Two's Company

The crisp light of the sun envelops the rest of the day, embracing everyone in its inviting warmth. Today, students and professors alike have taken part in various activities on the sports grounds of the school. Both sides of the team take in the crowd's cheers, the intense game of buckball keeping the crowd on edge as one by one both teams score points with style and grace.

“Yak likes watching buckball with friends!” Yona exclaimed.

“You said it, Yona. Though I wonder why Ocellus and Smolder didn’t come with us today.” Sandbar pondered.

“I’m sure they’re fine, they’ve been busy lately with their studies,” Gallus added.

“I have a good idea what they’re doing today!” Silverstream exclaimed

With the preparations finished, Ocellus and Smolder plan to surprise one another with their own set of gifts and trinkets. Ocellus graces the mirror with her new blue dress and gems, wearing a necklace she made from Art and Craft time.

"With the gems on my dress, I am sure Smolder would find me cute!" Ocellus exclaims.

Meanwhile, Smolder's fixed the tie on her suit as she prepares the two gifts she bought for Ocellus, not mentioning it to anyone to keep it secret. Gracefully bowing as part of her recital, she smiles and looks at herself in the mirror to the amazement of the suit she bought from a boutique in Canterlot.

"Okay, Smolder. Play it cool. This suit will definitely catch Ocellus's heart and attention." Smolder tells herself.

Leaving the room afterward, Smolder approaches the door to Ocellus's dorm, knocking three times on it while holding both gifts in her hands.

Smolder's jaw drops open as Ocellus opens the door to reveal her elegant dress and necklace, smiling with confidence.

"Wow, nice dress Ocellus." Smolder complimented.

Ocellus giggles before responding, "you look handsome with that suit you're wearing, Smolder."

Blushes form around the cheeks of Ocellus and Smolder from each other's compliments.

"Here Ocellus, I got you some gifts for our date," Smolder says before handing over two small gifts wrapped with a Hearts and Hooves day themed gift wrapping.

"Aww, thanks Smolder. How sweet of you." Ocellus thankfully responds, before giving Smolder a kiss on the cheek.

Smolder blushes furiously as she tries to keep her composure, “so, are you ready Ocellus? I have more surprises for you later.”

Ocellus giggles before responding, “I am, Smolder.” Ocellus then closes the door behind her, as she raises her left hoof for Smolder to hold.

Smolder and Ocellus then head off for the train station inbound for Canterlot, with Smolder hoping to surprise Ocellus with the table for two she booked for the night. As soon as they boarded the train, the two take a seat on the right side, with Smolder letting Ocellus sit next to the window knowing how much she loves to take in the beautiful sights passing by.

“So,” Smolder starts the conversation, “how is your day so far, Ocellus?”

“It was nice; I studied a bit about the constellations and history of dragons. What about you, Smolder?” Ocellus replied.

“Well, it’s nothing much. I just dozed off on my bed before suiting up for our first date. Besides, a 5-hour nap is what I needed before I head off to do anything for today.”

Smolder then carefully extends her right arm, placing it around Ocellus’s back. Noticing this, Ocellus blushes from the gesture while she continues to watch the scenery by the window.

“Thank you, Smolder, Ocellus said before nuzzling Smolder’s cheek, “I appreciate the gifts you gave me.”

Smolder blushes, nuzzling Ocellus’s cheek. “T-thanks. I had to dig around to get you something for our special day.”

Not knowing what to do next, she ponders about the red gem Ember gave to her the other day. Smolder worries that the gem would be too much and possibly turning their date into an awkward one. Droplets of sweat form on her forehead at the worries her brain is stressing out about.

Meanwhile, Ocellus worries for Smolder. She can sense that Smolder is worrying about something, but not sure about what it is. Knowing this, she pulls Smolder in for a kiss to her cheek to calm her down.

From afar, Yona, Silverstream, Gallus, and Sandbar are watching from a distance, all wearing identical trench coats and hat.

Silverstream whispered. “So, where do you think they’ll be going?”

“Canterlot, Obviously.” Gallus deadpanned in response.

“Yona knows for sure Smolder and Ocellus will go to a buffet,” Yona whispered.

“I’m not sure about that, Yona,” Sandbar replied as he dusted off the dust from his shoulder, “and where did you get these coats from, Silverstream?”

“I bought the coats at a bargain store. I’ve always wanted to try buying clothes from that place.” Silverstream responded while letting out a squee.

“Well, whatever. It helps us stay incognito,” Gallus said while adjusting his feather and hat, “and besides, I want to see what happens. Smolder rarely goes out on doing mushy stuff like this one.”

An hour passes by and nothing interesting happened, other than Smolder ordering tea for her and Ocellus. Yona, ever the clumsy yak, almost blew her cover when she sneezed and tripped in front of the two. Not long before, the train has arrived in the train station of Canterlot, with the four creatures following Smolder and Ocellus from a distance.

They stopped to sit in a park when Smolder and Ocellus stopped by a local game fair that’s hosting a play and win-a-prize mini carnival.

“Ooh, can we play Smolder? I want to win that teddy bear!” Ocellus asked while pointing at the fluffy blue teddy bear.

“Why not? I’m sure I got this.” Smolder responded with confidence.

Paying the bits and claimed the toy bow and three arrows, she took a deep breath before positioning herself in an archer’s stance. Pulling the string and arrow to take aim, she fires a shot and knocks down the first cup.

“Wow!” Silverstream exclaimed, “I didn’t know she studied archery!”

Smolder then reloads another bow and takes aim, shooting down another cup while tipping over the one to its left.

“Go, Smolder! Woo-hoo!” Ocellus cheered.

With her date’s cheering, she takes one last aim and fires the toy arrow, this time missing a cup.

“No worries, lad. You took down three cups still, even if the one’s tipped over by your second shot.”

The unicorn attendant then levitated the blue fluffy bear over to Ocellus, placing it on her back as she smiled.

“Thanks, Mister!” Ocellus said.

“No problem, missy. Now go on, enjoy your time lads.” The unicorn responded.

From the distance, Gallus and the others felt amazed at seeing Smolder’s archery skills and winning the prize.

“Yona liked how Smolder shot cups like a pro!”

“Okay, I am definitely challenging Smolder after this,” Gallus responded.

“How long did you know that Smolder and Ocellus are dating?” Sandbar inquired.

“Just yesterday, honestly!” Silverstream responded in excitement.

“Hey, they’re going!” Sandbar interrupted “We should move!”

The group of creatures followed the two couples as they headed off to restaurant row, a street crowded with hungry ponies and various restaurants that sell different cuisine from their respective cultures and homeland. Various aromas made their way in their nostrils, causing the group to feel hungry from the smell of delicious food.

“Wow!” Ocellus exclaimed, “what is this place, Smolder?”

“It’s called Restaurant Row, it’s where all the fine dining and all that fancy stuff come from, mostly.” She responded while nuzzling Ocellus’s cheek.

“I like it here, Smolder. We should visit this place on our next date.” Ocellus said flirtatiously.

“O-oh!” Smolder blurted, as she's caught by surprise. “S-sure! Why not?” Smolder’s cheeks reddened after the response, causing Ocellus to giggle softly.

Smolder then stopped in front of a fancy restaurant called Peas in One, opening the door for Ocellus. “After you,” She said, making Ocellus giggle again before trotting in, with smolder following her after.

“Peas in One?” Gallus questioned, “what kind of name is that?”

“Whatever it is, Yak knows restaurant is fancy!” Yona exclaimed.

The group then watches from the window, seeing Smolder and Ocellus being seated by a waiter, being given two menus.

“So… what do you think of the place, Ocellus?”

“It’s... “Ocellus paused for a bit before she carefully placed her hoof over Smolder’s claw. “Beautiful. I love your surprise, Smolder.”

“T-thanks, Ocellus. You deserve the best.”

A waiter wearing a white vest and black bowtie approaches them, levitating a pencil and paper.

“Two orders of Daisy Pea Soup and Rice and Beans, please. Oh, and a pitcher of orange juice.” Smolder ordered.

The waiter nodded, before heading back to the kitchen.

“Smolder, are you okay? You look worried.”

“O-oh! It’s nothing, I just uh… you know, feel sweaty in this suit! Yeah.” Smolder replied with a hint of panic.

“Oookay. Well, I have a surprise with me. Are you ready, Smolder?”

Smolder nodded shyly.

“Well, I asked Headmare Twilight if we can share dorm rooms. At first, she didn’t agree but after telling her about our newfound love, she agreed and tomorrow, we’re officially roommates!” Ocellus happily exclaimed, making Smolder’s cheeks blush crimson red.

“She even gave me tips on how to build a bed for two.” She flirtily said.

“That’s great, Ocellus. I’d love to be your roommate. The gift I gave you is for later sooo…” Smolder paused for a while. “is it okay if you can save it for later?”

“Sure thing, Smolder!”

Moments later, the waiter arrived at the table levitating a tray with their order. Serving them both, Smolder gave the waiter a small gem as a tip, leaving with a smile on his face. With the food served, Smolder and Ocellus began to eat to fill their empty stomach.

“Aww, how romantic!” Silverstream said in awe.

Yona stifles her tears as she tries not to cry tears of joy, with Sandbar patting her back.

The dinner would end in a good note, with Sandbar and the others following Smolder and Ocellus on a hillside just right outside of Canterlot.

Smolder and Ocellus sat on the hilltop, looking above at the twinkling stars and the beauty of the moon. Smolder, knowing that the day won’t last forever, held Ocellus’s right hoof and started to speak what she wanted to let Ocellus know.

“Ocellus…” Smolder paused for a while, taking in a deep breath, “This day has been the best day of my life. Ever since I met you, I knew that we are destined for each other. I just… I just didn’t have the courage to ask you out because I fear that you will reject me and my feelings that built up. I am glad that you feel the same way too, and with that comes to my surprise…”

She then gave Ocellus a nod to open the gift, as it reveals the bright red gemstone that Ember gave to Smolder as her approval.

“Ocellus, I… I want you to be mine forever. Claw to hoof, as my marefriend.”

Ocellus didn’t say a word, she was in awe with Smolder’s surprise. A moment later, she suddenly embraced Smolder, giving her a kiss on the lips.

“Yesyesyesyesyes!!! Yes, I would love to be your marefrined!” Ocellus exclaimed at the top of her lungs.

Smolder chuckles, before giving Ocellus a kiss on the lips.

“Awww.” The group expressed in unison.

“And I know you’re following us, guys! Come on out!” Smolder said as she looked over to the group hiding behind the tree.

Not too long, Silverstream flew over and hugged both Ocellus and Smolder tightly. “I’m sososososososososoooooooo happy for the two of you!!!”

“Yak approves of Smolder and Ocellus!” Yona exclaimed.

“Yeah, you two are like two peas in a pod.” Sandbar said.

“Eh, I’ve seen mushier stuff before. You two are okay in my books.” Gallus said while showing them a thumbs up.

The group laughed as they all grouped up, going back to Canterlot to celebrate their newfound love, this time with their friends who supported their new relationship. Smolder and Ocellus shared one more kiss in front of the group, earning them cheers before they walked into their usual hangout spot after school.

For Smolder and Ocellus, they feel relieved that their first date is a success. This is truly the beginning of a beautiful relationship between Smolder and Ocellus.