The morning was absolutely perfect - so perfect that anypony would swear they could hear the music of Daniel Ingram playing - the perfect morning flutes, butterflies flapping about the courtyard of the School of Friendship, overall, a perfect, cheerful morning. So perfect, even Cozy Glow felt it.
There was a bounce in her step, her blue striped curls bouncing with each step, and she hummed a song to herself. She was so cheerful, infact, that she didn’t see the new kid, and with a loud thud, both fell to their rumps, various objects each had been scattered. The new kid was the first to speak.
“I’m sorry!” he said,readjusting his glasses. He had a slight lisp. Cozy Glow felt her rage burn, her perfect morning ruined, but remembered that she was a mature mare. Then she took a look at the poor foal. He was scrawny, with dark brown fur and a lighter brown mane and tail, the tail cut short and the mane just a full mess.
She wanted to explode at him. But then she thought of her progress collecting friends, her evil plan to steal magic from Equestria. He could be a new friend in her up and coming empire.
“Golly! I am so sorry! I was distracted by what a beautiful day it is!” she offered a hoof out to the boy. She forced herself not to grimace when he took it gratefully and stood. He nodded. “It really is a perfect morning!” he started, a small blush rising to his cheeks. “Anywho, I’m new here, and more than a little lost,” he said.
Oh boy. He was already smitten with her, Cozy Glow could tell. Screw a new friend for her empire. It would be far more fun to make him head over hooves, then reject the silly little fool. Cozy had to keep herself from smiling with sheer glee at the thought. Instead, she smiled brightly at the foal.
Phase one: Friendly, Flirting, and running into him.
“Well gee, I can surely help you out! I’m headmare Twilight’s right hoof pony, afterall!” she said. “Now let’s look at your schedule! Oh! Friendship spells! That’s my next class too! Here, I’ll lead the way,” she said, picking up her things she had dropped and helping with his own. She made an effort to bat her lashes at him and brush her tail on his side.
She turned to go, and the new kid followed suit. “Golly! I suppose I should introduce myself! Name’s Cozy Glow. You?” she asked as they walked. The colt blushed. “I’m… Double Vision,” he said. It took all of Cozy’s strength not to laugh at such a name. Hell, if she weren’t on a quest to become the friendship empress, she’d have laughed at him. She inhaled sharply. She was a mature mare.
On their way to the classroom, she showed him around, throwing in more batted lashes, subtle tail touches, and leaning in close. She knew she was cute. And she could tell that so far, it was working. She showed him some clubs, and other activities the school had. She made sure to emphasize some of the things she was interested in, such as the chess club, and hinted at an upcoming formal school dance.
Finally, they made it to class. “Golly! Looks like there aren’t many seats left, but the spot next to me is open!” she said gleefully. She flapped her way over and sat down. All throughout class she plotted his romantic demise, making it look like she was writing notes.
- Phase one: flirt with him, make an effort to run into him, and be friendly. This phase will
be ongoing during the other phases, and will end before phase four.
Phase two: A rumor here, a whisper there. No other girls will want to go to the dance with him, no creature wants to work with him. Nothing too harmful though.
Phase Three: Make sure he’s fallen hard. Woo him at the school dance. I’ve got three weeks to make him like me.
Phase Four: Crush. His. Heart. Tear. Apart. His. Soul.
Cozy Glow had to stop herself on multiple occasions from giggling at her evil plan. Thankfully, the colt seemed like a smart kid that didn’t want to fail, and he didn’t pry his eyes away from the lesson one bit.
The first time she “ran into him” was just simply in passing, but she made herself blush as she looked at him, and she waved coyly, lowering her head so her lashes looked longer. She had picked that trick up from Fluttershy. He blushed back and wove back with the hoof that would hide his blushing face. Once she was out of sight, Cozy sneered.
The second time was all the more satisfying. By now, she had learned his schedule. They shared a few classes together, and made an effort to walk with him to the classes they shared. “Golly! You’re a part of the chess club too? I was just on my way there! Wanna go together?” she asked. He nodded, and they played against each other. All throughout, she flirted and pretended she wasn’t the school’s chess champion, going easy on him and teaching him some moves. She pretended to be impressed when he won, even though she could completely destroy him. Not that she wasn’t going to. It just wasn’t at chess. It was his heart.
The most recent time was on their way to Professor Rarity’s class. “Goodness! Need help finding Professor Rarity’s class? Well, it’s right this way. I have it this time too!” Cozy said, giggling and blushing at Double Vision. He blushed in reply. “Th-thank you, Cozy,” he said, his voice quiet.
Phase Two: Whisper Here, Rumor There… oh and group projects too.
“Does every creature understand the assignment?” Professor Rarity had asked. Various murmurs of confirmation and nods filled the room. “Good. Now, for the next week we’ll be in a minimum of pairs, and each day in class will be spent working on the project.” Rarity continued. “Let’s get grouped up and get started.”
It was time for phase two of her plan. Cozy made quick work of ensuring no pony would be Double Vision’s partner, working with her own group first before feeling ever so sweet and knowing he needed one.
It was some of her best work. Rumors here, whispers there. She’d been busy. It seemed as though her whispers had been more effect then she planned, as many mares avoided him outright, even some of the boys were too. She felt a little bad, but stomping out that was easy. Cozy reminded herself of the satisfaction of rejecting the poor kid. The feeling went right away. She didn’t feel bad at all.
A few days before the project was due, it was time for phase two, at least, its main segment. The rumors and whispers started in collaboration with phase one. “Oh my! You don’t have a partner or group yet for Professor Rarity’s project?” Cozy asked, acting clueless. Double Vision nodded. “Yep, no creature wants to work with me!” he said, clearly distressed. Cozy hadn’t noticed it before, but he also had really large front teeth. “Well! The project is about how it takes two for tolerance.” Cozy knew all about that. She had to tolerate him especially well if it meant getting to reject him.
During class and over the next few days in the library, they worked on the project, preparing the presentation, and got perfect scores! After that, they hung out a little more, studying together and helping each other where they needed to.
No! Friendship is like a disease! Cozy couldn’t let herself grow attached. It was time to start working on phase three.
Phase Three: I’ve Got Three Weeks… and School Dance Fliers…
Cozy Glow had made sure to run into Double Vision more and more. Today, though, Twilight had assigned her the job of putting up some left over School Dance fliers. At first, Cozy thought this would impair how often she ran into Double Vision, but then she thought of something else more devious. A wicked grin spread on her lips, her teeth and a little bit of gum showing.
Cozy flapped her way around the school, placing the fliers on lockers, bulletin boards, and other various, obvious spots, such as bathroom stall doors, etc. It didn’t take long for Cozy to have one flier left, and she knew just where to put it. She had held out as she knew when Double Vision would be right where she needed him to be.
She made her way to his locker. Around this time was when he exchanged out some of his materials, books, etc. She didn’t see him at first, pouting. Then she saw him approaching. She made the effort to get to his locker first, timing her placing of the poster as he arrived.
“Golly! Is this your locker? Sorry! Twilight had me put these up around the school,” she started. Double Vision took a closer look at the flier. “Right… the school dance..” he said, lisping. Cozy innocently tilted her head. “What’s wrong, friend?” she nudged gently. She had to hear that he didn’t have a date for the dance. The stallion's ears flopped against his head. “I can’t find a date for the dance!” he said. “All the girls I ask say all these just wrong things about me, and that’s why they can’t go with me…” he said, his bottom lip quivering. How pathetic. But, her rumors and whispers were working.
“Gosh! I’m sorry to hear that. Somepony must be spreading some awful rumors…” she started, timing her next sentence. Now make it look like I’m thinning. She rubbed her chin with a hoof, her brow furrowed. “Oh! I know~! What if I went with you?” she said, batting her lashes and leaning into him. She forced her cheeks red. It wasn’t hard. Just think of something that pissed her off, and her face was red.
Double Vision was speechless. He had dropped whatever books he was holding. He blinked at her, rubbing his eyes, and rubbing his ears. He shook his head, closing his open mouth. He wasn’t sure if he heard the pink filly correctly. “Well?” she prodded, blinking shyly at him. “Yes! Let’s go together!” he said. She smiled brightly. “I can’t wait! I’ll see you in class?” she blushed at him, her cheeks pinker than before. He nodded gleefully, and whinied as he swapped out his books.
Cozy trotted off, looking back at him with a wink. Then she stopped with an idea. She’d have to boil her lips after this… but it’d be sure to spark something in him. She turned back around, trotting back up to him, planted a kiss on his cheek, then turned to go, flapping off to class.
Phase Three Point Five: The School Dance
The night had finally come. Well, at the very least, it was the day of. Cozy Glow would absolutely woo Double Vision before, during, and after the school dance. She had to. She had made significant effort to learn and wear his favorite color to the dance.
First stop was Carousel Boutique. Rarity was to do her makeup and help her into her dress. “How exciting, dear!” Rarity began, “The School Formal! Close your eyes for me darling,” the unicorn brushed on a sparkly, light blue glitter eyeshadow. Then, with a few well done swoops, the black eye liner went on. “Look up for me darling. Any colt would be lucky to go with such a sweet filly as you.” she said. Cozy Glow looked up. Mascara was swept on with ease. “Lips pursed, dear,” she instructed. Cozy listened. A subtler, reddish lip tone was put on.
“Now for your final fitting, darling!” Rarity smiled as she spoke. “Oh! Here’s your makeup look,” she said, floating over a mirror. Cozy took a quick look and nodded. “Looks perfect!” she said. She had to look perfect. Impressing this colt was important. She simply had to crush his heart and tear apart his soul. And she knew exactly how. Villain Monologue.
Cozy sat up from the chair she had been in and went over to where Rarity normally did her fittings. Rarity helped her into her gown. It matched in color to the eyeshadow Cozy wore. It was a sleeveless, backless gown, with a lower cut chest and had a slit at the flank. The fabric was simple but elegant. Rarity made a few tightening stitches, and voila, her gown was done. She looked like a full grown mare, and a beautiful one at that.
All that was left was her mane, which Rarity had also offered to do. Cozy’s inspiration was that of how Cadence's hair was done for the games inspector. Not nearly as regal, though. This event was formal, sure, but Cozy was no princess… at least not yet. Anyway, she had some beautiful blue gems woven into a lovely updo. She had single thin strand at the base of her neck that stayed out on purpose. Rarity even took the time to do her tail, of which she braided and more woven blue gems.
A proper lady stood in front of that mirror. Cozy Glow adored how she looked, and returned back to her dorm, waiting for her date to pick her up. While she waited, she plotted things she wanted to do. A slow dance was a must. Maybe asking a few favors, and of course, plenty of flirting. Oh, and trying not to barf and roll her eyes.
A knock broke Cozy’s thoughts, and she opened the door shyly to Double Vision waiting. He wore a fancy, well pressed suit, his vest a matching blue to that of Cozy’s dress. She shyly stepped out, closing her door behind her. “Ready?” he asked, offering her his foreleg. She nodded, forcing a blush to her cheeks, taking his leg. Try not to gag, try not to gag-
The walk was brief, the dance being held on the school grounds. It was a perfect, fall evening, and the formal was held outside in the school courtyard, the fountain beautifully at it’s center. Fairy lights and lanterns had been strung high up, and even DJ Scales and Tail was there. This would be a night to remember, regardless of reasoning for going.
“Let’s get some snacks, yeah?” Cozy had started her way over to the snack and drink table. “Sure!” said Double Vision, who’s cheeks had been red since he picked her up. Cozy selected a few snacks and a drink, and sat at a nearby table. Double also chose a few things, and sat with her. “We’ll dance after this?” he said over the music. Cozy nodded, taking a bite of an apple fritter.
They ate swiftly, and stepped out onto the dance floor. Cozy requested a few slow dances ahead of time, and didn’t waste a second flirting as they danced. “You dance so well!” she started, keeping in time to the music and stepping with his movements. He blushed brighter, barely muttering out a thank you.
Some dances later, and socializing with some friends, came the first slow dance of the night. “Shall we?” Cozy offered, batting her lashes and leaning in close. Double Vision nodded quickly. He offered his front hoof and Cozy took it. He led her to the dance floor.
“You look stunning, Cozy,” he started. “Is that all?” she teased, making sure her face was red. Double Vision stuttered multiple things at once. Cozy giggled. “I’m teasing, silly.” she said, offering a coy smile. Double Vision’s cheeks were bright red. “So! Who do you think the dance royalty will be?” she asked as they danced. “I’m not sure! Did you run?” he asked. She nodded. “Yup!” she said joyfully. She knew she was going to win. She’s Twilight’s right hoof mare. She could easily rig the votes and the fool would believe they were right.
The slow dance ended, and they took a quick break to sit down. “Could you get me some more to drink, please?” Cozy batted her lashes at the colt. He blushed brightly and nodded, trotting off. Cozy let herself relax a moment. The night was going perfect. She knew after this would be the rejection. She could feel it. Double Vision returned with her drink, and she accepted gratefully.
As Cozy finished up her drink, Twilight’s voice came over quieted music. “Attention every creature! It’s time to announce our formal royalty! First, our Formal princess is…” a hush fell over the crowd. “Smolder! Congratulations!” Smolder stepped up and accepted her sash and tiara, many rounds of applause and cheering breaking the silence. “Next, our formal prince!” a pause, another hush. “Gallus! Congratulations!” Gallus stepped up and accepted his crown and sash, and stood next to Smolder. “Next our King and Queen are…!” Twilight grinned, glancing at Cozy Glow and Double Vision. “Cozy Glow and Double Vision!” she said, waving them up.
Cozy looked to Double Vision with surprise, as if she hadn’t rigged the entries. “Come on!” she said, jumping up with delight. The royalty got their own separate dance that everyone else had to watch. Twilight placed their crowns on their heads and helped them into the sashes. A photo was taken of all four for the year book, and then the dance began.
A waltz played, Smolder and Gallus dancing together nearby. “I can’t believe I got formal King!” Double Vision said with glee. “I’m happy we both got formal royalty!” Cozy said in reply. “It gives us a more private dance,” she said, smirking playfully. Double Vision blushed a bright, bright red. “Um, Cozy, I have something I need to tell you…” Double Vision said as they danced.
Phase Four: Crush. His. Heart. Tear. Apart. His. Soul.
Cozy had to stop herself smiling evilly when she heard he had something to say. Her gut feeling was right. Tonight was the night. And what glorious, perfect timing, right during the private dance that everyone had to watch. She hadn’t planned this part, but she felt as though the stars, planets and every cosmic particle in the universe had aligned, just for her.
Double Vision paused the dancing. “Cozy Glow, ever since we met, you’ve been nothing but helpful, kind, and a wondrous friend…” he started. Ugh! Couldn’t he just get to the point! She had rejecting to do! “Cozy Glow… I really like you… would you do me the honor of being my marefriend?” he asked. Finally! Checkmate, fool.
“Golly!” she made an effort to speak loudly. The music quieted. Spike- sorry, DJ Scales and Tail - knew there was something going on. The stars truly had aligned. “You want me to be your marefriend?” she said. Her need to laugh cunningly was held back on a leash with a muzzle. Double Vision nodded, a bright blush on his cheeks. The leash and muzzle snapped.
Cozy’s laugh was villainous. “A boy like you?! Never! Even your own name makes fun of you!” she laughed and laughed, falling over and clutching at her sides. The crowd around them also laughed, and even Gallus and Smolder hid their chuckles behind the claws.
Tears welled in the boys eyes, and he ran off crying, leaving the dance completely. Cozy’s grin was wicked as she stood up and enjoyed the rest of her evening…
