Connor was once again stood in front of a full size mirror, zipping up the front if his flight suit. It had been a week since he met Spitfire's parents and, after a rocky start left on good terms. He was preparing for the Garden Party he and Spitfire had been invited to by Fancypants. Though this wasn't an official engagement he was still feeling a little tense. Fancypants was an influential noble and making a bad impression at his mansion would be detrimental to his own public standing, and by extension the Wonderbolts as well.
"Looking good Sleepy head."
Connor turned around, "As do you Milkshake."
Spitfire, also in her flight suit, walked into the room.
"Are you nearly ready, we don't want to be late."
"Yeah I'm ready. I'll just get my goggles."
Connor walked over to his bedside table, took his goggles fastened them around his head; resting on top of his head.
"Ready now?"
"Ready."
The two of them walked out of the house and took to the air in direction of Canterlot. Connor had improved his flying significantly and was flying faster and more steadily than he was a few weeks ago. His wings did still stiffen mid flight occasionally much to the amusement of Spitfire.
They weren't flying too long before they reached Canterlot. They touched down in the Central Plaza and walked the rest of the way, attracting a few stares in the process. Spitfire got distracted looking at some jewellery in a store window leaving Connor to look around as he waited for her to finish. As he did he noticed a small filly with a Connor plushie. As she walked along with her parents she looked up and saw him.
She stopped still right in the middle of the street, looking rapidly between her Connor plushie and the real Connor as if to confirm what she is seeing. Connor, smiling at the display walked over to the filly unicorn who had now attracted the attention of her parents. And Spitfire.
"Hey there," Connor said as he crouched down, making himself less physically imposing on the little filly, "I see you have a particularly interesting plushie."
The filly's mouth flopped up and down a few times as her brain tried to process meeting Connor, "Y-y-y-y-yeah, my parents bought it for me yesterday. I was going to get one on the first day but I fell ill. I really wanted to meet you and get a signed picture of you but I was sick so I couldn't."
The little filly's bottom lip started trembling and her eyes teared up. Connor felt a lump in his throat. Like anyone with a heart he didn't enjoy seeing children upset. Fortunately for the filly, Connor was prepared. He reached into his bag and pulled out a photo of himself and a pen.
"What's your name?"
The filly looked up and saw the photo and pen. She gasped in surprise and in an instant went from upset to jubilant.
"Twinkle Star!"
Connor wrote on the picture and handed it to Twinkle Star. She took it in her magic and read out what Connor wrote.
"To Twinkle Star, sorry you were ill. I'm glad you're better now. From Connor the Wonderbolt."
"Like it?"
Twinkle Star had a massive cheery smile on her face as she jumped up and down on the spot, "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
She jumped forward and hugged Connor as tight as she could around his neck while her parents looked on happily. After a few excited seconds she let go and went over to her parents and showed them what Connor had given her.
"Thank you for that," her father said, "She was distraught when she was unable to go but I'm pretty sure this will more than make up for it."
"No problem, glad I could help."
Twinkle Star waved goodbye to Connor and Spitfire and went off with her parents much happier than earlier. Connor turned back to Spitfire.
"So Milkshake, shall we continue?"
"Yeah, we best not keep Fancy waiting."
They duo arrived a few minutes later without delay and came to a large mansion reminiscent of the stately homes owned by the English aristocracy. When Connor got a better view of the mansion he couldn't help but notice it looked quite similar to Burton Agnes Hall. They approached the main gates and showed the guard their invitations. The guard nodded and waved them through.
Connor and Spitfire entered the mansion grounds and walked up the gravel path to the main entrance, where Fancy was welcoming his guests.
"Nervous?" asked Spitfire.
"No."
"Liar."
"Shush you, or there'll be no ear scratches or belly rubs for a month."
Spitfire gasped, "You wouldn't dare."
"Try me Sugar Sprinkles."
Spitfire pouted for a couple of seconds before bursting into laughter and playfully punching Connor in the arm.
"I'll get you one day Stiff Wings."
The two walked a little further until they were at the front door.
"Connor, Spitfire a pleasure you could come," Fancy said shaking Connor's hand and Spitfire's hoof.
"It was nice of you to invite us," Connor replied.
"Think nothing of it dear boy."
"Are there any more ponies to come?" asked Connor.
"Only a few. Everypony else is in the main reception room. Do go in and enjoy yourselves."
"Thank you."
Connor and Spitfire went in an followed one of the butlers to the reception room. There was around a dozen ponies in the room. All of whom had their eyes on him and Spitfire.
Connor nervously walked towards them with a not-nervous Spitfire at his side.
There was an uncomfortable silence until a familiar voice sounded out.
"Connor, Spitfire so glad you could make it."
A unicorn mare walked into view wearing a silver ball gown.
"Fleur, it's nice to see you again. You look lovely"
"As charming as ever I see. Spitfire I may just have to take him form you."
Spitfire and Fleur shared a laugh at Connor's expense.
"Forgive us Connor, we're only teasing you."
"You're fine don't worry. I can take a little rib bashing."
"Would either of you like a drink?"
"Please."
"Then allow me to show you the drinks table."
The other guests wee back to mingling amongst themselves whilst Fleur lead Spitfire and Connor to the drinks table. There was a wide range to choose from including whiskeys, gins, vodkas etc. But just as interestingly, Connor eyed something else. Something that looked very similar to something from Earth.
"Seen something you like?" asked Fleur.
"What are they?" he asked pointing at gold foil wrapped balls.
Fleur looked at where he was pointing and smiled, "Those are chocolates called 'Chocolat de roche'."
"Rock chocolate," Connor replied.
"Yes," Fleur replied, her eyes lighting up, "Do you have these where you come from?"
"We have something called Ferrero Rocher. They consist of a whole roasted hazelnut encased in a thin wafer shell filled with hazelnut chocolate and covered in milk chocolate and chopped hazelnuts. They were named after the man who invented them, Michele Fererro. Rocher is French for rock, or boulder. Given what the chocolates look like is aptly named."
"That's what these are. I assume you like them?"
Connor rubbed the back of his neck, "Yyyyyeah, you could say that."
"You built pyramids out of them didn't you?"
Connor nodded, "Guilty as charged."
"Well feel free to help yourself, but try to leave some for other guests."
"I'll try to."
Fleur left Connor and Spitfire to help themselves.
"Want anything in particular?" Connor asked Spitfire.
"I'll have a brandy."
"Sure."
Connor poured himself and Spitfire a brandy each as Spitfire helped herself to some of the 'Chocolat de roche'. Connor watched her as she expertly unwrapped the foil.
"Something wrong?" she asked.
"How do you unwrap something like that with hooves?"
Spitfire went quiet for a moment as she contemplated the question.
"I.....don't know. I just do it. I've never really thought about it."
"Since I came to Equestria I've always been puzzled how you all grab things with hooves when you don't have the 'hoof appendages' necessary to grab things with."
"Yeah, I can see why you think that."
Conner handed Spitfire her brandy and helped himself to some Chocolat de roche. He unwrapped the foil and it looked almost the same as Ferrero Rocher. He placed it in his mouth and began to eat it.
As soon as he did he experienced a flash back as the world around him evaporated. He remembered coming home one day after falling off his bike an grazing his knee. It hurt him a lot and after bandaging his knee his mother gave him a Ferrero Rocher to try.
He immediately fell in love with them.
The heavenly hazlenut filling, crunchy wafer shell and silky milk chocolate made him feel all gooey on the inside.
After that day he always made sure he had some in his bedroom for quick access should the need arise. Every Christmas and Birthday he got a 24 piece gift box from his parents. Some other relatives got him smaller boxes also.
"Connor."
He was truly grateful he wasn't allergic to nuts.
"Connor."
He had to find out where to buy these Chocolat de roche from.
"Connor!"
Connor nearly jumped in fright at the sudden noise. He could feel a hoof touching him.
It was Spitfire's.
"Something wrong?" he asked.
"You zoned out after eating the chocolate."
"Oh.....well it reminded me of a time long ago."
"Getting all misty eyed over chocolate eh? You big lovable romantic. How did I ever manage without you?"
Connor smiled, "I could ask you the same thing."
The two kissed each other on the lips and gazed longingly into each others' eyes.
"Would you two like to be alone?"
The two of them broke the kiss and looked to the source of the voice and saw Fleur standing a few feet away looking bemused at the sight. The two love birds blushed, fortunately for Spitfire her flight suit covered it.
"Sorry," said Connor.
Fleur giggled, "Don't be. It's so nice to see young love blossoming into something truly wonderful."
Spitfire gave a loving nuzzle to Connor, who in return gave her a small ear scratch.
"I just wanted to tell you dinner will be starting shortly as all the guests are here."
"OK, what are we having?"
"Starters it's Vegetable Soup with home made Prench baguette, the main course is Pan Fried Chicken Breast Stuffed with Mozzarella and wrapped in Smoked Cured Bacon. For desert we're having Rich Chocolate Pot with Chantilly Cream and Raspberry Sauce."
"Sounds great, but I thought ponies we're vegetarian?"
"Some are, but we enjoy meat every now and again."
"That's a relief. Regarding the dessert, would it be possible to leave out the raspberry sauce for me please?"
"That's fine. I'll inform the chef, he won't be offended and neither will I or Fancy. In fact, one of the other guests has requested the same."
Connor breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank you, it's just that I don't particularly like it. I don't want to seem ungrateful but-"
"Connor it's fine, honestly, don't worry."
"Thanks."
"You're welcome, now why don't you both come through to the dining room."
Connor and Spitfire followed Fleur through into the adjoining room. Inside was a large table where all the other guests were sitting themselves down. Connor and Spitfire sat themselves down midway down the table to Fancy's left hand side. He was sat at the head of the table with Fleur sat at the opposite end.
"My fellow Lords and Ladies, allow me to introduce you all to Connor Wakefield and I'm sure you're all familiar with Group Captain Spitfire."
"Lords, Ladies, a pleasure to meet you," Connor replied.
"A pleasure Mr Wakefield," replied one if the noble mares.
"Tell us about your job as Wonderbolts General Manager," said another noble.
The Wonderbolts made the decision to make adjustments to Connor's job and changed his job title to General Manager under the guidance of Luna.
"Well, as you can guess by the title I'm responsible for the planning, delegating, coordinating, staffing, organizing, and decision making to attain desirable profit making results for the Wonderbolts. I don't decide on new flyers though, that's solely for Spitfire and her senior officers."
The nobles murmured amongst themselves in approval which Fancy added to.
"Connor is also the personal student of Princess Luna."
The nobles went wide eyed.
"You are the personal student of a Princess?"
Connor nodded.
"I must say I'm impressed, what is it you are a student of?"
"Business Management. She's giving me lessons on economics, accounting, finance, marketing, law and pony resource management amongst others. I'm studying in tandem with my job and hopefully I'll earn a Bachelors degree in Business Management from the University of Canterlot."
"Impressive. How long will it take for you to earn your degree?"
"Three to four years depending on how quickly I complete each course unit."
"Is the Princess your only tutor?"
"Yes. The Princess has a Doctorate in the subject as well as another Doctorate in astrophysics and a Master's in Advanced Mathematics."
The assembled ponies went wide eyed. They knew the Princess was intelligent but didn't know she had two Phd's and a Masters Degree. Their stunned silence continued for a few more moments until the side doors opened revealing butlers bringing the starters.
The Vegetable Soup and Prench baguette was placed in front of him.
It smelled fantastic.
Connor waited until everyone else had their soup placed in front of them and Fancy had begun eating his before starting his own. He made sure to be extra careful and not slurp or spill some soup on himself.
It would be awkward in the extreme if he were to make such a blunder.
Starters went by fairly quickly with everyone finishing their soup and bread. There was around a five minute wait before the main course arrived.
The Pan Fried Chicken Breast Stuffed with Mozzarella and wrapped in Smoked Cured Bacon.
Connor nearly salivated at the mere thought of such food.
The doors opened once more and immediately Connor could smell the heavenly food. His meal was placed in front of him and like before, waited until everyone else got theirs before starting. As soon as he cut the chicken, the column of steam billowed out, Connor's face feeling the heat of the chicken. He was so engrossed he didn't realise the massive grin he had on his face.
Nor did he realise Fleur had noticed, who gave a smirk and a wink to Fancy.
There was a bit of chatter during the main course. Mainly about current events in and around Canterlot.
The meal was absolutely divine, cooked to perfection and could probably tempt a vegetarian to try it. The portion was generously sized as well. More so than the other ponies. Fancy must have been switched on because he seemed to answer before Connor asked about it. Apparently Fancy had a larger portion arranged for Connor due to his larger size compared to ponies. Connor thought this might be seen as insulting to the other but they assured him it was standard practice to adjust portion in accordance to each species needs. A Minotaur for instance would get an even larger portion than Connor due to their huge size.
Eventually it was time for desert. As requested, Connor and another noble had their desserts without the raspberry sauce. Like the previous courses, the dessert was also excellently well made and prepared. The chefs clearly know their stuff and Fancy knows where to find them.
Dessert was soon finished but the evening was not. Now was the time to retire to the lounge for after dinner drinks.
Unsurprisingly Connor was interested in it. Especially the drinking part.
The butlers had cleared the dining table away and the guests and hosts made their way to the lounge for drinks.
And Chocolat de roche if Connor had anything to do with it.
He sat down on a very comfortable sofa with Spitfire next to him. His wings acted like a cushion as he leant back making himself comfortable. Everyone soon got talking and Connor was a few times asked for his opinions on some matters. In one instance regarding railways he suggested replacing semaphore signals with multi-coloured aspect lights. He explained they'd be easier to see in the dark and the differences between the different type of signals e.g. two, three and four aspect signalling.
The nobles requested Connor write out a detailed proposal to the National Railway Board to look into the possibility of implementing his suggestions, as they were impressed with what they heard. One of the nobles has a seat on the NRB and could persuade the other board members to make the changes but they would need strong evidence and a lot of convincing.
As the evening wore on the topic of music came up.
Spitfire casually mentioned that Connor could play the piano.
Though Connor put on a smile, he did his best to convey a 'dirty' look to Spitfire as if to say 'no more snuggles for a month'.
"Would you be able to play us something from your world?" asked Fancy pointing his hoof towards the Lounge Grand Piano.
Connor sighed internally. Whilst he could play the piano he wasn't really great at performing in front of others. Or more accurately he didn't like to. But he did't want to appear as rude to Fancy. He had invited Connor over in good faith and it would be impolite to offend Fancy. Especially in his own home.
"Yeah OK. Let me just think of something to play," he said as he sat down on the stool.
He picked the tune to play. One of his favourites.
Spitfire and the nobles watched on in awe as Connor's fingers effortlessly danced across the keys.
As soon as he ended there was a stomping of hooves applauding his performance. Spitfire gave him a congratulatory kiss on the cheek.
"Bravo dear boy, that was simply marvellous."
"Indeed Mr Wakefield, have you been playing long?"
"Since I was around five I think. Had to practice a lot though."
"Well it seems to have paid off nicely considering how well you played," Fancy replied.
The other nobles murmured in agreement. So much so, Fancy got an idea.
"I say dear boy, would you be interested in ever playing at the occasional social events I hold?"
"Sure, so long as it doesn't disrupt my studies I can't see a problem."
"Don't worry Connor, I wouldn't dare ask you sacrifice your education for my or anypony else. I'll be sure to give you plenty of notice so you could prepare for the occasion."
"Well, in that case yeah. I'll do it."
"Splendid. We can go over the fine details another time at your convenience."
The evening went on a while longer with Connor playing a few more tunes. The nobles also approached Connor in regards to sponsorship deals. Many had significant shares or were outright owners of many different companies and were very interested in sponsoring the Wonderbolts. Connor agreed to arrange proper meetings to it could be discussed in more detail, under the guidance of Luna.
The hour was late and it was time to leave. The guests slowly made their way out, making sure to thank Fancy and Fleur for a wonderful evening, not forgetting to give their compliments to Connor as well. Before leaving however, Fleur grabbed Connor's attention.
"Connor dear did you enjoy yourself this evening?"
"Very much so, thanks a lot for inviting me."
"Think nothing of it dear," replied Fleur, "Oh and I have a little something for you."
Fleur lit up her horn and in front of Connor appeared a small box. Connor held the box and opened it. Inside it was filled with Chocolat de roche. They were stacked neatly inside eight by six by five giving a total of 240 chocolates.
Connor was speechless.
"A little pony told me you like them," Fleur said giggling.
Connor's mouth flopped up and down a few moments before managing to form proper words, "Thanks, Fleur. I really appreciate it."
"You're welcome dear," she replied giving him a kiss in the cheek.
Connor's brain froze and he went as red as a beetroot.
"I think you broke him dear," Fancy said.
Fancy giggled again, "Spitfire you really do have quite a stallion."
"Indeed I do," she replied turning to Connor, "Come on lover boy it's time we were going."
Connor nodded meekly, "Thanks again for having us here Fancy, Fleur."
"You're welcome dear boy. I'd be glad to have you over again."
"I'll second that," added Fleur.
Fancy and Fleur waved goodbye to Connor and Spitfire as they left the mansion and made their way up the garden path. It was getting late and neither Connor or Spitfire could be bothered to fly back to Cloudsdale, so Connor thought of asking a friend who lives nearby if they could stop at theirs for the night.
"Come on Milkshake, let's go to the castle. See if Celestia will let us stop the night."
"Sure, I can't see her refusing but she might be in bed now. Luna will be up though."
Connor and Spitfire walked towards the castle, the streets empty of all but a few ponies. Connor and Spitfire approached the guards on duty at the main entrance.
"Here to see Celestia or Luna, which ever one's available," Connor said to them.
"Princess Celestia has retired to her bedroom for the night but Princess Luna has begun Night Court. She should be in the throne room."
"Thanks, we'll see her if that's OK."
Connor and Spitfire walked in and made their way to the throne room. The Thestral guards on duty outside saw Connor approaching.
"Hey Connor, here to see the Princess?"
"Yep, is she free?"
"Yes, just go on in."
The Thestrals opened the doors, allowing Connor and Spitfire to enter.
"Thanks guys."
"You're welcome."
Hearing the doors open, Luna looked up and saw a familiar biped that looked remarkably like her private student.
"Connor, Spitfire, it is a delight to see you both here tonight."
"Likewise Professor Luna," Connor replied with a cheeky smile.
Luna looked unamused, "Connor we have discussed this. If you keep calling me Professor I will have you chained to the dungeon walls and deprive you of Jammie Dodgers for ever and ever."
Connor gasped, "You big meanie, you wouldn't dare."
"Try me my little human," Luna replied scowling.
After a couple of seconds they both started laughing.
"You're a funny mare Luna."
"Likewise, you are a funny stallion Connor."
Spitfire looked confused, "Am I missing something?"
"Oh it's just a little teacher/student thing between us. Even though Luna is technically a Professor, she doesn't like being called that. Especially by me."
"Indeed. You are my friend Connor. It does not feel right being addressed in such a formal manner by you."
"You've gotten better with your language," observed Connor.
Luna smiled, "We have thou to thank for that."
They both started laughing again, Spitfire looked at them both like they both have gone mad.
"It is good to share a joke with you Connor. But to the matter at hoof, what can I do for you?"
"We were just wondering if we could stop here for the night. We're both too tired to fly back to Cloudsdale."
"Certainly, the room you both used in the past is free to use. I will have a guard escort you there."
"Thanks Luna."
"It is no problem Connor."
"Night Luna."
"Goodnight Connor, goodnight Spitfire."
"Goodnight Luna."
Connor and Spitfire were now on the guest bedroom. It was only now Connor realised he overlooked something.
"Connor are you coming to bed?"
"Yeah I'm coming."
Connor started getting in to bed.
"Aren't you going to take your flight suit off?"
"What flight suit?"
"The bright blue and yellow, skin tight flight suit you're wearing that perfectly shows off your body?"
"Oh that flight suit, no I think I'll keep it on."
"Connor, as fantastic as you look in it you can't sleep in it. Especially when you've been wearing it outside."
"Well I've got nothing to sleep in."
"Then sleep naked."
"I can't do that."
"Why not? I do."
"Yeah but you're a pony."
"So are you.....sort of."
Connor was still reluctant.
"OK I'll make you a deal. You sleep naked and I'll make sure you don't get cold."
Within a minute Connor was out of his flight suit and in bed with Spitfire.
"So, how do you plan on keeping me from getting cold?"
"These might help."
Connor looked to see what she was holding.
He promptly went wide eyed at what she was holding in each fore hoof.
"Are they...." he started nervously.
"Hoof cuffs?" she finished for him, grinning mischievously.
Connor gulped. Spitfire pounced.