>Today is the day of the appointment to adopt a foal. In the early morning hours in Pinkie’s bedroom, she slowly opens her eyes and smiles.
>Right in front of her is the crib she had bought in Canterlot, reaching a hoof out she rubs it a bit.
>Sitting herself upright, she stretches out and yawns before smacking her mouth a bit. Pinkie glances at Anon who is facing away from her on his side. Letting him sleep in, she hops off the bed and hums a little tune as she walks out the room and down the hall.
>In the kitchen, Pinkie reaches under the counter and brings up a bag of flour before trotting over to the fridge. One by one she pulls out and sets on the table eggs, milk, butter, and some assorted ingredients.
>Reaching in the top shelf she grabs a bowl and pours in some flour, cracking some eggs and adding some milk, she gets a wooden stir and begins to mix.
>”Oh!” She gasps looking down, gummy chomps on her leg as she giggles and picks him up.
>Placing him on the table by the bowl, she rubs his head. “Hey there gummy, ya hungry!?” Gummy simply stands with his usual expressionless posture, “I’ll take that as a yes~” She grins before returning to her mixing.
>With all the ingredients ready she turns on the heat and sets the pan on it. Trotting over to the fridge Pinkie swings it open. Looking over the groceries and spotting a carton of orange juice, she takes it out and carefully walks to the dinning table so as not to drop it.
>On the table are four upside down mugs ready for use, turning two of them over, Pinkie pours in juice and screws the cap back on before going to collect plates and forks.
 
>With the table set she trots over to the stove picking up the bowl of batter along the way. Carefully pouring the batter onto the hot pan, it slowly starts to bubble as the dirty white batter becomes closer and closer to a light brown.
>Biting down on the handle and with a powerful swing up, the pancake flops to the other side and begins to cook. Counting the seconds in her mind she hums while keeping an eye on the fluffy starch.
>With her ideal color of golden brown reached, she quickly picks up the pan and hastily shakes off the pancake onto a plate by the oven.
>Watching the steam rise from the pancake, Pinkie proudly smiles to herself before grabbing the bowl and pouring more batter onto the pan. Many more must be made for today.
 
>Upstairs you lay in bed completely exhausted; you haven’t gotten a single bit of shut eye the whole night.
>”ANON! RISE AND SHINE~”
>With a loud groan, you pick yourself up.
>Walking down the steps, you see Pinkie humming to herself as she flips a pancake over her shoulder, and onto a ridiculously large stack of pancakes.
>”Sit down and dig in, we’re gonna need that energy for today.”
“Oh I’m so damn tired.” You groan rubbing your face
>”I got just the thing.”
>Tossing her pans into the sink, she twirls, snags some pancakes, tosses them onto a plate, slaps a butter square on the top, and drenches it in syrup.
>With an exasperated sigh, you grab the fork off the napkin and begin to dig in. The light and fluffy stuffing mixes in with the sweet and sticky syrup. It’s like eating a cotton candy pancake, if ever such a thing existed.
“Thanks sweetie, can you get me some orange juice?”
>”Already there.”
>Looking to your side, you finally notice the mug of juice.
“Tsk, you really thought of everything.”
>Pinkie leans in and kisses you on the cheek, “I’m gonna get ready, while you finish breakfast. Clean up when you’re done. Lalalalala” She sings trotting away before going up the steps.
>Sitting there in silence, you chew on the food and look around at the empty table. Sighing tiredly, you finish what you can before scrapping the leftovers into the trash.
>Tossing the plate into the sink, you begin cleaning off the syrup and pans Pinkie had used and set them to dry.
>Upstairs you organize your change of clothes for the day and get a towel ready. Sitting on the bed, you wait a few minutes before you hear the shower come to a stop.
>Pinkie Pie comes trotting with the hot steam of the bath following close behind, “Ahhh~ Showers yours.”
>Getting off the bed, you stretch out and pop as many bones as you can.
“Thanks, I’ll be out real quick.”
 
>In the shower getting blasted by the freezing cold water, your body trembles as you honestly believe you might have hypothermia.
>Using all you got, you lather and rinse almost back to back, before turning the water off.
“F..f.ff..fucking Pinkie.”
>Hopping over the tub, you hastily grab two towels and rub every inch of skin you can. As the shivering slows down, you pant tiredly before wrapping yourself up and going out.
>Your footsteps smack wetly while walking to the bed, removing the towel, you begin work on drying your feet.
>Pinkie comes walking in and notices you sitting on the bed, “That was fast.”
“Yeah! You used all the fucking hot water..AGAIN!.”
>”Hehehe, sorry.”
“The next time we get some money, we’re getting a better water heater.”
>”Okie dokie.”
 
>Walking side by side, you go over the paperwork while Pinkie skips along merrily. Every so often, powerful gusts of wind bend and warp the paper. It’s infuriating, but you make do.
>”Oh my gosh!” Pinkie squeals suddenly, looking up, you see all of her friends waiting at the train station. “What are you guys doing here?”
>Rainbow flies over first while the others follow, “Ta wish ya luck, what else?”
>”Awww, that’s so nice of you guys.” The two hug tightly before letting go, Rainbow flaps back to let Twilight and Applejack come forward
>“Now remember Pinkie, it’s very important, to get as much medical history about the foal as possible. I took the liberty of making you this medical chart, hereditary diseases, allergies, family tree is applicable, and any other factors that could pose a health risk.”
>Floating over an easily dictionary sized packet, she shoves it into Pinkies grip, ”Gee….thanks Twilight.”
>”No problem.”
>”Umm..Pinkie..” Fluttershy whispers from the back
>”Good luck Pinkie.” Applejack smiles
>”Pinkie..” Fluttershy tries again but gets cut off by Pinkie Pie
>”Thanks everyp0ny, and remember, big introduction party at my place tomorrow.”
>”I’ll be looking forward to it darling, it’ll give me time to make some baby clothes.”
>”That’d be GREAT!” Pinkie Pie jumps before hugging Rarity, “Thanks Rarity.”
>”Anytime.”
>”Ummm..Pinkie?”
>”Hmm? Oh sorry Fluttershy, what’s up?”
>”Well uhh…I hope you find what you’re looking for.”
>”Thanks~”
“Sorry to interrupt, but we really can’t be staying here any longer.”
>”I know Anon, sorry. I’ll see you girls later.”
>With the tickets bought, and the train boarded, you and Pinkie sit side by side as the train chugs along. In the wind proof train, you go over the paperwork again and again, making sure that not a single document was left behind.
“Proof of citizenship, proof of residence, yearly income..”
>Mumbling to yourself, Pinkie Pie lowers the paperwork with her hoof, breaking you out of your fine print trance.
>”Relax silly, everything is gonna be all right, so stop worrying about it.”
“What makes you so sure?”
>”Because, my tail hasn’t twitched all week, we’ll be fine.”
>Setting the paperwork down, you stick it in a folder and do recline into the seat. With a powerful sigh, you close your eyes.
 
>”Anon, Anon wake up.”
“Hm?”
>Yawning out loud, you rub your throbbing eyes and look over at Pinkie.
>”I know I told you to relax, but I didn’t think you’d sleep the whole way.”
“Sorry,” You yawn “guess I was more tired than I thought.”
>Wiping away the few tears and mucus that built up, you shake awake while picking yourself off the seat. Stretching out, you sigh and make sure all the paperwork is in order one last time.
“All right, let’s do this.”
>Walking out of the train with Pinkie, you look around feeling strangely refreshed, but that does little to help you on this horribly hot day. With each step in the direction towards the agency, your pits get more and more moist.
>Even Pinkie seems to have lost the spring in her step, as she literally stopped bouncing, and instead walks at a snails pace alongside you, panting up a storm.
>Pinkie comes to a complete stop, and looks down at the ground.
“Pinkie? You all right?”
>She inhales in deep and exhales before looking you right in the eyes. With an uncertain smile, she nods. “Yeah, it’s just really HOT!”
“Hahaha, yeah..it is.”
>Finally reaching the building, you and Pinkie pant by the entrance. Pulling out a handkerchief, you wipe away all the accumulated sweat from your face.
>Pinkie brings down your hand and takes away the handkerchief, wiping away her own sweat; she sticks it under her body and wipes down her unmentionables. She sighs relived and gives it back to you.
>”Thanks Anon.”
“Yeah…no problem.”
 
>Tossing it over your shoulder, it makes a moist splat on the ground as Pinkie opens the door. Going in first, you look around at the unimpressive walls, paint, and tables. Pinkie trots along to the receptionists table and rings the little bell.
>A mare wearing tiny little glasses and a formal vest, stops filing a few feet away and comes walking over. “And you are?”
>”I’m Pinkie Pie. We had an appointment to adopt a foal at 2.”
>Looking over a notebook, she turns a few pages. “Ah yes, the Pies. Very well, follow me.”
>Biting down on some papers, she leads the two of you down a long path of twisting hallways. After some time, you can hear the small cries of babies the distance.
>Pinkie Pie is grinning up a storm searching for the direction of the cries, while you try to not look nervous.
>Passing some swinging double doors, the place looks more like a hospital now. The long hallways have glass displays in them, that show off the garden and cement walkways of the outside.
>As Pinkie and you walk along, she looks through the glass and spots several young foals playing in the grass.
>”Hmm.” Pinkie smiles watching as they have a good time, the glass comes to an end, and she’s hit with the beige color walls again. “Aww.” She pouts
>The mare brings you to an open waiting room, where several couples of stallions and mares sit apart from one another. Some are reading magazines; others glance over at the odd couple that is you and Pinkie, and the rest seem to be waiting patiently albeit bored.
>”Just have a seat and we’ll call you soon.”
>”Okie dokie!”
“Thanks.”
 
>Pinkie skips over to a couple sitting down on some seats, and plants her big butt beside them. The stallion, an earth pony with a dirty white coat and a light brown mane looks over first.
>“Heya! Ya here to adopt a foal as well?” The stallion growls lowly, but doesn’t get a chance to reply “I’m Pinkie Pie, what’s your name?”
>The stallion clears his throat “Um excuse me, but my wife and I would like some privacy.” The mare, an older pegasus with a bright yellow coat and pure white mane, places her hoof on his lap hoof and taps it gently
>”It’s all right sweetie, umm, Pinkie is it? My names Lemon Tart, and this is my husband, Pop Tart.”
>”Pop Tart?!” Pinkie squeals, “What a silly name.” She smiles as Pop gasps offended, Lemon smiles, but he doesn’t notice.
>”Great, now that we know each other, you can leave. Go on, shoo.”
>Despite it being her fault, you come walking up ready to defend her honor. They all notice you approaching, but fail to see that you turned your scowl into a friendly smile.
>”Hey Anon.”
“Everything all right?”
>”Yeah we’re fine, just talking to my new friends. Anon, this is Lemon, and Pop Tart.”
>Pop Tart looks ever more annoyed as he lazily looks at you, ”Hello.”
>”You must be her husband, right?”
“Yeah.”
>”It’s nice to meet you.”
“You too, but uh Pinkie, we should go over there for a bit and sort out our paperwork.”
>”Anon, you sorted it like 50 times already.”
>You angrily glare at Pinkie, hoping she’ll catch on. It doesn’t work; instead she sits there like deer in the headlights.
>”What’s wrong, are you mad?”
*sigh* “Pinkie, can I talk to you over here for a minute?”
>”Sure.”
>Walking over with you, and out of their earshot, you lean in and whisper in her ear.
“I think you should leave them alone, the husband looks really pissed.”
>”Oh Anon, so was Cranky when I met him. All it takes is finding that one thing making them sad, and making it better.”
“Pinkie, I don’t think..”
>”Lalalalala.”
>Had you not know her for so long, you would’ve been offended by her just trotting off like that. Experience has taught you, that she more than likely just caught up in her own asinine plan.
“Fine, learn the hard way.”
 
>Pinkie skips along, and stops just short of the couple from before. “Sorry about that, but now I’m back.”
>”Like we wanted you back.” Pop murmurs before getting jabbed by his wife,
>”So Pinkie, what kind of foal are you looking for?”
>”I don’t know, but I know we’ll know when we see them.”
>The door double doors several feet away swing open, as a doctor and nurse come walking out, each with a clipboard. Flipping through a few pages, the doctor makes some noises in thought.
>”Mr. and Mrs. Honeydew?”
>”That’s us.” A couple answers getting up,
>”Right this way.”
>Pinkie bites down on her hoof and wiggles impatiently. ”Ooooo, I wanna see the foals so badly!”
>Lemon taps her on the back, “Well, we could try and sneak a peek at them. I’m sure they have a window around here somewhere.”
>*Gasp* “Do you really think so?”
>”It’s worth a shot.”
 
>The mare picks herself off the chair as her husband worriedly helps her up. “Careful honey.”
>”Oh I’m not an old mare just yet, just feeling a little stiff is all. Ready Pinkie?”
>”Ready!”
>The two mares walk over to the door where the couple from earlier went,
“Hey, what are you doing?”
>”We’re just gonna see if we can look at the foals.”
“Pinkie, that’s not a good idea.”
>”It’ll be fine; we’ll be back before ya know it.”
>They continue on through the doors, and find themselves in a corridor leading left and right. The older mare looks around confused “I wonder which way we should go.”
>”Hmmm…I know! You take one way, and I’ll take the other. We’ll find it for sure like that.”
>”..I suppose..sure. I’ll take this way then.”
>Pinkie skips along to the right, while Lemon walks to the left. Lemon rounds the corner, and spots several signs. One of them reads “Infirmary”
>”Oh, Pinkie! I think I..” Turning back around, Pinkie is gone “..found it...”
>Pinkie Pie skips along down a hall as she looks at random doors and objects. Hearing the sounds of children, she stops and looks around for the source.
>Spotting some double doors that lead outside, she can hear the laughter of kids coming from the other side. Drawn to the sounds, her curiosity compels her forward.
>Reaching the door, she opens it slightly. The warm wind and blinding light, flows in as the door creaks open.
>Fully open, she takes in the view as she sees many little fillies and colts, running around and playing with one another.
>Pinkie’s smile widens, and in an instant she runs out into the grassy yard. So many kids, doing so many things, and she has no idea where to start. Some were playing hopscotch, others with a tether-ball. As she trots pass them, some notice her, and stop what they’re doing.
 
>Making eye contact with a group of kids playing red clover, Pinkie skips over.
“Hi there, I’m Pinkie Pie, can I play?”
>The kids all look at one another, before nodding and agreeing.
>”Come on our side!”
>”No ours!”
>They all begin to get restless and energetic, getting fueled by their own excitement.
>Pinkie looks at the two sides and contemplates which on to join.
“I’ll chooosssee, this side!”
>Pinkie looks at her teammates.
“So who do we call over?”
>”Let’s call Sea Breeze, she’s really weak.”
>”Yeah, Sea Breeze!”
>With an agreement reached, she locks her front hooves over their shoulders. With every p0ny doing the same, a pony chain is formed.
>”Red clover, red clover, we want Sea Breeze to come over!”
>A filly from the other side breaks her hold and takes a running stance. With everything she has, she runs full speed, into the chain.
>*wham* Her body violently bounces backwards, coming into contact with the chain. Falling on her back, she groans in pain.
>Pinkie gasps and breaks her hold, coming up to her, she helps her up.
“Oh my gosh, are you ok?”
>”Huh? Yeah, thanks.”
>”Hey!” An older mare’s voice calls out from afar “Who are you, and what are you doing here?” Pinkie looks over and sees a light brown earth pony coming over quickly.
”I’m Pinkie Pie, and I’m playing red clover with my new friends.”
>”Miss Pie, I’m afraid you can’t be here, this isn’t an area for p0nies not employed by Canterlot.”
>A small colt with an overgrown mane comes walking up and tugging on her.
>”Ms. Barley, Rebar is climbing the walls again.”
>”Oh that troublesome colt! Just..just leave through that door, and you better not be here when I get back.”
>”Rebar!” The old mare yells as she runs off “I will hang you by your hooves, I swear!”
>Pinkie cocks an eyebrow watching her run away.
“What was that?”
>”Ms. Barley the nun.” Sea Breeze answers walking up to Pinkie’s side “She gets on everyp0ny’s case about any little thing.”
”Huh…”
>”Come on, I’ll show you around. She said didn’t want you here, so we’ll be over there next time.”
>Placing a hoof to her chin, Pinkie ponders the play on words,
”Ok.”
 
>Walk away besides one another, a  colt follows close behind.  ”You can call me Breeze, and this is my brother Azure Nimbus.”
>”Hi.” Azure waves as Pinkie is looking him over, she notices his bright yellow wings.
”Hi Azure, wow those are really pretty wings. I bet you’re a real strong flyer.”
>”Mhmm, I’m the fastest flyer here.”
”Wow really!? You’d be great friends with my pal Rainbow Dash, she’s the fastest flyer in all of Equestria.”
>”Whoa, she sounds cool.”
”You betcha, she also says she’s the coolest pony in Equestria, but I’m not sure about that.”
>The small colt chuckles before noticing that Pinkie came to a stop, “What’s wrong?”
>Off in the distance, a small filly plays by herself in a sand box. From mane to hoof, her entire coat is a blend color very similar to that of a golden delicious apple.
>The small filly unhappily scoops up sand, and pats it down into a bucket. All the while tens of young ponies play around her, almost as though a an invisible shield surrounds her.
>Pinkie’s thoughts drift back to that old rock farm from long ago, in which she would often be alone, with her thoughts, and rocks. For that one brief second, she saw herself in that filly.
>”Who’s that?”
>”Who?”
>”That little filly playing by herself in the sandbox.”
>”Oh…I don’t really know her name.”
>”Well lets go on over and say hello~” Pinkie begins to trot over, but the two children remain in place, ”What’s wrong?”
>”Please don’t go Ms. Pinkie.”
>”Why not?” The colt looks like he wants to say something, but doesn’t. Pinkie smiles, and lowers herself to meet his eye level, “Hey I’ll be right back, and then we’ll all play together.” She ruffles his mane, before turning back around, and humming happily.
 
>The small filly pats down the last of the sand into the bucket, now full she sighs, and turns it over.
>With the bucket now empty, she begins to fill it up again. Suddenly a shadow is cast over her, she looks back slowly, and sees a pink mare smiling.
>”Howdy, I’m Pinkie Pie, what’s your name?”
>”Bug.”
>”Bug?! That’s a fun name!”
>”No, bug.”
>The little mare points at her mane, and Pinkie realizes that a brown walking stick is making its way across.
>She freezes up, before gritting her teeth, and panicking, “Stick! Ugly walking stick!” Pinkie rolls onto her back, and flails her hoofs into her mane, trying to get the bug out
>The little mare looks at the ground, and sees the walking stick slowly crawling away, before she gets up, and goes over to Pinkie Pie, “You got it, it’s gone.”
 >Pinkie exhales exhausted, before getting up, and shaking herself clean, "Thanks! I'm Pinkie Pie, whats your name?"
>The filly looks up at her, but doesn't smile, "I'm Cherry."
 
>Back in the waiting area, you sit in your chair, and tap on the floor impatiently. Across you, Pop Tart does the same. The double doors swing open, as a nurse like mare comes out, “Mr. Tart?”
>Irritated, he scowls and looks over at her, ”Yeah?”
>”You’re wife is waiting for you at the infirmary, follow me.”
“Hey wait, what about Pinkie Pie?”
>”I’m sorry?”
“My wife should’ve been over there too, did you see her? Pink mare, pink mane, and can be really annoying?”
>”Sorry sir, I didn’t see anyp0ny like that.”
“What the hell.”
>As Pop Tart goes over, you get up and walk to the nurse.
“Could you like, send out an announcement for Pinkie Pie to come back?”
>”I’ll see what I can do.”
>The two move forward, while you begin to feel the creeping of irritability sneaking up on you.
 
>Back outside, Pinkie sits besides the little filly, and looks over her bucket of sand, “Do you like to build sandcastles?”
>The filly nods, “Sometimes.”
>”Well, let’s build one together.”
>Pinkie begins to scoop up hooffuls of sand, and dropping them into the bucket. Cherry begins to help her, before turning the bucket over, and slowly pulling it up. A neat, little sand mound is left in its place, and she uses her magic to levitate a little chisel.
>Suddenly another shadow is cast over the two, Pinkie looks up, and sees an angry Ms. Barley, “Young lady, why are you still here?”
>”Oh ummm, hehe, well…”
>”We don’t take trespassing very lightly, I’m gonna have to ask you to leave.”
 >”Awww, couldn’t I just stay here a bit longer?”
>”No. Now come this way.”
>”Please? I promise to get out of your mane real soon; I just want to talk to my friends here a little longer.”
>”I’m happy that you want to spend time with them, but we have procedures, rules in place. We can’t just let anyp0ny come in as they please. If you’re truly interested in spending more time with them, we have plenty of positions open for volunteer work.”
>”That sounds fun, but I was looking more to adopt.”
>Cherry stops, and looks up at Pinkie with wide, desperate eyes. Ms. Barley’s tune quickly changes, ”Adopt? You wish to adopt one of our kids?”
>”That’s right, but we came to look at the foals actua...*gasp!* Anon!”
>As you pace around the waiting room, the double doors open again. This time Pinkie Pie walks in, with a sheepish grin across her face.
“Where the hell were you?”
>”Oh Anon, it was so wonderful. I met a whole bunch of little fillie colts and we all played red clover and then we met a mean mare who was actually kinda nice and then I met this other little filly who was just so cute and I wanted to adopt them all but I remember what you said and then I remembered that I left you here and..”
“Pinkie, calm down, and tell me what’s up.”
>She takes on big inhalation of air, before calmly exhaling, “Anon, I want to adopt a filly.”
“A filly? Not a foal?”
>”Mmhmm.”
“Are you insane? What brought about this?”
>”I just met some of the most wonderful kids right now, you have to meet them too, I guarantee you’ll fall in love with them too.”
>Pinkie grabs your arm, and begins to try and lead you away, breaking out of her grasp; she stops and looks back at you.
“Pinkie, have you completely forgotten why we even came here?”
>”To adopt a foal.”
“And do you really think they’ll just let us change our minds on the spot? After all the paperwork, planning, and red tape we had to go through?”
>The doors Pinkie came though open, as a more professionally dressed mare comes in, “Mrs. Pie, we’re ready for you.” She takes one look at you, and smiles, “And you must be her husband, I’m Ms. Barley, I’ll be hoofling your case from here.”
>The room she took you to was not like the other rooms from before. It wasn’t as cold, and professional. This room was more like a rural office, complete with window unit AC, and cracking paint.
>Almost like she read your mind, Barley comments on you sizing up the room, “We’re in the middle of awaiting some renovation bits, the ones we got went straight to improving the kids rooms.” As the AC drones on, and pushes bitter cold into the room, Barley pushes a stack of papers towards you two, “As you can see, we redid some of the paperwork for you.” Looking it over, they just slapped some whiteout on certain areas, “If you choose to adopt one of our kids, we can just fill in the necessary information.”
>In the background, you can hear the distinctive yells of kids at play. Pinkie is way too vested in their sounds, and not paying attention at all to the mare.
>Barley clears her throat, getting her attention. Pinkie playfully sticks her tongue out, and winks, “Sorry.” before gently hitting the top of her own head.
>”From what I can gather, your wife here loves children, and has gotten along with all of the kids she met. But I know that you have not had the opportunity to speak with them, I can escort you out to see them again.”
>”Yes!”
“No.”
>Pinkie looks to the side, as you cross your arms, and lean back.
“You know I’m not really good with kids, which were the ones you were thinking about?”
>Something about what you said struck a nerve, as Barley’s expression changes into a more irritated look, ”Mr. Pie, I highly suggest you speak with them. They are not pets for you to leave somep0ny else to choose. They are living, breathing children that you will be taking care of. Do not push them off on your wife to choose.”
“Sorry if it came off that way, I know what you’re trying to say, but honestly, I don’t think I can go out there and look those kids in the eyes. A foal is one thing, but these kids will see my face, and know I didn’t choose them. Something about that just doesn’t sit right with me, so I’m sorry; I have no intention to go out there.”
>Despite saying it calm, and cool, your heart is going a mile a minute. Barely seems to have not called your bluff, and begins to shuffle some papers in some mindless busywork “Mrs. Pie had already informed me of the kid she showed an interest in, I’ve brought the file we have on her.” Sliding over three manila folders, you grab one and open it. A small picture of a filly with a light gold hue is attached to a larger paper with information.
“Cherry Tart?”
>”She was left at our doorstep about a year ago, no note or anything.”
>”That’s so sad.”
>”This is an orphanage; most of our kids have stories like that.”
“So this is the one huh?”
>”You’ll like her Anon, she’s real quiet, and sticks to herself. Kinda like you.”
>”It’s decided then? You’ll adopt Cherry Tart?”
>Giving on look at Pinkie Pie, she smiles and nods to you, before looking at Barley.
“Yeah.”
>”Well all right, we just need the two of you to sign off on some papers, and we’ll be on our way.”
>Brining out some more papers, she slides them over to each of you. Looking them over its more walls of text, with a clear place to sign off on them. Pinkie has the right idea, and begins to just scribble her signature.
>Doing the same, you sign off on all the dotted lines, and push them back to Barley.
“So how do we do this? Do we just go with you and pick her up, or do we wait here for you to bring her?”
>”I’ll escort you to a little waiting room, where we’ll bring you to her. This may take a bit, we need to get her packed, and caught up, are you ok with that?”
“How long?”
>”About 2 hours.” Pinkie sighs exhausted as she slides into her chair, “I know this is very draining, but you may want to take this time to grab a meal. We have a very nice place not far from here; I’ll have the receptionist give you the directions.”
 
>Barley gets up, and escorts the two of you down to the waiting room. With some directions jotted down, you and Pinkie head out.
>The sky is noticeable shade of gray, with even more dark clouds piling up.
“It looks like its gonna rain.”
>”Well, that just means we can stomp around in the rain. Or, we all huddle up together under a nice, big umbrella.”
“We could just get lucky, and avoid the rain all together.”
>”Boring~”
>Despite trying to play it cool, your heart is pounding in your chest. This wasn’t just idle chat, or some passing fancy, the ink was drying, and in less than 2 hours, you were going to be a dad. A dad to a kid you don’t even know.
“Pinkie, what is she like?”
>”Who? Cherry?”
“Yeah.”
>”Hmmm…Well, she has really sad eyes, and she reminds me of me when I was little. But she’s like you, in that she’s by herself in a group. It didn’t seem like any of the kids wanted to play with her.”
“Ah, so she’s the best of both of us then?”
>Pinkie jabs you on the side, and smirks. With the two of you reaching the café, you both take a seat at on their outdoor tables.
>A stallion comes up, and takes your orders, before going to fetch your drinks. You look over at a clock, and see you still have some time left. The wind is starting to pick up, making for a nice cool breeze, but troubling signs of the shifting weather.
>”Waffles!”
“Huh?”
>”Waffles, nothing says “cool mom” like waffles. It’ll make the perfect first breakfast for all of us.”
>Anxiety has yet to leave your body. With every minute that passes brings you closer to being a father, and seeing this filly. It was eating away at the core, almost like a lingering dread, or a punishment yet to be enacted.
>Pinkie was far more at ease; she looked out at the few families walking down the street with eyes that glowed with anticipation to feel what they feel.
>The food makes it way to your table, and you grab hold of the sandwich you ordered. Picking it up, you give a weak smile to Pinkie.
“Guess this is our last meal…before we become parents.”
>Pinkie stops looking at the parents, and turns her attention to you. With a small, cheerful smile she grabs her own sandwich, and brings it up to her face in one quick motion “Then let’s shove this food in our mouths, and get on to parenthood already!”
 
>The food and drinks did wonders for the fatigue, and grogginess, but did little to kill any real time. Still Pinkie was back to 100%, so that was good.
>In the waiting room, you and Pinkie sit side by side. A door opens and your heart skips a beat. Quickly looking up, it was just a mare coming out for her break.
>With a heavy, relived sigh, you go back to looking at the ground. Pinkie swings in her chair as she looks over to the nearby receptionist, “Is this where all the families meet their kids?”
>”That’s right.”
>”Did the Tarts come by here?”
>”Yeah they did, they left about an hour ago with their new little filly. She was the cutest thing, do you know them?”
>”Mmhmm.”
>The door behind the mare begins to opens as you look up again. Each knob turn was like the pulling back of a hammer, before the opening was the pulling of the trigger.
>Would it be the stomach churning sound of an empty click, or a live round meant to blow your head open?
>Barley emerges slowly, and behind her, a small filly walks tightly in step with her. She has an odd blend coat of yellow and light orange from head to hoof. The small olive drab packs over her flanks swishes from side to side as she walks to the center of the room towards you.
>With the smallest of a whisper, almost a thought, you utter.
“Bang.”
>Before you two is a filly, not much older than the cutie mark crusaders. Her glance darts from you, to Pinkie, before coming to a rest on the floor.
>Barley smirks before playfully tapping Cherry forward, “Well go on, they won’t bite.”
>The small filly looks back at her uncertain, before giving a subdued, slow nod. Placing one leg before the other, she takes her first steps towards her new mother.
Pinkie practically jumps off her seat, causing the chair to scrape along the floor.
>The sudden noise startles everyone in the room, but Pinkie wraps her hooves around the filly, “Hi Cherry, ready to go home?”
>Shocked, she dawns an uneasy smile before giving an unsure nod.
 
>Outside in the dark cloud filled sky, Pinkie slams the front doors open as she hums gleefully out. Music begins to kick in as she inhales for the start of a song, “Well~” The song is cut short by the crackling of thunder. A downpour of rain begins to hammer the ground, and Pinkie.
>Drenched, you and the filly stand inside the building looking at Pinkie standing in the rain.
“You know, you really should look before you leap.”
>Cherry is reaching into one of her bags, and pulls out an umbrella with her mouth. Setting it on her back, she uses her nose to press a button, and it unfurls with a massive motion.
>Without waiting on you, she moves forward into the rain, and stops by Pinkie. She glances up, and looks to the cloud with a certain melancholy, “Guess I’m off to a good start huh?”
>”Aww, don’t let it get ya down, rain is just the clouds crying cause somep0ny is sad. So let’s put on our biggest smiles, and give everyp0ny a reason to be happy.” Clearing her throat, she begins to sing again. ”Welllll, when rain has got you down, pick a smile over a frown. Don’t let a gray sky spoil your day; the sun is quickly on its way. Cause every cloud is like a smile, its perfectly fine except for a while. But it’s ok if ya wanna cry, let it all out, and say goodbye!” Pinkie stops singing, just as the rain lets up. Almost like magic, the clouds begin to disperse, and light shines through once again. “See? Somep0ny is happy again, thanks to you.”
>”But I didn’t do anything.”
>Pinkie wipes away the collected water around her eyes, and sniffles as though catching a cold, “Trust me, you did plenty.”
 
>As the train chugs along, Pinkie sleeps peacefully leaning on you with your jacket around her. Every so often, she mumbles nonsense.
>Looking down at her, she inhales deep before slowly exhaling and moaning softly. Poor mare, she was probably more exhausted than she let on.
>Doing your best to keep her balanced, you adjust her position a bit before looking over at your “kid”.
>Cherry was sitting on the other side of Pinkie, and quietly scribbling on a notebook. Neither of you acknowledge the other after Pinkie fell asleep.
>The connection Pinkie so naturally formed with children was not one you shared. Stealing glances at her, she continues to doodle in her own world.
“So, ummm, how old are you?”
>”I don’t know.”
>You want to ask her how could she not know that, but it could be pushing it. Perhaps you could ask her if she knew her birthday, but that might yield similar results.
>Its then you truly notice the art book, of course, its so obvious now.
“Artist huh?”
>“Huh?”
“Your art book, you draw right?”
“Oh, this? No, not really.”
“Well what DO you like to do?”
>”Read.”
“Well that’s cool, what books?”
>”Anything, I like learning new things.”
“Huh, you kinda sound like Twilight. She loves learning new shit too, oh..”
>For a moment, you think you fucked up. But then again, these ponies don’t know your cusses; still, it’s not the best idea to have this kid be talking vulgar like you.
“So is that all you like to do?”
>Cherry yawns, before slowly blinking her eyes.
“Yah, trains el do that, you should get some sleep; it’s a while before Ponyville.”
>Sniffling, she keeps looking forward, “I’m not sleepy.”
“K.”
>Silence once again retakes the two of you; it would be another hour before you arrive at Ponyville.
>Your stomach gurgles out, as you grumble. There was nothing to eat in here, and nothing to talk about. Or perhaps these two problems could be your solution to kill the quiet.
>It was tacky, but you spoke to her as though she was an excitable child.
“Hey, did you know that Pinkie and I live in a bakery?”
>She shakes her head, “Uhuh”
“It’s awesome, any kind of treats you could DREAM of are there. Trust me, I’ve seen pastries you can’t even imagine. And that’s not all, she’s an excellent baker too.”
>”…”
(“God damn it, I thought the sweets would do it.”)
“What kind of sweets do you like? I like cherry pie, what about you? Your names cherry, so I bet you like all kinds of cherry stuff.”
>”Not really.”
(“Swing and a miss.”)
>Exhaling, you lean back into the seat and relax. It seems your debut as a father figure crashed and burned beautifully. Best not to force a bond, she probably has a lot on her mind.
 
>The train pulls up into Ponyville, and bellows out hot steam. Pinkie snorts awake, and looks around. “Huh? Are we home yet?”
“Almost.”
>Pinkie stretches out yawning, and rubs her eyes, “How did you sleep, Cherry?”
>She looks over at her and shakes her head, “I didn’t sleep, I wasn’t tired.”
>”Are you excited? We’re almost at your new home, wanna guess what it is?”
>”A bakery.”
>*gasp* “How did you KNOW?!”
>She uses her hoof to point at you, “He told me.”
>Pinkie gives you a sly grin, before playfully smacking you, “Anon, you ruined the surprise.”
“Trust me; she has plenty more coming living with you.”
>Getting off what few things you had, the three of you walk out onto the platform. Some stallions are meeting with mares and their children, others are going solo.
>Pinkie is keeping a pace with Cherry while you lag behind. Luckily Pinkie didn’t have to witness the silence contest earlier; then again, she did say the both of you were similar. So maybe in time she’ll open up.
>Already some of the ponies are noticing Pinkie, and Cherry. Mares make little coos and awws as they walk up to Pinkie.
>”She’s so cute.”
>”What’s her name?”
>”Are you liking Ponyville?”
>Cherry nervously looks around, before curling up, and inching closer to Pinkie. Pinkie lifts a hoof to the crowd, “Now, now, all these questions and more will be answered at the party tomorrow.”
>All the ponies nod, and go about their business as a more mature mare with a brown and white spotted coat cuts in, “Well, my son is having a party right now. Do you wanna come over?
>”Sorry, but we have to unpack first, and have her break in her home. But you and your son are welcome to my party~”
>”That’d be lovely.”
>The two exchange some info, while you and Cherry wait off on the side. Apparently you both had one thing in common, you wanted to go home. Pinkie comes trotting happily over.
 “Never thought I’d see the day where you’d turn down a party with ponies.”
>She smiles before looking around to see if anyone is looking, motioning you and Cherry close, she whispers, “That’s cause we have a house breaking party to get to!”
>Though its nice to see Pinkie pumped, part of you was disappointed at knowing you would not be able to rest.
>Pinkie places her hoof on Cherry, “C’mon, let’s show you your new home.”
 
>The dark lobby of your home shines to life as the moonlight pours in while you swing the door. Pinkie enters first, and gets the light. The faint sounds of an electric humming can only be heard as Pinkie waits anxiously for Cherry to enter the home.
>Her small legs stand rigid as her eyes scan everything in sight, as though expecting an ambush, or an unwanted surprise. You see her legs bend up as she takes her first steps in, right when her hoof connects to the floor, a bright flash flares up.
>Cherry winces, as you blink several times to get your eyesight back. Pinkie is holding a camera, and giggling. “Teehee~ Your first steps…into the house that is. I may not have been there for your first steps, but I promise to be there for the rest. Now c’mon, the bathroom is upstairs.”
>”What?! I’m not gonna do that?!”
“Pinkie!”
>”Whaaat? It’s gonna be her first bath…in the house.”
>After telling her all the reasons why that was the worst thing to say, Pinkie prepares a meal in the kitchen, while you and Cherry sit at a table.
>”Is she always like this?”
“Sadly yes, but you learn to get too used to the random.”
>”No, I mean, is she always so nice? Does she ever get mad?”
“Well yeah, everyone gets mad, even her. Usually it’s my fault though.”
>”Hm.”
>You scoot your chair over to her side, and turn to face her.
“We haven’t been properly introduced, my names Anonymous, or Anon for short.”
>Something inside you doesn’t feel right, but this is no longer about you.
“But if you ever want..”
>You hold back a moment, before quickly looking at the ground, and then at her. Before you can finish Pinkie bursts out of the kitchen, balancing a large silver pan, full of plates.
>”Whoa~ Woooo~ Wait for it~” She precariously balances it as she titters left and right. Like a drunk about to lose his balance, she wobbles around before sliding off the tray, landing the plates onto the table, and uses her head to flip the tray up.
>It flips in the air a few times before she catches it in her mouth. Setting it on the floor, she smiles proudly, “Tadah! Dinner, and a show~”
>”That was really cool! Uhh…thanks.” Her cheeks dawn a noticeable blush, as she looks down embarrassed.
>”For what?”
>”For the meal, whatever it is, I’m sure it’s delicious. Anonymous told me you’re a real good cook.”
>”Awwww~ Looks like SOMEp0ny earned himself prime rib next week~ But he’s dad now, and, I’m your mom. No need to be so formal, I mean sure, a thank you every now and then, or taking out the trash is dandy and all, but..”
“Pinkie, you’re rambling again.”
>”Woops, I almost forgot.”
>She slides into the chair, and reaches under the table. Pulling out a camera, she snaps another picture, “First dinner~”
“In the house?”
>Pinkie looks over at you, and smiles, “As a family.”
 
>In the eating area, the two of you prepare for the meal by collecting utensils, and napkins. You serve 3 glasses of water, and set them in front of everyone.
>Pinkie places a spoon by Cherry’s plate, and looks over at you, ”Thanks dear.”
>”Thanks.”
>Cherry draws the plate closer to her, and slowly dips in a spoon to the mushy mess. Looking over at the two of you, she brings it to her mouth, and samples it. Pinkie bites down on her hoof as she awaits the verdict, “It’s delicious.”
>Satisfied, Pinkie gives herself a little hoofpump, and begins to eat as well. The only sounds that can be heard are the clanking of silverware as Pinkie and you cut into the grub.
>From the table up, you appear calm and cool, but under the table you tap a foot impatiently.
“So, what did Pinkie make for you?”
>”Huh? Oh, its pasta.”
“Nice.”
>Pinkie presents you proudly, “Your father here could finish a whole pot of pasta if I let him.”
>You exaggeratedly tap your stomach like a drum, and grin.
“Iron stomach.”
>Both Pinke and you laugh, but it seems Cherry wasn’t amused by your display, in fact, she seems annoyed. Then again, you DID overplay it a bit.  
>Pinkie seems to pick up on her slight change, and leans closer to her.
>”Something wrong Cherry?”
>It figures, any other day of the week, Pinkie is oblivious to other ponies, and their feeling, but now she has radar.
>Cherry shakes her head, and begins to scrape her pasta into a corner. Pinkie leans back up, and you frowns worried, “Well, all right.” She somberly begins to eat her own food as you go back to tapping your foot.
>The mood was soured for a bit, but a few minutes later, you notice some motion over on Cherry’s end. You impale the small portions of meat, and potatoe wedges as you look over at her. She darts her eyes slowly from one side of the room, to the other, observing every knickknack, photo, and tacky painting.
>One photo in particular catches her attention, as you notice her gaze remain on it. It was an old photo of Pinkie holding the two foals, and smiling widely at the camera.
“That’s Pound Cake, and Pumpkin Cake, they’re the Cake’s kids.”
>”Who?”
>”They used to own this WHOLE house, but gave it to me and Anon when they left for Canterlot.”
>”Oh.”
>”You’ll get to meet em tomorrow for sure, you’ll like the kids, they’re the cutest things!”
>”How..how many ponies are coming over tomorrow?”
>Pinkie taps on her plate while moving around her food, “By my count, everyp0ny in Ponyville is gonna drop by to wish us well, but usually it’s the same old party animals that stay and cut it up with me.”
>Though she says nothing, she slinks into herself, and sighs while slowly rubbing her hoof on the table.
>Paying more attention to Cherry than your own dinner, you notice she hasn’t eaten a single spoonful aside from the first.
>Cherry takes small glances at you, but darts her gaze back down when eye contact is made, “What?”
”It’s nothing.”
>“Tsk, Anon, you’re making her nervous.”
>”Umm, Pinkie, I don’t think I can eat the rest, may I be excused?”
>”Oh, what’s wrong? Was it not good?”
>”I just..had a big meal already, before I left.”
>”Well don’t you worry; Anon here eats more than 3 ponies combined. He’ll take care of any leftovers. Isn’t that right, dear~”
“Yup, always got room for Pinkie’s grub, hahaha.”
>Puffing out your belly to exaggerate size, you pat on it and laugh. Its then you notice Cherry giving you a small, annoyed glare, before looking back down.
>You give a big shit eating grin, as Cherry slides her plate towards the middle of the table. Reaching over, you grab hold and move it to your side, all the while thinking some angry thoughts.
>Pinkie slides off the chair, and walks over to her, “Well, since you’re not hungry, lets start on your private tour of the house. You already know the kitchen, so let’s start in the living room.”
>As they walk away, you look over the plate full of pasta and sigh. Getting up with the plate, you walk over into the cooking area, and togummy’s bowl. Scrapping the leftovers into it, you hear his defined footsteps coming up from behind.
>Sure enough he comes into sight, and blinks aimlessly before burying his head into the goopy mess. Leaving him be, you walk back out, and begin to clear the table.
>Scraping what was left on the plates into the trash, you dump them into a sink, and run the hot water while mixing in soap.
>Staring at the slow steamy water, you reach over for a rag, and submerge it. Alone in the kitchen, you silently clean the dishes.
 
>In the living room, Pinkie Pie and Cherry stand before a counter full of framed pictures, “That’s Twilight, you’ll meet her soon, and Applejack, her too, and that my best friend Rainbow Dash, you’ll REALLY like meeting her, and well, pretty much everyp0ny on here you’ll meet tomorrow.”
>Cherry yawns tiredly as her eyes water, blinking tiredly, she looks over at a clock.
>”Hm?”
>”Mrs. Pie, no offense, *yawn* but I’m really tired…I really wanna go to bed.” She sniffled a bit as her nose got runny from her yawn, and fatigue.
>In an instant, Pinkie lowers her body, and like a blur, pops Cherry up onto her back to carry her, “Then let the Pinkie Express take you to your final destination for tonight, woowoo!” With a giggle, she trots forward as Cherry holds on. Though at first she was unsure, she quickly dawns a smile, and begins to laugh in amusement with her.
>Up the stairs, and down the hall, Pinkie bounces along paying special care to not tip over her precious cargo. Reaching a room with pink, and blue border, she stops, and lowers herself to let Cherry disembark.
>”Here we are~ Casa de Cherry, Anon taught me that, it means “Home of Cherry” But really this whole place is your home, but this, is just for you.” Placing a hoof on the knob, she opens the door with a bow, “After you.”
>Cherry walks in with awe, as she looks over her room. Suddenly she stops, and looks over at her “bed”, cocking an eyebrow, she looks over at Pinkie who is trying not to smile.
>”You see, we thought we were gonna get a foal.” Off in the corner, is a crib surrounded by small stuffed animals, “But don’t worry, we have an extra bed, hold on.” She quickly gallops to the door, and sticks her head out, “ANON! BRING UP YOUR BED!”
“WHAT?!”
>”BRING UP YOUR BED!”
“WHERE!?”
>”CHERRY’S ROOM!”
“K!”
>Pinkie sticks her head back in, and grins sheepishly, “Well, just unpack for now while I get you a toothbrush, by the time you’re done cleaning up, you’ll have a bed. Pinkie promise.”
>”Ok.”
 
>You grunt, and strain as you push the mattress up the steps. Grumbling curses as you do so.
“Stupid Pinkie, and her stupid guest room idea..*grumble* *grumble*”
>Reaching the top, you sigh as the mattress falls, and thuds on the floor. Taking a breather, you pick it back up, and slide it forward.
>Reaching the room, you angle it in, and push.
“The frame is heavy as sin, so I just brought the mattress. Twilight can help us move the frame up tomorrow.”
>You look around and see that nobody is in the room, hearing the water running, you leave the room and head down the hall to the bathroom. Peaking inside, you see Pinkie, and Cherry standing next to one another by the sink. The two are brushing their teeth. Pinkie scrubs vigorously, as Cherry watches, and does the same. When Pinkie pulls out her brush, and gurgles, Cherry does the same. Pinkie spits into the sink, followed by Cherry.
>Looking at herself in the mirror, Pinkie gives herself a bright, wide smile, as Cherry gives a more uncertain smile. Checking herself for any imperfections, Pinkie proudly nods, “All righty, all whitey~” Noticing you, she looks back, “Is the bed ready?”
“Yeah, but its missing the frame.”
>”That’s all right, I know it really heavy. Twilight can help us with it when she comes over.”
“I love you, you know that?”
>”Haha, why do you say that?”
“No reason.”
>Walking out of the bathroom, and back into the room, Cherry takes the lead, and looks over the bed as you and Pinkie scramble for sheets, and a pillow.
>Fixing it all up, you push it into another corner of the room, and give her some space. Pinkie seems to have a realization, “Oh, I forgot.”
>She trots out of the room, as Cherry drags her bags by the bed, and begins to unpack some assorted items, and books.
“You already know where the bathroom is, do you like to sleep with a nightlight or something? We can leave it on if you want.”
>”No thank you, I like the dark.”
“Fearless, I like that…Just don’t be crying for me if you get afraid, hehe.”
>Her ears twitch a bit, but she neither comments, nor acknowledges it.
>Pinkie returns just in time to save you from yourself, and trots right over to Cherry, “I got something for you~ A little thing that always put a smile on my face, and I want you to have it.” Reaching into her mane, she pulls out a small, clown doll, “Tada! Ponyacci the clown! He’s my childhood hero, and close friend, not only that, but he’s really funny too.”
>Offering it to her, she slowly takes it into her hooves, and brings it closer to her. Giving it a little squeeze, it talks, “Waheyhey! Who’s ready to laugh?”
>Like a caveman seeing fire for the first time, there was numbness to her expression, as though she could not fathom what was before her. Slowly it began to dawn on her, and she looks up at Pinkie Pie, “Thank you, this really means a lot to you, I’ll take care of it.”
>”Aww, you can play with it, things are meant to be used. And even if anything happens to it, I know where the real one lives.”
>Like all conversations, this one ran its course, and silence begins to creep in. Rather than wait for it to get awkward, you break first.
“Well, if you need anything from us, we’re right at the end of the hallway, don’t be afraid to call out for us.”
>”Or, just come by if you want, our door is always open for you. But be sure to knock first.” Pinkie leans down, and gives her a hug, “Goodnight Cherry.”
>”Goodnight Mrs. Pie.”
>Pinkie gives her one last tight squeeze, before moving away. You can tell she wants you to do the same. Reluctantly, you walk over, and try to hug her as well. Awkwardly fumbling around her, you give an open hug, and make barely any body contact.
>Breaking away, you and Pinkie leave the room, get the light, and go walking down the hall.
>It was strange; this was the start of your new life. And despite only having one new addition to it, everything seems so different. Off in the distance, you distinctively hear the rumbling sounds of thunder as you go to your room.
>Pinkie stretches out, as you undress by the side of your bed. Knocking off your boots, and socks, you change into some fresh boxers, and slide under the sheets.
”Today was a long day huh?”
>”Yup, but totally worth it, don’t forget, its waffles for breakfast.”
“Sweet.”
>Sliding into the bed next to you, she shimmies herself into a more comfortable position, and looks up at the ceiling. “She won’t call me “mom”.”
“Did I call you “wife” the first time I met you?”
>Pinkie grunts as she turns over to rest on her side, “You thought it.”
“Funny, but seriously, she wont respond to you trying to force it, believe me, I tried.”
>”What? When?”
“On the train, she doesn’t seem to respond well to pushiness.”
>”She’s probably just nervous, I’m sure she’ll open up to you in time.”
>You look at her, raise an eyebrow, and grin, as if it say, “Do you get it now?” Pinkie seems to take the hint, and kisses you on the lips.
>”Good luck, “dad”.”
“Right back at ya, “mom”.”
>Back in Cherry’s room, she is at the window holding the doll, and looking out at the dark clouds.
>Rain begins to trickle down, before becoming a heavy downpour as thunder rumbles. “So, you followed me here.”
>Lightning streaks across the sky, flashing the room, and windows. In the reflection for that one second, is a changeling. When the lighting fades, Cherry is once again, reflected on the glass.
>Waking up early was not something Pinkie had to struggle to do, in fact, depending on the situation she could wake up at any hour. On special days like Hearts and Hooves Day, and Hearts Warming Eve, she would be up a good hour before the sun.
>But today was a special day, and Pinkie excitedly opens her eyes in the pitch blackness, and grins. In one swift motion she rolls off the bed and lands with a soft thud on the ground.
>Trotting to the bathroom, she clicks on the light and opens up the medicine cabinet. As the bulb flickers to life, she does her mane into a ponytail and brushes her teeth. After splashing some water onto her face, she towels off, and is ready to start the day.
>Walking out of her room, she hums to herself, but stops when she reaches Cherry’s room. Slowly she opens the door, and peeks in. Its faint, but she can make an outline on the bed, the sheets rise, and collapse as the sleeping filly underneath breathes peacefully.
>Pinkie can’t help herself, and slowly creeps into the room. Lifting her butt into the air, she crawls in a serpentine pattern before ending up by her bedside.
>Picking herself up, she looks on at the little sleeping filly. With a dreamy sigh, she gently runs a hoof down her cheek. Biting her lip, and rocking her body impatiently, her imagination goes wild with possibilities.
>The first thing that runs through her head, is an image of waking Cherry up, and taking her downstairs to make breakfast together. The two laugh, and smear batter playfully on one another before getting down to business. Pinkie would hold Cherry up triumphantly as she made her first breakfast, and Anon would come down, and say “Boy, sumthin sure smells good.”
>The next thing to run through her head is spending the whole early morning preparing a lavish breakfast. Cherry would come down the steps, and rub her eyes in disbelief as she beholds a table full of different cakes, pastries, and food. She would run down the steps, and excitedly look around at where to start.
>The anticipation was killing her, she wanted to spend time with her, but then again, Anon did say not to force it. Disappointed but not down, she gets back up, and goes to the door.
>Letting herself out, she slowly closes the door behind her. Going down the steps, she heads into the kitchen, and inhales deeply before exhaling, “All right, where to start?”
>She had her mind set on waffles, that was a given, but it couldn’t just be run of the mill store bought stuff. That stuff is all well and good for a nice, quick fixer-up, but this was special.
>Sitting down, she taps her hoof on the table as she ponders, “Ice cream waffles? No, too sweet. Chocowaffles? No, that’s no good. Hmmm…”
>Her mind tries to dig up any and all info of waffles, but they all seem either too sugar infested, or too boring. Getting up, she walks over to the fridge, and opens it up. Milk, butter, eggs, and assorted fruit filled it up.
>”Fruit is nature’s candy, this could work.” Pulling out a drawer packed with strawberries, and blueberries, she smiles.
 
>The first rays of morning come over the horizon. When the clock rolls over to 7:00, it begins to ring its alarm. You groan in annoyance as you reach blindly to turn it off.
>With the alarm off, you roll off the bed and out into the hallway. You can hear the sizzle of grease, and smell the scent of bacon.
>Down the steps, you turn the corner, and spot the tip of a pink tail. Walking into the kitchen, you see Pinkie Pie busily making breakfast. When Pinkie notices you, she smiles, "Morning Anon~"
"Hmm, morning."
>Hacking up some snot, you walk over to a nearby trashcan and spit.
>"I left you some coffee and juice on the table, but what do you want for breakfast today? It can be anything you want.”
“Anything?”
>”That’s what I said~”
“Cool, uh, can you make me a big cheese omlet, with hash browns, sausage and ham?”
>”Ooo, hungry today are we? All righty, be out in just a sec.”
“Thanks, and a better question is, “When am I NOT hungry”?”
>At the table, you unfurl the paper, and lazily browse the funnies, and horoscopes. Looks like now is the right time to meet the love of your life, then again, it’s not entirely wrong.
>You try to think of some clever, romantic way to bring this up to Pinkie, but draw a blank, it is early after all.
>Lowering the paper, you realize that Pinkie has an entire waffle army not far off.
“Jesus Pinkie! Why did you make so many waffles!?”
>”For Cherry silly.”
“She can’t eat all that!”
>”Oh I know that, but I didn’t know which one she liked, so I thought I’d let her choose.”
“Why didn’t you just make one she wants, like you did with me?”
>”Because Anon, this way its more memorable, didn’t you ever like it when your mom surprised you when you were a kid?”
“Well yeah.”
>”And didn’t it give you a nice warm feeling, and a BIG smile?”
“Sure, but I don’t ever remember her surprises being sooo, wasteful.”
>Pinkie snickers while trying to hide her smile, “Nothing goes to waste, I’ll just give these to anyp0ny who wants em. There are always ponies in the mood for waffles.”
“I guess.”
>”I just want the same for Cherry, that’s all.” Its faint, but you both hear the sound of a door opening, Pinkie gasps, “She’s awake! Hurry Anon, set the table!”
>Miffed, but not enough to show it, you get up and start grabbing anything you think will be needed. Pinkie dashes back and forth, moving tables together, and pouring orange juice into pitchers.
>The hoofsteps get closer, and louder as you grab the last thing. Satisfied with what you did, you plop down on the chair as Pinkie quickly throws herself into the one across from you. The chair makes a loud screech as Pinkie grins nervously to the doorway.
>Cherry walks in right on time, and looks around, first at Pinkie, then you, and finally the food. Her expression is hard to read, but it’s far from the “big smile” Pinkie was talking about.
>Almost worried, Cherry looks over at Pinkie “Is something wrong?”
>Pinkie takes on a serious expression, and tone “I’ll say.” Just as suddenly as her expression came, it went, and was replaced by her bright, happy smile, “You’re not over here eating with us!”
>Even you can see how relived Cherry was to hear that, as she exhales slowly, and relaxes her body. Pinkie hooves a chair out and extends a welcome to her, “Come here and sit with us, we wouldn’t have breakfast without you.”
>Doing as she was told, Cherry walks over, and sits by Pinkie. Getting herself comfortable, she looks over at all the plates of waffles, and is overwhelmed by the sheer volume of them.
>Pinkie rests her face on her hooves, and watches Cherry, “Pick any you like, and if you don’t like them, I can make you anything else.”
>You curl your bottom lip up and look over at Pinkie, who promptly sticks her tongue at you playfully. In that time, Cherry reaches forward, and grabs a standard blueberry waffle stack.
>Pulling it towards her, Pinkie forgets you, and goes back to watching her. You too pay close attention as she cuts into the stack. You whiff something burning, and look back at the oven to be greeted by flames.
“Pinkie! The ham!”
>”Huh? Oh my gawsh!”
>She bolts up, and rushes to the oven while you get up and go for a pitcher of water in the fridge. You toss it over the flames, causing them to hiss out before dying. Pinkie is completely soaked through, but laughs awkwardly as she presents you the burnt food, “Well, you do like it well done, right?”
>Your stomach didn’t find it so humorous, and gurgles out. Almost on cue, you both look over at Cherry who simply smiles and fires back, “Is EVERY meal gonna be dinner and a show?”
“I guess so, but we’ll try to work in normal meals when we can.”
>Pinkie reaches for a roll of paper towels, and dries herself off while going to sit next to Cherry again. You take the burnt food, and scrape it onto your plate, “Oh Anon, let me make you another one.”
“Nah its all right, its only superficial, the insides are still good.”
>Scrapping off what you can, you bite into the ham slices, scoop up the eggs, and shove hash brown into your mouth. As usual, the food was great, though a little too Cajun for your taste.
>”Do you not like the food?”
>This gets your interest; Pinkie is in full nurture mode, as she hovers over Cherry, who has only eaten 2 small bites of the fluffy saucer.
>”No, its good, its just..I don’t wanna eat too much. Kinda saving room for later.”
>”For the party?”
>”Yeah.”
>”That wont be for another 5 hours, you should eat something.” She looks over the waffles as they seem to grow to impossible stature, inhaling, she sighs. “Its all right, you don’t have to eat if you don’t want too. But if you get hungry at all today, don’t hesitate to ask me. I’ll whip ya up something lickity-split.” With a wink, she moves off the chair, and begins to clear the table.
>Cherry slides off her chair, and gives Pinkie a hug, “Thank you.” With that, she quickly trots away, and up the steps. Pinkie begins to tear up in relief and joy as she looks over at you.
>”Did you see that?”
“Sure did.”
>She fans herself with her hoof, “Ok, calm down Pinkie, you gotta play it cool. Nop0ny likes an over emotional pony.”
“Tsk, Pot, meet Kettle.”
 
>Upstairs, Cherry paces around her room and looks over every little detail. Tapping in rapid succession, she bites her lip when suddenly she hears giggling outside. Walking over to the window, she slowly peeks out.
>Some colts are playing, and running around chasing one another. Thinking to herself, she looks over to her bag.
>Downstairs, you clean up while Pinkie hangs up decorations. Humming to herself, she grunts a few times while she drives in a nail into the wall for the banner, “Geez Anon, what are these things made out of, diamonds?”
>Cracking a smile, you grin tossing the empty carton of orange juice into the trash.
“Only the best for our foal.”
>*thud* *thud* *thud* From the front door, several knocks can be heard as Pinkie smiles and drops the banner. In a flash she runs over and opens it, on the other side is Applejack, and the CMC, “Oh, hey! What’re you all doing here? Want some cupcakes?”
“Who is it!?”
>Pinkie looks back raises a hoof to her mouth, “Its Applejack and the fillies!”
“K!”
>Applejack tips her hat, “Jus wanted tah help ya’ll with the bakin and what not. Ah know yer probably gunna need sum help, and the fillies here wanted tah see tha little foal.”
>Applebloom holds her head high and proud, “Foal-sitting has GOT to be where we’ll get our cutie marks.”
>Pinkie smiles slyly, “Ok~” she skips along as the three fillies follow behind her.
>Applejack comes over to you and nods, “Anon.”
“Hey Applejack, whats goin on?”
>”Jus thought I’d lend ah hoof, ya’ll must be more tired than a pig wrangler on a pig farm. Ah remember when AB was a foal; she cried fer 6 hours straight.”
“She didn’t tell you, did she?”
>Upstairs, Pinkie leads them to the door, and knocks without saying a word. Smiling confidently, she waits as the three fillies look at one another confused. Suddenly the door knob turns as the door opens slowly.
>The first thing they see is a filly no older than they are standing before them, she looks at the three of them cautiously before looking up at Pinkie, “Mrs. Pie?”
>”Girls, my daughter Cherry, Cherry, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Sco..”
>Scootaloo grins and yells, “Another crusader!” the three zip up and look over her body while talking at the same time, as Cherry awkwardly tries to hide herself from them.
>Pinkie smiles happily thinking its going well, but failing to realize her anxiousness.
>Applebloom takes it upon herself to lead the charge, “We totally weren’t expectin tah meet another filly like us.” Sweetie Belle leans into her line of sight
>”Yeah, this is way better than changing diapers all day.”
>Cherry is naturally taken aback and tilts her head while cocking an eyebrow, “What?” Before she can receive an answer, Scootaloo follows up.
>”Can you IMAGINE all the things we can try and get our cutie marks in now?! Hoofball, Pole-vaulting, Paintball! All the team sports are open to us now!”
>Applebloom has a sudden realization, before taking a more professional expression, “That is, assuming she wants tah join us.”
>Scootaloo blows a raspberry, “Why would she not?”
>Applebloom walks over to her while talking, ”The crusaders is fer ponies who want tah find what makes them special, and get their cutie mark. Not all ponies want tah go about it our way.” Reaching her, she extends a hoof to Cherry, “But if yer interested, we’d sure love tah have ya.”
>Looking at her hoof, she looks over at the other two, and then to Pinkie who gives her a nod as if to say “Go for it.”
>With a sigh to get her composure, she shakes her hoof, “Sounds like fun.”
 
>Downstairs, Applejack and you sit on the couch together filling up the goody-bags with candy.
“Ya know, I could do this just fine on my own, I think we’d need more help with the cakes and stuff.”
>”Ah Pinkie gots that covered jus fine, sides, ah figured this is a gud time fer us tah talk some.”
“Tsk, figures. One look at my wedding ring and all the mares want a piece of this sweet ass.”
>Applejack snorts out a laugh, “Hahaha, ah see Pinkie wasn’t kiddin, yer sum charmer all right.” Running her hoof to set some of her mane behind her ear, she leans forward a bit to get a look at your face, “But seriously, raisin a filly aint easy. Ah have Granny, and Big Mac tah help, but ah STILL go tah bed with muh joints achin, and muh mind a haze.”
“And bucking trees all day plays no part in it?”
>”Ah’d rather be out bucking trees all day than helpin AB with her fancy mathmatics, and little filly troubles. And ahm jus dreadin come estrus time fer her.”
“Not that I don’t enjoy talking to you or anything, but shouldn’t you be telling this to Pinkie?”
>”Ah love Pinkie, but yer more of tha honker down responsible type. With Pinkie it’s kinda in one ear, and out the other huhu.”
”Haha, amen to that. So, what do I need to know?”
>”First, be firm. Ya may love her more than the world, but if ya give an inch they’ll take a mile.”
“Tsk you kidding? I’m the bad cop, I’m ALWAYS the firm one.”
>”Good, next, ya gotta be fun. Even if ya find what she likes borin, take an interest. Ya’d be surprised how quick a filly will open up to ya if ya play her tea game.”
“Don’t wanna be mean AJ, but this is pretty common sense.”
>She puffs her cheeks a bit before exhaling, “And another thing, always keep yer cool. Snapping at a filly may feel right at first, but ya feel ugly after.”
>With a smirk, you finish up a bag as Pinkie Pinkie calls out from behind, ”Hey you guys, what are ya talking about?”
“Hey Pinkie, AJ here is just tellin me some things I need to know about raising a kid.”
>Pinkie tosses herself in-between the two of you and gets herself snug, “Thanks for bringing the girls over, it’s just the thing Cherry needs to break the ice before the party.”
>”Ah it was nuthin, but ahm surprised ya’ll got a full grown filly. What about getting a foal?”
>“I was surprised too, but it seemed she needed us more. So, we brought her home.” With a smile, Pinkie looks over all the bags the two of you did, “Wowee! Look at all these bags! There’s enough to giv everyp0ny in p0nyville!”
>Applejack gives a funny little smile as she gets up, “In that case, let’s start on tha cakes.”
 
>Upstairs, the CMC all ponder silently to themselves while the clock ticks. Cherry doodles in a corner but every so often looks between the three of them.
>This goes on for a few minutes before she finally closes her art book, “Umm, what are we doing?”
>Applebloom answers without looking at her, “Thinkin a ways tah get our cutie marks.”
>”Ok.”
>Cherry goes back to doodling as Sweetie Belle notices her drawing, and goes over to look, “What are you doing?”
>”Drawing.”
>”Can I see?”
>”Uhh, sure I guess.”
>Opening up the folder, Sweetie Belle takes a look and gasps as her eyes have a shine to them, “Oh my gosh, its us!”
>Applebloom and Scootaloo both stop their thinking and look over giving a unified, “What?”
>”It’s us! Cherry drew us!”
>The two rush and look over her shoulder. They are greeted with a black and white penciled sketch. It depicts the three of them in their thinking positions, complete with semi-detailed background of the room.
>Scootaloo looks at her own visage and gets that same sparkle in her eye, “I look awesome! She really captured my uhhh, awesomeness!”
>Applebloom gently runs her hoof along the paper, “This is really good, how long ya been drawin?”
>”A..awhile.”
>”Awhile?”
>”Yeah, just..awhile.”
>Applebloom looks on quizzically as Sweetie Belle touches the paper, “Hey, maybe we can get our cutie marks in art!”
>Scootaloo gasps, “That’s a great idea, and Cherry can teach us!”
>The two fillies begin to giggle as they gather paper, and pencils while gathering around in a circle. Scootaloo calls out to Applebloom, “C’mon Applebloom!”
>Applebloom look over at the three and sees Cherry smiling, and talking with her friends. Getting her own smile, she looks around for her own supplies before biting down on some paper, “Hold up!”
 
>Back downstairs in the kitchen, Applejack and Pinkie Pie mix different colored batter, and pour it into assorted pans. Tossing them into one of the many ovens, Applejack bites down on a dial, and sets an alarm. Wiping away some of the sweat from her brow, she gives an exhausted sigh, “That’s tha last of em.”
>Pinkie walks over to the window, opens it and sticks her head out, “HEY ANON! HOW’S THE FOOD COMING ALONG!?”
>Outside, you stand a few feet away in front of a smoky grill. Despite her doing it in good fun, you reply back in a snappish tone.
“Pinkie, I’m right here.”
>She giggles lightly as she puts her hoof over her mouth, “Sorry.” Pinkie’s silly and somewhat overactive nature was hard to deal with at first, but it’s something you’ve learned to overcome. With a sigh to get back into the mindset of before, you open up the grill and check on the food.
“Almost ready.”
>”Awesome.” She crawls out of the window and trots over. Reaching you, she playfully rubs against you, “I don’t see the apron but..” She gets on her hind legs and kisses you on the cheek, “I kissed the cook anyway.” Winking and sticking her tongue out, she trots back to the window and crawls back in.
>Looking at her go, you feel over the kiss imprint and smile.
(“Honestly, I can’t stay mad at her.”)
>Bending down, you open a red cooler loaded with meats. Licking the bottom of your lips, you smile to yourself as you get back up.
>Opening the grill again, you begin to baste the grilled vegetables with some olive oil and let them cook. After a few minutes, you begin to remove them and set them onto a pan.
>Quickly picking it up, you go to the back door and let push yourself in.
“Pinkie, foods ready!”
>Pinkie and Applejack are at the table decorating some cakes, “That was fast.”
>”Ah got it.” Applejack gets up, and heads over to you. Giving her the pan, she balances it on her head before setting it on the table, “Well, that’s enough fer Big Mac, but we still got ahlot of ponies tah feed. How much ya got left tah cook?”
“Well, we have about 6 pounds of vegetables left; I wasn’t sure how much we’d need.”
>Applejack picks up one of the skewers packed with grilled veggies and sniffs at it, “What’cha call these things again?”
“Shish Kabobs.”
>”Sheesh Kababs?”
“Shish Kabobs.”
>Biting into it, she smiles and makes a pleased sound, “I’ll just call em yer tasty sticks.”
“I highly advise NOT doing that.”
>Pinkie is by you in a second, and elbows you playfully, “You’re tasty sticks huh?”
>AJ shakes her head with a chuckle, ”Ahll right, ahll right, ah get it, poor choice of words.” Biting into it again, she talks with her mouthful, “In any case, one of these should fill up a pony right nice. Ah wouldn’t worry about it.”
“Great, I’ll finish up the rest.”
 
>Walking outside, Applejack goes back to the pan, and begins taking some out, “Ah’ll just get a few for the fillies, they must be starvin.”
>”That’s a great idea! I’ll get the drinks!”
>Upstairs, the 4 fillies all color, and draw quietly when the door swings open. Pinkie comes trotting in balancing a tray of drinks, “Snack train! Woo woo!”
>The CMC all stop and look over excitedly while Cherry simply gives a slight glance. Applejack comes in too, and sets a pan on the floor with the food.
>Applebloom and Scootaloo come up and look it over, “Thank heaves, ahm starvin.”
>”Me too.”
>The two sit down and pick up a stick before taking a bite as Pinkie sets a soda by each of the 4 fillies. When she gets to Cherry she sneaks a peek at what she was drawing, it depicts a penciled sketch of Pinkie Pie surrounded by little colts and fillies.
>”Did you draw this?”
>Scootaloo stops her chewing to look over at Pinkie, and talks with her mouth full, “She totally did, she’s a real good drawer.”
>Applejack looks over at the two of them , “Is that right?” Applebloom grabs a paper, and shows it to her, “We tried too, but it wasn’t nearly as good as hers.”
>Applejack rubs the top of her head, “Ah it just takes practice is all, we’ll work on it tonight if we can.”
>Pinkie kneels down by her and places a hoof on her shoulder, “This is really great Cherry, you’re my little wittle artist. Can I keep this picture? If..thats all right.”
>She looks at the picture, and places her hoof on the paper a second before tearing it off. “Ok.”
>Pinkie gives her a big hug, “Thanks sweetie, I’ll treasure it always.” Giving one last hard hug, she lets go and gets up, “If you fillies want, you can come down and give us a hoof. We got plenty of cake batter that needs licking~”
>Applebloom nods, “That’d be great, but we’re gonna get a few lessons in before we head down.”
>”All righty, see you girls later.”
>The two take their leave and close the door. Sweetie Belle slides the tray with the last of the shish kabobs on it, “This one’s yours.”
>Cherry shakes her head, “That’s all right, I’m not hungry. You can have it if you want.”
>”Are you sure?”
>”Yeah, I already ate before you showed up.”
>Sweetie Belle hooves out the vegetables, and splits them three ways, “I can’t eat all that on my own.”
>Scootaloo pierces up a few, and shoves them into her mouth, “I’ll take em.”
 
>Downstairs in the kitchen, Pinkie pins the drawing of herself with the little horses onto the fridge with a magnet. Taking a few steps back, she looks at the drawing and smiles proudly as Applejack comes and looks it over. “She sure is a talented little filly, that fer sure.”
>”Mmhmm.”
>”Real pretty tah boot too.”
>”Thanks, she does take after her mother.” Pinkie proclaims proudly pointing at herself as Applejack grins uneasily before looking at the clock.
>”Oh hey, look at that, cakes er almost done.”
>”Great, lets set the leftover batter in the fridge for the fillies, and get the frosting ready then.”
>”You got it.” Picking up a pot with her mouth, she sets it on the table and begins to pull out ingredients for the frosting. Pinkie skips over to the window, and sticks her head out, “How are we doing on those tasty sticks?”
>Outside, you’re reading a magazine while the grill steams black smoke.
“I finished all the food but I’m just cooking mine now.”
>”Awesome, thanks Anon. Buuuut, when you’re done with that, could you pick up some hay?”
>Slightly annoyed, you set the magazine down and look over at her.
“Why?”
>”I’m gonna make some hay-fries fer the kiddos.” With an exacerbated sigh, you close the magazine.
“How much?”
>”About 60 bits worth should be enough,
“Fine, but after that I’m gonna shower. I don’t wanna smell like coal and gasoline when the party starts.”
>”Okie doki.” With that she pulls herself back into the house as you flip open the magazine and grumble to yourself.
>Inside, Pinkie raises a hoof and points to your general direction, “All right, we got Anon out on a hay run, cake decorating in 5, and the kids should be coming downnnn now.”
 
>On cue, the three fillies come running down as Cherry walks down, and just watches them when she reaches the bottom.
>They run up to the table and start looking at Applejack make the frosting. Naturally Applebloom picks up some sugar, and begins pouring it into a cup while Scootaloo gets flour.
>”Uhh Scootaloo, ah don’t think ya need flour fer frosting.”
>”Really?”
>Applejack nods, “Sure nuff, but if ya want tah help out, ah could use sum of that shortenin.”
>Scootaloo drops the flour in an explosion of powder, and heads to where she pointed. Opening the drawer, she grabs a plastic bucket and cracks it open. Smelling it, she retches in disgust, “Ugh, this smells horrible!”
>Applejack laughs good humouredly, “It’ll taste better when we’re dun, ah promise.”
>Pinkie is over with Cherry as she gently nudges her forward, “Come on sweetie, you can help me take out the cakes.”
>”Uhh, ok.” Cherry walks by her side as they go to the oven. Pinkie grabs a towel, and opens the oven. Draping it on the side, she bites down on the tray and pulls it out. Setting it on the table, she bites down on the towel again.
>”Now you try, just be very careful not to burn yourself.”
>Getting a hold of the towel, she walks over to an over and opens it. The hot air gushes out onto her face and into her lungs. With a pained yelp, she rubs her hoof against her face as she backs away.
>Pinkie is on her in a second, reassuring, and comforting her as a few tears run down her face, “Oh my gosh, are you ok!?”
>She gives a hurt “Mmhmm.” As she continues to rub her face, but stops to blink a few times, “I’m..I’m ok.”
>Pinkie begins to cry too, and hugs her, “Oh Cherry, I’m so sorry. It was all my fault!” She begins to wail as she clutches her when you come rushing in.
“What the happened, why is she crying?”
 
>Applejack comes over while the cutie mark crusaders go to check on them, “Cherry burned herself with tha heat from the oven.”
>You lean over to see them and call out to her.
“Are you ok?”
>She doesn’t really reply, but instead nods as she rubs her face in an irritated grimace. Applejack digs through your cabinets, and throws out things while piling others by her.
>”You just hang tight sugar cube, ol Applejack gots jus tha thing fer ya.” Like a seasoned mother, she hastily but gracefully mixes liquids, and stirs ingredients into a pitcher. With the little brew finished, she bites down and walks over to the still crying Pinkie Pie. “Close yer eyes and keep em shut, ya don’t want this gettin in yer eye.”
>Cherry closes them as Applejack slowly pours the drink onto her face. The moisture seeps into her coat and turns it a dark shade as it runs and soaks her face through.
>When she finishes pouring, she sets the pitcher aside and waits a few, “All right, ya can open em now.”
>Slowly opening her eyes, she touches her face, causing the stored liquid to run a bit, “It..it doesn’t hurt.”
>”Sure nuf, it’s an old Apple recipe fer what granny calls, “Sun sores”.
“Sun sores?”
>”Fancy name fer sun burn, but it works just as well fer a little oven burn too.”
>Cherry looks down at the now sniffling Pinkie Pie, and awkwardly taps her, “Mrs. Pinkie, I’m fine. See?”
>Pinkie snorts up some of her runny nose, and wipes away the rest, “You are?”
>She nods, “Uh-huh, I’m ok.”
>”Oh Cherry, I’m sorry.” She hugs her again causing her to force a smile. You walk over, and help Pinkie up.
“You all right?”
>Pinkie sniffles again, and tries to hide her tears, “Yeah, haha, ummm, lets take a break from cakes right now.”
 
>In the room upstairs, the CMC continue practicing drawing while Cherry sits in the corner doodling. Downstairs in the living room, Pinkie sits on the couch next to you and stares so hard at the ground; you swear she was trying to burn a hole in it.
>Applejack sits across, and smiles, “Don’t be so hard on yerself, fillies and colts get hurt all tha time at that age. Why, if ah had a bit fer every time AB got hurt ahd be livin in a castle.”
>”No, I’m the worst parent in Equestria. She’ll never trust me again.”
“Pinkie, it was an accident. It’s not like you intentionally burned her or anything. Hell, my mom fucked up on me lots of times, and I came out all right.”
>Applejack has your back as she follows up, “Anon’s right, just chalk it up as learnin experience. Ya got way more cumin too, so ya gotta put on a strong face fer her.”
>Pinkie sniffles as she wipes some snot from her nose and nods.
>Upstairs, Scootaloo stops her scribbling and looks over at the drenched filly before snickering. The rest of them look over confused, but Scootaloo bursts out laughing, “Hahaha, how did you not know it would burn you?”
>Applebloom fires back, “Scootaloo!”
>The burnt orange filly continues to poorly contain her laughter, ”I’m sorry, its just, it was hot!”
>Cherry looks to the side and rubs her cheek as she lowers her pencil, “I don’t know, I didn’t think about it. It doesn’t hurt though anymore.” She looks over at Applebloom, “Thank you for the cure.”
>”Oh don’t thank me, its muh sister ya should be thankin. She knows lots about them home remedies.”
>The door opens as Pinkie comes slowly walking in, standing by the frame, she smiles sadly at Cherry from across the room. As though there was an invisible force field, she remains in place and waits expectantly.
 
>Though she tries her best to look composed, everyone can see her erratic breathing, and strained pink eyes. She had been crying, a lot.
>Pinkie chirps in her usual happy tone, “Are you feeling better?” but with her ragged look, it seemed like some other pony had asked that.
>Cherry nods like it was no big deal, “I’m fine.”
>”Good, but uhh, do you wanna come set up the tables with me? But if you’d all rather stay up here I..I’d be ok with that.”
>Having lost their interest in becoming artists, the CMC agree and get up. But Cherry remains seated, “If it’s ok with you, I’d like to rest a bit.”
>Pinkie over-understandingly stammers out, “S.sure! Come down whenever you want, no hurry.”
>Feeling a little jilted, and hurt, the CMC look over at one another as though they accidentally offended their new friend. Neither wanted to leave her alone, but they didn’t want to come on to strong.
>Reluctantly, they walk out with Pinkie as Cherry remains sitting behind. With the door closed, she uses her magic to lock it. In a flash, she rolls down and reaches under the bed. Pulling out her bag, she fumbles around in it as she pulls out a small mirror.
>Looking into it, her reflection dissipates to reveal her true form. A small, black changeling sits before the mirror. Its face covered in a crinkly, black mesh.
>Slowly she pulls off the fine, elastic skin from her face. Some comes off in large patches, others in smaller bits. Having removed the small layers of shed skin, she sniffles and dawns her disguise again. Looking around, she spots a towel and wraps them up in it.
>Unlocking her door, she takes a few steps out and is greeted by Pinkie. Naturally she is startled for a minute before she exhales her surprise.
>“Sorry, did I scare you?”
>”A little.”
>”Sorry.”
>”Hey, umm I’m gonna shower for a bit, to wash off that sticky stuff.”
 
>”Do you want me to draw you a bath? I used to bathe the twins all the time.”
>”No, I can do it. Thanks anyway.” Cherry walks past her, and looks around, “It’s the one on the left right?”
>Pinkie nods as she continues without another word. When she enters the shower, Pinkie gives a heavy sigh, and goes downstairs.
>In the bathroom, Cherry flushes the toilet as the black skin swirls around and around before disappearing into the bowl. Sighing relived, she smiles and turns on the water.
>Dropping her disguise again, she hops into the shower, and begins to hum an upbeat tune.
 
>Downstairs, Pinkie comes walking down the steps as you pass her by carrying a cooler of soda.
“Hey Pinkie, how’s the kid?”
>”I hope all right, she’s right now in the shower.”
“Cool, where do you want me to set up the drinks?”
>Pinkie points over in a direction without taking her eyes off the floor, ”Just over there in the corner.”
“Thanks, oh, and Pinkie.”
>”Huh?”
“You’re a great mom; don’t be so hard on yourself.”
>She smiles and walks along side you to the corner of the room. Setting it down, you sigh and plop down on a chair by a table.
“Oh god, my legs.”
>Pinkie opens the cooler and brings out a coke for you. Giving her a smartass smile, you grab the drink.
“Thanks Pinkie, thanks for giving me that ONE drink when I brought the whole case.”
>She gives you a smirk as she sits next to you and playfully replies ”Tsk, you’re WELCOME.”
“That’s more like it.”
>You lean over and give her a kiss on the cheek as Applejack and the fillies come in, “So where ya want us Pinkie?”
>She hops off the chair, and reaches under the table before pulling out a large cardboard box. “Can you girls start moving these snack bags onto the tables?”
>The CMC rush over and start moving around the bags as they pick some up and ooh and awe at them.
 
>“Oh and girls,” They look back as Pinkie smiles, “You can have 1 bag each before ya get started, but rest is for the guests.”
>Applebloom nods as she puts down the bag, ”Thanks Pinkie, but we’ll set it up first, and snack later.”
>Scootaloo has buried her head in the bags, but lifts it up after hearing her, mouth stuffed with cookies, “Whut!? Why?!”
>”So we can eat with Cherry.”
>Swallowing the cookie bits, she gives a grumpy groan and gets into the pushing position, “Fine.”
>The three raise their hooves and give themselves a unified high-five while shouting, “Cutie Mark Party Planners, go!”
>As they run off, you get up and crack some bones to limber up.
“All right, I’m gonna shower and get ready. You wanna join?”
>”Nah, I showered this morning, thanks anyway. Me and Applejack are gonna clean up.”
>Applejack laughs heartily passing you with Pinkie following her, “Ah don’t think that wuz what he meant sugarcube.”
>”Well, what did he mean?”
>”Ah’ll tell ya when yer older.”
>Watching them go, you admire their posteriors for a second before turning around, and heading up the stairs.
>Walking down the hall, one of the doors opens while hot steam wafts out. You see your new kid come walking out with a towel around her neck, little beads of water drip down her fur and onto the floor.
>She stands there a moment before looking at you and you her, neither of you say a hw word.
“Hey how are you feeling?”
>”Better.”
“That’s good, the kids are downstairs setting up the goody bags. I think they wanted you down there.”
>“All right.”
>With that she walks towards you and down the steps as you begin to loosen your clothing. Walking past the bathroom, you head into your room, and use the shower there.
 
>Downstairs, Pinkie and Applejack clean the kitchen together. Pinkie wipes down the counter as Applejack picks up trash. In the next room, the CMC place bags on the table and fix chairs.
>Cherry comes into the room, and looks around when Sweetie Belle notices her and waves her over, “Over here!”
>Looking from side to side, she walks to them and gathers her surroundings, “So what are you guys doing?”
>Applebloom bites down on a bag, and sets it down on an empty spot on the table, “We’re jus settin sum snacks fer the guests, ya wanna help?”
>”..ok.” Biting down on a bag, she looks around, “Where do I put it?”
>Scootaloo tosses a bag to the side, the only sound to be heard is the shattering of a window, “Just toss it wherever, that’s what I’ve been doing.”
>Cherry gently sets it on one of the tables, and continues to help out. After a few, they finish and all stand around the box, inside are 4 bags.
>Sweetie Belle sticks her head in, and pulls out a bag; Scootaloo does the same, and followed by Applebloom. Cherry lowers her head and picks up her bag respectively, before she follows them to the living room.
>After a nice, much needed shower, you come out of the bathroom and toss the wet towel into the hamper. Walking around in the buff, you open the closet and pull out on of your suits. Setting it on the bed, you collect the little odds and ends needed.
>Dressed and ready, you head down the steps to see everyone in the living room. Pinkie is sitting next to Applejack while the CMC and Cherry sit on the floor next to a large pile of assorted sweets.
>Coming up to the couch, you sit by Pinkie and look over at the pile of candy.
“Has anybody showed up yet?”
>Pinkie leans back onto you and rests her head on your shoulder, “Nope, not yet.” Suddenly the doorbell rings as Pinkie gets back up, “I mean, yeah, they have.” With a smile, she gets up and bounces over to the door, opening it, Twilight and her friends stand on the other side.
 
==============And Now, Here is something we hope you'll all enjoy =========================
 
This story is not part of the main story, but just a dumb one shot after the Pinkie Pride episode.
 
>At Sugar Cube Corner, Pinkie Pie in funny glasses and a hat unlocks the door, and lets herself in.
>Streamers, confetti, and balloons suddenly fly into the house. Snickering to herself, she sighs and sets the glasses to the side when suddenly the light from the living room turns on.
>You sit on the couch polishing a broom.
"Out late?"
>"Huh? Oh yeah, just out with the girls."
"Girls huh, I gotta say, you're friend is a real looker!"
>Getting up, you pull out a Polaroid picture of Pinkie Pie and a yellow stallion sitting at a table laughing with chocolate smoothies in front of them.
"Who is he Pinkie? Some other boy toy you keep off to the side? Just in case?"
>Pinkie looks unimpressed as she hangs up her hat, "He's just an old friend that came to visit."
"An old friend huh? Then how do you explain this?!"
>You pull out another photo of a rubber chicken with the number 2 on it, and an actual rubber chicken.
"You said nop0ny had ever given you a boneless cock before, I thought my boneless cock was all you needed."
>You sadly pull out a rubber green chicken, and place it on the table.
>"Anon, you're being ridiculous, that boneless cock meant nothing to me. You know I only play with yours."
>From the side, Cherry speaks out tiredly, "Uhh, whats going on?"
>"Nothing sweetie, go back to bed."
"But, I wasnt the first to give you a boneless cock."
>"Oh Anon, it doesnt matter if I got 1 or 100 boneless cocks, what matters is that I now play with your boneless cock, and your boneless cock alone."
"Haha, I guess you're right."
>"Darn right I am, now c'mon lets go to bed. He put gave me some batter for my oven, and I wanna put it in as soon as possible."
"He did huh? I'd like to taste his batter."
>The two of you get up, and walk away as Cherry stands there shaking her head in displeasure, "This family, is weird." Hacking up green goo, she spits it on the floor, wipes her mouth, and goes back up to bed.
>Today was a good day
 
================================= And now, back to your actual story ============================
 
>Cherry sits next to Pinkie, and fiddles with her art book as everyone around her talks and catches up. Twilight levitates a soda to drink, and places it back down, “So tell me Cherry, how are you liking Ponyville?”
>”I.its ok I guess.”
>Twilight tilts her head, “Just ok?”
>She nods quickly before setting down her book, annd exhaling. Pinkie rubs her mane, “Its ok sweetie, you don’t have to be shy. These are my friends, they won’t bite.”
>Cherry inhales and exhales before relaxing a bit, and slowly shifts towards Pinkie, resting her head on her.
>Rarity places her hoof over her chest, and affectionately comments, “Daww, that’s so sweet.” Reaching down for her glass of wine, she sips at it before continuing “You better enjoy it while it lasts Pinkie, they don’t stay like that forever.”
>Applejack laughs out loud next to her, and rubs Applebloom’s mane playfully, “Sure nuf, then they get tah be a real pain in the hindquarters like this lil one.”
>Applebloom giggles stupidly before trying to knock her of the couch, bumping into Rarity, making her laugh surprised, “Careful dear, you’ll knock my drink over!”
>Sweetie Belle smirks, and tries to knock the drink over. Thanks to the red wine’s liberating effects, Rarity is a good sport about it. Scootaloo feeling left out, side steps over to Rainbow Dash, and clears her throat, “So uhhh, wanna show em who’s top pony of the pony pile?”
>Rainbow looks over uninterested, “Huh? Nah.” Before looking off in another direction, causing Scootaloo to sigh sadly and pout. Rainbow glances back and gives a mischievous smirk, before tackling Scootaloo and holding her down, “How can ya claim top pony when ya can’t even get past me?”
>Scootaloo, having realized she was tricked, begins to laugh and tries to overpower Dash, “Just you wait!”
>Pinkie stands up with her game face on, “Their sister power is no match for our mother/daughter power, c’mon Cherry, lets get em!”
>”I’d rather not.”
>Almost as though she didn’t hear her, Pinkie readies herself for a jump, and launches into the air, “Pony pile!” Landing in between Rarity, and Applejack, the couch caves in and explodes into a cloud of dust.
>The doorbell rings as you get up and walk past the chaos going on. Opening it, you see Mr. Pie with faded worker duds. Next to him is Mrs. Pie, with her mane done up in a bun and wearing small reading glasses with a little satchel on her flank. Behind them stand two mares, dressed from mane to hoof in the most reserved manner possible. A floor long matching gray set of dresses.
“Hey, uhhh, Mr. and Mrs. Pie, how are you?”
>Pinkie’s father catches you trying to look over at his daughters, and gets in your way, “We’ve been fine, is Pinkamena home?”
“Yeah, hold on, I mean, come in.”
>Moving to the side, they let themselves into your house. On the way in, the two sisters steal a glance at you, and smile before walking forward to catch up with their parents.
>Entering the living room, her father quickly dawns a displeased scowl as Pinkie, Rarity, and Applejack roughhouse on the floor, “What is the meaning of this?! Pinkamina Diane Pie, get yourself off that floor right this instant!”
>Pinkie stops dead in her tracks shocked before smiling and rolling to the side to get up, “Father, mother!” On them in a second, she hugs the both of them, “It’s so nice to see you!” Letting go, she notices her sisters, “And you brought the sisters!” Galloping around, she hugs her sisters as well, “I missed you so much!”
>One of her sisters pats her on the back, “We missed you too Pinkie.” The three break it apart as Pinkie waves a hoof to introduce her family.
>”Girls, these are my sisters, Limestone, and Marble. Limestone, and Marble, these are my friends.” The sisters bow formally before walking over and begin to make some small talk. Pinkie walks over to her dad, “Father, mother, I bet I know who you wanna meet~”
>Pinkie trots around the mangled couch to where Cherry is sitting, and gently encourages her up. Walking her to them, they subtly look her over, “Mother, father, this is Cherry, the newest member of the Pie family. Cherry, these are my parents.”
>Mr. Pie takes a step forward and stands before her. From what you remember, top to bottom, he was a no-nonsense, tough as nails, no fun bastard. Expecting the worst, he bends down and gives her a stern look.
>Suddenly he smiles, and baby talks to her, “Why, aren’t you the cutest little filly I ever saw. Do you want a present? I bet you do.”
>Mrs. Pie takes her cue, and begins to place wrapped gifts from her bag, onto the floor by Cherry. The two look at her just waiting for a reaction as she looks over at all the gifts.
>Unsure of what to do, she stands in place. Pinkie rubs her mane and looks over at her mother, “She’s a little shy.”
>”I see.”
>Pinkie brings the boxes closer, and rests on her hind legs as she begins to open one for her, “Let’s see what your grandparents got ya.”
>Mrs. Pie fixes her glasses, “Actually, there is more in the cart.”
>Pinkie gasps excitedly as though they were presents for her, “More!?” Outside, a wagon packed with gifts, teddy bears, and balloons stands by the house, “Wowee! Look at it all!” You and the others come up behind her and look at all the gifts.
“Damn.”
>Pinkie looks back, “Anon, can you get these gifts up to Cherry’s room?”
“Huh? Yeah sure.”
>Walking past everyone, you begin to load them off when suddenly all the gifts levitate into the air. They float past you and into the home single file, Twilight smiles at you, “I got it Anon.”
“Thanks Twilight, I’ll show you where the room is.”
>Walking with Twilight, you go into the house and walk along side her, “So Anon, Cherry seems like quite the little filly.”
“I guess.”
>”Do you know anything about her?”
“Not really, she just got here yesterday. Truth be told, it’s kinda weird having a party for her so soon.”
>”How so?”
“Don’t you think it’s weird? She hasn’t even settled in, I don’t think she even unpacked anything. Just seems too soon.”
>”Ponies are social creatures Anon, we like bonding and getting familiar with new members of the group.”
“I guess.”
>”That’s your answer for everything Anon.”
“Hey, you’re starting to sound like my wife.”
>”Haha.”
>Opening the door, you let Twilight in as she brings all the gifts, and sets them into a corner. Twilight takes a moment to look around the room, “It’s real nice.” Noticing the bed, she smiles, “Why is her bed on the floor?”
“Well..”
>Before you can continue, you hear some hoofsteps by the door. Looking over, you see Cherry standing by the entrance, her eyes glued to Twilight.
“Something wrong?”
>Twilight gets some kind of hint you didn’t, and begins to walk over to you, “We better get back to the party, isn’t that right Cherry.”
>Twilight walks past you and tugs at you with her magic. Leading you out, Cherry stays behind and closes the door without a word.
“What the fuck was that about?”
>”Anon, she’s a filly, fillies like their privacy. I know I didn’t like it when my dad stood around and snooped in my room.”
“Ugh, girls and their stupid stuff.”
>Twilight goes back to the door, and knocks gently, “Cherry, Anon and I are gonna go downstairs now. Cmon Anon, lets go.”
>Coming down the steps, it appears more guests have arrived. Lots of ponies you were familiar with, and they brought their kids too. The house becomes alive by the sounds of laughter, and ruckus.
>Pinkie sits with her family and laughs as everyone talks all at once. Sitting by her, she looks over at you, “Where’s Cherry?”
“She stayed upstairs in her room.”
>”Was something wrong?”
“I don’t know.”
>”Hmmm, I’ll be right back.”
>Mr. Pie nods, “I’ll come too.”
>Pinkie gets up along with her parents, and scoots behind everyone as they go upstairs.
>Before you can even think of following behind, Pinkie’s sister’s slide over. Their manes were matching in both style and sheen, flat. Like Pinkie on a particularly bad day, but rather than frowns, the two had a coy smile about them.
>One of the sisters speaks up, “So, you’re Pinkie’s hus-band?” the way in which she pronounced the last word, lead you to believe she wasn’t from around here.
“Yeah, and you’re uhhh..”
>”Marble, and this is my sister Limestone.”
>”We’d heard a lot about you from our Pa, said you were a big fella, but the legends do you no justice.”
“Oh yeah?”
>”Yeah, you’re MUCH bigger.”
>The two mares giggle to one another as you begin to feel a little flustered, but don’t outright hate the attention. Applejack looks over sternly, while swirling her drink.
“So, uhhh, your dad told me you two were married. Where are your husbands?”
>Marble bats a hoof and give an uninterested tsk, “My husband is a good fer nothing deadbeat, I left him at home tah look after the farm.”
>”Yeah, and my husband is nice, but he aint excitin. He’d rather stay home and look after tha kids than come here. But enough about us, tell us more about” She leans over and taps you playfully, “..you.”
>Applejack gets up, and walks over to you, “Aint much tah tell, Anon met Pinkie, Pinkie met Anon, and they are now HAPPILY married. C’mon Anon, lets go upstairs to yer WIFE and KID.”
>She bites down on your collar, and drags you up leading you away.
>Twilight laughs nervously, “Well that was fun, who wants another drink?”
>In the next room, Applejack is in a huff as you stammer out.
“C.cmon AJ, they were just bein friendly.”
>”Oh ah know, but ya were just bein a little TOO friendly yerself.”
“Really?”
>”Really.”
“Oh c’mon, as if I’d ever cheat on Pinkie, and with her sisters no less, I have a soul you know.
>”Juz makin sure, ya fellas tend tah think with yer little head more so than the big.”
“Well thanks for the faith in me, I appreciate it, but if you need me, I’ll be back in the room, getting harmlessly fawned over.”
>Pinkie calls out to you, “By who?”
>Both Applejack and you look over to see the family Pies at the stairs, well, sans the sisters anyway. Applejack wants to speak out, but decided to hold her tongue in the presence of the father and mother.
“Nah, your sisters are just messin with me.”
>Pinkie giggles, “That sounds like em.” You lean over to AJ and smile.
“See? Pinkie aint worried.”
>Applejack rolls her eyes, as they come down the steps and past you. In the big party area, everyone continues to talk, and go about their business. Pinkie sits herself back in the usual spot, but Mr. and Mrs. Pie sit by her and Cherry.
>Pinkie nods to Applejack and gives her the signal. AJ confirms the nod with her own, and walks to you as you are about to sit with the sisters, “Cmon lover boy.”
“For what?”
>”Fer tha surprise.”
>Back with Pinkie, she looks around worried at all the faces in the crowd. Twilight notices her troubled expression, “Is something wrong Pinkie?”
>”Have the Cakes shown up yet?”
>Ponies look around trying to find them, but nothing. Twilight adds her two cents, “I don’t think they’re gonna make it Pinkie. It’s kinda late already.”
>”But..but they said they’d be here.”
>”Maybe something came up, they are all the way in Canterlot.”
>”Ohh, I really wanted them to be here for this.”
>”For what?”
>Just then you and Applejack come in balancing cakes, “Surprise!”
>Setting the cakes down by the ponies, you go over and stand to side as Applejack places the largest, and most decorative cake in front of Pinkie, and Cherry. Its frosted white with pink border around it, and in the center are 3 candles, and the message “Welcome Home Cherry.”
>Pinkie gets up and places her hooves over her shoulders, “Now make a wish.”
>Cherry looks back confused, before going to look at the cake, “A wish?”
>”Yeah, you just huff, puff, and BLOW a wish out. But ya gotta blow all three candles out, or it won’t come true.”
>Cherry makes a small acknowledgment to herself and looks at the cake, sighing to herself; she closes her eyes, inhales, and blows.
>The three candles flicker in a flash before going out, everyone claps their hooves as Cherry opens her eyes and smiles.
>Pinkie hugs her, “Good job!” Letting go, she brings the cake closer to herself and brings out a small knife “Now which slice do you want? You’re the birthday girl.”
>”Oh no, I..I’m not hungry.”
>Scootaloo speaks up from another table, “What are you talking about? You didn’t even touch any of the food they brought you.”
>Unable to disguise her feelings of hurt, Pinkie whispers almost to herself, “You didn’t eat it?” Cherry says nothing as she looks over at Pinkie, and then to the table. Pinkie sets the knife down and tries to play it cool, “Well hey, don’t worry about it. I’ll just save it for when you do want it. Hehe, who else wants cake?”
>Cherry raises her hoof slowly and points at a corner, “I..I want this one. I..I am a little hungry.”
>Pinkie smiles relived and begins to cut her a very small piece, placing it on a paper plate, she sets it in front of her. Looking at it, she grabs a spoon and cuts into it, brining it up to her mouth it goes in as she begins to chew.
>Swallowing, she smiles weakly at Pinkie, “Its good.”
 
>With that, everyone begins to serve themselves and the talking resumes. Pinkie drinks her soda and laughs with her family as you sit by Rainbow Dash and talk sports.
>The CMC have parked themselves right by Cherry, now that they are able to, and dish about many topics as she keeps to herself. Every so often, she takes small bites of the cake when somebody pays attention to her before going back to not eating at all.
>Suddenly you feel a tap on your shoulder as Mr. Pie calls out to you, “Mr. Anon.”
“Huh?”
>You look back around and see him walk to your side, and sits himself down, ”I was wondering if you could help me with a few questions I have.”
“About what?”
>”Well, I was thinking about getting one of those septic tanks for my farm, but don’t know anyp0ny who can help.”
“Oh, well you came to the right guy. What do you need to know?”
>As Applebloom, and Sweetie Belle talk to one another, Cherry’s eyes begin to droop as her breathing becomes heavy. Scootaloo notices, and places a hoof on her, “Hey you all right?”
>”Uhh..”
>”If ya aren’t gonna finish your cake, can I have it?”
>Practically sprining from her chair, she pushes the table forward a bit as she does a 180 around the chair, and galloping up the steps.
>Pinkie’s mother/Pinkie sense picks up it, “Cherry?” Pinkie gets up and goes to follow as everyone else does the same. Upstairs, you can hear the faint sounds of violent vomiting coming from the bathroom.
>Pinkie worryingly trots to the door and knocks, “Sweetie, are you ok?”
>The first reply she gets is some hacking, and coughing followed by panting, “I..I’m fine..”
>Pinkie tries to open the door but is greeted by a locked knob, “Cherry, cmon open the door this isn’t funny.”
>”I’m ok, really..I..I just ate too much.”
>In the bathroom, she stares at the thick green goo in the bowl. Chunks of cake, and frosting are peppered into it, and she is careful to clean around the rim for any leftover. As Pinkie continues to try to open the door, she flushes the toilet and gets up. Washing her hooves, she towels off and opens the door.
>Cherry comes walking out and smiles tiredly as Pinkie grabs hold of her, and inspects her from top to bottom, “Areyouok, doyouhaveafever? Stomachachestomachflustomachcramps? What is it?”
>”I’m ok, just..I’m really tired.”
>Pinkie looks back at her friends, “Girls..”
>Twilight smiles and nods, “Its ok Pinkie, we should really be calling it a night anyway.”
 
>You wave everyone out one by one as they carry the many leftovers from the party. When one of the sisters passes you, she looks back and smiles as Applejack passes you and gives you a stern look.
“Hey, I didn’t smile back.”
>Applejack gives you that good ol southern smile before exiting. Mr. and Mrs. Cake are the last to leave as they come down the steps.
“Sorry we didn’t really get to talk about that septic tank.”
>”Think nothing of it, if anything it’ll be a good reason for you to bring our granddaughter over so she can see the farm. Take care Anon.”
>He walks past you as Mrs. Pie walks by as well with a nod before leaving. Closing the door, you sigh and look back at the mess in the house.
“Fuck that, I’ll clean it tomorrow.”
>Going upstairs, Pinkie is tucking in Cherry and rubbing her stomach, “When I was little, my mother would rub my tummy when it hurt. It always made me feel better.”
>”I’m fine, really.”
>”Are you sure? You don’t want a glass of warm milk?”
>”No, no, please, I’m fine. I just need some sleep.”
>Reaching the door to her room, you stand by the frame.
“How you holding up?”
>Cherry looks over at you, “Better.”
“If you need anything, just holler.”
>You walk out and head down the hall as Pinkie hugs Cherry, “Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the paras-bite.” She smiles booping her nose. Getting up herself, she walks to the door and gets the light.
>Leaving the door open, she walks down the hall and into her own room. Cherry waits for the door click before using her magic to shut her own door, and latching it closed.
>Rolling over, she drops her disguise and looks at the wall while holding her quivering, churning stomach, “I wish I wasn’t me.”
 
>Your bones aching, you long for the bed’s sweet, soft embrace. Undressing, you fling your clothing into random corners, and crawl onto the cushion. The small wire coils creak, and groan as you make your way to the other side and lay down.
>Hassling with the sheets, you toss them over and cozy up. Pinkie comes in and closes the door. Walking up to the bed, she crawls in and lies on her side.
“How you holding up?”
>Pinkie sighs as she adjusts herself next to you, “Not so well. This party was a disaster, I’ve never..not had a fun party before.”
“Well, you’ve never had to do it for your own kid before either. It was just a bad party, one in a million. It wont go down like that again.”
>”What good are the other million? I ruined Cherry’s first party in this house, she’s gonna be an old mare, and look back, and be all like “Gee, my first party was horrible, who threw that for me again? Oh right, my mom.” She’s never gonna like me.”
“If you keep sulking like that she wont. Pinkie, I get it, you really wanted to impress her. But, maybe you’re kinda falling into your bad habits again.”
>”What do you mean?”
“You get so worked up on trying to impress, and get people to like you, that you often miss the things that WOULD get them to like you. Like personal space, and just being you, not Party Pro Pinkie.”
>”But myself IS parties.”
“Well, I didn’t see any party boxes in the applications, did you? I think you just need to calm down, let her get comfy here, and THEN throw her a party. If she is like me, she hates being the center of attention.”
>Pinkie sighs, and lies on her back as she brings the blanket up to her, “I hope she is like you.”
“Why?”
>”So you can give me pointers on how to get her to like me.”
“I’m pretty sure she already does; just don’t dump on her so much. I’m sure she just wants her space a bit.”
>You turn over on the bed a bit to find a comfortable spot.
“Cant be easy getting comfortable, with so much commotion right out of the gate.”
>Pinkie cuddles up to you, “I hope you’re right.” You wrap your arm around her and bring her up to your chest as she nuzzles against you, and closes her eyes. “Good night Anon.”
“Night.”
>As she drifts into sleep, you stare up at the ceiling.
(“What the hell am I doing?”)
 
>In the early morning hours, you awake to a knock at the door. Naturally Pinkie is nowhere to be found in the bed. Getting up early was her specialty. Rolling off the bed, you stretch and change into some comfort wear.
>Going out and into hall, you pass Cherry’s room and see it closed.
>Downstairs, Pinkie trots to the door and opens it. On the other side is Cheerilee, with a big, sunny smile, “Good morning Pinkie.”
>”Morning Cheerilee, came for your usual apple turnover and coffee, 1 day, 3 hours and 30 minutes early?”
>”No, I came to drop off this.” She reaches into her bag, and pulls out a packet of papers. Pinkie takes them into her hoof and looks them over.
>”What is this?”
>”It’s the application for enrollment at Sunny Oak, I look forward to seeing a bright new face in class tomorrow.”
>”TOMORROW!?”
>”Mmhmm,” Cheerilee winks at her while pointing a hoof, “and I will accept pastries as extra credit.”
>Pinkie chuckles nervously, “Couldn’t I just enroll her NEXT school year hehehe.”
>Cheerilee gives her a stern look, “Pinkie.”
>*sigh* ”I know.”
>With a smile, she goes back to being chipper, “Good, we open bright and early at 7, and there is a list of items she’ll need for the semester in the packet.” She turns around and walks away before turning back and yelling, “I look forward to seeing you come Parent’s Night!”
>Pinkie closes the door and looks over the papers as you come down.
“What was that about?”
>”That was Cheerilee, guess what Anon!”
“What?”
>”Cherry is going to start school tomorrow!”
 
>Upstairs, Cherry still in her changeling form, slowly awakens with little groans of fatigue. Getting up, she looks around and feels her face. Realizing what face she has on, she rolls the blanket over her, and transforms.
>Tossing the blanket off, she crawls out of bed as her stomach roars almost in anger. She clutches her midsection and winces before pacing her breathing.
>”Stupid cake.”
>She sighs and reaches around the bed to pull out her bag. Fumbling around inside, she grabs a mirror and looks over herself. Happy with her disguise, she goes to the door and undoes the lock.
>Walking out, she goes down the hall and can hear many voices down the steps. To her surprise, she finds tens of ponies lined up, and talking all at once. Pinkie is behind a counter taking orders and chatting, while you are helping her box up stuff.
>Its then some p0ny notices you, and waves, “Hi Cherry!”
>All the other ponies notice too, and begin waving ecstatically, “Hi!” They yell as she looks them over quickly, and tries to crawl back up the steps.
>Pinkie calls out to her, “Cherry, come down and say hi to all my friends!”
>She stops in her tracks, and frowns troubled before doing her best to fake a smile. Coming down the steps, she nervously walks through the crowd, and around the counter to be besides Pinkie.
>Getting picked up; Pinkie sets her on a chair so she can be above the counter and seen. A light blue mare comes up to the counter and has her sights set on Cherry, but Pinkie calls out to her, “What’ll it be this time Azure?”
>”3 Cinnimon buns, and an apple fritter.”
>”Coming right up.” Pinkie rings the bell and looks back, “3 SIN-Amins, and an AJ special!” You stop your boxing, and look over at her.
“You know I have no idea what you call that stuff right? In any case, I had heard her. Here you go.”
>You walk up and hand the customer her bag, which she takes up and nods before paying her bits, and walking off.
>As she exits the door, two familiar ponies come walking in. Mr. and Mrs. Cake take a moment to look over the store before walking towards the front.
>Mr. Cakes talks to his wife as they walk, “Looks nicer than before, we should have given Pinkie the store a long time ago.”
>”It does have a nice, warm feeling.”
>Reaching the counter, Cherry stares at them while Pinkie sways her butt in the air looking for something.
>Coming back up, she’s holding Gummy, “There you are!” Noticing Cherry looking forward, she looks at her line of sight and spots the Cakes. Dropping Gummy, he scurries off.
>Mr. Cake smiles as he tips his hat, “You seem mighty busy ma’am, you taking in applications for a couple of part-timers?”
>Pinkie inhales and grins as her eyes begin to sparkle, suddenly becoming disinterested, she looks to the side and polishes her hoof against her coat, “I’ll have to ask my manager.” She then has a realization, “Oh wait, I AM my manager!” Jumping onto the counter, she gives a toothy smile, “And you got the job!”
 
>Mr. and Mrs. Cake help each other put on aprons in the kitchen as you and Pinkie try to fill out the orders. Things are moving painfully slow as Pinkie shows Cherry how to work the cash register.
>You’ve been trying to tune out the angry stares from moody mares, and steaming stallions, but this is getting absurd.
“Say Pinkie, I think she’s a little too young to be handling out money, why don’t you show her how to bag and take out the pastries?”
>”That’s a GREAT idea!” Pinkie rests her head on top of Cherry, “Do you wanna do the do the same job your mom started as?”
>Cherry looks up and nods sadly, but it was lost on Pinkie who quickly picks her up, and sets her down. You rush over to the counter, and get ready for the bitching.
>An angry mare comes up fuming, ”I’ve been waiting here for 42 minutes!”
“I’m very sorry, we’re short staffed today. Allow me to give you 1 free item from our selection as a way of saying “Thank you” for being so patient.”
>It was amazing how easily swayed they could be with a treat, then again, humans were no better. As you finish ringing the customer out, Mr. and Mrs. Cake come up, “So Anon, where do you need us?”
“Mr. Cake, register, Mrs. Cake, back up Pinkie.”
>Mrs. Cake nods as Mr. Cake opens the register, the line gets cut in half as ponies swarm to be first. Mrs. Cake is besides Pinkie and begins to help her with bagging the orders. Or rather, she does all the work, while Pinkie focuses only Cherry’s awkward fumbling with bagging.
>You groan annoyed before just deciding to give up, and let her have their fun.
 
>After ringing up the last customer, he takes his bag and walks out. Checking the clock you realize its only 10:30, this was not how you were planning to spend your vacation.
>With both Cakes now looking at Cherry as she awkwardly tries to bag doughnuts, you lock up your register and take off your apron.
>Hanging it up, you go over to them as Pinkie makes small talk, “So is everything all right? We didn’t see you yesterday.”
>Mr. Cake shakes his head, “Sorry Pinkie, the kids got a little sick. We couldn’t do a thing until we were sure they were fine.”
>”Where are they now?” Pinkie begins to look around as though they were nearby, “I wanna introduce Cherry to em.”
>Mrs. Cake fills that one in for her, “Big Mac is looking after them for us, we dropped them off before coming here.”
>As Mrs. Cake finishes, Mr. Cake begins, “He’s a really swell foalsitter.”
“Guess that makes sense, he did raise Applebloom and AJ in a lot of ways. But why leave em behind?”
>Mr. Cake walks up to you and places a hoof on you, “Another thing about being a parent Anon, you love your kids to death, but you also love gettin em out of your hair.” He winks as Mrs. Cake looks around.
>”Speaking of, where is your little bundle of joy?”
>Pinkie doesn’t reply, and instead tilts her body to be behind Cherry and playfully raises an eyebrow while motioning her eyes at her. Mrs. Cake puts two and two together before gasping and raising a hoof to her mouth.
>”Oh! She. Is. Just. So. PRECIOUS!” Mrs. Cake like a big, friendly aunt comes over and brings her into a hug, Cherry almost sinks into her big flabby body, “You’re so cute!” Mrs. Cake looks over at Pinkie, “Pinkie I’m so sorry, I just thought you hired some help.”
>”It’s ok.”
>Mr. Cake gently punches you on the shoulder, “So DAD, how does it feel to have the cutest daughter in all of Ponyvile?”
“Haha, its all right I guess.” (“Ugh.”)
>You try your best to put on a good face, being complimented for something was kind of annoying. Luckily Mr. Cake goes over to his wife, “Sugar lump, you might want to give her some room.”
>Mrs. Cake slowly lets and laughs sheepishly, “Sorry dear.” She then leans down and boops Cherry on the nose, “And sorry Cherry, but there is much more auntie Cake to come.”
“I thought you’d want her to call you grandma.”
>Mrs. Cake looks back at you almost concerned, “I’m not THAT old.”
>”He was joking dear.”
>”Oh, haha, I get it now.”
>You roll your eyes good humouredly as you go to the door, and flip the sign to “Closed”.
 
>Upstairs, Cherry is in the bathroom showering off the sugar and glazing that found its way onto her body, while Pinkie, and the Cakes clean up the kitchen.
>You clean up the lobby by yourself, and grateful for the little bit of peace.
>With the last of the floor mopped, you sigh tiredly and rest against the wooden pole. Part of you just wishes you could spend the day doing nothing, but you know that will not be case.
>Cracking your bones, you stretch a bit and begin to place the cleaning supplies away. Finished you head into the kitchen and see Pinkie with the Cakes at a table. They appear to be helping her with some paperwork.
>Walking over you look at the papers and can see it’s for the school district.
“Are we gonna have to get some school supplies today?”
>Pinkie looks back and smiles, “That’s right, and guess what? The Cakes said they’d come with us!”
“You guys sure?”
>Mr. and Mrs. both nod as Mr. speaks up, “Absolutely, it’d be our pleasure to help you two especially after we didn’t get to make the party.”
>”But really we just want to spend more time with our new niece.”
“What about your kids?”
>Mrs. Cake laughs, “Are you kidding? Big Mac LOVES our kids.”
 
>Over at Sweet Apple Acres, Big Mac makes troubled yells as Pound Cake flies through the air, and Pumpkin Cake uses her magic to shoot photo-projectiles through the air and at Applejack.
>AJ gets a frame busted over her head, but she shakes it off and covers Pumpkin with her hat before sneering, “Ahm gettin muh tubes tied!”
 
>Back at Sugar Cube, Cherry sits on her bed and dries off. With a knock at the door, she goes over and opens it. On the otherside is Pinkie, balancing a small oatmeal bar on her nose, “Breakfast is served.”
>”Oh, no thank you, I’m not hungry.”
>Her stomach betrays her, and lets out a deep grumble.
>Pinkie comes into the room, and sets the bar on her bed, “Cherry, are you feeling ok?”
>”I’m fine, I..guess I’m a little hungry.”
>She goes over, and takes a bite of the bar and begins to chew enthusiastically, with her mouth full, she smiles and rubs her stomach, “Mmmm, that’s really good.”
>Pinkie smiles too, and hops off her bed, “When you finish getting ready, we’ll be waiting for you downstairs.”
>”Ok.”
>Pinkie makes her way out as Cherry watches her, with her gone, she closes the door. Looking around, she sees a window, opens it look, checks one last time, and spits the oatmeal out.
>Scrapping her tongue, she gets as much out as possible before throwing the bar out too. With that she sighs, and sits on the bed as her stomach growls again.
 
>The four of you wait patiently at the bottom of the steps, and can hear the small hoofsteps coming down. With Cherry in sight, the 5 of you head to the door and into town.
>At a small shop in Ponyville, the 3 girls lead the pack in the school aisle, while you beta men hang back. From your POV, you can see how close Cherry is to Pinkie. It’s reminiscent of those small animals on the nature channels that always stick close to their mothers to be safe from predators.
>Mr. Cake cuts in on your thoughts, ”So Anon, how are you liking being a dad?”
“Honestly? It’s only been a day, I haven’t learned much on the subject.”
>You uninterestingly fiddle with some quills while looking around. ”Well, why stick behind here? You should go up there and learn.”
“Nah, this is Pinkie and Mrs. Cake’s time. I don’t wanna ruin their fun.”
>”They do look like they are having fun.”
“Mmhmm.”
>”So when are you due back to work?”
“This coming Saturday, I made sure to take enough time off to see that she gets settled in. Plus I just like the time off, part of me wishes it would never end.”
>”Why does it have to?”
“What do you mean?”
>”I think you’d be a great stay at home dad, plus, it couldn’t hurt Pinkie to have another set of hooves around the house and around the shop.”
“I don’t know, I kinda like having a job to go to and keep me busy.”
>”Kids are a full time job Anon.”
“I’m sure Big Mac, and babysitters say otherwise.”
>”Those are for weekends, and holidays Anon, weekends and holidays. Parents can have a little RnR ya know.”
“I hope so.”
>”Well hey, if you and Pinkie ever wanna ya know, go out for a night, feel free to bring her over to our place. We’d LOVE to look after her.”
“Thanks Mr. Cake, but knowing Pinkie, she’d bring her to our little romantic getaway.”
>”Haha, that does sound like Pinkie. But hey,” He looks around and leans in to whisper, “A stallion who cares about his foal, that’s a real hit with the ladies, ESPECIALLY your wife. Take out the garbage AND change their diapers, tsk you’re in for a real nice treat come bedtime.”
“Oh yeah?”
>”Yeah.” He declares proudly, “It was the best strawberry milkshake I ever had.”
 
>At the front of the store, Pinkie bounces along as Mrs. Cake pushes a cart full of school supplies.
>The mare working the counter raises an eyebrow as Pinkie begins to unload the stuff. One by one the mare begins to scan, and bag. 3 Backpacks, packages of quills, magic whiteout, crayons, a sleeping bag, you name it, it was there.
>With the last item scanned, she rings it up to be about 200 bits. You reach into your suit to grab your bit purse, but Mrs. Cake pulls out a plastic card from her bundled up mane, “This one is on us, our way of making it up for not being here yesterday.”
“Mrs. Cake, no.”
>Pinkie shakes her head, “You don’t gotta do that, your kids were sick.”
>Mr. Cake stands by his wife, “We know, but we want to do this. Just leave it to old Uncle and Aunt Cake.”
>Pinkie sighs and smiles, “Thanks you guys.”
>She goes in and hugs them all as Pinkie looks at you and waves you over with her hoof. You go over and join in on the group hug, as they tighten it. Looking around, everyone just stares as the line builds up behind you.
>The mare working the counter clears her throat, “So, have you decided on who’s gonna pay?”
 
>Back at Sugar Cube Corner, you, Pinkie, and Cherry come in hauling the school supplies. You set them to the side and stretch as Pinkie and Cherry look over the swag on the couch.
“I’m gonna take a shower.”
>”Arent you gonna help me put together her stuff?”
>You look over at Cherry giving you an annoyed glare, and you take the hint.
“I’m pretty dirty, I’ll come down after I finish.”
>”All righty, don’t forget the Cakes are coming over again, after they get the kids.”
“I’ll be out by then.”
>”Okie-dokie.” As you go up the steps, Pinkie turns her attention to Cherry, “So, where to start? First, we need the backpack. Can you give it to me?”
>”Ok.” She reaches for it and looks it over, it’s bright pink, and has different patterns on it. Frowning at its design, she sets it down and grabs a grayish-black one that has no patterns or decorations on it.
>Pinkie gives a toothy grin trying not to show how much she hates it, “You…sure you wanna use that one? What’s wrong with the pink one?”
>”Its…not me.”
>”Well…if its what you want, I understand.” Looking around, she picks up a pack of crayons, “But let’s add some color to it.” Pinkie brings it over, opens the box, and begins to doodle on it. Showing it to her, she drew little pink balloons and assorted colored streamers on it. “What do you think?”
>Cherry gives a toothy grin as her eyes slightly twitch, “Its, good.”
>Pinkie smiles before digging her hooves through the piles of supplies, as Cherry sighs and sets the bag to the side.  
 
>Upstairs, you wash all your troubles away as you lather up and rinse off. Gurgling water, you spit out and turn the knobs off.
>With the water trickling down the showerhead, you look at your feet before pulling the curtain away. After towling dry, you wrap it around yourself and come out of the bathroom. Walking down the hall, you pass Cherry’s room and stop. After a moment, you continue down to your room.
>Tossing off the towel, you go around the room and grab the different articles of clothes you need. Sitting on the bed, you begin to dress yourself. Hearing only the sounds of the clothing scrapping against your body, you dress and remain sitting.
>With a sigh, you lean back onto the bed and stare at the ceiling.
 
>Pinkie gathers the supplies together, as Cherry leans onto the couch and looks to the side bored and slightly annoyed.
>”What about this Cherry?”
>”Huh?” She looks over and sees Pinkie holding a large pink binder notebook.
>”Might be nice to take notes, and do your drawings.”
>”Mmm.”
>”So do you like it?”
>”Its ok..I.I guess.”
>”Something wrong sweetie?”
>”It’s nothing.” Her stomach growls out again as she grabs hold of it with a worried expression.
>”Oh sweetie, you’re hungry. Why didn’t you say so?” She leans towards her and smiles “What do you want me to make, just name it.”
>”Uhh..”
>Before she can answer, there is a knock at the door. Cherry sighs relived as Pinkie looks over before looking towards the stairs, “Anon! Somep0ny is at the door!”
“Why don’t you get it!?”
>Pinkie replies back with an angry snarl as she gets up, “BECAUSE I WANNA BE A GOOD MOTHER AND FEED CHERRY!”
“All right, whatever!”
>Pinkie sits back down with a peppy smile and continues like before, “You were saying honey?”
>Cherry thinks this through as she avoids eye contact with her, but another knock is followed and Pinkie grits her teeth, “Anon!”
>You rush down the steps looping your belt around your waits, “I was finishing getting dressed woman!”
>A hop, skip, and jump away, you reach the door and open it. On the other side are the Cakes, and their foals. Mr. Cake tips his hat while balancing Pound Cake on his back, “Hey Anon, sorry, were we interrupting?”
“No, you’re good. Pinkie’s just a screamer.”
>Letting them in, they go towards the living room to join Pinkie who is sitting on the couch. “Hey Mr. and Mrs. Cake, welcome back.”
>Mrs. Cake sits by her as she sets Pumpkin down in front of her, “Hey Pinkie, did you two finish packing already?”
>Pinkie nods, “More or less.” She then turns her attention to Cherry, “Cherry, I’d like you to meet the Cake twins.” Reaching over for Pumpkin, she presents her to Cherry, “This is Pumpkin Cake, say “Hi.””
>”Hi.”
>Pinkie smiles before hooving back Pumpkin to her mother, and looking over at Mr. Cake, “Mr. Cake?”
>”Oh, that’s my cue.” Mr. Cake goes to sits next to Cherry and sets his little colt by her, “And this is my son, Pound Cake.”
>Pound Cake reaches up to her and makes entertained coos and gaas, as Mr. Cake laughs, “He likes you.”
>Pinkie leans to the side to get a better view, “And why wouldn’t he? She’s his big sister now.” Cherry doesn’t comment, but only continues to look at him with a thousand-yard-stare. Her stomach continues to growl as Pinkie gasps, “Oh my gosh, that’s right! I was trying to see what Cherry wants to eat.”
 “So, what do you want to eat?”
>Everyone is basically focusing on her as she begins to sweat and look around at everyone. Noticing the little two foals makinh baby sounds, her stomach bubbles and gurgles, “S..somthing we can eat together.”
>Pinkie cocks an eyebrow, “Together?”
>Cherry nods “Like, something we can all share..”
>”Hmmm.” Pinkie taps her chin with her hoof and thinks, “Well..how about..party food!” She then realizes something and smiles sheepishly while looking at you, “SMALL party food.”
>Mrs. Cake claps her hooves together, “That’s a wonderful idea! It’s been forever since we cooked together. Should we make a pasta sampler plate?”
>Pinkie leans on the edge of her seat in excitement at the idea, ”Oooh that sounds REALLY tasty, what about bite-sized pasta balls? Anon,” Pinkie begins to bat her eyes at you “would you like pasta?”
“Hell yeah.”
>”All righty, Mrs. Cake, would you do the honors?”
>”Sure Pinkie.”
>She gets up, as Pinkie follows and turns around, “Cherry, we’ll be right back.”
>Cherry nods while the two go into the kitchen and Mr. Cake sets his two kids together.
>“You’re in for a treat Cherry, these mares are some of the best cooks in Ponyville.”
“Don’t let AJ hear you say that.”
>Mr. Cake chuckles as you lean back into the seat.
“Now this is what I’m talking about.”
>Mr. Cake shakes his head, “What?”
“You know, just relaxing at home, taking it easy. THIS is what a vacation is supposed to be like, you want a beer?”
>”Oh no, I don’t drink. But thanks for the offer.”
“All right, more for me.”
>Getting up, you go to the kitchen and pass Mr. Cake on the couch. He looks over at Cherry and looks away when she looks at him, but she looks away when he looks back.
>”So, you excited for school?”
>She keeps her focus on the floor but answers, ”If it’s something I have to do.”
>”You’ll like school, plenty of other little fillies and colts just like you to talk to.”
>”Hmm.”
>Mr. Cake looks to the side, and scratches the back of his head, “Umm, you see..”
>”Its ok Mr. Cake, you don’t have to force yourself like that.”
>”Huh?”
>He looks back to see Cherry scratching the couch while looking at the cushion, “The truth is, I just really don’t like talking. It’s nothing against you.”
>”Oh, I see. But the thing is, I want to talk to you. I just don’t know what to talk about.”
>Cherry glances at him, and then goes back to looking down, “I..really like listening to ponies.”
>”Well ok, what do you want to hear about?”
>Before she can answer, you come in and crack open your beer before tiredly tossing yourself onto the couch. Cherry becomes quiet and goes back to keeping herself busy as you sigh exhausted.
>”Cherry, what did you want to talk about?”
>”Nothing.”
>Worried, he thinks to himself for a moment before looking over at you, “Anon, do you think we could talk outside for a minute?”
“Huh? Why?”
>”Just need to have a more..mature conversation with you.”
 “What about the kids?”
>Mr. Cake places a hoof on Cherry’s shoulder, “We got a perfectly good foal-sitter right here.”
“Are you…sure about that?”
>”I don’t see anything wrong with it.”
“She’s kinda young, I don’t think it’s a good idea to leave her alone with the kids.”
>”She’ll be fine, and even so, our wives are just in the other room. What could go wrong?” Something about his urgency to get you outside caused some concern, but you know he had to have a good reason.
“All right.”
>Getting up, Mr. Cake bends down to be at eye level with Cherry, he gently, and playfully taps her on the nose, “We’ll be right back, until then, you take real good care of my kids.” She nods as Mr. Cake gives her the warmest, heartfelt smile, “I know you won’t let me down, but if you need any help just call my wife or your mom.”
>He leads you away as Cherry looks at the two small babies by her side, they babble nonsensically before Pound Cake takes his sisters bottle away, causing her to cry.
 
>Mr. Cake closes the door and turns to face you.
“All right, what’s up?”
>”Anon, have you been…yelling at Cherry or anything?”
“No! Why?”
>”Oh, ok. Never mind then.”
“The hell is this about? Has she been saying that?”
>”No, she hasn’t. It’s just, she just seemed kinda distant when you showed up, and I was wondering why. I thought maybe you scolded her or something.”
“Oh, so you noticed that too?”
>”What do you mean?”
“I don’t know, I don’t think she likes me.”
>”Why?”
“Hell if I know, I’ve tried to be nice to her, but she always seems to be annoyed at me when I try.”
>”Really?”
“Yeah.”
>”Hmm..well, she was telling me she doesn’t like talking much, maybe she just doesn’t like your approach? What has Pinkie said?”
“She doesn’t seem to realize it, you know picking up on subtly isn’t one of her strong points. Hey, can you do me a favor?”
>”Sure.”
“Don’t tell Pinkie, ok?”
>From what you can see, he dawns a troubled expression at the thought of keeping a secret from a mare he practically considers his daughter.
“I don’t want her to go all gung-ho about trying to get us on good terms, and only ends up driving the wedge deeper. I think I can get on her side if I try it another way.”
>Hearing this puts his mind at ease as he smiles and nods, “Ok, I promise.”
“Thanks Mr. Cake.”
>”Don’t mention it.” He smiles to you before nodding towards the door, “So, I think it’s time to score some wife points.”
“How?”
>“By doing some sprucing up for dinner” You groan a bit as Mr. Cake puts his hoof on the door, “C’mon Anon, we’re not male griffons, we can pull our own weight around.”
>Opening the door, the two of you make your way to the living room and spot Cherry looking over the foals.
>Walking up closer, you see that the two are actually sleeping. Cherry just sits next to them and doesn’t say a word as Mr. Cake looks over his kids before whispering, “How did you get em to sleep so quickly?”
>She looks over at him before looking to the ground and shrugging. “They just did.”
>Mr. Cake gently picks up Pumpkin Cake, causing her to groan a bit sleepily
Suddenly Pinkie comes out of the kitchen and is about to yell, but notices Mr. Cake rocking his child. Instead, she whispers, “It’s ready.”  And grins.
 
>In the kitchen, everyone gets seated while Pinkie, and Mrs. Cake bring the food to the table. As they had said, it was a pasta parade, lasagna, spaghetti, alfredo, and some small little raviolis and with plenty of bread on the side.
>Mr. Cake sets his sleeping kids down in a little makeshift bed not far off from the table; before coming to sit by you at the end of the table.
>Cherry sits herself on the opposite end of you, and tries to busy herself with her art book.
>Pinkie sits herself right next to Cherry and smiles as Mrs. Cake finishes setting the table. After being done with that, she sits by Pinkie and sighs happily.
“You know what this pasta needs? Wine.”
>Mr. Cake raises an eyebrow, “But you already had a beer?”
“But it’s a party.”
>Pinkie comments from the other side, “SMALL party.”
“Small glasses it is.”
>You head to the fridge, open it, and take out a bottle. Setting it on the counter, you look around for the wine opener. Finding it, you take several glasses out from the top shelf.
“Pinkie, you want a glass?”
>”Sure.”
“You sure you don’t want one Mr. Cake?”
>”I’m fine, thank you.”
>Mrs. Cake excitingly lifts her hoof, “I’ll have one.”
“All right, now it’s a party.”
>You get the 3 glasses and set them on the table before pulling the cork out.
“I had a sip of this about a week ago, it should still be good. It was a bitch getting the damn thing open.”
>Mrs. Cake brings the glass over towards her, “I know, and unless you’re a unicorn it’s almost impossible to open it in less then an hour.” She sniffs at it in appreciation before cupping it and taking a small sip, “This is good, a little on the sweet side, but still has a nice dry finish to it.”
“You know your wine?”
>She sets down her glass and begins to serve herself some lasagna, “Oh no not really, I just started going to wine tasting about a month ago. I’m still learning the basics.”
>Pinkie is serving herself a plate of the ravioli, “How come?” Before setting it in front of Cherry.
>”Well, most of the parties we catered in Canterlot requested wine. And when we told them we didn’t serve that, we lost some sales. So we’re kinda breaking into the wine business too.”
“That sucks.”
>”Canterlot is a very demanding place.”
“I bet.”
>As you bring the plate of alfredo towards you, you jolt surprised and get up. Gummy was on your lap, and jumps onto the table.
>”Anon get Gummy off the table! Hurry!” You pick him up before he can chomp down on your food, and Pinkie is by you in a second to take him off your hands, “Bad Gummy, we do NOT eat food off the table. I mean..WE do, but you don’t…bad Gummy.”
>She sets him back down and he scurries back under the table before disappearing out of sight. Pinkie smiles and trots back to her seat.
>Cherry looks from side to side before slowly leaning to look under the table. Sure enough Gummy is just standing there by your feet, just waiting for something to fall down.
>Slowly she cups a ravioli as everyone talks, and leans her face down as though going to eat it, but really to bring her closer to the edge. In the smallest of a whisper she calls out to him, “Hey, Gumby.”
>She drops the ravioli on the floor, the sound gets his attention as he turns back, runs scurries over, and wolfs down the pasta. Cherry smiles to herself.
 
>Outside Sugar Cube Corner, Mr. and Mrs. Cake come out balancing their sleeping kids on their backs. Pinkie gives them quick little one hooved hugs as you do the same.
>”Thanks for coming over you guys, we need to do this again.”
>Mrs. Cake nods, “We sure do, but anytime you want to come over our doors are always open.”
“Night you guys.”
>”Night Anon, and good night Cherry, hope you have a wonderful time at school.”
>Mr. Cake adds his own well wishing before they turn around, and head out. Closing the door, you sigh tiredly as Cherry walks forward with Pinkie bouncing behind.
>They go up the steps, and Cherry heads into her room but Pinkie calls out to her, “Nah-uh, you’re forgetting something~
>”Hmm?”
>”Brushing your teeth silly.”
>”Oh, ok.”
>She goes to the bathroom as Pinkie stays close and watches, uncomfortable with it, Cherry grins nervously as she reaches for the toothpaste and brush.
>Squeezing some out, she begins to scrub and look at herself in the mirror. Pinkie leans over smiling and looks at her in the mirror before looking at herself.
>Getting her own toothbrush, she begins to squeeze some on, “You cleaned your plate today.”
>Cherry nods “Mhmm.”
>Pinkie spits out the excess and turns on the drain, slurping up the water, she swishes it around and spits before giving a wide grin to check her teeth. Satisfied, she cleans her toothbrush and sets it back.
>Cherry looks at the running water, spits out the foam, and begins to slurp up water. Swishing it in her mouth, she spits and gives a wide grin. Looking over her teeth, she cleans the brush and sets it back.
>Suddenly her stomach growls again and she sighs weakly, “Are you still hungry sweetie? We have plenty of leftovers, oh wait, you just brushed your teeth. Hmmm, we can brush em again.”
>”No I’m fine; I just…didn’t eat enough.”
>She looks down to drain troubled as Pinkie leans closer, “Something wrong?”
>”I..its nothing.”
>”C’mon you can tell me, I’m your mother.”
>Cherry looks at her, to the floor, and back to the drain, “I’m…afraid.”
>”Of what?”
>”I don’t like sleeping alone.”
>You come walking by the door as Pinkie says ”Well you can sleep with us.” You stop dead in your tracks for a second before continuing down the hall.
>”Its fine, forget I said anything.”
>”You don’t wanna sleep with us?”
>She shakes her head as Pinkie thinks, “Well, how about I sleep with you?”
>”Are you sure?”
>Pinkie smiles and nods, “Of course I’m sure, I wouldn’t be much of a mom if I wouldn’t comfort my own kid.”
>Cherry looks her right into her big blue eyes, and gulps down before giving a pained smile, “Thanks.”
 
>In your room, you move everything around to make room for the third wheel. You contemplate for a moment and think, in the shows, the kid always sleeps in the middle.
>So it would be odd for you to suggest she sleeps on the side, then again, you could ask her to be the first to pick, and could just hope you get the farther end.
(“Would that be rude?”)
>As you think to yourself Pinkie comes in and drags a pillow to the edge of the bed, “I’m gonna sleep with Cherry in her room tonight.”
“Why? Wasn’t she sleeping here?”
>Pinkie opens some drawers, and pulls out blue pajamas, ”Yeah, but I think she likes her room more. Guess you’re gonna have the bed all to yourself today~”
“Yeah, I guess.”
>She bites down on the sheet, and wraps it around her neck, “Gooood niiiight~”
>Without even kissing you, she walks out the door and down to her room. Disappointed and relived, you toss a few sheets up and begin to undress.
>In Cherry’s room, Pinkie fluffs the pillows in her blue full bodied pajamas, complete with little blue hat, as Cherry puts away some stuff. With her room cleaned, she stands in the center of the room and just quietly waits there.
>Pinkie is already making herself comfortable in the bed as she shimmies under the sheets. Looking over at Cherry, she pats the side of the empty bed.
>She sighs and slowly goes over before crawling into the bed. With the lights on, she lays in bed as Pinkie giggles, “Woops, forgot to get the light.”
>Pinkie burries herself under the sheets, runs out the bottom, gets the lights, and is back under them before the sheets can fall onto the bed.
>Pinkie sighs happily as Cherry just lays looking away. “So what did you think about the Cakes?”
>”…They’re nice.”
>”I know, right? They were nice to me too when I first met them, even if I did break their display case. Hahaha.”
>”….”
>”And what did you think about the babies?”
>”They were loud.”
>Pinkie giggles, “They’re babies, they’re supposed to be loud.”
>”….”
>”Babies are cute aren’t they?”
>”I guess.”
>Pinkie frowns a bit before inhaling, and slowly wrapping her hooves around Cherry, “I love you Cherry, good night.”
>”..night.”
>Cherry’s heart is races as she lies in bed, not from the pair of hooves draped around her, though that wasn’t helping. No, her heart was racing in terror from what Pinkie had told her.
>Not many ponies have ever told her that before, and even less actually meant it. But Pinkie was different; she was radiating love so bright she could see it even from afar. And at this distance, she could smell the fragrant bouquets of emotions flowing through her body.
>Now all she had to do was wait, just a little longer.
 
>In the middle of the night, Cherry opens her eyes and slowly rolls over to face Pinkie, “Pinkie?” In the faint moonlight, Pinkie drools and mumbles things to herself as Cherry just watches, “Pinkie?”
>With no reply, Cherry closes her eyes, and focuses. Her broken and jagged horn slowly materializes and casts a spell over Pinkie.
>Suddenly she stops mumbling and falls into a deep sleep. Rolling off the bed, she walks to the door, closes it and locks it.  
>She dissipates her entire disguise and walks over to the side of the bed. Looking at the sleeping Pinkie, she inhales and exhales before bringing her face close to her.
>What starts as a slow inhale becomes a low and haunting howl as she begins to ingest Pinkies aura.
 
>Waking up early was not something you particularly enjoyed, but still, you set your alarm for 6. The clock rings out next to your bed as you groan annoyed, and fumble around to find it.
>Slamming down on it, you pick yourself off the mattress and scoot off. Not even bothering to shower, you head for the cabinets and pull out some clothing. Dressed and ready, you swing open the door and walk down the hall.
>Passing Cherry’s room, you go down the steps and notice it’s oddly quiet. No smells of food, no clanking of plates, and no signs of life.
>Did Pinkie wake up even earlier than normal, and take off without you? Knowing her, its definitely something she’d do, but she’d at least leave a note or something.
“Hmm.”
>Going back up the steps, you walk down to the room and hesitate to knock, but go through with it. Giving three taps, you lean towards the door.
“Pinkie, sweetie, are you in there?”
>No reply. You give a worried grimace as you go back in to knock, and slightly raise your voice.
“Pinkie!”
>You go to open the door, but the knob turns before you can grip it. The door slowly opens to reveal Cherry behind it, “She’s sleeping.”
“Does she have any idea what time it is? She’s gonna be late to get you to school.”
>You try to look in, but stop and look her in the eye.
“Can I come in?”
>She hesitates for a second before walking backwards and letting the door swing open. You come in and look around for a second before turning your attention to the bed.
>In it, you see a bundled up Pinkie Pie with the sheets wrapped snug around her.
>You kneel down and nudge her.
“Pinkie, Pinkie, Pinkie wake up.”
>She groans almost in pain, and slowly turns around to face you, “Anon?” Her eyes are bloodshot and she has look of fatigue, like she hadn’t slept a wink, “Wha..what are you doing?”
“Are you all right?”
>She smiles tiredly before yawning loudly and wiping away the few tears from her eyes, “I think I had a little too much to drink, hehehe.”
“Take it easy, I’ll take Cherry to school.”
>Pinkie slowly picks herself up, ”And miss out on the first day of school for her?” She then puts on her game face, “Anon, brew me some coffee.”
 
>You, Pinkie, and Cherry with her backpack full of shit, walk through town as Pinkie holds a thermos of coffee in her mouth. Every so often she stops, and knocks back a hefty sized drink before capping it, and walking again.
>She sighs satisfied and passes it to you so she can keep talking, “That coffee REALLY hit the spot!”
>Coming to a stop, she falls asleep and begins to snore loudly in place. You tap on her again, causing her to speak in gibberish while looking around, “Huh? Did I fall asleep again?”
“Yeah. Pinkie, you really need to rest.”
>”Ah, but we’re almost there, I’ll rest when we get home, I promise.”
“God damn it Pinkie, fine. But I don’t wanna see you out of bed when we get home.”
>Pinkie smiles triumphantly, and extends her hoof for more coffee. Giving it to her, she screws the cap off, and knocks back the rest before shuttering and smacking her lips, “All right, it’s go time.” Pinkie kicks into high-gear, and gallops forward before turning back around and waving her hoof, “Last one there is moldy hay!”
 
>Pinkie having lost all her previous pep has returned to a zombie like walk as she groans and trudges along. The school being just feet away, and the laughter and chatter of children seemed to have given her a second wind.
>Cherry on the other hand, grew more and more withdrawn from what you could tell. School was never something you enjoyed as a kid, so you could understand her feelings.
>Reaching the steps, some other fillies, and colts in the playground area notice the new filly and her two escorts. Hushed whispers and gossip is shared between them as Cherry looks around worriedly.
>She comes to a stop, and looks at the large double doors, afraid to move on. Pinkie gently places her hoof on her shoulder, causing her to look back.
>”It’ll be all right, I promise.”
>Cherry dawns a fragile smile and nods as the two continue forward with you trailing behind. Opening the door for them, the stiff air inside blows out, and with it comes new smells, and senses.
>Cherry takes it all in as she enters the school, the lights, the walls, the floor, and the ponies. Pinkie looks around and spots the classroom at the end of the hall, “It’s this way.”
>With Pinkie taking the lead, you look around and peak into the classrooms. From what you can tell, class has already started.
>Nothing sucks more than coming late to the first day, guess wine wasn’t the best thing to drink the night before. Reaching the door, you can hear Cheerilee’s soft, feminine voice addressing the class.
>Pinkie knocks and gives a chipper smile as a random colt opens the door, before going back to his seat. Pinkie motions for Cherry to go in, as Cheerilee smiles, “Class, we’ll be having a new sunny smile added to our class. Cherry, why don’t you come in and meet your new classmates?”
>Pinkie smiles at her and whispers “Go ahead, I’ll be waiting outside for you when school is done.”
>Cherry gathers her bearings before exhaling, and going into the class. Pinkie smiles as though seeing her walk for the first time, before smiling sadly as she is forced to close the door.
>Cherry now stands alone in the class, with the mechanical clicks of the door sealing her in, she stands before everyone and looks around at all the strange, alien faces.
>However, she spots a small shiny beacon in the sea of faceless monsters. A little bow wearing filly waves her hoof excitedly, it was Applebloom, and next to her, an empty seat.
>She instantly tries to go for it, but she is stopped dead in her tracks by the teacher as she clears her throat, “Cherry, wouldn’t you want to introduce yourself before you sit down?”
>She looks back thinking she had heard a dead language, “What?”
>”Introduce yourself, what you like, who you are things like that. I’m sure your classmates want to know more about you.”
>A small pink filly replies in a loud, sarcastic tone, “Dying to know.” As she finishes saying that, a gray filly next to her laughs as the pink one smiles meanly.
>Wanting to be in the safety of the seat, Cherry inhales and focuses, “My name is Cherry Cob..Pie,” some of the kids laugh causing her cheeks to flush, “And uhh…I’m new.”
>Without waiting on the ok, she quickly goes to the seat by Applebloom, and sits herself down. Cheerilee didn’t seem to mind and smiles brightly “All right, now which pony can tell me where Zap Apples come from?”
 
>Outside the classroom, Pinkie tries to peek into the class from a small, stained glass window.
“Pinkie, we have to get you home.”
>”But I’ll miss her first day.”
“I don’t think there is a parent alive that saw their kid’s whole first day of school. Now c’mon, you promised.”
>Pinkie sighs and tries to walk forward, but leans forward and holds her head. You look around and spot a nurses office, picking up Pinkie, you carry her down the hall.
>Nurse Redheart finishes checking her vitals, and sighs dumbfounded, “I don’t know what to tell ya Anon, she might a stomach flu.”
“Will she be all right?”
>”She’ll be fine with lots of rest, water, and some TLC. If she wants, she can rest here for a bit, the kids don’t really come here often.”
“Thanks.”
>Pinkie tries to get up woozily, “No, we’re better off going home.”
“Are you sure?”
>You look at Redheart for some validation, but she betrays you and shrugs, “If she feels she can make it, I don’t see why not.”
“God damn it.”
>Leaving the school, Pinkie staggers a bit, so you bend down, and pick her up again. She curls into you and breathes sickly, “Sorry Anon.”
“You look awful Pinkie; we should take you to the doctor.”
>”I..I’m fine, I just..need sleep. I wuz..habin..bad dream..ZzzZzz.”
>In your arms, she falls asleep before snoring loudly.
 
>Back in the school, Cherry stares at her desk and focuses on the ticking of the clock. Surround by so many unfamiliar ponies, each second painfully crawls by.
>She wasn’t sure just how long she had to be here, but she wanted it to be over already.
>Cheerilee reads aloud about something, and scribbles on the chalkboard, “And if you have 3 ponies, and 21 apples, how many does each pony get if you divide by 3?”
>Some of the ponies think about, but Applebloom begins to scribble something down before raising her hoof, “7?”
>”Very good! Seven, each pony gets seven apples.” Suddenly the bell rings as she looks up at the bell, “All right my little ponies, I’ll see you again after lunch on the playground!”
>The kids get up and run off as Cherry slowly packs everything back up, and makes sure she is the last to leave. Cheerilee and Applebloom smile and waits by the door for her to come over.
>When she reaches them, they begin to walk together out the room, and down the hall. Cherry begins to walk to the doors leading outside, but Applebloom calls out to her, “Where ya goin?”
>She looks backs and replies meekly, “Home.”
>”Ya can’t leave now; we still got 4 hours tah go.”
>”4!? That’s most of the day.”
>Cheerilee walks over to block her from leaving, “Oh it’ll be fun Cherry, trust me, you’ll never wanna leave.”
>She sighs and complies as they lead her to the cafeteria.
 
>A long line is formed as Applebloom joins in at the end, and waits her turn. Cherry looks around and notices that the ponies that finished eating are allowed to go play outside.
>Taking one last look at Applebloom, she walks away and goes over to the double doors. Opening them, she lets herself out and takes in her new surroundings. Plush green grass, cool wind, and shade from mighty trees cover the playground.
>The nature overload made her feel at home, more relaxed, unlike the cement jungle of the orphanage. Taking her first steps, the crisp cool grass crunches under her hooves as she digs them in and breaths a sigh of satisfaction.
>Looking around, she finds the most secluded spot, and rests herself against a tree under the shade. Curling up, she cozies herself and closes her eyes; this is the perfect way to pass the time.
>Before she falls asleep, a pink hoof crushes a nearby flower, “Would you look at that Silver Spoon, it seems somep0ny is lost.”
>Cherry opens her eyes, and looks up to see the two fillies from earlier, “I’m sorry?”
>Diamond Tiara sneers, “You sure are, this is OUR spot.”
>Silver Spoon gives a sarcastic tsk, ”Yeah, it’s like, totally obvious.”
>”I’ll leave then.”
>Cherry picks herself up, but gets pushed down by Diamond Tiara, “Ooops. You’re SO clumsy.” Picking herself up again, she gets pushed down and snarls, causing Diamond to flinch and hesitate.
>Applebloom yells out, “Hey! Leave her alone!” AB, along with Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle come running over, putting themselves between Cherry, and Diamond.
>Diamond Tiara address AB instantly, “What is her problem? I’d expect this kind of thing from a pony who was raised in a barn, but you act WAY better than her.”
>”Whut did she do?”
>”She snarled at me like a dog, honestly, was she raised by wolves?”
>Cherry gets up and mutters softly, “Worse.” As AB rises to her defense.
>”Well acourse she’s gonna get mad, ya were pickin on her!”
>Diamond Tiara gives an annoyed tsk, and looks away with her eyes closed, “Whatever, she was in our spot. Anyway, lets go Silver Spoon, we have better things to do, let Applebloom play with her animal friend.”
 
>As they walk away, Cherry looks away upset as AB pats her on the shoulder, “Ya’ll right?”
>Brushing off her hoof, she exhales annoyed ”I’m fine.”
>”Ah know they aint tha most pleasant ponies tah be around, but fightin wont solve anythin.”
>”….”
>”C’mon, let’s show ya to our friends.” AB tries to lead her away, but Cherry hesitates a moment before sighing and following behind.
 
>A small gathering of fillies and colts surround Cherry, and Applebloom as they kill time before class starts. Random fillies and colts ask her questions while she keeps looking over at where Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon sit.
>”So how are you liking Ponyville?”
>”Its ok I guess.”
>”Pinkie’s your mom, right?”
>”Uhh...yeah, in a way.”
>Twist clasps her hooves together, “It muth be nice to live in a sthweets sthop.” Before sighing dreamily, “And Pinkie ith the sthwellest sthweet maker too, I with she would teach me.”
>”I…I’m sorry I have no idea what you just said.”
>Twist practically throws herself at her hooves, “Can you tell Pinkie to teach me how to make sthweets?!”
>Cherry pulls back her hooves at the star struck filly, “Uhhh..I’ll ask.”
>”Thweet!” Twist yells happily before wrapping her hoof around her neck, “We’re gonna be the beth of friendths!”
 
>You set Pinkie down in bed and drape a cover over her, she smiles happily and gets herself cozy, “Thanks Anon.”
“Don’t worry, you just sleep.”
>Pinkie yawns and drowsily blinks before closing her eyes and drifting into sleep. You kiss her on the forehead and get up, leaving the room, you gently close the door behind you.
>Walking down the steps, you go into the kitchen only to have your stomach growl. You feel it and sigh.
“Guess I’m going out for lunch.”
>Leaving the house, you lock up as you hear a blank, expressionless mare call out behind you.
>”You must be Anonymous.” You heart skips a beat at the sudden startle, and turn around to see a gray mare, with a bland looking dress.
“Yeah, whats up?”
>She stares at you motionless and blinks once, “Is Pinkie home?”
“She’s sleeping; but I can help you. What do you need, cake?”
>”I came to see my niece.”
“…Ok.”
>At a small sandwich shop, a waitress pours you a cup of tea as Maud sits across from you with her water.
“Pinkie talks about you all the time, I have to admit you weren’t really what I was expecting.”
>Looking across from you, she blinks once “What were you expecting?”
>Leaning back, you shift your eyes to side and remember back to the many instances when Pinkie mentioned Maud.
>During your first date at the movies, “Maud is a movie EXPERT! We should totally bring her to our next two pony party.” Or so you thought it was a date.
>At dinner for your first REAL date, “Maud is a wonderful cook too, she could make something like this out of a starch, and a few buttons.”
>Playing games, “Maud is really good at video games too, I bet she could beat this whole game with her hooves tied behind her back.”
>And when making out, “Maud’s a REAL good kisser too, we used to practice all the time.” She then boops your nose and smiles, “Kidding, Maud likes to tell jokes even more than I do.”
>Coming back to reality, you shake your head and smile.
“…Something like her other sisters?”
>”Oh, I’m not like them.”
“So I noticed.”
>You sigh and look to the side as you sip your drink, this mare was really aloof, and to the point. Nothing like the other two sisters you’ve met.
>”Pinkie tells me you work in waste management.”
“Haha, a glorified term for outhouse digger.”
>”I bet you see all kinds of rocks.”
“…Yeah, a few. *clear throat* So, Pinkie tells me you’re an archeologist? That must be fun.”
>”Actually, I have my Roctorate in Rock Science.”
“What does that comprise of?”
>”…Rocks.”
“Ok, say, I bet Pinkie is probably awake by now, lets go see if she is.”
 
>At your home, you unlock the door and let yourself in. Maud follows and passes you as you close the door. Even from downstairs you can hear Pinkie snoring, Maud gives a small funny smile as you walk up beside her.
“Sorry, looks like she is still asleep.”
>”That’s ok, I can wait.”
>Letting herself get comfy, Maud walks to the couch, and sits herself down. She pulls out a rock and begins to pet it as you tap your fingers against yourself. Waiting a moment you walk over and sit across from her.
“So, what do you like to do for fun?”
>”You married Pinkie.” She comments out of nowhere.
“Yes, yes I did.”
>”So we’re practically family.”
“I guess you could say that, yeah.”
>”Word of advice, you don’t have to talk to me. I don’t know if you can tell, but I’m not as social as my sister.”
You chuckle out “Nothing wrong with that.”
>Maud blinks once and goes back to petting her rock as you lean back on the couch. Grabbing a random magazine, you crack it open and wait.
 
>Pinkie slowly comes to and rubs her eyes in a pleased mood, smacking her lips, she looks at the clock, “2:30!?!?” she yells grabbing it, “I only have 30 minutes!!”
>Throwing the clock, it smashes against the wall as she jumps out of bed. Rushing into the bathroom, she combs her teeth, and squirts toothpaste on a toothbrush before brushing her mane with it.
>Zipping out of the bathroom, she gallops down the hall and steps as she runs into the living room. Maud reads a magazine peacefully as Pinkie runs by her, “Hey Maud, gonna get Cherry, ok bye!” She hastily unlocks the door, and runs out before slamming it shut. A few seconds later she bursts back in, “MAUD!?”
>Closing the magazine, Maud slowly puts it down and looks toward her, “Hey Pinkie, Anon said he’d go get Cherry for you in case you weren’t awake.”
>”B.b.but, I wanted to pick her up.”
>”He said you really needed to rest, and besides, you got something in your mane.” She motions towards her own mane as Pinkie examines hers, and giggles.
>”Woops, you know this isn’t the first time that’s happened to me.”
>Maud smiles and gets up as Pinkie walks forward to meet her, in the middle of the living room, they share an embrace before letting go.
>”It’s good to see you, I came as soon as I could.”
>”Aww, you didn’t have to come see us, I know you’re busy.”
>”My sister having a kid? That’s as good a reason as any.”
>”Well, while we’re waiting, how about I give you the tour?”
 
>The school bell rings as the kids are dismissed from class, Cherry walks out annoyed as kids run past her. Stopping, she notices you standing in the sea of kids and parents.
>She comes impatiently walking over as you match her pace and walk together.
“Ok so Pinkie’s sister Maud came down to visit you.”
>”…”
“She’s really, I’m assuming, excited to meet you.”
>”…”
“She’s reallyyyyy eccentric. She doesn’t say much. Hehe, she’s kinda like you.”
>You can’t tell if she thinks she is being subtle or not, but you can clearly see how fed up she is with you. It’s not right, but you feel a small bubbling of resentment towards her.
>With your own mood soured, you decide to just keep quiet and continue walking.
>Walking back home, Pinkie is naturally waiting by the door and happily waves at the two of you.
>She bounces up and effortlessly begins a conversation with her and listens intently as Cherry talks about her day. Conversation seemed to be natural for them, like they shared some bond that was deeper than you could ever hope to achieve.
>Pinkie truly saw her as her own child, strange seeing as how she has not been here that long.
>Closing the door, Pinkie and Cherry talk side by side, “Somepony’s got a visitor~” She smiles as Cherry nods.
>”Anon told me.”
>Pinkie playfully sticker her tounge out, “Spoil sport.” Before turning her attention to Maud who is holding a box, “Cherry, Aunt Maud. Aunt Maud, Cherry.”
>”You can call me Maud.” She replies unenthusiastically as she extends her hooves out, “Here, I got you a present.”
>Cherry takes it into her hooves and looks at it before nodding, “Thank you.”
>”It’s a rock.” She replies dryly as she looks at the box wondering if she was telling the truth, “Go ahead, open it.”
>Doing as she was told, she opens the box to reveal a rock, “…Thanks.”. As she closes it, you sigh and crack some of your aching bones. Boredom was the only thing you enjoyed less than Cherry’s short fuse with you, and you were increasingly feeling more and more pent up.
“Hey, I’m gonna go check on my work and see when they need me back.”
>Pinkie gives off a displeased frown while looking at you, “But Maud came down to visit, you gotta come with us to go celebrate Cherry’s first day, and her surprise visit.”
“Well I guess, I’ll go tomorrow then.”
>Maud looks between you and Pinkie, “Its ok Pinkie, he doesn’t have to come. I came here to spend time with my new niece and you anyway, and I already talked with Anon.”
>Like a light switch, she’s now totally cool with it as she beams a wide grin, “Ok, see ya later Anon.” Its at times like this, you honestly question just how much Pinkie really needs you.