A Berry Sweet Day


                                            >You are Anon, suddenly awoken by the sound of an alarm clock, a rooster call, and a shower of confetti being blasted into the air, all at the same time.

                                            >Not normally one for rising early, you made sure to make use of several preventative measures so you didn't wake up late, for today was a very special day.

                                            >The alarm clock would normally be enough, but you couldn't take any chances this time on sleeping through it, as you sometimes did.

                                            >You had asked Applejack if you could borrow one of her roosters, and Pinkie for something that was a surefire way to get you out of bed.

                                            >It was a success, as the impact from the ball of confetti had knocked you right off your bed and onto the floor.

                                            >The rooster takes notice and flies over to you, pecking at your head to make sure you're alright.

                                            >Maybe next time you'll just settle for another alarm clock.

                                            >What's done is done, and you prepare to go about your day.

                                            >Yesterday, you had asked Berry Punch, a dear friend and your not-so-subtle secret crush, to join you for a picnic on Hoofbound Hill, a local spot famous as a hub for dates.

                                            >You remember the sly grin she had given you, clearly understanding your intention, and accepting your invitation.

                                            >The exchange from yesterday still echoed clearly in your mind.


                                            >You had gone out for your daily ice cream snack with Berry after finishing your work at Applejack's farm, and ate at your usual spot, a grassy field in the middle of Ponyville Square.

                                            >What started from a sudden invitation from her to hang out had become a daily routine, and something you always looked forward to at the end of the day.

                                            >It was another perfect afternoon, the breeze was soothing, the sky was clear, and right by your side the mare of your dreams was enthusiastically licking her usual favorite, strawberry ice cream.

                                            >A few ponies were out and about, but for the most part it was just the two of you, and the opportunity felt just right to ask the question eating at you for days.

                                            >While you no doubt had feelings for Berry, you couldn't help but feel a little nervous about asking her out directly.

                                            >You think back to your very first day, how she had been the first to greet and welcome you to Ponyville, and never once wavered in her friendliness.

                                            >Overtime, as you got to know her, your feelings had only continued to develop.

                                            >Berry was a natural born leader, confident and resolute, and always looking out for a pony in need.

                                            >She was fond of traveling, and her various excursions had made her quite knowledgeable on a variety of subjects and places, and frequently sought out for advice and excerpts from her travels.

                                            >Her caring nature was also quite apparent, as she readily lent a hoof and an ear anytime a pony asked.

                                            >She could also be just as playful as a filly, with plenty of energy to keep up with numerous games foals often asked her to join in and enough to spare for a gallop through the Equestrian Plains.

                                            >She truly was a pony like no other, and she had stolen your heart.


                                            >Your feelings were settled, and you knew she was the one for you.

                                            >All that was left was letting her know how you felt.

                                            >After finishing your ice cream, you took a deep breath and proceeded with the all-important question.

                                            "Hey Berry, if you're not busy or anything, how about we hang out tomorrow, maybe have a picnic or something?"

                                            >"Ooo, a picnic? That sounds great, weather should be warm and comfy, and this'll be the first time we go on one together."

                                            "Awesome, I'll ask Applejack if she can get us some cider before the season officially starts, and pick up some treats from Sugarcube Corner."

                                            >"Now you're talking, and I can get us some tasty sandwiches from that joint Cherry always goes on about, and Carrot Top's new carrot fries she cooked up recently."

                                            "Sounds like a plan, we can meet up at midday here after we get everything."

                                            >"Alright, looking forward to it."

                                            >Happy with her new plans, she resumed work on her ice cream, savoring every lick.

                                            >"So, where'd you have in mind for the picnic?"

                                            "I was thinking somewhere we haven't been before, like, I don't know, Hoofbound Hill?"

                                            >Her ears had perked up, and a coy smile quickly formed.

                                            >"Well well, looks like somepony's not too shy to let his feelings out after all, is he?"

                                            >It seems she knew how you felt all along.

                                            "Damn, was it really that obvious?"

                                            >"Like a lovestruck filly, I could practically see hearts floating around you."

                                            >You blush heavily.

                                            >"I was wondering how long you'd keep stalling, you really know how to keep a mare waiting."

                                            >She giggled as she winked at you knowingly.

                                            >"You ARE asking me out on a date, right? I'm sure you know what it means to ask somepony to go on that hill."

                                            "Of course, but let me do this right."

                                            >There was no turning back at that point, you'd all but said aloud how you felt about her, and she deserved to hear those words properly.

                                            >You held her hooves in your hands, and looked right into her beautiful magenta eyes.

                                            "Berry, will you go out with me?"

                                            >Her own sudden blush had surprised you, you'd never seen her look so bashful before.

                                            >"Whoa, this is way different from how I pictured it feeling."

                                            >Shaking her head, she met your gaze with a big smile.

                                            >"Yeah, I'd love to."


                                            >Your reminiscence is interrupted by another loud call from the concerned rooster.

                                            "Right, you're still here, huh?"

                                            >The rooster simply nods.

                                            "I do have to pick up the cider for the picnic, might as well head to Applejack's right now and drop you off."

                                            >The rooster crows in agreement.

                                            >The confetti from earlier had spread everywhere across the floor, but you figure you could clean that up after the picnic, it's not like it stained or anything.

                                            >You could deliver Pinkie's cannon later, it was better to go see Applejack before her work got her really occupied.

                                            >Settled on dropping off the rooster and picking up your cider to start off the day, you get dressed and make your way to Sweet Apple Acres.


                                            (From Berry's perspective)

                                            >*yawn*

                                            >Ugh... oh, it's morning...

                                            >Phew, looks like I managed to sleep after all.

                                            >I had butterflies in my stomach the whole night, I thought I'd have to go looking like a zombie to the picnic.

                                            >Still a bit hard to believe I'm really going on a date, and with Anon, no less.

                                            >He's such a shy guy normally, takes him a while to really open up to ponies, even his friends.

                                            >I had a feeling he felt something for me, and of course I always thought he was a sweet guy, but I never knew when the moment would happen.

                                            >I thought it'd take longer for him to admit his feelings, honestly, so I was a bit shocked when he just asked me out all of a sudden.

                                            >Sure, I had to push him in the right direction a bit, but in the end he built up the nerve on his own.

                                            >It's a load off my back, at least, for all my confidence I'm a lost little filly as far as romance goes...

                                            >Alright, that's enough thinking back for now, up an at 'em, Berry!

                                            >Just gotta find my saddlebags...

                                            >There we go, all set!

                                            >Time to meet up with Carrot Top and pass by Café Hay to pick up the grub, let's hit the road!


                                            >Wow, I'm not much of an early riser, but these morning views are always a treat.

                                            >I wish he was here with me to admire the view, but I'll see him soon enough.

                                            >First things first, stopping by the restaurant to pick up those sandwiches.

                                            >I've haven't gotten to try them yet, but Cherry's glowing review sold me on having them for the picnic.

                                            >She isn't known for praising much of, well, anything, so hearing her talk about how good the new sandwiches are is all the recommendation I need.

                                            >Speaking of Cherry, there she is, getting her balloon ready for the skies.

                                            "Hey, good morning!"

                                            >"Morning Berry, looks like you got up bright and early after all."

                                            "You know it, we've got to get a good spot up on Hoofbound Hill, with a day this nice I bet everypony's gonna be coming out in droves up there."

                                            >"I never understood what the big deal was on going up on that hill with somepony, looks the same as any other hill to me."

                                            "You'll just have to find a special somepony of your own and find out yourself, then, huh?"

                                            >She snorts in response.

                                            >Were I any other pony I'd probably get one of her patented scary grimaces.

                                            >Cherry tends to look a bit gruff to other ponies, but she's honestly a real sweetheart that's often misunderstood.

                                            >If only ponies could see how excited she gets when she's helping me stomp grapes, bet that'd surprise a few of them.

                                            >"Just worry about your own dating life for now, while my balloon's inflating I'll walk you over to Café Hay."

                                            "Alright, thanks."


                                            >"I'm telling you, I was shocked when I tried it the first time, I could hardly believe this was hoofmade right here in Ponyville."

                                            "What made you try it to begin with? I thought you preferred soup when you had the choice."

                                            >"They ran out of that chowder I really like, I probably would have just left normally but I was so hungry and willing to eat anything."

                                            >"The server mentioned that new sandwich and I thought, what the hay, it's better than nothing."

                                            >"Imagine my shock when I take my first bite into it, and it's a total medley of flavor, I couldn't believe it!"

                                            "I'm looking forward to trying it, it's not often I hear you talk so positively about something."

                                            >"The service is slow as molasses, but I guess the food is worth the wait."

                                            >That's Cherry Berry for ya, can never be too direct with her compliments.


                                            (If you're reading this, sorry for the wait, I'll have more tomorrow once I polish it up a bit. Side note, I realized the Colgate, Guide to Equestria story was missing a lot of story I had written, so I put it back in, you can go ahead and read what was added if you like. Hope you're liking this one so far!)