>>42704931
"Y'know, it's about that time - did you have lunch? I can get you something to eat while we think about what to do."
>Sweetie Belle grins, patting her soft tummy with one forehoof.
>"I could eat! What're we gonna make?"
>The word 'we' gives you flashbacks.
>You hide your grim expression by turning away as you climb out of your chair, picking up your glass of lemonade on the way.
>You head for the door, and you can't help but smile hearing Sweetie's hooves clip-clopping through the grass behind you.
>Once you get back inside and dust off your shoes at the door, you beeline for the kitchen. Sweetie is still on your heels, and you decide to give her a hand.
"Upsie daisies!"
>Sweetie squeaks that adorable squeak as you wrap your hands around her barrel and hoist her up, holding her way up high for a moment while her legs kick and wiggle around.
>Set her on the counter so she can see without having to stretch, then start peeking through cabinets and drawers.
"Where does Rarity keep all of her ingredients? I don't think I've ever seen somepony organize a kitchen like this."
>"Rarity says she organizes it like she does her dress-making stuff," Sweetie explains matter-of-factly, watching you work at eye level for once.
"What the hell does that mean? I just wanna know where she keeps the bread."
>Whoops, should've watched your language. You glance over to see Sweetie giving you a grumpy look.
"Sorry. But seriously, bread. No breadbox like everypony else in the world?"
>It's up there, I think!"
>Follow where Sweetie's hoof is pointing you.
>Highest cabinet in the kitchen, on the far corner.
>Roll your eyes and slide over. Sure enough, there's a loaf of white bread inside.
"Why put it up here? It's as far as possible from the toaster."
>Sweetie looks sheepish all of a sudden, fidgeting on her hooves.
>"I... might be the reason, eheh..."
>Flashbacks again.
"Right. Well, we aren't using heat this time around, so no need for a fire extinguisher today."
>Sweetie's horn glows as she opens up the fridge, helpfully fetching another component for lunch.
>A big, fresh jar of apple jelly - stamped with the Sweet Apple Acres seal of approval, of course.
"Ooh, bringing out the good stuff, huh?"
>Sweetie Belle beams.
>"Mm-hm! Rarity got it at the market just yesterday. She also spent, like, half an hour talking to Applejack, but Applebloom was there too so it wasn't that bad."
"Sure she won't mind us breaking into it first?"
>"I'm totally sure! Why buy it if you aren't gonna eat it, right?"
>Fair enough.
>You shrug and take the jar from her magical grasp, twisting the top off with a satisfying pop. The smell of apples and cinnamon instantly fill your nose, and you can't help but take a big whiff.
"AJ really knows her stuff, huh?"
>"I think Big Mac makes the jelly, actually."
"Well whatever. The Apples know their stuff in general."
>Sweetie looks smug about correcting you, and you give her a fake glare while trying not to grin back at her.
>Damn, she's cute.
