“So then I was like, of course I’ll sign your forehead!” Rainbow rattled off between cider cups. “Why wouldn’t I?”

West groaned and nodded. Fascinating as that sounded, he couldn’t but look towards the restrooms to see if the girls would be coming back or not. Then again, they could've just been hoping Rainbow Dash’s buzzed rammelings would be enough to scare him off. He had never felt so relieved when he saw the three mares exit the bathroom and head back to their table.

“We’re back,” Rarity said with a smile. “Now then, West was it?”

“Yes, it was,” West answered, straightening himself up as Melody took a seat next to him. An extra broad smile on her face as she did so. “... Rarity, was it? Yes! Just bought an outfit for my niece's birthday party from you earlier today.”

“Oh!” Pinkie Pie perked up. “Birthday… Wouldn’t happen to be for that ten year old filly in a few days at the community center?”

“Yeah. For Kaydence. Not to be mixed up with the princess, mind you. She was born before that whole Canterlot wedding fiasco.”

“Oh don’t remind me,” Melody said as she cringed at the memory.

“You were there?” West questioned innocently enough.

‘Ah,” Applejack said within Melody’s head. ‘Sorry.’

‘I got this,’ Coloratura said with an eye roll.

“Well not so much, there,” Melody explained, recollecting where Rara was during the event. “I was actually planning to go. To Canterlot, that weekend. But then… Other things came up and when I found out, I was thinking that a close one.”

That, other thing, being Coloratura's manager at the time not being able to score a performance at the event. To which all the other mares, Applejack from within Melody’s head included, look on intrigued at the explanation.

Which, fortunately, West didn’t notice. “Oh, well, I guess a close call like that will be something you won’t forget.”

“You have no idea,” Applejack let slip out of Melody’s mouth.

“We're going to order some food?!” Rainbow Dash butted in.

With that, they did so. Between ordering and getting their food, West couldn’t help but feel…

He wasn’t sure what the right word was. Third wheel? Being danced around. Although he never felt uncomfortable, he did feel as if they were being careful with what they said. As most of the conversation was directed more about him. Asking who he was, what he did, not what he wouldn’t expect. They would also tell them about themselves when he asked. Most of the awkwardness, he seemed to notice, came from Melody. Whenever he asked something about her, she would try to deflect back to him or one of the elements. If it seemed like one of the elements were about to acknowledge her, they switched around the conversation.

“-so then I had to improvise,” Rarity said as she recalled of an experience in her Manehattan store. “Fortunately, the customer liked it.” She beamed and looked to Melody. “Would you say that- I mean, that’s a manehattan minute for you.”

“Yeah,” West sighed. Having had enough. “Hey, Melody?”

“Huh?” Melody blinked.

“Would you like too…

He scanned the bar for a decent excuse, but figured to just be straight. “Can I talk to you about something? Privately?” It didn’t surprise him that the mares started to look uneasily at each other.

Melody fidgeted and started to protest. However, she felt a hand on her leg. She looked next to her and Pinkie Pie, who gave her a reassuring nod.

“Sure,” she answered, following West as he stood up from the table. Glancing one last time at her friends who tried to seem assuring.

Rarity spoke first. “You think-

“We’ll just have to wait and see.” Pinkie Pie said, spinning around her beer bottle.

West led Melody back to the game corner of the bar, which was thankfully empty at the moment. Although he had to think if this was a good idea. Maybe not, he could already see his dad, if he ever found out, scolding him right now. However, he decided if he didn’t get it off his chest, it would drive him nuts. Besides, if this had just ruined any chance with her, he might as well go fill out with experimenting with sharing his concerns.

“Something wrong?” Melody asked as West turned to face her.

“No. Not at all! It’s been a really fun night,” He promised. “It’s just that… Well I don’t know, it may just be me, but, are you okay? I’ve been feeling like your friends are trying to, what’s the word? Um, they seem to not let you talk? Or ask you to talk? No! I mean-

Melody became suddenly fascinated in her feet.

West sighed. “Is it me?”

“What?” Melody’s bear shot up “No! No. I promise, you’re doing nothing wrong.Njt,” she rubbed at her neck.

West raised an eyebrow. “But?”

Melody griminching. “It's complicated.” She regretted it before she even said it.

West sighed. “Hey, if I’ve made things awkward, it’s fine. I really didn’t want to ruin your night. I can take a hint. I’m sorry if I came on too hard with you.”

Melody felt her stomach tightened. “It’s not that! No, it’s-

She reached out her hand and saw him flinch back. When she recoiled, she had a thought.

“I'm a fusion of two mares.” she spat out before either Applejack, Coloratura, or herself could think twice about it.

Why she was thinking first, the way things were going if that’s how he was feeling. Sure, she could probably make some other kind of excuse. However, truth be told, she was having a miserable time. She couldn’t talk about herself because she didn’t want to accidentally slip, and all that did was make her unhappy. She wanted to talk, enjoy herself, get to know this stallion, and if no matter what she said would be bad, why not just tell him the truth.

“What?” West asked, genuinely confused by that.

With it out there, Melody took in a breath, and explained; “I actually a fusion of a mare the elements know about.” Keeping the identity of who those mares were for the moment. “A spell Princesses Twilight Sparkle knows.” She had closed her eyes at that last part. When she opened them, a bit of relief that West didn’t look angry or in disbelief.

“You… Believe me?” She asked when he said nothing.

“To be fair,” West shrugged, “when it comes to living in a town with the elements, this is hardly anything.” His words having taken him out of some kind of trance he had been in, he shook his head. “Although, this isn’t some kind of excuse or lead me on or to say you don’t want me around or something?”

“Heck no!” Melody snapped. “Sorry, I mean,” she said as she took in a deep breath. “Actually, with that out there,” she bite her lips. “West, do you think I’m pretty and see this as a date?”

West reddened. “Well! I mean, I didn’t want to come out as too forward, but,” he replied as he noticed her arms were being held behind her back. “Do you want it to be? I do think you’re rather pretty, and from what little I've gotten of you so far, you seem like a cool mare to hang out with.”

Melody smiled as she said, “Thanks.” She sighed, continuing, “The thing is, before I cause any harm if you want to back out; I’m a fusion of a lesbian couple, and I’ll be defusing, not by choice, in four days.” She frowned as West's jaw slacked. “Yeah. Although, I don’t think you’re bad looking yourself. Don’t ask how that works being two gay mares, plan to bring it up with Twilight when she’s back in town. Anyways,” she took in a breath, “that’s, kind of the deal.” She hugged herself. “I actually wouldn’t mind if you wanted this to be a date, however, well, actually, the plan was for me just to enjoy the night before I had to drop it on you that I can’t promise anything we do or feel may continue in four days,” Melody said as she cringed. “Yeah, doesn’t sound any less selfish out loud.”

“Well, I… I don’t think so...” West started to say. This was crazy. Assuming her story was true. Which would have almost been worse with the idea that their relationship would have a time limit. Then again, was that really so bad a trade off of she was interested in her.

He made up his mind. “Now that I know, would you, maybe, like to start over.”

She looked up to him hopefully.

“Actually,” West coughed, “since we seem to have a lot off our chest, would you like to go out on a date with me, miss Orchard?”

“Really?” Melody held back a chortal. “Not that I had any other plans.” She tried to sound tough, but failed miserably as they both let out a laugh. “But seriously. I mean, are you sure? I really don’t want to set you up, and in four days-

In a bold move, West reached out and took Melody’s hand. “We’ll worry about that when the time comes. How about tonight, we just have fun? Okay?”

It proved to be too much for her, as she lunged forward and embraced him. To which, surprised, but just as happy, he returned the hug.

“So, a fusion?” he asked once they pulled away. “Who with?”

“Uh…” Melody shrank a little. Then she came up with a fun little solution to her problem. “Now where’s the fun if I just told you that?”

“Ah, come on!” West pouted. “I thought we were being open about things. Please.”

“Nope.” She booped his nose. “Think of this as a means to work on that name memory problem you have.”

West scoffed, but accepted defeat. “Alrighty, Miss.” He booped her back and was rewarded with a giggle. “Challenge accepted! But for now,” he offered him his hand, “shall we get back to this date properly so I can learn more about Miss Melody Orchard, and whomever she may be.”

“Let’s.” Smirking, she took his hand, and allowed him to lead her back to their booth. To which, On the outside, Melody Orchard was radiating with joy. On the inside, however;

“We can’t hide that truth from him forever, Rara.”

“I know. Still is a weight to at least have the fusion and time limit thing out of the way. Now maybe we can enjoy this night and let this guy fall in love with who we are, not what we are..”

“And then?”

“…We’ll just have to cross that bridge when we get there.”

***

Back at their table, the three mares sat around worriedly.

“You think everything’s going okay back there?” Rarity asked.

“Maybe,” Rainbow offered. “Still, if not, may be for the best that we don’t have to tip-toe-

“And they’re back!” Pinkie cut off. All three of them straightened up as West and Melody took their seats.

“Hey,” West said. “We miss anything?”

Each of the three mares said their no’s in their own hesitant way.

“Things alright with you two?” Rainbow asked quizidly.

Melody and West looked to each other, then back to them.

“It’s alright,” Melody answered non-saluanly

“Oh yeah.” West nodded in agreement.

The mares only slightly easing up.

“That’s good,” Rarity began. “So, West, what kind of-

“Actually,” he cut off, “I was wondering if we could talk more about Melody.” He held back a laugh as the mares tensed up. “You know; like who she is. Where she comes from. What’s her favorite and least favorite fruit and vegetable? Maybe some funny stories from you ladies?”

There was a moment of silence.

Melody rolled her eyes in bemusement. “He knows. Told him everything except who I am. Or rather, which two mares created me.”

A collective sigh of relief radiated across the table.

“Oh that’s good!” Rainbow Dash said. “So he doesn't knows your-

“Ah ah!” Melody Orchard ried out, reaching across to flick Rainbow Dash on the head.

“Hey!”

Melody glared before relaxing. “I mean, didn’t want to spoil all of the fun for him in one night.” She playfully nudged West with her elbow.

Rarity, more aware than Dash why she would want to keep that a secret for a while, added, “Well of course. A lady must have some secrets of her own.” Her face turned more neutral. “So, this is really going to happen between you two?”

“Oh joy!” Pinkie Pie smiled. “First comes love, then comes marriage, then-

“How about we just get through our first date tonight!” Melody cut her off, both her and West already red in the face. “And to answer at least one of your questions, West; My least favorite fruit is the Strawberry.”

With that stress out of the way, the night became far more enjoyable for all five of them. While the elements still tried their best to keep Melody’s identity of Applejack and Coloratura a secret, they could at least be a little more open and would even share a few funny stories that didn’t give too much away. Although, most of the remaining night after that was getting to who Melody Orchard was herself. Turned out, she was a rather forward mare who wasn’t afraid to speak up about what she wanted. A mare who somewhat liked golfing and even singing. A stubborn mare, who wouldn't let it go when Rainbow Dash challenged her to the bull. A caring mare who happily nursed West back to health when, in a bit of ego, attempted to beat out the two mares, and was thrown off halfway across the bar. Probably didn’t help that this bull was a real four legged animal West kicked too hard and unwisely insulted it too.

Most of all, Melody Orchard was a rather optimistic mare who could be easily made to laugh. Something West did as often as he could, sometimes to the annoyance of the other mares, but it was worth it to hear her beautiful laughter. While making Melody aglow when he said as much.

This continued until eleven p.m. when the bar was set to close. The five of them parting their separate ways one by one, until, likely intentionally seeing as Pinkie Pie, to Applejack's memory, took the long way home, left West and Melody by themselves. The former of which was leaning onto the other still in a little bit pain.

“You’re an idiot,” Melody complained as they stumbled while she helped him walk.

“But, I’m your idiot, right?” West asked sheepishly.

Melody rolled her eyes and let out one of her beautiful laughs. “Something like that.”

West smiled as they continued on down the street. “Well, otherwise, and even that was worth it, I had a rather fun time tonight.”

“Yeah,” Melody replied as she nodded in agreement. “I did too. Thanks.”

“Um, my place is right, there!” West pointed downwards at the end of the street. “Also, isn’t the stallion supposed to walk the lady home after the date?”

Melody clicked her tongue. “Well, I mean, if you’d want, and then have to walk home by yourself.”

West chuckled nervously. “Or I could just spend the night at yours.” His pupils shrank as Melody bit her lips. “Sorry, SORRY! Too much?”

“Eh,” she started, “yeah, maybe just a little.”

West let out a breath. “Well thanks for being honest before I really crossed a line.” He frowned. “You wouldn’t have been the first. Although I swear, it’s never intentional”

Melody adjusted her grip on him. “Oh… Sorry to hear that, partner.”

“It’s okay. I mean, live and learn, and it’s because I’m not with anyone that I got to meet you.”

Melody blushed. “Well any mare that broke up with you over a misunderstanding of what boundaries she is and isn’t comfortable with, is a fool.”

He smiled at that. “Thank, Melody.”

Of course, those situations were far more complicated than a few one time off-putting sex jokes, but he figured those were details she didn’t need to know.

“No problem,” Melody said as they reached the front door of his place. “So…

“So,” West started, leaning against a rail for support so he could look directly at Melody. “Was, tonight good enough that you’d want to try this again?”

“I’d love to.” She said. Simply, with a grin. “Are you free tomorrow?”

“Eh, I have work in the afternoon. Although I have the next two days off after. How about we meet up at Sugarcube Corner to plan out the week.” He kicked at the ground. “So, we really only got four more days together?”

Melody Orchard looked down. “I really am sorry I can’t give you more.”

West took her hands into his, fighting through the pain to stand straight up. An effort that wasn’t lost on the girl.

“Then I’ll just have to make them the best four days of your life.”

Melody teared up. Just a little, mind you.

“Thanks.” She blushed, taking his hand. “Wasn’t really expecting to meet anyone, mare or stallion, to be honest. I’m glad it got to be you.”

“I’ll do my best not to mess it up.” He added, taking her other.

“Do so.” Melody added with a wink.

The two laughed at that. When their laughter dies down, the two gazed longingly at each other. Their faces drawing closer and, not wanting to waste a moment longer or wanting fate to cause something to happen, Melody crossed the distance for them as she quickly pressed her lips onto his. West jerked in surprise at the suddenness, but was all too happy to return the favor as they stayed connected for about a minute. Smiling goofily at each other when they broke apart.

“Well, goodnight!” Melody waved. Letting go of his hands and walking home before it became too tempting to ask if she could have just spent the night with him.

West himself stayed on his patio for a while, even once Melody was out of view. A far off, dreamy gaze in his eyes, that Melody would share all throughout the rest of her own night.

Author's Note

*will add the color bold for AJ’s and Rara’s inner thoughts later

So I was never going to drag out the, keeping the, at least fusion part, a secret for very long. I justified the ApplejackxCokuratura no tell bit on wanting West/me to fall in love and develop Melody as her own person first, but I just couldn’t, even if I wanted to, write an enjoyable story if it’s about her keeping the fusion time limit thing under wraps for longer than it needed to be. Although the original idea was to time skip the whole bar date and just have her reveal that truth while they were walking home. Almost didn’t even write anything in the bar after the last chapter. However, I knew it was an important scene as it would be the first time these two really got to know each other, which as a Demisexual is extremely important to me if I’m going to enjoy any kind of romance story. Although I did skip a little and no make this nearly as long as the first date chapter of Buttons Date With Silver Spoon, I think I’m proud of how it turned out, and went with that being when she came out as a way to ease West more into the friendship of the other elements.

Anyways, hope you enjoyed and please let me know if you did or didn’t down below