There’s a grumble in your belly as you catch sight of the proud grandfather clock behind the counter. It’s just about lunchtime, which means the first half of your day hasn’t dragged on too badly.

You smile as you finishing ringing up an order for one of your customers. “That’ll be 12 bits please.”

The stallion nods as he gives you a few coins. “Here you are.”

You take the money and add it up. Pressing a few buttons on the older style register, well older than the modern models you knew on Earth. The drawer spits open allowing you to house the bits in their proper section. After closing the drawer, you continue to smile. “Is there anything else I can help you with today, sir?”

The customer shakes his head. “No, but thank you as always for the kind and helpful service.”

“You are quite welcome, sir. Thank you for stopping by, and have a good one.”

“I will, you do the same.”

Your smile becomes contagious as the stallion breaks out into a happy one while he gathers his bag and walks away. There’s an upbeat step in his gait as he leaves the shop.

You no sooner take a step back, then a lovely white mare with teal hair walks up to the counter. The smile remains on your face as you catch sight of her lovely purple eyes. “Hello, miss, is there something I can help you with or find?”

She seems a bit shy as first, then clears her throat. “Y-yes. A friend of mine told me you sell melody crystals here. Is that right?”

Continuing to smile, you step out from behind the counter. “Why yes, we do. Here.” You point over to one of the aisles. “Do you see that display of greeting cards?”

The mare follows your pointing finger. “Yeah.” She nods then looks back at you.

“If you head back that aisle, with the cards, you’ll find the melody crystals on the other side…eh, a little over half way down.”

She smiles and gives another nod. “Thank you.” The mare makes her way back the aisle and seems very happy from the information you gave her.

Letting out a calm sigh, you lean against the counter and once again are glad that you work in the stationery shop. You’re good at what you do and you take satisfaction in helping the customers.

“Ah, there you are.” A more than familiar voice rings out.

“I know that voice,” you speak aloud. Turning your head you smile, confirming your suspicions. “Twilight, it is you. But what are you doing here?”

Your beloved unicorn steps up to you, bearing you an adorable smile, while looking even cuter clad in her winter coat. “I’m here to see you, you goof.”

You chuckle, scratching your cheek. “I figured that. But, I wasn’t expecting you.”

Twilight walks up to you and lightly brushes against you. “Neither was I, but I spent the morning working on a paper for Princess Celestia, when I noticed the time. I was hungry anyway and thought it might be nice if we had lunch together.”

You place your arm around Twilight. “That sounds great, but I’d better check and see if my boss minds if I duck out now.”

“He won’t mind at all,” Bright Feather calls stepping out from the back room. “You did such a good job minding the shop that I already finished my lunch.” Your boss glances at the clock. “Yeah, it’s almost 12:30. You can join Twilight.” Bright smiles at both of you and gives a happy nod.

“Thank you, sir…uh Bright. I’ll be back by one.”

“Not a problem. And don’t worry if you’re just a minute or two late.” He grins, before continuing. “I was young once.”

You nod graciously, and then duck behind the counter. Removing your apron, you quickly move back out again and join your mare. “All right, Twilight. Shall we?”

She giggles and nods. “Yes.”

“Ooh, one second. It’s always so warm in here. I almost forgot it’s still cold outside. Let me grab my coat.”

“Okay.” Twilight smiles and waits out front while you dash back to your locker and secure your coat. Then, after zipping up, you rejoin your mare as the two of you depart the shop.

Emerging outside, you notice it’s not quite as cold today. “Wow, what a difference a day makes.”

Twilight nods. “I know. That wind died down and it doesn’t feel quite as cold.”

You place your arm around her as you both walk along. “So where are we going?”

“Right over there.” Twilight points at her favorite café.

“Oh, right. You love this place…and so might I add do I.” You think back for a minute as the two of you walk over and head inside. “Yeah, we used to come here a lot for lunches on days I’d help you in the library.

“Yep.” Twilight smiles. “Those were good times.”

“Greetings. We’re a little zlow today, zo feel free to zit wherever you like.” The host pony remarks. He smiles at both of you as he normally does upon your arrival. “Zo, it’s been a little while zince I’ve zeen you two.”

You smile at his charming accent. He speaks like a French waiter, or as in Equestria, Prench, because like Earth they have a similar country called Prance. Though, you still are trying to wrap your ears around the way the word “Prench” sounds when spoken. Somehow it just seems a little off. But, you figure it will grow on you more in time.

Focusing your attention on the host stallion, who also tends to double as a server, you smile. “Yes. Well this is a place we usually come to when it’s warmer.”

He nods. “Ah yez. I zee, you enjoy zhe alfresco dinning.”

“That’s right, we do,” adds Twilight. “But I told him that your indoor seating is just as good.”

You nod. “That’s right.”

The stallion sees how fondly you speak to each other and stares briefly as he seems to notice how closely the two of you are standing. “Could it also be zhat you two are now more than juzt friendz?”

“Maybe,” you reply.

“Either way, zit where you like. And a thousands apologizes for holding you up.”

“That’s okay,” you respond as you and Twilight walk past him.

“What about here?” Twilight asks pointing to one of the booths.

“That’s perfect.”

The two of you sit down across from each other and just as you get comfortable, you notice Twilight place a hoof over your hand. “I know we spent last night together and I saw you this morning before you left for work, but…” Twilight blushes. “I really missed you.” She sighs, a little dreamily and a little bit out of frustration. “I must seem crazy.”

You reach back and stroke the fur around her hoof. “Hey, Twilight, it’s all right. We’re in that early phase of love. It’ll make you seem a little crazy at times. And…” Glancing around the café you turn back to her. “Wait a sec?”

“Yes,” Twilight asks, basking her violet eyes on you.

“Are you meaning to say that when we used to come here…you were already seriously crushing on me?”

Her blush deepens as she nods sheepishly. “Yes, I can’t deny it. But what about you?”

You feel your cheeks become warm as you continue stroking the fur of her foreleg. “Yeah…I was happy every time we came here. I cherished any time we got to spend together. Even though I was almost certain you didn’t feel the same way or that I’d never have a chance, due to your schedule.” You grin. “That and I figured a mare as incredible as you had to have plenty of good stallions knocking at your door. So, I figured, what chance did some human have.”

“Wow.” Twilight speaks softly. “And I used to think that I was too big of a bookworm or as Rainbow Dash always said, “An egghead,” to be of any interest to you.”

You clasp her hoof and fight the urge to pull Twilight out of her seat so you can hold her. Settling for an affectionate grip on the end of her foreleg, you smile at her, feeling that familiar flutter and tightness in your heart. “It’s just like the other day, when we finally found each other.”

“Yeah.” She smiles, the glassy look in her eyes lets you know she’s feeling the same inside.

Play "Love Changes" (Optional)

That’s when you catch the sounds of oddly enough a human song on the café radio. “Twilight, do you hear that song on the radio?”

She nods. “I do.”

“It’s an older one but a good one.”

The two of you sit there and just stare into each other’s eyes, while listening to the lyrics of the song.

As the song plays on, you release your grip on Twilight and get up. It’s no longer enough to just clasp her hoof. You walk over to her side of the booth and slid in next to her. You throw your arm around her and pull her close. “Twilight,” you speak in a nearly muted voice.

She rests her head against you and whispers your name, lightly pawing your chest.

(Wait till song ends (Optional))

As the song comes to an end, Twilight notices you sniff and reaches out her hoof in time to catch a lone tear as it overflows from the crowd the others made in your eye. “Look at me, Twilight? I’m just as bad.” You give her a light squeeze. “That song was beautiful.”

She rests her head on your shoulder and sighs. “It really was. It’s depicting your love life here in Equestria. But…”

“Yeah. What is it, Twilight?” You rub your hand along her barrel.

“I only hope, I don’t end up doing like the other mares.” She shakes her head. “I don’t want to break your heart. But I’m still both new and rusty when it comes to romantic relationships.”

You chuckle. “Well, just look at my track record. I’m hardly a pro, heck I’m still a novice at best. I even have an ex trying to claw her way back into my life.” You sigh, keeping Twilight close. “Don’t worry, Twily. We’ll work through this. I’m sure we’ll hit our rough patches, but we’ll make sure to handle each as they come and make sure we don’t act too hasty. Deal?”

Twilight nods and nuzzles against you. “Deal.”

She gives you that adorable look of hers, just as you contemplate kissing her. “Uh, we should probably move apart a little the waitress should be…”

“Oh, my goodness, I am so sorry to keep you two waiting. There was a little crisis in the kitchen.”

“See,” you whisper as you both scootch apart. Smiling at the waitress, you shake your head. “Hey, that’s okay. We were just chatting while we waited.”

“Okay, then, here are some menus or do you know what you want?” The tan mare offers you the menus.

“Yeah, we’ll take a minute to look over things.”

“All right, I’ll be right back. Still have to make sure everything’s good back there anyway.” She grins, giving you some time to check the menus.

You look around and don’t see anypony else. The host stallion is cleaning the windows and you note that your booth does afford you a little privacy. Turning, you give Twilight a very loving look.

“What, what’s that look for?” She blinks.

You chuckle. “Well, we have a few minutes and the host is busy cleaning windows. So, I thought…” You replace your arm around Twilight and instead of saying anything else, you draw her close to you. She smiles briefly before nabbing you in her hooves, just as your lips meet. You press your lips firmly to hers and feel Twilight happily respond in kind.

Your kiss lasts just long enough to keep from going overboard. Twilight looks at you airily and leans against you. “This was a great idea for lunch.”

Patting her back, you nod. “It sure was. So, any idea what we want?”

“Hmmm, probably…the usual.” Twilight chuckles as she pushes the menus aside.

* * * * * *

You take a lengthy sip of your ice water and pat your gut. “Mmm, that was tasty.”

Twilight giggles. “Yes, it certainly was. Ahh, what a wonderful way to spend lunch.” She smiles, once again staring at you with her beautiful eyes.

You close your eyes briefly, then return her look. “Yeah, I know I loved the company.” Your kind words elicit another fond smile from Twilight. Glancing out the window, you catch the sun peaking out from behind a series of clouds. “Huh. That’s right. Before you know it, spring will be here, won’t it?”

Twilight nods. “It sure will. Heart’s and Hooves Day takes place a good two-thirds of the way into winter. So, in a week or so the planning will be starting for Winter Wrap Up. But the bulk of it won’t be till a week or two into March.”

You nod, then your face brightens. “Hey, now that we’re a couple, does that mean I get to help you with Winter Wrap Up? I mean, I’ve done my part in the past, but I’ll be closer to the action this year.”

Twilight chuckles and nods. “Of course. Since my first winter in Ponyville, I’m still the all-team organizer. And Spike never seems too big on getting up early or helping. He still likes to spend most of his time napping.” She starts laughing again.

Twilight’s adorable laugh makes you laugh too, especially since you know first hand that Spike tends to be more than a little stubborn at times. “Yeah, I know how Spike can be. Well, we can plan when the time comes and I’ll be more than happy to lend you any assistance so that winter can be wrapped up smoothly.”

“Wonderful. I always appreciate any help.” Twilight places her hoof on your hand. “And I’d certainly welcome your assistance.” Her eyes partially close and she smiles again.

You smile and nod, then catching a glimpse of a nearby clock, you let out a heavy sigh. “Ah, dang. It’s just about time for us to go. I have to get back to work.”

Twilight shares your sigh. “Oh well, it can’t be helped. And as much as I’d like to stay with you, I do need to get back to that paper I was working on for the princess.”

Chuckling, you pat Twilight’s shoulder. “Well then, it seems duty calls.” You reach for your bits, but Twilight stops you. “Huh?”

Twilight pulls back her hoof. “I’ll get this.”

“You sure?” You ask.

She nods. “Uh-huh. You paid for lunch yesterday. Let today be my treat, sweetheart.” Twilight blushes a little, seems she still really enjoys using terms of endearment.

“All right, if you insist, honey.” You grin, only adding to her blush.

After you and Twilight finish at the café, the two of you walk back to the stationery shop. There, the two of you say your good-byes and share a loving and somewhat lengthy kiss. She looks back at you and smiles, before you finally walk inside the shop.

Taking a deep breath, you make your way to the back of the store. After putting your coat back in your locker, you pause for a moment. One thing's for certain, you’re going to relish every minute of these early phases of your relationship with Twilight and do your best to make sure the two of you can make these feelings last.

* * * * * *

The remainder of your day passes smoothly. And before you know it, your shift has ended for the day. Gleefully, you do your part to clean up the shop, though Bright Feather usually keeps the shop open till around seven. Regardless, you’re just glad it’s 4:30, which means you’re done for the day.

After putting your apron away and making sure everything looks decent in the storage area. You grab the candy hearts, put on your coat and zip up.

Bright Feather pops through the door leading out front. “Heading out for the day?” he asks.

“Yes, sir. I was just about to come out and say good-bye, oh and see if you had any last minute things that needed taken care of.”

The stallion shakes his head. “Nope. You’re good, my friend. Another fine job.” He chuckles. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“You got it. Till then, have a good one, Bright.”

“You do the same.”

He waves as you slip out the back door. Now that you’ve hit the streets of Ponyville, your head fills with even more thoughts of Twilight. You start out for the library, when you stop abruptly. Your foot is still half off the ground.

Looking across the way, you happen to spy the flower shop. A big smile forms on your face. Hey, why don’t I stop by and get Twilight some flowers. I’ll bet that would make her day. You chuckle. I know I don’t really need to bring her anything, but it would be a nice way to thank her for lunch. Besides, anything’s worth seeing her smile.

With your mind made up, you start for your new destination. If you were bubbling anymore with happiness, you’d be bouncing along the road like Pinkie Pie.

Following a short stroll, you arrive at the flower shop. The smile remains on your face as you open the door and step inside. The little bell over the door jingles, announcing your arrival. As you make your way further inside, you take a long look around. There are so many flowers to choose from. There’s a heavenly fragrance in the air as the various scents of each flower assault your nose.

You stand there for a moment, pondering what you should get for Twilight, when you hear a familiar voice call out. “May I help you?”

Your eyes widen and you try to contain the sudden shock on your face. Shaking your head, you turn to see none other than Daisy standing behind the counter. Rats! How could I forget she works here?

Slowly, you make your way to the counter, Daisy immediately sees that it’s you. Her chipper façade falls and is replaced with a less than happy one. “Oh, it’s you.”

“Yeah.” You barely know what to say. Following last night’s encounter, you didn’t expect to see Daisy again so soon.

“Let me guess, you’re here to buy flowers for “Twilight”.” She adds overly sarcastic emphasis on Twilight’s name.

You resist the urge to grimace and try to remain diplomatic. “That’s right, can you recommend anything?”

Daisy crosses her forelegs in an annoyed display and huffs. “Why ask me, why don’t you go ask “Twilight”? I’m sure she could tell you what kind of flowers a unicorn would like.” The Earth pony partially closes her eyes, never have you seen such a loathing and contemptible look on her usually cheerful face.

You swallow thickly, suddenly feeling like you’ve been dumped in the middle of a conversational minefield. One misspoken word could trigger a nasty scene. Your only consolation is that the shop is currently free of other customers. Closing your eyes for a moment, you know this is most likely going to end very badly, no matter what you say.

Daisy looks your way, the bitterness still ever present in her gaze. “Well? What’s it going to be? Oh wait, you asked me to recommend something. How about this.” Daisy sets a potted plant with long leaves on the counter. “A spider plant. Perfect for a skanky bookworm like her.”

That was the last straw. It’s one thing if Daisy is rude to you, but to insult your Twilight, especially when she isn’t even present to defend herself, well that’s another thing entirely. “Take that back, Daisy, NOW!” You didn’t even realize you raised your voice.

“Make me!” She barks at you.

You shake your head. Looks like she wants a shouting match, so who are you not to oblige her?

“I wanted to be civil about this. All I wanted was to get my mare some nice flowers. It was foolish of me to stop here. I should have went to one of other flower shops.” Daisy just snorts at you. “Yeah, I can see you’re jealous! But if you hadn’t been such an idiot, then maybe I’d be here buying flowers for you!” You return her look of bitter disgust, and suddenly all the pain she’s caused you fuels your anger, giving you focus.

“Huh!” Daisy gives you an incredulous and befuddled look. “So you’re making this my fault?! Typical, you human males are just like stallions. Always blame the mare for your failure!”

Your eyes widen, you quickly find yourself teetering on the cusp of becoming livid. A feeling you abhor more than any other emotion. You prepare to respond, but closing your eyes, you take a cleansing breath and shake your head. “No…” Slowly you raise your eyes back up to look at her. “I won’t do this…not here and not now. I can’t do this.” You turn to step away, then glance back at her again. “You’re so angry right now. This was a mistake. I’m leaving.” Turning slowly, you start to walk away.

Just as you approach the door, you hear hoof beats enter from behind the counter. “What’s going on out here?”

You know that voice. It’s Lily. Turning back, you see Rose join her. “Is there a problem out…oh.”

Lily and Rose see you, then glance over at their sister. Lily steps out from behind the counter. “Please, don’t go.”

You shake your head. “I’m sorry, Lily. I don’t want to fight with Daisy anymore.”

“Fight?” Rose questions. She looks at Daisy. “Were you shouting at him, a customer?”

“I did come to buy some flowers.” You speak, and almost wish you had Twilight’s teleportation ability. You’d rather be anywhere than here at the moment.

“He started it. Last night, I went to make up with him and he sent me away.”

Rose shakes her head. “That’s no reason to be mean to him when he comes to our shop.”

Lily’s mouth hangs open for a moment. “You really did that? Picked a fight with him?”

“Yeah, so?” Daisy is still considerably mad.

“I can’t believe it.” Lily shakes her head. “What would our parents say if they saw you acting like this? Especially, to a customer.”

Daisy blinks in disbelief. “I can’t believe you two are defending him. He was mean to me and then came here to buy flowers for his new marefriend. Am I suppose to be happy for him?!” she shouts.

Rose walks over to her. “That’s not the point, Daisy. This shop was the legacy our parents left for us. You know mom and dad were glad the three of us wanted to follow in their hoofsteps. But if they saw you doing this to a customer, regardless of your relationship to him…” Rose’s words trail off.

Lily hangs her head. “What would they say if they saw you acting like this? Didn’t our parents teach us to take the high road in tough situations like this?” Lily looks at her annoyed sister, a distinct sadness in her golden eyes.

You stand there silently, watching all of this unfold, and feel no closer to a solution.

Daisy sighs, then looks at both of her sisters. “They did teach us that. But it hurts.”

Rose nods and places a sympathetic hoof on Daisy’s shoulder. “I know, and that’s perfectly normal. But…”

Daisy hangs her head and her ears droop dejectedly. “You’re right. It’s no excuse to act like this.” She sighs heavily, the anger slowly fading from her voice. “And certainly not to a customer.” She turns to her sisters. “I’m sorry you two.”

Lily joins them back behind the counter. “It’s not us you need to apologize to.”

Daisy swallows thickly. “You don’t mean?” They both nod and then she nods with them. “You’re both right.” There’s a solemn tone in her voice now as Daisy slowly lumbers out from behind the counter.

At this point the anger you were feeling has taken an unexpected holiday. You didn’t expect to get this in depth a look into the flower sisters’ family history. It certainly explains a few things.

Daisy stops several feet in front of you, her head still hung low. Gradually, she raises it up. Her ears are still drooped and a very woeful expression has taken place of the anger she had been displaying.

She speaks your name softly. “I…I’m sorry for the way I acted.”

“Daisy…” you reply in almost a whisper. It pains you to see her like this. After all, this isn't what you wanted. “It’s all right. I’m sorry I raised my voice. This isn’t easy for me either, you know.”

Daisy nods faintly. “I know you didn’t mean to. I just I…” She sniffs a little and starts to sob. “I’m sorry…”

You feel your heart sink, much to your surprise and from the break in her voice as she sobs, you know Daisy isn’t doing this on purpose, like she did last night. Then, just as you consider going to comfort her, she makes a run at you, and buries her head on your chest. Her hooves surround you and she cries loudly.

Closing your eyes, you know without a doubt that you aren’t made of stone. You lean down and rest your cheek along the puff of her mane and place your arms around her. “It’s okay, Daisy. Go ahead and cry.” You feel your eyes become glassy. “I’m sorry.” You speak as a lone tear trails down your cheek.

Daisy continues to cry, sobbing for a good five minutes. Clearly, there were unresolved feelings she had yet to come to terms with. You run your hand along her back, hoping this will offer her some kind of closure.

She pulls back and wipes a few straggling tears from her green eyes. Daisy looks up at you. “You, you aren’t mad?”

You shake your head. “No, not anymore. And even though our relationship may have ended. It doesn’t mean we couldn’t still be friends, does it?”

Daisy sniffles a little, then shakes her head. “No, it doesn’t.”

“Good.” You smile and pat her back. “Because I’d like to keep coming here when I want to buy flowers. And it won’t always be just for Twilight.” You grin.

Daisy nods. “I know. You’ve bought flowers for other reasons in the past.”

“That’s right. Oh and while your sisters were talking to you.” Daisy watches you curiously and Lily and Rose just smile. You walk over and grab a nice bouquet of assorted tulips. “I think this will do nicely.”

Daisy smiles. “Oh, you made a selection?”

You nod. “I did. How much do I owe you?”

Rose glances over at the display. “That’ll be te…uh, seven bits please.”

You reach into your pocket and fish out a few coins, then place them on the green counter. “Here you are. Oh, and keep the change.” You wave a hand as you walk toward the door.

“Wait a moment.” Daisy walks up to you.

You pause. “Yeah, what is it, Daisy?”

She gives you a quick hug. “I just wanted to thank you.”

“You’re welcome. But I didn’t really do anything.” You note, feeling puzzled.

Daisy smiles. “You did more than you think. I guess time will tell how things go.”

“Yeah, but I hope we don’t get into anymore fights. We’re not a couple anymore you know.”

She chuckles, the first jubilant sound you’ve heard from her since you entered the shop. “You’re right. Take care.”

“You too. Later, ladies.”

“See you!” Lily and Rose call after you.

After exiting the shop you just smile, securing your floral cargo. “Well, that ended better than I expected.” You mutter to yourself.

Taking a deep breath you make your way for Twilight’s. It’ll be so nice to see her again, and best of all – you shouldn’t have to worry about Daisy anymore.

* * * * * *

Twilight leans against you, resting her head on your shoulder as you both cuddle on her sofa. “I’m glad you’re home.”

“Me too, Twily. So, do you like the flowers?” You glance down at her.

She runs her hoof along your chest and her eyes seem to sparkle as she looks up at you. “I love them.” The two of you look over at the coffee table and smile. The tulips are resting in a lovely vase and add a nice touch to the living room. Twilight rubs her cheek along your neck and sighs. “And I’m glad to hear you were able to finally settle things with Daisy.”

“Me too, Twilight. Me too.” You run your hand along her silky mane and nuzzle her bangs. “I was worried that she might start something and try to break us up.”

Twilight giggles. “That thought had crossed my mind, but, you know something?”

“No, what?” You continue combing your fingers through her hair.

“After our conversation at lunch, I don’t think ours will be a relationship that anyone will be able to break up so easily.” She sighs contently, and keeps trailing her hoof along your chest.

Pulling her closer, you give a nod. “You know something, I think you’re right. So, what do you want to do this evening, dinner, read a little or maybe just sit here and keep cuddling?”

Twilight surrounds your with both her forelegs and gives you a loving squeeze. “I don’t care, just as long as I can be with you. For now, why don’t we just keep cuddling?”

You smile, turning to fully embrace your mare. “I’d love to.” You sigh, savoring the sensation of Twilight’s breath along your neck. “And I’m just as glad I’m here with you.”

Twilight sighs again, resting her head on your chest, no doubt enjoying the beat of your heart. “I love you.”

You feel that bubbling happiness return, and as you hold Twilight in your arms, you can make out her heartbeat, which only adds to your smile as you reply, “I love you, Twilight.” You rock her in your arms as the two of you continue to sit there on the couch and cuddle. For the moment, neither of you has a care in the world.

Author's Note

Now you can see why I broke chapter 5 into two parts. It would have been a bit long had I left it all one chapter and it still gives chapter 6 a decent length. I hope you all enjoyed reading it. It was both fun and rather emotional to write, but I'm happy with how things turned out.

The song "Love Changes Everything" played a good part in inspiring some of the scene at the cafe. The lyrics just seemed to fit how things led up to Twilight and the Human (you) meeting. I left its playing up to the reader. I know it can be distracting to some of you. Oh and I also chose to play the song from a fitting point in the link I included, mainly because sometimes when you notice a song on the radio, it might be half way through till you do.

For those of you that would like to hear the song in full. Here: