Right in front of you

ONE YEAR AGO........

"Dates?" Said Twilight

She was looking over a letter she had just received from Princess Celestia. Caramel was sitting down and reading a book.

"Im sorry what?" Asked Caramel?

"Celestia sent me tickets to the grand galloping gala." Replied Twilight. "However...."

Twilight levitated out 13 tickets.

"She wants me and my friends to bring dates."

"Who do you intend to bring?" Asked Caramel.

"I dont think Im going to bring a date." Said Twilight. "I would like to spend the gala with Celestia this time."

Caramel set his book in his saddlebag.

"I was heading down to sweet apple acres." Said Caramel. "I could give Applejack her tickets."

"That would be great." Said Twilight as she levitated the tickets into Caramel's bags.

Caramel walked out the door.

When Caramel reached sweet apple acres, Applejack was standing outside, polishing a basket of apples.

"Applejack!" Greeted Caramel.

Applejack looked up.

"Howdy Caramel." Said Applejack.

Caramel walked up to Applejack and gave her the two gala tickets. The country mare raised an eyebrow.

"Two gala tickets?"

"Apparently the Princess wants you to bring a date." Said Caramel.

Caramel was about to step into the farm when Applejack stopped him.

"Hey Caramel." Began Applejack. "Ya wanna go as friends?"

Caramel felt his heart pounding faster.

"M-me?" Asked Caramel.

"Sure, it will be fun." Replied Applejack.

"Sure id like to." Said Caramel.

"Great! We can talk plans later on." Said Applejack.

Caramel stepped into the barn with a Smile on his face.

"Im going to the Gala with Aj." Thought Caramel.

The night of the gala had arrived. Applejack and her friends were at Rarity's getting ready. Caramel arrived first since he lived the closest. Caramel was wearing a black suit jacket with a green tie and vest. He also had a corsage.

"Keep yourself together Mel." Muttered Caramel.

He knocked on the door.

"Gimme a sec!" Called Rarity's voice.

Rarity stepped out of the Boutique dressed in a black dress.

"Ah Caramel, your looking handsome this evening." Said Rarity.

"Thanks, is Applejack ready?"

"Im coming!" Called Applejack.

Applejack stepped out wearing a stunning green dress, along with her usual stenson.

"Wow." Said Caramel. "You look great."

"Thanks Mel." Said Applejack. "The others should be ready soon.

Caramel noticed Pokey approaching wearing a blue suit with a pink tie.

"Hey there Caramel." Said Pokey.

"Theres my Stallion!" Yelled Pinkie.

Pinkie rushed out of the boutique wearing a dress that resembled her previous gala apparel, except in a dark pink.

"Now theres a sexy looking stallion." Said Pinkie. Her eyes fluttered for effect.

Pokey blushed.

"You look good yourself." Said Pokey.

The next stallion that arrived was to Caramel's surprise, Big macintosh wearing an orange suit with a yellow tie.

"Mac?" Asked Caramel.

"Ah talked him into taking Fluttershy." Said Applejack.

"Do I have to go?" Asked Fluttershy.

"Just get out there!" Yelled Rainbow dash.

Rainbow dash dragged Fluttershy outside. Rainbow dash was wearing the same Dress as last year while Fluttershy wore a bright orange dress.

"Um..... You look nice." Said Fluttershy.

"Thanks." Said Big mac.

Twilight stepped out wearing a Purple sparkly dress.

"You two can come out now!" Said Twilight.

Two mares stepped out of the boutique. Caramel recognized them as Lyra and Bon bon. Lyra was wearing a white dress while Bon bon wore a dark bluish-purple dress.

"Twi and I didnt bring dates so we gave our extra tickets to them." Said Rainbow dash.

"Looks like my date just has to arrive." Said Rarity.

As if on cue, Noteworthy stepped in wearing a white tuxedo jacket with a blue vest and a white tie.

"Hey there guys." Said Noteworthy,

Pokey and Caramel looked with suprise.

"How did you get a date?" Asked Pokey,

"She asked very nicely." Replied Noteworthy.

Spike exited the boutique wearing a suit and a top hat.

"We ready to go?" Asked Spike.

Twilight smiled and nodded.

Caramel was not questioning how twilight managed to turn three apples into carriages, but she did and even managed to get a bunch of mice-pony creatures to pull them. They divided themselves amongst the three carriages. Caramel and Aj rode with pinkie and Pokey, Rarity and Noteworthy rode with Lyra and Bon bon, and Big mac and Fluttershy rode with Twilight and Rainbow dash.

"Oh my gosh this is going to be the best night ever! I know I said that last time we were here but this time I really mean it!!!!" Squealed Pinkie.

"Calm down Pinkie." Said Applejack. "Yer gunna get over hyped."

"Its going to be a crazy night trying to keep up with her." Said Pokey.

"But im sure you can do it Pokey bear." Said Pinkie, Cuddling close to the blue unicorn.

"Pokey bear?" Said Caramel, holding back a laugh.

"Save all the lovey dovey stuff for when we aren't here." Said Applejack.

The cartridge neared Canterlot castle, the other two Carriages behind them.

"Here we are." Said Applejack. "Canterlot castle."

"Now this is a Fancy place." Said Pokey.

The carriages stopped outside the castle entrance. Caramel opened the door and let them out. Spike opened the door for his Carriage, and noteworthy did the same for his.

"We made it!" Said Twilight.

"Tonight will simply be divine." Said Rarity.

"I should hope so." Added Bon bon.

Lyra put her front hoof around Bon bon's torso.

"Even if it is, we have been through worse parties." Said Lyra.

"Guess your right." Replied Bon bon.

A white carriage pulls in and the door opens. Two ponies stepped out of the Carriage, a mare and a stallion. Caramel recognized the stallion as Fancy pants, a popular canterlot pony.

"Fancy pants!" Said Rarity.

Fancy looked at Rarity.

"Ah, Rarity, long time no see." Said Fancy pants.

Noteworthy stepped towards Fancy pants.

"Mr pants." Began Noteworthy. "I am Blues Noteworthy, we didn't meet before but your company hired me to write the song at your auction event a month ago."

Fancy pants chuckled.

"Ah yes, that wonderful Little Number." Said Fancy pants. "Its a pleasure to meet you."

They shook hooves.

"Perhaps we can talk later, Me an Fleur must get inside. Always great to see you Rarity."

Fancy pants and the mare Caramel guessed was Fleur went into the castle.

"You worked on a song for fancy pants?" Asked Rarity.

"Yep." Replied Noteworthy.

"Uh guys, we should actually go inside now." Said Rainbow dash.

The ponies (and 1 dragon) stepped into the Castle.

Once they got inside, they all split up. Twilight started looking around for Celestia, Rarity and Noteworthy began to mingle with some of the guests that they knew, Pinkie and Pokey made their way to the dance floor, Fluttershy and Big mac went to the garden to visit the animals, Lyra and Bon bon joined the crowd of guests, Spike wandered around, and Rainbow dash vanished somewhere near the VIP area. Caramel and Applejack just stood there.

"So what now?" Asked Caramel.

"Wanna grab some grub at the buffet?" Said Applejack.

"Sure." Replied Caramel.

They made their way to the buffet. They had a variety of foods and deserts. Applejack raised an eyebrow as she looked at the food.

"Ah dont know what half this stuff is." Said Applejack.

Caramel looked at the food.

"Theres a spinach casserole, a three cheese baked potato, stuffed mushrooms, gourmet pizza, and some kind of a soup....." Said Caramel. "Maybe its tomato and carrot......"

"Wow, how did ya know all that?" Asked Applejack.

"When your from Manehatten like me, you learn this kind of stuff." Replied Caramel.

"Well then, ah aint into all that fancy meals....." Said Applejack. " Ah think thats an apple pie."

Applejack pointed to a pie that had powdered sugar on it.

" looks like it." Said Caramel.

They each grabbed a slice and sat down at a table.

"Well lets see how these Canterlot chefs do with apples." Said Applejack.

They both took a bite and cringed at the bitter taste of their pie.

"This does not taste like apples!" Said Applejack.

"I think I tasted pear in it......" Added Caramel.

"Blech!"

Applejack pushed her plate away from herself.

"Ah just lost my appetite." Said Applejack.

"Same here." Said Caramel.

They got up, leaving behind their pie.

"Ah need some fresh air." Said Applejack.

The two ponies made their way towards the garden.

They stepped into the garden. Suprisingly the only other ponies there were Big mac and Fluttershy. Fluttershy was trying to convince a rabbit to come out of its hole while Big mac just watched.

"They seem to be getting along." Said Caramel.

"Yeah." Said Applejack.

Fluttershy stepped back as the rabbit emerged from its hole.

"We should leave those two alone." Suggested Applejack.

They headed back inside as Big mac smiled at the yellow pegasus.

When they got inside, they noticed Pinkie whispering something to one of the orchestra ponies that was providing music to the event. Pokey stood nearby.

"We might be in for a song." Said Applejack.

Pinkie smiled trotted up to Pokey.

"Whatever they're up to, its about to happen." Said Applejack.

"Should we go back out?" Asked Caramel.

"Lets see what she has planned first." Replied Applejack.

The orchestra stopped playing and the pony Pinkie was whispering to trotted up to a nearby microphone, picking it up in her hooves.

" Ahem, If I could get your attention for a moment!" Said the Pony.

Most of the ponies in attendance turned to look at the Mare.

"We are going to be taking a short break. But while we do so, please enjoy this tune made my my close friend from ponyville, its not what most of you are used to, but it never hurts to try something new."

The pony stepped to the side as Pinkie wheeled in a turntable.

"Where did she get that?" Asked Caramel.

"Ah have no idea." Answered Applejack.

Fluttershy and Bic mac walked into the room as Pinkie hooked the turntable up to an amp that somehow got there. (Its Pinkie don't question it)

"Now ah see what she is up to." Said Applejack.

Pinkie finished setting up and the other piny gave her the mic.

"Who is ready to Par-tay!" Yelled Pinkie pie.

There was no response from the crowd.

"Guess none of you." Said Pinkie. " Lets change that. Pokey start those jams!"

Pokey flipped a switch on the turntable, causing loud techno music to play.

"This song here is a unreleased tune from Dj P0N3!" Yelled Pinkie.

She put the mic on the nearby stand and began dancing to the beat. Pokey joined in.

"What is this?" Asked one pony.

"Its actually kinda catchy." Said another.

In the distance Caramel and Applejack could see twilight dancing as well.

"Might as well join in." Said Applejack.

"Lets." Said Caramel.

They joined in on the dancing, one by one the guests began to join in. Even Fluttershy and Big mac danced to it. Only a small handful refused to take part. After several minutes the song ended.

"Now are you ready to party!?" Yelled Pinkie.

Several ponies cheered.

"Nice going Pinks." Muttered Applejack.

There were a couple more techno songs before the pony from earlier came back and picked up the mic.

"See that wasnt so bad now was it!" Said the Pony. "But we gotta get back to playing soon."

The ponies who refused to dance smiled in relief.

"But before we do that, How bout one more song Pinkie? Something slow."

Pinkie ran up to the turntable.

"You got it Tavi!" Said Pinkie enthusiastically.

The pony sighed.

"Please dont call me that." Said the pony.

"Sorry, Octavia. That better?" Said Pinkie.

"Much."

Pinkie set a song to play. Rather than a Techno song, this one was slower, had an acoustic guitar playing in it, and had lyrics being sung by a female voice.

"Grab a Special somepony, this ones for you." Said Octavia.

Most of the ponies in attendance paired up and started slow dancing. Caramel looked at Applejack.

"May I have this dance?" Said Caramel, bowing as he spoke.

Applejack smiled.

"Sure thing sugarcube."

They began slow dancing. Caramel gazed into Applejack's emerald eyes.

"This is perfect." Thought Caramel.

They followed eachother's movements gracefully, aside from once when Caramel stepped on Applejack's hoof. They smiled at eachother as the song reached a close. Caramel felt better than he had ever felt before.

"Well thats that." Said Octavia. "Lets give a round of applause to Pinkie pie here for the music and Pokey for his help!"

The crowd applauded them as Pinkie smiled at them, a small tear in the corner of her eye. Pokey took notice.

"You alright sweetie?" Asked Pokey.

"This is the best night ever...." Said Pinkie.

"Yeah Pokey!" Said Caramel.

Pinkie and Pokey wheeled the equipment away as the orchestra started playing.

"Well that was fun." Said Applejack.

"I couldn't agree more." Said Caramel.

Awhile after, they all returned to Ponyville. The gala was a success for all of them. Pinkie managed to get the normally uptight Canterlot ponies to dance, Rarity and Noteworthy got to chat with several of Canterlot's elite, Twilight got to spend time with Celestia, And Fluttershy managed to befriend the garden's animals. Rainbow dash however was not found, but a pony in a wonderbolts outfit said that she was being taken home by a pony named Spitfire.

After the Carriages returned to the Boutique, the ponies said their goodnights and went to escort their date's home. Caramel and Applejack reached the gates to Sweet apple acres.

"Thanks for walking me home." Said Applejack.

"No problem." Said Caramel.

"Tonight was Great, much better than the last time I was there." Added Applejack.

"I had a great time too." Said Caramel.

Caramel looked up at the sky. The stars were bright that night.

"Stars sure are pretty tonight, eh Mel?"

"Yeah..."

Applejack looked at Caramel.

"Its pretty late, If you want you can sleep in and come to work a little later than usual." Said Applejack.

"Thanks Aj." Replied Caramel.

"Ah gotta get inside, take this dress off, and get something to eat." Said Applejack. "Night."

"Night Applejack." Said Caramel.

Applejack headed towards the farmhouse.

"What a Night." Thought Caramel.

Caramel walked towards ponyville, a spring in his step.

"Best night ever."

<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>

Caramel looked at the wilted corsage, a souvenir from a night he would never forget. To her it may have been a fun night with a friend, but to Caramel it meant everything. Caramel looked at the clock. It was late.

"Better get to bed." Thought Caramel.

Caramel put the corsage in the box, put it away and turned the bedroom lights off. He crawled into his bed and closed his eyes.

He had a big day tomorrow.

The corsage explained. This chapter was quite fun to write. Too bad theres only 4 more left.

The Gala portion was LOOSELY based on my prom night. Bad food, a great night, and catchy music.

The slow dance song is Taylor Swift's Ours.