TimberTwi Tales: Their First Dateby CapNTilfyChaptersGetting ReadyMeeting UpDinnerMovieGetting ReadyTwilight Sparkle nervously paced back and forth in her room with her dog Spike and her friends watching as she pulled at her hair. “How long has she been at this now,” Rainbow asked impatiently as she folded her arms. “About ten minutes, darling,” Rarity said as she looked at her fingernails. Pinkie squealed with excitement. “That’s gotta be a new record!” “I think that’s about ten minutes too long,” Sunset said, then walked over to Twilight and stood in front of her. Twilight stopped just an inch away from Sunset, then blinked in surprise. She paused for a moment, then took a deep breath and sighed. “I can’t help pacing, Sunset! I’m a nervous wreck right now, and I know that’s the last thing I need to be before… ‘hanging out’... with Timber.” Sunset smiled warmly, then put her hands on Twilight’s shoulders. “I completely understand… but you’ve been alone with him before.” “But the atmosphere and location are completely different, Sunset! There’s so many variables that I haven’t accounted for!” “Twilight,” Sunset said softly. “Take a deep breath.” Twilight closed her eyes, then brought her arm to her chest as she clenched her hand into a fist. “Now release it.” Twilight exhaled as she slowly extended her arm and unclenched her fist, then opened her eyes. “Feel better?” Twilight smiled and nodded her head. “A little.” She was so grateful that Dean Cadance taught her that technique! It almost never failed her. “You needn’t worry so, darling,” Rarity said. "You both got along quite swimmingly at Camp Everfree, so I see no reason why that should change along with your chosen locations!” “Speaking of locations,” Twilight said. “Do any of you happen to know anyone who either goes to or works at Roma’s?” Ever since Timber suggested that restaurant, she’d been virtually unable to stop thinking about it! “Why do you ask,” Fluttershy asked. “I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I know I’ve heard that name from somewhere… or someone.” “It is a popular place, Twi,” Rainbow said. “You’re probably just worrying over nothing.” Twilight laughed softly. “You’re probably right, Rainbow… but just to be safe.” “Damn near everyone goes to Roma’s, Twilight,” Applejack said as she folded her arms. “We’d be wastin’ time that you could be usin’ to get ready!” “Doesn’t your date start in like ten minutes,” Pinkie asked as she checked the time on her phone. Twilight looked at her alarm clock, then yelped. “Oh crap!” She was so fixated on that one thing that she completely lost track of time! “Thanks for all your support I have to go bye!” She hurried out the door, leaving everyone else in her room. “So… are we going to follow and watch her,” Spike asked. “Pfft-kss-tch,” Rarity scoffed. “That is a violation of Twilight’s privacy, Spikey-Wikey! We will do no such thing!” Everybody gave Rarity a suspicious look. “Oh, for heaven’s sake,” Rarity stamped her foot in frustration. “Need I assure you all that I learned my lesson when I got caught by Twilight?” “Wait… what?” Sunset’s eyes widened. “I didn’t hear about that!” “Do tell, Rarity,” Fluttershy said with a grin. Heat rose to Rarity’s face. She didn’t tell anyone, that just slipped out of her! “O-Oh dear…” Timber took a deep breath. He was nervous. Very nervous. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been so nervous! You have good reason to be nervous. This is the only time you’ll go out with Twilight! “Timber?” Timber jumped, then turned around to see Gloriosa standing in his bedroom doorway. He sighed as he put his hand to his chest. “Don’t scare me like that, Glory… I thought I was going to have a heart attack!” “I’m sorry,” Gloriosa said with a laugh as she entered Timber’s room. “I just wanted to see how you were doing.” She walked over to him. “I know how much this date means to you,” she said softly. “But I think you might need to calm yourself before heading out.” Timber sighed heavily. “I think that’s going to be easier said than done.” Just one date to humiliate yourself in front of a cute girl. Timber clenched his teeth. Those damned negative thoughts persisted, even after he set things up with Twilight! “Hey,” Gloriosa snapped Timber out of his thoughts as she put a hand on his shoulder. “Still having those thoughts?” Timber nodded slowly. Gloriosa gave Timber a supportive smile. “Close your eyes, little brother.” Timber closed his eyes. “Now. Repeat after me. ‘I’ve got this.’” “I’ve g-got this.” Gloriosa shook her head. “No. That won’t do, Timber Spruce. You need to have conviction in your voice!” “I.. I’ve got this.” Gloriosa sighed. Timber was clearly still struggling with his confidence issues. “Okay, then. Let’s try this. Imagine that Twilight is standing right in front of you. She’s having some sort of trouble with… something or other.” Timber nodded. “She’s looking at you right now. She needs you, and you’re the only person that can help her!” Timber swallowed nervously. He pictured Twilight struggling with something. What it was, he did not know, nor did it matter. “Timber,” Twilight said with a slight frown. “Can you help me with this?” Timber’s heart skipped a beat as he visualized Twilight. She looked attractive even when frowning! He paused for a moment, then shook his head rapidly. If he wanted to be in a relationship with her, he’d have to force himself to be confident! Timber stood still for a moment, then imagined Twilight’s smile. How pretty it made her look. He felt a warmth run through his body, then opened his eyes and looked straight at Gloriosa. “I’ve got this!” “There you go,” Gloriosa said proudly, slapping Timber on his back. “Now get out there and show Twilight Sparkle the best night ever!” “Yeah!” Timber raised his arms and clenched his hands into fists. “I’ve got thiiiiiis!” He ran out of the room, much to Gloriosa’s amusement. He returned in a moment. “Is something wrong?” “I just forgot to thank you, Glory.” Timber wrapped his arms around Gloriosa, then hugged her. Gloriosa giggled as she returned the hug. “You’re welcome.” Timber broke the hug. “Tell me how it went, will you?” “Of course,” Timber said as he left his room. “Love you, sis!” “Love you too, bro.” Gloriosa left Timber’s room and watched him leave, proud of how far he’d come. She hoped to the Universe that his date with Twilight would go smoothly. Meeting UpTimber got into his car, then buckled up. He cracked his neck, then took his keys out of his pocket. “Well,” he said to himself. “Here goes nothing… but it better be something.” He started his car, then began his journey. As he left, Timber thought about what he’d say to Twilight. He knew right off the bat that he wouldn’t talk about the weather. That was far too basic and casual! He rolled his eyes and shook his head. Surely he could come up with something much better than that! Timber also knew he didn’t want to talk about Twilight’s mom being a famous writer. That would make it seem like he’d be dating her just to get close to a celebrity! He didn’t want to give off that impression! Timber heaved a sigh. Maybe he should have gone over possible conversation topics with Gloriosa before he left… No. Now was not the time for regrets. Timber had spent far too long dwelling on the past. It was time for him to think about the present, and where the future would take him. Twilight could do so much better than you. She’s smart, cute… everything you’re not. Timber grit his teeth. Of course he was both those things, and more besides! He truly did feel that Twilight must be special, because he couldn’t remember the last time a girl made his heart do backflips from the get-go! Timber took a deep breath, then exhaled. He needed to calm himself down. He didn’t want to go overboard on the first date! He wanted to keep up the impression he made on Twilight. Speaking of calm, he wondered how she was doing right now. Surely someone as smart as her knew how to remain cool... Twilight tried her hardest not to freak out as she kept her eyes on the road, occasionally stealing glances at the clock in her car. She prided herself on her punctuality, and she didn’t plan on being tardy if she could help it! She internally chided herself, having not paid enough attention to the clock back at home! Twilight swiftly shook her head, then did some mental math. Pinkie had said that she had ten minutes. Roma’s wasn’t all that far from where she lived, thankfully, but she’d still be cutting it close! Twilight had been on the road for, what, maybe a couple of minutes now? Maybe she’d get there just in time! For all she knew, Timber was in a hurry too! Timber glanced at the clock on his car’s radio, then smiled. Just a few minutes, and he’d be at Roma’s just in time! He was glad he left about twenty minutes ago. Like he needed any extra stress right now! Timber ran a hand through his hair, then rolled down his window. He reached a stoplight, then took a deep whiff of the spring air. He smiled, then quickly turned his attention forward. He didn’t want to be startled by the honking of the car behind him! As he kept his eyes on the stoplight, he shifted his thoughts to Camp Everfree. After everyone from Canterlot High had left, he and Gloriosa had spent time contacting people. People that could not only help them, but not be smug and condescending like Filthy Rich was. Timber grit his teeth. Filthy Rich. That name alone pissed him off! He was just glad he didn’t have to deal with him anymore, let alone the rest of his family! His daughter, Diamond Tiara, was a spoiled and entitled brat! His wife, Spoiled Rich… there was only one word he’d use to describe her, but even he couldn’t bring himself to say it out loud! Timber shook his head as the stoplight turned green. He had to calm himself down, his knuckles were nearly white from his anger-fueled grip on the steering wheel! He didn’t want to arrive angry! As he saw the sign to Roma’s off in the distance, his anger began to leave and a smile formed on his face. Timber reached the parking lot at Roma’s, surprised at how full it was! He knew this was a popular place to eat at, but he wasn’t expecting so many other people here on a Tuesday night! He frowned slightly, but was not deterred. He wouldn’t let a nearly packed restaurant prevent his date with Twilight! Timber parked, then walked over to the entrance as he checked the time on his phone. He was just a couple of minutes early! Perfect! He stood near the entrance and waited for Twilight. She’s going to stand you up. The hell Twilight was! Timber had faith in her. Everything she did around him was genuine, so he saw no reason for her to do so… Twilight arrived at a stoplight, then took a deep breath and exhaled. She needed to calm herself! She was almost at Roma’s, and it wouldn’t do for her to freak out! She took another deep breath, then exhaled as she felt a bit of calm wash over her. As Twilight reached Roma’s parking lot, she felt a slight spike of anxiety, only for it to leave just as quickly as it came. It wasn’t all too surprising that it was busy here. From what she’d heard, it was usually a busy place! But she knew she hadn’t heard that from Applejack… Twilight scratched her head in uncertainty as she left her car. Why was this bothering her so much? She shook her head as she reached the entrance to Roma’s, then nearly stopped in her tracks as she saw Timber standing in front of her. “H-Hey,” Timber said as he blushed. Twilight felt heat rise to her face. “H-Hi.” “Shall we go in?” Twilight nodded, and she and Timber walked on in. The sounds of plates clinking and the voices of Roma's patrons reached Twilight and Timber's ears upon entering, as well as soft music from the restaurant's PA system. The smells of various foods and coffee wafted around them as they reached the clerk up front. "T-Table for two," Timber stuttered nervously. The clerk checked the computer on his desk, then turned his attention back to the couple. "There's a ten minute wait. Is that okay?" Twilight and Timber exchanged glances, then nodded. "All right," The clerk said as he grabbed a disc. "We'll let you know when a table is ready." He handed the disc to Twilight, and she and Timber sat down. "Ten minutes isn't bad," Timber said as put he hands behind his head. Twilight nodded. "Y-Yeah. We could use the time to-" "Twilight?" Twilight's eyes widened as she heard a voice she'd recognize anywhere. It all hit her at once. Now she remembered why she was so worried about going to Roma's, and the person she knew who might be here. Twilight slapped the palm of her hand on her forehead as she swore under her breath, then slowly turned around. "What are you doing here," Cadance asked. Dinner“C-Cadance!” Twilight laughed nervously. “Wh-what are you doing here? I mean, I know what you’re doing here, you’re hanging out with friends! I’m hanging out here too, with-” “Timber Spruce?” Vice-Principal Luna stopped just next to Cadance with her arms folded and a raised eyebrow. Her expression gradually became a knowing smile as she immediately grasped the situation. “Oh?” A visibly pregnant woman in her thirties approached the group. She ran a light purple hand through her frosty blue hair, and her icy blue eyes twinkled with excitement. “Is this what I think it is?” “Radiant Hope! I didn’t know you were expecting again!” Twilight rushed over to her. “How far along are you? How are you feeling? How are your children? How’s your husband?” Hope giggled, amused by Twilight’s obvious attempts at distraction. “Seven months, I’m feeling just fine, so are my kids and husband, and everyone’s excited to meet the baby.” She gently rubbed her belly with a smile. “Now that I’ve answered yourquestions… why don’t you answer mine?” “I-I… W-What do y-you think this is?” Twilight was blushing furiously. Luna leaned into Hope and Cadance. “We should probably leave them be,” she whispered. "I’ll fill you in on the details later, but it suffices to say that they do have good chemistry together.” She laughed softly. Cadance turned to Twilight and Timber, smiling. “Well it was nice to see you, Twilight… and it was nice to meet you, Timber Spruce.” Timber snapped out of his surprise and confusion. “Y-Yeah! S-Same!” He watched as the three women walked off, then turned to Twilight as she pulled at her hair. “Who were those women with Vice-Principal Luna?” Twilight paused for a moment as she struggled to regain her composure. Dammit, dammit, dammit! Those three just had to be here, of all the possible nights! She loved all of them dearly, but she didn’t want them to find out about herself and Timber hanging until she was ready to tell them! Twilight heaved a long sigh. “Cadance is the new Principal of Crystal Prep Academy, and Radiant Hope is a counselor,” she explained as she put a hand to her head. “Though I imagine she’ll be on maternity leave in a few weeks.” “New Principal? What happened to the old one?” “It’s a long story, Timber, and to be frank, I’m not quite comfortable telling it.” That piqued Timber’s curiosity, but he decided not to pursue the matter. “Okay. I can respect that.” Twilight put a hand on Timber’s shoulder. “Thanks. Maybe someday I’ll tell you the whole story.” Timber put a hand on top of Twilight’s with a soft smile, only for both of them to blush and pull their hands back. “S-So, how’s Gloriosa,” Twilight asked, hoping to move past that awkward moment. "Hasn't she been keeping in touch with you?" Twilight shook her head as she made a mental note to reach out to Gloriosa with Sunset. Timber sighed. "It hasn't been easy for her. She's been having nightmares over what happened!" Twilight struggled to suppress a mirthless laugh. She and Sunset knew what that felt like! After everything she went through, why wasn't Gloriosa asking for help?! "I can only imagine," Twilight said softly. "I'll have to talk with Gloriosa when I get back home," Timber frowned as he put a hand to his head. "You'd think she'd set her pride aside more than once, especially after nearly losing Camp Everfree." “Timber,” Twilight said sympathetically as she adjusted her glasses. “Sometimes people need to learn the same lesson more than once.” “Yeah… I know.” Silence fell, only for the vibration of the restaurant’s disc to break it. Twilight and Timber walked up to the clerk, then handed him the disc. He took it, then put it away. “Follow me.” By the time the couple reached the table, a thought came to Timber. It was something he’d been wondering about for a while now, and now was as good a time as any to ask Twilight! “So”, Timber said as he sat down. “What did it feel like? When you grew wings and got all those cool powers?” Twilight sat down, then sighed dreamily. “It felt like nothing I’d ever felt before! It was just so… so… liberating!” “I bet.” Timber smiled, remembering Twilight’s sheer elation on stage. Her smile. Her beautiful singing voice. Her wink. “Howdy, there!” The chipper southern voice snapped Timber out of his reverie, and he looked upward. Standing before him was a curvy, middle-aged pale yellow woman. Her bouffant hairdo was held in place by a headband filled with cherries. She smiled widely as her green eyes twinkled. “I’m Cherry Jubilee, and I’ll be your waitress tonight!” Upon realizing they were both lost in their conversation, Timber and Twilight blushed, then hastily picked up their menus. Cherry laughed at the sight. “Y’all can just take your time, there’s no need to rush.” She took out a notepad. “So what’ll ya have to drink?” Timber and Twilight ordered their drinks, and Cherry went off to get them. Upon her departure, the two looked at their dinner options as they racked their brains trying to think up questions to ask each other. What’s his favorite color? No, that was too childish a question. What’s her biggest fear? No, Timber didn’t want Twilight to feel uncomfortable. There was silence between the two as a few moments passed. Eventually, they both not only knew what they wanted to eat, but they finally came up with questions for each other! Before Timber or Twilight could open either of their mouths, Cherry Jubilee returned. “Ready to order?” Timber and Twilight ordered their dinners, then turned their attentions back to each other. "Say, Twilight? What do you like about quantum physics?" Twilight's eyes lit up. "It's a very fascinating subject, Timber!" As Twilight started to go into detail, Timber’s heart skipped a beat. Everything she was saying was going over his head, but he'd be damned if seeing her this passionate wasn't a stunning sight! He simply nodded his head as he fell a little deeper for her. Once Twilight finished speaking, she smiled widely. She'd never get tired of talking about scientific things! Timber sighed blissfully. "You're right," he said dreamily with half-lidded eyes. "That was fascinating!" Heat rose to Twilight’s face upon seeing Timber’s expression. Something deep inside of her told her she wouldn't mind seeing that again! Twilight eagerly wondered if her impending question would trigger the same effect. "So. Aside from it being your home, what is it about Camp Everfree that you love?" Timber grinned, then began to go into detail about his passions. Time seemed to slow down for Twilight as she saw the biggest smile on Timber’s face. She resisted the urge to get her phone out and take a picture of the moment. He just looked so precious! As Timber spoke about activities with children, Twilight sighed dreamily. The twinkle in his eyes. The passion of his expressions. So that's what that felt like. It was a strange, practically alien feeling to Twilight. It was something akin to what she felt when she saw her friends, yet different as well. By the time Timber finished, their food had arrived, and he and Twilight ate in companionable silence. Once they finished, Twilight got Cherry's attention. "Check, please," Twilight said, then turned to Timber. "Let me pay. I don't want you to have to worry about finances until Camp Everfree's back on its feet!" Timber was stunned. "Twilight..." "No objections. I insist!" Timber slowly smiled. "If you insist", he said. Twilight paid, then she and Timber left Roma's. Movie“So”, Timber said as he and Twilight approached the theater. “Hopes? Expectations?” “Well,” Twilight said as she adjusted her glasses. “I’d like it if it’s historically accurate. I’ve seen too many movies take liberties, embellishing things just for the sake of drama.” Timber shrugged. “It’s how they make money and keep the attention of the audience.” "Well, it’s definitely going to keep my attention." Twilight reached into her skirt's pockets, then produced a pen in one hand, and a small pad of paper in the other. Timber couldn't help but snort. "You're going to take notes?" “Somebody has to keep track of any and all discrepancies! What about you?” “Me?” Twilight nodded. “What are your hopes and expectations?” Timber blushed, which Twilight found adorable. “W-Well,” Timber stammered. “I-I think…” He sighed. “I think I should’ve done more than just watch the trailer.” “Timber, it’s okay if you don’t know anything about the movie.” “...It is?” Twilight’s eyes lit up. “Of course! This just means I can give you a quick crash course before the previews start!” Timber’s heart skipped a beat at the sight. He found her so endearing when she got excited over geeky things! “Well then, teach away, Professor Sparkle!” Twilight laughed. “‘Professor Sparkle’! I like the sound of that!” Twilight and Timber walked into the theater. Timber put a hand to his head as he and Twilight found their seats. He took a deep breath, then exhaled. How could she have condensed so much information in so little time?! Twilight laughed sheepishly as she sat down. “I might have gone a little overboard there. Sorry about that.” “Don’t worry about it. It’s just been a while since I’ve had such a huge infodump.” Timber sat down. “I can absorb it during the movie. I think.” The lights dimmed, and the previews began… A couple of hours later, Timber and Twilight left the theater together. "So," Timber said. "What'd you think?" Twilight made a non-committal noise as she shrugged. Timber repeated the noise with an upward inflection as he tilted his head. Twilight sighed, then frowned. "It… wasn't quite what I'd hoped it would be," she said as she took out her notepad. "I mean, it got some things right and some things wrong." "Such as?" Timber mentally prepared himself, recalling how often he saw Twilight write notes down during the movie. "You ready for another infodump?" Timber cracked his knuckles, then his neck, then posed like he was about to draw a gun in the wild west. "Bring it!" Twilight giggled, and Timber smiled inwardly at having lightened her mood. "You asked for it, pardner," she said with a faux Southern accent. "Draw!" What followed was another rapid-fire information session that slowly drew in spectators. Murmurs of confusion and awe rose from the crowd. Within a couple of minutes, Timber fell to the ground as he held his head in his hands. "Overload," he said in a robotic monotone. "Overload! Powering… down…” Twilight smiled smugly as she made a finger gun, then blew the tip of her finger and shoved it into her skirt pocket. The crowd gradually dispersed as Timber got back on his feet. “Well,” he said as he dusted himself off. “That was fun!” “It was,” Twilight exclaimed, then blushed a little. “I… I wouldn’t mind doing this again sometime. The hanging out, I mean. Not another movie, just hanging out.” She laughed nervously as she pulled at her hair. Timber’s heart felt warm at the sight. Twilight was so adorkable! “Yeah. Me too.” Twilight and Timber slowly walked up to each other, then stopped. Twilight, still new to all of this... 'hanging out' was quite frankly unsure what she should do. She had to consider Timber's feelings, but she also had to consider her own comfort level. Would hugging him be awkward, given that they actually almost kissed back at Camp Everfree? Timber blinked in confusion, but stood still. Should he make a move? He didn't want to overstep any boundaries, even if they did almost kiss that one time. Should he play this safe, or would that bother Twilight? Agh, he had no friggin' idea what to do! Twilight adjusted her glasses as Timber ran a hand through his hair. They stood idly, avoiding eye contact for a few moments. Timber willed himself to speak. "So... um..." "Yeah?" "A-Are we supposed to like... do something?" Twilight played with her hair nervously. "S-Something like w-what?" "I don't know," Timber said with a shrug. "Would a hug be okay?" Twilight felt a sudden calm wash over her. What was she thinking? A hug, awkward? "Yeah!" Timber and Twilight closed the distance between themselves, then embraced each other. They held each other closely, basking in their body heat. After a moment, they sighed together, then broke the hug. Twilight blushed with a soft smile. "I'll call you tomorrow to make plans for next time." Timber's heart thundered. That expression of Twilight's would be forever etched into his mind. "I can't wait." Timber and Twilight went their separate ways, but not before waving goodbye to each other. Twilight got into her car and buckled her seatbelt. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath as she pressed her arm against her chest, then exhaled as she extended her arm outward. There was no doubt in her mind that her friends would want to know every last detail of her time with Timber, but she had a lot to mentally unpack after tonight. That didn't mean she wouldn't contact them, though. Twilight took out her phone and went to the group text. Hey guys, the hangout's over. I'm not ready to talk about it yet, but it would suffice to say I think it went over well. - Twilight Twilight pocketed her phone, then started her car and drove away. Timber got into his car and buckled up. His heart was still hammering in his chest. He needed a moment to calm down! He put his hands on the steering wheel as he took a deep breath, then let go as he exhaled. He found himself calmer. Timber knew Gloriosa would want to find out as much as she could about tonight, but he wasn't really in the mood for a long and detailed explanation. He grabbed his phone and sent a text. Date went well, but that's all you'll get out of me until tomorrow morning. - Timber Timber pocketed his phone, then took another deep breath as he took out his keys. He exhaled, then started the ignition and drove home.
Getting ReadyTwilight Sparkle nervously paced back and forth in her room with her dog Spike and her friends watching as she pulled at her hair. “How long has she been at this now,” Rainbow asked impatiently as she folded her arms. “About ten minutes, darling,” Rarity said as she looked at her fingernails. Pinkie squealed with excitement. “That’s gotta be a new record!” “I think that’s about ten minutes too long,” Sunset said, then walked over to Twilight and stood in front of her. Twilight stopped just an inch away from Sunset, then blinked in surprise. She paused for a moment, then took a deep breath and sighed. “I can’t help pacing, Sunset! I’m a nervous wreck right now, and I know that’s the last thing I need to be before… ‘hanging out’... with Timber.” Sunset smiled warmly, then put her hands on Twilight’s shoulders. “I completely understand… but you’ve been alone with him before.” “But the atmosphere and location are completely different, Sunset! There’s so many variables that I haven’t accounted for!” “Twilight,” Sunset said softly. “Take a deep breath.” Twilight closed her eyes, then brought her arm to her chest as she clenched her hand into a fist. “Now release it.” Twilight exhaled as she slowly extended her arm and unclenched her fist, then opened her eyes. “Feel better?” Twilight smiled and nodded her head. “A little.” She was so grateful that Dean Cadance taught her that technique! It almost never failed her. “You needn’t worry so, darling,” Rarity said. "You both got along quite swimmingly at Camp Everfree, so I see no reason why that should change along with your chosen locations!” “Speaking of locations,” Twilight said. “Do any of you happen to know anyone who either goes to or works at Roma’s?” Ever since Timber suggested that restaurant, she’d been virtually unable to stop thinking about it! “Why do you ask,” Fluttershy asked. “I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I know I’ve heard that name from somewhere… or someone.” “It is a popular place, Twi,” Rainbow said. “You’re probably just worrying over nothing.” Twilight laughed softly. “You’re probably right, Rainbow… but just to be safe.” “Damn near everyone goes to Roma’s, Twilight,” Applejack said as she folded her arms. “We’d be wastin’ time that you could be usin’ to get ready!” “Doesn’t your date start in like ten minutes,” Pinkie asked as she checked the time on her phone. Twilight looked at her alarm clock, then yelped. “Oh crap!” She was so fixated on that one thing that she completely lost track of time! “Thanks for all your support I have to go bye!” She hurried out the door, leaving everyone else in her room. “So… are we going to follow and watch her,” Spike asked. “Pfft-kss-tch,” Rarity scoffed. “That is a violation of Twilight’s privacy, Spikey-Wikey! We will do no such thing!” Everybody gave Rarity a suspicious look. “Oh, for heaven’s sake,” Rarity stamped her foot in frustration. “Need I assure you all that I learned my lesson when I got caught by Twilight?” “Wait… what?” Sunset’s eyes widened. “I didn’t hear about that!” “Do tell, Rarity,” Fluttershy said with a grin. Heat rose to Rarity’s face. She didn’t tell anyone, that just slipped out of her! “O-Oh dear…” Timber took a deep breath. He was nervous. Very nervous. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been so nervous! You have good reason to be nervous. This is the only time you’ll go out with Twilight! “Timber?” Timber jumped, then turned around to see Gloriosa standing in his bedroom doorway. He sighed as he put his hand to his chest. “Don’t scare me like that, Glory… I thought I was going to have a heart attack!” “I’m sorry,” Gloriosa said with a laugh as she entered Timber’s room. “I just wanted to see how you were doing.” She walked over to him. “I know how much this date means to you,” she said softly. “But I think you might need to calm yourself before heading out.” Timber sighed heavily. “I think that’s going to be easier said than done.” Just one date to humiliate yourself in front of a cute girl. Timber clenched his teeth. Those damned negative thoughts persisted, even after he set things up with Twilight! “Hey,” Gloriosa snapped Timber out of his thoughts as she put a hand on his shoulder. “Still having those thoughts?” Timber nodded slowly. Gloriosa gave Timber a supportive smile. “Close your eyes, little brother.” Timber closed his eyes. “Now. Repeat after me. ‘I’ve got this.’” “I’ve g-got this.” Gloriosa shook her head. “No. That won’t do, Timber Spruce. You need to have conviction in your voice!” “I.. I’ve got this.” Gloriosa sighed. Timber was clearly still struggling with his confidence issues. “Okay, then. Let’s try this. Imagine that Twilight is standing right in front of you. She’s having some sort of trouble with… something or other.” Timber nodded. “She’s looking at you right now. She needs you, and you’re the only person that can help her!” Timber swallowed nervously. He pictured Twilight struggling with something. What it was, he did not know, nor did it matter. “Timber,” Twilight said with a slight frown. “Can you help me with this?” Timber’s heart skipped a beat as he visualized Twilight. She looked attractive even when frowning! He paused for a moment, then shook his head rapidly. If he wanted to be in a relationship with her, he’d have to force himself to be confident! Timber stood still for a moment, then imagined Twilight’s smile. How pretty it made her look. He felt a warmth run through his body, then opened his eyes and looked straight at Gloriosa. “I’ve got this!” “There you go,” Gloriosa said proudly, slapping Timber on his back. “Now get out there and show Twilight Sparkle the best night ever!” “Yeah!” Timber raised his arms and clenched his hands into fists. “I’ve got thiiiiiis!” He ran out of the room, much to Gloriosa’s amusement. He returned in a moment. “Is something wrong?” “I just forgot to thank you, Glory.” Timber wrapped his arms around Gloriosa, then hugged her. Gloriosa giggled as she returned the hug. “You’re welcome.” Timber broke the hug. “Tell me how it went, will you?” “Of course,” Timber said as he left his room. “Love you, sis!” “Love you too, bro.” Gloriosa left Timber’s room and watched him leave, proud of how far he’d come. She hoped to the Universe that his date with Twilight would go smoothly.
Meeting UpTimber got into his car, then buckled up. He cracked his neck, then took his keys out of his pocket. “Well,” he said to himself. “Here goes nothing… but it better be something.” He started his car, then began his journey. As he left, Timber thought about what he’d say to Twilight. He knew right off the bat that he wouldn’t talk about the weather. That was far too basic and casual! He rolled his eyes and shook his head. Surely he could come up with something much better than that! Timber also knew he didn’t want to talk about Twilight’s mom being a famous writer. That would make it seem like he’d be dating her just to get close to a celebrity! He didn’t want to give off that impression! Timber heaved a sigh. Maybe he should have gone over possible conversation topics with Gloriosa before he left… No. Now was not the time for regrets. Timber had spent far too long dwelling on the past. It was time for him to think about the present, and where the future would take him. Twilight could do so much better than you. She’s smart, cute… everything you’re not. Timber grit his teeth. Of course he was both those things, and more besides! He truly did feel that Twilight must be special, because he couldn’t remember the last time a girl made his heart do backflips from the get-go! Timber took a deep breath, then exhaled. He needed to calm himself down. He didn’t want to go overboard on the first date! He wanted to keep up the impression he made on Twilight. Speaking of calm, he wondered how she was doing right now. Surely someone as smart as her knew how to remain cool... Twilight tried her hardest not to freak out as she kept her eyes on the road, occasionally stealing glances at the clock in her car. She prided herself on her punctuality, and she didn’t plan on being tardy if she could help it! She internally chided herself, having not paid enough attention to the clock back at home! Twilight swiftly shook her head, then did some mental math. Pinkie had said that she had ten minutes. Roma’s wasn’t all that far from where she lived, thankfully, but she’d still be cutting it close! Twilight had been on the road for, what, maybe a couple of minutes now? Maybe she’d get there just in time! For all she knew, Timber was in a hurry too! Timber glanced at the clock on his car’s radio, then smiled. Just a few minutes, and he’d be at Roma’s just in time! He was glad he left about twenty minutes ago. Like he needed any extra stress right now! Timber ran a hand through his hair, then rolled down his window. He reached a stoplight, then took a deep whiff of the spring air. He smiled, then quickly turned his attention forward. He didn’t want to be startled by the honking of the car behind him! As he kept his eyes on the stoplight, he shifted his thoughts to Camp Everfree. After everyone from Canterlot High had left, he and Gloriosa had spent time contacting people. People that could not only help them, but not be smug and condescending like Filthy Rich was. Timber grit his teeth. Filthy Rich. That name alone pissed him off! He was just glad he didn’t have to deal with him anymore, let alone the rest of his family! His daughter, Diamond Tiara, was a spoiled and entitled brat! His wife, Spoiled Rich… there was only one word he’d use to describe her, but even he couldn’t bring himself to say it out loud! Timber shook his head as the stoplight turned green. He had to calm himself down, his knuckles were nearly white from his anger-fueled grip on the steering wheel! He didn’t want to arrive angry! As he saw the sign to Roma’s off in the distance, his anger began to leave and a smile formed on his face. Timber reached the parking lot at Roma’s, surprised at how full it was! He knew this was a popular place to eat at, but he wasn’t expecting so many other people here on a Tuesday night! He frowned slightly, but was not deterred. He wouldn’t let a nearly packed restaurant prevent his date with Twilight! Timber parked, then walked over to the entrance as he checked the time on his phone. He was just a couple of minutes early! Perfect! He stood near the entrance and waited for Twilight. She’s going to stand you up. The hell Twilight was! Timber had faith in her. Everything she did around him was genuine, so he saw no reason for her to do so… Twilight arrived at a stoplight, then took a deep breath and exhaled. She needed to calm herself! She was almost at Roma’s, and it wouldn’t do for her to freak out! She took another deep breath, then exhaled as she felt a bit of calm wash over her. As Twilight reached Roma’s parking lot, she felt a slight spike of anxiety, only for it to leave just as quickly as it came. It wasn’t all too surprising that it was busy here. From what she’d heard, it was usually a busy place! But she knew she hadn’t heard that from Applejack… Twilight scratched her head in uncertainty as she left her car. Why was this bothering her so much? She shook her head as she reached the entrance to Roma’s, then nearly stopped in her tracks as she saw Timber standing in front of her. “H-Hey,” Timber said as he blushed. Twilight felt heat rise to her face. “H-Hi.” “Shall we go in?” Twilight nodded, and she and Timber walked on in. The sounds of plates clinking and the voices of Roma's patrons reached Twilight and Timber's ears upon entering, as well as soft music from the restaurant's PA system. The smells of various foods and coffee wafted around them as they reached the clerk up front. "T-Table for two," Timber stuttered nervously. The clerk checked the computer on his desk, then turned his attention back to the couple. "There's a ten minute wait. Is that okay?" Twilight and Timber exchanged glances, then nodded. "All right," The clerk said as he grabbed a disc. "We'll let you know when a table is ready." He handed the disc to Twilight, and she and Timber sat down. "Ten minutes isn't bad," Timber said as put he hands behind his head. Twilight nodded. "Y-Yeah. We could use the time to-" "Twilight?" Twilight's eyes widened as she heard a voice she'd recognize anywhere. It all hit her at once. Now she remembered why she was so worried about going to Roma's, and the person she knew who might be here. Twilight slapped the palm of her hand on her forehead as she swore under her breath, then slowly turned around. "What are you doing here," Cadance asked.
Dinner“C-Cadance!” Twilight laughed nervously. “Wh-what are you doing here? I mean, I know what you’re doing here, you’re hanging out with friends! I’m hanging out here too, with-” “Timber Spruce?” Vice-Principal Luna stopped just next to Cadance with her arms folded and a raised eyebrow. Her expression gradually became a knowing smile as she immediately grasped the situation. “Oh?” A visibly pregnant woman in her thirties approached the group. She ran a light purple hand through her frosty blue hair, and her icy blue eyes twinkled with excitement. “Is this what I think it is?” “Radiant Hope! I didn’t know you were expecting again!” Twilight rushed over to her. “How far along are you? How are you feeling? How are your children? How’s your husband?” Hope giggled, amused by Twilight’s obvious attempts at distraction. “Seven months, I’m feeling just fine, so are my kids and husband, and everyone’s excited to meet the baby.” She gently rubbed her belly with a smile. “Now that I’ve answered yourquestions… why don’t you answer mine?” “I-I… W-What do y-you think this is?” Twilight was blushing furiously. Luna leaned into Hope and Cadance. “We should probably leave them be,” she whispered. "I’ll fill you in on the details later, but it suffices to say that they do have good chemistry together.” She laughed softly. Cadance turned to Twilight and Timber, smiling. “Well it was nice to see you, Twilight… and it was nice to meet you, Timber Spruce.” Timber snapped out of his surprise and confusion. “Y-Yeah! S-Same!” He watched as the three women walked off, then turned to Twilight as she pulled at her hair. “Who were those women with Vice-Principal Luna?” Twilight paused for a moment as she struggled to regain her composure. Dammit, dammit, dammit! Those three just had to be here, of all the possible nights! She loved all of them dearly, but she didn’t want them to find out about herself and Timber hanging until she was ready to tell them! Twilight heaved a long sigh. “Cadance is the new Principal of Crystal Prep Academy, and Radiant Hope is a counselor,” she explained as she put a hand to her head. “Though I imagine she’ll be on maternity leave in a few weeks.” “New Principal? What happened to the old one?” “It’s a long story, Timber, and to be frank, I’m not quite comfortable telling it.” That piqued Timber’s curiosity, but he decided not to pursue the matter. “Okay. I can respect that.” Twilight put a hand on Timber’s shoulder. “Thanks. Maybe someday I’ll tell you the whole story.” Timber put a hand on top of Twilight’s with a soft smile, only for both of them to blush and pull their hands back. “S-So, how’s Gloriosa,” Twilight asked, hoping to move past that awkward moment. "Hasn't she been keeping in touch with you?" Twilight shook her head as she made a mental note to reach out to Gloriosa with Sunset. Timber sighed. "It hasn't been easy for her. She's been having nightmares over what happened!" Twilight struggled to suppress a mirthless laugh. She and Sunset knew what that felt like! After everything she went through, why wasn't Gloriosa asking for help?! "I can only imagine," Twilight said softly. "I'll have to talk with Gloriosa when I get back home," Timber frowned as he put a hand to his head. "You'd think she'd set her pride aside more than once, especially after nearly losing Camp Everfree." “Timber,” Twilight said sympathetically as she adjusted her glasses. “Sometimes people need to learn the same lesson more than once.” “Yeah… I know.” Silence fell, only for the vibration of the restaurant’s disc to break it. Twilight and Timber walked up to the clerk, then handed him the disc. He took it, then put it away. “Follow me.” By the time the couple reached the table, a thought came to Timber. It was something he’d been wondering about for a while now, and now was as good a time as any to ask Twilight! “So”, Timber said as he sat down. “What did it feel like? When you grew wings and got all those cool powers?” Twilight sat down, then sighed dreamily. “It felt like nothing I’d ever felt before! It was just so… so… liberating!” “I bet.” Timber smiled, remembering Twilight’s sheer elation on stage. Her smile. Her beautiful singing voice. Her wink. “Howdy, there!” The chipper southern voice snapped Timber out of his reverie, and he looked upward. Standing before him was a curvy, middle-aged pale yellow woman. Her bouffant hairdo was held in place by a headband filled with cherries. She smiled widely as her green eyes twinkled. “I’m Cherry Jubilee, and I’ll be your waitress tonight!” Upon realizing they were both lost in their conversation, Timber and Twilight blushed, then hastily picked up their menus. Cherry laughed at the sight. “Y’all can just take your time, there’s no need to rush.” She took out a notepad. “So what’ll ya have to drink?” Timber and Twilight ordered their drinks, and Cherry went off to get them. Upon her departure, the two looked at their dinner options as they racked their brains trying to think up questions to ask each other. What’s his favorite color? No, that was too childish a question. What’s her biggest fear? No, Timber didn’t want Twilight to feel uncomfortable. There was silence between the two as a few moments passed. Eventually, they both not only knew what they wanted to eat, but they finally came up with questions for each other! Before Timber or Twilight could open either of their mouths, Cherry Jubilee returned. “Ready to order?” Timber and Twilight ordered their dinners, then turned their attentions back to each other. "Say, Twilight? What do you like about quantum physics?" Twilight's eyes lit up. "It's a very fascinating subject, Timber!" As Twilight started to go into detail, Timber’s heart skipped a beat. Everything she was saying was going over his head, but he'd be damned if seeing her this passionate wasn't a stunning sight! He simply nodded his head as he fell a little deeper for her. Once Twilight finished speaking, she smiled widely. She'd never get tired of talking about scientific things! Timber sighed blissfully. "You're right," he said dreamily with half-lidded eyes. "That was fascinating!" Heat rose to Twilight’s face upon seeing Timber’s expression. Something deep inside of her told her she wouldn't mind seeing that again! Twilight eagerly wondered if her impending question would trigger the same effect. "So. Aside from it being your home, what is it about Camp Everfree that you love?" Timber grinned, then began to go into detail about his passions. Time seemed to slow down for Twilight as she saw the biggest smile on Timber’s face. She resisted the urge to get her phone out and take a picture of the moment. He just looked so precious! As Timber spoke about activities with children, Twilight sighed dreamily. The twinkle in his eyes. The passion of his expressions. So that's what that felt like. It was a strange, practically alien feeling to Twilight. It was something akin to what she felt when she saw her friends, yet different as well. By the time Timber finished, their food had arrived, and he and Twilight ate in companionable silence. Once they finished, Twilight got Cherry's attention. "Check, please," Twilight said, then turned to Timber. "Let me pay. I don't want you to have to worry about finances until Camp Everfree's back on its feet!" Timber was stunned. "Twilight..." "No objections. I insist!" Timber slowly smiled. "If you insist", he said. Twilight paid, then she and Timber left Roma's.
Movie“So”, Timber said as he and Twilight approached the theater. “Hopes? Expectations?” “Well,” Twilight said as she adjusted her glasses. “I’d like it if it’s historically accurate. I’ve seen too many movies take liberties, embellishing things just for the sake of drama.” Timber shrugged. “It’s how they make money and keep the attention of the audience.” "Well, it’s definitely going to keep my attention." Twilight reached into her skirt's pockets, then produced a pen in one hand, and a small pad of paper in the other. Timber couldn't help but snort. "You're going to take notes?" “Somebody has to keep track of any and all discrepancies! What about you?” “Me?” Twilight nodded. “What are your hopes and expectations?” Timber blushed, which Twilight found adorable. “W-Well,” Timber stammered. “I-I think…” He sighed. “I think I should’ve done more than just watch the trailer.” “Timber, it’s okay if you don’t know anything about the movie.” “...It is?” Twilight’s eyes lit up. “Of course! This just means I can give you a quick crash course before the previews start!” Timber’s heart skipped a beat at the sight. He found her so endearing when she got excited over geeky things! “Well then, teach away, Professor Sparkle!” Twilight laughed. “‘Professor Sparkle’! I like the sound of that!” Twilight and Timber walked into the theater. Timber put a hand to his head as he and Twilight found their seats. He took a deep breath, then exhaled. How could she have condensed so much information in so little time?! Twilight laughed sheepishly as she sat down. “I might have gone a little overboard there. Sorry about that.” “Don’t worry about it. It’s just been a while since I’ve had such a huge infodump.” Timber sat down. “I can absorb it during the movie. I think.” The lights dimmed, and the previews began… A couple of hours later, Timber and Twilight left the theater together. "So," Timber said. "What'd you think?" Twilight made a non-committal noise as she shrugged. Timber repeated the noise with an upward inflection as he tilted his head. Twilight sighed, then frowned. "It… wasn't quite what I'd hoped it would be," she said as she took out her notepad. "I mean, it got some things right and some things wrong." "Such as?" Timber mentally prepared himself, recalling how often he saw Twilight write notes down during the movie. "You ready for another infodump?" Timber cracked his knuckles, then his neck, then posed like he was about to draw a gun in the wild west. "Bring it!" Twilight giggled, and Timber smiled inwardly at having lightened her mood. "You asked for it, pardner," she said with a faux Southern accent. "Draw!" What followed was another rapid-fire information session that slowly drew in spectators. Murmurs of confusion and awe rose from the crowd. Within a couple of minutes, Timber fell to the ground as he held his head in his hands. "Overload," he said in a robotic monotone. "Overload! Powering… down…” Twilight smiled smugly as she made a finger gun, then blew the tip of her finger and shoved it into her skirt pocket. The crowd gradually dispersed as Timber got back on his feet. “Well,” he said as he dusted himself off. “That was fun!” “It was,” Twilight exclaimed, then blushed a little. “I… I wouldn’t mind doing this again sometime. The hanging out, I mean. Not another movie, just hanging out.” She laughed nervously as she pulled at her hair. Timber’s heart felt warm at the sight. Twilight was so adorkable! “Yeah. Me too.” Twilight and Timber slowly walked up to each other, then stopped. Twilight, still new to all of this... 'hanging out' was quite frankly unsure what she should do. She had to consider Timber's feelings, but she also had to consider her own comfort level. Would hugging him be awkward, given that they actually almost kissed back at Camp Everfree? Timber blinked in confusion, but stood still. Should he make a move? He didn't want to overstep any boundaries, even if they did almost kiss that one time. Should he play this safe, or would that bother Twilight? Agh, he had no friggin' idea what to do! Twilight adjusted her glasses as Timber ran a hand through his hair. They stood idly, avoiding eye contact for a few moments. Timber willed himself to speak. "So... um..." "Yeah?" "A-Are we supposed to like... do something?" Twilight played with her hair nervously. "S-Something like w-what?" "I don't know," Timber said with a shrug. "Would a hug be okay?" Twilight felt a sudden calm wash over her. What was she thinking? A hug, awkward? "Yeah!" Timber and Twilight closed the distance between themselves, then embraced each other. They held each other closely, basking in their body heat. After a moment, they sighed together, then broke the hug. Twilight blushed with a soft smile. "I'll call you tomorrow to make plans for next time." Timber's heart thundered. That expression of Twilight's would be forever etched into his mind. "I can't wait." Timber and Twilight went their separate ways, but not before waving goodbye to each other. Twilight got into her car and buckled her seatbelt. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath as she pressed her arm against her chest, then exhaled as she extended her arm outward. There was no doubt in her mind that her friends would want to know every last detail of her time with Timber, but she had a lot to mentally unpack after tonight. That didn't mean she wouldn't contact them, though. Twilight took out her phone and went to the group text. Hey guys, the hangout's over. I'm not ready to talk about it yet, but it would suffice to say I think it went over well. - Twilight Twilight pocketed her phone, then started her car and drove away. Timber got into his car and buckled up. His heart was still hammering in his chest. He needed a moment to calm down! He put his hands on the steering wheel as he took a deep breath, then let go as he exhaled. He found himself calmer. Timber knew Gloriosa would want to find out as much as she could about tonight, but he wasn't really in the mood for a long and detailed explanation. He grabbed his phone and sent a text. Date went well, but that's all you'll get out of me until tomorrow morning. - Timber Timber pocketed his phone, then took another deep breath as he took out his keys. He exhaled, then started the ignition and drove home.
