Toby POV
"Anyone want pictures!?" I yelled.
Rainbow Dash scrambled forward so she could see. I laughed loudly. I grabbed onto my scarf and yanked. The Ponies were in awe for a moment. I grinned.
"Awesome!" Shouted Dashie.
"What, Do I have something on my face? Cause I'm pretty sure-" I held up my scarf, "-I don't."
The crowd laughed and started to take pictures as I smiled and posed dramatically. The girls seemed shocked at my sudden reveal and gaped for awhile. Dashie looked away, laughing.
(Rainbow Dash POV)
OMG! He's gonna show us!
Toby laughed loudly and yanked off his scarf, revealing a rugged face with some short hair on his chin.
Whoa.
"Awesome!"
Two small scars adorned his upper lip and the side of his neck. He didn't look half bad to be honest, by pony standards. Those blue eyes of his complemented it perfectly. I didn't comprehend whatever he said, I was so caught up in studying his scarred, handsome face.
WAIT. NO! WHAT?!
I blushed and turned away, laughing nervously.
I didn't mean to think that! What am I doing?! He's not even my species!
I turned back to see him facing me while posing ridiculously, one hand on his hip, the other in the air. He put on a funny face and spoke like a snob.
"I'm... FABULOUS!"
I couldn't. I just couldn't. I died, my embarrassment forgotten. The crowd hooted, chortled, snorted, hollered and guffawed to the point that nobody could take pictures. Toby couldn't hold the pose anymore and fell over, crying tears through his deep laughter. Even Princess Celestia had to sit down and attempt to regain her rapidly cracking composure. Pinkie's party cannon went off as the post-race celebration began and the sun started to come back down to the horizon.
(Five hours later)
"Dashie!" Came the happy call from the stage. "Come on up! We need you!"
I flew up to the stage and looked over the music.
Oh my Celestia. This could not be more appropriate.
Toby laughed as I face-hooved (palmed).
"I know, It's perfect!"
I gave him an amused glare as he spoke into his mike.
"Alright! This is for my BFF Dashie! And the great Race we had today!"
He pulled the saxophone to his lips.
https://m.
(I must do these things. Because I can.)
He danced about and laughed as he played multiple instruments and sang all at the same time. Discord attacked the guitar and I took over the drum set as the two goofballs ran around the stage. Toby was having the time of his life, a huge grin plastered on his face. We played all the songs we could before our voices got stripped.
Almost nopony was here anymore, they all turned in for the night. We were playing '500 Miles' one more time before turning in when I remembered my thoughts from earlier. My face lit up again and when the song ended, I ducked away immediately to hide my blushing cheeks. I tried to fly away quickly but Toby would have none of it. He grabbed my back hooves and brought me back down before I could get away.
"And where do you think you're going?"
If he noticed my exploding cheeks he didn't say anything.
"Home, to Cloudsdale."
He gave me a tired, slightly drunk, look and stared at the sky.
"And where is Cloudsdale?"
I hadn't thought about that. I've actually never stayed this far out at night. There was no way i could find it in the Dark.
"You make a fair point."
I turned away, still trying to hide my face. He put on a serious thinking face for a minute. I could almost see the gears turning in there.
"Ah! I've got it! You can come to my place!"
My face couldn't get any darker. Maximum Blush achieved.
"Y-your place?"
"Well its literally just around the corner and up the hill. Don't worry, I'll take the couch."
"What? No, you should have the bed!"
"Stop arguing and come on, we both need some sleep."
He dragged me back to his place and let me in. I haven't actually seen his bedroom yet.
N-not that I want to!
He showed me his room and his huge bed before stumbling back downstairs. We both had some of AJ's special cider tonight.
"G'night..." Came the tired call.
"Goodnight. Thanks for letting me stay here."
The only response I was given was a thump as he slammed into the couch. Moments later, I could hear him snoring.
Wow. Heavy sleeper.
I climbed into bed and tried to go to sleep. But my thoughts kept me awake.
Toby was super nice to let me stay here tonight. Then again, he's nice to everyone. But still, he thought about others first even in the middle of the night. He was really nice even when we first met him. His laughter is infectious, his personality makes him so lovable, his eyes-- uh, Everybody loves him, especially the crusaders. He's funny, smart, strong, as fast as me-
I stopped, realizing I was gushing despite my efforts not to. I sighed and rolled over. I listened to his snores drifting up the stairs. A peaceful sound. I felt my cheeks heat up again. I groaned, frustrated with these new feelings.
"Face it Rainbow Dash."
I rolled over again.
"You have a crush."