Art of a Sun's Love Volume 1

SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

"Good morning, students," said Celestia through the intercom, "and happy Tuesday. I'd like to announce that the evening of Friday the 30th marks our annual Fall Formal. There will be dancing and music, and I'd like to point out that smoking, drugs and alcohol will not be tolerated at the Formal. Any student caught with these illegal substances will receive severe consequences. For today's lunch, it will be an Italian special with your choice of spaghetti and meatballs, pepperoni pizza, or vegetarian's lasagna, along with breadsticks and gelato. Have a nice day, CHS."

Vincent van Colt was walking to his first class of the day; music history with Octavia Melody in the auditorium. Some other students he knew that were also in that class included Song Cue, Twilight, Vinyl Scratch, and a French exchange student called Watermelody, a sophomore, who had light green hair, grayish fuschia eyes, and was rarely seen without her red beret.

Although Flash wasn't in the same class as Vincent, one of his friends and fellow musician, Brawly Beats, was. He was a junior with opal hair and eyes, and a tendency to be extremely wild and disruptive at the worst possible moments. Despite Brawly's reputation, he and Vincent got along very nicely, more so when the former realized that the latter also had an interest in 60s rock music like the Beatles and the Who.

"Good morning, class," said Octavia just after the bell rang.

"Good morning, Miss Melody," her students replied.

"Since yesterday was Labor Day," said Octavia, handing out the sign-up sheet to Watermelody, "we'll start off class by discussing our plans for the rest of the month, and then I shall be discussing the Fall Formal before we delve into the Renaissance Period."

Just then, a male student raised his hand.

"Yes, what is it, Thunderbass?" asked Octavia.

"If you don't have a date by Fall Formal," said Thunderbass in a cheeky tone, "I'm still available."

Octavia blushed as she coughed.

"I think you should take it as a 'no'," said Vincent to Thunderbass. "There's plenty of fish in the sea after all."

"I know," said Thunderbass, "But I have a thing for smart, beautiful girls. Even if they're older than me."

"Surely, Thunderbass, there are more subtle ways of hooking up with girls?" asked Vincent.

"Hey, I'm a guitarist, not a fisherman. And it's pronounced like B-A-S-E."

Octavia cleared her throat sternly, shutting them up quickly.

"I appreciate your offers, Mr. Bass," she said, sounding a bit flustered, "but I would prefer if you would put a lid on your flirting until after class."

"Yes, Miss Melody," said Thunderbass. Octavia wasn't used to guys flirting with her, especially if they were her students.

"Now then," said Octavia, "you may have heard Principal McCracken's announcement about the Fall Formal. It's a tradition that has been with Canterlot High School since its initial founding in 1960. To put it simply, the Fall Formal is a dance."

"Dancing is for sissies," muttered Brawly Beats.

"I heard that, young man," scolded Octavia. That shut Brawly up right here and then.

"Now then," Octavia continued, "when it comes to dancing, one must allow his or her body to breathe."

"Isn't that what the nose is for?"

"Well, yes, Miss Sparkle, but I was being metaphorical here."

Twilight blushed a bit as some students chuckled at her joke.

"For a practice," said Octavia, "I would like you to come up and demonstrate any dancing skills you may have to music."

She then walked over to an Apple laptop computer resting before the edge of the stage, opened iTunes, and then picked a music track. It was "A Leaf" from Working Classical.

As the music began, Octavia turned back to her class. "Mr. Sentry?" she asked Vincent.

"Y-yes, ma'am?" he asked, surprised at being called upon.

"Would you care to show the class a dance of your own?"

"By myself, or with a partner?"

"A partner would be preferred," said Octavia. "Miss Sparkle, why don't you join Mr. Sentry over here?"

"Me?" asked Twilight. Confused, she stood up and walked up next to Vincent.

"Now what?" asked Vincent.

"Now," said Octavia, "you, Vincent, take your partner's left hand with your right, and then your left hand on her waist."

"I'd never danced with anyone before," whispered Vincent to Twilight, as he did as instructed.

"Let's just hope it never gets out of this auditorium," agreed Twilight. Sure, she liked Vincent, but only as a friend and no more.

"And then," said Octavia, "you begin dancing."

Nervously, Vincent took a few steps to the side and Twilight followed him.

"Aah!" cried Twilight. "Vincent, you stepped on my foot!"

"Sorry!"

"Always a few troubles on the first try," said Octavia. After that initial blip, Vincent's moves were improving a bit. As they did so, he began having a little fantasy of his own...

***

In his fantasy world, Vincent was dancing in a field... with Sunset Shimmer.

"Oh, Vincent," said Sunset. "Where did you learn to dance?"

"I guess it just comes from practice," said Vincent innocently.

"You're so modest, my dear Vincent," Sunset giggled. Then she wrapped her arms around him and batted her eyelids.

"I love you, Vincent."

Vincent blushed. "I love you too, my lovely Sunset." He then stroked her face, also making Sunset blush.

With that, the two leaned in for a kiss. But just before their lips could touch...

***

"Vincent?!"

Vincent snapped out of his fantasy. Instead of a field with Sunset, he was back in the auditorium with Twilight, staring at him in shock. Several students began to snicker. Out of embarrassment, both Vincent and Twilight returned to their seats. Octavia then stopped the music on the laptop.

"Erm, thank you, Twilight and Vincent," she said, "for that interesting display of dancing."

"You're welcome... I guess," said Twilight.

The rest of the class was uneventful to say the least, unless you count a student or two falling asleep as uneventful.

Soon, Vincent was in his study period. Every week, from Tuesday to Friday, between the first or second period and brunch, there is a twenty-five minute study period so Canterlot High students can either catch up on their homework or study for an upcoming test. On this day, Vincent was in Discord's classroom - his third period class for science - and with him were Comet Tail, Twilight, and Moon Dancer. If you were to ask Vincent, he'd claim that it almost felt like a cruel twist of fate as three certain girls were also in the room with him.

Minuette, Twinkleshine, and Lemon Hearts were whispering to each other about something.

"That Fall Formal will be so much fun!" said Minuette, giggling excitedly.

"All we need is a handsome date," said Lemon Hearts.

"Maybe Vincent could take us," suggested Twinkleshine.

Unfortunately, Vincent had heard them and felt his heart beat faster as he went a deep shade of red.

"Vincent?" asked Comet. "Are you okay?"

"Er, yeah," said Vincent. Twilight and Moon Dancer weren't convinced; the former had nearly received a kiss from him and both she and Vincent were embarrassed over it, and the fact that three of her friends were flirting with him didn't help matters. Moon Dancer rolled her eyes and decided to speak with them.

"Girls, could I have a word?"

"Sure. What word would you like?" asked Lemon Hearts.

"Ha ha, very funny. But seriously; could you please watch what you say around Vincent?" asked Moon Dancer. "You're making him rather - how do I put this - nervous and uncomfortable."

"We're sorry," said Minuette. "We didn't mean to, but we can't help ourselves. He's so cute!"

Vincent overheard this compliment, and fainted.

"Oh dear," said Discord. "Looks like poor Mr. Sentry's had too much work to deal with."

"No, sir. He's just fainted," said Moon Dancer, before casting a glare at Minuette. She had a tendency to speak before she thought.

"Oh," said Discord. "Just leave him there for a bit."

"N-no," groaned Vincent, standing up again. "I'm fine. I... just need some air for a bit."

After getting a pass from Discord, Vincent hastily walked into the nearest boy's restroom. He looked at himself in the mirror over the sink.

"Man oh man oh man!" he cried to himself. Without thinking, he removed his glasses, turned on the taps and began splashing his face with water. After about half a minute, Vincent began taking deep breaths as the water ran.

"What is it with these girls falling for me?" he asked. "Sure, I've got nice looks, but it doesn't mean I like flirting with girls. It isn't like I'm hogging them for myself..."

He then began to think of a particular girl he fancied. Lovely red and yellow hair, beautiful cyan eyes, and her smile made him feel happy inside and out.

"Sunset Shimmer..." he muttered. Then a realization hit him; "I've got to ask her out to the Formal!"

SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

A few days later, it was lunch time.

"This Fall Formal business is crazy, isn't it?" said Comet to Vincent.

"How do you know?"

"Going out to an evening dance with someone of the opposite gender; what're they teaching us?"

"Maybe not to be shy around girls?" shrugged Vincent.

"Oh, shut up."

"Want some advice?" asked Flash.

"What sort of advice?" asked Vincent.

"Advice on asking girls out for the Formal," said Flash. "My first tip is that you don't break out into a panic; just keep calm and be patient."

"Sounds easy enough," said Comet Tail.

"What could go wrong with that?" asked Vincent.

"Who are you going to ask to the Formal, Flash?" asked Comet.

"Twilight, of course," said Flash. "She's nice, smart, and pretty; what more could a guy ask for? What about you guys?"

"I-I-I'd like to g-go with S-Song Cue," stuttered Comet.

"Sunset," said Vincent almost immediately.

Gee, Vincent, thought Comet. You're so confident with your answers that you answer almost immediately.

"I figured that's what you guys would pick," said Flash.

At that moment, Comet Tail noticed Song Cue at a table.

"Go for it," whispered Vincent. "She's right there. Ask her."

"What if she says no?" whispered Comet Tail.

"No time to dwell on 'what ifs'," said Vincent. "Just go for it."

"Alright," said Comet. With that, he walked over to Song Cue.

"H-hi th-there," he said nervously.

"Oh hello, Comet Tail," said Song Cue sweetly.

"It's... er... a lovely day, isn't it?" Comet asked, hoping to engage in small talk before jumping into asking her out.

"It certainly is," smiled Song Cue.

Comet Tail was trying his hardest to bring up the Formal, but looking at Song Cue's kind, beautiful face made the poor boy at a loss for words.

"Um, Comet?" asked Song Cue, sounding concerned. "Are you okay?"

But before he could answer, the bell rang, indicating it was time for the next class to begin.

Saved by the bell, thought Comet with somewhat relief. He hastily picked up his stuff and walked off, leaving Song Cue confused.

"Sorry about him, Song Cue," called Vincent. "Comet's a nice guy. He's just rather jumpy."

"I can see," said Song Cue. "Whatever he wanted to say, it doesn't look like he had the confidence to do so."

Over the next two weeks, Vincent tried his hardest to ask Sunset to the Formal. However, every time they were in the same room, either one of them would get distracted by something or someone else, or Vincent was so delved into a topic that the Formal never came up to him. Most of the time, they were with a group of friends, and Vincent thought that asking Sunset in front of their friends would be embarrassing.

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SEPTEMBER 26, 2011

"Four days until the Formal," said Comet Tail during the brunch period. "At this rate, Vincent, we'll be the only freshmen without a date."

"Just keep the faith, Comet," assured Vincent. "Twilight got herself a date to the Formal with Math Equation."

"D'you think Flash is taking this well?"

"Well, he was quite upset when she told him she was already taken."

"Eh, he'll probably get over it. Give it a few days at best."

Then the boys came across Twinkleshine, Minuette, and Lemon Hearts.

"Vincent?" called Twinkleshine. "Do you have a moment?"

"Well, sure," replied Vincent. "I got plenty!"

"Hehe, good one," said Minuette. "But seriously. We just wanted to say we're sorry for making you uncomfortable with our flirting."

"Thank you," said Vincent. "Anything else?"

"Are either of you going with anyone to the Formal?" asked Twinkleshine.

"We're going to," said Comet, "but I'm afraid it won't be with any of you."

The three girls felt very sad.

"Are we ugly to you?" asked Lemon Hearts sadly.

"What?! No! Don't be silly!" said Vincent. "I think you're all kind of pretty."

The three girls suddenly cheered up and blushed, giggling.

"He's such a charmer," said Minuette.

"Not like a lot of the jerks we've come across," added Twinkleshine.

"There are other single guys out there," said Vincent.

"Like whom?" asked Lemon Hearts.

"Mmm... there's Brawly Beats," Vincent suggested.

"Flash's drummer?" asked Twinkleshine.

"That's the one," said Vincent. "Why? Do you-"

"-have interest in him?" finished Twinkleshine. "A little wild, sure, but I think with the proper touch, he can be as innocent as a puppy."

"So, you'd like to go out with him to the Formal?"

"If he behaves," said Twinkleshine.

"That just leaves Minuette and me," said Lemon Hearts. But before Vincent could make a suggestion, the bell rang.

"What is it with bells interrupting conversations?" Comet muttered to himself.

"C'mon, girls! We're late!" gasped Twinkleshine, and she ran off with Minuette and Lemon Hearts following.

"We'd better go," said Comet, and he and Vincent headed for Discord's class.

Soon it was lunch hour. Vincent was getting his stuff ready for his next class, and had just stood up when suddenly, Sunset almost ran into him.

"Oh! Vincent!" she cried. "I, uh-"

"It's my fault," said Vincent. Both laughed nervously as they tried to let each other pass.

"Um, why don't you go first?" asked Vincent.

"Sure thing," said Sunset. She was about to walk off, but Vincent quickly called out to her.

"Oh, Sunset?"

"Yeah, Vincent?"

"I was just wondering... if... erm..."

"Yes?"

"I-was-just-wondering-if-you-wanted-to-go-to-the-formal-with-me!" Vincent had said that a little too quickly, leaving Sunset confused.

"What?" she asked. "I didn't catch that."

"Oh," said Vincent. He spoke more slowly and clearly, "I was just wondering; would you like to go to the Fall Formal with me?" That was easy, he thought. What else could go wrong?

"Oh..." Sunset looked away awkwardly. She knew that somebody else had asked her out, and it was someone Vincent knew personally, but she couldn't tell him who now, could she? Not unless she wanted to break his heart, the last thing she ever wanted to do.

"Vincent, I-" she began, choosing her words carefully. "That's very sweet of you, Vincent, but... I'm... sorry. Someone else already asked me, and... well... I said yes."

"Oh..." said Vincent slowly, sounding disappointed. He tried to hide it, but Sunset looked past that and felt bad for putting him down like that.

"That's... fine," said Vincent awkwardly. "G-good for you." And he was about to walk away before Sunset grabbed him by the arm, stopping him.

"Vincent?" said Sunset. "I really am... sorry." She smiled weakly and walked away. Vincent felt as though his heart had been ripped in half.

"Why didn't I ask her sooner?" he sulked. But he didn't have much time to brood on that as somebody else ran into him.

"Oh! Sorry, Vincent!"

Vincent looked to see that Comet Tail had ran into him, followed by Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Rarity.

"Comet? Girls? What's going on?" asked Vincent, surprised by the scene.

"It's Comet," explained Twilight.

"I asked Song Cue if she wanted to go," gasped Comet, looking like he was about to cry. "She's so pretty, man; anyway, I ask her, and just as quickly, I scream and run off!"

"Didn't even give her a chance to reply," remarked Applejack.

"I'm so stupid," moaned Comet. "I don't think she'll ever speak to me after that."

"Well, at least she didn't turn you down herself," said Vincent. "Sunset's already taken."

"Well, that helps," said Comet sarcastically.

"By whom?" asked Twilight.

"She didn't say," said Vincent. "Must be keeping it a surprise, I bet. But still, I don't know who I'll go with."

Just then, Rainbow Dash noticed Cloudchaser and Flitter walking by.

"Hi there, girls," she called out to them.

"Hey there, Dash," said Cloudchaser.

"You too, girls," added Flitter. "Vincent and Comet," she said, acknowledging the boys.

"Are they going out with anybody?" asked Vincent.

"Not to my knowledge," said Rainbow Dash. "Thunderlane would've asked one of them out, but he's got the flu."

"That's too bad," said Comet Tail.

That was when Vincent got an idea.

"Hey, girls!" he called out, walking up to them. "Can I ask you something?"

"What is it?" asked Flitter.

"Er, would the both of you be interested in going to the Formal with me and Comet Tail here?" asked Vincent.

"Sure," said Cloudchaser.

"Wait, what?!" Comet exclaimed with surprise.

"We'd love to go with you," said Flitter. "See you boys Friday evening."

Comet just looked to the ground with dismay. To him, it would not end well.

Meanwhile, Song Cue had met up with Fluttershy and Orange Sherbet on her way to their maths period, the former with an expression of confusion on her face.

"I don't understand," Song Cue was saying. "Comet asks me if I wanted to go to the dance, but he runs off before I could say yes."

"I thought I was shy," Fluttershy said to her cousin, "but this takes the cake."

"Well," Orange looked at the girls, "I wouldn't worry about it too much. When you're outside the classroom going home, just tell Comet how you feel about that dance."

"Okay then," said Song Cue. "I'm looking forward to it."

Little did she know was that she would be in for a nasty surprise...