Flying Through the Storm

by volrathxp

Chapter 5: The Date

“A date?!”  An excited squeal erupted out of Flitter’s mouth the moment I mentioned it.  “Ohmygosh ohmygosh!  He asked you on a real date?!”  I rolled my eyes.

“Yes, Flitter.  A real date.  As opposed to a fake one,” I said flatly.  The worried look on my sister’s face had quickly turned to a filly-ish grin the moment I had mentioned where I was, and what had happened.  I suppose I should have expected it though.  Flitter always was overly excited every time I had ever been asked out.  Like it was some big deal, or something.  But this is a big deal, The voice in the back of my head replied.  I hated to admit it, but it was right.

“This is so exciting!” Flitter squealed again.  “I can’t believe he asked you out, and you said yes!”

“Gee.  Thanks for the vote of confidence there,” I said.

“Sorry, I’m just really excited for you.  Do you know where you’re going?” my sister asked.  I shook my head.  I hadn’t really gotten the details hammered out with Thunderlane.  I assumed that he would just pick me up and we’d go out.  Flitter pinned her ears back.  “Well, we’re going to need to figure that out.  After all, it’s up to me to make you look presentable.”

“What do you mean, presentable?” I snorted.  “I look fine, thank you very much.”

“Oh please.  You’re dirty, you smell pretty bad, and you’re wearing bandages for Celestia’s sake!” Flitter cried out.  “You have to look nice for your first date.”  I looked down at my coat and shuddered as I took in a whiff of my own smell.  Goddesses, she’s right, I thought.  I smell like I’ve been sitting in a dumpster for days.  I looked back at my sister, glaring at her.

“Fine,” I said.  “But nothing over the top!  Promise me you won’t go overboard with this!” I said.  Flitter nodded excitedly.

“Oh, come on.  Trust me!” She said.  “I promise I won’t go completely overboard.”  She trotted off upstairs to get the shower started.  I sighed and lowered my head as I began to follow.

“That’s what I’m afraid of,” I said as I resigned myself to my fate.

The warm water from the bath streamed down my face, and truth be told… it felt quite good.  I leaned back, resting my head against the tub and sighed, thinking of the night ahead of me.  I remembered my kiss with the stallion that morning.  It was amazing.  Nothing could have ever prepared me for it.  I couldn’t say for sure whether I really loved him yet, but in my mind I was well on my way there.

“Times up!” I heard a shout from above me, breaking me out of my reverie.  “We’ve gotta get you dry and get shopping!  Love is in the air , and I’m not about to let it flounder!”  Flitter stood next to the tub, holding a bucket that she had just used to dump the water onto my head.  Flicking it off with a quick tap of her wing, she literally dragged me out of the tub and began drying me off with a towel.  I sputtered, trying to get her attention, but she wasn’t listening.  I noticed she had her headphones on and was busy humming along to a tune.  A chunky beat could be heard coming from the pink-colored device and I couldn’t help but tap my hooves to it.

“There’s something happening here…” Flitter sang under her breath.  Her eyes went wide when she heard me giggle at her.

“There’s something happening here.  It’s an amazing, wonderful thing called love,” she belted out.  My sister grinned widely at me as she finished drying me off.  The song in her heart kicked into high gear as she motioned for me to follow her.  We burst out of our house into the sunny Ponyville street moments later.

“Look around, and tell me what you see,” Flitter began.  “Love is in the air, and it is happening!”  She waved her hoof about.  It seemed like every couple in Ponyville was out that day.  My sister skipped along the street past Lyra and Bon Bon, carefree as ever.  The two mares waved and giggled as they continued down the road.  I followed along behind Flitter as we cruised through the town, headed for the shopping district.

“All the ponies of the world have joined their hearts, just like they’ve done from the very start,” Flitter continued on into her song.  The music that followed along with it appeared to emanate out of thin air.  Nopony seemed to really notice as she bounced to and fro, putting all of her heart into the music.  I couldn’t help it.  I smiled and began to sing too.

“I don’t know why we’re singing about this lovey stuff,” I sang, adding my own spin into the song and earning myself a glare from my sister.  “This is all just too much fluff.”

“Love is that happiness that you feel,” Flitter replied, bounding past me.  “It’s a wonderful, amazing little thing you see.”  Skipping along without a care in the world, my sister nearly ran into another couple on the street.  Thankfully the two ponies simply smiled and waved.  “Love!  It lifts you up when you are blue!  Love doesn’t care if you are young or you are old.  It only cares about yooooo-uuu!”  Flitter bounced past me and grabbed my shoulder, waving widely to the world around us.  “You can’t stop the feeling of endless love, because…

There’s something happening here… There’s something… going on in the world today.  There’s something happening here… it’s a crazy amazing wonderfully insane little thing called love!”

I rolled my eyes again as Flitter dragged me into the merchant district of Ponyville.  She stopped singing for a moment, smiling widely at me.

“First stop, my dear sister!  We must acquire for you a dress to look good for Thunderlane this evening!” She declared.  I glared at her.

“Ohh no.  No dresses,” I said defiantly.  “Not happening.”

“Come on Sis!  Give it a chance!  This might be your only shot to make a good impression on him!  You’ve gotta give it your all!” My sister said.  I sighed.  I suppose she’s right, I thought, letting my mind drift back to Blossomforth.  

“Alright, fine.  But if I don’t see anything I like, I’m out of there in ten seconds flat, got it?” I snorted.  Flitter grinned as we stopped in front of a nearby dress store.  Her eyes maniacal, she grabbed me, dragging me inside to begin forcing me to try on dress after dress after dress.  In all honesty, it felt like I was trapped in one of those silly music montages from those old movies Flitter and I used to find in our parent’s entertainment room.  You know, the kind where the young mare is getting ready to meet her dream boat, and she’s singing all about how much she loves him as she prepares.  The proprietor of the store looked on with bemusement on her face as Flitter cleared her throat and began to sing again in earnest.

“Now Cloudchaser my dear, I cannot express my delight!” Flitter sang as we sat down in front of the mirrors.  “It’s abundantly clear that somewhere in here is a dress that will fit you just right.”  I rolled my eyes.

“I can’t wait to get started, but first let me set a few rules.  It’s of utmost importance that the dress that I get is something that’s sexy and cool!” I sang.  If I was gonna have to wear a dress, it was gonna have to look good on me, or else.

“Sexy, cool.  Got it!” Flitter replied.  “There are so many wonderful dresses just what you will see…”   I trotted out of the dressing room in a long black dress that definitely was not sexy.  It didn’t even show anything off!  Plus, it felt rather flimsy.

“I need something hot and smokin' to keep up with me,” I sang, voicing my concerns about how the dress would look on me.

“Sure!  How about this black dress, it’s smart and cute and soft as can be!” She sang, nodding excitedly.  I groaned and stuck my tongue out at her as I shook my head.

“Smart? Cute?  Do you even know me?” I replied.  Flitter grabbed another dress off the rack, tossing it my way.

“Cloudchaser have faith, you see I will bet you.  Somewhere in here is a dress that will fit you!” She sang, forcing me back into the dressing room.  I grumbled as she pushed on me.  “Come on, you’ll look great in it!”

“Are you calling me fat?  Cuz I’d like to be sexy and awesome,” I said, trying on the next dress: a big poofy purple dress that made me look like I was three times my size.

“Oh, really?  Because I know this dress has your name written all over it.  Oh, look its on sale!” My sister sang back at me as I stepped out in the giant dress.  I glared at her, feeling like a giant poofy purple pony.  The doorbell to the shop rang loudly as I saw Ditzy Doo and Carrot Top enter the dress shop.  They both had wide smiles on their faces as they saw me.  I blushed fiercely at the attention.

“Pass,” I replied, taking the purple dress off as quickly as possible to avoid any further embarrassment.

“There are plenty of dresses about for you to decide!  There are fashions and designs by Hoity Toity,” She sang, picking up several clothes hangers to shove in my face.  Frustrated, I dropped them in front of her.

“His dresses aren’t sexy!” I shouted.  Flitter rolled her eyes.

“Maybe not, but I know I saw this particular dress on sale for 50 bits!” She said.  I sighed.

“That’s it, I’m out of here,” I said, turning to leave the dress shop.  My sister flared her wings out and flew in front of me to stop me.

“Wait!  There must be a dress here, that will fit the ticket!  How about a Bitalian Gown or a Prench Maid Outfit?” She said, holding up the hangers with a smile on her face.  I groaned.

“Sexier!  And cooler!” I exclaimed.  Flitter bounced around the store, her eyes lighting up.

“I’ve got just the thing in this clothes rack, meet your fabulous new ball gown!” She sang, pushing open a nearby clothing rack and revealing a fancy white ball gown with frilly things all over it.

“It’s just a ball gown,” I said flatly.  Flitter nodded her head excitedly.

“Not just any ball gown, but a fabulously white ball gown,” She replied.  I sighed.

“Yeah… like I was saying.  Sister dear, this won’t cut it.  I need a dress that will look good on me.  Something awesome, something sexy, something that will make a grown stallion weep!” I shouted out amidst the store, not caring who heard me.

“I’m sensing you want a dress that’s sexy,” Flitter said.

“You think?” I deadpanned.  My sister grinned, diving into the clothing racks as she grabbed several dresses.  She pushed them into my waiting hooves and shoved me back into the dressing room.

“I’ve got plenty of dresses that will look good on you!” She sang.  “Like this little red number and this sleek little catsuit!”

“Better, and sexier!” I said as I eyed myself in the mirror with the little red dress and then the catsuit.  I’m… not quite sure what the catsuit had to do with dresses, but it felt nice at least.  It certainly looked sexy!

“I see, how about a mini skirt, or a V-neck, or a low cut,” Flitter continued, tossing dresses at me like crazy.  “There’s so many sexy dresses alike, so that.”  She bounded across the shop past the proprietor, who had a very nervous look on her face over the two mares singing in her shop.  Granted, this was Ponyville, where Pinkie Pie took every opportunity to sing a song, but still it had to be just a little annoying sometime.  Flitter started to sing the next part of the song, but she was interrupted as I spun about and looked at myself in the mirror.

“Whoah,” I said, breaking the entire flow of my sister’s song and earning myself a pretty harsh glare for it.  Her eyes lit up however, when she saw what I had seen.  Ditzy and Carrot Top trotted up behind, their expressions also aglow with amazement.

The dress itself was a simple affair.  A soft lavender silk front accentuated my wings perfectly, while the black skirt draped off of my flank like a waterfall.  It was cut a little high, but not enough to make it look overly revealing.  I gave a test flap and spun about, feeling the dress flow around with me in perfect tune with every movement.  I set down and stared at myself in the mirror.  Is this me? I thought.  Wow… this is amazing!

“Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh you guys,” I sang, not caring who heard me.  “This dress is perfect!  And it’s just my size!”

“See, dreams really do come true you don’t have to compromise!” Ditzy piped up from behind me.  I glanced at her curiously, wondering how she knew the words to the song.

“It’s gorgeous!” Carrot Top chimed in.  Ditzy nodded enthusiastically.  I looked over the proprietor, who simply smiled at me.  I shuddered to think of the price of such a beautiful looking dress.

“How much?” I asked, fearing the answer.  The mare shrugged.

“You know what?  Take it, it’s yours.  Not every day I get a mare as in love as you obviously are in here,” She said.  I blinked.

“Really?” I said.  “Oh no, I couldn’t.  Really, I shouldn’t.”

“Ah, I don’t mind dear.  Think of it as free advertising.  This stallion of yours is going to get knocked off his hooves when he sees you in this!” The mare replied.

“Well… okay… thank you very much!” I said, feeling much better about things as I carefully removed the dress.  The shop owner packed it up in a box for me, smiling as our entourage exited the  shop.

“Alright!  Dress checked off the list!” Flitter shouted from behind me.  She had somehow produced a notepad and a pencil out of thin air and was making a marking on the paper.  She put them away and grinned widely.  “Next up!  To the salon!  It’s not enough that you have the dress, you gotta look good yourself too!”  Salon! I thought as I tried to escape from my insane sister.  “Hey wait!  Get her!”  Within seconds I felt Ditzy and Carrot Top grab me.

“Sorry Cloudchaser, but Flitter’s in charge!” Ditzy said as they began to drag me towards the Ponyville Spa & Salon.  When we arrived, the two proprietors of the establishment (earth ponies by the names of Aloe and Lotus who I only knew by name, not by face), rushed out and liberated me from my captors and then immediately re-incarcerated me in a spa chair, their eyes gleaming as they began to work me over.  I groaned, sitting there as they re-washed my mane, putting it up in a towel for styling later.  Flitter and the others sat off the side, watching the spectacle with awe.  I silently reminded myself I was going to have to real long talk with my sister later about the meaning of going completely overboard.

“You have a lovely complexion, Miss Cloudchaser,” one of the spa ponies (the blue one maybe?) said as she began to work on giving my front hooves a pony pedi.  Despite my mood (or lack thereof), it actually felt kind of… nice.  “’Vat is the occasion for your visit today?”  I blushed fiercely at this.

“I uh… I’ve got a… a date…” I said as quietly as possible.  I nearly sounded like Fluttershy I was so soft!  The spa pony’s eyes lit up.

“A date!  Ah how’vunderful!” The other sister exclaimed.  “We shall have to ‘verk extra hard to make you look incredible!”  I sighed.

“No, please.  I don’t want to make a big deal about this,” I tried to protest.  “It’s just our first date and ---“

“First date!” The blue spa pony cried out, cutting me off.  “Oh young love.  I remember my own first love.  He ‘vas a bodybuilder, you know.  Back in my home country…” She looked wistfully off into space, clearly remembering her lost lover.

“What happened to him?” Flitter asked, bouncing up to us as the pink sister began to work on my back hooves.

“Oh, my papa, he forbid me to see him.  I used to sneak out all of ‘ze time to go out ‘vith him.  But alas, my papa he found out and ‘ve moved here,” the blue sister said, sighing.  I still wasn’t quite sure which one I was talking to.  “’Ze rest is history!”

“Oh, how romantic!” Flitter said, her eyes filled with wonder at the spa pony’s tale.  “Against all odds you met to forge your forbidden love!”

“Geez, laying it on thick much there Flits?” I said sarcastically, earning myself a glare from her.

“Hey, just because you don’t think much of this lovey dovey stuff doesn’t make it any less important,” She said.  “I mean, come on… you really like Thunderlane don’t you?”  I paused for a moment at that, thinking back to my kiss with him that morning.  I certainly had enjoyed it.  Was I really in love?

“Okay, yes, I really do like him a lot,” I said finally.  “He’s… he’s nice.  And when I’m with him… I feel content.  Safe.  You know what I mean?”  Flitter and the others nodded in agreement.

“See?  You’re in love!  Embrace it, darling!” The pink spa pony interjected.

“Hey!  I’m not in love.  I… I don’t know, okay?” I said angrily.

“Oh please, you are in denial, girl,” Carrot Top said, casually.  “It’s not such a bad thing to be in love with somepony.”  I sighed, lowering my head.  Was I in denial?  Was I truly in love?  I didn’t know.  Sometimes, I wish I did know then what I wanted out of all of this.

"I thought my heart had learned its lesson… it feels so good when you start out…” I sang under my breath.  “My heart is screaming, get a grip girl!  Unless you’re dying, to cry your eyes out!”

“Ooh you are denying, who you really are, baby we’re not buying, Hon we saw you hit the ceiling.... Face it like a grown-up, when you gonna pony up, that ya got, got, got it bad!” The others sang in chorus, responding to my impromptu solo.  I groaned and pressed forward into the song, hoping I would feel better about all of this by the time it was all over.

“No chance, no way.  I won’t say it!” I sang in response.  “It's too... cliché!  I won't say I'm in love.”

“Who ya think you're kiddin', he's worth all Equestria to ya, stop tryin' to keep it hidden', we can see right through ya, come on mare you know it, that you got, got, got it bad!” The others replied.  I glared at them.

“No chance! No way!  I won't say it!  You're way off base I won't say it!  Get off my case!  I won’t say it!” I sang proudly.

“Oh don’t be proud, it’s okay you’re in love…” The others finished.  I sighed and buried my head into the plush pillow I was lying on, trying to get away from everypony else.

“At least… out loud…” I sang once more quietly, more to myself than to anypony else.  “I won’t say I’m in love…”

After all was said and done, I looked myself over in the mirror of the small dressing room the spa ponies had shoved me into.  The spa ponies had done a great job on my mane, styling it so that I had little curls drifting over my face where my usual spiky bangs were.  They had even braided it down my neck, which looked pretty amazing with the dress.  My hooves were nice and clean, thanks to the pony pedi, and I felt… better.  I sighed, turning away from the mirror to see Carrot Top standing there.

“Wow,” She said, whistling.  “Hot stuff.”  I grinned.

“Oh, please,” I said, rolling my eyes.  I looked back at her.  “Do I really look that good?”  She orange-maned mare chuckled.

“Hon, if I were into mares, you’d definitely turn my head,” She said.  I blinked.  Was that… a compliment?  I didn’t really know.

“Oh?  And what about you?  Everypony else seems interested in telling me their own life and love stories today, so what’s yours?” I said casually, as I started carefully removing the dress.  There was still plenty of time before later that night when Thunderlane would pick me up.  Carrot Top snorted.

“Ah well, I never put much stock in the whole ‘settling down and having a couple foals’ business, but I’ve had my fair share of relationships.  Most stallions only really want one thing.  Been in way too many that ended badly due to that,” She replied.  I nodded as I turned, feeling her hoof on my shoulder.  “Hey, I really hope this turns out for you.  From what you were saying earlier, he sounds like a great guy.”  I smiled.

“Thanks, Carrot,” I said.  “That means a lot to me.”  The yellow mare grinned widely as we exited the room, meeting back up with Ditzy and Flitter.  I glanced over at my sister as we stepped out of the spa and back into the sunny streets of Ponyville.  She was clearly excited about the prospect of my impending date.

“Flits?” I asked.  “You… you alright over there?”

“Oh, I’m ecstatic!  I have the perfect plan!  We’re gonna make sure that he’ll love you!” She said.  I groaned.  Oh no, I thought.  Not one of those dates!

“Flitter, really, it’s just us going out to dinner.  You don’t have to do anything more than you already have,” I said flatly.  “Please don’t do anything more than you already have.”

“Too late!  I’ve gotten it already planned out!  Besides… do you really think that word about your date isn’t going to get around to a certain somepony?” She said.  I blinked.  I had completely forgotten about Blossomforth.  I was absolutely certain that the white pegasus would be pretty angry over the fact that I was getting to go to dinner with her stallion.  The real question was: would she do anything about it?  She had already proven that she would stoop to any level to get at me, even spread nasty rumors about my own family.  Would she go even farther?  I sighed.

“Fine.  You have a point there,” I said.  “I’m going to need a wingmare to keep Blossomforth under control if she shows up.”

“Right!” Flitter replied, grinning from ear to ear.  I didn’t quite hear what she said next but I almost thought it sounded like she said “Besides… I still have a score to settle with her…”  We continued on and we bid goodbye to Carrot Top.  Ditzy hung about, chatting idly with Flitter as we arrived at our home.  I naturally assumed that my sister was bringing the walleyed mare in on the plan after I heard Ditzy say that her filly Dinky was at a sleepover with her friends at Sweet Apple Acres that night, freeing her up to help as needed.  I looked at the clock.  It was only around three thirty in the afternoon, freeing up several hours before I would expect Thunderlane to show up.  I yawned and started up towards the stairs.

“Flitter?” I said as I stopped at the foot of the stairway.  “Wake me up when it’s time to get ready.  I need a nap after all that primping.”

“Alright, but don’t mess up your hair, or you’ll be sorry!” She replied.  I nodded, trotting up the stairs and straight into our bedroom.  I set my alarm to be certain that Flitter wouldn’t forget, although I had a sneaking suspicion that she definitely would not, and plopped into bed.  Within moments, I was drifting off to sleep, leaving my exciting day behind me and mentally preparing for the night ahead.

“I’m sorry, but I think we should break up,” the faceless grey stallion said, staring at me from across the table.  I blinked in response.

“What?  You’re breaking up with me?!” I said.  I started to cry.  The other pony stood.

“Listen, if I’m gonna be the top weather pony before I’m thirty, I’m gonna need somepony…” he said, launching into a song at the end of sentence.

“Seeerious!  Less of a Marelyn, more of a Jackie!” He sang, spinning about me with his wings out.  “Serious!  Somepony classy and not too tacky!”

“What?” I said, choking the words out through my tears.

“Okay that came out wrong, but baby let’s both be strong!  I mean we’ve known all alooooong—“ He continued.  I put my hoof up to stop him.

“Just, shut up,” I said angrily.  The other pony sighed.

“I’m… I’m sorry.  I thought you’d understand.  I don’t love you,” He said.  My heart broke into a million pieces.  I stood, fleeing the table, crying my eyes out.

I awoke with a cold start, shivering just a bit.  I realized that I hadn’t pulled a blanket over me and we had left the bedroom window open.  The dream came rushing back to me, and I groaned.  I was even dreaming in song now!  Celestia, why?! I thought as I pushed myself off the bed.  I looked up at the clock, realizing that I had woken up a bit early.  I trotted to the bathroom, checking over my mane, which was thankfully still intact.

“Cloudchaser?” I head Flitter call from downstairs.  “You awake?”

“Yeah, I’ll be right down!” I called back.  I pulled on my dress, took one final look at myself in the mirror and headed downstairs.  I was greeted by the sight of Flitter and Winter Storm sitting in the living room.  The white stallion had a smile on his face.

“Oh, hey Winter.  What are you doing here?  Flitter rope you into her little plans too?” I asked.  The stallion shrugged.

“No, I actually stopped by to see how you girls were doing,” he said.  “You look pretty fantastic by the way.”  Flitter glared at him.  The other pegasus chuckled nervously.  “I mean… you look good, but not as good as my Flitterbug?”  Flitter beamed at this.

“Gee… umm… thanks?” I said.  “So where’d Ditzy run off to?”

“Oh, she went to go get things set up,” Flitter replied casually.  “We’re going to make this date of yours the best night ever!”  I groaned.  A knock at the door interrupted me before I could say anything else.  Is it… is it him? I thought as I moved to open it.  Standing on the other side with a sheepish grin on his face was Thunderlane.  He was wearing a very simple black coat.  He stopped in his tracks when he saw me.  Behind the stallion I could see Rumble bouncing along.  He brought his little brother?! I thought.  Seriously?!

“Wow…” He said quietly.  “I mean… h-h-hey Cloudchaser.  You… you look really pretty.”  I snapped out of my angry thoughts at the compliment.

“Oh… thank you,” I said.  “You look very nice, too.”  Rumble appeared in front of his brother, a bright smile on his little face.  I couldn’t help but smile in return.  “If you don’t mind me asking, why’s Rumble here?”  Thunderlane rubbed the back of his mane with his hoof.

“I umm… couldn’t find a foalsitter in time, and I do not trust Pinkie Pie to do it.  I was sort of maybe hoping Flitter wouldn’t mind..,” He started to say before he was interrupted by my sister herself.

“Oh we’d love to!” She said, grabbing Rumble and yanking him inside.  “He’ll be a dear to watch over I just know it!”  I rolled my eyes.

“Really?  Well… thanks Flitter I really owe you one!” Thunderlane said.  Flitter shrugged.

“Anytime.  Now you kids get going and have a great night now!” She said brightly.  I blushed at the stallion and turned back for a moment.

“I’ve just gotta grab my coat and I’ll be right out, alright?  It’s a little chilly out,” I said, prompting a nod from the grey pegasus.  I stepped back inside and grabbed the coat, sliding it over my wings and dress.  I turned to Flitter.

“So does this mean you’re not coming?” I said.  Flitter grinned maniacally.

“Don’t worry.  Just go on your date.  Everything will be just fine, trust me!” She said.  I nodded mutely, stepping back outside.  Thunderlane was waiting for me patiently just outside the door.  We started trotting alongside each other, and let me tell you… it was sort of awkward.  Despite how comfortable we had been with each other the night before, it was like we couldn’t even get words out to each other now.  I supposed that all my anxiety leading up to tonight hadn’t helped.  After a few minutes, I spoke up first.

“So… where are we going tonight?” I asked.

“Oh, well I thought we’d start with dinner.  You know, because food…” he said, trailing off.  I giggled.  “Have you been to Horsia’s before?”

“Err… yeah, I have,” I replied.  “It’s one of the best restaurants in Ponyville.  Pokey’s really outdone himself with the place.”  Thunderlane grinned.

“Well, you’re in luck.  Cuz we’re going somewhere better!” He said with confidence.  “Follow me!”  He took to the sky and I flew after him, wondering where this crazy stallion was taking me.  We landed after our short flight in front of… Horsia’s.  I blinked.

“I thought you said we weren’t going to Horsia’s,” I said flatly.  Thunderlane simply smiled at me.

“Oh, come on.  It’s a surprise.  You’ll like it, trust me,” He said, trotting up to the unicorn host and whispering in his ear.  The host nodded and looked at me.  He smiled and stepped from behind his podium.

“Follow me,” He said, walking past me and around the side of the restaurant building.  Thunderlane winked at me and I stalked behind him, wondering what in the world was going on.  The host stopped at a set of stairs that headed up the side of the building.  He motioned for us to go up.  “Thank you for your patronage.  I shall send your waiter up shortly.”  Thunderlane and I began climbing the stairs, and I found myself thankful that my dress didn’t hang low to the ground.  The stairs weren’t very long however and soon we arrived at the top.  I nearly fell over when I saw it.

We were on the roof of the restaurant… and set up in the very center of it was a small white gazebo.  Inside was a table, set for two with two glasses and a bottle of bubbly cider sitting on top of it.  Candles provided the only real illumination to the entire scene.  I gasped softly.

“Like it?” Thunderlane said from behind me.  I nodded mutely as he prodded me forward.  I sat down in the chair, my brain not able to process what was happening.

“How did…?” I asked as the stallion sat down in the other chair.

“Eh… Pokey kind of owed me a favor for doing some off-duty rain weather for his azaleas,” Thunderlane said.  “I just wanted to… you know, make it special.”

“Thank you,” I said quietly, looking out from the terrace into the world beyond.  The moon was starting to drift out from behind the clouds, looking more beautiful than it had ever looked before.  I smiled as I let my gaze drift down, seeing the soft lights of Ponyville stretched out before us.  The sight of it was incredible.  I locked eyes with the stallion, and smiled.  “It’s beautiful.”

“So… you want some cider while we wait for our server?” He asked.  I nodded and he stood, grabbing the bottle with his teeth and pouring it into my glass.  I took it and drank in deeply, feeling the rich apple flavor glide down my throat.  I set down the glass and sighed in contentment.  Wow… I didn’t think that this night would be this good, I thought, reflecting on the events of the date so far.  Had I expected Thunderlane to be a complete goof and mess this up?  Actually, I was far more concerned about Flitter and Ditzy and their plans for our date.

Our server arrived after a short wait and took our orders.  Leaving us alone again, I smiled at my date.

“So, you got a story that goes with that cutie mark?” I asked, pointing at the thunder cloud on the stallion’s flank.  Thunderlane chuckled.

“Doesn’t everypony?” He said, beginning his tale.  “It happened… gee I guess right before Rumble was born I want to say.  I was like any other colt, trying to find my talent in life and failing miserably at it.  Mom and Dad, well you know their story already.  I’d be out by myself a lot, knowing I’d be facing a world of hurt if I went home.  Anyways… I was out one day and found myself out near the weather factory.  Some of my friends and I were defacing the outside of it… general hooligan stuff you know.  We were just about to skedaddle when a loud boom echoed across the sky.  Something had gone up at the factory and it started spewing out these real nasty looking black clouds.  My friends left me of course, they were too scared.  Me… I wanted to find out what was going on… try to help.  I knew it was stupid, I was just a silly skinny colt with no idea what I was even doing.”

“So what happened?” I said, interested in his story.  A memory drifted up into my mind of that same day.  I never really remembered what had happened that day… and I couldn’t believe what he was saying.

“Well, there I am, weaving my way past the gates to the factory when I saw the strangest thing.  It was a filly, and she was falling out of the sky from the factory towards this huge storm cloud.  I don’t think anypony else saw her,” he continued.  “I flew as hard as I could, my wings burning as I smacked right into that storm cloud and pushed it aside with as much force as I could muster.”

“What about… what about the filly?” I said, my voice catching in my throat.

“I managed to grab her, just barely enough to hold on.  We floated along until we hit a solid normal cloud.  By that time the weather teams were out in full force, containing the storms,” he said.  “One of the workers found us lying on the cloud together.  She was unconscious, and I was close to that.  They took us to her parents.  They wanted to give me a reward, or something.  I turned them down and flew towards home instead.  When I got there, I looked down and there it was… my cutie mark.  I knew right then and there what I wanted to do with my life.  Bucking that storm cloud out of the way totally invigorated me.  Saving her life, it felt right, y’know?  It’s what I felt I wanted all along.  To save ponies.  Right after that, Mom told me she was pregnant again.”

“I… That’s… that’s quite a story,” I said, stumbling over myself.

“So… what about you?  What’s your cutie mark story?” The stallion asked.  I turned away for a moment.  “Chase?  What’s wrong?”

“I… It’s been so long, I don’t remember much of it…” I said, trailing off before looking him back in the eye.  “Lane… I… I was that filly.”  His eyes widened.

“What?” He said.  “What do you mean?  This isn’t some sort of joke is it?”

“No!” I shouted reactively, nearly breaking down into tears.  “I’m not kidding.  It was… it was me.  It was my fault, too.  I was with Mom and Dad on a tour of the factory.  Flitter was with us as well.  I went off by myself.  I was having so much fun flying around and chasing the clouds.  It’s actually… it’s actually when I got my cutie mark too.  The feeling of being free, I felt like I was chasing the stars themselves.  It was amazing… but then I must not have been paying any attention and I hit one of the machines, causing it to overload and start pumping out storm clouds.  My parents told me that I was zapped unconscious, but that some colt saved my life.  They always told me they tried to offer him money, but he refused to take it… it was you.  You saved my life before I even knew who you were.”  I looked up at the stallion, expecting… hoping he would say something.  Anything.  He smiled after a moment.

“You were a cute little filly,” he said finally.  I blinked, clearing my tears away.

“What?” I asked.  Thunderlane chuckled.

“I said… you were a cute filly.  And thank you… if it wasn’t for you, I would have never known what my purpose in life was,” he said.  “I’m… I’m glad that it was you.  Now that we have that out of the way, are you alright?”

“I… I’m alright.  Just a little emotional,” I said, laughing through the last of my tears.  “I’d probably better go to the little filly’s room and clear myself up.”  The stallion nodded as I stood, trotting over to the entrance heading down into the restaurant.  I peeked my head into the main dining room.  A multitude of ponies filled the room, chattering away as they ate.  I stepped into the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror, groaning.  My makeup had smudged a little from the tears and my eyes were a little puffy.  I looked up, seeing another pony in the bathroom with me.  One I knew all too well.  I turned around, smiling.

“I thought that you were watching Rumble,” I said.  Flitter grinned widely at me as she stepped up next to me.

“And miss this?  Please!  I put Winter on it,” she replied.  I blinked.

“You did what?” I asked.  My sister grinned even wider.

-- Meanwhile… elsewhere in Ponyville… Winter Storm and Rumble are sitting across from each other in the living room of Cloudchaser and Flitter’s house, playing some primitive form of pegasus chess.  Rumble grins and looks up at Winter.  “Checkmate!” He shouts.  Winter groans.  “How is this kid so good at this game?!”

“Yeah, they’ll be fine,” Flitter said casually.  “What about you?  You look like… like you’ve been crying.  What’s wrong?  Did he do something to you?  Do Ditzy and I need to get all Con Mane all up on him?”  I chuckled.

“No, no.  I’m alright.  We um… we were swapping cutie mark stories,” I said.  “And you’ll never believe it Flits… it’s him.”
“It’s him what?” My sister said.

“No… it’s him, Flitter.  Thunderlane… he’s the colt,” I said forcefully, hoping she would get it.

“What colt?  Rumble’s at home?  Oh… wait.  That colt?” She said, her brain finally making the right connections.  I nodded as my sister grinned even wider.  “You see!  It’s destiny!  You two were meant to be together!”

“I don’t know…” I said.  “Everything tonight has just been too perfect.  This dinner… I just don’t know if I can take it all.”
“Well don’t you worry your pretty little head, cuz Auntie Flitter is here to take care of you!” My sister replied.  “Ditzy is ready and waiting.  All I gotta do is give her the signal!”  I groaned.

“First off, I’m five seconds older than you.  Second, I don’t think I really need your help with this, so just go on home alright?” I said.  Flitter looked downtrodden at this.  I sighed.  “Alright, fine.  You can help a little.  But remember what I said about going too overboard?”

“Yippee!” Flitter exclaimed, pulling me into a fierce hug.  I smiled and leaned into my sister, silently thankful for her love and support.  A cold cackling noise broke us out of our embrace.  From behind one of the bathroom stalls stepped the mare I had expected to see since I had arrived here.  Flitter scowled as Blossomforth appeared before us.  The mare had clearly dressed for the occasion, sporting a gorgeous little red dress that accentuated all the right areas.

“Well, well.  Look what we have here.  The slut and the harlot.  Fitting,” she said.  I narrowed my eyes at the white pegasus.
“Blossom.” I said.  “We were just leaving.  Come on, Flits.”

“Oh?  Running away are we?  What are you Cloudchaser?  A chicken?” Blossomforth replied casually.  I growled under my breath.

“Nopony calls me a chicken,” I said, forcefully.  I stopped and regained my composure, smiling.  “However… that’s not why I’m leaving.  I have a date to get back to, and you’re not worth my time.”  Blossomforth grinned widely.

“Oh, you mean your little date with Thunderlane?  Fear not, my dear Cloudchaser.  By the time the night is through, Thunderlane will be mine,” She said, stalking forward.  I grabbed Flitter by the shoulder and dragged her out of the bathroom, leaving the white mare by herself.  I looked over at my sister, pulling her attention towards me.

“Remember.  Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” I said, grinning widely.  Flitter nodded happily.

“Ditzy is up top, waiting on a cloud.  She’s got something special lined up for you two,” she said.  “I’ll run interference for a certain somepony.”

“Thanks Flits, I really do appreciate it,” I said, breaking away from her and off towards the roof.  I smiled at Thunderlane as I arrived back at our table.  Our food had been brought up while I was in the bathroom.  It looked simply marvelous, and I realized that with Flitter’s incessant dress-trip and the spa I hadn’t eaten anything all day long.  My stomach happily growled as I sat down across from my date.

“Feeling better?” Thunderlane asked quietly.  I nodded,

“Thank you, I am now,” I replied.  “Gave me a chance to clear my head, you know?”

“Good to hear,” he said, digging into his food.  I did as well, figuring that the stomach growling wasn’t going to stop on its own.  We ate in silence for a few more moments before I spoke again.

“Lane?” I said, drawing his attention.  “I do… I want to thank you.  For what you did.  If it wasn’t for you… I wouldn’t even be alive.  I…” He cut me off with a wave of his hoof.

“I know.  And you’re welcome,” he said softly.  He smiled as he spoke.  “So… your parents?  Big hot shot weather ponies?”  I giggled.

“Yeah.  Their names are Sky Chaser and Stormy Winds.  Mom was old fashioned, wanted to have both her kids have her last name… but Dad wanted to name at least one of us,” I said.  “Since Flitter and I are like fraternal twins, Mom compromised.  Flitter got a regular name, and I got Cloudchaser.  Granted, they made it one name, but still.  I got the old fashioned short end of the stick there.”  Thunderlane chuckled mildly.

“Well, I’m… I’m sure glad they named you correctly,” he said.  “You know, Chase… I dunno what it is about you.  It’s like you’re so… so easy for me to talk to, you know?”  I cocked my head at him.

“What do you mean?” I said.

“I just mean I can talk to you.  It’s… weird.  You’re not like other mares.  You’ve got this… this confidence.  It just radiates from you,” the stallion said, waggling his hooves about to illustrate his point.  “I guess what I’m trying to say is… I really like it.  I’m glad we did this.”

“Thank you,” I said, finishing up my plate.  “I’m… I’m glad too.”  I sighed and looked down, thinking about what Blossomforth had said.  What was she planning?  I hoped Flitter could contain her and this night could be just… perfect.

Elsewhere, in the small bathroom of Horsia’s Restaurant, a certain white mare with green and pink mane stared into a mirror, a wide grin on her face as she plotted and planned the demise of our heroine.  She turned away for a moment and then back as she began to sing.

“This date is going to be just perfect,” She started.  “The kind of date of which I’ve dreamed since I was small…”  Blossomforth stalked forward, leaving the mirror and her reflection behind as she stepped out of the bathroom into the restaurant.  Flitter stood guard at the stairs going up to the roof.  Blossom walked through the crowd, continuing her anthem.

“He will compliment my dress; tell me that I am above the rest.  A stallion that’s really on the ball!”

Meanwhile… Cloudchaser and Thunderlane are sitting quietly, enjoying their dinner and occasionally chatting.  Cloudchaser looks up at the moon, and joins her voice into the song.

“This date is going to be just perfect, the kind of date of which I’ve dreamed since I was small,” She sang.  “He seems like a really nice guy, but what’s got me wondering why?  Why does he like me over her at all?”

“I won’t play nice to get him, no more goody two-shoe crap!  Love?  Wouldn’t be lying if I said,” Blossomforth rang out from the center of the restaurant as she moved ever closer towards Flitter, who was busily scanning the crowd for the white mare.  “Through wind and rain and weather I want us to be together… the truth is I want to have it all!”  Blossom grinned as she crept behind the other pegasus, who seemed completely oblivious to her presence.  Once on the stairs, Blossom continued her song.

“Oh so do I love this guy!  Just thoughts of him do make me high... Oh, Thunderla-ane, I’ll be there in due time!” She sang as she stalked her way up the stairs.

“I’ve never thought I’d like this, but this is kind of nice… I hope… that he really likes me too,” Cloudchaser joined in.  Thunderlane was telling a joke, to which the silver-haired mare was laughing at.  Inside she still felt like something was welling up, ready to explode at a moment’s notice.  “I get all fuzzy and distracted every time I look his way… the truth is I think this is really love!”  Cloudchaser returned to staring at the wonderful pegasus stallion who was her companion for the evening.  Her heart strained her mind as it tried to process the thoughts burgeoning deep below.  “Oh I think that I’m in love… One look at him is just enough… Oh my dearest heart… I’m waiting to be loved…”

Blossomforth continued up the stairs, quickening her pace as she heard the door at the bottom open.  Shouts issued forth as Flitter came up after her and tried to cut off the white mare at the top.  Thanks to her trademark flexibility, Blossomforth squeezed through, triumphantly bursting out of the door at the climax of her song.

“Finally, the moment has arrived!” She sang.  “For me, to get my due this time!”  Cloudchaser’s eyes widened at the sight of the other mare.  Thankfully, Thunderlane hadn’t seen her yet.

“Oh my date is nearly ruined, he’ll end up with her instead… Thunderlaaaane will be…”

“MINE.  All mine,” Blossomforth concluded, cackling madly.

“Thunderlane!” A voice called out at me.  I had frozen in place as Blossomforth appeared.  She was standing just beyond the gazebo, grinning widely.  Thunderlane looked back as he noticed my attention waning, seeing the white mare.

“Blossomforth?” He said.  “What are you doing here?”

“Oh sweetheart, you don’t need to lie to poor Cloudchaser.  I’m here for our date, of course,” Blossomforth replied casually.  She sauntered over, her manic grin widening even more as she came closer to the stallion.

“What date?  I’m here with Cloudchaser,” Thunderlane said.

“Oh you don’t have to keep lying, my love.  Just tell her the truth already,” Blossomforth said, looking at me with a wink.  “The truth is my dear, we never broke up.  Not really.  He moved down here to be closer to me.”  I glared at Thunderlane, not sure whether I wanted to believe it or not.

“Is this true?” I asked.

“What?  You actually believe her?  Chase… Look, I came here to be with you tonight, not her,” the stallion said, his voice shaking.  He turned back to the other mare.  “Blossom, what’s your problem, huh?  Why are you doing this?”

Blossomforth sighed as she began to sing her heart out.  “How about… love?  Have you ever been in love?  Because if you have you’ll know, that love never accepts a defeat.  No promise it can’t meet…”

“But Blossom – “ Thunderlane started to say, before he was cut off by the mare.

“Don’t say no to a mare that’s in love!  Don’t laugh when I say love, don’t think that I’m naïve… cuz even a pony that’s smart, can listen to their heart, can listen and believe… Believe in what love can achieve,” Blossomforth sang, pouring her soul into her notes.  I cringed.  What was it with all the singing lately!  Thunderlane smiled for a moment and then his eyes turned deadly serious.

“Listen.  Blossom.  I really do like you, but only as a friend,” the pegasus said, placing a hoof on the other mare’s shoulder.  “You just need to find somepony who will love you for who you are… but that’s not me.  I’m sorry.”

“But I… I…” Blossomforth started to say, breaking down into tears.  “I was going to... How could you do this to me?!  I was going to tell you tonight!”

“Tell me what?” Thunderlane said, cocking his eyebrow.

“I'm... I'm pregnant!” She shouted.  My eyes widened.

“You're what?!” Both Thunderlane and I yelled.  Blossomforth nodded, her tears clearing up instantly.

“You're the father of course,” she said, batting her eyelashes.  “I mean, how could you not be?  So I guess you'll just have to dump Cloudchaser.  After all, how will it look if you're not with me?”  Thunderlane looked down at the ground and then up at me.  He started to open his mouth.

“Are you serious?” I asked, pushing the confused stallion out of the way before he could speak.  “You know, this is really low of you Blossom.”

“Whatever do you mean?” She asked, trying to sound naïve.

“I mean,” I started to say.  “That first you spread some rumor about my sister, and now you're claiming you're pregnant?  You're sick, Blossomforth.”

“Please.  I'm just telling the truth here, is all.  I just found out, and wanted to share the news with my lover,” She said.  I growled under my breath, but before I could do anything else, Thunderlane interruped us.

“You're wrong.  I'm not the father.  We never did... that,” he said quietly.  “I'm sorry, but I would remember that.”  Blossomforth rolled her eyes at this.

“Ugh.  Alright, fine.  I lied, alright?  You happy now?” She said in a huff.

“Not particularly, no,” I said flatly.  “You're still ruining our date here.”

“Fine.  I'll leave... for now.  But just remember Thunder, you're mine, and I'm not going to stop until you get that through your thick little skull,” the white mare said, turning about.  As soon as she did, the door to the roof burst open, revealing an exasperated Flitter.  My sister's eyes widened as she saw Blossomforth, who sneered.

“Well, seems the cavalry has arrived,” she said.  Flitter growled.  Blossomforth merely rolled her eyes.  “Can it, would ya?  I'm leaving.”  She pushed past my sister, heading towards the door.  “This is not.  Over!”  The door slammed shut, leaving the rest of us standing there speechless.  Finally, Flitter turned to us.

“Are you two alright?” She asked.  I nodded.

“We're fine.  Just a little shaken up that's all,” I replied.

“What did she say?” My sister said.

“Nothing important, really,” I said, winking at Thunderlane.  The stallion still looked rather despondent.  I smiled and waved for Flitter to follow me.

“I think I can take it from here, Flits,” I said.  “But hey... thanks for being my wingmare and trying your best.”

“But I didn't even do anything!” Flitter exclaimed.

“And that's the best part!” I replied, grinning widely.  “Now I think you had better get home, it's getting late.  Don't wait up for me alright?”

“I suppose you're right... I’m getting this sinking feeling wondering what’s happening with Winter and Rumble anyways.”

Meanwhile… at Cloudchaser and Flitter’s house…

“Best out of 500?” Winter said, looking down at the chess board sadly as Rumble won yet again.

“Well, that certainly was… eventful,” I said, turning back to the stallion.  Thunderlane had a shocked look on his face.

“Yeah… eventful,” he said, rubbing his neck with his hoof.

“I sort of owe you an apology,” I replied.  He cocked an eyebrow.  “I shouldn’t have been so quick to assume that you two… not after all you’ve told me.”

“That’s alright,” Thunderlane said.  “I’m sorry I let it come down to this.”  He pinned his ears back.  I smiled and nudged him on the shoulder.

“Hey, no worries.  Even if it did kind of ruin the mood for our date,” I said, grinning.  His eyes widened and he smiled.

“I’ve got a great idea then,” he said.  “You ever been night flying?”

“Not… not with somepony else, no,” I said.  Thunderlane grinned even wider, grabbing me by the hoof.

“Come on then, let’s go!” He said.  I flapped my wings following after the dark pegasus, leaving the roof.  As I flew away, I got the distinct impression that I was forgetting somepony.  Oh well, it’ll come to me eventually, I thought as I flew behind Thunderlane.  It can’t be that important… right?

Meanwhile… in a cloud above Horsia’s… a certain grey walleyed pegasus was lying in wait for her signal.  Getting a little too impatient, she bucked the cloud and caused a jolt of lightning to issue forth from the vapor.  The jolt connected with another cloud, and then another until it created a beautiful display of light that showed Cloudchaser and Thunderlane’s cutie marks entwined in lighting.  It was an incredible thing of beauty, but the two intended pegasi were nowhere to be seen on the rooftop of the restaurant.  Those patrons sitting outside that night later recalled how lovely the sky looked that evening right before a stray arc of lightning hit Town Hall, incinerating several beams and causing major property damage.

The grey pegasus looked down at the damage and sighed.

“Oops… my bad.”

I laughed like a school filly as I did a barrel roll in the sky after the stallion.  The cool night air glided along my coat.  It felt fantastic!  Thunderlane flew in close next to me, his expression one of excitement.

“See?  Pretty fun, right?” He asked.  I grinned.

“Definitely!  I forgot how much fun this was!” I shouted back.  We flew along, basking in the light of the pale moon until our wings started to get tired.  We set down upon a nearby cumulus, and Thunderlane smiled as I leaned up next to him.

“You know… I really had a nice time tonight, despite that insanity that Blossomforth tried to pull,” I said.  “I don’t know why I was so worried about this.”

“You too?” The stallion replied.  “Gee… I’m glad I’m not the only one who wasn’t confident.  You always seem so sure of yourself, I was kind… scared.”

“Really?” I said.  I looked over at the stallion.  He had a smile on his face that told me that everything would be just fine.  His expression turned to one of… mixed feelings as he let loose a loud cough that he quickly covered with his hoof.  “You alright there?”

“Yeah,” he said.  “I think I’m catching what Rumble had.  I’m not sure.”  I sighed.

“Well, we’d better get you home then,” I teased.  “Tell you what… Flitter and I will keep Rumble for the night.  You hang loose and feel better and we’ll bring him by tomorrow.”  The stallion nodded and we took off from the cloud towards my house.  When we landed next, it was in my front lawn.  I smiled up at the stallion.

“Thank you for the lovely evening,” I said as I reached up and planted a kiss on the other pegasi’s cheek.  His blush reaction was instantaneous.

“Heh… thanks,” he said goofily, before shaking his head and staring at me seriously.  “Chase?”  I looked up at him expectantly.  “I… I really would like to do this again.  How about we go out Saturday night after the tornado day?”

“I’d like that,” I said, smiling.  The stallion turned, flapping his wings as he took off towards home.  I nearly leaped into the air as I turned to go back towards my house.  Another date! I thought happily.  I looked up at the sky, at the pale moon that had seen my relationship blossom into love.

“Just for this moment...
as long as you're mine...
I've lost all resistance...
And crossed some border line...
And if it turn's out... it's over too faaaast...
I'll make... every last... moment last...
As long as you're mine...”

--------------------------------------

Next Time!
Cloudchaser and Thunderlane are officially an item!  However, Tornado Day is finally here and Thunderlane is out with the pega-pox!  What will Cloudchaser do?  Find out, next time on “Flying Through the Storm, Chapter 6: Topsy-Turvy Tornado Day!”