Welcome to Gaia! ::

There nestled between two other larger buildings, was a smaller but cutely decorated shop. It was a sweet shop run by Just Desserts and her pet inu named Dreamsicle. They both worked very hard each day to make sure delicious food was prepared with the utmost care, and that their customers were well taken care of.

Outside the front door, a pony wavered. It appeared she wanted to go inside, but every time she looked in the door, the face of the grumpy looking shop owner frightened her. Darling bit her lip. She had wanted to go inside and see if she could sell her chocolates here. Oh what to do?

Dreamsicle watched the new pony at the door and barked with excitement signaling to Just Desserts that a new ‘customer’ was there. Just Desserts made her way over to the door and quietly greeted Darling. ”H-hello there….” she coughed nervously. She didn’t get many customers, mostly due to the fact that she didn’t smile much and always had an angry look about her. In truth though, she was just shy; a very gentle soul. She tried again, “Please come in and help yourself to some of our desserts,” she offered.

“O-oh umm…sure.” Darling finally managed, gulping loudly and slowly entering through the door. She gazed around at the adorable decorations. There was a menu written in chalk, and the counter was divided. Half of it bore many cakes and pastries, while the other half had ice cream. There was even a shelf with various chocolates and candy. This caused Darling to smile and forget she was even nervous to begin with. She happily took a seat as Dreamsicle hopped over with a menu in his mouth.

“Thanks” Darling said, taking the menu and flipping it open.

Just Desserts walked back behind the counter. “Feel free to order whatever suits your fancy.”

Darling spied a familiar face enter the shop and sit down at one of the nearby tables! "Navy!" she exclaimed. It had been awhile since she last saw him. She hopped up from her seat and skipped over to Navy's table. "Hi there!" she chimed, watching as he spoke to Dreamsicle.

Dreamsicle yapped happily at Navy, almost as if he was trying to tell the pony his name. But of course, the various yips and yaps made no sense. Luckily Just Desserts had spotted her new customer and overheard his comment to the inu.

JD smiled. She watched as Darling headed over to Navy's table. It seemed her two customers new each other. She walked over to introduce her pet. "His name is Dreamsicle," she commented to both ponies. "Sorry if he got drool on your menus. He's been trying to help me out with the shop."

Dreamsicle barked once more and wagged his tail as if to agree.

"And my name is Just Desserts. Welcome to my shop. And you two are?"

"Well, I'm Darling and this is my friend," she began, gesturing to Navy for him to introduce himself. She found herself blushing a little. She hoped it was okay to call him a friend, and not just an acquaintance.

Just Desserts actually smiled! Or at least tried her best to. It wasn't often she did such a thing. She was happy though! Her new customers seemed nice. Dreamsicle approved of them at least! "It's a pleasure to meet both of you."

Dreamsicle's tail was wagging excitedly and he barked again, nudging the menu towards Navy and Darling.

"Ah yes, please tell me what you'd like to eat," JD added. "We have all sorts of sweets and dessert food."

"Ah yes, hmm.." Darling scanned over the menu once more. "This parfait looks really good! I'll try that please!"

"Sure thing," JD beamed. These were pretty much her first customers. Hopefully they would like her food. "And what would you like Navy?" she asked, as she headed back behind the counter to prepare the desserts.

Just Desserts nodded at Navy. "Alrighty! I'll have it ready in jiffy." And she began the preparations. After carefully adorning the parfait with its toppings of fruit, she headed over to scoop the ice cream, and then add the soda to the float. All the while she hummed a tune as she worked.

Dreamsicle went over and layed by the table at Navy and Darling's feet. He watched them eagerly. He was probably hoping for handouts.

Just Desserts brought over the finished desserts and placed them carefully on the table. "No Dreamsicle, no begging. You know better."

Dreamsicle snorted and gave her a 'look' before moving to a new spot to watch Navy and Darling eat.

JD just rolled her eyes at the Inu and chuckled.

Darling thanked JD for the food before turning to Navy to answer his question. "Ah yeah. I'm doing okay. I was pretty surprised when the Queen of the Changelings showed up though! But I think they settled everything now. Hopefully things turn out for the best. What about you? How are you doing?"

"You're welcome," JD smiled and went to her place back behind the counter to let the other two talk. She couldn't help but listen to their conversation though. She thought it was cute. It seemed like Darling really liked Navy.

Darling fidgeted a little in her seat, a nervous blush on her face. She was trying her best to make conversation. "I see. Yes that's true. It was quite a commotion, but it's definitely something I'll remember for years to come," she said, inching a little closer. She casually took a bite of her parfait while trying not to stare at Navy too much. "Mmm this is good!" she exclaimed.

Dreamsicle watched carefully for any food that might fall on the floor. He was drooling too. JD finally called him back to her and offered him a treat. The inu happily scampered over, leaving the couple to talk among themselves without interruption.

"So um, what have you been up to recently? Are you still selling fish?" she asked. "I've always thought fish were cute. They make such nice pets too. Very elegant creatures~"

Darling sighed happily as she listened to Navy speak. "Mhmm, I understand. A lot of ponies do go to the beach. It's nice during the summer. A perfect way to cool off. It's too bad that business is slow though."

She took another bite of her dessert, picking off a piece of fruit and popping it into her mouth. "I think my favorite season is spring. I love all the flowers. And it's also the season for giving sweets. You know, Valentine's and all." She blushed a little, imagining what it would be like to get sweets from Navy.

"A-anyway. I make chocolate for a living. But you probably already knew that. Heh. Besides Valentine's, we get big orders for other holidays too and for special occasions like anniversaries. Valentine's is definitely the busiest time of year though, along with Halloween. What's your favorite holiday? I'm curious."