Blooming Days

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N-no way...

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THERE'S NO WAY! THAT SNIVELING LITTLE...

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She got me. She actually got me.

I rubbed my face with a hoof, unable to take my eyes off of the door. It'd been several minutes since they'd gone and I was still stuck in place on my bed. I simply couldn't believe it.

She beat me. She... won.

I chuckled.

I was caught somewhere smack dab between a blinding, uncontrollable rage and a fierce sense of pride I never thought I could have in another pony. I fell backwards onto my pillow, reclining on my bed.

She wasn't lying.

There'd have been no point. She'd gotten what she wanted from me. I was certain that she was convinced -- in a way -- that I'd already forgiven her. I guess, since I hadn't tossed her out on her flank, that that was kinda true.

...

In a way.

I covered my face with a foreleg, sighing. Telling me a lie like that would have served no purpose.

She gains nothing from me knowing that... right?

And besides, she wasn't the type of pony to do something like that. I knew that because...

I'm the type of pony that would do that.

The only thing revealing her feelings to me had done was make things that much more complicated. I was certain she didn't know that, though.

I doubt Sun said anything to her about it.
There was little to no chance that Twilight was aware that I was in love with the golden mare. I don't think she would have been bold enough to make such a declaration, if she did know.

So... Sparkles is in love with me, huh?

The thought alone brought a radiating warmth to my heart. It almost felt like I might start floating at any moment. It was familiar, but foreign. It was a feeling I hadn't experienced in... I couldn't remember how long.

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Probably before...

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No. Definitely before that.

Regardless of what'd happened in the past, I couldn't help but feel absolutely giddy in the present. Sure, it was what I wanted. It was what I'd always wanted.

I deserve it.

But even more than that... more profitable than her love could be, was what it actually gave me.

If she feels anything like I do about Sun, then I can definitely use this to my advantage.

Sure, there was still a good chance Sparkles and I could be friends again. The desire to rectify her betrayal was pretty strong evidence that she wanted to work things out. I was willing to let her try her best, but that didn't mean I was just gonna let her off the hook like nothing had ever happened.

I'd never let such an... entertaining opportunity slip by.

I'm gonna have so much FUN!

*Knock knock knock*

Speaking of fun...

"Coming!" I called out, leaping off my bed. I trotted -- or maybe even danced -- over to the door with the biggest grin on my face.

I get to have fun with Sparkles, get to have fun with Raven... things are finally getting interesting.

I threw open the door only to be stunned into a stupor.

"Good evening, Starlight," the porcelain mare dipped her head.

W-wow...

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"Geez Rave..." I couldn't help but blush at the mere sight of her... but only a little! "Getting all gussied up just for little old me? You really shouldn't have."

"Honestly, I don't get to go out too often," she confessed with a wry smile. "With Princess Celestia handling the preparations for her own trip, I've been given the rest of the day off. I'm going all out tonight! Even if it kills me!" She struck a pose like a model might, lifting a hoof to her chin. "I'd ask how I look," she grinned confidently, lifting the same hoof to point at my mouth. "but I think this tells me all I need to know."

"Guess there's no point in trying to lie to you then, huh?" I laughed. "You actually clean up reeeeally nicely." I examined her closer.

She was wearing a black velvet dress that was long enough to cover most of her tail. I was no fashionista, but the fabric accentuated all the right curves...

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...Which is a little weird when one considers we were always naked.

Anyway, she had four black high-heels on her hooves and her usual ascot was replaced with -- from the best guess I could muster -- a necklace made of pure onyx. Her mane and tail were both down, free of their typical ties. Both were wavy and long, her mane framing a very attractive face that still bore her typical glasses.

"Yeah, yeah," I waved her smiling face away with a hoof. "You look fantastic, okay? Are you ready to get going?"

"Of course!" she nodded enthusiastically. It was evident she was pleased with my reply. "But," she tilted her head as she backed out of my room. "You're not going to put anything on?"

"Don't have anything to put on," I shrugged, following her out. "I hope that's not an issue?" I closed the door behind myself. I'd never been a 'clothes' pony. Rather than threads and cloth, bits could be spent on far more important things...

...Like kites.

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Wait...

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Nevermind.

"Not at all," Raven giggled. "You look amazing all the time!"

"I know," I winked at her. She rolled her eyes in response, but her smile remained vibrant. "Soooo... we're really making this a date then?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Come on, Starlight," she chuckled. As we made our way to the entrance of the castle she was getting looks left and right from the guards we passed by. "You know as well as I do that you don't see me like that," she wasn't sad about it, that much was apparent from her grin.

Either that, or she's really good at hiding it.

I was betting on the former. She wasn't an idiot, after all.

"There's no way I'm gonna be just a notch on your bedpost, so let's just enjoy our time together and have a nice night, yeah?" she flashed a brilliant smile my way.

I can't say no to that.

"You know where we're going then?" I asked, keeping my eyes forward.

"Of course!" she was practically skipping at this point. "And I know you're gonna love it!"

"Then I'm gaaaame," a devilish smile lifted my lips. She smacked me playfully on the shoulder. "Lead the way, beautiful."

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Now THIS is what I was expecting.

I scrutinized the ivory mare with attentive curiosity. She was watching the violinist play with a mellow smile on her face. Her head was resting on her hoof, her other foreleg draped across the table. We were waiting for the orders to arrive, the ambiance of the posh restaurant peaceful.

This place was the exact type I'd envisioned the elites of Canterlot frequenting. The atmosphere was almost akin to Princess Luna's room, dim the best way to describe it. A posh lamp was hanging over every table, but each was only bright enough to illuminate said table and those sitting around it.

The overly elaborate interior was striking. (Fauna and flora was hanging from almost every nook and cranny I could see.) The furniture and decorations were pristine. (I couldn't be certain, but most everything -- from the tables to the sculptures -- looked to be made of various types of marble and ivory.) Even the wait staff was clad in some of the most expensive looking outfits I'd ever laid eyes on. (Sleek black tuxedos for the stallions and alabaster dresses for the mares.)

Not only the attire, but the ponies themselves were absolutely stunning. It was as if each had been perfectly chiseled from the same marble as the decor.

Rarity would fit right in around here.

All of that was not even mentioning the musician performing in the corner of the restaurant. The large stallion was sitting on a single wooden chair, also donning a lustrous tux himself. (Though his was white to emphasize his dark coat.) The music he was playing was somber, to say the least. It suffused the eatery with an even more depressing atmosphere. It was clear the proprietor was aiming for a romantic climate, but I chose to perceive it as "glass half empty".

Which is how I tended to view most things, if I'm being honest.

Raven was really enjoying it though. At least, it looked like she was. She hadn't taken her eyes off of the stallion since we first arrived at the place.

Maybe... she's into him?

It was definitely a possibility. I didn't really care either way so I turned my attention elsewhere.

The patrons of the restaurant were chatting with one another, but none so loud to conflict with the song being played.

I guess some Canterlot ponies can show some respect.

Apparently, the restaurant was to be our first stop of many for the night. I was planning on taking full advantage of Raven's generosity.

She invited me. It's only fair.

The prices here were going to let me do that and then some. We'd placed our orders for food quickly (mine well over 200 bits) and picked our drinks (again, mine well over 100 bits). After that, we'd settled into a comfortable silence that hadn't been broken yet. As the current song winded down I noticed the stallion smile Raven's way, waving a hoof at her inconspicuously. She returned the most enthusiastic wave I'd ever seen a pony give, flouting any decorum a high society restaurant like this one usually demanded. Nobody else in the place seemed to mind. The grin that came to the stallion's face wasn't the only change that occurred. As he started his next song it was apparent how much more passionate he was playing than the last. It was an interesting exchange between the pair, to say the least.

Her gesture had piqued my interest much more than his though.

No time like the present, I sneered.

It was time to have some fun.

"What's up, Rave?" I circled the rim of my water glass with a hoof, doing my best to feign nonchalance. "You look like you're a filly in love or something."

"I am," she spoke without hesitation, a coy smile on her face. I was completely taken off guard by her blunt reply. She took a drink before continuing. "With the music, of course," she clarified.

Just as sharp as ever.

I couldn't properly utilize what I already knew she was susceptible to. Playing the intimidation card was completely off the table, obviously, especially when we were in the middle of Canterlot at an upscale establishment like this one.

"Sure doesn't look like it was the music from where I'm sitting," I pursued the most entertaining route I could think of. "From here, it looks like you've got a crush on that lovely little stallion playing the violin."

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"Maybe just a little one," she conceded, a faint smile on her lips as she stared at the dark musician. I don't know why, but she didn't look happy about admitting that. "He's very... handsome... but... that doesn't really matter."

"Rave?"

The game could wait. It wasn't simple sadness in her. It was melancholy, and for some reason, that bothered me to no end.

"It doesn't really matter what I want," she took her hopeless eyes off of the stallion, returning her attention to me. "It's not like I'd ever be able to act on it anyway. Even if I wanted to I..." she sighed. "I have responsibilities, y'know?" she gave a quick lift of her shoulders, looking absolutely deflated.

I didn't.

"I don't," I shook my head, a displeased frown projecting exactly how I felt. "You're just her aide, Rave. You can't possibly be THAT busy, can you?"

She chuckled, though it might've been more out of bitterness than jubilance.

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"Like I said, this is the first night I've gotten off in... honestly I can't remember," she giggled once again as if that depressing fact was somehow funny. My scowl grew stronger. "I asked for the time off as soon as you agreed to go out with me," she held a hoof up to her chin, thinking deeply. "I haven't done something like that in years. The last time was a family emergency, And even this almost didn't happen."

"What do you mean?" My anger subsided a bit, replaced by confusion.

"Princess Celestia almost canceled my request," she stared bluntly, bringing my anger back in an instant. "After finding out what happened in the Empire, she scrambled to prepare for her trip. I'd have been instrumental in assisting her, but..."

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"But?" the confusion came right back.

"But, I told her I was planning on doing something with you, Starlight," she nudged her head my way, a genuine smile lifting her lips.

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"Why would she...?" I whispered to myself. I was beyond confused now. In fact, I was utterly bewildered.

Why would Celestia care about something like this?

"Honestly? I'm not exactly sure," she answered me in spite of not having been questioned in the first place. "All she said was that our time together was 'far more important'."

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IMPORTANT!?

"THAT..." my teeth clenched, the rage quick to consume me. Raven winced, my anger visibly shaking her almost as harshly as it was shaking me.

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"I think..." she started, speaking barely above a whisper once she knew it was safe to. "I think she wants me to make some friends too. That's... why. I think." I couldn't help but roll my eyes, at both her timidity and her attempt at protecting her boss.

Unlikely.

That couldn't be it.

Not everything.

Celestia isn't that simple.

It was probably another way for her to keep better tabs on me. If I had to make a guess that one would make the most sense.

But it's not like she can't do that already.

If the Princess of the Sun really wanted to, she could be watching me right now with no issues.

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...Whatever.

It's not like I could stop her even if I knew she was doing it.

"Here we are," the waitress' sudden intrusion drew our attention. The peach colored mare used a telekinetic spell to place our drinks in front of us. "One chamomile tea, no sugar," she smiled at me.

"Thanks," I didn't even look up, still keeping my eyes on Raven.

"And the same for you, Miss Inkwell. This one with sugar," the unicorn remarked as soon as Raven moved to speak up.

I was more than a little surprised at this outcome. I'd just ordered the most expensive thing on the menu, nix sugar.

I'd expected different from her. Apparently, it was her "usual", or at least that's the way that she'd ordered it.

No wonder she'd practically started glowing when I ordered.

"Thanks, Del!" Rave beamed at the drink, taking a healthy sip of it before squealing in delight. "It's perfect! Thank you so much!"

"You already said that," I muttered under my breath. It didn't seem to bother either of them. It was that, or neither had heard me.

"Of course, Miss Inkwell, a pleasure as always!" the server bowed her head. "I'll have your appetizers out in a few minutes. Is there anything else I can get for you in the meantime?"

"Not at the moment," she shook her head before looking my way. "How about you, Starlight?"

"I'm fine," I declined immediately.

"Very good! I'll leave you be for the time being then," the smiling waitress clopped her forehooves together once before taking her leave.

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"Friend of yours?" I asked, taking a sip of my drink. It had a slight apple taste with hints of honey.

Not terrible.

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...Would probably be a lot better with some sugar.

They were beginning to get to me. If I didn't remain vigilant I'd be kissing Celestia's flank soon too.

Yeah, right.

"Delilah is..." she had to think about it for a second, a crooked smile lifting her lips. "I guess Del is the waitress that serves me most often when I dine here."

Soooo no.

I wasn't going to pursue it. She looked way too... pathetic for me to do that. It was seriously bothering me.

Changing gears then...

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"Well... Honestly, I'm surprised," I giggled, hiding my mouth from her with a hoof. She looked my way, confusion painting her features. "You're not gonna try and get me wasted?"

"WH-!?" she almost shouted, but managed to keep her voice under control. She looked absolutely mortified. Her reaction brought a smile to my face. "Why would I do that, Starlight!?" She was somehow shouting and whispering at the same time. It was way too funny.

"Asking a pretty mare like me out and not trying anything... devious?" I looked away from her, leaning on my forehoof. I did my best to look uninterested. "I don't believe it."

"I would nev-"

"Not only that, you didn't even order anything sketchy for yourself," I interrupted her, pointing at her glass with a hoof. "I thought you were going 'all out' tonight? The fact that you didn't do either means you're playing at something or you-"

"Don't drink." She finished for me.

"You don't drink?" I lifted a doubtful brow.

"Her Highness forbids it," she explained with a grin. "But I guess I wouldn't anyways," she tapped her head with a hoof. "Need to stay sharp in case I'm needed at any hour."

"That's..." I chuckled.

Exactly.

It was my very own logic. Who knew when I might get into a particularly challenging game or a dangerous situation? Alcohol dulled the senses as well as the mind. At best it was a tool to use against others.

Better to be safe than sorry. Always.

"That's smart," I conceded. "But if you really aren't trying to get me plastered and into your bed, then why'd you ask me out in the first place?"

"I told you before, Starlight, back in the castle."

I was drawing a blank.

"I want to get to get to know you more," she clarified once she realized my confusion was leading me nowhere fast. "The real you."

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"You did say that..." I recalled her saying something along those lines, but I'd thought it was just code for: 'I wanna fool around with you!'

Guess not.

I groaned, though I managed to hide it from her well. Opening up to ponies about myself was literally my least favorite pastime. Right there below doing charity work for anything that wasn't a child. the very idea sounded downright depressing.

But... maybe... I can have some fun with this?

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Maybe I can...

I noticed Del approaching us with some of our dishes.

"What did you have in mind, Rave?" I asked.

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"Alright, girls! I've got your-"

"I want to know about your family, Starlight."

I bristled.