The bright lights flashed and elegant music could heard from all around.
It was a lot to take in for one feline in particular. All the fancy gowns and other things weren't exactly common where he was from. Heck. Brightly colored pastel ponies weren't even common.
But, it was nice of one of them to invite him to such a grand event quite like this.
"Well, I've never seen anything quite like this."
It was true. All the fancy decorations bedazzled the whole palace and it seemed everyone from royal delegates and neighbor royals to famous pop stars and fashion idols were there. He also thought he spotted a Wonderbolt the rainbow pony always talked about.
"You've been here before. Don't you remember?" He looked down to the white unicorn. She continued. "When you helped defeat the Storm King and his grubby henchmen."
"Yes, but THAT was when the palace was attacked. I'm talking about this big ol' party you guys are throwing." He gestured a paw to the ballroom and everyone around them. "I've never seen so many prima donnas and casa novas in one place."
She took a quick glance around. "Well, this IS the Grand Galloping Gala. Lots of really important people are here."
"Lots of stuck ups and snobs, too."
He'd be lying if he said he hadn't been somewhat curious about the event. After all, it's not everyday a hero of Equestria asked you to be their extra for a gala. It WAS more crowded than he was used to and it seemed that everywhere he turned there was some stuck up royal or snobby rich person.
"Oh, come now. You met Sapphire Shores and she was more than polite. Not all royals and high socialites are stuck up or snobby."
He pulled at his bowtie. "I guess so. But, this is more sophisticated than that friendship festival."
She gave him a smile.
She guessed she couldn't blame him for how he felt. He spent most of his life in a cruddy rundown village. Living with thieves, criminals, and just horrible people in general. Despite his charming demeanor and gentleman personality, there was still some wild cat left in him.
Proven when he took great delight in using Spike as a flame thrower and burning the backsides of the Storm King's minions.
"Would you like to step outside with me? It's less crowded out there."
He perked up. "Darling, now you're taking my language."
"I'll take that as a yes then."
He bowed extending one of his arms. "Lead the way my snow white beauty.~"
She giggled before trotting past him. He followed behind, careful to not step on her dress..
She guided him past rows of fancy ponies. He noticed some gave him dirty looks but he choose to ignore it. They eventually came to a small entrance leading to the vast garden outside. Stepping out, a whole new scene greeted them.
Soft lights were hung on the trees as V.I.P. s sat at small table around the flowering bushes. Waiters trotted to and fro with orders.
She turned to him. "Well, what do you think?"
"You're right. It is a lot more quite."
She giggled. "Follow me."
"You sure they'll let us in?," he said as he turned to follow her again.
"Trust me, Darling. I know exactly what to do."
They went over to two buff looking royal guards. They merely eyed them.
"......Yes?"
"Rarity and Capper for table one please."
The one who spoke to them glanced over at his partner who looked over a clipboard carefully before nodding. He then proceeded to step aside for them both.
"Thank you kindly."
He followed her in looking slightly impressed. "Well well. Looks like someone came prepared."
"But, of course. One can never truly be too prepared for what happens."
"I'll give you that one."
They stopped when they came to a small table in the back. She gestured for him to sit down. He did and she sat across from him. He was still a bit taller than her though. Considering the tables were pony size and their seats were just fancy pillows on the ground.
"This is nice. " He examined the lacey tablecloth. "This would've fetched a very nice price back home."
"Well, you live in Ponyville now, don't you? You don't have to worry about that anymore."
He smiled. "....I guess you're right. *sniff sniff* Say. That chao they're serving smells great."
"Oh. Well, then." Her horn lit up in a light blue aura and a small pamphlet (which he assumed was the menu) also glowed blue and floated up to her face before opening. "Let's order shall we? I personally like the fruit cocktail, but for you there's a separate-" She stopped when she noticed he was staring at her. Head in paw. ".....Is something the matter?"
"Oh, nothing. I just couldn't help but notice how the lights make that gold dress of yours shine.~ It's like the stars themselves made you their canvas.~"
She giggled and her cheeks turned a bright pink. "You charm me, Sir.~"
"That's what I was goin' for, Darlin'~," he purred out (literally) before winking. Making her giggle again.
"*A-HEM!*"
She froze as someone cleared their throat behind her. She barely noticed Capper looking confused behind her.
"......Um. Can I help you?"
"You can by not talking to me. I'm here for someone who MIGHT be worth my while."
She groaned before slowly looking behind her."
"Oh. It's you."
A blonde stallion looked down at her. Capper looked between them confused.
"......You two know each other?"
"Yes."
"Unfortunately."
They stared at each other a little more before he finally spoke.
"I see you still like pet cats."
"Excuse me. I did NOT just hear you call me a pet."
"Easy there, Dear." She gave him an assured look. "He's not worth fussing over. Believe me......And speaking of you. What do you want?"
He stared boredly at her. "I don't wish to beat around the bush, so I'll get straight to the point." Using a hoof, he flipped his mane. "Princess Twilight refused my invitation to join me for an important ball next week because of a.....crude snake creature."
"Discord," she said knowingly.
"I require someone acceptable to accompany me to that ball. As you are quite famous for your countless fashion lines and saving Equestria, you would be an acceptable date."
"..............Are you serious?!" Her loud volume caused some to look at them. "After you insulted my friends and used me as a cake shield, you have the nerve to ask me to be your date?!"
"You weren't my first choice either. Like I said, I need someone acceptable."
She growled. "Why you-!"
"Now now." The anthro feline held his paws up, getting their attention. He wouldn't let some stuck up rich boy make her look bad. Not after her kindness. "Just hold on a minute. What's you say you're name was?"
He scoffed. "PRINCE Blueblood. Nephew of The Royal Sisters and cousin of Princess Mi Amora Cadenza. But, you wouldn't know where you're from."
He ignored the last part. "Ok. So....Basically you. A prince. Come over here. After being turned down by Princess Twilight, and insult one of her friends. Who is also a famous designer and hero, like you just said, and expect her to do what YOU want?"
Everyone closest to them had stopped what they were doing and watched the scene. Even one of the waiters. He stayed silent so he continued.
"And might I also add was INVITED to this shindig by your aunts themselves. So basically you, Your Highness, are insulting a friend of the princesses, your aunts' guest, AND somepony who saved your bucking hind quarters multiple times......I say you are being very rude. And trust me when I say she's more than just 'acceptable.'"
"Well....I....I..." He looked around at the watching ponies as the cat only smiled calmly at him. "I never!" With a huff, he turned around, stuck his nose in the air, and trotted away with a flick of his tail.
Absolutely astonished, Rarity slowly turned to look at him.
"......I can't believe you just did that. And for me?"
He smiled. "Well, I wasn't about to let a prince get something wrong. Especially about my lovely starlight canvas.~"
He winked making her giggle again.
"Now.....about that food."
Author's Note
Rarity x Capper. Does this even need to be justified? All mentioned characters belong to Hasbro and Co.
