way.

With that, we both thanked Rarity, and returned to planning the ceremony's other details.

Pinkie wanted to invite everypony-LITERALLY-while I simply wanted close friends, and my family there. While it was certainly a special day, I didn't want to exactly be surrounded by ponies I didn't even quite know.

After quite a bit, we came to an agreement: we would do it my way, but she got a small extra of 5 ponies to invite, so that she wouldn't be completely dwarfed.

Up next, was choosing the bridesmaids. Quite obviously, the choice would be our closest friends, as they would be ponies we trusted most for both support and reliability. Unfortunately, there was a small problem: Rainbow Dash (of all ponies), claimed she couldn't make it, but she did as well reassure me that she'd love to. Apparently, there were issues that she preferred not to talk about, and I left it at that.

And with that, we had to find a way to even out the sides at 2 bridesmaids each, because call me crazy, but I preferred symmetry. Eventually, we both agreed that Roseluck could fill in for Rainbow. I only knew her as much as a friendly acquaintance, but since her and Pinkie were most definitely best friends, she fit the bill well enough.

Then there came the small issue of what might happen during the ceremony with the rings: while I was, yes, a unicorn, and it was traditional to place the ring on their horn, the centerpiece for their magical abilities, Pinkie was an earth pony. After quite a bit of research, we decided that the most fitting course of action would be, for aesthetic and functional purposes, to use a tiara instead. That rid both the issue of her not having a horn, and the issue of where we might argue of putting it on. Crazily enough, she insisted upon the tip of her ear, no matter how much I tried to say otherwise, until that idea came up. I do have to say I was pretty thankful for that.

All that was left was to find an officiate to perform the ceremony. Curiously enough, Spike burped up a letter just seconds after we began discussing the subject. It was none other than Princess Celestia herself. She said that she'd be more than happy to be there for her most faithful student, especially on such a special day, and offered to officially officiate herself.(What a tongue twister, am I right?)

And so, it was settled, eavesdropping princess or not. Every detail started falling into place, and I couldn't help but to fidget at night, both my stomach and my heart churning nervously in both fear and anticipation. What if I tripped and looked like a total idiot? What if I stuttered during my vows? What if, what if, what if, and what if ran through my head constantly, contesting with the urge to speed through time, being at the day immediately.

And now, it had finally arrived.

I stood at the end of the impromptu 'aisle' formed by the humble congregation before me, trying my hardest to keep my grin from bursting any wider than it already was. My stomach quivered, both from anxiety and excitement. I could hardly believe I was there.

"Are you feeling all right?" I almost jumped as a voice came from my right, but refrained from the impulse. My gaze darted to the side, but my head remained level. Besides me stood the figure of Shiny, who stared straight ahead as well, but his gaze shifted to me as well. I found just the tiniest sense of deja vu in the situation, but more so in reverse.

"I'm nervous," I managed out of the corner of my mouth. The mild chatter in front of us was enough to conceal any quiet speaking, and we did have just a little bit before our walk down the aisle, the walk of my dreams.

"Don't be." I found it amazing how easy it was to look professional, while conversing out of the side of your mouth. "We're all here for you, and we're definitely going to make sure your special day is the best one of your life. If-" My brother suddenly cut off, as a familiar-yet-not tune began playing off to the side.

My eyes drifted subconsciously over, to where the 3rd Canterlot Cello Quartet (in a way) cued us on. Of the four playing, there was but one I recognized: Octavia. Luckily enough for me, Pinkie did manage to get her to persuade a small section to split away from their home orchestra for the event.

She gave just the tiniest nod, and the tiniest smile, not ceasing her playing all the while, and I smiled as well, more from nervousness, before returning my gaze back forward.

The first step that me and Shining Armor took was almost dream-like, and I did indeed nearly fall over as I felt nearly weightless, but I adjusted quickly, despite the disorienting euphoria.

Straight up ahead, I caught sight of Pinkie. She stood waiting, a placid smile plastered onto her face, as much as was socially acceptable. But her eyes spoke much more to me, glimmering in a multi-meaning message that I could only hope to guess at.

Step-by-slowed step, my eyes drifted slowly to the side, taking in the ponies on both sides. To my predominant left, there was my mother and my father, who I felt half tempted to wave at. They had the biggest grins on their faces, with my mom looking half-ready to cry tears of joy.

My gaze quickly returned right, away from many, many other ponies that my gaze caught but did not alight on.
Unfortunately, the view was blocked by my BBBFF, so I instead returned my gaze forward.

Despite feeling like I was in a dream, this was a good one if anything, and before I knew it, I was already standing right there in the center of attention, whereupon I turned to orient myself to the crowd, as I should have been in the first place.

I couldn't resist just a quick look to my right, though. Pinkie looked just as elated as me, possibly more, and it was all I could do not to break pose, reaching over to hug her.

"Mares and gentlecolts," I half jumped as the princess began her address, booming slightly in my ears in the silence I hadn't noticed, before suddenly feeling twice as nervous, or perhaps regretful. I hadn't even bothered to give her a glance as I walked up...

She seemed to be rather uncaring, however, instead continuing on. "We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Twilight Sparkle, element of Magic, and Pinkie Pie, element of Laughter." Whereas before the silence was unnoticeable, it was now deafening in my own ears.

I must have gone so far as to shaking, however, because the sudden contact against one of my hooves surprised me. I turned to find Pinkie staring at me, smiling and offering her hoof.

I didn't hesitate to take hold of her hoof with my own, slowly attempting to uncoil myself as she gently squeezed it as if to say, 'I'm here'.

"...if anypony has any objections to these two being wed, speak now, or forever hold your peace."

Fortunately for both me and her, I knew no pony who would object unless they had a rightful reason, and the reassuring silence of the crowd did a small amount to calm my nerves. Just a small amount.

After a few seconds of silence, Princess Celestia continued. "The brides-to-be-" OK, I have to admit I was expecting 'the bride and the...other bride', but she pulled that off reasonably well. "-will now exchange their special vows."

Why it was said with such emphasis, I had no idea. But I knew exactly what I did have to say. Synchronously, both me and Pinkie turned to each other.

I found myself pausing in the moment, my heart giving an uneasy fluttering as I took in the final, full implications of the day.

Here I was, standing with the love of my life, prepared to enter a lifetime of commitment and love, which was no small task. I certainly wouldn't turn back if given the chance, but something did seem...almost chilling about it.

Ordinarily, if this were a normal ceremony, I might be prompted, and perhaps that was the chill. But since I'd been many times more compulsive than anypony, I knew enough to proceed without prompt.

I inwardly shook my head, before taking a deep breath. "I, Twilight Starshine Sparkle-" Yes, I felt inclined to say my middle name that almost nopony knew. I didn't know why, either. "-take you, Pinkamena Diane Pie, to be my wife, my partner in life, and my one true love."

Uncontrollable by me, I felt a grin slowly overtake my face, but I didn't quite mind either. Standing in the spot of my dreams, holding the most eccentric yet lovable pony straight by the hoof...I was allowed a smile, right? "I will cherish our union, and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together."

I couldn't help but to inwardly smile as I saw the beginnings of a blush form on Pinkie's face. It was just...cute. And even I had to hold a gentle 'd'aw' as I proceeded onwards.

"I give you my hoof, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye, that's a promise both for you and from me."

The Pinkie Promise was an idea of both our own, an incantation that nearly every pony knew, and would understand the severity of, yet reflecting a bit of her as well. And it fit so perfectly.

Me and Pinkie had been through so much together, and I just couldn't help but to love her more with each obstacle we overcame. Each single word that I spoke, I meant, and each single twinge of emotion fired off per word was almost too much to bear.

And then...she spoke up herself after beaming just a bit wider, and launching off at a rate that would astonish many ponies, indeed: "Me, Pinkamena Diane Pie, definitely takes you, Twilight...Starshine Sparkle, to be my wife, my clever little silly filly, and my one and only true love. I will always enjoy our time together, and I will love you three times as much as the day before. I will let you speak your mind, I will hold you when you cry, and let you do the same for me, always keeping my love for you as strong as it should be, through both fun times and not. I give you my hoof, my heart, my love,and my whole self, from today and later on, as long as we both can still hug each other. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye so as the Pinkie Promise confirms!"

It took even myself, accustomed to Pinkie's rants and ramblings at hyper speed, several seconds to decipher what she had said. But regardless, as I did, I felt my own cheeks start burning hotly as I heard this hyper-speed display of love.

It looked like I truly was the 'blushing bride'.

With as little fanfare as possible-besides an essential musical cue from Octavia and the others-a select two ponies split aside from their places besides the small, decorational arch of ivory that loomed half over, half away from us.

I smiled as I turned to the one who approached me; a red velvet cushion balanced ever so precariously on her head, with one of the most simplistic, yet elaborate tiaras I'd ever come to see.

I took figurative hold of it with my magic, nodding and smiling for perhaps the twentieth time in ten minutes.

"We're proud of ya', Twi'."

That didn't come from me, but rather, from the orange mare in front of me. It was spoken just quietly enough for only me to hear, in lieu of adopting a more distinguished tone.

And with that, she quickly turned and returned to her place, leaving me only to smile and think through that encounter.

Time enough for dwelling later, though. The time of my life was now, and I definitely intended to go through with it.

I turned (once more), coming to lock eyes with Pinkie once more. She only grinned ever wider, which in turn only grew my own smile.

Without a word, I gently placed the golden crown atop her ears, before simply gazing once more at her. The pony who I only once knew as a completely random stranger-who I have to admit, grew into a very comparatively tame and mature mare very quickly in retrospect to time- I felt I knew her more than any pony else. But...why? Why did simple affection give me the right to claim knowledge over a pony? Did it even do that?

What she did do, however, was a sign of her own affection. She gently took hold of the very ring she had presented on that fateful night, and very gently, placed it on my horn.

The silence, for once...didn't bother me.

"I now pronounce you mare, and wife." And this time, instead of a semblance of, it was now a full smile that played onto Celestia's lips. "You may now both kiss the bride."

Time came to its most recent, and final standstill as I finally leaned in, prepared to seal the biggest decision of my life.

Our lips finally met as the world around us erupted, both in cheers and musical flourish, but I was mostly deaf to all of that.

And as I pulled back, blushing furiously and hardly even caring, I smiled ever the wider.

My new life was about to begin, and I got to share it with Pinkie.

And I wouldn't have it any other way.

A/N Deux:

Good news and bad news.

Good news: I know exactly where this will go, and what I plan to do.

Bad news: It will take quite a while to organize all of this into chronological order. I plan for some actual character development, and it's no blindingly (...*sidelong glance*...) easy task to make sure that time aids that process. Next update estimated in 1 week to a month, or possibly more.