**A Step Out**

[WritingWithLove]

Autha felt as if she could fly! She felt so fantastic, like a weight had been lifted from her!
She smiled broadly and said, "It is all because of you, you know! You are... fantastic!" She giggled. "I-I do not know what you did to liberate me so, but I must ask that you do not stop!" She laughed loudly, which was rare, considering the fact that she thought her laugh was irritating. Maybe that is one of the reasons why I have not been so happy, she thought; I have not had a reason to laugh in so long.  

[The Jolly Victini]

Bonfire smiled widely. "I never thought I'd end up with a mare as amazing as you."  

[WritingWithLove]

Finding nothing to say, Autha blushed and kissed Bonfire once again.

"Okay, so the cake is in the oven, and I think it's gonna be really really good because I can just sense it, you know? Like, when you feel a good thing in your gut and you think- OH MY GOODNESS!" Pinkie shouted as she walked into the room. Autha's blush grew almost as red as her mane, and she gave a sheepish smile as she moved a bit away- but not by much!  

[The Jolly Victini]

"S-So, Pinkie. Where should we sit?" Bonfire asked.

"You can sit right here!" Pinkie said, pulling out two chairs in a nearby table. The cake'll be ready soon!"  

[WritingWithLove]

Autha took the seat closest to her. Get a handle on yourself! she thought, Idiot! She sighed and said to Pinkie, "So, um, What kinds of things do you enjoy baking?"  

[The Jolly Victini]

"I like baking all sorts of things! I like baking cookies and cupcakes and brownies and even potatoes! Well I bake potatoes for dinner not for selling, but I like baking them anyway!" Pinkie Pie explained.  

[WritingWithLove]

Autha smiled. "I love potatoes!" she announced. "Potatos, carrots, anything I can grow. Well, I have attempted to grow. I can never manage to keep a garden for more than a few weeks. I am afraid that I am not as talented as those who are able to tend to such small things...  

[The Jolly Victini]

"Well I have to to earn my monthly wage." Bonfire said. "I don't get any money for being a firepony. I have to sell fruits and vegetables to earn money. Luckily I don't have to buy much food since I have my own right outside my house." Bonfire had a sudden realization. "But hey! Winter's coming up soon, and in winter I part time at the school! I can't wait!"  

[WritingWithLove]

Gardens?
School?
Had this colt been sent from Celestia herself?!
Autha smiled broadly. "You part-time at the school?" she asked. She had always felt a special connection to the school here, though she didn't quite know why.  

[The Jolly Victini]

"Yeah! Cheerilee was nice enough to give me a job there when winter comes around. She let's me teach the kids about fire safety sometimes, and the kids love it when I let them do art projects when Cheerilee is doing a light lesson on the history of William Neighespear and Fillynardo da Vinci!" Bonfire felt joy course through him. "Oh, boy. I'm getting excited already! The Crusaders are gonna be so happy to see me!"  

[WritingWithLove]

"I simply adore Cheerilee. I have helped her with a few lesson plans. She is such a wonderful teacher! " Autha said with admiration. "P-perhaps I could help you as well? I mean, only if you so desire..."  

[The Jolly Victini]

"Really? I mean, I have to Cheerilee if she's got room for one more, but yeah! I'd love to have you there!" Bonfire replied.  

[WritingWithLove]

"Oh!" said Pinkie, "That would be super amazing for you two! You could see each other, like, every day! Well, except for weekends and stuff, but you'd probably see each other anyway then 'cause you'd wanna be together! Aww!"
Ding!
"Cake's done!" exclaimed Pinkie as she ran back into the kitchen. Autha sighed and asked, "Is she normally this easily excited?"  

[The Jolly Victini]

"Extremely." Bonfire replied with a sigh and a smile.  

[WritingWithLove]

"You have very interesting friends. I hope to be able to meet more of them!" Autha said with a quick wink. A light blush took over her face, and she looked away, hoping not to seem too easily flustered.