“What are you doing here?” exclaimed Sweetie Belle.

Her eyes were taking in the sharply-dressed form of Chrome Shield. He was wearing a dark-blue suit with a white dress shirt, and a black-and-white striped tie.

“Waiting for my friends,” he said, eyeing the familiar red dress she was wearing. “Clear Sight and Steel Spirit said to meet them here before we have our night on the town.”

“Where are they?” asked Sweetie, looking over at the bar for them.

“That’s just it. They were supposed to be here fifteen minutes ago.”

The two looked towards the front door of the supper club as it suddenly opened, but instead of Chrome’s buddies, they saw an older couple enter and head for the maitre’d.

“Well talk about coincidences,” said Sweetie. "The girls are late too! Something came up with Scootaloo’s friend.”

“Did they say when they’d show up?”

“Nope. Just said to come here and wait, but it looks like we’re not getting into the club.”

“Why not?”

“The maitre’d says we’re not on the list.”

“But you made the reservation, right?”

“No, Applebloom did.”

“Why don’t I talk with him?” asked Chrome, looking over to the front desk as another couple talked to the snooty-looking stallion.

“No, you don’t need to do that. My friends and I will sort it out once they get here.”

“Well I’m going to give it a shot anyways,” said Chrome, holding out his hand. “Come on.”

Okay, thought Sweetie, as Chrome helped her up from her seat and she followed him over.

“Hello,” greeted the maitre’d.

“Hi,” said Chrome, “I-“

“And what is your name, please?”

“Chrome Shield. Listen, this pony here is supposed to have a reservation for-“

“Ah yes, Mister Shield,” smiled the maitre'd looking at his list. “I see your reservation.”

“R-really!?” asked Sweetie, nearly bumping Chrome aside. “But you told me-“

“Yes, Chrome Shield, party of two,” said the maitre’d, seemingly ignoring Sweetie Belle. “I take it this young pony is your guest?”

“Wh-I-no-no-no-no-no,” said Chrome. “I’m not supposed to have a reservation here. I’m just waiting for my friends in the bar.”

“But your name is here on the list,” said the maitre’d quizzically. “Unless there is another Chrome Shield-“

“I highly doubt that. Look, can you just give my reservation to Sweetie Belle here, and add in another chair for when her friends show up?”

“I am sorry Mister Shield, but your name is on the reservation, and we cannot transfer it to anyone else. Would you prefer to cancel it?”

Chrome was quiet for a bit, and then pulled Sweetie Belle aside.

“We need to discuss this,” he said to the maitre’d, as they tried to find a corner big enough to converse in. Eventually, a space opened up by the bar and they leaned against the counter.

“What can I get you two?” asked a bartender, wiping the space and putting down two napkins.

“Nothing, thanks,” said Chrome.

“Sorry pal, if you’re gonna stand there, you’re gonna have to order something.”

“Fine,” sighed Chrome. “Two waters.”

“Shall I, start a tab?”

“Sure, whatever. Name's Chrome Shield.”

“Alright,” said the bartender, looking like he had been short-changed. “I’ll just keep it open until you decide to order something besides water.”

And with that, he disappeared behind another bartender, and the couple began to talk.

“Well?” Chrome asked Sweetie.

“Well, what?” she asked back.

“What should I do?”

“Your name is on the reservation-“

“I know, but I didn’t make any reservations here.”

“You’re sure-“

“Of course I’m sure! I’m supposed to be going to dinner with my friends, remember?”

“So what are you gonna do about the reservation?"

“I don’t know. I guess I can wait until the guys get here, and we can figure it out then.”

“Alright,” said the bartender, returning with a tray.

As Sweetie and Chrome turned, they were surprised to see two glasses of champagne placed on the napkins, and an envelope placed on the counter between them.

“Um, I think there’s been a mistake,” said Sweetie Belle. “He ordered us two waters.”

“But your name is Chrome Shield?” the bartender asked Chrome.

“Yeah, I said it was.”

“Well, we had a note to serve two glasses of champagne and provide this envelope, sir.”

“Who told you to do that?” Chrome asked, suspiciously.

“There was no name, but I can assure you the drinks are paid for.”

Chrome and Sweetie exchanged glances as the bartender walked away.

“Think they’re safe?” asked Sweetie, picking up her glass, and eyeing the bubbles inside it.

“I doubt Brawny Bones would try to poison me in a place like this,” chuckled Chrome.

“Oh my Celestia, It’s like you read my mind!”

“Well, how about we toast to that?” said Chrome picking up his glass. “To Sweetie Belle, the biggest and brainiest pony in Princess Twilight Sparkle’s magic class.”

“And, to Chrome Shield,” said Sweetie with a blush on her cheeks. “The future head of the Canterlot Royal Guard.”

“Okay, we’ve both over-qualified each other,” chuckled Chrome. “Cheers!”

And with that, they clinked their glasses, and took their sips.

“So, what’s in the envelope?” asked Sweetie.

“Why don’t you find out?” asked Chrome, passing it to her.

“Very well.”

And with that, Sweetie flipped open the envelope, and pulled out a sturdy card. A few moments after reading it, she rolled her eyes and began to chuckle while shaking her head.

“What is it?” asked Chrome.

She passed him the card without saying a word. A few moments later, he was chuckling and shaking his head as well.

“Why those sly little so-and-sos,” he said, before picking up his glass, and taking another drink.

It wasn’t long before the two returned to the maitre’d, and Chrome and Sweetie were led through a fancy corridor. Sweetie checked her small wrap at the coat check window, before the two were then led into the main room of the club.

A number of tables were laid out across several levels. At the center of the room was a large checkerboard dance floor. At one end of the floor, there rose up a large stage with a red curtain.

The couple were seated on a rise overlooking the dance floor and stage, with Sweetie having to adjust herself so she didn’t shove her chest against the table and tip it over.

Suddenly, she heard a slap. Turning to her right, she saw an older stallion rubbing his cheek, and his wife angrily staring at him.

“He was trying to get ‘a better view,’" smiled Chrome, as Sweetie turned back in his direction.

“Maybe you and I should switch seats then,” she said.

“You really want to deny him such a view? Who knows how many years that old fella has left?”

“…okay, but if he tries to grope me-“

“Relax,” said Chrome. “I’m not gonna let you out of my sight tonight. Pinkie Promise.”

It wasn’t long before a waiter brought them their menus.

“I would like to inform you both that your entire meal has been comped,” he said with a smile. “I’ll give you some time to look over our choices for tonight.”

A few moments after he had gone, Sweetie began to giggle as she was reading her menu.

“What?” asked Chrome.

“I still can’t believe they all planned this!” she said. “How did neither of us see the signs?”

“Seems simple enough,” replied Chrome. “We were hard at work getting prepped for finals, our friends each lured us in with specific events. Though since they’re paying, should we…overindulge?”

“Let’s…not. I don’t want to stumble out of here and feel like I’m going to bust up Rarity’s dress.”

The waiter soon returned, and the two ordered another round of champagne. Shortly after the glasses arrived, a ripple of applause filtered through the audience as a medium-build, chocolate-brown stallion stepped up to the microphone on the stage. His hair and mustache were peppered with black and grey, and he had a big grin on his face.

“Evening mares and gentlecolts,” said the stallion. “My name is Big Horse Concourse, and I will be your host and master of ceremonies for tonight.”

There was another smattering of applause.

“Now I’m known by Big Horse far and wide across this land, but my good friends call me Biggie. And I consider you lovely folks tonight to be my friends, so you can do the same, okay?”

Biggie listened, but heard nothing.

“You’re supposed to say, ’okay, Biggie.’”

“Okay, Biggie,” came a small rumbling from the audience.

“Oh come ON, ponies! We’re in the greatest city in Equestria, now let me HEAR YA!!”

“O-KAY BIGGIE!!!” yelled out the audience a little louder (including Chrome and Sweetie).

“Now THAT gave me the chilly-willies, and I LIKE that! Let me bring out my good friend whose voice will be tickling your ears soon enough. Give it up for Sugar Swinger!”

The applause built up as a dark-orange pony with short green curls strutted out, her dress shimmering in the lights.

“Now while she takes the mic, let me show you my guys and gals who will be backing her up, The Jetsetters!”

The stage curtain rose up, revealing a small jazz band. In a few moments, Biggie was conducting them in a slow, jazzy rhythm as Sugar began to sing.

“Care for a dance?” asked Chrome.

“Maybe later,” said Sweetie, as the waiter returned.

“Have you decided on your meals?” he asked, pulling out a pad.

Soon enough, the couple had had a few more glasses of champagne, and the waiter returned to take away their empty plates.

Down on the dance floor, several couples finished their slow-dances as the band and Sugar finished up another number.

“Thank you,” she said to another round of applause. “You know, I just love singing for all you wonderful ponies, but I’m gonna take a little break while we get somepony else to entertain you tonight. Biggie, that’s your cue.”

The conductor nodded as Sugar sat at a small table off to the side, signaling for a waiter.

“Now then,” said Biggie, looking around the room. “Where is Sweetie Belle?”

Sweetie almost spit out her champagne. Her heart was racing, and she suddenly felt like her cheeks were flushing.

“Come on out, Sweetie Belle. No need to be shy, we’re all friends here-“

“Here she is!” cried out Chrome, gesturing to his date.

“Chromewhatareyoudo-“ was all she got out of her mouth before a spotlight shone on her, and she nervously became the center of attention!

“Aw yeah,” smiled Biggie. “Stand up honey, that’s it, no need to-wow, talk about a 'big surprise.'”

Sweetie could feel her face grow redder as her body was illuminated too.

“Come on up here, honey. Hey you, yeah you. Help get her up here, will ya?”

Chrome found himself trying to keep from laughing as he took Sweetie’s hand and led her towards the stage. Sweetie tried to smile but was suddenly even more nervous than usual. She was also making sure that she didn’t accidentally bump into anypony or their tables with her chesty girth.

“Thank you, son,” said Biggie to Chrome as the couple ascended to the stage next to him. “Didn’t catch your name.”

“Chrome Shield,” said Chrome.

“Well Chrome,” said Biggie, shaking his hand. “pleasure to meet you, and your lovely wife-“

“Oh we’re not married,” said Sweetie.

“Hmmmmm,” said Biggie, eyeing her and Chrome for a few seconds. “Okay-okay I get it, you two aren’t quite there yet like a lot of the lovely folks here with us tonight. Maybe my band can help that along by a few years.”

The joke was followed by some laughter from the audience.

“Now,” said Biggie, sidling over to Chrome’s date, “Miss Belle, a little pony told me you’re a singer, is that right?”

“Well…yeah?” she said, in a wishy-washy tone.

“And I think it’s no exaggeration that you might be the biggest singer I’ve met-now, I hope you don’t think I’m being-“

“They’re all me,” she sighed, as she felt the eyes of the entire audience shift to her chest. “Everyone asks, so let’s just get that out in the open!”

“I figured you must get that a lot,” chuckled Biggie. “But I really want to hear that sweet voice of yours sing. And Sugar? Don’t worry, you’re still my number one, girl!”

This was followed by more applause, and Sugar raised a cocktail glass.

“Now then, Miss Belle. Are you familiar with the tune, Stallion of the Plains?”

“Yes?” she replied.

“Do you know all the words?”

“I, think so.”

“Well I would like to hear you sing it. Will you please?”

Sweetie Belle found herself giggling and burying her head in her hand.

“They are so gonna get it for this,” she whispered to herself.

“Say what now, Sweetie?” asked Biggie.

“Alright, Biggie,” she shrugged, leading to applause from the room.

“Fine then! Step on over here.”

And with that, Sweetie stepped up to the microphone, which became wedged between her breasts.

“Oh, this is awkward,” chuckled Biggie. “Well we can’t have ‘that’ this early in the evening. Waldorf, lower us down another mic.”

As Biggie plucked the mic stand from between Sweetie’s chest, one on a cord descended from the ceiling.

“How is that, Sweetie? Better?”

“Y-yes,” she smiled, a little perky at Biggie’s consideration for her bodily accoutrements.

“How about you, Chrome?” said Biggie, passing the mic stand to him. “Can we make this a duet?”

“No-no-no,” said Chrome. “She’s got the talent, I’m just a cadet-“

“A ca-DET!?” asked Biggie. “Guarding our royal princesses, are ya?”

“Y-you bet,” said Chrome, as he heard some applause.

“Say, I’ve always wondered, what’s Princess Luna’s bedroom like?”

“I…I wouldn’t know, Biggie.”

“Oh, I see…need-to-know cadet stuff,” smiled Biggie, wiggling his eyebrows and making the audience laugh. “Well, a stallion can dream, can’t he? But back to Sweetie Belle here. You all good?”

“As…good as I’ll ever be,” she grinned sheepishly.

“That’s what I like to hear-Chrome, why don’t you sit down next to Sugar over there and keep her company?”

Chrome chuckled, and soon was sitting next to the green-haired pony.

“And waiter? Get him a drink, a man shouldn’t be watching his girlfriend perform without a tasty little libation.”

As Chrome made his order, Biggie moved in front of his band, and extended his hands out.

“All set, Sweetie Belle?” he asked.

“All set, Biggie,” she smiled, as another spotlight illuminated her.

A few moments later, the brass began to play a sensuous, slow rhythm. The piano kicked in, and then the soft playing of a marimba washed over the room.

Sweetie Belle’s eyes played across the entire room, as all manner of upper-class and well-dressed ponies and stallions watched her. Eventually, her eyes landed on Chrome, who smiled back at her, gave her a wink, and took a sip of his drink.

She smiled coyly at him, turned back to the audience…and began to sing.

Author's Note

This was another chapter where I couldn’t believe how it just flowed out.

The chapter was keyed into the two main events of the supper reservation, and the stage show. So about 90% of the story was about this, and 10% was “filler” as I headed towards the word count. “Talk” chapters I find are fun, and this one reminded me of the dinner scene at the castle, where my fingers just started flying.

I find I’m also getting into the habit of writing delays and/or verbal things with characters, given how I hear them speaking in my head.

I did wonder if I was going a bit far with the name “Big Horse Concourse and The Jetsetters,” but I was thinking how we had pony names like Photo Finish in the G4 show, so figured it wasn’t so bad.

“Biggie” I saw as a mix of Cab Calloway, Louie Armstrong, and LaMarr from the Tom Hanks film, That Thing You Do. He was somewhat like my Daisy May in this chapter, where you’re very entertained by his personality and antics (at least I was).