It was 8 pm, and Twilight was waiting for her blind date. She had studied, practiced, and reviewed everything she needed to know for a date. She had her dress on, and her crown. She had just brushed her hair and put on mascara. And that was it.

She really, really, hoped that this night would work out. But what if he didn't like her, or was boring, maybe even a snob? Surely Cadence would choose better. Maybe someone like her friend Sunburst. Someone who liked to read and study and learn just as much as she did. Twilight didn't have time to worry anymore as she heard a knocking on the door.

She looked at her reflection in the crystal wall near the door to do a final check that everything was alright. And she opened the door with a nervous smile. But her smile turned into a jaw-dropped expression. She knew this pony. Sort of.

He chuckled, and reintroduced himself, although she already knew who it was. She had to hold herself back from giving him a big hug, because all the exact memories of them wasn't with him exactly. They were with his... opposite version self.

"Hello Princess. It seems you might remember that I was the guard that you..." He started.

"That I kept bumping into during my first visit as an alicorn to the Crystal Empire? Yeah, I do remember with detail." She said, her face now in a smirking smile. She had wanted to say from the school dance at Canterlot High, but she caught herself. She had to keep reminding herself that all, well most, of her memories were with the other him.

He flushed a little bit. "Well, I guess that I never really apologized Princess." He stammered.

It was really awkward to have her blind date, especially him, even if it was the pony him, call her by her royal title. "First, it's just Twilight. Second, it was my fault half the time because I wasn't looking at where I was going. Third, it might actually have been for the best, because we already met, sort of; and it gives us something to start of on." She replied.

"Hmm. Twilight" He said, trying the name out in his tongue. " I like it. So, ready for some fun?" He asked.

"Sure." Twilight answered. "Your name is Flash Sentry, if I can recall correctly?" She guessed as they took to the sky flying.

"Yep. But usually just Flash. How did you know? Cadence tell you beforehand?" He said, leading in the direction of South East.

"Well she did tell me your name after I accidentally bumped into you." Twilight replied. She knew his name of course, but she kept forgetting that this was a different Flash. And that all the memories of him, weren't him. She might ruin this chance if she wasn't careful. She needed to forget the memories of ''other'' him, and focus on the ones she did have of pony him.

"And you actually remembered it?" He asked in a faint whisper.

"Yes. Did you really expect me to not?" She said kind of bewildered. Was he surprised that she had remembered his name just because she was a princess? Did her being a princess make him feel that she was off limits? Did he even see her as a real pony outside of her royal title? This kinda hurt her feelings. Even if this was someone else, she didn't like to seem all high and mighty to any pony.

"Well it is just that most ponies in general usually don't remember little details like that unless it means something to them I guess. I never thought that just any pony, especially one I just happened to randomly bump into a few times would remember my name so casually throw out there. So, I guess I am complimenting you on your memory." He explained.

He had referred to her as most ponies in general. So maybe he saw her as a little more normal than she originally thought. "Well, I guess I can memorize facts easily, but I do have a harder times with ponies. I am quite sure I remembered you for more than us just bumping into each other on occasion. I just can't quite place it." She said, trying to keep the relief out of her voice.

"Maybe it was my good looks, and dashing smile that implanted the memory so deep" Flash teased her.

"Okay wise guy." Twilight chuckled. Although that did have something to do with it. With both versions, actually. "So, where are we heading to?" She asked.

"We are going to that hill right below us."he replied.

There was a picnic set up on a blanket on a hillside. It was away from the city, and was quiet. There was a beautiful view of the night sky.

"Did you plan this all by yourself?" Twilight asked in astonishment as she stared at the food laid out. Some tuna fish sandwiches, chips, fruit, and a one layer chocolate cake.

"Yep."

"This is amazing."

"I know." Flash semi-teased Twilight.

She just smiled at him. They then proceeded to have there picnic, play a game, and just relax while talking together under the stars. Maybe he wasn't the Flash she remembered, but if he was anything like she knew, this could be that chance she was looking forward to. They had started off nicely, and now they just needed to build it up as they went. And Twilight wasn't going to give up what she had found that easily.

________________(*O*)_______________

Rarity was ready for her date with her colt friend. Well, he wasn't a colt, so maybe a cat friend. It was something that she had merely labeled boyfriend for the time being. She wore a dress of three white layers edged with gold with a forth that turned into a train at the back. A slim front with gold on top, and white on the bottom was present. Her mane hanged down in loose locks, while there was a pink rose behind her ear, and a little crown at the base of her horn.

It was seven, and she heard a knocking upon her door. She opened the door, and Capper presented her with a bouquet of lilacs and red roses. Rarity quickly put them in a vase, and she was ready to go. Capper was wearing the cape and top hat he had received from Rarity when they first met. He also had a red carpet leading to a carriage in which they would ride to the Canterlot castle. They arrived withing the hour, as Capper got out of his side, and opened the door for Rarity. From there they proceeded to the castle ballroom where there was a grand party. Rarity and Capper spent the night dancing, getting refreshments, and going to the garden. There they talked about what was happening with each other.

"So, you helped get Kludgetown into a manageable position, Hmm?" Rarity asked Capper as she sipped her punch.

"Ah yes." He replied. "Well, it is more decent than it was when you last visited. Not to terribly fancy, but at least we know have some law and order around there. We now have places that help the wounded, sick, orphans, homeless, etc. So it is definitely better than before." He said. "I hear that your fashions are in demand, well more than usual anyway. No?"

"Yes, you would be correct. My spring fashions are flying off the shelves." Rarity confirmed. "By the way, thank you for this lovely date tonight. It has been delightful indeed."

"It was no trouble. I have quite thoroughly enjoyed it myself." Capper said with a finishing tone.

Rarity got this message, and she instead leaned on him, and they just sat together, just enjoying all the peace and quiet that the Canterlot gardens had to offer.

________________(*O*)_______________

Pinkie pie was wearing an overcoat as she sneaked to an abandoned warehouse, where she waited for the signal. At 6:00 pm, a spout of chocolate milk spouted out of the chimney, and that was the cue. She headed to the back door, where she did 3 knocks, a tap, and a click. The door swung open, and she stepped inside. The pony who had let her in was wearing a black cape, and he motioned for her to hurry up. And she did. He opened up a trap door in the floor, then he slid down a pole. Pinkie Pie was right behind him.

She didn't like to be so secret, but they needed privacy. And the only way they knew, was to keep it secret. This date had been prepared months ahead, until they could rehearse it in their sleep. They now we're approaching a long hallway that only had room for one pony in width. There was a singular door at the end. And as they reached it, the pony before Pinkie opened it, and went inside, and Pinkie followed. On the other side of the door was a little table for two, with a candle in the middle. And it was set for two. There was a record player in the corner, and room to dance later. It was the perfect meeting place for these two.

Pinkie took off her overcoat revealing the dress underneath.

Her date also took off his cape. It was Cheese Sandwich. He smiled at his date, and she smiled right back. They walked over to the table, and Cheese Sandwich pulled Pinkie's seat out for her.

"Malady." He said.

"Kind sir" She replied.

And then they both just giggled. Pinkie settled in, while Cheese Sandwich brought out a plate of spaghetti and meatballs, along with brownies for desert. He then settled in as well.

"So what has been happening with you since we were able to last meet up?" Pinkie asked her boyfriend.

"Just the usual party or two. Or maybe 20 or 30." he responded with a light chuckle. "Not to mention the joke factory is back on track. It has never been better."

"Well, I also have had the 20 or 30 parties. Or 2-300 hundred. Maybe topping around a thousand. Getting to the point, it has been totally hectic." Pinkie replied. " I have no idea why ponies are all of a sudden partying like there is no tomorrow. It is like 5 years worth of parties rolled into 6 months. And some of these parties have been for the craziest things. One was for someones turtle who had laid its eggs, and they all hatched successfully. Well, Gummy did kind of like that one. There was another one for someone who got their dentures. Someone else because there foal was potty trained. And there was even one for this guy who said his pig had transferred over to being a dog. I even have had some gay wedding receptions. So that has been sort of going around. Not in full support of it myself; but hey, ponies are going to do what ponies are going to do. So, no comment really."

"I know that some of these parties are for the weirdest things, but I guess that the party boom is because ponies are celebrating everything they can find a reason for. And this is probably due to the fact that their is a new ruler of Equestria, and you guys saved the world once more. So they are partying because they are really celebrating all the good in the world brought on by you and your friends." Cheese Sandwich said.

"I guess that makes since. But life is just so busy. Plus it's not just parties. You and I both have other things going on in our lives. You and the joke factory, and me with Sugar Cube Corner. It has just been so busy." Pinkie replied with an exasperated sigh.

"Plus with all the busy outside world, we have to be so careful. Others aren't ready to know. I haven't told anybody, well, except Boneless." Cheese Sandwich pointed out.

"I have not even told my friends about us. We can't afford it. Only Gummy knows." Pinkie Pie agreed.

By this time, the two lovers had finished their dinner, and were ready to have some fun. That of course meant dancing to the record player. They had planned this for months, and they were going to enjoy themselves. As they headed to the dance space, Cheese Sandwich took Pinkie's hoof, and the pony pokie was just starting.

______________(*O*)______________

Rainbow dash had finished cleaning herself up in the Wonderbolt's locker room, and had changed briefly. She was ready to fly with her friend. he owned her dinner for her winning the competitions earlier that day. She had on what Rarity had thrown together earlier that morning. And was ready to go still. Where was that silly colt?

She meant, why was he taking so long? He owed her dinner, and she was hungry. After about 10 more minutes of just waiting, he finally walked out.

"Took you long enough." Rainbow dash said while rolling her eyes.

"Sorry. Just had to take a shower. I didn't smell like an sore.. I mean okay loser should have been. I mean I already have to buy dinner. But I didn't think that also meant wallowing in the smell of defeat as well." He replied

"Well I guess so. But seriously, Soarin, I'm hungry, and I was ready to go 15 minutes ago." Rainbow dash pointed out.

I didn't know that we were racing to see who could get ready the fastest." Soarin replied yet again. "Speaking of getting ready, how exactly did you get ready so fast?" He asked curiously.

"Well, I also took a shower. But I also just threw something together. Yet again, I can understand how I can throw together anything, and make it look good; While you need a little more time to look... decent." Rainbow dash semi-bragged, semi-teased.

"Well, maybe. Just maybe, that might be the the case. Didn't say for sure, but just maybe." Soarin admitted. "Speaking of throwing things together, maybe you can pull it off. I mean, where did this, uh, fashion statement come from?" He asked in a teasing manner. But there was also a tone of awe in his voice as well.

"This is just something I had I the back of my locker." Rainbow dash said truthfully. "I found it in the back as I was looking for something to go by, and here it is." She had indeed found this in the back of her locker, after she put it there that morning after having gone by Rarity's fashion boutique. So she had told Soarin the truth; just left out a few of the minor details. But he didn't to know that. Anyway, it didn't matter, it was time to go.

"Well, it looks... 20% cooler. So are you ready to go get dinner?" Soarin asked.

"I was ready 20 minutes ago. Lets fly!" And with that Rainbow dash took to the sky. Soarin wasn't far behind. And they were going to have a great time.

______________(*O*)______________

Fluttershy was very excited. Discord had been hinting at this surprise all day long. And she was very curious. She had the dress on that she had picked up earlier that day. She had also put her mane up in an elegant loose bun, adorned with a couple small white flowers.

She heard a knock at the door. And with sweeping anticipation, she swung the door open. There in front of her was Discord in a tux, with a bouquet of pink daisies. She went to sniff them, and they smelled like lavender and cotton candy. A few moments later, a rainbow of butterflies came spurting out in a colorful wave. She was delighted. Discord held out his paw for her to take, and she did. He then proceeded to teleport them to A remote clearing in a forest. It was sort of dark, but the place held a wonder and certain mystery to it that made it impossible to be afraid of. Here you also had a view of the night sky like no other; the moon shone down peacefully, while the stars twinkled with laughter. It was the right temperature, with a cool breeze running through, and a babbling brook running and splashing over rocks in the distance. There were even fireflies flying in a lazy pattern of nothingness. It was the most beautiful place in the world.

Discord had picked a grassy spot in the middle of the clearing in which he had tea, cucumber sandwiches, blueberry scones, and a bowl of cotton candy ready and waiting. It sort of reminded her of a more calming, and slightly romantic version of their Tuesday tea parties. He led her to the clearing. There was no picnic blanket, but the grass was still soft and comfy. They both settled down and relaxed as they began to eat.

"This is amazing." Fluttershy said to Discord. "It is so calm and peaceful. And I love the view of the stars."

"I'm glad you like it. It is almost as pretty as you are." Discord said with a sort of worried/nervous tone hidden in his voice.

What was he worried about? Was she afraid that she didn't like it? Or was it something she had said or done? Maybe she had hurt his feelings someway, and she didn't know. She decided to try and figure it out as the night proceeded.

"How did you think of all this?" She whispered with genuine curiosity.

Discord seemed to get a little uncomfortable, and there was a sad note in his voice as he began to explain to her. "Well, I actually found this place one day when I needed to clear my head. I had just escaped from my stone prison, and I wanted to relax before I started to take over Equestria. I stayed here for a couple of days, taking in everything this place had to offer. It was so wonderful, and I wanted to enjoy it before I started in my conquest. Plus I wanted to have memories of something like this in case my takeover didn't work again." And with that, he looked down at his talons.

"Is this what you thought about before you were set free again?" Fluttershy asked, in a surprising stepping-over-the-line sort of way, that she even surprised herself sort of. She worried for a couple of seconds that she had asked a question to far. But he just nodded.

"It was a big go to for me when I was in there. I just had the memories of the looks, smells, hearing, sight, and the sensations of this place. Still, it was better than nothing. Previously, I had been young and foolish, and hadn't bothered to take time to appreciate the things around me at that point. So it was kind of a boring 1000 yrs. At least I was prepared for another 1000 years this time." He admitted.

"But you didn't need it this time. Not for 1000 years anyway." Fluttershy said, as she stroked his blue pegasus wing with one of hers.

"No. I didn't." He said now with a sort of sad smile that Fluttershy was able to see in the faint moonlight.

"Well," Fluttershy started, now hovering in the air in front of Discord, using her hooves to cup his face. "that was then. This is now. And right now, it is just you and me, here, with each other. And that is all we need."

Discord now had a million thoughts racing through his head. He had told her about his past, way more than he had ever expected to share with any pony. He had told her she was pretty in the beginning, and she hadn't run away, or laughed at him; she had not hated him in the slightest. He was here now, and she was too. She was still his friend, and that was all he needed. Maybe they could be in a place for more. But maybe that time wasn't this time. Or, perhaps, this was the time for everything.

"Thanks. Want to stargaze?" He asked in a sort of half nervous, half hopeful voice.

"Absolutely." Fluttershy said within the same heart beat.

And with that, they did. Fluttershy could see why discord liked this place. The ground was even perfect, as it cradled her and Discord perfectly.

"Do you like the night?" She asked

"Yes. It holds mystery and wonder. The day can be so predictable, but with the night, everything seems to come alive. This is where I want to be. Just us, here, together." Discord said. Maybe he could be just a little more vulnerable tonight. Maybe, just maybe, this was the night that everything fell into place. That he could finally be more to Fluttershy than a friend. Just a little more.

"Same." And with that she was going to lean into Discord, but something told her to do something that she would've thought crazy until tonight. She tapped his shoulder, and once he had turned his head to look at her, she flapped her wings to make eye contact. From there she proceeded to cup his face as she had previously done, leaned in, and kissed him.

Those few seconds felt like an eternity. Discord was pretty much paralyzed. One moment he was staring into Fluttershy's eyes, and a few seconds later, his heart was doing cartwheels, and nothing else existed except him, and the pegasus right in front of him. After she had dislodged her lips from his, he opened his eyes, looked at her, then looked at the ground. but she took one of her hooves and put it under his chin, and then rose his head as so he would make eye contact with her.

"I care about you so much. I couldn't put it words. I want to be so much more with you. You have filled my life like no one else. I can't see myself with anyone else. You are a part of me." Fluttershy spoke to him.

These words. He had imagined it a hundred times, but he still wasn't prepared for this. But he had to try.

"I do too. I have wanted this for so long, but I didn't know what to do. I am still sort of new to this, and was confused. But I think now, I can see a way. A way for both of us." Discord said.

"Me too." Fluttershy replied. She smiled at him, and he smiled back. This was everything they had both imagined, and had finally come true.

______________(*O*)______________

Applejack was at the edge of Sweet Apple Acres, waiting for Spike. She had dressed up sort of, and was looking forward with curiosity. She had her dress on, and she was comfortable. The dress wasn't girly, bright, or anything other than country and Applejack.

Applejack was feeling sort of nervous. She had spent almost the entire day with spike, and surely this would be no different. But it felt different, but she couldn't quite place her hoof on it. It felt has though even though the day had been mostly normal, it was going to change. Like tonight she would either make it, or break it. Tonight was the night that she would either be with Spike, or not at all. At least after tonight she could stop dreading on whether he would reject her, because the night for finding out, was tonight.

She could now see Spike as he was approaching from the west direction. He had a picnic basked in one arm. Her heart gave a little flutter. Even though inside herself, she was a circus with to much energy, she kept a cool and calm exterior. Sher had mastered this emotion coverup over the years. She nodded her head in acknowledgement as Spike got ever closer. He waved with a smile on his face. Applejack felt her lips turn up in a smile as well.

"Hey AJ. Ready to finish having some fun?" Spike asked.

"Yup" Applejack replied. "So what'cha got there now?" She asked.

"A picnic. Seems like a good way to close the day. Two friends just enjoying some food while every pony else is doing there own thing." Spike said in a voice oh so casual, that made Applejack feel as though she was deflating.

It did no good to mope though. She reminded herself not to get her hopes up. Not yet anyway. Although, it still hurt inside as she heard him referring to them just as friends. But maybe he his just disguising the real reason because he is shy. Or is afraid of rejection. Kinda like me. Maybe this is like Twilight's story when he realizes that I've been here this whole time. Whispered an unavoidable part of Applejack's brain. She let this possible train of thought relief herself of her worries for now. This might be true, it may not be. But even if it was, she was going to enjoy this, and take the memories with her. If it was. She hoped against that possibility.

"So, over here is good." Spike said pointing to under a tree right behind them.

Applejack only nodded, and they walked over, and set up the picnic. There was apple cider, crescents, fried chicken, fruit, applesauce, mash potatoes, soup, and an apple pie.

"Did ya make this yourself?" Applejack asked Spike with a hint of awe.

"Sure did. Don't worry, it is a lot better than some of my previous cooking." Spike reassured her. They both chuckled at the memory of some of Spike's previous homemade cooking.

With this starting them off, they both sat down on the red and white checkered blanket, and began to eat. They recalled stories of all the times, the good and the bad. After a couple of hours, they had finished eating ages ago, and the sun was starting to set. There was a silence as they both were lost in thought.

Spike was thinking things like: how well this day had gone, and this was a wonderful idea or I'm sure lucky to have Applejack as a friend. He was straying back to the story he had heard Twilight telling her friends a few days prior. He had some funny thoughts about it, but couldn't quite place on how it might relate to his life.

Applejack was thinking about how she had enjoyed the day, and this hadn't been as bad as she thought it might've been. She was making a mental note to thank Rarity soon for her coming up with this idea. She had thoroughly memorized this day backwards and forwards to lodge every single little detail, every word spoken. The sight, smells, sounds, tastes, sensations, and mood in her mind. She never wanted to forget this day. She didn't care if she forgot that the sun moved, or that she was orange, or anything else for that matter. She wanted to remember this till her dying breath. She also thought back to Twilight's story. But she also didn't want to wait twenty years in the future. She wanted to make things happen, and that is what made her decide to figure out a way, to get things moving. Either by future meetings, or the whole shebang.

"How about we tell a story now?" She mentioned to Spike.

"About what?" He asked.

""About whatever. Like we just make one up. Ah am curious to see what you can come up with." She replied.

"Okay. Lets see now..." Spike began.

"Okay. So Once Upon a Time, there was a maiden fair and sweet. She lived in the country, away from the outskirts of town. She loved to pick flowers, and to garden. She lived with her father, who was a sales pony, and was traveling all the time. At the same time, there was a lonely prince. His heart was cold and forbidden. But there was still some love left inside. Although, it was now buried deeper than before as his fiance had just left him for some tramp that she met on one of her many travels. Now, he wasn't sure what to do. He was to be crowned in 3 months, and he didn't have a bride. He searched for many days, but there was no one else. He was still searching his kingdom, with only a month to go. It began to rain, and he was in need of shelter. Now he spotted a lone cottage, and he headed towards it. In the meanwhile, the maiden heard a knocking at her door. She was alone as her father was on one of his many business trips. She opened the door, and a gust of cold wind and rain blew through the front door. And a traveler was standing there. She beckoned him inside, and shut the door. She went to a back room, and brought out some dry clothes. He thanked her, and she didn't recognize him as the prince. She bid him to stay the night, until the storm passed. Except the storm raged on for a couple of more days. During that time, they played games, talked, ate, and did all sorts of things together. When the storm had passed some 8 days after he had been stranded, he told her a password for if they should ever meet again. The password was: By and By, neither storm nor sea, shall stop our everlasting need of each other. And she should reply And we shall know each other, by the wings of angels. She agreed to this. And with that, he then bid her farewell, and went to continue his search. But as the next couple of weeks stretched on, he still could not find a suitable bride. So, a week before he was to be crowned king, he held a ball for all the girls in his kingdom, plus a few surrounding his. He thought for sure he would find someone. But Alas, on the night of the ball, he did not find one for a very long time. While this was going on, the maiden had also received her invitation, and had just barely made it. She still did not know that the prince was the one she had help to shelter from the storm. When she arrived, the prince saw her, and knew her immediately. He asked to dance, and she accepted. They danced throughout the night. And as it was nearing the end he began to speak. By and By, neither storm nor sea, shall stop our everlasting need of each other. She nearly gasped. She knew that. That is when she put two and two together and she then replied: And we shall know each other, by the wings of angels. And they both knew in that moment what was to be. The very next day, they were wed, and they lived Happily Ever After."

And with that, Spike finished. "So, what did you think?"

"Where in tarnation, did you learn to tell stories like that? It was Amazing." Applejack said.

"Hey, when you live with the Princess of Books, you learn a thing or two." He said with a laugh.

"I bet it was still your own." Applejack replied. "You know, many say that the truth may be found in the stories told. Even if ya think it up all on your own, it could still hold a bit of truth within it." She said.

Spike was now thinking about what Applejack had said. He also remembered Twilight's story. And that is when he finally put two and two together himself. His friend liked him, but she didn't know how to say it. He had finally figured it out, and now he just needed to do something about it.

Applejack was wondering if she really should say something, or if she would have a chance in the future. She chose not to, and settled for what she had gotten that day. "It's getting late. We should really be heading home." She finally said, breaking the silence.

Spike only nodded, and then they cleaned up. Spike then proceeded to walk Applejack to her front door. When they were there, and she said goodnight, he just had to do something. He remembered he had some daffodils from earlier during the picnic. They were suppose to be a decoration, but he never got around to putting them out. Might as well put them to good use. He said something just as Applejack was going to go inside, and he handed her the flowers.

"These were going to be a decoration, but I kinda forgot about them. Why don't you have them, sort as a memento of today?" He said.

Applejack was a little surprised, but she loved the flowers. And a surprisingly streak of boldness came over her. "Thank ya Spike. I have a memento of tonight for you as well."

"OH, you didn't need to..." Spike began. But he was temporarily distracted when Applejack leaned over, and gave him a kiss on the cheek. He was a million miles away, but he heard the faint sound of his friends voice as she said Goodnight.

Once inside, Applejack did not know what to feel. But she was happy. She finally got up the guts to do what she had wanted to do for a long time. This really had been the best day ever.

Author's Note

I think out of all the dresses, Applejack was undoubtedly my favorite. I just loved the overall feel of it. Country, cute, simple elegant, and totally something I would wear. Not fancy and girlish, but something you can wear in a dusty farm. Something I would wear.

This was a Valentine's day special, so I hope you enjoyed.