I hadn't stayed up that late in a while, not even when Fallout 4 came out. Well, maybe that one time but other than that, I generally retired to the comfort of my memory foam mattress between 11 and midnight. Can't be half-asleep when you're trying to explain cell phone contracts to impatient teenagers or old folks, after all.

Obviously, I had a good reason to be out past my bedtime on this most auspicious of nights. As said reason strolled by my side along one of several hundred lit paths that crisscrossed the island, I took a few seconds between conversational responses to reflect on what had transpired.

I know I do that a lot but bear with me; the whole thing was a lot to take in.

"…so then I say "That's what she said!"" Fleur said with a giggle, catching me off-guard once again in the most wonderful way.

"Are you serious?" I asked with an incredulous grin.

"Of course! You should've seen the look on Hoity Toity’s face! He sure wasn't expecting that!" Fleur said with a laugh, barely able to keep it together.

"Awe man, that's great!" I exclaimed. "Bet those stuffed shirts at the Gala never saw that coming!"

"And believe me, I could've done a lot worse!" Fleur continued, squeezing my hand. "I don't know if it was the champagne or the fact that I was literally surrounded by the biggest, most prudish snobs in the kingdom but I was ready to start a riot."

"Well, sounds like you got about seven tenths of the way there," I offered with a questioning shrug.

"And not only that but I had to make small talk with them," Fleur added, throwing her head back in disgust. "And all because maybe two of them were involved in the fashion industry."

"Well, as a wise Witcher once said, sounds like you were treated to a night of "vacuous conversation"." I replied, not sure if she'd get the reference (but no less proud of it).

Damn, I'm awkward.

"Oh, it gets better!"

"Do tell!"

"Take a guess at how many times some noble or his offspring propositioned me, drunk out their minds."

"Um…sixty?" I asked.

"Let's just say I stopped counting after the first 27."

"Yowch."

"Yep."

"Huh," I mused. "Guess it's not all it's cracked up to be, huh? The modelling thing, I mean."

"Oh, well, it's not all bad," Fleur conceded. "Actually, I usually enjoy it. That was just one of the sucky things about doing what I do: sucking up to ponies I've never even met or can't stand to be around." She paused and looked up at the night sky, never letting go of my hand. I did the same, throwing in a hand squeeze for good measure.

"It's worth it, though."

"Hmm?"

"All the bullshit I have to go through…when I look at the genuine connections I've made with ponies…the young fillies who tell me I inspire them…the charities and causes I've been able to support and bring attention to…"

"Makes it worth every second, huh?"

"Wouldn't change it for the world."

"I'll bet. Although, you did forget something else." She looked at me, the barest hint of a smile adorning her features. "You get to go on kickass trips and meet awesome aliens from other dimensions!" The smile rapidly turned into a genuine laugh, one I soon joined her in, unable to take myself too seriously.

"Yes, and what charming ones, too!" she finally exclaimed after regaining her composure.

"Don't worry, I'm not nearly that narcissistic," I assured her, holding my hands up. "I'm just kidding…mostly."

"Well…" Fleur began, taking my hands into hers again. "You're not entirely wrong…"

Whoa. When did the temperature jump 25 degrees?

"Well…I…" I stammered, taken aback at the slight blush on her cheeks as she looked up at me, shadows dancing across our faces courtesy of the small torches that marked our path. It was then that I realized how alone we were. We hadn't come across another soul since we started our walk, and I have to admit that as our isolation dawned on me, I became more than a little nervous.

"I've had a really great time with you, Shawn," Fleur continued, softer than before. "You're kind and genuine and…if I'm being honest, the way you took Gizmo under your wing like that and somehow got him and my cousin talking…like, actually talking…that's pretty impressive."

"Awe well, I can't take all the credit," I said, awkwardly scratching the back of my head. "I'm pretty sure they already liked each other. I just…I dunno, gave 'em a little push."

My next breath hitched as Fleur leaned up and pressed her soft lips against mine.

Stunned, I stood there like an idiot as she gently massaged my lips with hers, bringing my hand to her hips before running hers up and along my back. After a couple seconds of stationary stupefaction, I responded, gently bringing her closer to me until we were pressed up against each other.

In reality, the kiss wasn't as long as it felt but that didn't make it any less pleasurable. We separated slowly, breathing a little more heavily than a few moments prior, our gazes locked. Her eyes looked deep into mine, two pools of light purple I was sure had cast some kind of spell on me. A spell that, quite frankly, I never wanted to break.

"How's that for a little push?" she asked, her tone no louder than a whisper.

"I…I don't really know what to say…" I replied awkwardly. "It was…unexpected? Really nice though!" I quickly assured her. "More than nice, actually. Like, kind of perfect…" To my great relief, Fleur smiled and hugged me, resting her cheek against my shoulder before looking up at me again.

"Maybe you just need another push." she suggested, batting her eyes at me.

"T-that could work…" I agreed, tilting my head down and allowing Fleur to capture my lips with hers once more. Again, I become lost in the sensation of how incredible her lips felt against mine, a softness that I'd never known and underneath, a genuine feeling of…something I hadn't felt in a long, long time. I didn't want to make any assumptions but whatever the feeling was, I never wanted it to end.

It eventually did of course, as all truly wonderful things are wont to do, and we simply basked in the moment. I held her close yet gently, resting my hand on the small of her back as she did the same.

"It's been a while for me too." Fleur said softly, surprising me.

"How did you…"

"I just…had a feeling," Fleur said with a small shrug and a smile. "Besides, you do a lot of the same things I do when you're shy or trying to tell what a pony…er, person, is thinking."

"Really?"

"Absolutely. I knew you were trying to figure me out, 'cause…well, I was doing the same."

"Was I really that obvious?" I asked, feeling embarrassed. "Look, if I was ever like, staring at you or anything, I'm really sorry. I definitely wouldn't want you to feel uncomfortable around me."

"Oh, believe me, the last thing I feel around you is discomfort," Fleur assured me, punctuating her statement with a quick kiss on my cheek.

"Ah. Well, that's really good to hear but…how can you be so sure? I mean, we haven't exactly known each other that long." I knew I was overthinking everything but I had to be sure.

"Like I said before, I learned how to read ponies…people…and trust me, you wouldn't believe how handy that is, especially in the fashion world. Knowing who's genuine and who's not has helped me more times than I can count." She paused and ran a soft hand along my cheek. "You're real, Shawn. There's nothing fake about you. I saw that in how you treat others. You're a special guy and I'm really, really glad we met." She pulled me in for another kiss, and a rather enthusiastic one at that. "But you know what the best part is?"

"What?" I asked, still hazy from the kiss.

"We still have two weeks to get to know each other." she whispered, gently peppering the side of my face with feathery pecks.

***

Meanwhile…

For the most part, it had been a fairly quiet walk, mostly due to general fatigue and not awkward silence. From what Coco could see, their fun evening had actually loosened their previously painfully-shy friend up, to the point where they could make small talk without turning into a blushing mess.

Gizmo was opening up…slowly.

If anyone had told Coco, even just a few days ago, that she would be the one taking the initiative to befriend someone, let alone a friend on whom she might've been crushing just a little bit, she would've scarcely believed them. How, here she was, taking in a romantic evening walk with an old friend, and a male friend at that. A stallion her age, shy, reserved (unless the conversation took an engineering turn), yet kind and generous. She reasoned, in silence as they walked, that nervous as he was, Gizmo wanted what so many others did and had: companionship.

At first, the notion felt presumptuous. However, as she thought about it, it became clear. Not only had he paid for their (very expensive) dinners, he had also suggested (and facilitated) a very fun evening of music and dancing. Sure, they could've all gone themselves, all being guests and all, but the important part was that they all went together. Factoring in what had gone on so far, there was no doubt in Coco's mind that he was ready and willing to, at the very least, explore the idea of having somepony at his side.

The same went for her, of course. In that way, they truly were an ideal pair.

Maybe cousin Fleur's right…

"Is…everything okay, Coco?" Gizmo asked, taking note of Coco's thoughtful expression and occasional glances up at the night sky.

"Oh! Yes, everything's fine," she assured him, her trance broken. "I was just…thinking about something Fleur said earlier."

"Ah, fair enough." Too polite to pry, Coco thought with a small grin. If he only knew…

There was a pause.

"I never saw you at graduation." Coco remarked.

"I…didn't go."

"Why not? If you don't mind me asking," Coco gently pressed on, softly rubbing his arm. "If you don't want to tell me, it's fine. I was just curious. I mean, you were class valedictorian. You practically ran the place."

She wasn't far off; by the time Coco was starting her program, Gizmo had long completed his Bachelor degree and was steadily working on his Masters. He was also touted as the most gifted young engineer in several generations, which was pointed out by the department's dean at graduation before Coco's class received their degrees. In short, while both Coco and Gizmo each received a certification that night, only Coco had actually been present for the ceremony.

Another pause.

"It's stupid."

"What is?"

"My reason for not going."

"I promise you it's not." Coco assured him, squeezing his hand.

"It's pathetic, really," Gizmo nearly muttered. "Getting in early, doing my Master's while everyone else was working on their undergraduates…the work was all I knew."

Yet another pause.

"I was tired of it." Gizmo finally confessed. "Tired of all the attention. Tired of everyone talking about me like I was the next Sir Hayssec Neighton. I…I didn't want to be put on display again, so…I decided to skip the ceremony and get my degree mailed to me."

His genuine (and surprisingly candid) response left Coco searching for an appropriate response, something she could use to relate to him. Unfortunately, the situation was so surreal to her that try as she might, Coco simply could not find any common ground.

So, she opted to say nothing at all.

Gizmo's eyes widened as he felt her arms wrap around him, pulling him into a warm hug. His cheeks reddened as he felt Coco rest her head on his shoulder and wondered if he should return the gesture.

Coco grinned as she felt his arms gingerly hug her back, and expressed her approval in the form of a soft sigh of contentment. Although they had embraced very briefly while dancing earlier, this hug carried much more meaning. It said "I'm here. I'm listening."

It was unlike anything Gizmo had experienced thus far. The simplicity of the act, the sheer warmth that Coco's petite frame managed to radiate, and the intimacy of it all swirled around the young stallion's head as they simply held each other.

As often happens, it was at that perfect, serene, picturesque moment when the young stallion's enjoyment made itself known. Coco noticed it first as their hug had slowly tightened and although her first instinct was to run and hide, her cousin's words echoed and she chose a more subtle approach.

"Um…I-is that your phone in your pocket or a-are you just enjoying the hug t-that much?" she asked with as much confidence as she could, given the situation.

"Huh?" Gizmo asked before slowly following her gaze downward.

***

In retrospect, it's amazing that neither of them outright fainted.

They did apologize, however; Coco for drawing attention to it, and Gizmo for reacting naturally to a close-up and cuddly moment with a pretty mare. Fortunately, as they realized that the situation wasn't nearly as serious as they first thought, a few laughs were had on the way to Coco's hotel, a towering structure of crystal and glass, the aptly-named Palacia Crystalia.

"Well, um, that was…quite the night." Gizmo said, nervously rubbing the back of his neck.

"Fun though, right?" Coco asked hopefully.

"Yes…yes it was," Gizmo confirmed with a small smile. "I've never done anything like that before."

"Would you be up to doing something like that again?"

"I would."

Silence reigned as they stood and smiled awkwardly, grateful that not none of the hotel's other patrons seemed to be out and about at such a late hour, giving them almost total privacy in which to stew in adorable awkwardness. Coco looked up as Gizmo quietly cleared his throat.

"Yes?" she asked, just in case.

"It's, um…it's nothing."

"You sure?"

"Yes. I mean…no."

"Then what is it? You can tell me?" Coco assured him, taking his hand in hers.

"It's about…you know, doing things with everyone." Coco waited as Gizmo mentally searched for the appropriate words. "I like the idea but…if you want…" The wait felt like torture as Coco held her breath, hoping he was going where she thought he was going. "I…I'd like to do things…with just you." Coco gasped and smiled, wrapping Gizmo in a hug.

"I-I'd really like that," she whispered.

"Oh! Hey you two!" They both jumped and separated as a familiar voice broke the near-silence.

***

"H-Hi, cousin Fleur," Coco replied as she fought to get her breath back after the initial shock.

"Hello!" I chimed in, offering them a small wave with my free hand, the other happily interlocked with Fleur's. "Are we…interrupting anything?"

"No!" Coco and Gizmo replied in unison, shaking their heads vehemently.

"We were just…saying goodnight!" Gizmo exclaimed defensively. I glanced at Fleur and smiled as she fought to contain a knowing smirk.

"What a coincidence, we were just winding down ourselves," Fleur said as we too stopped just outside the lobby. "It's been quite the night and I don't know about the rest of you but I want to be well-rested for tomorrow's fun and games!"

"What's happening tomorrow?" Coco asked.

"Well, I was thinking about trying some aero sports up at Thunderhead tomorrow," I suggested. "I'd love for you two to join Fleur and I. Should be a good time. What do you think, Gizmo?"

"Um…sure, it's okay with me," he answered, glancing nervously at Coco.

"Sounds like fun," Coco said with a small smile, glancing back at Gizmo.

"Sweet! Tomorrow, Thunderhead!" I exclaimed, suddenly feeling pumped-up.

"Yes!" Fleur added with a laugh, squeezing my hand before heading to the door. "Anyway, I'm going to bed. Coco, I'll see you in a bit."

"Be right up," Coco replied, returning the small wave.

"Oops, almost forgot," Fleur said, suddenly running back to me. Her lips met mine as she practically threw herself into my arms and once more, the world faded away into the background. "I had a wonderful time tonight," she murmured.

"Me too. You're really something, Fleur." I said softly, hugging her just a little harder. "Have a good sleep and sweet dreams and I'll see you first thing tomorrow…or rather, later I guess, since it's been morning for a couple hours already." She smiled and kissed me again, slipping just the tip of her tongue past my lips before quickly retracting it and pulling away with a wink.

"Sweet dreams." And with that, she disappeared into the lobby.

As if emboldened by her cousin's actions, Coco suddenly wrapped Gizmo in a hug to rival ours, even planting a kiss on his cheek. Unfortunately, that's where her well of courage finally ran dry 'cause she blushed heavily and took off after her cousin.

But not before pausing to offer Gizmo a "Goodnight" and a smile.

"So…some night, huh?" I said after a beat.

"Yeah…some night." I glanced down at him…and smiled.

Gizmo Widget had the happiest, dopiest grin on his face. Whatever had happened after the six of us broke into couples and went our separate ways had left my friend nearly speechless with joy.

"So I take it things went well with Coco?" I asked, fishing for details as any true friend would.

"I hugged her and got a boner…" Gizmo replied somewhat wistfully, as if he couldn't decide whether to be proud or embarrassed.

I have to admit, I damn near lost my shit right there (even though I was guilty of the same thing).

What? She was cute. Sue me.

I suppose it was to be expected, though. This was a night of firsts for the young stallion, so he deserved a little slack…even if the news was just a little awkward.

"Okay…did she…mind?" I asked, genuinely curious. After all, Coco came across as fairly conservative and I hoped that spontaneously pitching a tent hadn't scared her off.

"No…she didn't. I mean, she was surprised but she wasn't angry or anything." I let out a sigh of relief.

"So she was a good sport about it, that's a good sign." I replied. "Say, I don't know where you're staying but do you wanna crash with me at the Astral? I've got room for 30."

"You mean…like a sleepover?" Gizmo asked.

"Exactly. We can chill, talk about the girls, maybe relax in the hot tub, that kind of thing."

"Sure, I'm on board."

We both slept like rocks that night.

Author's Note

I'm here to write fics and chew bubble gum. And I'm all outta gum.

Hope you like it! If not, I'm sure someone will be happy to flame it with you.