A hammer was held firm in his hand. He brought it up over his head, before bringing it down onto the nail in front of him. His hand held the nail in place for the first couple of hits before he was finally able to let go and hammer it the rest of the way in. It had been close to about a month since everything had gone down. Ponyville had surprisingly bounced back pretty quickly after everything. He had taken to help with the building and or engineering aspects of this whole thing. For now, he's with the assembly of walls for the houses. Though, he does pick up a few more jobs here and there to pick up the slack for those who are sick. He reached his hand up to his forehead, his palm gently wiping the sweat from his brow.

Reaching over, he handed the assembled siding to a cream colored mare. She took it on her magic once he slid it over to her. "Here, this should be going to Cheerilee," He gave directions to the mare. She gave a small nod and headed off to her destination. Rigdon turned back towards the table in front of him, quickly glancing over at a few blueprints. He then grabbed a couple of planks along with a saw. Measuring everything out, he double checked his work before beginning to drag the saw back and forth. The wood fell to the ground with a small thump. Tossing the saw aside, he turned back to his trusty hammer and nails. He placed a nail firmly against the wood before bringing his hammer down again, and again. He had been working hard to keep up on schedule with everything. Maybe even a bit too hard.

Soft clops could be heard as somepony approached him. He paid no mind to the noise, though. His hammer cleared his thoughts as he worked. Then again, it's hard to ignore the sound of glass slamming down against wood. He turned to the side, finding Twilight standing there attentively. A glass of water was now at his side. He stopped his hammering, letting the tool slide out from his fingers and onto the wood. He reached forward, grabbing the glass and lifting it to his lips. The cold liquid rapidly slid down his throat. He let his hand fall back down, the cup hitting against the wood. He let out a loud gasp of satisfaction. "Ah god, that hit the spot..." He mumbled to himself.

"Well, while I was getting myself something, I figured that you would've liked some water," She spoke out. Rigdon gave a small nod before turning back forward. He grabbed his hammer once again and began to bang away against the nails. A worried expression fell on Twilight's face. She had taken notice to his 'commitment' and it was making her worry. "Don't you think you should take a break? Maybe even take a walk for a little bit?"

Her words caused his head to turn back around, his eyes meeting with hers. Twilight gave a small smile as she stood there. Instead of saying something, he just stood there. The silence cut through the air, leaving a hint of uncomfortable tension in its wake. About twenty seconds of silence would pass before he would finally speak up. "Alright, twenty seconds. That's my break." He would turn back around and pick up his hammer, quickly going back to work. Twilight's brows furrowed as her lips pursed into a small pout.

"You know that's not what I meant," She would mumble out softly, her left hoof gently pawing at the ground. She stood there, trying her best to think of what to do to get him to stop working for at least an hour, or ideally more. Then, she got an idea; An awful idea. Twilight had a wonderful, awful idea. As Rigdon began to bring the hammer down once more, it disappeared right before it hit the nail. His eyes narrowed as he stared at the wood down in front of him. He slowly craned his head over to look back at Twilight. She now seemed to have a large, wooden frame firmly in her magical grasp. His eyes widened a bit, his head whipping back to his table. Of course, the frame he was working on was now gone.

He once again whipped his body back around, only to catch a glimpse of Twilight as she galloped away. "Hey! What the fuck, Twilight! God damn it, give that back!" He would yell out as he started to pursue her. Twilight ducked and weaved between the crowd of ponies. Rigdon, of course, had a much harder time because of him being taller than everyone else. Though, it wasn't really that hard to lose track of Twilight since she was holding the frame high above her head, basically giving him a clear beacon as to where she was. They ran past the school that was currently being rebuilt. Twilight quickly dumped the beam off into the nearby pile. She slowly eased up on her running before coming to a complete stop. Rigdon huffed and puffed as he slowly pulled up to her. "Y-You... jackass! The hell was that for?"

"What? I was just delivering your work," She would defend herself, even if it was a poor excuse. "But, now that you're out here, you can really start that break of yours." A wide, smug grin would appear on her face. Well, he had to admit that she can really set up some good traps. Rigdon rolled his eyes, his arms soon hugging tightly against his own chest.

"Twilight, were you just doing this to get me to stop working?" He questioned, his eyes squinted. Twilight let out an offended gasp, lifting her hoof up to her chest. How could he accuse his best friend? She was going to take this as far as she could. Twilight placed her hoof down.

"Well, for your information, I was just helping my friend from not working himself into the ground! A smart, special somepony once told me that you shouldn't work too much," She spoke softly, offering him his gaze. Rigdon's nose scrunched up as he reflexively gagged at what was said by her. This earned a small giggle from her.

"God, don't steal my motivational words and use them against me! I only said that to you because you were drinking up all the coffee, smartass," He let out a soft laugh, his angry mannerisms slightly more subdued. His arms slowly fell from his chest as his body slowly became more relaxed.

"Hey, I'd prefer to say that I only cited a smart pony. . . Erm, person in your case," She mumbled out. She began to lead, inviting Rigdon to go on a walk. Rigdon quickly tailed her, picking up some speed so he ended up by her side.

"Y'know, I never thought you'd be the one to hit on my, Twi," He gave a cheeky grin as he teased her. Twilight shot him a wide eyed glare, her cheeks quickly going hot with a blush.

"W-What? No I wasn't! I-I was just telling you what you told me a little while back!" She would defend herself, which only caused Rigdon to bellow with laughter. He quickly reached up, his hand wiping away the tears that were now forming at the sides of his eyes. Twilight gave him another glare, this one more confused than the last. "What're you laughing for?"

"Haha, oh it's nothing!" He would start off, his arm quickly returning to its original position. "It's just that it's so easy to tease you. You always give the funniest reactions. 'Specially with that pouty face of yours," He pointed out to her. Twilight's confused look slowly melted into a more neutral look, a cat gripping at her tongue as his words sat on her mind. She still wore a bright blush on her face.

"So, where are we going? I take it you got somewhere in mind?" He questioned her as he stuffed his hands into his pockets. Twilight gave a firm nod as she turned the corner, Rigdon quickly following her movements. His eyes looked around the block. The place certainly looked much better than the state it was left in a little while ago. Fillies ran around, playing on the slides of the newly rebuilt park. He personally didn't take part in helping with this project, but he knows for certain that those who were involved must take serious pride knowing that they're directly helping the next generation.

"Well, there was this local bar I've been wanting to go to for a while. Didn't really want to go by myself," She looked back at him. Rigdon seemed to be appalled at her words. He really wasn't expecting her to ask him to go drinking with her. He stopped for a moment, quickly pointing his finger at her.

"You? Drinking? And here I thought I knew all the in's and out's of you," He pulled his hand back down. It might be unexpected, but it was still a welcome revelation. Twilight rolled her eyes a bit before shaking her head softly.

“Hey, I never said I was going to drink! I just wanted to come here because I’ve heard that their food is amazing,” She would defend herself. “If you wanna drink, then be my guest! It’s your break after all. Just don’t drink too much… I don’t think I could carry you back..” She turned her head forward as they approached the bar. Honestly, that was most likely a lie. He’s seen what she’s capable of.

Twilight opened the door with her magic, a burst of cold air washing over them. The bar was filled with ponies of all different social classes mingling together. Honestly, these were one of the reasons he liked these types of places. It always was just one big melting pot of those who wanted to have a relaxed evening. They both walked over to a table that was situated near the head of the bar. The cold breeze really added a nice touch. His eyes looked over the wall of beverages before they closed in on the shape of an unmistakable drink; a bottle of Brandy. His eyes turned to pinpricks. No way! They had his go-to drink! A waitress walked up to the both of them, quickly offering napkins and utensils.

“Y’all need a bit to make up your mind, or are you ready?” She questioned, a hint of a southern accent dripping at the back of her voice. Twilight furrowed her brows softly, her mind too focused on the menu in front of her. Rigdon, of course, already had his mind set on two things.

“Yeah, I’ll take a Brandy sour and a summer strawberry salad,” He slowly pushed the menu to the side of the table. The mare serving them gave a small nod and quickly wrote down his order. Both of their gazes slowly turned to Twilight, now waiting for her to make up her mind. Though, with the face she was giving, she was drawing a few blanks. He looked back to the waitress. “Just make it a double on both that Brandy sour and salad.”

The menu slowly fell from Twilight’s grasp. She slowly slid it over with her hoof to where his menu was. The mare doodled a little before picking up the menus in her mouth. She then walked away. Once she was out of earshot, Twilight spoke up. “I could’ve ordered for myself, y’know that right?” She pouted softly, her nose scrunching up a bit.

“Well of course I know that. It’s just I still want to be alive when we get out food and drinks,” He would say playfully. This earned him a snort from her. A small smile appeared on his face following this. Her smile was just so special to him.

“Sweet Celestia, don’t say that! I don’t take that long to order,” She shook her head softly. Rigdon raised a brow at her words. Well, he was about to dose her with reality. He folded his arms as he leaned back into his chair.

“Oh yeah? We went to that cafè about a week ago and you spent a good ten minutes just to figure out what toppings you wanted on your sandwich,"he would tell her. Twilight sank in her chair a little bit, her hoofs reaching up and hiding the embarrassment that was now painted on her face. He let out a small laugh as he saw her do this.

“Well what if I take a little bit to order? There’s just so many amazing options,” She spoke out, her voice a bit softer than usual. She slowly sat back up, regaining her composure in the process. The waitress finally returned with the drinks, placing them respectively near each of their owners. Twilight grasped her drink in her magic. The cup was slowly lifted from the table and near her. Rigdon slid his drink towards himself, his fingers wrapped tightly around the glass.

The waitress hurriedly ran off to the front of the bar, loading up with more drinks as she went to tend with everypony else. Rigdon lifted his drink and took a sip. He let the liquid rest on his tongue. His senses would rake through the flavor of the drink, picking out everything that made it what it was. After a little while, he swallowed it. A hint of lemon-lime was left on the tip of his tongue. He let out a satisfied sigh as he looked at the glass. “Man, I never thought I’d get to drink this again.” He placed the glass back onto the table.

Twilight raised a brow as she stared at the drink. It was clear that she had never tried something like this before. She slowly brought the glass to her mouth and took a sip. After swallowing, she let it process through his mind. She put the glass down. “It’s a bit stronger than what I usually drink, but it’s really good! The citrus really compliments the natural flavor of the Brandy,” She spoke up. Rigdon practically exploded at her agreement.

“Jesus christ, finally someone agrees with me! All my buddies back home hated this. I swear, I would’ve flipped if you hated it too.” He raised his fit and jokingly shook it a little. He then followed up with a small chuckle. Twilight rolled her eyes a bit in annoyance, but she couldn’t help but smile. “So, how’s the rebuilding going on your end?” He questioned her as he took another sip of his drink.

“Well, it’s actually going really well! The main square is all but fully rebuilt! The outer areas suffered less damage, but we’re only now just getting to it. I’d say it might take a few more weeks ‘til everything is as it was beforehand,” She answered as she took another sip of her drink, her nose scrunching up slightly at the citrus kick. “How’s everything with you?”

Rigdon gave a small nod at her words before starting to give her a sitrep with his work. “It’s actually going really well! I didn’t think we’d move this fast. Then again, with magic, I suppose it’s much easier to do everything. But, even without magic, I’ve held up pretty well.” He gave a solemn nod, quickly taking another sip of his drink.

The waitress popped up once more, now with their food in hoof. She placed them both down, quickly sliding them over to the both of them. She gave a small smile and began to walk away. Though, she decided to leave a couple choice words for the both of them. “Hope y’all enjoy your date!” She smiled as she left.

Twilight had been taking a sip of her drink as she said that. The liquid practically spewed from her nose as she heard those words. She let out a loud cough, choking a bit as she was completely caught off guard. Rigdon was now just plagued with laughter. The tears began to run from his face as he clutched his side, of which was hurting from how much he was laughing.

“Wahaha! Oh god! That’s… haha!” He would cry out, his laughter beginning to die down as he slowly regained his bodily functions. Twilight had an offended look on her face, a huge blush running across her cheeks as well.

“How could she say that? We’re just friends! Does this look like a date?” She questioned, trying to figure out what made her think that they were both going out. She let out a small grumble as she lifted her drink to her lips once more, now taking a much bigger sip than usual.

“Well… now that you mention it,” He grinned as he decided to play around with her. Twilight gave him a glare, which caused him to laugh once more. “Alright, alright! Sorry for asking!” He reached his hand up, his fingers gently drying away his tears. Twilight hovered her fork with her magic, quickly plunging it into the salad in front of her. She then lifted the food to her mouth and bit the pieces of lettuce off the fork, giving a quick munch before swallowing. She still had a sour expression on her face.

Rigdon stabbed his fork into a piece of lettuce and strawberry. He lifted his fork to his mouth and bit the food off. He gave a couple of chews before swallowing it. His eyes drifted back to her. “Well, since we’re on the topic of dates, have you ever gone on one before?” He asked her. Twilight stopped, her eyes drifting off to another place of the bar. Her drink was suspended in the air as the sounds of others talking were the only thing they both heard. The awkwardness was deafening.

Twilight’s gaze slowly softened as she decided to open up and answer the question. “Well… this is embarrassing to say but… no, I haven’t,” She quickly brought the drink to her face. Her eyes moved back so that she was looking at him once more. “What about you? Have you ever been on a date?”

Rigdon raised his hand, gently scratching his chin as he thought. “Well, I’d say the only real date I’ve been on would be that one time I went to prom. Though, I don’t really count it since she basically ditched me to be with her friends,” He murmured out softly as he recalled his past events. Twilight gave a solemn nod, her body relaxing. She felt a bit more comfortable to know that he was in the same boat as her.

“Well, since we’re on the topic of dates and stuff… You ever had a crush on someone?” He stared at her. Twilight took a moment to think. She was going to be walking on thin ice with this one. She slowly gave a small nod.

“Well… I still do,” She admitted with a small huff, quickly taking another sip of her drink. Her mind was basically yelling at her and calling her crazy for giving this much information to him. Rigdon gave a knowing nod.

“So, who’s the lucky guy? Got any details on him?” He asked with a grin. Twilight sat there in silence, contemplating what to do next. She took a deep breath, her heart banging against her chest in its rhythmic pattern. She might’ve opened her lips a bit too much.

“Well, he’s cute. He’s really smart, and I admire that about him. He has a weird sense of humor, but it can be really funny at times. I think he has a degree? He’s an engineer… He’s pretty tall, too.” She gave him some details, but kept it pretty vague.

“Well, this guy sounds amazing! I’d love to meet him. Sounds like a guy I can get along with,” He called out to her. She gave a solemn nod, her courage slowly building in her chest. She had to remember what Rarity and Rainbow had told her.

“Well, he's actually in this bar at the moment!” She quickly admitted as she finished off her salad. Rigdon raised a brow, now intrigued about this.

“He is? Can you point me to him?” He questioned as he looked around the bar, trying to find some stallion that had fit the exceedingly vague description that she had gave him. Twilight took a deep breath, quickly letting out a sigh before decking to go for it.

“Yeah, he’s right there…” She called out to him. Rigdon continued to stare off at the other patrons that were sitting at their tables. His brows furrowed a bit as he continued to scan his eyes across the bar

“Where? I don’t s-” He turned back towards twilight, only to hold his tongue at what he saw. Twilight was pointing her hoof at him. The world seemed to stop as he sat there. He didn’t even begin to know what to make of this! Twilight slowly pulled her hoof back down, her face riddled with a look of embarrassment.

“How… How-” He was cut off by Twilight’s voice answering his question.

“It’s been a week since I’ve felt like this. I just… We’ve been spending so much time together. I’ve gotten to know every little part of you, and I just… can’t stop myself from falling for you. Every time I learn something new about you, I feel my heart skip a beat. When I’m around you, I feel like I’m at one of Pinkie’s parties,” She started off, her eyes staring directly into his. “I just… I want to always be around you. You just make me so happy. You’re like the proton to my electron.” She would mumble out. They both stayed silent for a moment, before they both began to laugh.

“Oh god, that was terrible! I’ve been a terrible influence on you! Haha!” Rigdon snorted at her science pun. Twilight brought a napkin up and dabbed the tears from her eyes. She decided to carry on with this playful tone.

“What? You said worse before! That was a tasteful pun!” She would add on. Their laughter slowly died down as reality slowly creeped back into their minds. Rigdon let out a small sigh as he sat there.

“Y’know, I’ve always thought that romantic relationships were dumb. It’s never really been a big priority of mine,” He started off. Twilight’s ears pulled back as her heart sank. She prepared for the worst. Though, Rigdon was about to upend her entire expectations. “But, being with you… It makes me want to try it out. You are a joy to be around and I care about you deeply. So, to add on to your statement… I’d love to be the proton to your electron.” He blurted out softly.

Twilight’s eyes widened and turned to pinpricks at his words. Her heart practically exploded in her chest. To say that a nuclear reaction had gone off in her heart would be an understatement. Her ears lifted a bit as she sat there. She gave a big smile and began to squeal a bit. “Yes, Yes, Yes!” She cried out in glee. She looked at him, her lips pursing softly. She held her tongue, the embarrassment quickly setting in. Rigdon gave a small laugh.

“God you’re adorable. I swear, your smile is going to end up giving me diabetes from how sweet it is,” He said playfully. Twilight scoffed softly before reaching over, gently slapping his arm with her hoof. He could feel his heart beat faster as she did this.

Well, looks like he’s going to have to borrow a couple of dating books from Twilight’s library sometime this week.

Author's Note

Hope you all like this new chapter! All art is made by me!