Spike walked into the bar and instantly saw the rainbow mane. It’s hard to miss. He walked over and joined his friend at her table. She didn’t have a drink in front of her, which he found odd.

“Hey, what’s up, Rainbow Dash? You’re usually on at least round three by now.”

She waved a hoof, “I was depressed. I’m not depressed anymore. I’m the luckiest mare in all of Ponyville. In all EQUESTRIA!”

Spike got nervous as the other patrons all turned to look at their table. A moment later he was able to breathe again as they all went back to their own drinks. Rainbow Dash was grinning almost like she was possessed. Perhaps she was. This was the first time Spike had ever seen her while she was dating someone. She kept looking to the door with a hopeful smile.

“Um, are we expecting somepony else?”

“Oh yeah!” she turned to him, “All the girls are gonna be here tonight. They were free and it’s been a while since we all got together. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Oh cool. I definitely don’t mind a get together with friends. Especially when I don’t have to clean up afterwards.”

“Exactly! Cider and friends. And maybe some food. It’ll be perfect.”

“Hi Rainbow Dash and Spike!”

They both glanced to the door and saw the whole group. Pinkie Pie was waving and the others slowly made their way around her. Applejack and Rarity sat down next to Spike, while Fluttershy finished filling the side and sat next to Rainbow Dash. Twilight walked up and gave her marefriend a kiss on the cheek. Rainbow Dash turned three shades of pink. Then they all turned to look at Pinkie Pie once again. She stopped waving from the door and bounced over to the table. The box on her back slid onto the table and she sat between Twilight and Spike, completing the circle.

“I already made arrangements,” Twilight said, “Everything tonight is on me, so don’t worry about it.”

Murmurs of approval were cut off by Rarity, “Are you sure, Twilight? I have a feeling tonight could get a little expensive. You two aren’t the only ones celebrating, you know.”

The table went silent as everyone stared at her. She turned to Applejack who nodded and addressed the table.

“Well, I asked Rarity to marry me.” She waited just a moment for the gasps to settle, “And she said yes.”

The table exploded in cheers. Rainbow Dash jumped into the air and practically yelled at the barkeepers, “We need seven ciders here right now!”

Rounds of congratulations and further cheering continued at the table as they waited for their drinks. The drinks came and Twilight raised her mug of cider.

“To Rarity and Applejack. May you have a wonderful life together.”

“Here, here!” Rainbow enthusiastically joined in.

Rarity raised her own mug, “And here’s to you two finally figuring it out.”

“Darn tootin’!” Applejack raised her own mug with a chuckle. Fluttershy’s mug came up as well, a smile spreading on her cheeks.

“And here’s to Spike!” Pinkie Pie gave the dragon a wink as she raised her own mug. “He’s the reason we’re here, after all.”
The table watched, waiting for Spike to join in. After a moment he raised his own mug. “And here’s to the best friends in all Equestria. May we always be there for each other for a laugh or a hug.”

A euphoric “CHEERS!” erupted from the table of friends and they all tipped their mugs back. Soon they were laughing and talking and having a great time, as friends usually do.
_________________________

A couple hours later, the friends were still sitting around the table chatting. The celebration had quieted as the couples snuggled comfortably and Pinkie finished the last slice of cake that had been shaped like Spike’s head. Fluttershy sat quietly hugging her mug of cider. She had a rosy smile indicating a contented comfort. Spike simply enjoyed his tingling face and looking at his friends.

“Now,” Pinkie reached into her mane and pulled a giant punch bowl out complete with ladle and glasses, “Who wants punch?” She looked around the table waggling her eyebrows.

They were all at least a little drunk, but they knew what that punch was. In unison they all said, “No, Pinkie.”

“Aww. I just wanted everyone to have a really nice night tonight.”

"Uh, Pinkie. Not sure ya noticed, but the guest of honor tends to, um," Applejack glanced over to Spike.

"I eviscerate ponies, Pinkie Pie." Spike's dry delivery earned a chuckle from the bouncy pink mare.

"I know that, silly. That's why I did this." Pinkie pulled a knife out her mane and stabbed it into her foreleg. Everyone screaming in terror turned her giggles into mirthful laughter. She pulled the knife back revealing the bent tip. "I have skin made of stone for the next four hours!"

Spike felt something stir. Pinkie's brazen display certainly did something to the dragon. He was suddenly very thirsty.

"But, um, Pinkie dear," the table turned to Rarity, "What about Fluttershy? Do you really want to get her, ahem, worked up and then just send her home alone?"

Pinkie's reply was cut off by a raised yellow hoof. "I went home alone last time. It was...nice." Even with her face behind her mane, everyone could see her blush shining on her cheeks.

"See?" Pinkie's energy was growing as she gestured across the table. "Even Fluttershy likes the idea." She turned to Spike, "So waddaya say, Spike? Wanna ride the Pinkie train all the way to Pie town?"

Spike looked around the table. Rarity and Applejack we're slowly scooting closer to each other as they watched and waited for his answer. Twilight and Rainbow were weirdly looking back and forth between each other and him. Their movements were slow, but out of sync. Fluttershy was peeking out of her mane, a small hopeful smile showing through. Then there was Pinkie staring right at him from right next to him. Her chin rested on her hooves as she gave him her best bedroom eyes. They were working.

He reached out and started pouring punch for the group. When everyone had a cup, they all looked around at each other nervously. It felt weird when they knew what the punch did. He raised his glass and looked at all of his friends as they followed suit.

"Here's to all of us having a great night." Cheers followed. They proceeded to drink the whole bowl and have a great time. And a great night.

Author's Note

And there it is.

I hope this slightly different take on the Drinkiverse is a good one.

I mean I like it