“I’m back and I’ve got after date cocoa, and biscuits!” Pinkie Pie declared as she bounced into Twilight’s lounge with a platter of food and beverages on her back.

“That sounds wonderful, thank you Pinkie Pie.” Replied Fluttershy, who was quick to take the platter from the other pony’s back and place it on the low table that sat between her and Twilight.

Twilight nodded, and silently grabbed herself a cup of cocoa, and a biscuit, chewing silently on her snacks as she sat to Celestia’s right.

Pinkie Pie bounded over to her spot across from Celestia before grabbing a drink and a snack for herself. “So, what did I miss?”

Fluttershy sat down to Celestia’s left, before slipping a little closer to the mare, and sighed contentedly now that she was bathed in the heat coming from the fire which raged behind them. “Not much, we were kind of waiting for you to come back before we talked about the dates.” Fluttershy replied, laying her head on the alicorn’s side.

Celestia nodded slowly, swirling her cup of cocoa with her magic. “I didn't want to say anything while you were away. Lest I be forced to repeat myself.”

“What is there to say anyway?” Twilight interrupted. “Because I don't know about you but I’m dying to know who you have chosen.”

The alicorn sighed, and placed a weary hoof on the unicorn’s side. “It is not that simple. Allow me to start by saying what I enjoyed about each of your dates. If that is alright with you three.”

Pinkie Pie nodded eagerly. “Sounds good to me.” She exclaimed before tossing back an entire biscuit and chewing noisily on the sweet treat.

Fluttershy smiled. “Take all the time you need.”

Twilight grumbled, and crossed her hooves over her chest. “Fine.”

“Thank you.” Celestia whispered, the mare taking a long sip of her cocoa before putting it down on the table before them. “Now then, Fluttershy. Your date was an absolute treat, I don't think I’ve ever been so relaxed, and excited at the same time.”

The pegasus grinned and did a little happy dance without standing up.

Celestia chuckled. “I have always enjoyed walking in the woods, but to be accompanied by you, and your boundless enthusiasm and kindness put everything in a whole new light. To hear you speak animatedly about every animal we saw made me want to know more, and to know you more.”

Fluttershy’s smile grew even bigger, to the point that she could hardly contain herself. “R-really?”

Nodding, Celestia brushed a few stray strands of hair that fell in front of her face. “I did, and I do. That walk, talk, and pleasant lunch with you and your animal friends was exactly what I needed to unwind.”

“Oh I’m so happy.” Fluttershy gushed, leaning against the alicorn. “I practiced making that pie, and those sandwiches for days.”

“And your passion, and drive came out in everything you made. From the ice tea, to the main dish.” Celestia declared. “I was also glad we could talk seriously, just you and I.”

The pegasus blushed, and looked away. “I’m glad we were able to talk about that as well. I feel so silly for believing all those things.”

“Its okay Fluttershy. We all learn at different paces.” Celestia whispered, as she gently pulled Fluttershy’s chin up, and allowing their eyes to meet once more. “And you have grown remarkably since this whole debacle began.”

“Oh don't say that.” Fluttershy retorted. “It's more of a misunderstanding then anything, and I wouldn't take it back for the world.”

“Thank you, dear heart.” Celestia exclaimed. “I will try to think of it that way from now on.”

“So, what does this mean for the rest of us?” Twilight interrupted.

“Shh, she's getting there.” Hushed Pinkie Pie.

Celestia nodded. “Pinkie Pie is right, please wait just a little longer. I promise this will all make sense soon.”

Twilight sighed, and went back to her cocoa, grumbling silently to herself.

“Speaking of a certain pink pony, I was very surprised, and intrigued by your date.” Celestia began, gesturing to the party pony sitting across from her.

Who swallowed her food, and grinned from ear to ear. “Aww shucks, it was nothing. I knew you were a fan of donuts, and circuses so I thought, why not both?”

Celestia chuckled as she shook her head. “I don't know how you managed to convince the Oz circus to perform in the gardens for only us and the staff, nor how you got Donut Joe to cater the event but it was amazing.”

Pinkie Pie blushed, and pawed the floor. “Daw it was nothing. The ponies at Oz heard about your recent donation to a charity of theirs, and Donut Joe owed me for setting him up with his husband.”

The alicorn blinked, recoiling in shock. “That was you?”

“Uh huh.” Pinkie Pie declared, the mare bobbing her head. “After I heard about Soarin’s sweet tooth, I just had to send him Joe’s way and sure enough they hit it off.”

“Wait, Donut Joe is gay?” Twilight asked.

Pinkie Pie continued to bob her head. “Yupper doodles. Soarin’s bisexual, but I knew hed be into Joe since they both have the same weird type of humour.”

The unicorn chuckled. “They are rather unique in that regard, aren't they?”

“Well, that certainly is interesting.” Celestia concluded. “Anyway, what I was going to say is that I really enjoyed our date, from the food, to the entertainment, to the impromptu musical number. It was all well crafted, wonderfully planned and executed. In fact, if you and Twilight ever decided to team up, I am sure there wouldn't be many ponies who could be a match for you two.”

The earth pony gasped. “Oh my gosh, that is an amazing idea!” She spun around and grabbed Twilight by the hoof. “We have totally gotta collaborate for a party sometime!”

The unicorn blinked, and nodded slowly. “That does sound like an interesting challenge. If nothing else.”

“As I was saying.” Celestia interjected. “The date was wonderful, and your energy, and enthusiasm was infectious. When we were together, I felt a thousand years younger.”

Pinkie Pie blushed, and batted a hoof at the alicorn. “Oh stop.”

“It is true. In fact, it's something I felt on our date as well Fluttershy.” Celestia added, turning to the pegasus. “You helped me to truly relax for the first time in a long time, while Pinkie Pie helped to energize me.”

Fluttershy grinned from ear to ear. “I’m so happy that you think that way pri- I mean Tia.”

The alicorn smiled contentedly and gave the pegasus a small, appreciative nod. “In fact, this theme of feeling younger was something I got from every one of our dates, Twilight included.” Celestia concluded.

The unicorn perked up, her dour mood gone in an instant. “Really?” She pressed.

“Indeed it was.” Celestia vowed. “I have known many intelligent ponies in my time. From famous philosophers, to mages, to brilliant bakers, and carpenters. All of them contained the spark of genius, but few had the kindness, and empathy that you do Twilight.”

“I um… don't know what to say.” Twilight whispered.

“Well don't feel too proud of yourself yet, as I loved the museum you settled on, and your restaurant choice but there were also things I did not love.” Celestia announced, the room instantly going quiet, and all eyes turning to the unicorn.

“W-what do you mean?” Twilight replied nervously, eyes wide and filled with fear.

“The date itself was wonderful, and your commentary, and discussions were insightful, and deep.” Celestia began, only to sigh. “But you continued to treat this as some sort of race, or competition, trying to needle information out of me on what Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie did well.”

“I was just curious…” Twilight muttered, her shoulders sagging.

“You were so curious that the last hour of our date was spent talking only about Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie.” Celestia whispered. “And it is for that reason that I don't think I can choose any of you. You are all wonderful ponies, but I don't think it's fair to pit you against each other like this, especially if I am going to disappoint two of you in the process.”

The room grew even more silent, the only sound being Twilight’s soft sobs. That was until Pinkie Pie hopped up. “No, I don't think thats whats going to happen here at all.” She declared confidently.

“What do you mean?” Celestia asked the perplexed princess. “I just want you girls to be happy, and I see now that-”

“What you see is a hard choice that you can shoulder the burden of and believe that's the best option.” Pinkie Pie began, trotting across the room and jabbing a hoof at the alicorn. “Your confused, and conflicted, I get that, but unfortunately I am overruling your decision because it's a poopy one.”

“You can't say that Pinkie Pie, she's the-” Twilight began, only for the party pony to spin around and glare at her.

“And another thing. When she is in this room with just us, she's the princess of nothing.” Pinkie Pie declared, spinning back around and facing Celestia. “Isn't that right?”

Celestia blinked in confusion. “I err, usually put it a little more elegant than that but-”

“Thank you princess cutie booty.” Pinkie Pie interjected before turning back to Twilight. “So, now that you got that through that stubborn noggin of yours, this is what's going to happen next.”

The pink pony began to pace back and forth in front of the three mares atop the coffee table, not unlike a drill sergeant in front of her recruits. “To start, we are all going to date Celestia.” Pinkie Pie declared.

“B-but I-” Celestia tried to interrupt, only to get a face full of angry Pinkie Pie, making her recoil.

“You like, like me, don't you?” Pinkie Pie asked, prompting Celestia to nod. “And you like, like Fluttershy, right?” Again, Celestia nodded. “And you like, like Twilight in the same fashion, isn't that right?”

Celestia pursed her lips, and nodded slower this time. “You are correct.”

“And you worry about Twilight not being able to handle this change, and you can't bear to date both me and Fluttershy, knowing doing so would break Twilight’s heart?” Pinkie Pie continued.

The alicorn sighed and hung her head. “You are correct again, miss Pie.”

“I thought as much.” Pinkie Pie stated, before walking over to Twilight, who flinched under the intense gaze of her friend. “Twilight Sparkle, you know how to share don't you? Celestia taught you that much at least right?”

“I mean yes, but this is different.” Twilight replied earnestly, only to quickly look back down.

“Love is not a finite resource. Love is free, love given is received twice over.” Pinkie Pie continued, her voice softening slightly. “Would you love Celestia any less if she also loved me and Fluttershy?”

Twilight shook her head confidently. “Not even a little bit.”

“Exactly.” Pinkie Pie declared, the mare stomping her hoof. “So would it be that difficult to all date Celestia at the same time?”

Sighing, Twilight hung her head. “No.” She whispered. “Oh what a fool I’ve been.”

Pinkie Pie leaned down and cupped the mare’s chin. “Its okay Twilight, auntie Pinkie Pie’s here to show you the way.”

Twilight chuckled awkwardly and wiped away a stray tear. “Thanks ‘auntie’.”

The earth pony flashed her friend a wink before strutting back before the others. “Now then, that's not only the first thing that's going to happen. To start, we are going to ease into the possibility of also dating one another at the same time, and transitioning to a true herd. And lastly, Celestia will be allowed, and encouraged to maintain her physical relationship with Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Got it?”

The three mares all nodded in unison.

Pinkie Pie stepped off the coffee table, took a deep breath and deflating onto the floor. “Alright, now can someone please hand me a biscuit? That took a lot out of me.” She whispered.

Celestia used her magic to place one such treat into Pinkie Pie’s mouth.

The three ponies all sat there in silence as their friend slowly chewed and swallowed, her eyes reopening only once it was swallowed. “So, what do you girls think?” Asked the party pony.

Fluttershy smiled, and took a step forward. “Well I think that's a wonderful idea. I may be new to this whole dating thing, but I don't see why it couldn't work out.” The pony blushed slightly. “Plus I may have had a teensy weensy crush on you for a while.”

“Aww, thanks Fluttershy. We are so going on a date of our own, in like a week though. My emotional batteries are a tiny bit empty.” Pinkie Pie replied tiredly.

“Me too Pinkie Pie.” Fluttershy whispered, gently pulling the earth pony into her outstretched hooves and squeezing her tightly.

“I think it could work.” Twilight added nervously. “Thinking back on it, I was being rather selfish. Which was silly considering Pinkie Pie hinted at this the last time we all talked like this.”

“I don't know what to say, but if you all are okay with this, then I guess I have to go along huh?” Celestia half asked, half stated.

“Nope!” Pinkie Pie declared suddenly. “You cannot start a relationship by feeling obligated.”

Celestia chuckled and nodded slowly. “You are quite right Pinkie. To tell you the truth, I am quite happy with this outcome.”

“Good.” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, before slipping back into Fluttershy’s grasp.

“I’m sorry I was so weird earlier.” Twilight added suddenly, the mare standing up and looking down on her friends turned partners. “I thought that if the public saw me and Celestia together, in a more or less normal relationship, that Celestia would see that this was the easiest way to work things out. But it should never be about what the easiest solution is, rather it should be about what the best possible solution. Which this one definitely is.”

“That was wonderful Twilight.” Celestia replied, pulling the mare in for a tight hug. “And very well spoken.”

“You should totally sell a tshirt with that on it.” Pinkie Pie offered before joining the alicorn in hugging Twilight. “Oh and I forgive you. I know you were coming from a place of love, even if you were misguided.”

Fluttershy nodded and joined as well. “I’m happy everything worked out. I don't know what I would have done if I couldn't see you again Tia, or hang out with either of you two girls.”

Twilight sniffed, as he tried to hug all three ponies back as much as the awkward situation would allow. “Thank you all. It means a lot to hear you say that.”

Pinkie Pie gave them all one last squeeze, before hopping back. “Alright, I now declare that moping time is officially over. Who wants cupcakes?”

The three ponies all sat there in shock as the party pulled a tray of cupcakes decorated with the words ‘Congratulations us’ across the platter.

“Where were you keeping that?” Twilight questioned.

“In my mane, but don't worry there isn't a single hair on em, see?” Pinkie Pie remarked before shoving the entire platter into Twilight’s face.

The unicorn blinked, and noticed that her friend was indeed correct. “Huh, would you look at that.” Twilight muttered.

Celestia smirked as she grabbed a cupcake. “How did you know things would work out?” Asked the alicorn.

The party pony shrugged. “I didn't, but I was sure as heck going to try and make sure it all worked out well.”

“Mmm, these are really good.” Fluttershy commented after biting into one of the delicious, frosted treats.

“Thanks! Try a bunch, I made a couple different flavors.” Pinkie Pie pointed out.

The other ponies all nodded, noticing that Pinkie Pie was indeed correct, and there were white, brown, blue, and red muffins, all with a variety of colorful toppings. After placing the plate down on the end table, which Pinkie Pie pulled over in order to make its position less precarious, the pink party pony grabbed a treat for herself before chowing down. The rest of her friends either followed suit, or were already doing so.

Moans of pleasure, and whispers of thanks were passed around almost as much as the cupcakes themselves were and in no time the treats were gone. The cupcake platter quickly joined the cocoa and biscuit platter by the door as three ponies lay cuddled around princess Celestia, a content smile on their faces.

“Hey Pinkie Pie.” Twilight spoke up suddenly.

“Yeah Twilight?” Replied Pinkie without opening her eyes.

“Since when have you been this good with relationships?” Twilight asked.

“I’ve always been this good silly.” Pinkie paused, and tapped her chin. “Well I mean, not always. I’m pretty sure baby Pinkie couldn't even spell relationships.”

“And here I thought Rarity would have been the best with this sort of thing.” Offered Fluttershy, who nuzzled closer to Celestia’s belly.

“Your fashionable friend may be many things, but they are not good at that.” Celestia pointed out. “Though I too wonder where your relationship skills come from.”

Pinkie Pie shrugged. “I’ve spent just about every waking moment around ponies. Talking to them, hearing their worries, troubles, and celebrating their successes. I guess after a while I just got good at figuring this kind of stuff out.”

“That does make a lot of sense.” Murmured Twilight, who blushed suddenly. “I should really get out more.”

“Ahh I wouldn't worry about it too much Twily. I’ll make sure to drag you out if you get too stuck in your head.” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, while clopping a hoof against Twilight’s noggin.

Twilight chuckled, blushing slightly as she looked over to the earth pony. “I’d like that.”

Pinkie Pie leaped to her hooves, gasping dramatically. “I almost forgot! Celestia!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, grabbing the alicorn by the cheeks. “Applejack needs you!”

“What now?” Celestia asked.

“I went to see her the other day cus the bakery needed apples, so I thought duh, Applejack. Then when I got there, she was all saddy waddy for some reason and no matter how I asked she didn't say anything!” Pinkie exclaimed, quite dramatically at that. “But then I got the feeling that it was a little bit of a doozy, one that I couldn't fix myself.”

“Why do oo fink I ould elp?” Celestia pressed, cheeks too squished to allow her to speak properly.

“Well, as you know Applejack is a sturdy pony, she tends to deal with her problems pretty much as soon as they crop up. Yet this one she is having trouble right? What's one thing that's changed dramatically about her life, and may be difficult to deal with?” Pinkie Pie explained.

Twilight shook her head, and magically removed Pinkie Pie’s hooves from Celestia’s face. “She does make a good point you know. I’m sure if you went to talk to her you could help her out.” Twilight added, having turned to Celestia.

“She respects you, and may open up if someone she thinks can help is doing the asking.” Fluttershy added.

The alicorn rubbed her chin absently. “I suppose that is quite sound reasoning. Okay, I’ll go see her tomorrow sometime.”

“Great! Cus a sad Applejack is a distracted Applejack. She gave me fourteen apples when I only paid for ten!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

“That is quite serious.” Fluttershy murmured. “Applejack is generous but not usually when it comes to the farm.”

“Regardless, I hope you can help her Celestia.” Twilight finished.

Celestia nodded. “Me too. Miss Applejack is quite the excellent conversation partner.”

“Whew. I’m glad that's figured out.” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “Now, who wants cake?”

Twilight and Fluttershy both groaned and clutched their still full bellies while Celestia perked up instantly. “What kind?”

“Chocolate fudge!” Pinkie Pie declared.

“Excellent. I will take two pieces to start.” Celestia announced.

“Okay Dokay!” Pinkie Pie replied, handing the mare a rather full plate of cake.

“What about you two?” Celestia asked, glancing at Fluttershy and Twilight, who groaned in unison. “Was it something I said?”

Author's Note

This update was made possible by the wonderful support of readers like you: Apollyon, Astor, BeenMcsqueen, Blade Tech, Calum, Canary in the Coal Mine, Ceepert, Corey, Craig, Dale, DioKyro, Doomgooey, Facinus, Free, GruB, I am Unknown, Ivar, Jacob, Jeffrey, Kali, Lich-Lord Krosis, M, Makani, Megatyrant, Menthol Qtip, Mephia, Mike, Mikhalia, Mirvra, Mophop, Nathan, Neverborn, Nfreak, Octavia and lowbar, Pacsik, Peter,Prysm, Random reader, soundtea, Starless, Steven, Tiwake, Todd, Trash Panda, Vigilant Watch, annnnnnnd Xvos!