Author's Notes:

Easter present for you all. I had a lot of time, so I wrote out the next part. It's a sweet, light hearted chapter focusing on their budding romance. I've got some great ideas for future chapters, so look forward to more development to come. I love to read your comments, it really does help me know how I'm doing.Thanks so much for reading, and enjoy!

The early evening sun was dipping down over the construction site as the workers put away their hard hats. It had been another sweltering day, and everypony was worn down. Cheese's muscles burned and he was already envisioning a cool off in the stream. A trio of bulky stallions trotted up to Cheese, their unshaven faces splitting into a broad grin. One with a wooden crate for a cutie mark, walked forward. "Hey Cheese. Me an the boys are heading out to get some hard cider an have a little fun. You in?"

Inwardly, Cheese grimaced. He was enjoying getting to know "the boys" but, he had never been able to hold his hard cider. And something told him that they could hold quite a few pints of the stuff. "That sounds great, but I think I'll decline. Maybe some other time?"

"Suit yerself. We'll see you bright an early scrawny."

Cheese set off on the long way back to his tent. He loved to stroll through the streets of Ponyville, watching all the different ponies going about their business. All around him, stalls were closing up for the evening, and ponies heading back home. He chuckled as a trio of fillies darted past on their way to who knows where. The Crusaders are at it again. Don't they ever get tired?

He was staring at the crowded street, lost in thought, when a mare strode towards him. It was impossible not to stare at the ridiculous green ascot tied around the older pony's neck. Her blue eyes twinkled under the spectacles carefully balanced on her muzzle. Cheese gave a broad grin and tried not to look too surprised.

"Cheese Sandwich, there you are. I heard you were staying in Ponyville, and I wanted to personally welcome you."

"Thanks. I'm really loving my time here so far."

"That's just great. You can imagine my surprise to hear that we will be having two party ponies in town this summer."

Cheese gulped. Is there some kind of rule against two party ponies living in Ponyville? "I'm not here to party Mayor, I'm here for a carpentry apprenticeship. I don't plan on stealing Pinkie's role as Ponyville's party pony."

The Mayor chuckled, easing the tension Cheese had felt building inside his chest. "Oh now, I wasn't worried about that. Last time you came, you threw the most spectacular party with Pinkie Pie. No, that's actually the reason I came to talk to you today."

"Really?"

"Really. There's a big event going on soon, and I need the two of you to plan something fun for it."

Cheese could not help but spin around and dance with glee. "Yes, yes, yes!" Noticing the Mayor's bewildered expression, he coughed and composed himself. "Uh sorry about that. It's just I haven't been able to plan any parties in weeks. Guess I'm going a little loco."

"Well now, I'm glad to see you're excited. But, it's not a party I want the two of you to plan."

"Huh?"

"Every summer, princess Celestia works to put on a meteor shower display. Since Luna's return, the event has grown in popularity. All the citizens of Ponyville gather to watch the night sky. Normally, they only gather to watch, then return home. This year though, I want to try to bring a spirit of Ponyville camaraderie to the event. I want it to be rememberable, fun, and involve as many ponies as possible, but not be just another party. Are you up to the challenge?"

"Hmmm." Cheese did not think such a request would be easy. But, he had plenty of experience planning all sorts of fun events around Equestia. Coupled with Pinkie's outlandish ideas, he was certain they could not fail. "Sure! But I'm going to have to throw some ideas around with Pinkie first."

Mayor Mare smiled warmly. "I really appreciate the help Cheese sandwich. Just bring the plans to my office the day after tomorrow. The event is this Saturday after all."

"What? So soon?"

"Mm hmm. Well, best of luck to you two! I'm certain you'll dazzle me."

Cheese stood rooted to the spot, taking in all that transpired. Plan a spectacular event for all of Ponyville in a few days that's not a party! It's a tall order. But, despite his misgivings, Cheese found himself imagining the fun he could have planning with Pinkie. Every moment he got to spend with her was precious to him.
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The soft clatter of hooves on the wood floor made Pinkie smile. She knew those steps anywhere. "Heya Cheesie!"

"Hey Pinkie." Cheese strode in front of Sugarcube Corner's counter, grinning. Dust fell from his coat and his mane was still frazzled from being under a hard hat all day.

Pinkie giggled at the silly stallion. He could have at least cleaned up a bit. "Cheesie, what on earth are you doing all dusty?"

"Oh." He flushed a little, he had been in such a hurry to see Pinkie that he neglected to wash off. "Sorry."

"It's okay, but the Cakes aren't going to like getting dust everywhere. Come on, we can chat outside." She hopped over to the door, Cheese following. Settling down under a nearby tree, Pinkie giggled with excitement. "I just got back from the competition."

"How'd it go?"

"She won of course, it really wasn't much of a competition if you ask me. I didn't think you'd come to see me today. But I'm super-duper happy you did."

"Hehe. Yeah, I had something important to talk to you about."

"Something important?" Pinkie's stomach made a little jump, and her thoughts ran wild. What on earth could he have to talk to me about? I hope it's nothing serious. Mrs. Cake's words once again floated to the surface. Oh my gosh! Does Cheese like me like that! That's good, or bad, or I don't know! What should I say?

"Pinkie?"

"Yes?"

"Were you listening to a word I just said?"

"Uh…no. Sorry."

Cheese rolled his green eyes with exasperation. "Mayor Mare asked us to help plan a big event before the meteor shower on Saturday. The only problem is that she doesn't want it to be a party. She wants something different. And the plans have to be in the day after tomorrow. Of course I said I we'd do it, but I think we need to do some brainstorming."

"Oh." Somehow, Pinkie felt let down. What on earth were you expecting Pinkiana? A confession? Pull yourself together! "That's sounds amazing Cheesie! It's going to be the best event ever!"

"Yeah. At least I hope it will be. But, I've never planned anything like this before. Do you think we can get it done in time?"

"Of course we can silly! Let me think…How about a big water slide leading to a giant pool of jelly?"

"Hmmm. That's fun, but not what Mayor Mare's looking for. What about a water balloon fight?"

"Fun, but not everypony's going to want to get soaked." Pinkie put her hoof to her forehead, deep in concentration. Suddenly, she bolted upright. "I've got it! Let's have a huge picnic."

"Hmmm. You know, that might work! A giant picnic where all the citizens of Ponyville can gather, sharing food and fun. We'll have a scavenger hunt-"

"-And a bake off!"

"An organized water balloon fight?"

"Oooh and a concert!"

"Concert?"

"Yeah. We can put have the townsponies bring their instruments and play together."

"Great idea! I'm liking this."

That rested under the tree for the next hour, trading ideas and adding details. Cheese could not believe how easy it was to work with Pinkie. Her thoughts flowed naturally with his, easing his concern. They worked quickly, finishing just as night was falling on the town.

"This is going to be the best whole town picnic-meteor shower ever!"

"Pinkie, I think this is the only whole town picnic-meteor shower ever." They shared a good long laugh, and started up at the darkening sky. "The stars are beautiful here in Ponyville."

"They sure are. But don't they look the same anywhere in Equestria?"

Cheese smiled, watching the moonlight casting waves over her glossy coat. "No, it's much better here." Without thinking, he leaned forward and nuzzled Pinkie's cheek gently. "And you're every bit as beautiful as they are."

Pinkie felt as though she was going to melt right in front of the stallion. Heart racing, she turned to Cheese, who was already standing up. "You're leaving?"

"Hmmm? Yeah, I've got work tomorrow and we've got a lot of preparation to do before the picnic. I'll see you later."

"Okey dokey then. Bye."

Cheese walked back to his tent, heart pounding in his chest. What in Equestria was I doing? She'll think I'm harassing her for sure. Still…He gulped, remembering the feel of Pinkie's velvet soft coat against his muzzle. It felt good, really good. Argh! What's wrong with me! I'm her friend; I shouldn't go around treating her like…like MY mare. Urgh! Cheese get a grip! We're friends, that's all there is to it. And friends don't go around nuzzling each other on the cheek.
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The week sped by in a flurry of motion for Pinkie and Cheese. Each had tasks to prepare for the picnic, and everyday work to deal with. In all the commotion, they hardly had the time to pass the time of day, let alone have any meaningful conversation. Before long, the day of the big picnic had arrived.

Pinkie had been reading up on the books she borrowed from Twilight. That morning, she carefully oiled and worked her mane into an elegant French braid. Her tail had a similar treatment, sporting a careful fish tail braid with a long blue ribbon. She turned to gummy, who was watching her from his perch on Pinkie's bed. "Well, how do I look gummy?" The little reptile blinked. Pinkie grinned, giving her pet a big hug. "Thanks gummy! You're so sweet." Humming, she grabbed a playful blue sun hat from a peg, and made her way out the bedroom.

Bouncing down the stairs, she met the Cakes at the bottom. "Are you ready for the best picnic to hit Ponyville?"

Mr. Cake adjusted his characteristic bowtie. "Sure are. My, you're looking dressed up today. What's the occasion?"

"Oh nothing much. Just thought I'd try to show off a bit." Pinkie winked knowingly at Mrs. Cake as they made their way to the picnic.

To say the whole town was gathered for the event was no understatement. Ponies thronged in on the hills outside of Ponyville, all grinning brightly despite the scorching weather. Pinkie laughed and smiled as usual, trying to ignore the incredulous stares the townsponies were giving her. She turned to Mrs. Cake nervously. "Did I overdo it?"

"No dear, you look stunning. I think they're just surprised."

Pinkie noticed the mayor standing at the podium, looking around. "Well, I've got to get to work now. I'm overseeing the bake off and running the musical squares. See you!"

As Pinkie approached the podium, she noticed Twilight standing right next to Mayor Mare. She flounced forward. "Heya Twilight! Mayor. How do you like the festivities?"

"Pinkie?" Twilight had never seen her friend dress up for anything other than the Galla. What's gotten into her this time? "It's wonderful Pinkie. You and Cheese really outdid yourselves this time."

"Ya think? I know it's going to be the best event of the summer. Well, next to your birthday bash that is."

"Mm Hmm! I can't wait for all the festivities to start."

Mayor Mare beamed at Pinkie behind her narrow spectacles. "Are you ready to commence with your half of the activities?"

"Sure I'm ready! But, shouldn't we wait for Cheese?"

"I'm already here."

Pinkie jumped several feet in the air as Cheese materialized next to her. I thought I was the only pony who could do that. The Mayor winked at Pinkie, a broad smile stretching her wrinkles. "I'm going to start off the introduction. I'll have you come up and introduce you're individual events in a little while."

Cheese smiled at Pinkie and sidestepped a little closer to the mare. He whispered softly in her ear. "You look really nice today Pinkie. I love what you've done with your mane."

She stifled a small squeak and tried to focus on the Mayor's speech. And yet, she found herself stealing glances of the lank stallion next to her. After what seemed like forever, he gave her a good natured wink and walked up. "Talk to you later Pinkie."

"Yeah, you too."

She set to work on her activities, savoring the relaxing and fun atmosphere. Despite her early misgivings of the citizens, Pinkie found that they did not mind her new look. In fact, she received a lot of complements from the contestants and onlookers.

As Pinkie maneuvered around the stacks of cakes, Rarity and Fluttershy came over to say hello. Rarity came first, striding confidently up to her, eyes sparkling with excitement. "My good gracious Pinkie Pie! You look simply divine. Where in Equestria did you get that hat?"

"Oh this?" Pinkie flushed a little, and grinned at her excited friend. "I borrowed it from Mrs. Cake. Does it look all right?"

"All right? All right? Darling, it's marvelous! And your mane, and tail! It's so simple, but so chic. Why I've never seen you so fabulous."

Fluttershy smiled sweetly. "It looks nice Pinkie Pie."

"Awee thanks girls. Just thought I'd dress up a little. You here for the contest?"

"Why yes we are. In fact, Fluttershy has made an excellent carrot cake and wanted to enter it."

"If that's okay of course, Pinkie."

"Of course it is Fluttershy! The judges will be super happy to taste some. Just put it on the table."

As Fluttershy flew off, Rarity sidled over to Pinkie. "So, practicing your flirting already Pinkie? You know I saw Carmel's friends over by stage, why don't we practice a little with them. Eh?"

"Nope. Sorry Rarity, but I've got work to do. Maybe some other time, okay?"

"Oh all right. But we've got to have a little fun together before too long. Anyway, I'll leave you to your duties."

Pinkie sighed. Rarity, why don't you get it? I don't want to flirt with just any stallion. Loud laughter brought her attention back to the task at hand. Better get back to work.

Twilight was falling fast on the hills, and the ponies started dispersing into small groups to watch the show. Pinkie was packing up the last few pieces of equipment into a wagon, when Cheese walked up to her. He held a tent in his mouth, and set it carefully with the others. "Hey Pinkie. How was your day?"

"Oh it was great. But it would have been better if we got to see each other more."

"Yeah. I know the feeling. I don't think I had a break all day, it was exhausting. Still, everypony seemed really happy with the picnic. The mayor's talking about making it an annual event."

"Uggh. I'm tired just thinking about it! But, it'll be super fun, just like today." Pinkie stood, the summer breeze playing with the strands of her mane that had escaped the braid since the morning. She was surprised to see Cheese looking just as nervous as she felt, shuffling his hooves in the grass.

"Do you want to take a walk over to the others together?"

"Okey dokey Cheesie."

They set off on a quiet path, near a group of trees. The ponies that chose to set up their blankets here were almost all couples, and the pair were careful not to disturb them as they walked towards the hill Pinkie and her friends had chosen. Cheese kept time with Pinkie, matching her hoof steps. "I'm really sorry about earlier Pinkie."

"Huh? Sorry about what silly?"

"Sorry for what happened the other night. I shouldn't have…nuzzled you like that. It was, inappropriate."

Pinkie flushed, turning her head so Cheese could not see. Then, quietly, "I didn't mind you know."

"What?" Cheese stood rooted to the spot. He expected her to laugh it off or say some cute joke. She liked it? Sweet Celestia, what have I done? Does she expect more? I was half mad to do it in the first place.

Pinkie smiled, a little moonlight reflecting in her blue eyes. "I said I liked it. And-" She paused, taking a deep breath, "-and I wouldn't mind if you did it again!"

Cheese gulped, but before he could respond, a shout made him wheel around. Twilight was cantering towards them, levitating a telescope. "There you are, the shower's about to start."

"Right. Guess we'd better get going. Pinkie?"

Pinkie nodded half-heartedly. She so longed to hear Cheese's response. "Cheese I-"

He winked, and whispered in her ear. "We'll talk about this later. I promise." Pinkie flushed crimson, inwardly cursing Twilight's timing. I wanted to talk about it now! Still, she was eager to spend the rest of the evening with her best friends in the whole world. She followed Cheese, their hoof beats now distinctly out of step.