"Okay, pull yourself together now. It's just a date... with three mares, how does that even work?!" Knock, knock, knock, went the door again. "Just a minute, please," I called to be heard on the other side. "Fuck, what do I do?" I asked myself as I realized I was starting to panic. "Alright, gotta calm down, can't be freaking out now... deep breaths, come on, don't panic," I said to myself, as I started to take deep breaths and chant 'don't panic' to myself.

"Hey, Hoyt, I forgot my saddlebags," Roseluck's voice called from outside.

Quickly I stepped over and opened the door, relieved to see that it was indeed just the florist mare who'd been helping me prepare. "Oh, good, it's just you," I said without thinking. "Doh, sorry, I didn't mean to say it like that!"

"Wow, nerves like to sneak up and hit you like a sledgehammer, don't they?" she said with a grimacing smile. "Calm down buddy, it'll be all right."

"I- Uh- yeah, I guess you're right," I said, my breathing still rather rushed but steadily returning to normal levels. "Oh, right, your bags. Here ya go," I added as I picked the saddlebags up from beside the door and held them out for her.

"Thanks. You gonna be okay?" she asked after situating her load.

"Yeah, I think so... Thanks again for the help and guidance Rose, it means a lot to me, really," I said, finally feeling calm again after the panic I'd felt moments earlier.

"No prob, it was the least I could do. Though I do expect more business from ya in the future," she said with a wink.

"Don't worry, there'll be plenty, I'm sure of it. Have a good one Rose," I said.

"Good to hear. Good luck to ya, make 'em happy, ya hear?"

"I'll do my best," I said, feeling myself smile a bit despite the nerves still itching at the back of my mind as I closed the door again.

Just as the clock struck three another set of knocks came at my door, interrupting my pacing around the living room.

"Your transportation has arrived, Sir," said a stallion of Luna's night guard when I opened the door.

"Transp- what? I thought... Where are we going?" I asked, unsure of the situation.

"We are to take you to Princess Luna. Her Majesty, along with Princess Twilight Sparkle and Lady Rarity await your company, Sir," he said with a curt bow.

"Um, well, alrighty then, but where are we going exactly?" I asked, still unsure what to make of the situation.

"Canterlot Castle of course. Where your mares await you," he said as if reciting a line he'd been ordered to give precisely. It seemed as if he was undecided on how to interpret the situation. He wasn't alone in that boat.

"Um, okay then... The date starts in an hour though, and the trains aren't running that much faster. It's still a three and a half to four hour trip," I said, now starting to worry about arriving late.

"Luna said to tell you that you would be, 'Flying Air Canterlot'? And said also that you could explain the joke on the way," he said, adding the last part after I suppressed a snort at the cheap joke.

"Haha, yeah... waitaminute- Flying Air Canterlot? Um, care to explain how that works?" I asked, suddenly very unsure of the situation at hand.

"Princess Twilight Sparkle said to give you this if that question came up," the guard replied, pulling a folded paper from his breastplate and holding it out for me to take.

Taking the paper I saw Twilight's seal before I opened it and read over a brief technical drawing and explanation of pegasus pulled chariots and how they work. "Well, alright. Y'all won't be up to any aerobatics with me in tow will ya?"

"We are under strict orders for a smooth and event less flight, sir," he said, terseness creeping into his tone.

"Alright then, let's get this show on the road then, shall we?"

'Air Canterlot' turned out to be much smoother than the few Cessna rides my dad and I had gone on when I was a boy.

"And so the death of a comedian's career comes along shortly after he starts telling jokes about airline food," I explained as Canterlot grew near.

"Ah, that is pretty well true here as well, given the number of airships flying from The Horn these days," the colonel said as his flying partner, the major, stayed stoic as he had the whole flight.

"The Horn?" I asked, trying to remember the reference but coming up short.

"It's what we flyers call Canterlot Mountain. We do get a rather unique perspective of it after all, if you'll look ahead," the colonel replied, not bothering to nod or point as doing so would require further adjustments.

"Ah, makes sense from this angle," I admitted, seeing just how the mountain spired into the sky with a great horn like shape that would make no sense at all without magic to explain its standing as such. It really did resemble a huge horn protruding from the planet's surface, even if it did have a Canterlot sized shelf hanging on the side.

"Ah, I guess they're still getting ready?" I asked the more talkative colonel as I stepped off the Chariot and onto the east lawn of the castle and noted the absence of my dates. It was still a chore to fight through the nerves that wanted my heart to leap out through my throat and my stomach to turn flips, but careful control continued to serve me well.

"Well you can go wait in the near lobby and I'm sure they'll be ready soon enough," he said, his voice showing a grin that his face did not as he and the major trotted off with the chariot.

"There's a guy to have a beer with," I said to myself as I turned to follow the given advice.

In the foyer there was a bench near the door where I plopped down and waited for the girls to finish their makeup or whatever preparations mares tend to do for a date. It wasn't long before a scent tickled at my nose that sent my mind to swirling and my heart aflutter, very shortly followed by the soft sound of hooves on carpet over stone, and a sight that very nearly stopped all the fluttering my heart could muster dead cold; Equestria's three prettiest mares, done up in Equestria's three prettiest dresses, and all with eyes for me. "Oh, we weren't expecting you to be here just yet," Twilight said, surprise evident in her tone.

"I was ready five minutes before the guards arrived," I only just choked out, still stunned by the exquisite outfits they all wore, very similar, if not the same with different accessories, to what they each wore back when I first came to the Castle. "Actually, I was expecting to wait a while longer myself," I said, scratching at the back of my head.

"Wait longer- Oh right, should have remembered the cultural reversal... Well, I guess that does make this more efficient then, doesn't it?" Twilight noted, not really asking a question but getting nods of agreement from the other mares anyhow.

"Ah, that boutonniere is just marvelous Darling! Wherever did you get it?" Rarity said, approaching with am excited gate to look closely at the flower on my chest.

"Oh, that? Roseluck made it for me. Or, for you girls I guess," I said, a nervous chuckle escaping me as Twilight and Luna also stepped closer. "Doh, where are my manners," I exclaimed, realizing that I hadn't removed my hat nor greeted the ladies properly.

With my left hand I grabbed my musketeer hat (now sans feathers) and held it behind my back and knelt down. "Lady Rarity," I said, taking the alabaster mare's hoof and kissing it, even as butterflies danced around in my stomach.

"Princess Twilight Sparkle," I said, kissing her hoof and feeling more butterflies flitting about.

"And Princess Luna," I added, also kissing her hoof as the butterfly dance in my belly decided to put on some upbeat jazz and get the party going. "I must say, you all look exceptionally lovely this evening, and I am absolutely honored to be here, in your company," I finished, adding a low bow.

"The honor is ours, I assure you Sir Hoyt," Luna said, bowing her head slightly, a gesture which was mirrored by the other two ponies. "And before you protest, yes it is 'Sir' when one is courting a princess," she added with a stern look that held also a warm smile.

"Ah, alright then. So, we were to start with a show, weren't we?" I asked, remembering the plan laid out the day before, which started with a play from my recollection.

"Well, given that you arrived on time, I think we could adjust for my previous calculations by taking a scenic walk to the theatre in order to correct for the variant," said Twilight with a thoughtful hoof to her chin.

"That, um, sounds good to me, I guess..." I said before a thought came to mind. "By the way, I'd like to... make a request, if that's alright."

"Why certainly darling, what is it?" Rarity inquired.

Swallowing my nervousness I answered, "If there is anything that I do or don't do that I shouldn't or should... Please tell me, as I have little to no idea what those things are."

"But of course darling. We can manage that, right girls?" Rarity said, looking to the princesses.

After a moment of consideration, the three nodded in agreement. "Yes, that is a commendable request," Luna said.

"But, what about that book you got from Cadance?" Twilight asked.

I could feel my cheeks burning. "Um, Fluttershy took a look at it and suggested that it may not be appropriate to read just yet," I said. "I myself glanced over its table of contents and its introduction and... agreed with her assessment."

"Oh, okay then..." the bookish mare replied, seeming rather curious, but withholding further questions.

"Shall we go then? It has been some time since I've seen Canterlot properly," I said, gesturing towards the door as I put my hat back on.

"Yes, a good walk around town would be a fantastic start for this evening," said Rarity, dancing about on her hooves and turning to her companions who nodded agreement.

I stepped back and pulled the large door open, gesturing for my dates to proceed.

"Somehow I managed to miss the charm this city has when I was here before," I noted as we strolled through the less populated streets at Twilight's guidance.

"Yeah, it does have its own kind of aesthetic, doesn't it?" Twilight said in response.

"That it does indeed," I said, observing the ancient city's peculiar architecture that resembled the older buildings of Earth.

We arrived at the Canterlot Symphony Hall some time later, and were directed to a private box seat that quite closely overlooked the stage where the performance was to happen.

"Very nice seats," I said, observing that four armless chairs almost fit to be thrones were placed side by side. "Any importance to the seating order? I'm more accustomed to half as many to worry about."

"Well you take that seat," Twilight said, indicating the middle chair to the right. "And we take the rest. We already sorted that out," she added.

"Okay then, I guess," I ceded as I moved to take my assigned seat.

"Ooh, I've been wanting to see this play for soo long now! And to see it with somepony special is just such a delight," Rarity said, suppressing an excited squeal as she took the seat to my immediate left. I couldn't help noticing that she sat only just as tall as myself.

"I have yet to hear from anypony who has seen it personally, but it has gotten good reviews in the papers," Luna said as she took the seat to my right.

"My experience has lead me to wait until I see a play before making up my mind... High expectations tend to lead to disappointment," Twilight said thoughtfully, taking the left seat, putting her across Rarity from me. Part of me disliked this unfair position for her, but accepted that they had planned this out themselves.

After a minute or two, a small table was brought out with light snack food and iced tea, just before the presentation began. "Canterlot Symphony Hall is proud to present, 'Shake Spear In Love'!" came an announcer's bold voice, magically amplified, as loud music started to play and the lights dimmed.

"Did I hear that right? Let me see the program," I said quietly, in Twilight's direction. Soon there was a paper floating before me in magic that provided the needed light for my eyes. "Ha, so it is... Well, this should be interesting," I added, staying respectfully quiet as the curtains started to rise and the play began.

"So, did you not like the play?" Rarity asked as we again took to the streets of Canterlot.

"Hmm? What gave you the impression that I didn't like it?" I asked, resting my hand on her shoulder.

Rarity twitched slightly at my touch but her face brightened just a little. Twilight observed this and said, "That, right there, you're even normally more affectionate than you were in the theatre."

"Well, I guess it didn't seem all that romantic to me, that's all," I said with a shrug.

"Not that romantic? A story of star-crossed lovers making a connection like that?" Rarity said as if I had implied something scandalous.

"Well, no offense intended, it was a good play, just not a good romance," I said. Seeing the reaction this got from the white mare I added, "The way I see it, the protagonist did so much to seem like someone he wasn't, that he was not the actual object of his fair lady's affections, but the character he'd invented was. Seen my uncle go through six divorces because of that, and by now he's probably got his seventh from that last gal I saw him with."

"Your uncle sounds-" Luna started before I interrupted her.

"He's a stand up guy with a knack for picking bad women," I said before adding, "I love him to death, but he never could play poker to save his life."

"That is actually what I was going to say, or the gist of it," Luna said with an apologetic look.

"Oh, sorry, just used to people making the wrong assumptions back home," I said, and I was about to pat her shoulder before something clicked and I took a brief glance around. "Um, do all royal dates get so much protection?"

Suddenly we stopped and with us about twenty or so stallions in our immediate proximity. Twilight and Luna looked around a moment before zeroing in on one vaguely familiar stallion.

"Gleaming Shield, might we inquire what a quarter of thy regiment is doing here and out of uniform? Enjoying a casual stroll and coincidentally falling into loose formation as thou just happened to find thyselves making a perimeter?" Luna said, not asking a question as her speech left no question of her anger. "What were the orders we gave before leaving the Castle?"

Gleaming fell into a low bow and started to mutter hurried apologies. Before another tirade could be launched on him I felt sympathy for the dutiful soldier and stepped in. "Now, let's take it easy, I'm sure his actions had only the best intentions," I said to the livid princesses, giving my best smile as I stood not quite between them and the cowering guard.

"Gleaming, dismiss. The regular patrols should be more than sufficient protection, thank you," Twilight said, keeping her tone and expression neutral. "And Gleaming," she said more quietly before he could retreat. "Thank you, your diligence will be noted, and our privacy rewarded," she added with a smile that visibly picked up his spirits.

"Yes, Your Highness, Thank you Your Highness," Gleaming Shield said, as he quickly bowed again before making his retreat.

Alone again except for a very few passers by, Luna waited until all of the identifiable guards were gone before a bright smile fell upon her face. "Hehe, now I can do what I've been wanting to since we left the theatre," she said as she walked around behind me and with her magic gently raised my right hand to put it across her back. "Hmm, I like this much better, do you mind?" she asked as she leaned very slightly against my side and I found myself holding her there.

"Not at all, Luna. But it does seem odd come to think of it, given there are three of you and I have but two arms. How is this to be made fair for you girls?" I asked, feeling an urge not to 'play favorites'.

"Just like the seating, we have already discussed and agreed on this," Twilight said, nodding to Rarity, who moved to my left side and nuzzled my hand to rest on her shoulder. "Our dinner reservations are a few blocks away. I seem to recall you telling us your thoughts about the play."

"Oh, right, well it differs greatly from a screenplay of the same name from back home. But my objections were not so much the plot as the handling of the romance itself..."

"I guess anywhere I go with you girls is going to be exclusive, eh?" I asked as we sat at a secluded table in one of, if not the nicest restaurant Canterlot had to offer. The grand dining hall featured a huge glass wall facing northeast, and this northernmost table would provide a wonderful view of the moon's rise.

"Well, with courting a princess comes certain benefits, after all," Luna said from my left. "And after we order, while the meal is prepared, Twilight and I shall see to giving Spring a proper welcome here in Canterlot," she added with a smile as she turned again to her menu.

"Ooh, and our seating arrangement is without coincidence I presume?" I asked the two princesses, now sitting to my left and across from me, as I flipped through the drinks menu, having already selected the Ratatouille for my entree.

"Well, you know already how much I like to rely on chance," Twilight said, smiling brightly without a menu, having as likely ordered ahead of time with the reservation.

"Alright, maybe you can answer before the waiter arrives... Do they serve beer here at all? Since I learned the Empire has it, thanks to your brother's contribution to the package I received the other day, I have been wanting another taste of my old favorite from home," I inquired of Twilight, who seemed to have already known the selection available.

"Beer?" she said as if tasting the word on her tongue. "I'm not sure really... It's a drink right?" she added, somewhat confused.

"You mean to say that you actually like beer?" Luna asked, sounding either incredulous, or curious.

"Like it? Hell, I love it!" I said, excited at the very possibility of having my favored beverage. "Ha, different brands are even considered 'national favorites' depending the region you're in back home. Texas even has a few brands that provide specially labeled bottles for product sold within state borders," I said, feeling a bit of pride for my old home.

"I will have to inquire myself where it is available locally," Luna said, turning to the back pages of her own menu.

"Is this drink particularly good?" Rarity asked curiously.

"More of an acquired taste for most back home, but pending the variety you get, it can be really amazing. Like that Porter that Shining sent me, it was absolutely wonderful; barely sweet, barely bitter, tropical fruity kind of flavors and an aroma like a field of flowers with a southern summer breeze promising rain... Gettin' thirsty just thinking about it," I said, looking out to the darkening sky.

"Sounds like I'll just have to try some. Ooh, here comes the waiter now," Rarity said, looking past my right shoulder.

"Your Majesties and guests, might I take your orders this evening?" the waiter, a poshly dressed unicorn stallion, asked as he approached the table between myself and Luna.

"We have a question regarding the availability of some drinks, sir," Twilight said. "Would there happen to be any beer in stock? And if so, what kinds," she added once he indicated that he was ready to either answer or relay her inquiry.

"I recall some cases labeled as such, but will have to ask as to the varieties," he said, scribbling on his notepad.

"Very well sir, I think that we are ready to place the rest of our order so that Luna and I can partake of our duties while the meal is prepared," Twilight said, smiling brightly.

"With pleasure Madams and Sir. What shall be your dinning selections for tonight?" With that the food order was placed, including a bottle of nine eighty five vintage Cabernet, and my own note to go ahead and bring four bottles of porter if it was available. "Very well, I shall see to it that your order is prepared, and the beers will be brought immediately if they are in our stocks," he said before bowing briefly to each princess and trotting off towards the kitchens.

"So my favorite wine in the vintage of love hmm?" I asked the three mares, getting a blush from each but a giggle from Rarity.

"Well you haven't exactly been known to stock a wide variety Darling," the white mare said, as her royal counterparts suppressed their own laughter and nodded.

"Alright, alright, so I'm a creature of habit," I said, rolling my eyes before a familiar gong sound rang through the restaurant.

The Princesses and I were the only ones to notice the noise of the enchanted bell before Luna stood with Twilight and said, "Time for our momentary absence, we will return shortly." As they made their way to the balcony a stifling silence fell over the room.

I reclined in my chair and watched as Twilight started to give her special touch to the transition from day to night, the music of her magic sounding happy, yet nervous. 'So I'm not the only one with nerves buzzing like mad,' I thought to myself as Celestia's magic started to come in, sounding joyful, yet tinged with... something else. Soon the song of the sun faded, giving way to Luna, whose song was a beautiful one, which seemed to speak of both hope, and regret. Rarity had moved close by my side, and only as the chatter of conversation returned did I notice I was holding her tightly next to me, gazing into the radiant stars surrounding the full moon of Equus.

A soft white hoof on my cheek turned my gaze to the shimmering blue eyes of Rarity. In turn I took her cheek in my hand as we moved closer together, and the touch of her lips on mine forced the still dancing butterflies in my stomach into stunned silence. Her breath on my face, her fragrance in my nose, her lips caressing mine, for that moment she was the world.

"We move several million kilotons of rock and other matter into the night sky, and she takes the evening's first kiss." The dance kicked off again with a samba beat as Luna's words came to my ears, registering that she had returned to the table, and that Rarity was in fact not the entirety of existence.

Rarity's hoof pushed my hand away as I felt her smile against my lips before she pulled away and started giggling. "Hehehe, well you girls did set up such a wonderful moment for it. I couldn't let your hard work go to waste," she said, smiling brightly at the princesses who I noticed were both also smiling widely.

"Hoyt, relax, that's one of the things you're supposed to do on a date," Twilight said, having picked up on my confusion. "It's even on the list," she added, which got a face-hoof from Rarity.

"What list?" Luna asked curiously.

"The list from 'Dating One Oh One'," Twilight said, getting an annoyed grumble from the unicorn. "Oh, no. I learned my lesson on that already, Rarity," she added with a sheepish smile. "Besides, that list would take two weeks, three days, fourteen hours and thirty seven minutes to complete in one run."

"That long eh?" I asked, trying and failing not to smile. Twilight started to reply, but stuck her tongue out in a very un-princess-like manner when she realized what I meant. "I'm just teasin' ya, Twilight. So why couldn't Cadance have sent me a copy of that rather than that... Well, rather than what she did send? I could have gotten some actual information from that," I said, keeping myself from laughing at her fake pout.

"Here are your drinks, the entrees will be along shortly," the waiter said, depositing four bottles of beer, just like what I had received from Shining, with four glass mugs, and four wine glasses on the table. He then set a stand next to the table between the princesses that had a decorative bucket on top with a wine bottle sticking out of it. He levitated the wine out, disturbing the ice in the bucket, and held it for Twilight and then Luna to inspect the label and nod approval before his magic pulled the cork and each wine glass was filled and set before a placing. "How else may I be of service?" he asked, placing the bottle back into the ice.

"Just the food when it is ready, thank you sir," Luna answered. The waiter gave a quick bow before trotting off back towards the kitchen.

"Now this is what I've been waiting for," I said as I placed a mug in front of myself before grabbing the first bottle of beer. "Shall I pour some samples for you girls?" I asked while I unfastened the wire retainer and started to carefully work the cork out.

"Oh, yes please," Rarity answered, flinching slightly at the sound of gas releasing itself from the cork's seal.

I poured a small amount into the first glass and set it in front of the unicorn, saying, "For the lady. Twilight?" The younger alicorn nodded, so I poured a similar portion for her.

"Not for me right now, thank you," Luna said, holding up a hoof to politely refuse.

"Alright," I said, pouring the remainder into another glass for myself. I held the mug up over the table, offering a toast. "To... to a fantastic evening, with the most gorgeous gals I've ever known," I said, looking to each mare in turn. They smiled despite their blushing as our glasses clinked together, my beer to their wine.

Luna took only the smallest sip of her wine before setting her glass down with a wide smile on her face. Once I set my beer down she said, "Now I'll take that sample." With that she pulled my face to meet hers, completely surprising me as her tongue invaded my mouth to collect the flavor of the beverage. Luna's kiss was at the same time delicate and energetic, vigorously impassioned and softly sensuous. I blinked repeatedly and my mouth worked a bit trying to find its partner when she pulled away. "Hmm, yes, I think I will take a glass of my own," she said, grabbing a bottle in her magic, the cork removing itself and the contents floating into the remaining mug.

"Luna!" Twilight hissed, scandalized by the other princess' boldness.

"Why didn't I think of that?"

"Rarity! That cannot be the proper way to taste a drink!" Twilight fussed further as an idea popped in my head.

"We could call it a new Equestrian tradition for beer tasting," I said before my 'shut-up' filter realized it.

"I like his idea," Luna said quickly. "Twilight, as a fellow princess I do believe your turn is next." Her smile was equal parts smug and devious.

Twilight glared at the older princess for a moment, then nodded as she adopted her own smug smile. "Very well, Luna, let us make a tradition of it then. Shall we?" she said, raising from her seat and bringing her own sample that I had poured around to me. "Hoyt, if you please, I would like to try my sample now." She held the mug out for me to take.

"As you wish, Princess Twilight," I said, taking the mug and pouring its contents into my mouth, swallowing the majority as the thought occurred of how messy the next step would be otherwise. With the carbonation still tingling on my tongue I cupped her cheeks in my hands and we came together for a similar kiss. Twilight was more deliberate and precise in her method, more intent on seriously collecting the flavor than enjoying the act itself until I pushed my own tongue into her mouth. Once we were exploring each others mouths their was a clumsy sort of intimacy to her motions, and as likely my own, but the act was none the less enjoyable, perhaps as much as Luna's given that I felt our level of experience was about equal.

When we parted the food had apparently been served, much to our surprise. "Oh, don't mind the waiter, he's seen plenty more before, I assure you," Rarity said, her words calming but her coy grin not. "Now about my sample? Shall I receive a similar tasting?"

"It would hardly befit the establishment of a tradition if everypony in attendance did not partake," Luna said regally, throwing a more than obvious wink at me.

"Uh, well, who am I to object if my ladies insist," I said, grabbing Rarity's mug directly from its place and doing the same as I had with Twilight's. Rarity though opted to take initiative and put one hoof on my shoulder and the other around my neck as she came in for a far more impassioned kiss that had very little if anything to do with actually tasting the flavor on my pallet. "Hmm, enjoyable, but I do not think it would suit my meal tonight, so I will forfeit my glass. Maybe next time."

"Yeah, I think I will try it again with another meal too," Twilight said, blush still on her cheeks as she sat again across from me.

"Like I said, it's an acquired taste. So on with the meal?"

After dinner we were again walking along the streets of Canterlot, on our way back to the palace to spend time in the royal gardens. The particular street we were on was lined with shops of all sorts on either side. One shop caught my eye and after we had passed it a short ways I decided to head back. "Ladies, if you don't mind, could you wait here just a moment for me?" I asked, getting their attention and questioning looks. "Just, something I wanna do, it won't take long at all, I promise."

"What is it?" Twilight asked.

"You'll find out when I get back. Call it an Earth custom," I said as I stepped back and turned around to find the store. And when I did I looked back to see them still standing a few doors down.

"Canterlot Floral Emporium, what may I, get, you?" The mare behind the counter seemed surprised and a bit curious to see me in her shop.

"I need three bouquets for three lovely mares. Do you have roses in stock?"

"I do, but they are quite expensive this time of year," she answered.

"That's fine. How much for three of your best red roses, and... these three bouquets?"

After paying I left the store with my purchases held behind my back and returned to my dates. The florist was more than a little surprised when I told her to keep the change from a fifty, but five bits hardly seemed worth worrying over. As I approached my grin and concealed hands got the girls quite curious. "Flowers, for each of you lovely ladies," I said, bringing my left hand out with the bouquets.

"Oh, they're beautiful, darling," Rarity said, taking a bouquet and admiring it.

"A charming gift indeed," Luna said, taking one for herself.

"Um, Hoyt? It's a lovely gift and all, but didn't you tell me that humans don't eat flowers?" Twilight's question got a raised eyebrow from the other two, and Rarity pushed a single bloom back into her bunch.

"Um, back home it would simply be a romantic gesture... Ponies eat flowers, right. Well, I won't hold it against you girls to have them as a snack," I said, chuckling at my oversight.

"Well, wouldn't it be considered rude? Since you meant them as a romantic gift?" Rarity asked.

"Well if she'd of had them I also would've grabbed some chocolates..." I said, trying to figure out whether or not I needed to make this not sound awkward. Then I noticed the sign hanging just behind them with three wrapped candies.

"Just a moment more girls. And come to think of it, we're not back home, and I won't count it as rude, so let's just say it isn't." I said, sidestepping around them to keep the roses in my right hand hidden before quickly stepping into the confectioner shop.

"Welcome to Mane Street Candies, got a sweet tooth? We can handle it!" said the bubbly mare that I would have sworn was Pinkie's cousin were it not for her horn.

"Hi there, you got boxes of chocolates?"

"Sure do! What kind you looking for?" she asked before looking me over, sniffing at me, and then gasping in a surprised fashion. "Ooh! Hot date chocolates! Three boxes is it?"

"Um, yeah, how'd you kn- Oh, I guess these would be a clue," I said, ending my question when she pointed at the roses in my hand. "The best you have, please."

"Coming right up! Um, hold on a sec, let me get them from the back," she said, visibly tensing when her eyes flicked to the window behind me, then trotting off and taking the roses without asking.

I was about to protest, but as she was already gone I turned around to see Luna, Twilight and Rarity quickly turn around themselves to face away from the window. A moment later the mare tapped my shoulder and stepped behind the counter. "Alright, how much?"

"Seventy five, royal discount price," she said with a wide smile.

"Well I'm the one buying, and I'm not royalty, so what's the regular price?" I asked, unable to do so sternly because of the infectiousness of her smile.

"Um, are you haggling up?"

"Yep, I'm weird like that. The regular price please?"

"It's um, one fifty," she said, suddenly turning bashful.

"Here you go," I said, fishing three coins from my sporran and dropping them on the counter. As she went bug-eyed and slack-jawed I added, "I can afford to be generous, so I am. The chocolates, Ma'am?"

"Um, yeah, here ya go," she said, floating three very unique boxes onto the counter, each had a bow with one of the roses tied into it.

"Hah! Do y'all always make boxes like this?" I asked, as I saw that there was no confusion regarding who would get each, as the boxes themselves were shaped and colored like their cutie marks.

"We also have Celestia, Cadance and the rest of the bearers along with a few other notable ponies," she said as if by rote, still staring at the coins next to the register.

"Alright then, thanks," I said, grabbing the boxes and stepping out the door.

"Are those boxes..." Luna trailed off as she looked at the box shaped like her flank. "They are, aren't they?" she asked in disbelief.

"Oh marvelous! These boxes have been something of a collector's item for some time now, thank you darling!" Rarity said, squealing in delight at the round white box with three blue gems printed on it as she placed it next to her bouquet on her back after hugging my chest.

"How did we not know of these sooner?" Twilight asked her exuberant friend while indicating herself and her fellow princess. She took her box similarly and placed it on her back, but like Luna, seemed put off by her cutie mark on a box of sweets.

"What say we worry about that later, hmm? As I recall there was some star gazing in the garden on the agenda," I said, getting their attention away from the slight awkwardness. "Stargazing with chocolates, as I remember, made for quite the romantic evening back home, would that not be the case here?"

Author's Note

Alright, thanks go again to Sneaky, check another chapter for a hyperlink as I don't have time for that right now, sorry. Anyhow he proofread this, go check out some of his stuff, it's good.

This chapter wasn't easy to write, but at long last here it is, hope you all like it, and if there is a weird shitstorm I'm going full bore on my smartass/trolling efforts, just fyi...

Next chapter is on the way, and I can finally say the clop is coming!!! So you can look forward to that next time. Till then have fun.