Love And Dramas In The Government

After hearing a couple of knocks at the entrance of sugar cube corner, an eager Pinkie Pie, wearing a thick white apron, a yellow shirt and dark pink long skirt open the door and immediately extend her arms. Her pregnancy was now more obvious as her belly and chest seem to have grown significantly, same with her mane and tail apperantly that now seems to had balloon even more and were showing some streams and confetti trap inside of it

"MARK! You made it!" rushing forward she give a big hug to the human wearing a blue sweater and his informal clothes, as she is careful with the big light blue box present he was carrying with two arms.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world Pinkie. Sorry we are late, had some last minute debate to deal with"

"Oh something happen at townhall?" She ask with a raise eyebrow as she let go of him

"No, convincing Drusy to come along" He reply with a chuckle pointing at the bat pony next to him with his head. Said mare was wearing her normal punk style informal clothes at the moment as she chuckle with some embarrassment

"I still thinking this seems like a private event and not a place to invite anHMP!"

"NONSESES! The more the merrier" Pinkie immediately reply smooshes her face right on her chest and give her a very strong hug that cut her air supply for a moment before she jumps back "Come in, come in, we are just starting" She invite them over and step aside as Drusy recover her breath

"And that is why I insist to caring the present" Mark explain with a small smirk as Drusy glares at him.

"Did you set me up?"

"I warn you, she is a hugger"

"I think we go past "hugger" there Mark" She continue as they enter to a party at full swing pack full of ponies and others species chatting around. "I swear, I felt like that mare was trying to breastfeed me or something"

"That is Pinkie for you, but don't worry. She only do that when she gets too excited"

She give her a dead pan at that comment "You mean, like how she usually is all the time?"

"Fine, fine! Tell you what, if you see her coming at you. Just get behind me and I will take the hug, deal?"

"Deal!" She smirk with a nod as they leave the present on a table with others ones there. "Now if you excuse me, I will go mingle a little, I think I saw Inkwell near the fruit punch"

"Try not to gossip all night!" He call as she leaves

"No promises!" She warn him before disappearing among the crowd.

Chuckling briefly Mark shake his head before looking around the party as well until a familiar face caught his attention, and make him get closer to say individual, who at the time was talking with Applejack as they sharing a drink

"No way! Ms. July?" Mark ask in a cheerful tune as the mare in question turns around and flashes him a wide smile, her fur was light yellow with a mole near her right eye , she had a vibrant two tune red color long mane, arrange into a hive bee comb, held together by a yellow handkerchief with cherries imprinted on it. She also had a strong pink scarf tie on a knob on her neck and was wearing a long sleeve white shirt underneath a black vest, working jeans and a big golden belt buckle with cheery imprinted on it.

"Well, well, well look who we have here, Mark! Come here you little rascal!" Not waiting for permission she brought him closer into a strong hug much to Applejack surprise "Just look at you, my stars, how have you change" She break the hug while keeping her hands on his arms, giving them a little squish "My, my, someone has been working out since last time" She flashes him a flirty look, making Mark blush and chuckle in embarrassment

"I try to stay in shape Ms. July"

"Oh for pony sake!" She roll her eyes and punch his shoulder letting him go "How many times do I have to tell you? DROP the tittles, and just call me Cherry already! All this Ms.'s is making me feel old"

"A come on Ms...I mean Cherry, you, you actually look exactly the same" Mark compliment actually impress on how she doesn't seem to have age one bit

"Oh you flatter" She reply with a wave of her hands. AJ having had more than enough decided to step.

"Ah pardon me Mark, but how did you know my aunt?" She ask with a raised eyebrow.

"Didn't I tell you?" Mark ask equally surprise "Oh boy, it was probably by the time I stop writing" He ask in embarrassment making Cherry laugh and put her arm around his head

"Don't worry AJ, there is not much to talk about. This guy simply worked on my farm some years ago, that is all. You know how friendly I usually get with my employees"

"I thought that was only with family"

"Nope, she is just that good of a boss" Mark answer immediately

"Oh stop it, flattery would not get your job back" She let go and poke his chest "Not that you need it anyway, right Mr. Mayor, hmm? So much for that 'I would never be a pencil pusher' speech"

"JA well you be surprise Cherry, turns out been Mayor is more than just been behind a desk"

"Really now? Do tell"

"Nah, I wouldn't want to bore you, besides. I though you two were in a middle of something"

"Mark?" A familiar voice call from behind him and looking around he saw Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash approaching both with smile on their faces

"Nice! You made it! Dude we have so much to talk about" Rainbow exclaims in eagerness.

Cherry only laughs at that "Afraid you will have to wait a bit honey, Mark and I are just catching up, and to answer your question. Nah AJ and I were just chatting of nothing and pondering if she has everything pack already for her big trip"

"Wait, you know each other?" Dash and Fluttershy look at the two in surprise just like AJ was before.

"Used to work with her, and hey that is right, tomorrow is the big move" Mark remember and look a the 3 mares "How are you feeling? Nervous?"

"~Don't try to change to subject~" Cheery intervene before any of them could answer and poke his nose "So you were saying?"

"Well, I really was set on not just being behind a desk so since day one I made it my personal mission to be as active in the community as possible. So me and Drusy often time go around town, checks on everything organized social events, put into action various projects to improve the city and so on and on. Sure at the end of the day there is still plenty of paperwork but we make the effort of not been stuck in the office all day"

"I can see the results" Cherry nods in amazement

"Me too, did you really turn a criminal into a bloody pulp when he was invading Canterlot?" Dash ask in excitement

"N-no, didn't you heard the papers? Celestia..."

"Mark" AJ stop him by placing a hand on his shoulder and shake her head "Don't, just...don't. Don't even try"

With a defeated sigh he look down "Twilight?"

"Twilight" The 3 mares reply simultaneously

"Figures, listen that is suppose to be keep secret ok?" He look at the still eager Rainbow Dash "Yes I did"

"Oh my" Fluttershy bring her hand to her mouth in surprise

"Awesome!" Rainbow fist bump the air "Oh dude you and I are so need to have a sparring session now!"

"BUT! The world isn't ready, they can't know the mayor of Canterlot can punch holes into boulders, so please keep it a secret" Mark tells as they move their conversation near the fruit punch where all of them take a cup to drink.

"JA! Since you haven't change much, dear" Cheery laugh and pat his back "Still allergic to attention and compliments, for what I can see. Don't worry we will keep it between us, but just know there is such thing as been too humble"

"I will keep it in mind" He nods a couple of times.

"Why don't we change the subject?" Fluttershy suggest

"Agree" Cheery nods "There is something else I been dying to ask, tell me Mark. Have you got yourself a marefriend yet?" At the moment the mayor and caretaker were drinking a little and almost choke once they heard Cherry been so direct.

"Ex-Excuse me?" Recover some breath Mark answer first.

"Come on! Mr. Eligible Bachelor, don't think for a moment I didn't read the article" She mentions with a big grin making chuckle in embarrassment

"I have nothing to do in that Cherry"

"Doesn't change anything the ponies have spoken, and you are actually gonna a tell me that there hasn't been any mare that has caught your eye?"

"Well..." Smiling he pretends to be looking around the mares in the party when in reality he was looking at Twilight who was currently talking with Ocellus and Gallus "...there have been one or two" He admit with a small chuckle before receiving a slap on his back from Cherry who laugh hard.

"HA! So glad to hear that" She brought him into another hug and point at him with the hand that was still holding a cup "I was beginning to fear you got back into your shell and I would have to pop your cherry again"

The comment doesn't escape AJ as she actually spit her drink while Dash almost choke and Fluttershy surprisingly look mildly surprise and smile but looking at her friends do a double take and pretend to choke too.

"WHAT?!" AJ exclaim in horror but before she could say anything else Cherry end the hug and point at the distance "Hold it partner! Oh, ho, ho you think you could escape me? Big Mac! You big red trunk! Come here and give your aunt a big hug!" She cheer before rushing to see her nephew.

"Well! That was fun, so nice to see you girls I would go look for Rarity and..."

"Oh no you don't!" AJ block his way with a stern look "Care to elaborate what did my AUNT just say partner?" She ask in a cold tune letting him know that she wasn't exactly asking causing the mayor to gulp.

"Yeah dude, out with it. Did you...?" Rainbow continues

"Girls, girls" Fluttershy get in between them and Mark "Don't you think that is a bit personal?"

"It my aunt for pony sake!" AJ argues back

"Ok, ok relax AJ. You are a making a scene" Mark remind her pointing to his right as the mares see how ponies were beginning to look at them "Let look for a quieter place"

The farmer and wonderbolt exchange glances before aggreging and the 4 went upstairs looking for a secluded place to talk, finding an empty living room with some chairs to sit.

"Ok so it happen pretty early in my travels, I think by then I just left Ponyville, no wait! I went east first, visis Manehattan briefly...ok don't remember exactly when but I know it was before I went to the crystal empire" He resume.

"Wait so you actually...?!" AJ ask in horror but Mark stop her

"I getting there! Patience please! Or better yet, wait until I'm done" Mark request and she nods and sit back letting him resume

"Anyway, I was in a very...not low or vulnerable state of mind per se. More like in a conflicted set. It has been a while then, and I was beginning to feel like I was trying to distract myself from reality. No way of getting home, pondering if I should try the mirror, asking if I really wanted to go back home if I find a way. Lots of stuff in my head by then"

"Oh my, Mark aren't you happy here?" Fluttershy ask in sorrow.

"What? Oh no, no, don't worry about it. It happen a long time ago when I was doing soul searching and to answer. I'm extremely happy here, overtime I learn to love my life in this crazy fantastic world" He get lost in memory lane remember all the good times he had over the years, until AJ clear her throat.

"Oh yeah, but back then when I arrived at Appleloosa I was still figuring lots of things. Particularly if I could truly find a mare attractive, no offense, but to be honest in my world ladies with your appearance well...I know one or two stories where ladies with equine faces describe monsters that only wish to harm and kill"

"Hey!" Rainbow flares her wings in anger, until he mock surrender

"Sorry! Sorry it just how things work there, and they picture and describe them WAY different than you, which are basically supermodels"

Blushing a little the pegasus sit down and look away "...continue"

"So yeah, I was starting to find you attractive despite only knowing you as monster from campfire which only serve to scare me even more, I was curious and afraid I was Curfraid, so I decided to try distracting myself working on your aunt cherry farm."

He smile at the memory and shake his head "Oh that mare, she saw right through me and wouldn't take any excuse when I kept insisting everything was fine. God bless her for that" He look up at the still furoic AJ with determination.

"I will tell you right here, that I didn't intend for anything to happen, she was the one that put the offer in the first place and stated that it would only be that, sex. AH!" He stood up and raise a finger before AJ could chew his air, startling the group. "Applejack we all grown creatures here, so if you really wish to hear the story you will have to get use to the idea of your aunt been a mare with needs and don't go overboard. Are we clear?"

Still surprise they all nod slightly.

Mark needs a moment clear his thought so he pinch his nose and look around

"Never imagine he could take charge like that" Whisper to the others as they nod

"I do, and it one of his best assets" Fluttershy thinks about it with a dreamy expression.

Once he recover he turns around to them. "Anyway it didn't happen right away, in her words she only say "just go with the flow honey, and if you don't want to that is ok. But if you are really curious just have one taste? I'm a cherry expert after all" Then she wink at me and do something with a cherry that made me blush. Long story short I took her offer and couldn't be more proud and happy to do so"

Fluttershy smile and nod at the story feeling a small kindship on his situation to her own

"You slept with my aunt?!" AJ whisper shout with some heat on her cheeks as he nods once.

"Yes, but it was only physical. Only once, and only to help me make a decision, I'm grateful to your aunt for that AJ. And I give you my word, there was absolutely no malice in my actions or hers"

"...Fine!" AJ finally reply crossing her arms "But you better come clean right now mister, did you slept with any other of my relatives? Is there some crazy story I should be aware of?"

Mark makes some memory trying to recall all of his past encounters before shaking his head "Nope, not that I can recall and there weren't many. So I'm pretty sure Cherry Jubilee was the only one"

"Good that all I want to hear" They all stand up "Now let go enjoy the party, this is suppose to be our send off right?" AJ remind them as they start to walk away

"Also, not that it relevant but just in case I also date Daring Doo briefly"

"WHAT?!" It was Rainbow Dash turn to be shocked by the revelation, yet Mark just keep marching.

"A story for an another time, let go. I don't want to miss the cake or when they open the present"

"But...?" Before Dash could say anything else Fluttershy comes to his aid

"Come on Dash this is suppose to be a party not an interrogation. Let the poor guy go and let just have fun"

"But...but...Daring Doo" She whine but the caretaker insist and eventually Dash let it go and decided to let him be for now.

Later on while everyone else was chatting, Mark and Fluttershy went out side to have a little breather and chat in peace without the music inside forcing to shout everything they say.

"Thanks for the save early Fluttershy, for a moment there I was afraid that I would spend the rest of the evening explaining myself to Dash and AJ"

"It was nothing, we all entitle to our privacy" Fluttershy give him a small wink and subtlety point to Filthy Ritch with her head

"No! Him?! But...isn't he...?"

"Yep married, and I like to think that I help their relationship somewhat. They were on a dark place at some point and her wife needed to be learn a lesson. Let just say, she learned to appreciate her husband more and don't just view him as a check book" She proclaim in pride with a smirk.

"Je so glad to hear that. I'm surprise to hear THAT help save a marriage but I'm glad to hear it had a happy ending in the end. Speaking of which, you moving out. Does that mean that you no longer...well, you no longer would be there to help in that regard?"

"Why would I stop?" She ask blinking a couple of times in confusion.

"Fluttershy, this isn't like just moving to Las Pegasus. You and the rest will start a whole kingdom. I don't need to be an expert to know that you will have your hands full for at least months. I don't think you would have time to do what you love, at least...not without exposing your secret" He mentions with a worry tone.

The caretaker for her part only smile and nod "True it would be a while, and you are right that we will be busy" She place her hand on his shoulder "But that doesn't mean we can't visit. Tree Hugger was kind enough in telling me that I will always be welcome at her town, and when the time is right I would gladly operate our red district"

That comment catch him off guard but she stop him before he could say anything "I'm not ashamed of admitting who am I, and when the time is right I will come clean with everyone. I appreciate your concern Mark, I really am. But I'm telling you, everything will be fine"

That help him relax and nod "You really have come a long way from the shy and nervous mare I once knew. I only hope one day I can see you sing on stage"

"You will have a front row seat when that happen" Her eyes turn sultry and she get closer "And if you need any help you can always visit too"

That cause him to chuckle and nod once "Duly noted" He then remembers something "Just one thing, do NOT put a nudity in the front door of your office!" He demand with a stern look confusing the poor mare.

"Huh?"

"Long story I would explain some other day but anyway I will keep that offer in mind Fluttershy, and really I wish you the best of luck"

"Thanks" They share a hug between the two and enjoy each other company. Neither realizing how Princess Cadence was looking at them with intrigue from the second floor.

So that is your type, eh Mark? Now I know where to start

Her thoughts soon are interrupted when Pinkie exit the house and headed straight at the two wearing Mark present.

"Marky! I love the milk pomp! Thank you so much! Look they fit like a globe!"

With wide eyes Mark tries to back away "AH! Pinkie your shirt is open, is open, PINKIE!" He tries to warns her but it was too late as the machine came lose in time for Mark to be embrace by the party planner ample boson.

"Oh, oh my" Fluttershy blush lightly at the whole ordeal as ponies from inside the house have a small laughter at the event.

Later on a train back to Canterlot

Drusilla and Twilight kept trying to contain their laughing while a still blushing angry Mark keep staring at them, his shirt still slightly damp, same with his hair who had a faint milk smell on it. "Stop it"

"We didn't say anything" Twilight defend the two.

"It not that funny"

"It kind of is" Drusilla has to admit starting to laugh a little follow by Twilight "Tell me Mark, how did it taste" The two can't resist anymore and start laughing "Admit it, one small part of you, like it" They continue to laugh as Mark can't think of a rebottle can only sigh and look down.

"Can we change the subject please?" He look up and in particular Twilight "I have no issue but why did you come with us Twilight? Isn't today your last day in ponyville? Don't you want one last day at your castle?"

"I already say my goodbyes" Twilight explain more calmly before sighing and look at the window "And everything is pack and ready anyway, no, today there was a party sure but the girls and I wanted to spend tonight with our families, well except Pinkie. She was like me and had her goodbye party with her relatives early so she could go arrive first to New Harmonious with her husband and pet and start preparing everything for us. In the meanwhile, we all decided to spend time to our family before departing."

"Oh so you..."

"Yep, wanna a see mom and dad one last time before leaving, besides there is one small departing ceremony the Princess want to throw me before I leave so that is that"

Mark smile and reach out to grab her hand "You would be miss Twilight"

"Don't worry I will visit" She reassure him squishing his hand "And I will start writing the moment we arrive there"

"Please take your time to drink the view. We can chat and organized visit, schedules and the likes later on"

Twilight coo and they share one small kiss of intimacy "Besides there are still issues I have to deal here as well" Mark adds with some anger.

"Marky" Twilight erase his anger by putting her cheeks on his face "Promise you would give Cadence a chance, I know what she did was wrong but please, I don't want to see you two fighting" She ask giving him her best puppy eyes.

"Oh Twilight that is just cheating. You know with those eyes I be willing to move all of Canterlot by hand"

She keep staring until he breaks "Ok, ok, I will do what I can do mend things up with her...and ignore the fact she is setting you up into blind dates"

Smiling he give him another kiss this one more passionate with even a little bit of tongue that catch him off guard. "thank you honey, I promise. We will make it up to you" She leans forward and whisper on his ear "All night long"

Blowing some air the human shivers and his eyes roll causing Drusilla to laugh and shake her head at the funny expression he was making "Get a room you two"