Hearts and Hooves Day

by PonyTom

Rating: everyone
Tags: Twilight Sparkle, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance, Spike, Rarity, Other
Length: 15234

An assignment from Celestia? A deal with Spike? Things just can't end well for poor Twilight, can they?

Princess Celestia inquires about Twilight's love life, and naturally, she assumes it's an important assignment. Insult to injury, Spike makes a bet with Twilight that she takes in a moment of injured pride. Now, with the help of her friends, Twilight is out to find love - or at the very least a date for Hearts and Hooves day!

Published 2013-02-12 02:40:01 UTC
Last updated 2013-02-15 10:18:14 UTC

A Letter and a Wager

"She wants me to WHAT!?"

A rolled up parchment fell to the floor and curled up into the shape it had been bent into, rolling a short distance. Staring at it were two sets of eyes, belonging to a lilac mare and a similarly colored baby dragon.

Twilight stared at the scroll as if it spelled her doom, and for all she knew, it did.

"What did it say, Twilight?" said Spike, a bit of concern evident in his tone. Twilight wrapped her magic around the letter and pulled it back up and read it again.

"I must have read it wrong! Princess Celestia would never ask that of me! Right?" Twilight laughed nervously.

**********************************
My Dear Student,

Hearts and Hooves is coming up, and it has recently dawned on me that you have never spoken of having a Special Somepony. I wish not to pry, but it left me to wonder if there IS a special somepony in your life? If there is, I would certainly like to know of him or her; perhaps even meet them!

However, if you do NOT have a special somepony, I figure it might be fun for you to at least try to go on a date with somepony special to you; after all, nopony should be alone, least of all you, Twilight Sparkle.

Remember! Send me the juicy details! Your teacher loves to be in the know and can keep secrets!

Sincerely,
Princess Celestia
**********************************

Twilight re-read it once, twice, and three times before she finally decided she wasn't reading it wrong. "She... she can't be serious..."

Spike groaned. "What does the note say to have you so frustrated?"

Twilight looked to Spike. "The P-Princess... she wants me to... to find a date for Hearts and Hooves day...."

Spike blinked as his only response.

And then the laughing started.

Twilight stared at her assistant with a deadpan look on her face. "Spike! This is serious!"

Spike seemed to stop to try to speak. "She just.. wants you to..." He bit his lip and held back, before bursting into another fit of laughter and falling to his back, rolling around. Twilight was not amused, and she did not say anything, opting to let the small dragon laugh it out. Eventually, he did get up and wipe a tear from his eye. "She... she really expects YOU to find a date for hearts and hooves day!?"

Twilight stopped and glared at the dragon as if her eyes could slice the little reptile to piece. "And what exactly is THAT supposed to mean?"

Spike sighed, winning his fight against his laughter. "Oh, I didn't mean it bad or anything, it's just the only pony in Ponyville that might be less social than you is Fluttershy-"

Twilight's cheeks burned red as she interrupted her assistant. "Are you saying I COULDN'T get a date for Hearts and Hooves day?"

Spike simply stared blankly at Twilight. "I'm going to be one hundred percent honest with you Twilight... that's EXACTLY what I'm saying." Twilight gasped a bit and Spike continued. "Look, it's not that I don't think you're a good enough pony, but you're...." he seemed to stop and try to think up a word. "... I mean, you never pay much attention to other ponies. I figured if it were possible, you'd just end up marrying one of your books..."

Twilight bit her lip, her face aglow in embarrassment. "I could to get a date if I wanted!" She stomped a hoof t emphasize her point.

Spike grinned. "Care to make a wager?"

Twilight calmed a bit, her eyes settled on the dragon with suspicion. "What do you have in mind...?"

Spike grinned. "If you can't find a special somepony, or at the very least a date, for Hearts and Hooves day, you gotta do my chores for a week!"

Twilight hummed, tapping her chin with her hoof. ".... alright... but if I DO find somepony for hearts and hooves day, you have to cook us a fancy dinner!"

Spike laughed. "That all?" Twilight grinned.

"Wearing a little suit and acting all formal... like a waiter!"

Spike bit his lip, but his confidence returned and he grinned wide. "Ah well, you'll never do it." Spike spat on his claw and held it out. Twilight reeled a bit, somewhat deterred, but who was she, Rarity? She spat on her hoof and they shook on it.

Rarity hummed as she put the finishing touches on the dress she was working on. It had to be just perfect. She stepped back to admire her work; it was excellent. "Oh Rarity... this has to be your best work yet!" She giggled to herself. "Well... I don't know about THAT dear... I like to think all my dresses carry an equal amount of beauty... each in their own unique way..." Rarity's self-congratulatory pep-talk was brought to a halt with a knock at the door. "Oh, who could that be?" She trotted to the door and used her magic to open it, and there stood none other than Twilight Sparkle, who was panting and heaving. "Oh! Twilight dear... are... is everything okay?"

"NO TIME TO EXPLAIN!" shouted Twilight as she stepped inside and shut the door.

Rarity blinked a bit confused. "Oh... uh... please... come in..."

Twilight blushed a bit, laughing nervously. "Yeah, sorry, I guess I forgot my manners..."

Rarity smiled and waved her hoof. "Oh, think nothing of it, deary! Now, why don't you tell me what's on your mind?"

Twilight sighed a bit and thought. "... Rarity... do you know anything about.... dating?"

Rarity's squeal could be heard from miles, they say.

"Twilight! Dating!? Oh this is MARVELOUS!"

Twilight bit her lip. "Uhh... Rarity, don't get too carried away now... it's just, Princess Celestia wants me to find a date for Hearts and Hooves day, and Spike made a bet that I couldn't do it... so... I'm kind of... stuck."

Rarity hummed a bit, pondering on the situation. "I see, I see... and you didn't consult one of your books?"

Twilight sighed. "I won't lie, I still intend to, but I figured it might be better to talk to somepony about it before resorting to books..."

Rarity grinned. "And might I say, dear, that you couldn't have chosen a better pony to speak to! I've read several romance novels, and have had my own fair share of dating experiences!"

Twilight quirked a brow. "What... really?" Rarity stopped, almost seeming insulted by her friend's comment.

"You DOUBT I could get a date, Twilight!?"

Twilight shook her head. "What!? No! No! It's just... well... you seem to have a lot of standards, I figured the only pony you'd even consider dating would be in Canterlot..."

Rarity waved a hoof, smirking. "Oh dear, don't be silly! My IDEAL colt would be a Canterlot pony, but that doesn't mean I haven’t dated!" Rarity put a hoof to her chest and smiled proudly. "After all, I like to believe I am proof that culture and elegance are not limited to ones' roots!"

Twilight nodded a bit. "Okay... well... is there anything you can tell me...?"

Rarity smiled and pulled Twilight close. "Right! First things first, are there any colts around Ponyville you have a crush on?"

Twilight blinked a bit, flattening her ears. "Well... not exactly..."

Rarity quirked a brow. "Oh... OH! I see... any mares then?"

Twilight's eyes became wide as saucers and her face turned a deep shade of red that would make Applejack's brother envious. "What? Nonono! It's not like that!"

Rarity hoof waved. "Far be it from me to judge Twilight!"

Twilight groaned. "Rarity! I'm not... it's not... it's just..." The lavender unicorn sighed and hung her head. "... I've just... never really gotten to know anypony... I mean, sure enough, I've seen a lot of ponies... even associated with them... but I've never really gotten to know anypony..."

Rarity hummed a bit and pondered on this, staring at her friend as if measuring her up in her mind's eye. "Well, Twilight, how one approaches a date depends on the pony you're trying to court... it's very hard for me to help you if you don't have somepony in mind..."

Twilight slumped a bit in defeat. "Great... I'm going to have to do Spike's chores for a week..."

Rarity held up her hoof. "Well hold on now, darling, I didn't say I couldn't help, just that it'd be difficult."

Twilight perked up a bit, eyes wide with hope. "Really?"

Rarity smiled. "My advice... go out and socialize with a few ponies! Mare or stallion, try to get to know some of the ponies you might consider being romantic with! Or even just being friends! I mean... if it just has to be a date, there's no need to worry about them putting a ring on your horn that night, right?"

Twilight thought it over. It was true, it just being a date, there was no pressure for commitment... still, it seemed underhoofed to use somepony to win a bet.

"Try dating for compatibility, if nothing else, Twilight! Get to know somepony, then try to make a special night on Hearts and Hooves day! It's simple as that!"

Twilight mulled it over a bit more in her head, before grinning as her confidence returned. "You know what Rarity? That's a great idea!"

Rarity giggled. "Of course it is, Twilight! Just remember these basic rules for courtship... do not stress appearances too much! You want to be beautiful, but too much beauty in the wrong situation can throw off the wrong signals! Also, don't date just because this bet and Princess Celestia... remember, even though you may not be making a commitment, there is always that chance that whoever you date could end up being the pony you spend the rest of your life with!"

Twilight sighed. "Of course..."

Rarity smirked and put a hoof on Twilight's shoulder. "I know it must seem so demanding to you, but trust me, you'll thank me later." The alabaster unicorn stopped to once more ponder the situation. "You know, if you're pressed for time, I can always help you find somepony!" Twilight raised her eyebrow for what seemed like the billionth time today. Rarity trotted to the window and looked outside. "I know a few ponies you might be able to talk with... see if you can find a connection?" Twilight thought about this; it was certainly better than her current plan of going up to the nearest stallion she could find and asking him on a date.

Rarity wrote a few names on a list. Twilight tried to sneak a peak, but Rarity turned it from her vision before she could get anything of any significance. After finishing, Rarity hoofed it to Twilight, who read over the list, and proceeded to blush. "Oh... lotta ponies... some of them mares..."

Rarity smirked. "Well, yes, I figured I'd write down a few ponies. I thought of just using ponies that would be more obvious connections, but sometimes love comes where one doesn't expect them."

Twilight sighed. She looked it over a few more times.

"... Well... I guess I can try a few of these ponies..."

Rarity squealed again.

"Fantastic! Just point a few out to me, and I'll tell you exactly what to do!"

TO BE CONTINUED...

Time Turner, the Clever Pony

Twilight and Rarity sat at a cafe, Twilight sipping on a cup of tea. The lavender mare seemed more than a little nervous, her eyes darting about as her marshmallow friend gave her a smile.

"Relax darling! There's no reason to be so nervous! It's just a blind date!"

Twilight sighed and shifted her gaze to her friend. "Yeah... b-but all I needed was a date for Hearts and Hooves Day... isn't this kind of... rushing things?"

Rarity gave a small sigh, pressing a hoof to her forehead. "Twilight, darling, listen to me... are you listening?" Twilight gave a soft nod. "Good! Now, a date does not mean you are in a relationship with somepony... well, not specifically... there's dating, and then there's DATING dating! You see?" Twilight simply shook her head and Rarity stopped to ponder for a moment.

"Think of it like this then, Twilight... you're having lunch with a potential Special Somepony. It may work out, it may not. Just relax darling, and remember that this is just a small date! Don't aim to please, aim to connect!"

Twilight sighed and nodded. Rarity turned her gaze and almost gasped placing her hooves over her muzzle. "There he is! I'll be just a little bit away if you need to talk or anything!" Rarity got up and trotted off, seating herself at a nearby table. Twilight looked around for the pony she had seen, unable to discern who exactly she was talking about.

Eventually, a stallion approached her and took a seat, a stallion she knew to be none other than Time Turner. She had to admit, she and the local clock-setting pony had very little in the way of interaction, so she had no idea what to expect. He took a seat and smiled a bit at her, a smile that seemed a bit excited and at the same time friendly.

"Why hello there! Hey, I know you, you're the Librarian!"

Twilight giggled a bit. "Ah, yes, yes I am... my name's Twilight Sparkle, by the way."

Time Turner nodded. "Right! Right... well, people call me the Doc- I mean, Time Turner! Yeah, that's the name I meant, Time Turner! Yep!" He gave a big smile. "Sorry, can't say I've taken much time to actually socialize as of late, I've been... well... busy a lot lately."

Twilight sighed in response. "I know what you mean... I've been busy with my studying mostly. Magic, science, history... it's not that I don't love studying, but apparently it interferes with my social life."

Time Turner laughed. "Ah, school girl eh? Interesting, interesting, yes very fascinating. Can't say I've ever been on a date with a schoolgirl myself..." he stopped to ponder to himself. "I dated a queen once though..."

Twilight quirked a brow. "You've dated a queen...?" Her eyes widened and seemed to behold some wonder. "Was it Princess Celestia?"

Time Turner stared in confusion then laughed a bit. "Wha-- no! No no no no... Sweet heavens... well.." he stopped and thought. "Though there was this one time a century or so ago that she and I-- ah, but that's a story for another time."

Twilight blinked. "A... century!?"

Time Turner stopped himself and laughed again. "Oh no! I was being figurative; as in it was a long time ago, and nothing happened at all, don't worry yourself none. Nope! The queen I dated I actually married, and... aahhh... well, let's just say that could have ended better." He turned about. "Where's our waiter?"

"You're... married?"

Time Turner laughed. "Oh no, not anymore. She's dead."

Twilight gasped. "... wha... how!?"

Time Turner shrugged. "Oh, murdered... yes... yes, there was a big funeral, lots of ponies in attendance... you don't forget that sort of thing no matter what."

Twilight didn't know what to ask first. So many questions, so much to wonder... where does one begin?

No, she'd push that all on the back of her brain for now.

For now.

"So... uhh... tell me about yourself?" she said a bit, trying to find footing.

Time Turner hummed. "Where to begin... well, as you know, I'm Ponyville's local clock-setter. Make sure all the major clocks of town work functionally; after all, we can't have ponies going around forgetting what time it was now can we? No, but, that aside, I generally assist the Mayor, and she gives me tasks--"

Twilight smiled. "Ohh, so you're her assistant?"

Time Turner laughed. "More like errand boy, though a few years ago she and I traveled together for a while. We go back a ways."

Twilight smirked. "Really now? Where to?"

Time Turner opened his mouth to speak but stopped. He hummed then, seeming to try to think of a way to say something.

"We've been to the griffonlands... uhh.... and... also.... the... Crystal Empire! Yes! We met the Princess and everything!"

Twilight smiled a bit, but soon that smile turned into a quizzical, puzzled look. "But... the Crystal Empire appeared AFTER she became mayor... and from what I know she hasn't left to go there since..."

Time Turner bit his lip. "Ah, did I say Crystal Empire? I meant Canterlot!" He laughed a bit nervously.

Twilight sighed a bit. Eventually, the waiter arrived. "I see your companion has arrived... will you order now?"

"Yes please."

"If anything she's MY companion..."

The two ponies stopped to look at each other. Time Turner's expression seemed like somepony who had said too much, and Twilight was blushing a bit.

"Uhh... I mean... I'm ready to order."

The waiter nodded. "What will you have?"

Twilight sighed a bit. "I'll just have a dandelion sandwich with some hay fries and a refill of my tea, please?"

Time Turner shrugged. "What she's having."

The Waiter nodded and turned to walk away.

And then silence fell again.

Twilight stared at anything but the stallion across from her. Eventually, she gathered the courage to look at him, to notice that he was tapping his hoof on his chin, staring at her. She blinked a bit, blushing. "So, what was with that companion thing?"

Time Turner laughed. "Uhhh.. nothing! Don't worry! It was just a slip of the tongue, old joke somepony told me once. I go on adventures, drag other ponies with me, they're my companions, old joke!"

Twilight sighed a bit. "I see... so... any interesting stories?"

Time Turner laughed. "Well, I've got a lot of interesting stories, but some of them are, ah, shall we say, rather sensitive information and I'm sure you'd rather not hear them, spoilers and all..."

Twilight groaned internally.

Thing is, Twilight is a pony of logic, and reason. This pony seemed to confide in neither of these two concepts - heck, she didn't know how, but something about the very pony himself seemed off, out of place. She couldn't quite pin how though.

"So... what happened between you and Celestia?"

Time Turner sighed. "Oh, it was a long time ago... she had just witnessed the death of a close friend and locked herself in her room for days... during that time, the sun rose and fell at confusing intervals, and lots of ponies thought the end of the world was coming... it took some convincing but I finally got her to come out of her room and stop making the sun act so wibbly..."

Twilight seemed to ponder this over.

"Wait... she... I heard about that... but... wasn't that thirty years ago...?"

Time Turner smiled widely. "Yes I look very young for my age."

"So dear, how was it?"

Rarity and Twilight were trotting down the path. It was early into the evening, and Twilight seemed a bit down.

"Oh Rarity... don't get me wrong... he's cute... but I'm not sure he's right... I mean, if there's any hint of truth in what he says, he's got to be at least somewhere between 40 and 50 years old... not that I mind older ponies, but that just seems a bit... out there..."

Rarity seemed shocked. "What? I was fairly certain he was closer to our age..."

Twilight nodded. "Not to mention all the things he said... I mean, he talked about marrying a queen... then he said she died. I don't think I've heard of any queens being killed in the past fifty years..."

Rarity sighed. "Twilight, I'm sure you're overthinking this. Maybe he simply thought of her as being queen-like? Sort of like how most ponies look at Celestia?"

Twilight concdeded to that. She did overthink things a lot

Rarity gave a grin. "Besides, I think I've got somepony in mind for tommorrow!"

Twilight groaned a little. She was not looking forward to this. Suddenly, there was a loud whirring noise. "Wha... what's that?" said Rarity. The two ponies followed the sound to an empty alley.

"Huh... I could have sworn a large blue box was there earlier..."

"There you are overthinking things again darling... you're just nervous is all. Go home and relax a bit!"

TO BE CONTINUED...

Author's Note

Tried to fix up my writing style a bit. Hope I didn't disappoint!

Twiburnt

The library was full of commotion as a certain lavender mare was preparing herself for yet another blind date, all the while, her assistant dragon was standing on a ladder, setting books in their proper places.

"Gotta get myself nice and ready, nice and prepared!"

Spike sighed. "Why are you worrying so much, anyway? It's just a blind date, isn't it?"

Twilight did not pause her activity as she delivered her response. "Yes, Spike! But the last one I realized somepony I'd seen around town near constantly was a confusing, crazy pony who I couldn't make heads or tails of! I'm honestly surprised Rarity would associate with him long enough to ask him to take part in this whole ordeal!"

Spike quirked his brow. "Time Turner? I think he's cool!"

Twilight rolled her eyes. "You would, Spike. That pony is so confusing you'd think he was from another planet or something..."

Spike gave a grin, not stopping the task at hand. "Yeah, well, from the sounds of it your dates aren’t going too well, huh? Guess that means I can pretty much consider my two week vacation in the bag?"

Twilight finally stopped to turn to face her longtime friend/assistant. "Hold on a second! I'm not through yet! I've still got a little time left, and with Rarity's help, I'm sure I can get a great date for Hearts and Hooves day! And when that happens, you'll be serving us dinner speaking with a Prench accent!"

Spike waved his claws around. "Ooo, so scared..." He stopped the mockery with a good laugh, leaving Twilight fuming indignantly, her cheeks burning red as she finished her preparations.

"If you'll excuse me, I'll be out getting swept off my hooves!" She trotted to the door. "Good day!"

"Twilight, I---"

"I SAID GOOD DAY!"

The door slammed shut.

Spike shrugged and returned to his duties.

"A picnic is perfect for you, dear!"

Twilight sighed, looking around as she lay down on the picnic blanket that had been laid out in the grass. She had brought a picnic basket with a few odds and ends meals that she (and Spike) could whip up. "So, who is it this time?"

Rarity looked about, almost seeming like she didn't even acknowledge her friend. "Now now dear, if I told you it'd spoil the surprise..."

Suddenly, a hoof tapped on Rarity's shoulder. She turned around to see none other than Applooza's own Braeburn, who grinned big at her. "Well howdy, Miss Rarity! I'm here for our date!"

Rarity grinned nervously. "Wha--no! Nono, I was calling you here for a blind date with my friend, Twilight!"

Braeburn turned to look at Twilight, who simply smiled and waved; she did well to hide her indignity and disappointment. "Oh! Hello there, Miss Sparkle! Sorry, it's been a while since Ah've been on the dating scene, so fergive me for bein' a bit silly there!"

Twilight waved her hoof. "Oh, it's alright, if we threw everypony in prison who got confused in a dating scenario, Ponyville would be empty." Deep down, however, she couldn't help but tell herself 'well, I'd be free.'

And alone.

Twilight shuddered a bit, taking a breath.

Rarity clopped her hooves together. "Right! Well, I'll be off then! You two have a nice picnic, walk around, do whatever you want! Just remember, if you need me, I'll be at the lake nearby!" With that, the marshmallow mare took her leave, leaving Twilight alone with the nutty Apploosian stallion.

He gave a big grin. "So! How are ya, Miss Sparkle? How've ya been since we last met?"

Twilight shrugged. "Well, I've been alright I guess... saved the country a few times... you?"

Braeburn shrugged. "Well, I been good. Recently had to break up with mah last relationship, was kinda a big deal... cousin Applejack finally convinced me to get back on th' scene, told me 'bout Rarity's datin' plan, an' here I am."

Twilight quirked a brow. "Wait, you were in a relationship? With who?" She felt kind of bad after saying it, of course; she wasn't certain he was entirely over it yet, and was afraid she may have poked at a fresh wound. "I mean, ah, sorry, I--"

He shrugged. "Aint nothin' to worry about, filly, it was a while ago. I'm over it now. And it was Little Strongheart, for your information."

Twilight's jaw dropped.

"Wait, you were dating a Buffalo?"

Bless his heart, Braeburn just laughed at that comment. "Yeah, we got that reaction a bit at first! 'Specially me from my family; some Apples don't rightly care for our kin to marry anypony that aint an Earth Pony, so it was an extra slap in th' face when some of 'em heard Ah was datin' a buffalo!"

Twilight grimaced a bit at that statement; she didn't know why.

"So... you broke up because of that?"

Braeburn shook his head. "Wha? No! It was a mutual affair..."

Twilight bit her lip, curiosity aching at her. Braeburn looked at her and chuckled, giving an understanding smile and a roll of his eyes. "Well, y'see, Ah think it all started when we started talkin' about family. She an' Ah both wanted to start our own family at some point... n' then somepony explained to us that Ponies and Buffalos can't have children."

Twilight quirked a brow. "Uh... yeah... their genetics are just too different... I thought that was common knowledge?"

Braeburn shrugged. "Well, Ah think we sorta knew, but never really thought of it. It did hit us after th' conversation t' ask if it could happen, n' we had a long, hard talk... realized that we just weren't right for one another, and that it was best we see other ponies or buffalo, respectively."

Twilight smirked a bit. "So, you want to have a family someday, huh?"

Braeburn laughed, a tinge of red adorning his cheeks. "Well, not TOO soon, so don't go thinkin' me th' kinda stallion t' try t' do somethin'... foalish... but, ah, onto other subjects! Ah'm certain th' last thing y'all wanna do is talk family at a date!"

Twilight gave a nod and opened her basket, levitating out some bread, a few slices of cheese and lettuce, some tomatoes, and some dandelions and hay for good measure. Braeburn opened a basket he himself had brought, pulling out an apple pie, some apple fritters, and a bottle of champagne. Twilight stared at the bottle, blinking.

"Uhh... isn't that a bit much for a simple date?"

Braeburn blinked and looked at the champagne. "Huh? Really? I thought it was some kinda romantic gesture?"

Twilight giggled a little. "Oh, well, I only drink on special occasions... fortunately, I brought something." She levitated one more thing from her basket; a bottle of soda.

Braeburn shrugged. "Right! Well, Ah still got this on hoof fer if'n a special occasion comes up, then!" He set the champagne bottle back in his basket.

Twilight couldn't help but think that was intended as a gesture towards Rarity, who likely would have swooned that the pony thought to bring it. Not so much because it was a drink, but because it was champagne - it could have been none-alcoholic and tasted like feet and she'd probably have loved it.

It was just then she realized she had never tasted champagne before.

No, no, don't want to do anything stupid just to sate your curiosity...

After eating their meal, the two ponies decided to go on a walk.

"So, what're some things y'all like to do, Miss Sparkle?"

Twilight shrugged a bit. "Well, I'm a scholar... I like to read, I like to study, and I like to experiment."

Braeburn shrugged. "Aint none-a my concern what y'all do b'hind closed doors."

Twilight opened her mouth to speak, before stopping in her tracks, confusion overtaking her features like an overlord with an army of goblins with a love for carnage. "Wait, what?"

Braeburn shrugged. "Salright, long as yer responsible with it n' all."

Twilight tried to wrap her head around what was being said. "Wh... I mean doing experiments! Like with beakers and lab equipment! I have a laboratory under my house!"

Braeburn stopped and furrowed a brow at Twilight. "... Miss, Ah know we don't know each other too well, but Ah think ya not only wanna keep that on the down low, but y'all might wanna go to a doctor b'fore yer addiction gets a hold of you..."

Twilight’s jaw hung open in disbelief.

"Ah knew a pony once, had one of them there laboratories. It starts out all in good fun, but next thing ya know yer sellin' the stuff an' ya get hooked yerself an' th' next thing I know, he's got sunken eyes, he's always scratchin' himself, an' he's offerin' immoral services fer his next hit."

Twilight balked a bit. "I mean a SCIENTIFIC laboratory! I'm a scientist! Well, not a degree holding scientist, but I have scientific endeavors!"

Braeburn blinked a few times. "... well, what religion y'all worship aint no hassle either, long as ya don't try to convince me that we're all possessed by aliens n' all..."

Twilight stared deadpan at the farmpony.

"On second thought, it's such a beautiful day, I'd hate for that champagne to go to waste.

"Sho... sho then I shaysh to him... I shays... Dishcord! You *hic* .... ugh... you SHUCK!"

Braeburn looked dumbfounded at Twilight. "Wow... they wasn't kiddin' when they said Canterlot unicorns couldn't hold their alcohol..." he muttered to himself.

Twilight giggled a bit. "Nope! ... Hehehe, I shound like Big Mac! Nope! Eeyup! Eeeeeyup!" The lavender mare burst into a fit of giggles.

Braeburn bit his lip a bit. "Miss Sparkle, Ah don't mean t' be invasive, but aint this against yer religion or somethin'? An' you already got th' one addiction problem, Ah'd hate to think Ah'm, exacerbatin' yer sitiation..."

Twilight let out another giggle. "Ah'm... *hic* ... Ah'm only addicted t' one thing... booksh! Booksh everywhere! Far ash the eye can *hic* shee..." She stared at the glass and took another sip. "Prinshesh Sheleshtia shaysh I read too mu-*hic* ... much... n' shaysh ah hash to make friendsh... ah... hehe... ah shound jusht lahke Applejack!"

Twilight burst into yet another fit of giggles. Braeburn sighed and rolled his eyes a bit in empathy for the unicorn. "Well, Ah better get y'all home b'fore ya get in trouble fer bein' drunk in public..." Braeburn helped Twilight to her hooves and grabbed both their baskets after setting everything away. Then, making sure she had him to lean on, he began to lead her home.

Twilight slurred on. "Hay... hay... if... if you get confushed when I shaid I wash a shientisht... n'... I ekshperimented... how do you know what egha... eshasht..... eggshmashterbated means?"

Braeburn couldn't help but grin a bit. "Well, Ah'll be honest, Ah was teasin' with th' scientist thing."

Darkness.

Everything was darkness.

Until there was light.

Wait... light...

Horrible, evil, VILE light.

"Uggh.... Celestia... turn the sun off..."

"Oh, nice to see you're awake Darling."

Twilight's head hurt too much to be surprised. She forced an eye open to see Rarity sitting next to her. "I see you had fun on your date with Braeburn?"

Twilight's lips moved, forming soundless words, then her eyes widened and she bolted up, cheeks burning. "Wha--WHAT!? Nnnnothing happened did it!? I didn't do anything stupid did I!?"

Rarity rolled her eyes. "Relax, darling. He brought you home like a perfect Gentlecolt... well, first he found me so he could find out where you lived, but you get the point." Rarity sighed. "Not the best way to present oneself on a date..."

Twilight groaned. "He probably doesn't want to see me again does he?"

Rarity shrugged. "Well... I wouldn't know. But shortly after leaving, he met up with Pinkie Pie. They've been traveling together since, so I'd say if you had intentions of pursuing him, you MAY have competition."

Twilight groaned. Truth be told, she didn't feel a particular connection to Braeburn, and the only reason she could think to fight Pinkie for him would be to not be lonely. No, she could have the stallion if she wanted him; Twilight would not risk destroying that situation if she wasn't even sure she even liked the colt.

"Ugh... wait... how long have I been out?"

Rarity shrugged. "Only about five hours. I came by to check on you, quite fortunate for both of us I was here, otherwise you may have had a panic attack."

Twilight sighed a bit. "Yeah.... thanks..."

Rarity stood. "Now, let me go downstairs and get you some coffee..."

The white coated mare made her way towards the door. She stopped and turned around to face Twilight. "Oh! Twilight... innocent enough question... how do you feel about mares?"

Twilight groaned loudly.

"Can we talk about dabbling in mare/mare relationships when my head doesn't feel like it's being split open..?"

TO BE CONTINUED...

The Great Flam Scam

"Oh Twiliiiiight!"

Twilight was buried in a book at the moment, not surprisingly, entitled "Falling In Love: The How To Guide for Eggheads Who Want to Court." There was a knock at the door; wait, how long had there been knocking? Was that what that noise was?

Twilight stood and approached the door, opening it with her magic. Rarity almost jumped back in shock at what she saw; Twilight had not apparently slept the night before, what with sagging eyes and a messy mane and all.

"Oh my GOODNESS! Twilight! What--how did--what's wrong!?"

Twilight blinked tiredly and laughed a bit. "Oh, uh, I guess I forgot to sleep last night..."

Rarity bit her lip. "Dear! Hearts and Hooves Day is tomorrow! You've got to get some rest before the date I found you for today begins!"

Twilight groaned and hung her head. "I've been reading up on dating all night last night, and I'm beginning to think this is a lost cause..."

Rarity's jaw hung open. She slapped Twilight across the face, causing the lilac unicorn to yelp. She rubbed a hoof over her pink cheek. "What the- What was THAT all about!?"

Rarity huffed. "Sorry dear, but you forced my hoof! You are NOT a lost cause! You're a beautiful mare and any pony would be lucky to have you! Do not begin to talk bad about yourself, because I don't care if we don't find you a date for Hearts and Hooves day, this has become nearly personal now! I must help you find a special somepony!"

Twilight sighed. "Thanks Rarity... I'm sorry, I've just been out of sorts lately... I think I could use a little nap..."

Rarity smiled. "Good... I've got a date ready for you later, so you get some sleep, and I'll wake you in about five hours, alright?"

Twilight smiled a bit and nodded, and then she slowly trotted back into her home, shutting the door. Rarity sighed, tapping a hoof to her chin. "I just hope this pony wasn't... too much of a desperate attempt on my part..."

As Twilight headed back inside, Spike yawned and stepped from the staircase. "Morning Twilight... who was at the door?"

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Rarity, Spike..."

Instantly, the little dragon's eyes seemed to fill with life and joy, a big smile plastered on his face. "Raaarityyy..." he said as if entranced in some sort of warm embrace. "If anypony can get you a date, it's her..."

Twilight rolled her eyes once more, then blinked a few times - rolling ones' eyes consecutively could hurt when you didn't get a proper night's sleep! "Yeah... I'm going to go to bed and get a little rest before tonight's date... wake me in five hours if Rarity doesn't show up, okay?"

Not that Rarity wouldn't show up, of course.

Twilight trotted up stairs and climbed into bed. She pulled her sheets over herself and yawned, closing her eyes.

"Twilight..."

She groaned and tossed a bit.

"Twiiiliiiight..."

She opened an eye. "Spiiike... I just laid down..."

Spike was staring at her like she was crazy. "You've been out for six hours... Rarity got caught up in some Cutie Mark Crusading and she gave me this note to give you." He produced a parchment rolled into a scroll. "I tried to wake you, but you fell back asleep! You didn't even look like you really woke up!"

Twilight shot out of her bed and trotted around. "Oh gosh! Oh gosh oh gosh oh gosh! I'm late! I'm going to miss my own date! This is bad! This is bad bad bad bad bad!"

Spike held the scroll out. "No no no, Twilight! Read this!"

Twilight took it and unfurled the scroll, opening it and reading it.

*************************

Dearest Twilight,

It is with great misfortune that I must tell you I won't be able to help you today, for my sister and her friends have dragged me into some of their crusading shenanigans. Fortunately, you won't need me for much. Your date is set for 5:00 PM, and you are to meet the colt you are going to be enjoying this evening with at your library; he will be there to pick you up, so don't worry about having to find him.

Also, please please PLEASE do not get upset with me. I figured that despite past experiences, this pony and yourself might have something in common.

Your friend,
Rarity

******************************

Twilight sighed in relief; at least she knew that the pony in question would be finding her this time. Still, she was a bit worried about that last part; why would Twilight be upset with Rarity over a stallion? Unless she picked a stallion she might not mesh well with? It rose a lot of questions, but she decided for now to ignore them, otherwise she might doom tonight's date.

"Spike, can you make me a quick meal? My date will arrive in thirty minutes, and I have to make sure I'm not looking like I was on the wrong end of a lab experiment."

Spike threw his claw to his head in a salute, and grinned. "You're gonna have to make sure you do good, cause if you don't, this victory is as good as mine."

Twilight snorted, ignoring Spike's words. She had more important things on her mind.

Twilight had just finished eating her meal; it was a light meal, after all, they would be going for dinner together, and she didn't want to stuff herself before hoof. She hummed and watched the clock - it was now 5:30. She couldn't expect the pony to be there right on time, she figured. Oh well, Ponyville was a big town, certainly--

There was a loud noise... sputtering, churning... what was that? She was just about to check when she heard a knock at her door.

She opened it and stared out at her date.

Standing there with a big grin on his face (partially obscured by a mustache) and holding his disc-like hat in his hooves was none other than Flim... or was it Flam?

Twilight, in total silence, slowly peared over his shoulder to see his twin brother sitting on the Super Cider Squeezy 6000, waving at her.

"Why hello there, Miss Sparkle, and may I say it is a delight to see you this bright and sunny day! Your friend Rarity approached me and said that you were looking for love, for romance, and for a stallion who can sweep you off your hooves! Well, look no more, my fine mare, for your knight in shining armor has arrived!"

Twilight stared. He continued grinning at her, but she could tell her silence was getting to him and he was getting a bit nervous, looking around.

Twilight sighed and smiled a bit. "Oh, sorry, I was just lost in thought... uhm.. hello... uhh... Fllll.....iiiim?"

The pony laughed and shook his head. "Flam, thank you! It's easy to remember us like this: I'm the handsome one!"

Twilight couldn't help but laugh at this comment. "Oh... well, thank you very much, Flam. So, what do you want to do today?"

Flam placed his hat back on his head. "I'm glad you brought that up, my dear! I say I'm glad you brought that up!" He trotted to the machine and hopped on. "Why not hop on the Cider Squeezer 6000 and I shall take you across Ponyville in style!"

Twilight held her hoof out, expecting his help. The pony just smiled at her, not seeming to catch the hint. She sighed a bit and shrugged, tugging herself up onto the machine. Oh well, not every date had to be totally romantic, besides, in today's day and age, it was not uncommon for mares to prefere to help themselves, right?

Twilight blinked and stared at Flim as he charged the machine. "What's he doing here? This is just a date between you and me, right?"

Flam laughed. "Yes it is, my dear! He's just here as my wingpony! He'll keep other ponies off our backs to ensure this date has capital success!"

Twilight smirked. She was not all too familiar with the wingpony concept, but she figured it was resourceful. Who knows, maybe this can work out? The machine began to wirr and pump and made it's way down the street; Twilight suddenly realized she felt very exposed as a lot of ponies stared at her and the brothers, after all, their machine was not the most subtle thing...

"So then I says to them, Apple family, you suck!"

Twilight stared in disbelief where this conversation had gone. The brothers had taken her to a fancy restaurant; surprisingly moreso than the cafe Rarity had picked for her, although she had remembered Rarity talking about subtlety, and if the Flim Flam brothers were anything, subtle was probably not one of them.

"You DO know that I'm friends with the Apple Family, right?"

Flam stopped and blinked, before smiling again. "And what a great family they are, don't you agree? Tight knit and full of love! Why, I don't think I've seen a more deserving family in my life!"

Twilight raised an eyebrow. "You challenged them to a contest... and tried to take their home from them..."

Flam was becoming noticeably nervous. "Yes, well... I.... ahh..." The yellow unicorn sighed and took off his hat, holding it to his barrel. "I won't lie to you Miss Sparkle, it was a dark time, dark time indeed. My brother and I were out to make a name for ourselves and we didn't care who we stepped on to get there... but since then, since we were chased out of Ponyville, we've been attempting to change our ways! Mend our injustices, make right what we made wrong!"

His lip noticeably trembled and she thought she could see a tear in his eyes. "And I would do anything to take back that horrible, awful day."

Twilight frowned a bit. "Oh... uhh... I'm sorry, I didn't know..." she smiled some. "Well... if there's one thing I've learned, it's that everypony deserves a second chance... what you did was wrong, but at least nopony was hurt..."

Flam put his hat back on his head. "Thank you very much for your kindness, Miss Sparkle. It's nice to have somepony of logic and rational thought to speak to, who doesn't let their judgment get clouded by anger."

Twilight smiled a bit; he certainly seemed to be a nice stallion.

She looked around, realizing that Flim was no where to be found. "Where's your brother?"

Flam laughed. "Oh, he's located nearby, closer to the front, in case anypony tries to interrupt our evening... that whole shindig!"

Just then, the waiter arrived with their meals and set them out.

For Twilight, there was a fancy meal she had wanted to try for herself; it was dandelions laced with some fancy sauce, with a side of some fancy soup and grilled vegetables; the mere sight of the food made her mouth water. Flam had purchased the same meal himself, out of lack of creativity or desire, she didn't know.

"Oh my goodness! This... this looks absolutely delicious!"

Flam grinned. "But of course, my dear! Only the best for a mare dating Flam! So, tell me about yourself?"

Twilight smiled and nodded. "Well... I'm a student of the studies of magic and friendship--"

Flam held up a hoof. "Wait, the studies of magic and what? Friendship?" He quirked a brow. "Is that really a field of study? It sounds like the education you'd get would be about as useful as a degree in philosophy..."

Twilight giggled nervously. "Uhh... well, not so much, it's mostly the magic thing, but the friendship is sort of a secondary study... you see, I kind of study the magic OF friendship and--"

Flam seemed more confused. "Wait, so one can get magic from friendship? Is it strong enough to power magic-charged technology?"

Twilight bit her lip. "Well, it's not like... REAL magic... it's kind of complicated."

Flam shrugged. "I understand missy. Why, my brother and I had to get quite the education to build the Super Cider Squeezy 6000! Sometimes it's hard to describe!"

Twilight quirked a brow. "Wait, you're educated?"

Flam nodded. "Yes filly! We both attended the Technical Institute of Manehattan! Earned our degrees in magical engineering, and used that education to build our amazing machine!" He grinned proudly at this. Twilight herself felt amazed.

"Wow! That's amazing!" she said, a smile building onto her face again.

Flam nodded. "Oh yes! Dare I say, we made enough money to pay back all our tuition and more! Why, we live like kings these days, even if we make like bandits with our trading genius!"

Twilight giggled a little, shaking her head.

Eventually, the two ponies finished their meals and Twilight sighed, content. "That was delicious..."

Flam nodded. "Superb indeed! My compliments to the chef!"

Eventually, the waiter came to their table. "Has everything been alright?"

Twilight nodded and smiled, and Flam held up his hoof.

"Actually, I found your meal to be quite chilly! I was under the impression that it would be warm like most broths?"

Twilight quirked a brow. "What? I thought it was warm..."

Flam shrugged. "Well, my meal was definitely subpar... I really don't feel like eating anymore, so please do not try to buy me with corrections, I feel a bit insulted you would serve me an unfinished meal."

The waiter seemed to become nervous. "I'm so sorry sir... uh... I... I'll be right back..."

The pony trotted off and Twilight turned to look at Flam.

"What are you doing? That meal was perfect..."

Flam grinned and wagged his eyebrows. "Twilight, my dear, sometimes you have to be venturous if you want to get by in this world. I'm just evening out the score."

Twilight now seemed a bit upset. "But... this is wrong... you lied to that stallion... for what?"

Flam rolled his eyes. "Well, so I could get a free meal. And it's not exactly lying - last time I was here, the dish I ate was warmer than this!"

Twilight sighed a bit, feeling the illusion she had crumbling. Eventually, the manager returned in place of the waiter who had been serving them. "I'm very sorry sir and ma'am for this inconvenience. Your meal is on the house tonight, and if there is anything I can do for you, bring you a new dish, or some more drinks, you have but to tell me."

Twilight looked at Flam with a pleading look, obviously not happy. Flam looked to her for a bit and sighed.

"... Can you get a salad for my date?"

Twilight hung her head. "N-no thanks, I don't want any salad... I'm alright."

The manager nodded. "Yes, well, here's a gift card for your next meal, up to fifty bits worth. We do hope to see you again..." he placed the card on the table, and Flam took it greedily, shoving it in his vest with a victorious grin. "Thank you my good stallion, your kindness has allowed me to review my opinion of this restaurant... perhaps I will give it another chance."

The ride around town was quiet.

Twilight was staring out at the environment from the side of the Super Cider Squeezy 6000, not saying a word. Flam finally cleared his throat and spoke up. "I'm terribly sorry, Miss Sparkle, that you had to see that. I'm really not a bad pony, I just couldn't afford a meal like that."

"... that's why you don't go to a fancy restaurant and you go to something more practical..." she muttered under her breath.

"What was that?"

"Nothing..."

Flim only seemed to chuckle a bit. Flam glared daggers at him.

It was late out, and a few ponies were beginning to head indoors for the evening. Eventually, the machine left the edge of town and traveled down a path into the fields.

"Where are we going?"

Flam grinned. "Why, we're going just outside of Ponyville my sweet! Somewhere scenic to finish off this date!"

Eventually, the machine pulled into the grass and stopped at the edge of a hill. The sunset was a rather beautiful sight, the sky turning various shades and hues as if painted by a master painter.

On any other day, it might have taken her breath away.

Suddenly, Flim hopped out of the machine. "Right! I'm going to leave you two lovebirds alone! I'll be in town if anypony needs me!" With that, the pony headed off just out of sight. Twilight sighed a bit, staring out at the sunset.

"So..." said Flam, "... The twilight sky is pretty tonight!"

Twilight simply nodded. "Sure is..."

Flam grinned. "Fitting that you should be named after it, my dear."

Twilight blushed a bit. "Thanks..."

It suddenly became very silent. She turned to face Flam who simply stared her in the eyes. She stared back. Then she noticed him slowly moving forward, his grin having faded, and his lips puckering, his eyes slowly closing.

She felt herself move forward, her own lips puckering, and eyes closing.

'Wait... what am I doing?'

"What the-GET OFF!"

Twilight shoved Flam back and he fell out of the machine and tumbled hooves over head. Twilight was fuming. "What in the wide wide world of Equestria do you think you're doing!?"

Flam chuckled indignantly. "Well, I wanted to end the perfect date with the perfect kiss, and I--"

"Perfect Date?" Perfect Date!?"

Twilight's mane burst to flames, her eyes turned red, and her coat bright white.

"This date has been a disaster! You got to my home thirty minutes late, you ridiculed my education, you lied to a waiter to get a free meal, and then you drag me out of town to make some sort of cheesy move on me!?"

She hopped out of the Super Cider Squeezy 6000. "This has been horrible! You haven't changed at all! You're still a backstabbing, two-timing selfish.... con artist!"

With that, her horn flared, and she disappeared in a pop.

Flam stared dumbfounded into the nothing.

Flim stepped out from just behind the machine, laughing. "Oh Flam! Brother! I swear, I have never seen a crash that bad in my life!"

Flam growled at his brother. "Hey! You be quiet..."

Flim started winding down. "Haha... ha... ohhh... yeah... so! Tomorrow is Hearts and Hooves day, and you have yet to get into a mare's bed!"

Flam snorted. "The night's young dear brother! Besides, I do believe our bet was that I do it before the END of Hearts and Hooves Day?"

Flim burst into laughing. "We've been doing this for a week! I don't think one day will make a difference!"

Flam snorted indignantly. "Well, we'll just see about that... I will NOT be your slave for a month, not if I can help it!

TO BE CONTINUED...

Nature's Course

The Library was quiet, save for one little dragon who dusted the various tomes and shelves diligently. Spike generally liked to slack off when Twilight was away, but he found himself needing something to occupy his time, and try as he did to find Rarity and the Crusaders, they just never turned up. He looked at the clock and hummed. "Gee... sure is taking Twilight forever to get back..."

A bright flash of magic, and Twilight appeared.

"Speak of the devil! Heya Twilight! How was the date?"

Twilight groaned. "Horrible! He was the most... egotistical... conniving.... augh!"

Spike grimaced some. "I see... so... what are you going to do about Hearts and Hooves Day?"

Twilight stopped and pondered it over. "Oh... uh... well, I guess I can ask Braeburn if he'd like to go on a second date..."

Spike shook his head. "Nuh-uh... he and Pinkie are going to be spending it together apparently. They stopped by earlier to tell you, cause Braeburn thought it was the right thing to do. He seemed relieved when he learned you were on a date."

Twilight bit her lip some as she felt a little ache in her chest.

"Uh... well... maybe Time Turner--"

"Away... he disappeared a few days ago, left a note saying he had important business to take care of... something about "Bad Wolf?"

Twilight felt that ache again. What was that?

"M-maybe I can... uhh... " she blushed more as she spoke. "C-convince Rainbow Dash..."

Spike rolled his eyes. "Didn't you say she said she didn't want to be more than friends? I'm sure a second date is unlikely..."

Twilight grimaced some. "Wh... but... Flam...?"

Spike quirked a brow. "Yeah, was that who you were with? What happened...?"

Twilight bit her lip. "W... well maybe I can..." She stopped that trail of thought. Desperate as she was, she wasn't so desperate she'd go out with that dirt bag again.

There was that pain again.

This time, she knew what it was.

"I don't have a date for Hearts and Hooves Day..."

Spike paused. "Really?"

Twilight didn't seem upset; rather distant actually. "No... no... the day is already almost over... " She just seemed to stare into the nothingness. "... and I'm still alone... with nopony... no 'somepony special.... Rarity's too busy to help me..."

Spike pumped his fist in victory. "Alright! Yeah! One week vacation! I don't gotta do squat! In your face Twilight, you lost and I won!"

"Yeah... you won... c-congradulations Spike..."

Spike blinked a bit, turning to face Twilight, who still seemed really distant, as if some sort of deep, profound truth had been revealed to her. She didn't say a word more as she slowly, almost blankly, moved past him and up the stairs, towards her room. Once she reached her destination, Spike heard a slow creeking as she shut the door behind her. "Hey! Wait a minute!" The dragonling followed and pushed the door, face planting into it. "Twilight, does the deal start now or do we wait a week or what?"

There was no response. "'Cause... you know... I have a few things left to dust..."

Still no response.

Spike grimaced a bit, wondering why Twilight was ignoring him. Certainly she didn't intend to pout just because he had won, right? After all, she had every right to back out before the deal was made. "Twilight, can you hear me?" With her continued lack of response, he sighed, until he thought he heard a noise. It was faint, soft... he couldn't make it out. He slowly pressed his ear against the wooden door to try to get a better idea.

He heard a sob.

Whatever victory he had felt within the past few minutes vanished near instantly. Spike bit on his lip and turned the knob, opening the door. He saw Twilight lying in her bed, wrapped up in her blanket, watching as it shuddered and fell to the sounds of choking and whimpering. Spike's heart sank immediately.

"Uh... T-Twilight... it's just a week... it's not really that bad is it...?"

Twilight didn't speak. Spike inched forward. "Twilight...?"

"No... no Spike... a... *hic*... a deal's a deal.... *sniff*... I'm okay...."

Spike inched a bit closer. "Then why are you crying..."

Her response was delayed. "I... I don't know... I don't want to talk about it..."

Spike bit his lip. "You know... you don't have to do my chores... I-I just wanted to give you extra incentive..."

"Please Spike... just leave me alone..."

Spike nodded a bit. He slowly made out of the room, turning to see Twilight's sheets continue to shudder and spasm with her chokes and sobs. He hung his head in shame and shut the door.

Rarity hummed as she stared at her reflection of herself in her special, newly made Hearts and Hooves dress. She grinned proudly at her work; the dress itself purple, with pink hearts and a heart-shaped pendant hanging from her neck. "Why yes, Rarity! This is exquisite! You maybe single, but all the more reason to shine on this day! After all, you never know when Mr. Perfect will show up, sweep you off your hooves, and whisk you away toward a life of favor, of luxory, and of true, everlasting love!"

Rarity was brought from her fantasy by the sound of knocking at her door. "Oooh! That must be Twilight, here with the juicy details of last night's date! Why, I can only imagine what sort of story she has for this one!" The fashionista trotted hurriedly (and yet, still gracefully) toward the door and peeled it open. Much to her surprise, instead of Twilight, she was greeted by Rainbow Dash, staring at her with no shortage of concern in her visage. "Wha? Rainbow? What are--"

"No time to explain! Fluttershy told me that Spike told her that Twilight's locked herself in her room! She's been crying since last night, and won't come out!"

Rarity gasped and took her dress off, gently levitating it toward a nearby emergency dress hanger (a designer must always be prepared!) for safe, un-folding and thus unwrinkling, storage. "Quickly! We must attend to this at once!"

The library was filled with ponies concerned for the well being of their friend. Pinkie Pie and Braeburn were sitting next to each other, Braeburn's hoof over the worried pink party pony's. Applejack was just looking up the stairs, waiting to see Spike step out. Fluttershy was keeping Owluacious company, petting the bird's head. Just then, the front door opened, and Rainbow and Rarity stepped inside.

"Has she come out yet?" Said Rainbow.

Applejack sighed. "Nope... Spike went up there t' talk some sense inta her, but aint worked yet..."

Rarity trotted forward. "What's wrong? Why is she so upset? Flam didn't try anything ungentlecoltly, did he?"

Applejack's eyes widened. "Flam!? You set Twilight up with that snake!?"

Rarity grinned nervously. "Not my brightest hour, but some of the ponies I had picked for Twilight were... uhh... sort of occupied... romantically speaking..."

Applejack groaned. "Rarity! Y'all cain't just go settin' ponies up with other ponies n' expectin' 'em to hit it off! Datin's gotta be a natural thing! It's gotta work on it's own, otherwise it's got no heart to it!"

Rarity scrunched her nose. "Yes, well, I had the best intentions, I--"

Applejack sighed. "Ne'ermind, Rarity. Our friend's upset, we gotta take care of that first."

Suddenly there was the sound of a door opening and closing. Everypony looked up to see Spike trudge down the stairs, a look of obvious defeat on his face. He simply sighed. "She won't talk to me... she just says I'm 'too young to understand'... maybe you girls will have better luck?"

Everypony stood and made their way up the stairs neat and orderly.

Rarity knocked on the door. "Twilight? It's me, Rarity. Dear, the girls and I want to come in... is that alright?"

"... leave me alone..."

"Twilight, I just--"

"I said leave me alone! ... I just... want to..."

Rainbow spoke up. "Twilight, did Flam do anything? Say the word, we'll hunt him down and break every bone in his body!"

"No... it's not that..."

Applejack quirked her brow. "Well what is it then, sugarcube?"

Twilight coughed loudly.

"... it's me..."

"What!? You!? What's wrong with you, darling!?" Said Rarity, taken aback.

"I don't know! ... But.. *cough*... I... I just... don't know...."

Rarity had had enough. She opened the door and stepped into the room. Sure enough, Twilight was wrapped in her blankets, pillows over her head. The curtains had been drawn to close the light out from the balcony, and Twilight's back was to the door.

"Twilight, I'm sorry dear, but this has to stop! You are a good mare, why would you think otherwise?"

Twilight bolted up and stared at Rarity with eyes filled with anger and self pity, puffy from crying, and her mane was a mess. "If there's nothing wrong with me, then why have I never had a Special Somepony!?"

Everypony froze. Twilight's expression softened as the tears began to work again.

"I... I had been thinking of it more and more with each date... compatibility... and love... and at first I just didn't want Celestia to be upset but... but..."

Twilight gritted her teeth and tried to force back a new wave of tears.

"... if it's not a case where I can't connect... the pony is either a fraud or... doesn't think I'm good enough..."

Rainbow stepped out. "Waitwait, Twilight, if this is about me, I told you it's not that! It's--"

"It's not you!"

Rainbow stopped and backed away.

Twilight choked. "I've had plenty of crushes... b-but... the few occasions I got the nerve to ask somepony out they always rejected me..." She sobbed. "I've... I've never thought too much of it... but... but..."

She stared at her friends with eyes brimming with tears.

"... I'm so lonely..."

She choked and returned to sobbing openly. Suddenly, Rarity furrowed her brow once more and approached.

"Twilight, no. This is not your fault. It's mine."

Everypony stared. Twilight's crying seemed to soften, but she seemed no less in despair. Rarity nodded.

"When you told me you wanted a date for Hearts and Hooves Day, I took the initiative and decided to find a date for you. Given I did ask if you had your eye on anypony, I didn't take into account that simply sending you on blind dates was not going to solve a thing."

She sighed and hung her head. "It's never worked for me, I can't imagine why I thought it would for you..."

Everypony looked to Rarity, surprise. She, however, did not seem fazed.

"Twilight... I made a mistake. I got your hopes up, and it seems that, as good as my intentions were, I may have opened a wound. Worse yet, I have you thinking yourself less than you really are..."

Twilight stopped crying.

"Darling, you are a great mare! You're friendly, compassionate, understanding, and as I said before, anypony would be lucky to be with you. I can't undo this travesty I sent you on, but I can tell you this..."

Rarity placed a hoof on Twilight's shoulder, and stared her in the eyes.

"... You're beautiful. And do not think anything less..."

Twilight sniffled and rubbed her nose. "... Are... are you coming on to me?"

Rarity balked a bit. Rainbow Dash fell to the floor, busting out laughing. Applejack herself seemed to be suppressing laughter - poorly. Fluttershy was doing better, though it was obvious she was giggling. Pinkie had burst into a series of snorts and giggles herself, causing Braeburn to wonder what the mares upstairs found so funny.

Twilight blushed madly - she really thought Rarity was flirting with her.

"No dear... I'm not. I'm not into mares... not that there's anything wrong with it! But... no."

Twilight sighed a bit. She wasn't as sad, but she still wasn't happy. Rarity sighed a bit and put a hoof to her forehead.

"What I'm saying darling..." said Rarity, "Is that it's up to you to find love. Your friends can only help so much... but relying on us, or even your books, to help you find love is a mistake... it must come naturally, by its own course..."

Rarity held Twilight's shoulders and smiled. "Sweetie, there is somepony out there for you. You may not find them today, tomorrow, or even a year from now... but you will find them... you just have to believe you will..."

Applejack smiled. "We're all keen t' help when we can, 'course! But with things like advice n' such..."

Rainbow nodded. "Hey, so you're single on Hearts and Hooves Day! Don't think you're alone!" Rainbow rushed to Twilight and grinned in her face, wagging her eyebrows. "We're all single too! Plus, we aint alone - we're available!"

Twilight choked out a laugh, rubbing some of the tears from her eyes. "Ooh! Ooh! I'm not be single!" Everypony stared at Pinkie Pie. Rainbow moved her hoof under her chin in a 'stop talking' gesture. Pinkie grinned awkwardly. "I'll be quiet..."

They turned to Twilight, and Rainbow smiled. "Twilight, there's a lot goin' on today! Instead of sitting here and moping, you should go out there and enjoy the day! Stallion or no, you don't win a race by standing still!"

Twilight smiled a bit, if only half-heartedly. "Thanks girls... yeah... I think I can stand to get out..."

Everypony smiled.

Rainbow Dash grinned. "Good! What say tonight, we all have an 'Available Pony Party!"

Pinkie jumped. "Wooo! Party!"

"Pinkie's not available, so she's not invited."

"WHAT!?"

"WOOOO!"

Rainbow Dash danced around sloppily, laughing. "That was a great party! Who knew bein' single on Hearts and Hooves Day could be so awesome!?"

Rarity sighed, stepping out of the club, her mane a bit frazzled (although it seemed done in a more 'intentional' manner, likely her styling it for the club scene. "Yes! I'll admit, this is not my usual scene, but it was rather thrilling wasn't it?"

Applejack followed, looking relatively normal, but without her hat. "That aint no kinda rodeo Ah've ever been to... Ah'm happy y'all convinced me t' not bring mah hat..."

Fluttershy stepped out after them, waving her hooves around. "WOO! Party! The music! The dances! Somepony, gimme a mic! I wanna *hic* sing!"

Twilight sighed, trotting out of the club. "Rainbow Dash, do you think giving Fluttershy all those drinks was a good idea..."

Rainbow sighed. "I gave her one drink to ease her nerves... how was I supposed to know she'd like the taste and order more?"

Fluttershy giggled, putting a hoof over Rainbow's shoulders. "Rainbow Dash... *hic*... you're my best and longest time friend... n' you really know... *hic*... know how to have fun... hehehe..."

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Well, I guess I better get Drunkershy to her cottage before she makes a scene..."

Fluttershy giggled. "I get it! It's because I'm *hic* ... because I'm drunk!"

Rainbow sighed and wrapped a hoof around her friend. "Just flap your wings, I'll steer us."

As the two pegasai took off, the remaining three ponies turned to face each other.

"Well," said Applejack, "Ah think Ah'm headin' home. Every year Big Mac vanishes, Ah swear he's got a secret special somepony, an Ah'm gonna find out who!"

Rarity gasped. "Oh my! That sounds romantic!"

Applejack rolled her eyes. "You'd think that... anyway, y'all have a good night."

Applejack made her way towards home. Rarity bit her lip. "Uhh.. sorry Twilight, but I've got... uh... things to attend to! You'll be able to get home on your own right?"

Twilight smiled and nodded. "Of cou-"

"Oh that's great! Ta ta darling!" Without another word, Rarity took off. Twilight quirked her brow.

"What's she in a hurry for...?"

She simply sighed and shrugged, and started to head home. She trotted at a casual pace, but the closer she got to home, the more she felt a strange need. She saw so many ponies cuddling and kissing... she had enjoyed the night, but she couldn't deny she still wanted companionship.

She decided there was one way to get her mind off this; some good, old fashioned star gazing.

So, she passed her home and continued on, past the edge of Ponyville.

Eventually she found it - a hill she generally liked to use when stargazing, with a single tree on it. Tonight was different however; she didn't have her telescope. She didn't need it. Tonight, she simply wanted to enjoy their company, as opposed to analyzing them.

She stopped and folded her legs underneath herself, laying in the grass and staring at the night sky.

She took in a breath and gently let it out.

Now, she could think - unhindered by worry or worldly concern. Just her, the stars, and her thoughts.

"... Miss Sparkle?"

Twilight nearly jumped and turned her gaze to see none other than Big McIntosh. "Yer out awful late..."

She smirked, quirking a brow. "I could say the same to you."

He raised a hoof to speak but stopped. He shrugged. "Eeyup." He trotted up the rest of the way. "Mind if Ah join ya?"

She shook her head. "Oh, go ahead. It might be nice to have company."

Big Mac nodded and sat next to her, more on his side than his stomach, and stared up at the stars.

"So, what brings you here, Miss Sparkle?"

Twilight sighed. "I just needed to gather my thoughts... put the week's events in perspective..." She turned her attention to Big Mac. "You?"

"Ah come 'ere once in a while fer 'bout the same reasons. Usually after particularly big harvests or somethin'."

Twilight quirked a brow. "Wait... your sister says you disappear every year... is this what you're doing?"

"Yeah. Ah've never concerned m'self of Hearts n' Hooves Day, but Granny n' Applejack like t' tease me 'bout findin' a mare this time-a year, so Ah like t' come 'ere and just think."

Twilight nodded. "Oh... about what?"

Big Mac shrugged. "Whatever needs t' be thought of. Family, bills, maintaining th' farm, any debts we owe, that kinda stuff..."

Twilight blinked. "Wow... you sound like you have a lot of responsibility..."

Big Mac laughed a bit, shaking his head. "Well, AJ is a good mare, but she aint too good with taxes... last time we let her do 'em we nearly lost th' farm. Granny was a master, but these days she cain't remember what she had fer breakfast... an' Applebloom is not only too young, but more prone t' causin' destruction than bein' truly productive..."

Twilight let out a little giggle, shaking her head. "I had no idea you were so... reliable."

Big Mac gave a gentle nod. "Ah, lotta ponies think Ah'm slow cause Ah don't speak much. Ah just don't typically like t' say more than needs t' be said..."

Twilight smirked. "You're awful talkative tonight."

"Eeyup."

The larger stallion turned his gaze to the smaller mare. "What about you? What's goin' through yer head, Miss Sparkle?"

Twilight smiled a bit, shaking her head. "Oh, you can just call me Twilight... and it's not important... just..." she sighed a bit. "Just... had some bad dates and I needed to sort of get some fresh air and thought."

Big Mac nodded. "Ah. Hearts n' Hooves Syndrome?"

Twilight quirked her brow for the billionth time tonight. "What...?"

He waved a hoof. "Ah ferget who coined it. Some sort of psychological thing where single ponies get depressed 'round this time-a year thinkin' on th' subject."

Twilight stared. "Wh... wow, I didn't think you knew much on psychology..."

Big Mac smirked. "Ah pick things up here n' there, usually when Ah see it in mah siblings..." He leaned towards Twilight and whispered. "B'fore you came t' Ponyville, Applejack used t' get it real bad..."

Twilight grinned. "Oh? So that's how she knows so much."

Big Mac shook his head. "She figured lots out on 'er own. Ah just helped."

"You sound like a very good stallion."

Big Mac grinned somewhat proud at the statment the little mare offered. "Well, Ah try t' be." This elicited a chuckle from McIntosh and a giggle from Twilight herself.

After a few minutes, Twilight realized she had been staring into Big Mac's eyes, and he back into hers. It had suddenly become very quiet. The various sounds of the world seemed to fade into nothing; no wind, no crickets, nothing, although Twilight became a bit more aware of the beating of her heart as she stared at the stallion next to her.

Suddenly she realized that he was starting to lean forward. Twilight's heart beat faster. The various alarms that she figured should be going off remained silent, and she found herself leaning forward as well.

She closed her eyes as she felt his lips press against hers.

It seemed to last forever before she felt him pull away. Her eyes fluttered open to see the stallion staring at her, his own stare gentle upon her. She couldn't help but smile half lidded, her cheeks becoming tinted red.

Just as her senses returned to her, Twilight's eyes shot wide open and her face turned a deep red. "Ah! S-sorry! I just... I... uh..."

Big Mac blinked a bit, a little blush on his cheeks but he retained the same stoic appearance he always carried. "... Salright... Ah got a bit carried away m'self... got lost in th' moment Ah guess...."

The two ponies simply lay there quietly, staring away from each other, silence having fallen again. Twilight gulped and gave a sideways glance towards the Stallion. "N... not that it wasn't a nice kiss...."

Big Mac grinned a bit. "Eeyup..."

Twilight cleared her throat, staring at her hooves. Big Mac looked around. "... N' yer not a bad mare... Applejack says yer very nice n' sweet..." Twilight smiled and blushed a bit.

"Thanks..."

Big Mac simply nodded. Once more silence fell. Twilight looked to Big Mac again. "Uhm... and she speaks highly of you too..." The larger stallion smirked and nodded.

The two ponies diverted their attention back to the night stars. Twilight felt very calm suddenly; at peace. Slowly, she leaned against McIntosh, laying against him. At first he seemed to tense a little, likely from surprise, but he immediatly relaxed again. The lavender mare was surprised by how warm and soft he was, admittedly. She was also surprised when he leaned back into her, his head over hers.

A short distance away, (hidden behind a bush) two ponies stared.

Rarity's hooves were placed in her mouth, stifling her own excited squeal. Next to her, Applejack stared, jaw agape, in utter disbelief. The orange mare grabbed for any words she could to describe what was going on. "... But... he.... an' she.... she was.... an'.... what...?"

Rarity smiled and grabbed her friend and began to drag her, making sure to not speak above a whisper. "Come Applejack. We shouldn't bother these two..."

Applejack's jaw continued to hang open, staring at the two ponies. "... But... Ah... Ah don't...." Applejack crossed her forelegs and sighed, relenting to the idea that she just had no idea what was going on. "Big Mac's got a lot of explainin' t' do..."

Rarity chuckled. "Yes, well, let him explain later. For now, let these two have their moment."

The two ponies made their way back to town, while the two ponies on the hill continued to stare into the night sky.

Author's Note

Man does spellcheck hate when I write lines for Apple family members!

Rainbow Dash and an Open Mind

Twilight was nervous again. No big surprise there. No, rather, the big surprise was that she was even more nervous than usual. Of course, there was good reason for this.

"Rarity, I'm not certain I'm ready for this..."

The two ponies sat in the front of a local bowling alley - was admittedly not Rarity's ideal space for a date, but she insisted that it might be good for who she had set Twilight up with. The marshmallow unicorn waved a hoof dismissively at her friend. "Darling, here's the way I see it. If it's not your cup of tea, you can consider it a friendly lunch! But, if something DOES click..." Rarity giggled a bit. "Oh sweetie, I do believe this is one of those... oh... what does she say... 'Don't knock it if you haven’t tried it' deals?"

Twilight relented and hung her head. "Fine... but if this ends weird, I am holding it against you."

Rarity laughed. "Well, I'll assume if it works out you'll be thanking me as well?" Rarity turned around and smiled. "Oh! There she is now!"

Twilight turned.

Her eyes shrank to pin pricks.

Stepping into the establishment was none other than Rainbow Dash.

She turned to Rarity and yelled at her, as close to one can get to yelling while whispering. Or at least trying to. "Are you INSANE!? Trying to date a mare is one thing, but a mare I'm close friends with!? If this doesn't work out--"

Rarity held up her hoof. "IF it doesn't work out, you won't have to worry. Rainbow Dash understood what was going on, and she agreed to it whole heartedly, so if it doesn't work out, there is no problem."

Twilight did not seem entirely convinced. Rarity rolled her eyes.

"Also, she's competitive. Bowling does not take much in the way of physical fitness, so you can learn a new activity as well. The way I see it, if nothing else, you won't come out of this one empty-hoofed."

Twilight sighed and hung her head. "Fine... fine..."

Eventually, Rainbow Dash stepped up to the two and smiled. "Hey Rares! Hey Twilight! 'Sup!"

Twilight smiled, obviously nervous. "H-hi, Rainbow Dash!"

Rainbow smirked, raising an eyebrow. "Wow Rarity, you wasn't kidding! She's REALLY nervous!"

Rarity sighed. "Yes, well, you two do what comes naturally, I'm going to be... uhh..." the marshmallow unicorn looked around desperately for a safe haven - she did not see any. Not a lobby, not a waiting area (at least not one that didn't involve fitting horse shoes) and most other mares were either playing or watching others play. "oh... ah..."

Rainbow grinned. "Why not join us Rarity! Never too late to learn a new skill!"

Rarity gasped. "What!? No! Nonono, this is YOUR date! I'm not going to interfere! I'll try to be within reachable distance, but I don't want to be invasive! I... ah... I think I'll just... " She sighed a bit. "... I guess I can play... but not with you two! I'll just go find somepony else to join... or something..."

Rarity trotted off, and Twilight and Rainbow looked at each other. Twilight rubbed one of her forelegs over the other.

"Soo..."

"So..."

"What now?"

Rainbow Dash grinned. "Well, first we get our bowling shoes, we pick a lane, and then we start our date! Oh, and don't worry Twi, I'm totally okay with this, and I'm cool! I don't try to smooch on the first date or anything!" Rainbow Dash paused a bit and grinned, waggling her eyebrows. "Unless you want to."

Twilight laughed nervously. "Ahhh, haha, we'll just see how the night goes, shall we?"

Twilight looked down at the shoes she had been given; they were definitely not something she was used to wearing, but she guessed they must have helped with traction on the hardwood floor?

"Alright! So, Twilight, you wanna go first, or should I be the lady?"

Twilight blushed madly. "Ah.. uh.... I..."

She was at a loss of how to respond. This particular question seemed like no matter how she answered it, she would make a suggestion that could affect her and Rainbow Dash's relationship forever.

"Twilight, I know that look. I'm just teasing.." Rainbow rolled her eyes at her panicky friend. Twilight sighed. "Uhh... you go first Rainbow. I have no idea what I'm doing..."

Rainbow grinned. "Right! Well, take some notes - I know you love to do that - and watch the pro!"

Rainbow picked up a ball in between her forelegs and used her wings to keep her front end lifted off the ground. She stared down the alley and licked her lips. She trotted forward on her hind legs, wings still keeping her front end up, and then threw her hooves forward, making sure to put effort on not putting in too much force as to send the ball askew, and it rolled down the alley.

It hit the pins, and struck them all down.

Rainbow jumped into the air and pumped her foreleg. "YES! I! AM! AWESOME!"

"SO! It's settled! Tomorrow, we'll be the "Cutie Mark Crusaders: Demolition Squad!"

Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Applebloom sat in their clubhouse at their latest meeting to discuss their next mission. Suddenly, Scootaloo shuddered a bit, and everypony looked to her.

"Hey Scoots, what was that?" asked Applebloom, a look of concern adorning her face.

"Huh... I think my 'Rainbow Dash is being awesome' sense just went off..."

Sweetie sighed. "You know that doesn't make sense, Scootaloo."

Scootaloo huffed, crossing her forelegs. "Says the pony who predicts the future through alphabet soup!"

Sweetie gasped. "I do NOT predict the future with alphabet soup! Those were coincidences! Predicting the future when not Pinkie Pie is impossible!"

Scootaloo waved her hoof around. "Yeah? And I imagine your soup spelling 'Moon Mare' the day before Nightmare Moon arrived was just a coincidence? What about when it said 'You free chaos?"

Sweetie shouted defensively. "That was just coincidences!"

She bit her lip as she remembered her most recent 'coincidence.'

'Scootaloo Handicapped'

"Uhh... changing the subject... Scootaloo, have you gotten the results from your physician about your wings?"

Scootaloo shrugged. "Not a word! I'm sure I just need to grow into them a bit more though!"

Twilight looked at her ball, eyeing it with almost an analytical precision.

"So... can I use my magic on it?"

Rainbow shrugged. "Uhh... I think Magic's prohibited. Too much potential for abuse in this sport..."

Twilight hummed. Taking the ball into her mouth, she looked down the alley and gulped. Trotting forward, she came to a stop and spat the ball out.

It hit the ground and rolled.

Slowly.

Very slowly.

Painfully slow.

It fell into the gutter.

It continued to slowly roll.

Why is it moving so slowly?!

Twilight groaned and stomped away. Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "You don't just spit it out, Twilight. You gotta have technique! Try... uhh... flinging it! yeah!"

Twilight sighed as she picked up yet another ball. Sweat began to trickle down her face. Her eye twitched slightly. She trotted forward, and swung her head; careful not to hurt herself, and let the ball go.

It hit the hard wood.

It rolled, faster than before.

It hit the pins, knocking them all down.

She stared wide-eyed, and a massive grin slow built into her features as her brain processed what it had just witnessed; what she had accomplished. On her first (okay, second) try at bowling, Twilight had knocked down ALL pins!

"D... did you see that!?"

Rainbow Dash stared, eyes wide, but not too shocked, letting out a pleased whistle. "Wow! Nice Twi! I gotta admit, I wasn't expecting you to do that on your second try!"

It was Rainbow Dash's turn once again. She used the same technique; forelegs holding the ball, wings keeping her afloat. She trotted forward, and threw it, sending it on it's way. The ball hit the pins, taking down all but two. "Awww... so close!"

A ball rolled up, and she picked up up. Once more, same technique, ball down the alley.

The last two pins were taken down.

Twilight stepped forth, watching as the pins were set back up. Taking the ball into her mouth, she gritted her teeth, a grin plastered on her face. She remembered what she did, she remembered how she did it, she could do this! She could beat Rainbow Dash at a game she had been playing for who knows how long; a game Twilight herself had literally JUST started learning.

She threw the ball forward.

It rolled. It teetered to the edge.

It took down one pin.

Twilight stared, dumbfounded, jaw hanging wide open.

"Wha-- but... but I did everything... how did..."

She groaned, and picked up another ball. She got into position. She focused. Hooves in the right place. Body posed for maximum muscle output. Making sure flow of physics and momentum and all that sciency stuff were on her side.

She trotted forward, and flung.

The ball fell in the gutter.

"WHAT!?"

Rainbow laughed a bit. "Wow, Twi... it seems you just had beginners lu-"

"I'VE GOT ONE MORE TURN!"

She picked up the ball.

Focused.

Flung.

It hit the pins, taking out all but five.

"SON OF A--"

Twilight and Rainbow sat at the dining area of the bowling alley, the purple unicorn clearly a bit disappointed in herself. Rainbow Dash laughed. "Wow Twi, I'da never known you were so competitive... or that you had such a colorful vocabulary..."

Twilight blushed a bit. "Yeah... s... sorry... I don't know what came over me, I don't think I've ever acted that way before..."

Rainbow waved a hoof. "Don't worry about it none, Twilight. It's cool, just means we gotta try bowling again until you learn it!" The rainbow maned pegasus gave a wide grin. "Even if you don't, it's fun hearing you say words that I've never heard you say before!"

Twilight sighed. "Oh well... at least I know I'm not the worst player here..."

Suddenly, there was a sound of pins clattering, and a loud "HAHAAA!"

Twilight and Rainbow turned to see Rarity, who was with Pinkie Pie and Braeburn. Rarity was at the alley, and she was trotting in place. "I am Rarity! Queen of the alley!"

Rainbow Dash's jaw fell open. Twilight simply head-desked against the table, the blow softened by her dandelion sandwich.

Twilight and Rainbow trotted out of the bowling alley, making their way down the street. Twilight sighed a bit and looked to Rainbow Dash. "Well... what now?"

Rainbow hummed and tapped her hoof to her chin. "Well... we can always talk I guess?"

Twilight nodded, pondering what to ask. "Yeah... but we already know a lot about each other... what do we ask?"

Rainbow shrugged. "Not always about learning Twilight, sometimes it's just chatting, maybe sharing ideas... " Rainbow laughed a bit. "Of course, idea-wise, you and I are kinda night and day... I'm sure most of my ideas are probably stunt-related and yours probably involve a lot of magic and science and stuff."

Twilight shrugged. "... Ya know, I have to say, I didn't know you were.... well... you know..."

Rainbow blinked. "What? Oh! OH! Oh yeah, no. I mean, sort of. I'm not a filly fooler, at least not dedicatedly... I play both teams." Rainbow Dash grinned proudly at this.

"Huh... how come you never said anything?"

"Psh, you never asked!" Rainbow smirked and shook her head. "I'm loud about my stunts and my achievements. I don't see a point in just running around telling ponies I'm not picky about my partner's gender... besides, some ponies might get the wrong idea."

Twilight nodded, understanding that a bit.

"What of you, Twilight? I kinda figured you'd be the 'stallions only' type."

Twilight blushed and gasped. "Oh! Uh, well, I'm not against the idea, but I admittedly wouldn't say I ever considered myself... uhhh..."

Rainbow smirked and gave her an undeniably seductive stare. "Well, we can test that if you like with a nice little kiss."

Twilight bit down her lip and laughed. "Uhh... wait... what? Really? Now?" Her cheeks turned a deep red.

Rainbow smirked. "Haha, whoa whoa, Twilight, I was joking."

Twilight seemed both visibly relaxed and at the same time disappointed.

"It's nothing personal Twilight, but we're friends. I don't wanna screw that up messin' with your head... that said, if you still think you might be interested in dating mares, I can help! I also know some stallions!" She blinked and smirked nervously. "Uhh... well, I could FIND stallions..."

Twilight sighed. "No, that's alright Rainbow... I think I'll just go talk to Rarity now..." She snorted. "Or at least I will once she's done learning she's really good at bowling."

Rainbow smirked. "That's good..." She grimaced a bit, seeing the down look in her unicorn friend's face. "Ya know Twilight, you're not a bad lookin' mare, and you're really fun, so don't think it's you, okay?"

Twilight nodded. "Thanks Rainbow, and it's okay. I don't really know if I'm the 'Mare's Mare' type of girl anyway. I think I'm just going to go home. I'll talk to Rarity tomorrow."

Rainbow smiled faintly, not convinced Twilight was alright. "See ya later Twi..."

Twilight simply nodded. "Later, Rainbow..."

With that, the unicorn took her leave and trotted down the street. Rainbow Dash gave a sigh, feeling a bit of worry for the lavender librarian as she left.

"... poor girl."

TO BE CONTINUED...

A Letter to Celestia

Dear Princess Celestia,

Today, I learned that as great as our friends can be, there are some things that are best approached with ones' own sense of judgement. Friends can help with advice and support, but to place an entire task in their hooves for your own sake is silly, and offers no guarantee of success.

This past week, I went on a few dates to find a special somepony for Hearts and Hooves Day, only to discover that the ponies I had been set up with on blind dates were just not right for me, and while dating has it's place, I really should have followed my own heart and instinct.

That's not to say I came out of it empty hoofed of course! As luck would have it, it seems Big McIntosh Apple - Applejack's older brother - and I seem to have a lot in common! He may not be the researcher type, but he's very diligant at anything he sets his mind to, and he's very calming (and, if I might say, not the worst looking stallion in Ponyville)! We are dating (although it is still the early stages, so I'm not sure if it counts as Special Someponies or not...) and learning a lot about each other! I'm sure he'd be thrilled to meet you!

All in all, I think it's been a very good Hearts and Hooves Day, and hope you had a nice one yourself!

Your Student,
Twilight Sparkle

********

Dear Twilight,

Kiss him yet? Pics or it didn't happen!

Your Teacher,
Princess Celestia

THE END

Author's Note

Thanks for reading everypony! :D Hope you enjoyed the story!