6-2-1 Rule on Hearts and Hooves Day
Should have followed the rule
Author's Note
621 Rule
I wrote this because I literally do not follow this rule...be it for anime cons or working on special month videos. I will literally keep myself going on sheer willpower, little sleep, multiple snacks, and no real meals. Saphy dislikes this about me but it's a habit I can't really break.
Should have followed the rule
It's Hearts and Hooves Day. The most romantic day of the year for all ponies, whether they had a special some pony or not. Ponies all over town were giving presents to friends and loved ones. There was so much love in the air, if the Changelings weren't reformed, they'd be fed for days. And as usual, Sugar Cube Corner was jumping with ponies getting last-minute desserts. Saphirus was one of the said ponies, merely because he had placed a pre-order two days prior. And knowing Pinkie Pie and the Cakes usually got through these orders first, he knew all he had to do was pay at the counter and go. All went well in that regard. So with his sweets placed in his chilled bag, he made his way to the marketplace. He first ventured to the fruit stand for a Hearts and Hooves Day package, which merely consisted of apples, bananas, kiwi, pomegranate, mandarins, and pears which he'd turn into a fruit salad and use to make/decorate a cake he planned on baking for that evening. Next, he went to the flower stall to get a small bouquet of white, pink, and red roses to be the table centerpiece for a romantic dinner. Finally, she went to Carousel Boutique to get a present from Rarity's new winter line.
With all his items gathered, he ventured home. Giddiness beamed on his face because he had the perfect evening set in mind. But there was one little thing throwing a wrinkle in things. One very precious thing that needed to be resolved long before now. And he was set on doing just that but in his own way. Celestia damn the consequences and aftermath. Nothing was going to change his mind.
Upon his arrival home, Saphirus went to the kitchen to put away the dessert order, place the flowers in a vase, and put the fruit package on the counter to be prepped later. His hooves clopped loudly against the tile in the kitchen before being softened by the carpet in the living room while he ventured through the house. He made his way upstairs to a room at end of the second-floor hallway. A well-known room as the only other resident of the house has lately spent just about 72 - 80 hours in it. Saphirus looked to the floor and silently chuckled to himself, seeing the breakfast tray he'd left outside the door earlier was empty. 'Well at least she's eaten' He thought as he picked up the tray and brought it back to the kitchen. He set to washing the dishes before going to tidy up the house and prepare a simple lunch. 'She should be out in a few hours but just in case not, better make a little pick me up.' He made a toasted daisy and spinach salad, carrot puree juice, and a blueberry muffin.
Bringing it upstairs, Saphirus walked slowly, balancing the tray on his head. Straining his ears as he walks, he hears the vicious sound of keyboard keys being tapped furiously away. 'She must be really kicking in overdrive now. Oh, she's going to be wrecked soon.' He set the tray on the floor and lightly knocked before leaving. "Time to get to work," he mumbled and grabbed his belt of cleaning tools. As it was the second day of him being off work, he decided today was perfect for making the place as immaculately clean as possible. Sweeping, mopping, dusting, resetting the bed, some rearranging of furniture, and changing some of the furniture coverings which were basically rotating from winter colors to spring colors. Once all that was done, he went straight to the kitchen with a determined grin. It was time to make a dinner to end all date night dinners.
Saphirus was in the living room reading a book when he heard the sound of a door opening and closing. The sound of hooves on the carpet followed after it. When he looked up, he saw Lotus coming down the stairs, carrying the tray in her magic. Her mane and tail were messy, her glasses were barely balanced on the tip of her nose, her eyes had dark circles under them, and she looked drained overall. She set the tray on the coffee table and stared at Saphirus for a moment.
"Thanks for lunch...it was good," She mumbled softly.
Saphirus smirked a bit and tried to stifle a chuckle. "You look awful, love. Like a college student who procrastinated on homework and pulled all-nighters to get it done."
"I would prefer that," Lotus snorted and clumsily straightened her glasses. "Sorry I left you with everything."
"It's no big deal. But babe...you really need to follow the rule" he smirked.
The sound of glass breaking was practically audible as the look on her face changed from tired to contemplation then deadpan. "Don't...you dare...start that..."
"Whaaaaaat? I mean...it is true." He set his book on the shelf and walked over to her. "The 6-2-1 Rule exists for a reason love. The fact you follow it... sometimes, even much less than Princess Twilight, speaks volumes. This wouldn't have happened if you were prepared."
"I WAS prepared...I had a schedule set and everything...but then-"
"But then you procrastinated, things came up, you forgot, and overall didn't ask for help. As usual." He sighed. "Lotty, how many times have I told you that asking for help is not a bad thing just to prevent this situation?"
Lotus flicked her tail as she snorted again, 'Urge...to hit...rising...'
Seeing this, Saphirus smiled and flicked her horn. "No making that meanie face, you adorable blue pony. It's Hearts and Hooves Day."
Her face suddenly dropped. "H-Hearts...and Hooves Day....today...already?!!" She looked at the calendar. It was indeed the most anticipated holiday. "B-But I haven't gotten anything yet!! A-And there's so much decorating to do!! What do I do?! What do I do?!!" She began to panic before Saphirus flicked her horn again.
"Relax babe, I took the chance to make a lovely dinner for us. And after you're going to have a relaxing shower then we are going to get cuddles until you fall asleep...and I mean sleep till you recoup all those hours you spent awake." Saphirus lead Lotus to the kitchen, presenting her with an astonishing display. The table was set for them. Two small candles with the rose arrangement in the middle, a medium bowl filled to the brim with a delicious fruit salad glistening from a fresh coat of honey, and a pot simmering on the stove containing their dinner. The whole setup was like a personal restaurant reservation for them. "For tonight's dinner, I made a homemade tri-color pasta topped with cheese and fresh sliced beets and carrots with the fruit salad being an appetizer. And for dessert, I've bought your favorite strawberry and vanilla checkered cake from Sugar Cube Corner...and yes, I asked Mrs. Cake to use strawberry swirl meringue frosting instead of chocolate. Also, just for tonight, I will share a glass of your favorite wine as well."
Lotus' jaw dropped. She hadn't really paid attention to the fact something was cooking and now that it was brought to her attention, her mouth watered. "You...did all this?"
"Of course. I knew you were too busy (of your own stubbornness) and might forget the date. So, having not done anything for you yet, I decided to take the reins today. Now go freshen up and I'll have dinner all plated up." He smiled.
The couple had dinner and, just as he told her to, Lotus took a long and well-needed shower. Once that was done, she and Saphirus cuddled by the fireplace and talked until Lotus fell asleep. Saphirus smiled, brushed her bangs from her face, and kissed her forehead. "Happy Hearts and Hooves Day, Lotus."