Chasing Stars

After accompanying Stardust downstairs to get her spare key and making sure she was able to get into her room, Seyfert retreated to his own room to get ready. As for all his trips, he had brought his nicest suit with him, though he never thought he would be needing it for something like this. Seyfert dressed himself, fumbling with the buttons on his shirt. He went into the bathroom and straightened his mane up as best he could before finally putting on his tie. The stallion looked in the mirror and chuckled, “Don’t mess this up egghead.” Without another word, he made his way through the door, closing it behind him. He paced in front of Stardust’s room, contemplated knocking on the door for a while before finally finding the resolve to do so. Nervous and a tad shaky, he stood there as he waited for Stardust to open her door, and as she came into view Seyfert was completely and utterly blown away at the mare standing before him. “I…uh…wow…” is all he could say as he stood there slack-jawed and wide-eyed.

Stardust’s gown was made of a smooth black material that was somewhat iridescent, looking almost like a star system when the light caught it. It was relatively simple in that it was long, straight, form fitting, and didn’t drag far behind her. She wore simple black shoes on her back hooves and on her front right hoof was a silver bracelet. Her necklace and earrings were made of shimmering black crystals. Her hair was pulled back, but a little curlier than her usual style, and she had a few decorative pins to tie it back.

Upon coming back to his senses he blushed and laughed lightly, “Sorry, you’re just…beautiful? Stunning? There are a thousand words that come to mind, but they are all understatements.” He stood there not sure of what else to say.

Stardust was also a bit surprised by the handsome stallion coming to call on her. She exited her room, exuding an air of grace that seemed so drastically different from the bubbly mare she was earlier this morning. Making sure her key was tucked into her hand bag, she let the door latch behind her. She felt her cheeks burn as he spoke of her, and soon after found a chance to reply.

“Thank you…you certainly clean up well.” There was the snarky attitude that said this was still definitely Dusty. She finally asked “I just can’t stand the suspense, what do you have planned for this evening that called for such lavish attire? I’m very excited to know.”

Aurora hit the street with Europa, not exactly sure where to go first. “So, do you know of any good places to go? Or if there are any good DJ’s in town?”

“Hmm, I don’t get out much,” Europa replied as she put a hoof to her chin. “I did overhear some other students talking about this club just off campus; we could try there.” She was getting excited, she hadn’t gone out for a very long time and forgot how much fun it was. “So what do you say?” She asked nudging Aurora, “It’s this way.”

Blushing at the compliment Seyfert smiled, “Why thank you, and to answer your question I know this restaurant that will blow your mind. Then I was thinking maybe a show afterwards?” He carefully pulled two tickets out of his coat pocket. “What do you think? It’s rare to get seats like this for Staccato’s concerts.” He asked, blushing again.

Aurora was full of laughter as she caught up to her new friend. Laughing harder as she stumbled. “Sorry, my goodness! This is going to be a blast!” she cried. As she caught her breath, something on the building next to them caught the corner of her eye. It was a very vibrant poster featuring a white unicorn with electric blue hair and dark sunglasses covering her face. Rory’s eyes lit up, as she placed a hoof on Europa’s shoulder, gently shaking. “Hey, take a look at this! She’s headlining here tonight!” Aurora briefly looked around to see that there was already a line, but it wasn’t bad yet. Without thinking or saying a word, she grabbed Europa, dragging her to the end of the line. “We are SO going to get in on this! I have been DYING to see another one of her shows!” Europa was taken a bit by surprise, but it only manifested in excited chatter. “No way we can pass this up, not when the line is this short.” She trotted and bobbed in place next to Aurora. “This is goin’ to be sooo flippin’ crazy!” She said as her excitement reached an all new high.

Stardust’s eyes went wide. “The Staccato Fortissimo?! How did you manage to get tickets this late in the game? And such AWESOME seats?! This is amazing!” She instinctively leapt forward to hug him, forgetting their attire. Seyfert was surprised when Stardust suddenly hugged him, he just smiled and returned the hug. “I just called in a favor or two, nothing major.” he laughed nervously. After a moment, Dusty stepped back adjusting her clothes. “My apologies. I didn’t mean to muss everything.” She laughed. “Well, shall we be off then?”

“Yes let’s be on our way.” Seyfert nodded, extending a hoof as if to gesture ‘ladies first’.

As the line moved them closer to the building, the thumps seemed to reverberate through the walls more and more. They still had some time to kill before DJ Pon-3 took the stage, so Rory and Europa would at least get inside before the real show started. Aurora hopped up and down a moment. “Aahhahah!!!! I’m so friggin’ excited!”

“Ohhhhh I can’t wait,” she squeaked. As they approached the door there was a very large stallion standing there, letting ponies in, upon seeing the two mares he just smiled and stepped aside to let them pass. “Here goes!” Europa exclaims as she trotted inside.
“Thank you!” Aurora heard the distinct cry of somepony saying “AW COME ON!” behind her as she entered the dark club behind the gray Unicorn. She squealed with excitement as they were met with thunderous noise and a massive crowd. “LET’S GET OUT ON THE FLOOR!” She had to shout, and even then could barely hear herself.

Stardust and Seyfert made their way down the well-lit streets. The night was clear, and Luna’s stars were shining brightly, despite the city’s light pollution. “My goodness, it’s a beautiful night out. Thank you so much… for everything. It’s been one of the best days I’ve ever had, and I have you to thank for it.” Dusty huddled close to her companion as they walked, but didn’t touch him.

Seyfert looked up at the night sky and thought to himself ‘You finally found something, well somepony, more beautiful than the night sky… don’t mess this up.’ “I agree, I’ve had more fun today then I’ve had in the past 4 years put together, you are- you and your sister are a blessing for dragging me out here.” He remarked. “This is the restaurant coming up here on the left.”

Stardust didn’t speak, but her face flushed as it had done so often that day. As they entered the restaurant Seyfert addressed host and informed him of their reservation. They were taken to a secluded table overlooking the castle, the window extended from ceiling to floor showing the city in all it’s splendor.

“Thank you sir,” Seyfert thanked the host as he pulled the chair out for Stardust. As he then proceeded to seat himself, he cleared his throat and tried to spark more conversation. “It’s a beautiful night, isn’t it?”

“Seyfert, this is just… wonderful. All I can think to say is thank you, but I feel as if it isn’t enough.” She found her thoughts getting the best of her and she shook her head a bit to regain focus. She batted her eyelashes a bit, gazing once more out the window. “This place is truly remarkable.”

“Princess Luna really does a fantastic job with the night sky.”

Europa was already making her way out on the floor when she heard Aurora yell, “I’m already ahead of ya!” She giggled as she began to dance to a familiar song. Aurora tightened the strap of her purse as she just let loose on the floor. The lights reflected every which-way off her jewelry, it sparkled and shone wildly like her movements. Thank Luna for hairspray, otherwise, her hair would have fallen all over the place. As Europa kept up with the beat she just let the stress and tension disappear, and she found herself dancing next to Aurora, “This was a great idea! We should do this more often!” Suddenly there is a drastic change is music. Aurora’s heart is racing, her blood pumping. This was it. Suddenly it was like her body was moving on it’s own, limbs flailing, hips swaying, knocking a bit into Europa.

The date was going quite well. Dinner had wrapped up, and the couple enjoyed learning more about each other as the night drew on. The concert was, to say the least, one of the most amazing experiences in Stardust’s life. The music was so beautiful she literally started crying. She did feel a little silly, but it was ultimately worth it. They were walking to nowhere in particular, or at least that’s what it seemed like. She wasn’t paying enough attention to know they were at the palace again.

Seyfert smiled as they walked along, so far everything had gone according to plan. There was just one trick left up his sleeve; the finale to a great night. Once he knew they were just in front of the palace he stopped Stardust and cleared his throat, He coughed lightly and cleared his thought, he was about to ask something he never thought he would be asking, and he was hoping it wouldn’t ruin the rest of the night. “Dusty… is it okay if I call you that?” Stardust nodded before he continued. “I’ve been thinking, and I hope I don’t ruin our night by asking this, but I think I may like you as more than just a friend, and I was wondering if maybe you felt the same?” He almost fainted and he felt short of breath, a bead of sweat trickled down the side of his head. Stardust just smiled, feeling her own cheeks warm as she blushed as Seyfert continued

“Stardust, today has been probably the single greatest day of my life, and well…” He coughed as he grew nervous. “I was wondering, I mean…” He started stuttering but eventually contained himself. “Would you give this old astronomer a chance to make you the happiest mare in Equestria?” He asked letting out a huge sigh, nearly falling over his knees were so wobbly.

Stardust didn’t say a word. Without hesitation, she lept forward, kissing the stallion on the muzzle. She stayed like that for some time, before pulling away, face so red, she was sure it would melt away. “I though I made my feelings for you quite obvious.” She laughed “But to give you a more concrete answer, yes. I reciprocate those feelings, and I’d be delighted to carry on this way. This… tonight has just…” She had to pause, her mind scrambling to collect the right words to form a coherent sentence. Seyfert sat there dumbstruck while Dusty fumbled. “You know what? Yes. I’d love to do this again, any day. Thank you Seyfert Galaxy. For treating me like a lady.” She paused a moment. “So, why are we here?”

Seyfert snapped back from his stupor to answer her. “Oh, I just thought it would add to the mood. I’d love to get us a tour of the observatory, but it just wasn’t in the cards.”

She smiled. “I appreciate it. And indeed, it does add to the mood.” She gazed up at the observatory, catching a glimpse of a flowing nebular mane. “Oh my, it’s Luna…” she gasped.

Seyfert smiled as he too looked up, then glanced back to Stardust. “Quite the cherry on a perfect night, isn’t it?”

She just laughed until her sides hurt. “I’d say that’s worth two cherries. Why don’t we get ourselves back to the hotel? It’s getting late.”

Seyfert laughed, “Yes let’s.” He took her by the arm and lead her down the silent street. “You have no idea how happy I am now. I never could have expected this.”

Dusty thought to herself ‘you think YOU’RE happy…’

Seyfert remained quiet for the trip back, still in shock from how well the night had gone, and the fact he finally found that special somepony, not just a fellow scientist but an astronomer to boot. He had no idea how he got so lucky but he wasn’t about to complain.

After the music had died down and the club closed for the night, Aurora and Europa were finding their way back to the hotel. Aurora’s muscles were already beginning to ache and her ears were still thumping.
“Oh, I am definitely going to feel this in the morning, but it was so worth it.” She grinned, still high from the night’s excitement. “I wonder how our siblings are getting along?” She mused.

Dusty and Sey, meanwhile, had been back at the hotel for a few hours. Stardust had invited her new colt-friend to lounge in her room for a while, promising to stay up until she knew their sisters got back safely. They were enjoying a bottle of wine while they played a game of cards.

“Go fish!” Seyfert chuckled as he took a sip of wine. “So, do you think we should tell our sisters about our relationship? Or should we let ‘em figure it out?” He asked, sounding a little mischevious. Stardust laughed, finishing the last of her third glass of wine. Her face was flushed as a result. “To be honest, my sister already knows.”

Seyfert scratched his head. “Yeah… Europa’s a smart mare, she’s probably figured it out as well. I sure hope she doesn’t end up like me, spending all her time working and ever getting out for any fun.” He started nodding off before he regained his composure. “I wonder where those two are? It’s getting late, and I’m positive the clubs are closed by now.” Stardust lazily pushed the playing cards off the bed and onto the floor. She giggled softly, her eyelids feeling heavy. Dusty moved closer to Seyfert, snuggling into his side and resting her chin on his broad hooves. Seyfert kissed her lightly on the forehead, and before long, they were both fast asleep.

Europa yawned as she reached to open the inn door. “It’s a good thing I don’t have class tomorrow, I’m going to really need to sleep in.” Aurora nodded in agreement as they both made their way up the steps to their rooms. Suddenly, Aurora stopped, causing Europa to run right into her. Stardust’s door was hanging wide open, and the two lovebirds were tangled together, sleeping like rocks. The Unicorns had to physically keep from saying ‘daaaw’ as they covered their muzzles with their hooves, grinning.

“Well this is just too cute to break up.” Europa whispered. “I’ll just crash in Sey’s room for the night.”

Aurora nodded. “Alright, I’ll see you in the morning.” She yawned, walking over and turning off the lights in Stardust’s room before quietly closing the door.