The clinking of coins against the wooden table resounded like a regular beat, a chord of fortune and chance that intertwined with the dull, addictive sound of the dice as they rolled across the surface. The dim, amber light enveloped the figures of ponies clustered around the table, some watching, some accompanying and the rest playing, embracing the atmosphere that surrounded the minds of the players, illuminating their eyes with a spark of determination and excitement.

The table, a noble object of dark wood, was perfectly polished by the eager hooves of strategists and defeats. On its surface, stacks of chips and dice rose and fell like tiny shooting stars on an empty night.

In the center of the were Misty Fly, Thunderlane, Fire Streak, Blaze and Aster, who had already consolidated a winning streak. At one end of the table, Aster held the dice as if they were ancient treasures, making them dance between his hooves with his hair blowing in the wind, tossing them with a nimble motion, watching as they spun and jumped before landing with a thud

• "Five!" - He exclaimed, raising his hooves in victory as he took the entire bet from the table, the pile in front of Aster steadily growing. Two mares sitting behind him, evidently captivated by the prince, were leaning over his shoulders celebrating as well.

Everyone placed their share of bets again to start the next game and MistyFly was the one to throw the dice - "a seven, for two coins" - she exclaimed, her voice mingling with the metallicclink of the coins sliding towards the center of the table as everyone leaned in waiting for the result, the dice spinning in the air and on themselves, catching the light before landing showing a four and a three. Murmurs of celebration filled the space, a few glasses clinking around them.

It was at that moment that Rapidfire emerged from the crowd, leading Moonflower and Soarin towards the table, the atmosphere slowly adjusting, opening up space for both companions. Moonflower's gaze quickly fixed on Aster, her eyes hardening as she noticed the mares' nearness, but quickly dissolved into a measured smile as she approached.

• "I see you've been lucky tonight" - she indicated with a smile, settling in next to Aster without really expecting a response. The mares, catching the intent behind Moonflower's gaze, exchanged a brief expression and rolled their eyes before retreating with a snort.

Aster looked up at Moonflower with a smile that radiated warmth - "Of course, I was thinking of you" - he commented as he set aside some coins to make room for the mare. Soarin settled down on the opposite side of the table next to Thunder, capturing the dynamic between Moonflower and Aster with a neutral expression - "Do you want to join the game?"

• "Sure, why not?" - Moonflower said, feeling the adrenaline of the game spreading over her blood.

• "Looks like you guys got here just in time to see how I win this one" - Blaze joked, his comment eliciting laughter that mingled with the sound of more coins sliding across the table.

• "Ready to lose?" - Thunderlane said with a chuckle, tossing a die with a hoove spin that made all eyes turn to the rolling cubes before falling with a thud - "Three, well, it could be worse" - he added, tossing a coin into the center and yielding the dice.

• "I wasn't expecting to gamble tonight, but since I'm here, why not?" - Soarin said, a spark of defiance in his eyes as he extended a small stack of coins towards the center and rolled the dice - "a five for four coins" - the ivory cubes danced between the board before stopping on a three and a two, a collective sigh let itself be heard, but Soarin kept a calm smile collecting part of the wager.

• "Not bad at all" - exclaimed Misty Fly, as the others applauded. She passed the dice to Blaze - "Now, how much do you bet for the next round?"

The aforementioned smiled, feeling the nerves of the game - "I'll bet five coins" - he said, taking the coins out of his wings and placing them in the center of the - "for a ten" - without further ado he threw them and when they fell, the number that appeared was a one on both dice, which caused a murmur of disappointment. However, his smile remained firm - "Not too bad, there's still time" - he said, with confidence to spare.

Next up was Moonflower. The dice rolled as if they were magnets for attention - "I bet five coins on the highest number" - she said, tossing her coins to the center, surprised sighs following her statement - "if I lose I match the bet, if I win I take it all."

Aster, observing Moonflower, felt a mixture of pride and smiled - "I'll double bet, to the highest number" - he said, throwing his coins with a determined gesture, same that made Moonflower laugh defiantly - "Let's see who has better luck this time my lady" - They both threw their die, and the sound of the coins colliding filled the air, everyone's eyes were fixed on the dice that were spinning like a carousel.

Moonflower felt her heart pounding as she watched the die roll, the tension wrapped around her neck like a noose, which tightened more with each turn, and when it finally stopped, everyone leaned forward to see the result.

• "A six!" - shouted Thunderlane, raising his arms in excitement, cheers began to surround the table - "you've won it all" - laughter and celebration erupted around the table and indeed, in front of Aster the number five lay tattooed on his die, right next to Moonflower's six.

• "Looks like someone has more than just luck tonight" - Aster joked, giving her his share of the wager, as Moonflower gathered the won coins in a nonchalant, triumphant motion.

• "What can I tell you, I always make it 20% cooler" - Moonflower said with a shrug and a boastful tone that her peers present recognized immediately, they stood silent with their eyes like saucers.

• "What was it you said?" - Soarin's eyes were fixed on Moonflower, full of disbelief, his eyebrow raised, the air on the table seemed to stop circulating. Moonflower blinked, aware of the magnitude of her mistake. The familiar tone she had used, that phrase that was practically an emblem of Rainbow Dash, she felt exposed

• "What thing?" - she replied in a nonchalant tone, averting her gaze in confusion, pretending not to understand the Bolts' reaction.

Misty narrowed her eyes, clearly not willing to let it go so easily - “you know that phrase...'20% cooler' is something only Rainbow Dash always says. I've heard it come out of her mouth hundreds of times, how do you...?”

Moonflower forced a short, almost mocking laugh as she rolled her eyes theatrically, interrupting Misty Fly's comment - “Oh really?” - she replied, her voice now modulated with a studied softness - “how funny coincidences are, it's a very common phrase where I come from, though I suppose it sounds different when everyone says it in their own way” - The explanation floated in the air like smoke in a fire, but Soarin kept his gaze fixed on her for a moment longer, Rapidfire frowned, while Thunderlane cocked his head to the side

Soarin shook his head slowly, still in disbelief, but finally relented, leaning back against the back of his seat - "I guess it was a coincidence... but it was strange, that's all."

Moonflower, feeling the pressure building, decided to persist, maintaining a carefree smile - "Come on, who doesn't feel great when they win?" - she said, trying to regain control of the conversation.

Rapidfire's laughter broke the silence, and the tension finally began to dissipate - "You're right about that, let's keep playing. Though I doubt anyone will top the luck Moonflower just had" - Laughter and commentary filled the table again, but Moonflower couldn't help but feel the weight of Soarin's gaze resting on her, as if trying to decipher something she couldn't quite understand. Magic is dangerous

Soarin, though he had managed to refocus on the new game, couldn't help but feel that unsettling sense that something didn't quite fit. The nervous way Moonflower avoided his gaze, as well as the way her words seemed to be carefully chosen and acted out, all seemed deeply suspicious to him. However, he decided it would be wisest to keep his unease to himself rather than confront her directly, so he opted to observe and analyze her actions more closely before rushing to conclude anything.

Aster, sensing the previous tension, gently slid his hoof over hers - “Would you like another round or would you like a drink?” - he suggested, his voice breaking the brief bad time he was unaware she had been through.

• “Thank you very much Aster, but don't worry, I'll go take the cocktail to your sister” - Moonflower mentioned, noticing that she had deliberately forgotten, she mentally scolded herself for that.

• “Shinning? how is she?” - He asked leaning curiously towards Moonflower, his expression full of genuine distress.

• "She's a little over-drunk, let's say she didn't measure the limit of her bottles" - replied Moonflower, averting her gaze. She inadvertently crossed her gaze with Soarin's, who was still playing, but his attention seemed to be divided between the game and her - "But don't worry, for that I have this fruit cocktail that will her calm down" - she added, trying to make her voice sound carefree, although a tinge of concern seeped intoher words. She did not want to alarm Aster

• "I thank you for looking out for my sister, Moonflower" - Aster finally said, with a small smile lighting up his countenance, stroking her cheek - "Would you like me to accompany you?"

• "No, it's okay. I can handle it"- replied Moonflower quickly - "you're having a great time here" - she mentioned, pointing to the playful atmosphere that had flared up again.

• "That's fine, but if you need help, don't hesitate to tell me" - Aster said, his voice full of support.

• "I know, thank you" - Moonflower replied, feeling a mixture of gratitude and guilt. She rose from the table, the fruit cocktail on her wing - "I'll go check on her."

As she walked away, the laughter and bustle of the game gradually faded, returning to the party atmosphere on the dance floor and the stories shared over the tables. The walk to the table where Shinning stood with the other Bolts proved longer than expected, not because of the distance, but because of the weight of the conversation she had just left behind, shaking her head to clear it of her mishap.

As she reached the table she perceived some missing figures. Shinning was sitting next to Spitfire and High Wings, with her head resting on her hoof and a disdainful expression on her face as she played with the rim of her empty cup, she seemed to be in her own world. The mare looked up as she sensed Moonflower's presence.

• "What are you doing here?" - she demanded, her voice a little slurred, but with classic indignation - "Why don't you leave me alone, I'm having a great time here with your two team friends" - Spitfire and High Wings looked at each other in confusion, unsure if they should intervene or let the conversation flow, but before Shinning could continue articulating camouflaged truths, Moonflower slid the cocktail close to her

• "I came to bring you this" - Moonflower said her tone more serious - "Aster cares about you, so you better drink it if you don't want more trouble" - The warning was clear, but her intention was not to create a threatening reaction towards her, she just needed to make it clear to her that she would not accept confrontations or excuses. Apparently, this time it worked.

Shinning took a sip of the cocktail, and her expression changed slightly - "It's not too bad" - she admitted, although her tone was still a bit dismissive - "although I wouldn't call this a cocktail."

• "It's a refresher, and it's what you need right now" - Moonflower replied, feeling the tension between them begin to fade - "I just want you to be okay, and Aster too."

• "Since when did you care so much about how I am?" - Shinning replied, although her gaze softened a bit she was still defensive in that state - "maybe you should stop acting like you're my mother, I'm capable of handling myself."

• "You can tell Shinning" - Moonflower said sarcastically, trying to remain calm and taking a seat across from her.

High Wings let out a nervous laugh, wanting to ease the tension a bit - "Well, considering how things were a few minutes ago, I'd say this is progress."

Shinning shot a sharp glance at High Wings but only took another sip of the cocktail. Suddenly, the unicorn stood up, staggering a little - “I'm going to the wash, don't wait for me” - she announced, but before she could walk away, High Wings got up with her

• “I'm coming with you, Shinning. We don't want you to get lost in this place” - she offered quickly, the princess nodded, Moonflower let out a slight sigh, she looked gratefully at High Wings but said nothing, just watching as they both walked away in the middle of the dance floor, leaving her alone with Spitfire.

the Wonderbolts' captain slid a glass towards her - “the cider ran out pretty fast, but the tequila will do to pass the time” - commented Spitfire, with a smile that was a balance between understanding and weariness.

Moonflower accepted the gesture with a relieved smile, lifting the glass to take a small sip. The taste was strong but tolerable, warm enough to relax her muscles - “I apologize for Shinning's behavior, I don't know how I can thank you” - she said, placing it back on the table.

• “No need to bother Moonflower” - said Spitfire, pouring some more drink in her glass - “Sometimes, things get out of control. But don't worry, she'll be back to her normal self, although that will be very funny.”

• “Of that you can be sure” - mentioned Moonflower with a little laugh - “By the way, what about the others, where are they?”

Spitfire tilted her head towards the dance floor, Moonflower turned and caught a glimpse of some of her friends enjoying the music, laughing and moving to the beat. Her gaze stopped on Blooming, who was also swaying to the beat with the light blue pegasus body hiding her in plain sight. The image surprised her, despite the inebriated state the two sisters were in, the magic of both seemed intact and unflinching. She swallowed thickly at the thought, you shouldn't underestimate the magic of two unicorns as impulsive as them.

• “It's amazing they can still hold their own with so much liquor on them,” Moonflower commented, more to herself than to Spitfire, who still listened to her, she wasn't being the most discreet pony tonight.

• “You know, liquor takes longer to take effect when you're on the move” - Spitfire stood up, extending her wing towards Moonflower - “are you coming?” - she proposed

Moonflower looked down the runway, and without a second thought, bumped her wing with Spitfire's and stood up - “Of course” - said Moonflower, feeling the energy of the party starting to draw her in.

The catchy rhythms seemed to affect the patterns of the lights set around the dance floor, the crowd out of tune with the level of euphoria in their blood vessels slipped on their own hooves or on the steps of others, it was a collective trance, where the happy faces and free movements of the ponies merged with the insouciance shared by all present, the time lent itself to be eternal until the joints momentarily faltered, like a portal that sheltered the guarded expressions that everyone wants to forget about at some point, coming in and out like moths in the light.

The captain wasted no time in darting into an open space next to Fleetfoot and Wave, as Moonflower stepped in with light, fluid, but restrainedly energetic steps. The music changed tempo, and as everyone adjusted their movements, the conversation began beside her

• “By the way Moonflower what took you so long to bring Shinning the cocktail?” - asked Spitfire, making a nonchalant turn, but keeping her gaze fixed on the pegasus.

Moonflower, caught between the rhythm of the music and the question, took a moment to answer - “Ah, well, I stayed a few minutes at the bar and then went to the betting area where the others were” - she admitted, her voice trying to sound light as she executed a couple of simple steps

• “And where was Soarin ?” - Spitfire said, raising an eyebrow, her expression shifting to a curious gesture - “I thought he had accompanied you?”

Moonflower laughed softly with a resigned sigh - “Oh yes, Soarin accompanied me for a few minutes at the bar while we ordered the drink and then decided to stay for the bets with the others” - Spitfire didn't answer right away, but a lopsided smile appeared on her face

• “You guys took your time at the bar didn't you?“- she joked, giving her a slight friendly nudge with her shoulder as she saw Moonflower's surprised expression - “That's what Fleetfoot told me and she's very good at taking things out of context, I wasn't around to see it after all.”

Moonflower let out a nervous laugh - “It wasn't that long, just while the cocktail was being prepared, you know” - However, the laugh couldn't hide the slight blush that was peeking out of her cheeks, to her luck the lighting played in her favor so it wasn't noticeable

Spitfire rolled her eyes in amusement, but decided not to insist further, at least for the moment - “Well, if you say so” - she finally said, turning with a nimble movement to join Fleetfoot and Wave.

As Moonflower danced, her gaze strayed to the table where the others were. Aster was laughing and sharing an animated conversation with Rapidfire as he took a drink from his glass, also, she could see Soarin, who seemed to be enjoying the game, moving coins with a carefree air as he engaged Misty Fly in a bet. The touch of a hoof brought her out of her thoughts.

• "Where have you been? I haven't seen you for while" - An energetic but discreet voice called out to her. Moonflower spun around and found herself face to face... with herself.

• "Blooming" - she said with relief, spreading her wings to embrace her instinctively. Despite the discomfort of seeing her own body in front her, the familiarity of the gesture comforted her - "Sorry for neglecting you. How are you feeling?" - Dash watched her closely, noticing the small details that might have been overlooked before. The way Blooming moved her colorful hair, the carefree way she dropped her wings, swaying almost unintentionally as she spoke.

• "I'm feeling pretty good, Dash. It's fun to be you" - she blurted out, her tone slightly dragged, but surprisingly honest. Her smile was wide and carefree. However, a slight shudder furrowed the brightness of her eyes, an unmistakable indication of the effects of the alcohol lashing her system

Moonflower let out a chuckle, thankful that, despite Blooming's inebriated state, they could still carry on a more or less coherent conversation - "That wasn't what I specifically meant by the question, but I'm glad to hear you're having fun."

• "This is all thanks to you" - Blooming laughed, but her laughter had a carefree echo that didn't end up reassuring Moonflower - "You were right, I should just the night take me" - Blooming said, laughing as she spun around on herself, enjoying the music - "And you should do the same. Stop worrying about Shinning, you saw how she treated me" - her face transformed into an exaggerated parody of her sister, a grimace that carried both humor and pain.

Moonflower couldn't help but laugh at Blooming's performance, but the concern was still latent in her mind - "I know Shinning can be... complicated at times, but she's still your sister, the liquor just had an unwelcome effect on what she says, you must understand her" - she told her calmly, choosing her words carefully so as not to spoil the delicate balance they had reached.

Blooming let her head fall back, letting out a snort that seemed to get lost in the notes of the music - "Of course! She's always so considerate of everyone!" - she said with mocking laughter. The dancing lights drew shifting shadows on Blooming's face, who moved with that ease that only alcohol can provide - "you brought us here Dash, you deserve to stop feeling guilty for the actions of others" - Moonflower paused for a moment, reflecting on Blooming's words.

Moonflower let out a sigh, her movements pacing with the music as she tried to process what Blooming had said - "It's not a matter of feeling guilty, Blooming" - she finally replied, her tone soft but firm - "you said it, I brought you here, the least I should do is not leave you alone even though I know it's your lives" - the empty silence of the musical rhythms were her response.

• “Hey by the way, I haven't seen you looking good before” - began Blooming with a tone that oscillated between sincerity and an insinuating intensity that, for Dash, was strange - “But seriously, you look incredibly pretty tonight” - As she uttered those words, her body leaned forward slightly, marking a gesture of rapprochement between her personal space and Moonflower's, who, surprised and a bit bewilderment, backed away a step

• “Eehm...thank you, Blooming” - stammered Moonflower, her voice resonating with a mixture of gratitude and disbelief. Her smile, though nervous, lit up her face with unusual warmth - “you look great too.”

Blooming swayed slightly close, her eyes shining with paradoxical clarity, though her laugh was still carefree, her gaze now held a glint of honesty - “you know something Dash” - she began, moving closer to Moonflower, who was already beginning to feel uncomfortable - “I never thanked you properly for accepting all of this, the Aster thing, I mean.”

Moonflower felt a familiar weight settle in her chest - "properly? No... there's nothing to thank Blooming, you know I'm not doing this for me. If I agreed it was because... because I understand what's at stake for you" - the music and noise seemed to fade for a moment as she considered Blooming's statement

• "But you can't deny that Aster is a good guy. Maybe this isn't as bad as you first thought Dash" - said Blooming, lifting a hoof to push a stray lock away from her face.

• "I don't deny it Blooming" - she acknowledged cautiously, as her steps set an automatic movement over the rhythm that enveloped them - "but it doesn't change the fact that it was all relatively imposed, just like the curse."

Blooming tilted her head to the side, her expression softening as a spark of reality replaced the drunkenness on her face - "I know Shinning and I got you into this the hard way, but..." - she admitted, her words dropping in tone - "but I think he cares more about you than you think, even though it's just to get out of this curse. At the end of the day you'll get your life back Dash" - Moonflower felt a lump form in her throat, her gaze momentarily straying to the dance floor as if looking for a distraction.

It was rare for Blooming to open up like this, and although the inebriation gave her a carefree air despite how reserved she proved to be at times with her intentions on the subject, there was a truth in her words that she couldn't ignore - "maybe you could be right" - Moonflower's words seemed to fade periodically, blending in with the rhythm of the music that filled the atmosphere.

The music changed slightly to a softer, slower rhythm, Blooming seemed to lose her balance and suddenly became unsteady and her legs gave out from exhaustion. Moonflower grabbed her and put her on her shoulders, slightly attracting the attention of some ponies around them.

• "Dash...I don't know how to thank you, I don't deserve it" - Blooming finally said, her voice trembling. But in an instant, the carefree laughter turned to tears, and she began to cry on Moonflower's shoulder, who rolled her eyes at the surrealness of the situation. She never thought she would have to deal with this in a way that was bitterly comical to her taste.

• "Maybe you could start by not getting so drunk again next " - she joked. Blooming raised her head, her eyes glistening with tears mixed with a blush evident on her cheeks. Deep down, Dash was grateful that they were the only ones privy to the conversation, it would be very hard to explain in any other context and despite the drunkenness, it seemed Blooming could still keep the charade just for them.

It is well known that alcohol and the festive atmosphere are highly influential in the behavior of those who quickly give in to the promise of getting away from their own affairs for a few hours. All this, together, is capable of taking away the shame and filters of those you least expect.

Rainbow was aware that the royal family had never had the opportunity to spread out in environments outside the four walls of a castle, so she could easily identify the drastic behavioral changes presented by the two unicorns during that night, Aster apparently had been spared from that discomfort. She didn't know them well enough, but she knew enough to know that the stereotypes of liquor had taken over their self- control, leaving Blooming as the typical drunken pony who would not allow silence to reign in a conversation, being so dynamic and bipolar that she took away the benefit of the doubt to the truths that was able to give, taking away her credibility to anyone who did not know and see her in that state. And then there was Shinning, who was the typical passive-aggressive drunk who sought to form verbal confrontations through her words, sincere, mocking and cruel, being unable to measure how far her honesty could go, to the point that sooner or later she would lie without realizing it.

• "Moonflower, what's going on here?" - Fleetfoot asked, who arrived suddenly. Her tone was concerned as she approached cautiously. Her gaze was fixed on Blooming, who she obviously recognized as "Rainbow Dash" who still looked a little loss to be her.

Moonflower felt the tension return for a moment - “Yeah, all good, she's just a little... emotional” - she admitted, feeling the situation becoming a bit uncomfortable.

Fleetfoot frowned, cocking her head to one side as she analyzed the half-dozing mare in front of her, leaning back against Moonflower's hooves - “That's weird.... Dash doesn't normally get like that, even when she drinks more than enough.”

Moonflower felt a slight shudder at the comment, but managed to keep her composure - “I guess every night brings different reactions sometimes” - she replied with a light tone, trying to deflect the attention

• “I'm so sorry about this” - Fleetfoot whispered, leaning towards Moonflower and slowly pulling Dash away from her hooves - “I've seen Dash drunk before, but never like this. She usually gets more competitive, swaggering, even more self-centered than usual. But tearful and expressive? Bah” - Fleetfoot added, this time with a more relaxed smile as she shook her head.

Moonflower felt a bead of cold sweat run down the back of her neck as she recognized the irony of the comment and just nodded, keeping her expression neutral as she let go of Dash's body, who had gone from tears to a silly giggle in a matter of seconds.

• “No, no, I'm fine” - Rainbow's voice interrupted, raising her head with a crooked smile, recomposing herself in her posture again.

At that moment, the mood changed as the music began to play louder and the lights dimmed, the colors quickly combining. the group of friends, which Moonflower recognized as the group that was in the betting area, began to fill the dance floor.

• “Look at everyone else, we should go don't you think?” - Before either of the two mares could stop her, the pegasus disguised unicorn took a step forward, staggering. Her voice was a little louder than it should have been as she stepped into the now widened circle of her friends.

Fleetfoot let out a brief laugh, though her gaze was still locked on Moonflower, who was covering her face with her hooves in a gesture of disbelief and, deep inside, embarrassment at the image Blooming was giving her identity.

The music still thundered loudly on the dancefloor, but in the distance it gradually faded away. The night air caressed the exhausted faces with a freshness in anticipation of the starry night, contrasting with the suffocating heat of the discotheque. The group moved like an inconstant tide, forming and breaking up into small conversational groups, while others showed clear signs of exhaustion.

Aster was at the front of the group, although his eyes betrayed the accumulated fatigue, he was having a pleasant conversation with Spitfire, who was carrying a sleepy Dash on her back. His sister was at his side, leaning slightly on his side, staggering heavily with shuffling steps.

• “Looks like Shinning won't make it to the castle on her feet” - Soarin mentioned glimpsing the group from the back, letting out a chuckle as he watched Aster struggle to keep his older sister upright.

• "She probably won't fall down before she gets there, but she will certainly lack grace to remember tomorrow" - replied Moonflower at his side with a smile, as she took a quick glance at the group. Each step she took was heavier than the last, slowing her gait a bit, though to her good fortune, Soarin was casually helping her with his wing.

The space between them seemed like a dangerously magnetic field, each accidental brush of their hooves sending shivers down the mare' spine, who didn't hesitate to slyly break away every time this happened, but always ended up coming closer again, as if something was involuntarily pulling her towards him.

• "Everything okay?" - Soarin asked, noticing the way she looked away with every movement, from his perspective it looked like she was going to stumble at any moment.

Moonflower nodded quickly, finding her balance again - "Yeah, just a little tired" - she admitted, feeling sincerity slip between her words - "how are you feeling?"

• “Well, kind of tired too” - he said, a quiet smile adorning his face - “After a night like this, we all are, aren't we? Though I have to say you managed quite well” - Moonflower lifted her gaze and looked at him doubtfully.

• “What exactly do you mean?” - She said, raising an eyebrow in an attempt to sound inquisitive. Soarin let out a brief chuckle at his previous ambiguity.

• “I mean that, considering you're not the type for environments like this, you controlled yourself very well” Soarin explained, his tone light but with a tinge of sincerity that made Moonflower feel a small tug in her chest.

• “Controlled me?” - she repeated with irony and humor in her voice, slightly husky- “I'm not sure that's a compliment, Soarin” - she rolled her eyes and gave him a slight nudge in the side

• “Maybe it isn't” - Soarin said with a laugh, leaning slightly towards her, his gaze steady - “But for some it should be” - he mentioned, pointing to those who had evidently gotten carried away with the party, some staggering and laughing out loud.

Moonflower couldn't help but smile at the remark - “I guess I can't take your point away” - Their gazes met for a moment that seemed to stretch indefinitely.

As they continued walking, the group approached the entrance of the castle, which was a beacon in the middle of the sea for them. They sighed in relief as they glimpsed the majestic construction, the threshold welcoming them with welcoming fraternity.

• “At last the night is over” - commented Thunderlane with a yawn - “I hope you won't wake me up tomorrow” - he joked, as he said goodbye to his companions and headed for his room, followed by Rapidfire, Misty, Lightning, Surprise and Blaze.

• “Me too” - muttered Shinning, her voice barely a whisper as she dropped against the wall, struggling to stay awake.

• “I'd better get Shinning to rest before she ends up asleep in the hallway” - Aster joked, shooting a complicit glance at Moonflower, who smiled at him in farewell. Aster said goodbye with a tired but affectionate gesture, guiding an almost sleeping Shinning towards their area of the castle. Their footsteps were lost in the echoing corridors.

• “If you want, I can go drop Dash off in her room. Go with Fleetfoot, High Wings and Moonflower to rest” - Soarin mentioned, approaching Spitfire as he helped her get Dash off her back - ”It doesn't look like she can make it alone.”

Moonflower's heart constricted painfully in her chest, her hooves twitched restlessly as her mind worked frantically for an excuse. Rainbow lifted her head sleepily and nodded, muttering something unintelligible.

Spitfire nodded gratefully and started heading towards her room next to the two pegasus - “Moonflower, shall we go?” - she called after her, trying to catch the motionless mare's attention.

• “Yes... let's go” - Moonflower replied with a fake smile, as her own hooves mechanically carried her towards the area of her quarters. Each step felt like a small sacrifice of heavy sand, trying to convince herself that there was nothing else she could do that night, though every fiber of her being screamed to turn around and follow them.

As they walked away, Moonflower couldn't help but glance over her shoulder. Soarin was there, stretching out his wing to help Blooming stand, his gaze full of concern and care. She turned her head sharply and growled lowly.

• “Are you all right?” - Fleetfoot asked, noticing the expression on Moonflower's face.

• “Yes thank you, I just want to get to my room” - she lied, feeling the truth catch in her throat, a truth that she too was seeking to ignore.

On the way to the royal suite, Rainbow stumbled occasionally, laughing softly with each misstep, her face, flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and amusement, seeming to glow from the warmth of Luna's night. Soarin, at her side, stood with a protective, calm presence. His helmet, strong and firm, gently held Rainbow's elbow.

• “I don't know how much longer I'll last on my feet before you decide I'm dangerously clumsy” - exclaimed Rainbow, her playful tone framed by the natural arching of her eyebrows, as she managed to recover from her latest stumble. The sparkling magentas rose towards Soarin.

• “I think it would be more dangerous not to hold you next time” - Soarin replied with a soft laugh, his deep voice a mixture of teasing and concern. A slight smile crept across his face, but his gaze remained warm and protective.

The mare let out an elaborate laugh that bounced off the walls, shook her hair to one side, and leaned back suddenly to the steed that accompanied her - “You know something, I've always thought...” - Rainbow began, her voice in a slurred whisper - “that you're too handsome.”

Soarin blinked, startled by the statement, her words causing him to nearly stumble himself while still holding her. He cleared his throat, averting his gaze to any point in the hallway other than the bright magenta eyes watching him intently, his heart beating faster than he'd like to admit.

• “Dash I... I appreciate the compliment, you know you're really beautiful to me too, but...” - he replied with a nervous smile, trying to keep the mood light - “but I don't want you to venture to tell me what you think just because you're drunk.”

• “Why not?” - Rainbow insisted, moving even closer to him, her burning gaze full of determination. Her body swayed, the simultaneousness of the responses only intensified the connection between them, and Soarin quickly held her by the shoulders. In that instant, the contact became an electrifying field, causing the world around them to blur - “you know that with me, you don't have to be like that.”

Soarin swallowed spittle, aware of the trembling in his hooves that held her by the shoulders, aware of the heartbeat coursing through his chest, aware that years of pent up feelings were threatening to overflow at any moment - “Dash, I don't want this to be a blur in your memory thanks to the alcohol” - he finally replied, his voice soft but firm - “ you know this isn't the best time, you can't even stand up ”

They reached the suite door, and Rainbow leaned back against the frame and bowed her head, though her wobbly posture detracted from her firmness - “Can you stay with me?” - she said, smiling broadly as her hoof brushed against the steed's chest - “just a little bit and...”

• “No Dash, listen...” - Soarin's heart was pounding so hard he feared she could sense it, his wings quivering slightly at his side. Slowly and gently, but firmly, he grabbed the mare's hoof and pulled it away - “I'll walk you inside just to make sure you lie down to rest” - he interrupted, guiding her to the center of the room and helping her to lie down

Rainbow let out a theatrical sigh, plopping down against the mattress, her rainbow mane spilling over the pillow in a hypnotic mess - “You're always so good, you know that?” - she murmured as she clung to his neck.

• “Yes, I think so” - Soarin replied, feeling the connection between them intensify - “But now, you need to rest” - he took a step back, adjusting the blanket over her with a careful gesture with his wing. Rainbow looked at him for a moment longer, her expression undecided between frustration and gratitude, though the dizziness still lingered between her temples, so she slowly began to close her eyes - “Rest, Dash. I'll see you tomorrow” - he muttered before turning towards the door.

• “Yeah, tomorrow,” - Rainbow replied, her voice fading with a yawn as she settled back on the bed. From inside, Blooming began to sense her magic diminishing, undoing the effects that enveloped her slowly, removing her pegasus costume and returning her to her original unicorn form, she quickly covered her entire body with the blankets, using the part of consciousness she had alive in the back of her brain.

Before leaving completely, Soarin turned for a few brief moments, watching the mare's breathing become regular. Although she had covered herself completely, he could still catch a glimpse of her silhouette stirring among the blankets. For a moment, he thought he saw something strange about the sleeping silhouette, as if it wasn't quite the Rainbow Dash he knew, but he attributed it to the darkness of the room and his own exhausted mind. The cyan wings that once stretched out from the mattress were no longer present, “she probably arranged them on her side” he thought before quietly leaving the room.

Once outside, in the hallway, he leaned against the closed door, letting out a long sigh of relief and tension squeezing his heart, which was still racing at a pulse. His mind replayed every moment, every word, every look. The way Rainbow had approached him, the intensity of the magentas eating him alive, and how suddenly her statements had stolen the air from his lungs, it was all a whirlwind that left him confused and excited at the same time. That's why he let her rest and withdrew, because the last thing he wanted was to take advantage of a situation in which she was not fully present. He wants her yes, but he respected her more and she deserved more than blurry moments, and he... he deserves to know that when it finally happened, it would be real and not a behavioral illusion with unintended effects.

His footsteps echoed through the empty hallways as he walked away from the royal suite to his own room, each hollow echo a reminder of the moment he had just left behind, allowing the coolness of the night to contrast with his heated skin and to help him clear his thoughts, to be able to push away from his mind the vulnerability she rarely (Not to say "never") showed and to the way she had let herself get carried away.

It wasn't the first time he'd had close moments with the mare, but they'd never been so intense and disarming at the same time, something had been different... and of course he knew the answer because, for the first time, Dash had crossed that line, even if it was under the influence of alcohol, and he hated to admit that the thought gave him no comfort because, even if Dash could forget in the morning, he wouldn't, couldn't.

A deep, heavy sigh escaped his lips, he knew for a fact that the connection with Rainbow Dash had always been somewhat...complicated and special at the same time, from the first day he met her, he knew there was something beyond innate talent that had him captivated, it was something harder to find in any other mare, that way of being, that vibrant, bold personality that no one, no matter how hard they tried, could match and that cut through his defenses with a crystalline ease that completely disarmed him. Everything about her had caught up with him, slowly but irrevocably. Soarin ran a hoof across his face, as if that could erase the trail of emotions that assaulted him as if on a battlefield.

Reaching his room, he paused in front of the door, feeling the tension in his chest begin to dissipate, though the confusion was still present. He pushed open the door to his room and entered, feeling that the night still had much peace to offer beyond the darkness that competed alongside his jumbled thoughts, it was as if he was searching for solutions along a labyrinth where everything was familiar but, at the same time, slightly out of place, like the version of the mare that seemed different in some way he couldn't pinpoint but couldn't stop thinking about.

Author's Note

First of all

Happy new year bbys, I really wish that all of your purposes have a foot next year, and of course, it would be an honor for me to be in them as well as you are in mine. I really hope that next year the successes will be more palpable for all of us.

Back to this piece, I really had a lot of fun doing this chapter, it was...interesting hahaha, things are getting more and more intense in general and the next chapters bring some...curious moments

don't you believe me?

Spoiler below :3

The room seemed to shrink around her. Every sound, every detail, intensified with a clarity that bordered on the unbearable, from the familiar creaking of the floor beneath her hooves, the distant, torturous whistling of the wind, and, above all, the halting breaths of the two figures in front of her....

...

... Their confused eyes intercepted her, her stomach was quivering with the contractions of her conscience, with each moment the truth still caught in her throat like prey in hunting season, but she knew she could not go on like this, she could not hide it any longer,

not from them.

... - “I...” - her voice was shaky, clipped....

• “Please, I hope someday you can forgive me...” - With a determined movement, she released the clasps of the garment that had been her armor and her prison for so long....

The two ponies instinctively took a step backward, the air in the room charged with tension

...Her wings unfurled slightly, contorting in a nervous reflex to the surprise of the two ponies watching her.

her cutie mark now uncovered, a multicolored lightning bolt through a cloud stood out like a scream of truth (...)

Her gaze, for the first time, did not waver as she met theirs, hoping, fearing.... - “but I am not Moonflower...” Her small cyan face was soaked with the free and heavy tears of shame..

End of spoiler :3

I won't promise it's the next chapter, I'll just say it's a close moment, maybe even closer than it seems. I'll wait for you next year to savor more of this story and who knows.... Maybe a new one