Pinkie Pie hummed a nonsensical tune as she hopped along the hall, a plate of goodies somehow bouncing up and down on her back without ending up everywhere. The mare wore a wide, yet slightly tired grin. A smile that said the day may have been long and hard, but ultimately it was good, and well worth the effort that had been put into it. The veritable mountain of donuts, brownies, eclairs, and other baked goods on her back indicated that she and her friends were ready for a midnight snack.

She paused at the door, her grin growing so big that she couldn't help but giggle excitedly. “Oh they are going to be so happy. I made sure to make all of their favorites!” She whispered to herself.

Only to blink and straighten her back. “I think I’ve been hanging out with Twilight too much, I’m starting to talk to myself. Wait, there I did again, and again, and again!”

The pony clamped a hoof around her mouth in order to stop that train of thought before it got any further and distracted her from her true goal. She came bearing gifts, and was bound and determined to make her friends, and their lover, smile. With that in mind, she threw open the door and leaped into the room, somehow managing to bounce the tray of baked goods from her back and onto her extended hoof.

“Hello Equestria, I come bearing gifts!” Pinkie Pie announced with a smile.

The three other mares already in the room all gasped, either in shock due to Pinkie Pie’s sudden entrance as was the case with Fluttershy. In joy as was the case with Celestia, who was already eying up the eclairs, or disappointment which was unfortunately true when it came to Twilight Sparkle. Though even the grumpy unicorn couldn't help but eye the load of deliciousness curiously, her stomach rumbling at the sight.

Pinkie Pie bounced over to the bed where all three mare’s were laying in various positions. “And don't worry, I made sure to get something for everyone!” Exclaimed the pink mare.

Fluttershy peaked out from under Celestia’s wing, and nervously glanced at the plate. “Are you sure we should eat that in bed?” The pegasus asked only to peak out a little further. “And is that a Lemon Sichuan?”

Pinkie grinned even wider. “It sure is! I made a bunch just in case everyone else got curious so don't worry about sharing! Plus Twilight enchanted the bed so the crumbs get magicked away.”

“Well in that case. I think I will have just one.” Fluttershe whispered, the mare emerging fully from Celestia’s wing and slipping away from the gravid pony’s massive stomach. Just long enough to grab herself a treat anyway, then she was right back to her spot next to Celestia, one hoof holding the donut, the other rubbing the alicorn’s belly.

Twilight stiffened, and glanced over from her spot at the top of the bed, directly beside where Celestia herself laid her head on a small mountain of pillows. “Did you happen to make any of those low sugar glazed donuts that Mrs Cake sometimes makes?” She inquired.

“A whole half dozen of them.” Pinkie Pie declared, wiggling the plate seductively at the unicorn.

Snatching one up for herself, Twilight eagerly bit into the sugary sweet and chewed with unrestrained relish. “Thanksh Pinkie.” She muttered.

“Now I know I helped raise you better than that now missy.” Celestia began, her tone clearly not serious.

Twilight rolled her eyes, and magically shoved a double chocolate fudge brownie, with chocolate icing, and chocolate sprinkles on it into Celestia’s mouth. “Why fank oo.” Celestia replied, before chewing noisily.

Everypony not with food on their mouth giggled at the alicorn’s antics, while at the same time Pinke settled the plate down on a nearby end table and laid down next to Fluttershy. The party pony grabbed herself a simple chocolate donut and began to eat while watching the other ponies enjoying their deserts. The lone pegasus in the room was in absolute heaven, and between bites was making happy little noises that made Pinkie Pie grin.

Twilight seemed to only reluctantly enjoy her snack, hiding her smiles from Pinkie Pie’s gaze, or at least she tried to anyway. Celestia on the other hoof was chewing noisily and seemed to be in a chocolate induced fugue state where all that mattered was stuffing her face with more chocolatey goodness. Pinkie Pie just laughed, as the alicorn tore through a half dozen super chocolate brownies, the pink pony silently amazed that Celestia could even eat those things. Pinkie Pie was a connoisseur of all things sweet, and even she avoided the super chocolate brownies.

Throwing back the last of her own food, Pinkie Pie snuggled up next to Fluttershy, her head on Celestia’s stomach, and a hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder. At first the pegasus was stiff, but she quickly melted into the embrace, allowing the party pony to scootch a little closer, so they might both snuggle while still snuggling the alicorn.

“So, how was everyone’s day?” Twilight asked before reaching for another donut.

“Uneventful, for the most part.” Celestia began, swallowing the last bits of a brownie. “The castle staff took on a bunch of new maids, and guards, and I gave a short, private speech. It was… nice. I sometimes forget how different a more intimate setting like that can be.”

“When one sees themselves not through the eyes of others, but only themself, their behavior changes considerably.” Pinkie Pie stated.

Twilight blinked. “That is a very astute way of putting it.”

“Quite.” Celestia agreed.

“My own day was good, slow obviously.” Pinkie Pie began with a shrug. “Did some reading during the downtime. Tia has recommended me some really good philosophy books.”

“I’m glad you’ve taken a liking to it Pinkie.” Celestia replied with a wide smile. “Philosophy truly does open one’s mind and allows you to understand things you otherwise couldn't comprehend.”

“Maybe I should read philosophy...” Fluttershy muttered.

“So how was your day Fluttershy?” Pinkie Pie pressed, nuzzling the mare’s neck affectionately.

“It was nice…” Fluttershy smiled. “Quiet. I looked after a few poor birds who got caught in a brief storm that blew in from the Everfree.”

“I hope no one was too injured.” Celestia added.

Fluttershy shook her head. “They’ll all be fine.” The pegasus’ smile suddenly vanished. “If they will just stay still and listen to me that is.”

“Someone might have to break out the stare.” Teased Pinkie Pie.

“I just might if mister blue jay keeps trying to fly off.” Grumbled the pegasus.

“Well my day was great as well.” Twilight suddenly announced. “Until I got a rather sudden interruption by a certain someone.”

“Oh, and who was that?” Pressed Celestia.

“A pony by the name of Quick Flash, who stopped by the castle for the third time this week.” Twilight announced, mirthlessly. “He is becoming more insistent by the day and I’m fairly certain I caught him peeking in the window a few hours ago.”

Instantly all the positive energy that filled the room vanished, leaving Pinkie Pie rather annoyed at Twilight’s choice of topics, though the party pony kept that opinion to herself. For now anyway.

“He didn't see me leave here the other day, did he?” Fluttershy asked, the mare glancing over at the shrouded window as if the aforementioned reporter might somehow see through the shades, and the obstruction spells put in place.

Twilight shrugged. “I don't know. Maybe.”

“Speculation doesn't help anyone.” Pinkie Pie reminded, squeezing the pegasus a little tighter in her grip, trying to snuggle away the sudden shaking that had come over the shy pony.

“Is it really getting that bad?” Celestia murmured, her own gaze distant, the mare lost in thought.

“It's only a matter of time before he catches a picture of something unflattering.” Twilight stated. “My spells can cover the castle, but as soon as you leave there isn't much I can do.”

“Now hold your horses.” Pinkie Pie interrupted. “Can't we enchant some rings for disguises and stuff and have either of you two teleport us home? I don't think it would be thaaat easy for him to catch us doing something revealing.”

Fluttershy seemed to calm slightly, though she didn't completely stop shaking, much to Pinkie’s annoyance.

“It's possible, but it's only a matter of time before something comes loose and were found out.” Twilight asserted. “Which is why we need to tell the public what happened, and what the plan is.”

Celestia bit her lip nervously, her forehooves unconsciously going to her bulging, baby filled belly. “Your right Twilight. This has gone on too long, it's been weeks since this whole thing began. I can't leave the public in the dark for much longer.”

“We talked about this, remember?” Pinkie Pie pressed, the mare sitting up in order to look both Celestia, and Twilight in the eye. “We still haven't figured all of this out and announcing anything now would be like putting the cart before the horse.”

“You keep saying stuff, but what do you actually mean?” Twilight questioned, jabbing a hoof at the mare. “What could possibly be left to ‘figure out’?”

“Stuff.” Pinkie Pie replied reflexively, crossing her forehooves over her chest. “Not everyone wants to, or is ready for the media circus that will come with this announcement.”

Twilight was about to fire back a heated response, only to notice the way Pinkie Pie deliberately laid a hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder. Directing Fluttershy down to the nervous way that the pegasus clung to Celestia’s stomach, her whole body shaking slightly. The unicorn gulped, and looked down at princess, hoping for guidance, and finding that although Celestia seemed convinced, she too had noticed what Twilight had.

“I don't have to name you girls as the quote unquote father’s of my foals.” Celestia began, hesitantly at first, her confidence steadily rising the longer she spoke. “There must be a way we could avoid turning your lives upside down.”

“Exactly.” Twilight agreed. “And I have a plan that would make sure nopony gets inconvenienced by a reveal while also getting the media off Celestia’s back.”

Pinkie Pie grit her teeth. “We don't have everything figured out though. Wouldn't you rather for things to settle down a little more?”

“Wait for what to settle down?” Twilight questioned, the unicorn glaring hotly at her friend. “Because from where I’m sitting everything seems fairly settled.”

“Not everyone has gotten used to this whole thing Twilight.” Pinkie Pie stressed. “We may have already been super duper famous before but this is an all new level of different and strange.”

Fluttershy gulped and nodded. “I would feel a little better if we waited a little bit.” Muttered the pegasus, only to qual under the intensity of Twilight’s glare. “Or we could give that speech right now, either or.”

“Now Twilight, we should listen to what Pinkie Pie has to say.” Celestia cautioned.

The unicorn grumbled and crossed her hooves over her chest. “Fine.”

Pinkie Pie straightened her back and cleared her throat. “Why thank you Celestia, please allow me to illustrate my point with a simple question.”

“Go right ahead.” Celestia invited.

“Would you like to join me on a date to Donut Joe’s on the marrow?” Pinkie Pie asked, bowing as much as possible while remaining sitting.

The alicorn pushed herself up in order to better look at the earth pony, and the serious expression the usually not serious pony was now wearing. “Well I… Accept. When will this escapade take place?” She replied.

Twilight blinked, her forelegs falling uselessly to her sides as she looked from Celestia to Pinkie Pie and back again. “W-w-what?” Stuttered the unicorn.

“I believe that three o clock would be the perfect time don't you think?” Pinkie Pie asserted. “That should be more than enough time to don some disguises and plan out a route.”

“That should be enough time yes.” Celestia muttered, nodding slowly. “You certainly have given this some thought.”

Pinkie Pie smiled a little wider. “Of course! I’ve been thinking about asking you out like this for weeks!”

“Hold on! I want to call on my own date!” Twilight declared hastily. “The one I earned from that erm, time.”

Celestia looked over to Twilight and shrugged. “I suppose we could work that out, but we will have to space things out or figure out a different time.” Celestia tapped her chin, already deep in thought. “What did you have in mind?”

The unicorn’s hoof fell to her side. “I… don't know. But I’ll figure it out tonight!”

“I suppose if we take tomorrow to plan we could probably set something up relatively soon.” Celestia murmured, nodding slowly. “Yes, this should work. I do have the entire weekend free after all.”

“W-wait!” Fluttershy suddenly interrupted, the mare now sitting up like Twilight and Pinkie Pie were. “I thought we were already dating?”

Twilight’s jaw hung open. “Why would you think that?!”

Fluttershy winced and fell back slightly, Pinkie’s hoof catching her and holding her close. “Well it's just we’ve been sleeping together a lot, both literally and in a naughty way so I just assumed…”

“Well that would be a fair assumption.” Celestia remarked casually.

“I mean we have been making a lot of plans as a group as well. Its not that far fetched Twilight.” Pinkie Pie added.

“Not that far fetched? We haven't even gone on any dates, besides, I’m only interested in Celestia.” Twilight declared.

Fluttershy wilted even more, the pegasus’ face obscured by her mane. “Oh. I just assumed that we were all kind of dating Celestia with the assumption being that we were open to dating each other as well. That's what Miss Broken Heart said anyway.”

“Wait the columnist for the Canterlot Review?” Celestia asked suddenly.

Fluttershy nodded. “I was confused but then I wrote to her asking for advice and she helped me make sense of everything.” She sighed. “Or at least I thought she did.”

“Your not far off Fluttershy.” Pinkie Pie began, giving her friend a small squeeze. “The one part they missed is the part where we had a frank, honest discussion about our intentions.”

“That makes sense.” Fluttershy whispered.

“Hold on, how is everyone okay with this?” Twilight asked, looking between everyone else with a shocked and confused expression.

“Herds are very common, you know Twilight.” Pinkie Pie pointed out.

“Canterlot doesn't have many prominent herds I’m afraid.” Celestia explained. “Family trees get tricky when you form a herd, something the noble families found out long ago, and decided to put a stop to.”

“That doesn't sound very nice.” Fluttershy commented.

Celestia shook her head. “It's not like they forced through legislation or something like that. They just collectively decided to abstain from the practice of forming herds and the rest is history, as they say.”

“Well that's better… in a way.” Murmured the pegasus.

“You know Twilight, there was a time where having only a single partner was considered amoral.” Celestia remarked quite matter of factly.

“I er… didn't know that.” Twilight admitted.

“See? It's not so bad!” Pinkie Pie declared, the earth pony’s foreleg somehow long enough to grab Twilight by the shoulder and drag her across the bed where Pinkie could hug both her and Fluttershy at the same time. “We can all date Celestia and if you want don't want to join us that's okay too.”

“I err…” Twilight gulped, and glanced down at Celestia who was smiling happily. “We could do that… I guess.”

“Yay!” Fluttershy cheered.

Celestia shook her head and chuckled. “You three never cease to amaze me. First you save Eqeustria a dozen times over and now you actually want to date a giant blob of an alicorn.”

“Pisha. That just means there is more of you to love.” Pinkie Pie declared, her eyebrows wiggling vigorously.

“You can't think like that Celestia.” Fluttershy reprimanded. “It's natural for a pregnant mare to get a little bigger, and I think you have only grown more beautiful.”

Twilight nodded. “Absolutely and I’m sure that no matter how new this all is, we can work things out together.” The unicorn turned to her friends. “Right girls?”

“Heck yeah we will!” Pinkie Pie declared, pumping a hoof in the air.

“You may need to be a little patient with me but I’m willing to try.” Fluttershy whispered, the pegasus tapping her forehooves together awkwardly.

Celestia looked at the faces of the three ponies who declared their intentions so boldly, tears suddenly springing from the edges of her eyes. “Oh girls...” She whispered, opening her forehooves wide.

The three ponies all leaned forward and accepted the hug, each one sharing just enough space in order to squeeze the alicorn back all at once. Twilight’s fears were forgotten, as was Fluttershy’s own insecurities, both ponies rallying behind the pink pony who all but pushed them together. Though they were both unsure of how things would turn out, one look at Celestia’s tear strewn face was enough to convince them to try.

And one look at Pinkie Pie’s surprisingly determined expression told them that this whole messy situation might just work out after all.

Author's Note

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