“Ah, great,” West grumbled as he counted up the put away golf carts. One short. Which meant, nightcrawlers.

It fascinated him to no end that, even with it due to being pitch black in minutes, people would still. He swore it would take nothing short of a thunderstorm or pandemic to get any pony to stop playing. Truthfully, they would still probably play if they weren’t told not to. Well, it was irritating, but a few extra minutes on his timecard wouldn’t hurt. Except for the fact she had a date tonight.

Maybe. He reminded himself not to be too optimistic. Regardless, he thought to himself as he walked to the pro shop, it felt nice to want to leave early for a reason. That was, if she actually-

As he headed to the picnic benches by the office to sit and wait for the last cart to come in, he was genuinely surprised to see Melody Orchard sitting there.

“Oh hey!” He waved. “You’re still here?”

Melody jumped. “Oh! Oh! Sorry. Yeah! Why wouldn’t I be?” Her smile dropped a little in recalling that she had earlier debated with her two halves on if she was going to show or not. Still, she was here now. Whatever happened, she was going to enjoy herself.

“Well,” West gulped. “I mean, I wasn’t sure if you might have had other plans or something.” Hesitantly, but trying to show confidence, he took a seat next to her. When Melody didn’t protest, he continued, “So, play a good game?”

Melody shrugged. “For a first timer, I don’t think I did terribly.”

West laughed. “Yeah. Although, heads up in advance, we might be here for a while.”

“Why’s that?”

West let out a sigh. “Nightcrawlers.” As Melody stared blankly at him, he continued.

“Eh, it’s what we call golfers, particularly those who rented out carts and keep us here later, that play until it’s pitch black out.”

“Whoa.” Melody’s eyes widened. “How can anypony still be playing this late? I can barely see with what little light is left.”

West rolled his eyes. “You’d be surprised what ponies will play through unless you tell them otherwise.”

Melody laughed. “Sounds like you have an exciting life.”

West started to answer, but then saw the last golf cart on the final hole. “Ah, there they are! Looks like there’s just one golfer, so we should be able to get out of here in about five to ten minutes. Um, is there anything you were wanting or thinking of doing tonight?”

“Actually,” Melody said as she rubbed at her shoulders, “I did have some earlier plans.” She kicked around the ground. “I was going to meet up with some friends at a bar after the game, but I’d love it if you would come with me.”

West Squinted his eyes. “I thought you said this was your first time here.”

Melody tensed up.

“Let me guess; Pinkie Pie? Oh wait! You said you were cousins with Rarity back at the boutique too.”

Melody let out a light breath. “Yeah! That’s it. Um, I mean, Rarity set me up to meet up with some of her friends after golfing.”

“Ah! The elements. I mean, I don’t know them personally, but you’ll definitely like them.” Noticing how the last golfer had reached the green already, he added, “I’m sure you will as well.”

The rest of the conversation was just of Melody asking West about life in Ponyville. Most of which were things she already knew, but as long as it kept him from asking her more about where she came from. Which she was doubtful she could hide for long, but for the moment, it was all about her; Melody Orchard. Not the Element Applejack, or the popstar Coloratura tonight.

As the last cart came in, the guy inside commented on PJ’s, ‘lady,’ friend, to his dismay. A quick wash and lock up, and the two ponies were off. The bar in question not being too far away from the golf course as it turned out. The other elements in attendance, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash, already sipping on some cider and beers when they arrived.

“If I never hear that oatmeal joke again,” Rainbow Dash grumbled.

“Well in anycase,” Rarity interjected, before noticing Melodies and West’s advance. “Ah! There she is now!” Her smile diminished when she realized the stallion next to her, was clearly company. “Melody! So glad you could make it.” She looked to PJ, saying, “And you brought a friend I see.”

“Huh?” Rainbow Dash picked up her head from the table. “She did?”

“Looks like it,” Pinkie Pie replied, indifferently, but more in a cheerful direction.

“Um, yeah,” Melody Orchard said nervously. “Hope you don’t mind.” She took a West’s arm, surprising him but truthfully had started to feel a little awkward at Rarity’s gaze. “Guys, this West Jersey. Kind of meet him earlier today at the boutique, and then we bumped into each other at the golf course.”

“I recall.” Rarity added with a sip of her Manehatten. “I could use a little freshening up. Darling, would you-

“Melody.” Melody Orchard pointed out. Realizing West was the first pony whom she had shared her name with. “Melody Orchard.”

West laughed. “If it means anything, I’m just as bad at names.” He sucked in a breath at Rarity’s quizzical expression.

“Yes, of course!” Rarity responded as if she had just gotten some joke. “Anyways, Miss Orchard, would you care to join me?” Before either she or West could protest, she had dragged the poor girl off, leaving a bewildered West, Rainbow Dash, and-

“I think I’ll join them.” Pinkie Pie added, realizing something. “Be right back, don’t you go anywhere!”

Not really seeing anything better to do, and thinking that, even if what they were about to talk was bad news related to him, following them wouldn’t have helped. So, he took a seat adjacent to Rainbow Dash.

“So,” Dash questioned, while somewhat aware of the situation, not at all as invested in who or what had happened. “You golf?”

Meanwhile, having been dragged into the ladies room, Rarity began a bombardment of questions related to the stallion Melody Orchard had brought with her. Somewhat assuming more than guessing this was some kind of date. Alongside the fact that she was supposedly a fusion of two lesbians.

“Rarity, chill!” Melody commanded as she pushed the mare off of her. “I already had thought of most of those things beforehand.”

“But, I mean,” Rarity started to protest further, until Pinkie Pie bounced into the bathroom.

“Hey, girls,” the pink mare waved. “What I miss?”

“My guess is Rarity here is questioning my dating life.” Melody said with a huff as she crossed her arms.

“Well,” Rarity commented, “you can’t blame any of us for being surprised.”

“Ah, Rarity, who cares?” Pinkie pointed out. “Does it really matter? Or,” she smirked, “You forgot what it was like with Twilight when we were Dainty Pleasures?”

Melody Orchard’s jaw dropped. “You both did what now as Dainty?!”

“Not that point!” Rarity deflected. “I’m just pointing this out as the voice of reason.” She sighed and turned her attention back to Melody. “Well, if this guy does like you, then how do you plan to explain to him who you are?”

“Well, hehe.” Melody twiddled her fingers. “I... Look, it’s not like I haven’t thought of that.” She leaned back onto the sink. “But I just want to enjoy tonight. Alright? I’ll deal with the whole fusion thing later. For now, this is my first chance to meet somepony without them thinking about my fame first. Or, I guess that more Coloratura's. But Applejack’s too with your girls more localized fame.” She let out a sigh and placed a hand on her head. “That made me sound rather hallow, didn’t it?”

“No.” Rarity said, crossing her arms and looking away. “I suppose I understand a little. Still,” she looked back to Melody, “feels wrong, if I’m honest.”

“Come on, Rares,” Pinkie Pie walked over and gave Melody Orchard a half hug. “I mean, it’s not like it’s the end of the world if you only go on one date with someone and that’s the end of things. Fusion or not.”

Rarity bit her lips. “I suppose you’re right.” She took in a breath. “Look at me! I practically became my father when Sweetie Belle started dating.”

Pinkie Pie and Melody Orchard laughed at that.

“Still,” Pinkie Pie pointed out, “maybe we should head back? Before the poor guy thinks we’re helping her ditch him?”

“Yes, indeed.” Rarity nodded. “Sorry about that, dear.”

“Thanks, Rarity.” Melody nodded with a smile. “I can understand where you’re coming from.” She looked downwards. “Although now I can’t help but worry-

“Stop!” Rarity blurted, causing Pinkie Pie and Melody Orchard to jump back.”You will not let me worry there. We are going out there, and giving you your first best day ever! Then after, I will be making you an apology dress.”

Melody chuckled nervously. “You really don’t have to, Rarity.”

“But I must! No, it’s already decided. Oh!” Rarity’s eyes started to sparkle. “I already have some ideas!”

Melody started to protest, but a tug on her head and look at Pinkie shaking her head told her that it would be futile to fight it. This was her night, and she wasn’t going to let any worries about what would happen later stop her.

Author's Note

Got some cool stuff for pre-reader notes in the comments this time around

Could still use an additional provider or two if anyone’s interested, may be a slightly long hiatus between this and the next chapter, West’s and Melody’s first date! ❤️