"So now you see why we asked for you to be here," Carrot Cake concluded after a short speech of his request, his wife in the other room tending to their foals. "Your assistance could make sure Pinkie doesn't... Get ahead of herself while we're gone."

If I could fold my arms, I would. But I nodded regardless, understanding exactly what this stallion was asking of me. Babysitting the kids like last time? Oh no. See, the Cakes want to spend some quality time with their children, and a trip to Ponyville's park seemed like just the ticket. But since this was a work day, customers will be expecting to order the many delicious treats this bakery had to offer.

And Pinkie, of course, volunteered to run the store in their absence. Not that they didn't trust her, but the Cakes were worried that the energetic mare would eventually overwork herself by maintaining such a place all by herself for the whole afternoon. So, naturally, they asked for me to help.

That, or there's some ulterior motive behind all this I'm not entirely certain of. Who knows?

Yep, I'm temporarily running a bakery store with Pinkie Pie. Who knew?

"We already have the instructions to managing the place written down. And Pinkie can help you with any problems you have."

Said Earth Pony was blissfully hopping around the store, mumbling out how happy she was to overtake Sugarcube Corner again. Err... Yeah, sure, I'll be sure to go to her in case anything wrong happens.

Carrot Cake smiled in understanding, "It'll be fine. You both worked well together when you looked after the kids. I'm sure nothing will go wrong; Pinkie's enthusiasm balanced by your focus, it'll be a hitch!"

Just as he said that, Pinkie immediately wrapped a rather tight hoof around my neck, squeezing me in for a hug. Okay, should've seen that coming! "You can count on us Mr. Carrot Cake! It's gonna be great! Aren't you just as excited as I am Stardust?!"

"Pinkie... I need to breathe..."

"Oops." Pinkie grinned unapologetic and let go. Much better. "Ooh! You could bake as many brownies as you want Star! Hey, you could teach me the recipe to those superly duperly amazing treats you bake that makes them so scrumshishly delicious!"

"I'm sure he will." Cue Mrs. Cupcake entering from the other room, smiling exasperatedly at the pink mare. "But remember Pinkie, the customers will be paying for plenty of other things aside from brownies." Then pink eyes turned to me. "I know we can count on both of you to take care of the place while we're out for the day."

I nodded, smiling myself at the faith they had in my abilities... Even though I had no real idea how to bake anything aside from brownies. I'll leave that to Pinkie. "We'll do the best we can."

Emphasized by the mare almost crushing my neck with the tight limb around me. "The very best we can!"