Author's Note

This chapter will have linked music within certain keywords. It is optional of course, but will give you an idea to the music I had in mind.

You can listen to a snippet of each song or listen to them through. There's no real tie in related to timing, other than some lyrics. I'm mostly providing them to give a sense of the mood and what I imagine they could be listening to.

Sidenote/Slight Spoiler: I am not implying Smokey Spark is any specific artist by the song he performs.

Next Stop: Dance Floor

Before I could register what I was seeing, I immediately noticed the rise in strength of the music. I assumed the lounge area being set back from the floor dampened the volume somewhat, and now that we were in direct eye-line with it, the sound was hitting us at near full power. The bass from whatever system they were using was incredible! Smokey would be soooo jealous to have this kind of setup. The mid-ranges and treble frequencies were loud of course, but not loud enough to be obnoxious or intrusive. Whomever was DJ'ing on this beast of a setup sure knew what they were doing.

As Berry and I reached the bottom of the stairs, I truly got a good look at the crowd of ponies piled on the dance floor. The energy that the crowd emitted was intense, and nearly got me going to the beat as well. Countless ponies of all shapes and sizes mashed together, seemingly having the time of their lives. Despite the strobes and lasers of the stage lighting, it was much darker in this part of the club; probably for atmosphere or something. I looked behind me to see Berry gone, but as I swiveled by head back I caught her form grabbing me and pulling me into the crowd

Moments later I found myself in the middle of a swaying and jumping crowd of ponies, with Berry across from me. Being suddenly thrust into the mix, I was unprepared for the rhythm and movement of the ponies around me. I felt extremely awkward at first, but Berry tapped me on the shoulder and with a "whisper" that was more of a shout (not like anypony else would hear it anyway) she said,

"Come on dude, let loose! Listen for the beat, and follow along. Let the groove take you." I gave her a gentle shove away from me.

I know how dancing works... I huffed to myself in slight frustration.

As much as I disliked dancing around other ponies, I almost couldn't help it. Despite being some sort of filler beat that spanned the gap between main songs, it was definitely infectious. I started bobbing my head to the beat, letting it "take me" as Berry had put it. Slowly but surely, I exaggerated my movements a little more. I bounced lightly on my hooves, trying to match the rhythm of those around me. Berry was already fully into it, beating me to the punch. As I became more enthralled into the music, I noticed Berry mouth something along the lines of "There ya go!". Obviously not being able to hear her, this was a mere guess.

Suddenly, the beat lessened in volume, and a scratchy female voice came over the speakers.

"How's everypony doin' tonight? Make some NOOOIIIISSEEEE!"

The crowd responded adequately with a roar of approval.

"It's halfway through the night, let's pick this bitch up! It's boutta get heated! Let's go!" With that, the DJ mixed in a transition, and the song started.

"Here's my key, philosophy. A freak like me, just needs infinity." A saxophone melody accompanied the opening. I could tell this was going to be a unique one.

"Relax. Take your time..." The beat slowly built over the melody, and the crowd grew anxious to let loose. A final verse was heard right before the final notes before the drop.

With that, it hit.

Everypony went wild, jumping and dancing to the block-rocking beat. It was honestly a struggle trying to keep up. I had to ignore the occasional bumps from ponies around me. It was all part of the experience I guess. I looked across the way to see Berry rocking her heart out. I'm glad she's having a good time.

Part way through the song, I had started to get a weird feeling. It felt like I was floating in a way. I had a sudden rush of euphoria as well. Oh buck... I forgot about Smokey's brownies. Oh Celestia... I looked downward at the LEDs embedded in the dance floor. The pattern had been programmed to pulse with the beat of the song, and I was mesmerized by them. I stumbled slightly, as I tried to not give in too much to the high. Smokey said it would have aphrodisiatic effects, and I did NOT want to do something I was going to regret. I looked around my proximity and noticed just how many ponies were around me, mares especially. Oh no please brain don't do this... I tried to keep my cool as I continued along with the beat.

However, the mid-song beat break (common in many electronic dance songs) hit. The crowd slowed down for a moment, giving me another change to look around. When I wasn't paying attention, Berry must've slipped off somewhere in the crowd. Oh no... She was my tether here... where did she goooo...? My eyes darted left to right as I tried to search for the only pony that had inadvertently been keeping me sane this whole time. My anxiety lifted however, when another wave of the high hit me. It really does relax you doesn't it? The beat dropped back in, and the floor was lit once more.

One thing I had failed to notice earlier was a certain....musk that the air possessed. Possibly hundreds of ponies together in close proximity, dancing their hearts out, sweating... rubbing...grinding... I smacked a hoof to my own head. Damnit, brain. STOP! Everypony combined in such a small area left a smell. It wasn't bad per se, just... different.

As the song wound down, some familiar faces wandered their way through the crowd towards me. Oh thank Celestia... Already apparently accustomed to the song, Dyno and Astro worked their way through the crowd to my position.

At the same time I was profoundly in a stupor, the DJ had transitioned the mix to something else.

The gentle melody opened up, and I knew immediately what song it was. How coincidental... I thought to myself.

"All my friends, they're different ponies. Anxious like the ocean in a storm." I felt a shiver run up my spine. Whenever a song I really vibe with came on, it always felt like tingles ran up and down my body. The intensity of the music heightened this sensation even further.

"And why mess up a good thing baby? It's a risk to even fall in love... So when you give that look to me, I better look back and believe. Cause this is trouble, yeah this is trouble."

Before the drop hit (and I certainly wouldn't be able to hear him), Astro playfully hit me in the shoulder;

"How is it bro? Likin' it out here?"

I half-yelled back, "I guess. Berry was here but I lost her in the crowd. I'm glad you two came along."

"No problem bro. Just makin' sure you're gonna have a good time."

'Gonna have a good time?' What's that supposed to mean...

I passed off his statement as the beat dropped and the crowd rejoiced with energy.

Some songs had passed over the course of about an hour. During this time, Dyno had gone presumably to use the bathroom or get something to drink. Meanwhile, Astro had no problem exerting his fervor upon the mares around him. A mint-colored unicorn and a light cream colored earth pony with glow-stick necklaces and hoof-bands had found their way on him, and were getting very touchy. Astro always has been a go-getter when it came to this kind of stuff.

A red pegasus had made her way to me during this hour as well. We merely danced platonically for a bit before she seemed to have a plan. I mention that because I noticed she had started to make a move closer towards me, but I had to politely decline her advancement. I've read enough cheesy fan-fiction to know that things were bound to lead somewhere, especially in my intoxicated state, and I just didn't feel comfortable with that. She initially gave me a slight scowl, but danced her way off into the crowd once again. Unfortunately for me, Astro had noticed this. He excused himself from the two mares for a brief moment, and came up to me.

"Dude! That hottie was all up on you! Why did you push her away?" He yelled into my ear.

"I... I wasn't comfortable with it. I didn't want to do something I was gonna regret." I replied back.

"Ahh, I understand now." I knew exactly where he was going with this. He says this every time I either reject a mare in any way, or I don't notice advances. "I'll still be your friend dude, it's okay."

"Seriously? Stop saying this every time. I'm not-" I couldn't help but crack a smile as I knew exactly where this long-running joke he makes is going.

"It's fine if you swing for the other team bro."

"Astro, for the last time I'm-"

"We'll still love you either way."

I gave him a light shove away from me. "I'm NOT gay, Astro." He lifted his hooves in a defensive position.

"What ever you say bro."

I know he is joking when he says this, but in the back of my mind I always had the same thought. Do others really think I'm gay?

As my mind drifted through various other thoughts, a figurative glimmer caught my eye. I noticed Jetty making her way through the crowd. Jetty! Oh thank Celestia. She dance-pushed her way through the waves of ponies towards me, and separated Astro and me.

She seemed to sparkle under the neon and stage lighting. I had never seen anything like it before. Her eyes, her smile, her form. It was all so appetizing. I felt my vision blur for a moment as I tried to refocus. I blinked multiple times to moisten my eyes, only to come back to the same image. She gave me a sensual smile, unlike any other I had received prior. This one conveyed a message. What the message was, I was yet to find out.

She danced slow, and sweet Celestia did she know how to move. I became encapsulated by her fluidity. She was like a charmer with a flute and I was her snake. I felt my mouth hang slightly open as I was mesmerized by her movements. Just then, as if to place the cherry on top of my sensory sundae, the DJ mixed into the next song.

A quick, dry beat started, passing into a fuller rhythm. The opening lyrics filled the air as the song became familiar to me. Jetty seemed to enjoy it just as much, as she had closed her eyes and was now moving more sporadically as she emphasized her movements to the beat.

"I wanna da- I wanna dance in the lights. I wanna rock- I wanna rock your body. I wanna go- I wanna go for a ride. Hop in the music and rock yo' body right..."

It took a moment for me to really register the lyrics of the song, and just how provocative they were. Jetty looked me deeply, and I couldn't help but look back. She was a bit shorter than me, and the eye contact coupled with looking down at her was... well to be honest it was pretty hot.

She gently mouthed the words as she gave me half-lidded pupils. Is she flirting with me? I can't be imagining this, right? I felt a pony bump into my rear, and in reaction I craned my head to look. Oh, it was just a bump, no big dea-

I turned back to Jetty being very much closer than she was when I turned my head. My breath caught in my throat as I was becoming flustered at her proximity. I felt some of my coat stand on end as a shiver ran down my spine once again. This seemed to trigger a wave of the high once more, as I felt myself melt into her stare. Whatever effect Smokey's brownies were having seemed to be getting triggered by certain actions. Speaking of Smokey, where has he been? My thoughts of Smokey's whereabouts were cut short as I felt a hoof start at the base of my neck and slowly make its way down my chest. I froze and looked at Jetty wide-eyed. A bead of sweat formed on my brow, as the dancing and recent flustering had put my body into overdrive.

She finally broke her stare, and lowered her head by my right shoulder. I looked up from her when I noticed Astro some feet away. He tapped one of the mares next to him, and pointed in my direction. The unicorn giggled and subsequently notified the other mare Astro was with. The trio looked at me and I didn't really know what to do but stare back. Astro fell to his haunches, and proceeded to hoof-pump at me, with his mouth formed in an 'o'. Presumably, he was cheering me on from the metaphorical sideline. I rolled my eyes and smiled at his shenanigans. He said something along the lines of "Go Cali! You got this!" though I could be wrong as I obviously couldn't hear him. With a half-smile-half-snarl I mouthed the words back "Buck you", and gave him the middle feather with my left wing. He laughed, and turned back to his two mares.

Jetty stirred anew as I focused my attention back to her. She had the same expression as before, and just as sensual. I stared deeply into her eyes, lost in the circular chasms that were. I felt a strong euphoria as all the troubles and stress I held onto seemed to melt away. My face flushed as she moved her face even closer to mine. Mere inches separated our lips. A calming and familiar smell of cinnamon rolls entered my nostrils.Wow... she is so beautiful.... just one quick kiss and- I mentally slapped myself for my thoughts. I can't do that. She's my friend. A hot one at that.... To think I could just take her back home tonight and...GAHH, STOP IT! This is just Smokey's drugs talking. I don't really feel this way....

Do I?

The sound of a record scratch and mix into a quiet background beat caught Jetty and I's attention, as well as everypony around us. Over time we had migrated nearly front and center to the stage where the DJ was performing. I finally got a glimpse of who was behind the controls. An alabaster white unicorn with a bright blue mane and crazy shades manned the helm. Huh, not what I was expecting.

"Fillies and Gentlecolts," the mare spoke into a microphone, "I'd like to thank you all for coming out on this epic night. I had a blast being here, and I'm sure you all did too." The crowd gave a cheer that was slightly audible over the stereo system.

"To wrap this night up, I'd like to introduce a special guest with us tonight, here to perform one of his upcoming songs off his new album."

Huh, Smokey's got an album coming out soon too.

"He's straight outta Manehattan himself, and has made it to the top all on his own..."

That sounds familiar...

"Known for his hits such as 'Where I've Been' and 'I Made It'"

What the hay? Those are Smokey's songs.... Wait a second.... could it be?

"Welcome to the stage, Smokey Spark!" A roar erupted from the crowd as Smokey ran out from a cloud of fake smoke (and possibly some real smoke) and put the microphone to his mouth.

"What's up muthabuckaaaaaaasssss!"

Jetty and I turned to each other, with huge smiles.

"No way!" She hopped up and down with joy. "He's performing?! Why didn't he tell us?" I looked around Jetty towards Astro, who was looking back at us with a similar expression of awe and shock.

"This one dedicated to a special few a' you out there in the crowd tonight. Sorry I couldn't hang out more with ya, but this has been damn near the best night of my life. You know who you are. He lowered the microphone and gave a nod towards our general direction."

Jetty and I glanced at each other one more time before turning back and waving at him.

"Now if ya ready, DJ hit the track!"

The bass started thumping harder than it had been all night. The crowd of ponies on the dance floor hopped and danced to the rhythm. Jetty and I faced each other once again, and moved along to the song. Like many other of Smokey's songs, it was bound to be good.

"All the crazy shit I did tonight, those'll be the best memories. I just wanna let it go for the night, that will be the best therapy for me..."

It felt like he wrote this song specifically for tonight. Tonight truly would hold the best memories.

Everypony on the floor had gone all out for this song, and I thought I might as well join them. Jetty and I kicked it into high gear as we dropped any inhibitions we had still been holding. Out of no where, I got the urge to grab her and pull her close, which I promptly did. My mind was racing as I felt like I wasn't completely in control, but I didn't mind. I didn't mind one bit. We declined the intensity of our movements respectively as our faces came excruciatingly close together, just how they had been before the interruption. As I looked into the crystal orbs that were her eyes, her wings had unfurled, standing at attention. She blushed deeply, as did I.

It's now or never, Cali. Make your move.

I gave up trying to hold it back. I loved her. I cared for her. I truly did. I needed her. Now.

Smokey's lyrics echoed one final time in my mind.

All the crazy shit I did tonight...

With that, I plunged my face towards hers, and her lips met mine. I squeezed my eyes shut as tight as they could go, and focused solely on the feeling. I had not realized just how soft they would be in fact, and it caught me slightly by surprise. Everything from the pounding bass of the music, to the adjacent ponies bumping into me occasionally, seemed to fade from existence as my mind was on one thing and one thing only.

I savored her taste as her tongue poked at my lips, begging to be let in. I parted them slightly as she dug her way into me. I felt her exhale as she wrestled with my tongue. I can't believe this is happening...!!!!!

Through the whole fiasco, I had forgotten that I actually needed to breathe, so I pulled back, breaking the palpable passion that we shared. I inhaled deeply, her scent once again breaching my senses. I looked at her, slightly slack-jawed as the realization of my actions flooded me. My heart was racing harder than it ever had in my life, and I had been through some serious drills at flight camp when I was younger. The moment culminated with a mix of adrenaline and euphoria. If I had to pick one moment as the single best feeling of my life, it would be this one.

The beat of the music had quieted, and the crowd roared with applause as Smokey pumped his hoof into the air.

"Ya been a great crowd tonight, hope ya have a great night. PEACE!" With that, Smokey dropped the microphone and hopped off back behind the stage somewhere. With his exit, the DJ made one final announcement;

"Thank you everypony for coming to Cloud9 tonight. This has been one of the best crowds I've ever seen. Give yourselves a pat on the back, seriously. Now, the club will be closing by the end of the hour. Please make your way towards the exits and have a save trip home. Good night!"

The DJ pulled away from her booth as the lights in the club came to life. While not at all that bright in reality, it was still hellish against my dark-accustomed eyes. I covered my eyes for a moment as I blinked to help adjust my eyes. I was interrupted by a soft caress of my cheek by Jetty. She smiled warmly, and looked downward at her hooves, shuffling awkwardly.

"So..." She said quietly.

"Umm... heheh..." I chuckled nervously as well, unsure what to do next.

A savior from the awkwardness arrived, however. Unfortunately, it was Astro; and he had a huge grin on his face.

"THAT'S MY CALI RIGHT THERE!" He ran up to me and threw an arm over my shoulder, pinning me into a slight headlock. He rustled my mane a bit and let me go.

"Look at you!!!" He held his hoof up, signaling our signature hoofshake. I reciprocated.

"You scored yourself a real dime piece, I must say." He glanced over at Jetty, nodding. She replied by looking down like she had before, her ears falling slightly.

"Just glad it worked like a charm." He said.

"What?" I asked. "What worked like a charm?"

"Oh-uhhhh.... nothing!" He proceeded to take flight, hovering a bit over us, and hovering towards the top of the stairs by the lounge. I turned to Jetty, and she did nothing but shrug. We then both turned to follow the crowd filing out of the dance floor and towards the exit.

As we reached the top of the stairs, off towards our table in the lounge we spotted three of the four ponies from our group. Astro, Berry, and Dyno were stood facing our direction. The trio passed a few hoofbumps around before focusing back on Jetty and me.

"I'm so glad it worked!" Berry said to me.

"What worked? What are you guys talking about?" I looked around, but no answer came.

"Listen, we'll explain back at the apartment. I just want to congratulate you-" She looked to Jetty, "for finally showing him how you feel."

"Actually, he kissed me first." She said, turning her head to me.

"I'm so confused..." I admitted.

Suddenly, a familiar voice called to us from behind me.

"Ayo!"

It was Smokey, trotting towards us. He came behind Jetty and me and stuck his head between us.

"Did it work?" He asked.

"Yep." Berry replied.

"Aww, c'mere you two lovebirds." He pulled Jetty and me to him, giving an impromptu three-way hug.

"What worked? What plan are you guys talking about?!" I raised my voice. I really wanted to know what the hay was going on.

Berry took her turn to raise her voice. "Cali! I said we'll tell you when we get back to Smokey's."

I crossed my arms in defeat. "Fine. At least tell us this now then, Smokey."

"WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL US YOU WERE PERFORMING?"

"Yeah!"

"Right? Why didn't you tell us?"

Smokey raised a hoof to quiet the onslaught of questions.

"Aight, guys. Relax. I'll explain on the way home..."