Author's Note

Hello all!

After this chapter, I will be taking a small break from this story. I hope you understand but this IS a larger chapter and it took a lot out of me.

Enjoy!

Note: There are a few image links so if the text is in green you can see what the text is more in detail.
And no, this isn't the final chapter, there is still more to come. So stay tuned for that.

Chapter 18: The Date

"... And make sure y'all don't forget the roses an-"

"I get it Applejack! You have been giving me tips for the past 2 hours!" I say, trying to stop her.

"Oh... um.... whoops!" She blushes.

I have been sitting in the Sweet Apple Acres household for the past 2 hours to learn about talking to Silver during our special evening. We covered basically everything you would need to know on a first date except for how to dress, which Rarity already covered. I was surprised about how much Applejack knew about this stuff. I guess she has been through one-to-many dates in her life and has learned everything she needed to know from them. Nonetheless I was very grateful for everything she had taught me today.

As I glance over at the clock, I see that I still have another hour to get ready. That gives me time to get back to Ponyville and relax before the date. Maybe I can pop over to the spa and get a quick treatment from the sisters so my nerves are calm. Then after stop off at Diamond's mansion and pick up Silver. I guess the plans in place!

As I leave the house, I wave off Applejack and head back on the dirt path leading into Ponyville. I took the time to think about everything that has happened to me lately. I mean, everything seems to be going so great lately. Sure, it started off bumpy, what with making so many ponies cry, meeting a... Screw it, calling him a Discord, and almost being killed by a wolf made of pure wood. But honestly, I think it was worth it in the end, and I wouldn't of had it any other way.

But what of me... I'm just a simple human, dropped into a world of ponies... and all the odds were against me at all times... how did I live? Is there something special about me? No... before all this happened, I was nothing but a nobody and currently, I think I still am a nobody in this world. i mean, just because I am a different species and everything doesn't mean that I have a significant part to play in this world right..?

Woah brain... going a bit deep there!

Anyways, as I reach the outskirts of Ponyville, I start thinking about how long it has been since I saw the spa sisters and if they even remember me anymore. I mean it had been along time but maybe they would forget about the local human after so many other clients passing through. There was always the possibility!

After walking into town, I see the spa in the distance. On the way, I was greeted by the citizens throughout town and I took the time to wish them a good day so maybe Karma would treat me nice and not screw up the date tonight. As I reached the spa itself, I walked in and looked around. The lobby itself was relaxing enough due to the serenity of the entire place but one you started getting a massage from the sisters, you would forget all your problems.

"Hello Anon!" I hear two voices speak in sync from behind the counter.

I turn my head to see Lotus Blossom and Aloe standing there with huge smiles on their faces. As I walk towards them, I take in how lovely they look today. Aloe was a pink mare with a light blue mane and tail. Lotus Blossom was the exact same except in reverse, as she had a light blue coat and pink mane. They shared the same cutie mark: a pink lotus flower.

"Hello ladies, it's been a while!" I say, cheerful.

"Yes it has Anon. What brings you here today..." Aloe starts.

"... and how are you doing?" Lotus finishes.

"I'm doing fine, thanks ladies." I smile, afterwards turning my expression into a serious one, "but I need to unwind stat. I have a date tonight and I want to feel relaxed before hand... err... hoof."

The both share a shocked gasp. "How much time is left?!"

"One hour."

Aloe faints, leaving Lotus standing with her jaw gaping. She shakes her head rapidly and picks her sister up off the ground. "We need to work fast! Aloe, prepare the speed treatment!"

Aloe nodded and dashed off into the back of the building. I tilted my head, only to then feel Lotus tugging me further into the spa. I shrugged it off and just started walking in, saving her the trouble of having to pull me in there herself. I head into where Aloe ran into a few seconds ago and Lotus follows, closing a door behind us.

While Anon gets his spa treatment, lets go see how Silver is dealing with Rarity!

"NO MORE DRESSES! JUST THIS ONE!" Silver screams.

"But come onnnn darling, I insist!" Rarity pleads.

Ok, Scratch that. umm... Announcer?
You there?
Could you maybe... uhh...

20 MINUTES LATER

"Ohhh, that was amazing. Thank you so much ladies!" I say, as I wave them off, leaving the spa.

I got to had it to Aloe and Lotus. They really do know how to relax anyone they meet in little to no time flat. If it wasn't for them, I don't think I would have been calm enough to go out with Silver tonight. Speaking of which, I still have a little bit of time left. I better head on home and get dressed up nicely so that I will be ready when the time comes.

As I head back to Fluttershy's cottage, I hum a cheery tune to myself as I walk, so that I can keep the mood as positive as possible. This also helps while walking because it helps me forget how long it takes to get there and it feels like I teleported there. Speaking of which, the humming and thinking to myself REALLY helped take the time out of that walk as Fluttershy's cottage is just in the distance. I pick up the pace a little so that I have time to get back to Ponyville afterwards.

As I head inside, I make my way into my room and get changed into the same suit that I wore for hearts and hooves day. I carefully put on every piece of the outfit, making sure that everything is adjusted perfectly. As I look myself over in the mirror, I notice that one thing is missing from this ensemble. A rose!

Whenever I went out in my suit, I always put a rose in my jacket's top pocket to add that extra bit of classiness. I slip on my dress shoes and walk out into the cottage's garden and head over to the little flower patch that Fluttershy had been growing. As I plucked a single rose from the ground, I brought it back inside and carefully de-thorned it and placed it in the little pocket sitting on the top left side of my jacket.

As I walked back outside into the front yard of the house, I take a few deep breaths knowing that I am too far in to back out now. Slowly, as I nod my head, I head once more into Ponyville to meet up with Silver. Step by step, I start thinking to myself once more. The memory of the 'Blessed Dream' Luna had told me about was one of the only things on my mind. Could that possibly happen tonight?

As I once again reach the outskirts of Ponyville, I stop for a moment to smell the rose currently sitting in my jacket. The smell fills me with hope and joy. This was enough to make me start walking through the streets of town and straight towards the 'Silver Bell Gift Shop'. As I reached the store, I opened it carefully, revealing the mother of Silver Spoon at the counter, busy with paperwork.

"Hello... Welcome to Silver bell gift store... look around... ask if you need anything..." She was to busy focusing to realize that it was me.

"Whats with all the paperwork?" I ask, confused.

She perks her head up and sees that it's me. She smiles and pushes her paperwork aside. "Oh, just some orders from Canterlot, that's all. Are you here to pick up Silver Spoon?"

I nod my head and blush a little bit. This causes the mare to laugh and smile brighter. After she finishes her giggling, she nodded and headed up the stairs to the second floor. While she is upstairs, I decide to take a look around the shop. I had forgotten to before when I was here so it seemed like the perfect time to take a closer glance at the objects they had for sale.

Taking my time, I notice the purity of each object and how much work was put in to each. The silver was top grade premium straight from the refinery and right out of the polisher. The craftsmanship of each piece was sculpted to perfection. Every edge was smooth as silk and every gem was inserted just right. Truly each item was perfect in its own way.

As I continued to look, I found something that caught my eye. A small row of silver bells, each of them about the same size as a pine cone. Each one of the bells had a pattern around the body which made it sparkle even more. Upon the handle, silver pearls were laced around, running down into the main chamber. I picked one up and shook it slightly. It echoed a beautiful, pure tone that resonated through the building. As I placed it down, I turned to see the mare who was previously down here.

"Silver will be a minute." She said, before turning towards the bells, "You like them?"

"Yes. They are quite beautiful!" I said, a smile smile crept onto my face. "Can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"What is your name. I am about to go on a date with your daughter and I just realized that I have never asked your name."

"Oh!" She blushed at the thought, "I am terribly sorry! Then please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Silver Shine."

"Silver Shine huh?" She nods, "That is a beautiful name."

"Thank you kindly, dear."

"You make all these silver trinkets, don't you?" I look at her with a warming smile.

"Yes, I must say I do." She starts, "and I love every minute of it. Taking the time to precisely craft each and every item into perfection is just simply marvelous!"

"You do a fine job." I say, slowly applauding her.

She takes a small bow. As she returns to height, Shine walks closer to the bells. Picking one up in her hoof, she hands it over to me. "Here Anon. A gentleco-" I clear my throat to grab her attention, "umm... Gentleman?" I nod, "Ah. Gentleman like you deserves a reward for being so kind to me and my daughter. Please accept this silver bell as a sign of my gratitude and may it bring you good luck tonight."

I take the bell and inspect it closer now that I have it. I notice that the one she grabbed is an even higher quality than the rest. Compared to the rest of them, the others seemed basic. The edges were carved to sheer perfection, the kind of work that a master craftsman days to make. It looked like it was regularly polished and shined every day with careful precision. I decided to chime this one and as the note hit the air, I noticed that the pure note lasted longer than the other bell I had sounded before. I looked at her and tilted my head.

"This bell was made for someone special. Someone who we lost before he could receive it." She looked down with watery eyes.

"Is that why you're raising her alone?" I asked, concerned.

"Yes..." That was all she managed to get out before she broke into tears.

I wrapped her in my arms to comfort her. She quickly wrapped her front legs around me and started crying. Even though I was wearing my formal suit, I didn't mind getting my clothes a little wet due to tears. Besides, Shine seemed like she needed a cry like this for a very long time. As I held her, I felt her nuzzle into my chest and cry harder. I slowly ran my hand through her mane to try and calm her down. After a few minutes, she seemed to calm down slightly. I released her and she looked up to me with a small smile.

"I'm sorry for your loss Silver Shine. I'm sure he was an amazing stallion and will be missed."

"Thank you." She says, "You know... you remind me of him. He always was a true genlecolt."

This comment makes me blush but I quickly shake it off before she notices.

"I'm ready~!" A voice squeaks from the stairs.

I turn towards the back of the store and my jaw almost dropped. Silver spoon was standing there in a perfect red and silver dress that cloaked her entire backside but stopped at her flank so her legs would have flexibility and room to move. Laced onto the edges were little stars that sparkled in the sunset gleaming through the windows.

She slowly approached me and stood tall in front of me so she could show off a little. I got on my knee's and lifted her front left hoof. She tilted her head in confusion but soon straightened up again after I planted a kiss on it. As she placed it back on the ground, her face went bright red. I giggled a bit and gestured her to follow me. We left the store and headed towards our first destination.

Our first stop tonight was going to be a fancy restaurant up in Canterlot. She kept asking how we were going to get there but I told her to just wait. As we walked through Ponyville, I saw everyone setting up for a surprise later, which raised even more questions from Silver. But my answer was always "you will see". As we reached the edge of Ponyville, we looked out into the clearing and Silver's eyes grew huge.

On the pathway was a trail of flower petals leading up to a royal chariot. Two of the royal Pegasus guards were at the helm tonight and were waiting for us to get in. Silver squealed adorably and jumped in. As she got comfy in her seat, I pulled myself in and closed the side door. I leaned forward to whisper our destination to the guards. They nodded their heads and took off. The ride was smooth and calming. It also gave us some time to enjoy the sights. The sunset gave Equestria that magical glow that intrigued so many ponies. But something about tonight's sunset was just more special then ever.

As we arrived in Canterlot, I thanked the guards and told them to meet us here afterwards. They nodded once more and flew off for a rest. We started walking through the streets, taking notice that the Canterlot folk were also setting up something. Silver started to wonder what I was planning but I shrugged it off like this was it. Little did she know, there was way more to come after dinner.

After a short amount of walking, we arrived at the restaurant. The establishment was called "Salle divine" or Divine Dining. As we entered, we took in the sight of the place. It was a very elegant restaurant with large pillars, decorated and concealing lights inside. The chairs were very well designed and were made with a velvet backing. Two or Four of those chairs surrounded a beautiful dark wood table.

As we stood at the podium, waiting to be greeted, I looked down at Silver who was still taking in all of this. She looked up at me with a dropped jaw and I took the opportunity to giggle slightly before dinner. We waited a few minutes but eventually, a bronze coated unicorn stallion came out and took a stand behind the podium.

"Good evening, and welcome to Salle Divine. Do you have a reservation?" He asks, looking directly at me.

"Yes, it should be under the name 'Anon'." I say, watching him check the book on the stand.

"Ah, here you are and... Ahhhh, you reserved the special area!" He raises a brow at me, "Please, follow me."

He doesn't waste any time and grabs two menus with his magic, signaling us to follow him. As we walk through the place, fancy ponies are looking at me with awe, thinking I am some celebrity. Truth be told I hate being thought as a celebrity and always correct ponies when they call me as such. We reach a red curtain in the back and pass on through it. On the other side was a sight that even I wasn't ready for.

Their restaurant was on the edge of the mountain, so I knew that they probably had a cave dining area. But this was much more than I was expecting. The table sat on a marble tiled island which was surrounded by a moat. A divine glass bridge was all that connected the island to the restaurant. In the back was a small collection of waterfalls, flowing down into the moat below.

As we crossed the bridge and reached the table, I pulled out Silver's seat. But she didn't hop up. It seems she had the same idea and pulled out my chair. We looked at each other and laughed a small bit. We each went to our designated chairs, thanking the other for the kind gesture put forward to the other. As we got comfortable, the bronze coated stallion from before laid the menus in front of us.

"Your waiter will be with you shortly, sir and madam." He said. He then proceeded to bow and leave the room.

After he had left, we noticed a sign on the bridge that we missed. It read:

Don't be shy!
Walk around! Enjoy the view!

We looked at each other and nodded. As we got up, we took our menus with us so we could decide what we wanted while we enjoyed ourselves. The sight was absolutely magnificent! We walked around and took in all the features of the cavern. Silver went to look at the waterfalls while I headed to look at the walls. I noticed that there was a bit of writing on the walls. I leaned in closer and read it out loud.

"This cavern is known as the 'Echo Room' as any sound in this room will resonate with complete purity. Usually, musicians practice in this room when not reserved so they can hear the purity of the room."

This gave me an idea. I slowly took out the bell that Silver Shine had given me. I called Sil over and she asked why. When she saw the bell, she looked at me puzzled. I slowly lifted it up and brought it down with some force. The sound emitted throughout the entire cavern, traveling with a beautiful tone.

Both me and Silver were in awe of the bell's pure sound. It was a magnificent noise that brought a tear to my eye. As I went to go back to the table, I noticed the waitress standing there, waiting for us with smile on her face. as we headed back over to the table, we took our seats as she cleared her throat.

"Hello welcome to Salle Divine." The golden coat mare introduced, "My name is Golden Flavor and I will be your server tonight. Can I start you off with some drinks?"

"Silver, what would you like?" I ask.

"Can I get an iced tea?" She asked so politely.

"Certainly miss. And for you sir?"

"Well done Silver!" I praised her, "I'll have the same if you don't mind."

"Coming right up. Have you decided what you want to eat already?"

"I'll have a garden salad with ranch dressing and some spaghetti please."

"Of course miss. And for the gentle..?"

"-Man." I inform her.

"And for the gentleman?" Her smile receives a warming touch.

"That actually does sound lovely. I would like the same!"

"Right away. I will return." She trots off.

As we get comfortable once again, we start talking a bit more about ourselves. Silver is more interested in where I came from and what it's like back on earth. I was more than happy to fill her in about it. She is completely stunned from how much our two worlds differ from each other but at the same time are alike.

As we keep talking, the curtain opens once more to reveal a sight that Silver wasn't ready for. Walking in with our meals and drinks was Princesses Celestia and Luna. She gets up to bow, which sends them into a fit of laughter.

"We are not here formally, dear Silver." Celestia says in her usual motherly tone, "We are just making your date with Anon as special as possible."

"But did we have to wear the uniform, sister?" Luna struggles with the waitress outfit, "We find this to be quite irritating!"

"You look lovely; both of you." I say, and then turn to Silver, "Actually... all THREE of you look lovely."

With one compliment, I managed to make not just Silver blush, but both princesses as well. As they placed our trays, they rushed out before they got any redder. Me and Silver had a nice little chuckle and began to eat our meals.

As we finished up eating, we headed back into the main restaurant. As Silver and Luna talked a little, I brought Celestia over to a private area. I asked her about the surprise and if it was set up in Ponyville. She simply nodded and pointed out the window, revealing two excited Pegasus guards attached to the chariot once more. I gave her a heartfelt hug and thanked her for what she did. As we returned to the talkative pair, I gave Luna a hug as well and thanked her the same. We waved them off and stepped outside of the restaurant to the first part of the surprise.

Outside the restaurant, the citizens of Canterlot were lined up in two lines mirroring eachother, making a clear pathway for us to walk through. As we walked, some of the ponies were holding up memories of me and Silver that Twilight had pulled from my mind. This caused Silver to go into tears. I ran my hand through her mane and smiled at her. She returned the gesture and ran over to the chariot, hopping in again. I followed her and shut the side door. As we took off, the clapping of hooves from below caught our attention. Each pony held up a piece of a sign that when completed said "CONGRATULATIONS!"

We both waved the city off as we headed towards Ponyville. Silver snuggled into me and cooed a little as I petted her.

"Are you enjoying yourself so far, Sil?" I ask.

"Yes! I haven't had this much fun in so long."

"Well I have one more surprise."

"You're kidding!" She squeaks.

I smile and look out the side. I see Ponyville in the distance, darkened, but still bright enough to make out the lights that were not turned on but strung across the buildings. As we landed, Silver questioned why it was so dark. I shrugged and led her to the town square. Sure enough, there was no one there that was visible. As we sat on the edge of the fountain, she looked at me with sparkles in her eyes.

"You ok, Silver?" I wonder.

Before I get a verbal answer, I notice her leaning in for what looked like a kiss. I put my finger on her muzzle and told her to wait. She frowned and asked why. Just then, the lights activated and the Ponies revealed themselves on the balconies of the surrounding buildings. Behind the fountain, previously hidden, was the Royal Canterlot Orchestra. Silver gasped in surprise at this but then looked up at me once more.

"May I have this dance?" I hold out my hand.

She doesn't hesitate and places her hoof in my palm. I lift her up so her head is in front of mine at full height. I wrap an arm around her and keep the other around her hoof. The orchestra starts to play a slow waltz and I start the movement.

As we take our time to dance, the sun finished setting and the moon entered the sky, letting the glow lay over the town. This allowed a more romantic atmosphere to befall us. As we look at each other, our smiles grew bigger. Tonight had been just perfect. Silver had enjoyed herself and so did I. And now I was here. The blessed dream had come true and I was loving every minute of it.

"Anon..." Silver said softly.

"Yea Sil?"

"Thanks for everything tonight. I loved it so much."

"Don't thank me. After all... if I hadn't met you... I would have never had my dream come true." I smile warmly once more.

Once again, she leans in, hoping that this will be the moment. I don't stop her this time as I lean is as well. Tonight was perfect and now, it was about to end on the same note. As I stopped leaning in, I felt it. Her muzzle was pressed against me and our lips were pushed together. I closed my eyes to enjoy the perfect end to a perfect date.