The cold air penetrated through Cheese's fur. He clung tightly to his shirt, trying to warm himself and regretting the fact he hadn't thought ahead about the lower temperatures. He was headed to a familiar pastry shop a few blocks away. There was a familiar face he yearned to see.
The sound of sizzling confections echoed through the dining area of the Cakes' bakery. Cheese let his gaze wander, searching the vicinity for the pink mare who had once been his rival. He took note of the heavy, aggressive rock music in the background.
"Cheese," he heard a voice exclaim, "Is that you!?"
"Hey, Pinkie! Long time no see!"
Pinkie emerged from behind the counter. She looked different from what Cheese remembered. She still possessed her bubbly personality, but it had matured since their last meeting, and her choice of clothing had changed from dresses and outlandish costumes to intense, dark, long-sleeved garments. It was like she was Pinkie, but she wasn't at the same time.
"Hold on - I'll get us a couple treats to celebrate!"
"Sounds good."
Pinkie went into the back room and emerged with a small assortment of sweet desserts. Her and Cheese sat down together at one of the establishments many tables.
"is it just you here tonight?"
"The Cakes are on vacation for the week. They left me in charge until they get back."
"How's it feel running the place?"
"Honestly, being in charge and having control isn't all its cracked up to be."
"Really?"
"I pretty much just do everything I normally do."
"At least you have an interesting music selection."
"It's Atreyu. They're one of my favorites."
"You've really changed a lot since I've been gone."
"Believe me, you have no idea."
"Is that right?"
"So, where'd you go anyway?"
"Eh, here and there. You know parties. They can take you to some interesting places. Speaking of which, have you planned any lately?"
"I kind of tapered back on the party scene. After a while, it started feeling like I'd done all I could do."
"Wow. Wasn't expecting that."
"I mostly just do stuff for my friends on their birthdays now."
"Hey, that's at least six parties a year. Still not bad."
"Yeah."
"I actually came here tonight to see if...Well..."
Cheese turned a bright crimson color.
"If maybe...You wanted to do something tonight...?"
Pinkie gave him a warm, affectionate smile.
"I'd love to."
"Great! I was thinking maybe we could grab a bite to eat and see a movie."
"Sure."
Pinkie washed the dishes she'd brought out before they left.
"What do you want to see," Cheese asked over dinner.
"There's a vampire flick showing at midnight."
"Vampires? I don't know..."
"Don't tell me you're scared."
"No..."
"It's cute when you try to lie. Don't worry. Pinkie the vampire slayer will be here to protect you."
"Stop treating me like a kid."
"You are an overgrown kid."
"Guess you got me there."
"We can see something else if you want."
"Ah, what the heck. May as well live a little, right?"
"Check this out."
Pinkie extracted a set of plastic fangs from her pocket and set them in her mouth.
"Woah! Those actually look really snazzy!"
Pinkie laughed so hard she snorted. It was the same laugh Cheese heard the day they met.
"You and your outdated lingo."
"I'm just glad you put those on in front of me, otherwise I might've had a heart attack."
"Guess I'd just have to turn you if that was the case."
"Yeah, yeah. Keep laughing."
After finishing their meal, Cheese and Pinkie left the restaurant so they could head to the movies. The breeze continued to blow past them. Leaves scraped along the concrete. Somehow, Cheese felt the temperature had dropped even lower than before. He could clearly see his breath now. Pinkie saw him hunch over and shiver.
"Are you okay...?"
"Yeah. Just a little chilly is all."
"Here - take this."
Pinkie unzipped her jacket. She sheltered Cheese from the harsh, bitter winds.
"Thanks."
"Shhh. Don't talk. Save your energy."
Pinkie guided him forward, her foreleg wrapped around him.
"Is this really the same Pinkie Pie from before? I'm starting to question how long I was actually gone..."
Pinkie bought the tickets and concessions. To Cheese's surprise, the movie was relatively engaging and entertaining. Sometime during the feature, he went to reach for the bag of popcorn and accidentally ended up touching Pinkie's hoof with his own. She giggled and gave him another smile. The honesty behind her emotion struck a chord with the stallion. She held onto him for the remainder of the film.
The two conversed about their thoughts on the movie for a while. They agreed it was one of the better ones to come out that holiday season.
"I really had fun with you tonight."
"I did, too."
"Can I tell you something?"
"I don't see why not."
"I really missed you when you were gone..."
"You did...?"
"When I thought back to how things started out between us, I felt awful. I didn't know I had the potential to be so selfish, and I hated that part of myself."
"I know what you mean. I wasn't exactly on my best behavior myself."
"It made really reflect on what I believed I knew about reality. Did you ever wonder why I was so full of energy?"
"I just thought it was all the sugar," Cheese chuckled.
"It was a lie. I couldn't accept my isolation and fading sense of purpose. I was so wrapped up in trying to live a fulfilling life that I forgot what it meant to live a good life. It's hard to put into words, but...I know now I was headed down the wrong path. Being aware of my own mortality brought me nothing but sadness from the time I was a filly on. Maybe I was just convinced wearing a plastered smile and having as much fun as possible would make it less terrifying, but it ultimately didn't help."
"Pinkie...I don't know what to say..."
Pinkie leaned against Cheese, finding solace and warmth in his presence.
"The truth is, I don't know when, how, or where my life will end, but I know I have to find out what's important while I'm here. That's why I need you with me..."
Cheese gave her a sympathetic, compassionate expression.
"Please don't leave me again..."
Pinkie felt her chin lift. She was greeted by the sight of Cheese staring her in her eyes.
"I understand. I'll stay as long as you need me."
With a peck on her cheek, this time, Cheese was the one to smile. He smiled for her because she couldn't.
"Get on my back. I'll carry you home."
Pinkie was soon fast asleep. With the gentle, loving aid of Cheese, she would one day awaken ready to face what hardships were thrown her way.