//------------------------------// // Chapter 11: A Night to Remember // Story: Campus love // by LightningChaserRaikage //------------------------------// The week passed without notice, though Chris, Pinkie and Dash continued with their little prank war. Starting with Chris finding itching powder, AFTER it was too late. In retaliation, he gave them a cake that hid a balloon inside. Neither side was ready to give up, but they commissioned a temporary cease fire for the dinner. Chris was rummaging through the closet and eventually found a simple white shirt along with a plain black suit jacket and pants. He tucked his necklace under the shirt before getting a dark blue tie. "Jesus, I always have trouble with this frikin' tie." He muttered as the fumbled with a Winsor. "Do you need help?" Fluttershy asked. "Yea, kinda." "Maybe Rarity can help, she's good with clothes and fashion." Go Figure. "Alright, I'll see if she can help." Chris stated, as he walked out the door and down to Rarity's room. "Uh, Rarity... are ya sure this will work?" Applejack struggled to say. She was standing on a low stool so Rarity could work on every inch of the dress. "Of course it will darling! He won't be able to resist you while wearing this!" "Maybe... but would it be too much ta ask if I could breathe? It's a little tight." "Hmm... I suppose I could adjust it to be a little looser, but you don't want it falling off on you, now do you?" Applejack thought for a second at the prospect, but quickly shook her head. *KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.* "Oh, I wonder who that could be?" Rarity said, standing up and walking to the door. She only opened partially before seeing who it was. "Hey Rarity, could you help me with-" *SLAM!!* She shut the door quickly. "It's Chris!" "What! Why is he here!" Applejack loudly whispered. "I don't know, but you're not ready!... I'll deal with him." Rarity opened the door again, but slipped out before Chris could see past it. "Heeeeyyy, what's up?" Rarity asked, Chris had a confused, yet discerning look on his face. "You could've just said no." "I'm sorry, I was just surprised. Anyway, what can I help you with." Chris held out the tie in his hand. "Well, I'm probably the only guy on the planet who can't tie a tie for shit. Fluttershy said you could help me with that. Could you help?" "Well what kind of fashionista wouldn't know this kind of thing. Of course I'll help." Rarity made a Winsor in a flash, and took a step back to get a look at him as a whole. Hm... he does look handsome. But I can't wait to see his face when Applejack dazzles him in her new dress! "Thanks Rarity. So... how is transportation going to work?" Chris asked. "I got a friend of mine to fix us up a limo." Wow, fancy. "Ok then, I'll check up on Fluttershy and wait for you at the front of the school." He then headed off, Rarity waited a few seconds before releasing a heavy sigh. Chris was waiting out at the college sign, constantly checking his watch and bouncing his knee. Geez, I expected women to take long, but this is ridiculous. "Ok, Chris! We're here!" Rarity hollered out. Chris turned to see the whole ensemble. Rarity was clad in a deep red-purple dress with some gold highlights. Fluttershy was next to her, dressed in an elegant green dress with a light blue flower that sat above her right breast, just under her collarbone. Pinkie was wearing a dark pink dress that had ruffles cascading from her hips to the ends of the dress. Rainbow dash was in a light blue dress that accented her lean features, and a multi colored belt that matched her hair almost perfectly. "Wow... I'm... almost speechless. You all look amazing. Wait... where's AJ?" "I'm glad you asked." Rarity responded with a wide smile. She sidestepped to the left and Chris's eyes widened and his jaw dropped. Before him stood a woman he could barely recognize. Her golden hair was intricately braided, her dress was a vibrant scarlet color. There was a single strap over her left shoulder and a the dress split halfway down her right thigh, almost exposing her whole leg. The look in itself would give Jessica Rabbit a run for her money. Chris stood there, literally speechless this time. Rarity sneaked up next to him and pushed his jaw up, closing his mouth. "Well... wad ya'll think?" Applejack asked, her cheeks getting warm. Everyone chattered with her, various statements of awe and disbelief was most common, Then she turned her attention to Chris. He felt hot, his palms were getting sweaty. "I-I-I-I ahhhhh... oh jeez." He stuttered. "C'mon Chris, what do you think?" Rarity asked. A lump formed in the back of Chris's throat, he swallowed hard and took a deep breath. "Well, for starters, you look absolutely beautiful. To be honest, I almost didn't recognize you. This formal look shows a level of grace and elegance that I have never seen." Applejacks face began to turn a bright cherry, though the night hid most of the color. The limo came about and thin, lean man stepped out. "Is this the party from Miss Rarity?" The chauffer asked. "Yes. Thank you, Al." Rarity responded with a gracious tone. "Anything for the boss's friend." Al then opened the back door and helped the girls in, one by one. Chris held the door while Al went back to the drivers seat before he stepped in and closed the door. The limo jerked before it smoothly took off to the restaurant. The girls were having there excited chatter, but Chris found himself staring at Applejack most of the time. To think that her rough and tumble attitude could mask such elegance and beauty. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that they were practically the same. Both were slightly bullheaded, stubborn and have an obligation to protect their friends. The limo stopped and Al opened the door, Chris got out first because he was closest, but he stayed to gentlemanly help the rest out. When Applejack put her hand on his, he felt his palm get a little more sweaty, whether it was from Applejack or himself, he couldn't tell. "Why thank you, Lover boy." "You're welcome...Freckles." AJ lightly punched him in the arm and continued ahead. Chris turned to Al, who had a slightly jealous look on his face. "Hey, Al? Do you have a business card or something? I have a feeling that I could use your help if things get out of hand." "Oh...s-sure." Al said, pulling a card out of his breast pocket and handing it to Chris. "Thanks. Oh, and have a nice night!" Chris said, holding a hand. Al hesitantly shook Chris's hand, Chris placing his other hand on top as a sign on respect. Al felt a little empowered before they broke and Chris headed for the front door. Al watched as Chris entered the restaurant, he sighed and began to walk to the drivers seat. An itch snuck into his wrist, covered by his glove. Al went to scratch and a small, crumpled green paper fell on the asphalt. He picked it up and unfurled it, surprise consumed him as a familiar 'Grant' stared into his eyes. Al smiled like he never had anything to smile about in his life, he hopped in and drove of into the city, his sprits a little higher.