As the day approached for his first date; Brian was growing extremely nervous. Despite the work he was doing; he needed time to relax and think; and found himself meditating frequently. The night before; Spike wanted to ask Brian something; but was surprised at the sight. Brian was sitting on the floor with his rear hooves underneath and not moving.
“Twilight; could you come here for a moment,” Spike called
“What is it,” she asked
“It's Brian. I came by to ask him something; but found him like this,” Spike answered motioning towards the room
“Are you okay,” she demanded “Say something! Anything!”
“Some…thing. Any…thing.”
“Oh Celestia! Don't ever do that again! Whatever that was,” she chastised, shaking him “What exactly was that?”
“Meditation. It was something to calm me down.
“Why would you do that,” she asked
“It's part of my old habits. It also goes with a motto I live by.”
“Oh; a lesson,” she said cheerfully “Spike; take a note. What is this motto?”
“Tranquilo. Assen Na Yo.”
“And what does that mean,” she inquired
“Um; how do you spell that,” Spike asked
“Here. I'll write it down for you.”
“Thanks. I couldn't figure it out,” Spike answered sheepishly
“So; what exactly does that mean,” Twilight asked again
“Relax. Take it easy.”
“Twilight can't do that,” Spike commented “She panics at even the smallest thing.”
“I can too relax,” she argued
“How many times have you freaked out over the smallest thing,” Spike countered “And how many times have you needed to reorganize the library?”
“The library needs to be reorganized every so often. It gives patrons more time to browse the books,” she argued
“It makes more of a hassle for them to look through the shelves instead; than just finding the books,” Spike argued
“In regards to the second point of organization; your OCD is getting better.”
“I don't have OCD,” she argued “What is this ‘OCD’?”
“Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. In short; you have to keep doing something over and over again. Considering the bookshelves haven't been reorganized since we changed them, I’d say you were getting better.”
“You're right. I need to try and relax a bit,” she said, calming down “Maybe I should try your idea of mediation. For now; I'd suggest you get to sleep. Your date’s tomorrow.”
“You're right,” Brian said through a yawn “I am tired.”
Out of habit, Brian woke up at 5 am the next morning and decided to head outside and train. Even in another world he considered martial arts to be important.
“Well, it’s a new form but at least I can still train,” he thought to himself
After an hour of training, Brian decided it would be best to jump in the shower before his date. Smelling like sweat didn't make a good impression on others. With that done; he thought it would be a nice surprise to make breakfast for Twilight and Spike.
“You’re up early. Is that normal for you,” Twilight asked "What are you making?"
“At home I’m usually up early to train. New home but some things I like to keep the same,” he answered "As for the latter question; it's called 'Food Surprise'."
"And what is that," Spike asked
"It's food...surprise," Brian deadpanned
At 7 am there was a knock at the door which caused him to answer it. As he opened it, Octavia stood there with her cello at her side.
“Good morning,” Brian said with a bow
“Are you ready to go,” Octavia asked
“I am. Lead the way,” he said
Once they got to the theatre to practice they found they were the first musicians to arrive although the conductor arrived first as usual.
“We’re here earlier than usual. Most times I’m just shy of being late,” Octavia said sheepishly
“Well, to quote an old orchestra teacher I had: ‘To be early is to be on time. To be on time is to be late’. It definitely is accurate,” Brian responded
“It most certainly is. I wish more members of the orchestra were as early as you, Miss Melody and Mr.,” the conductor, Symphony Maestro commented
“Dragnov. Brian Dragnov, sir,” Brian answered
“I hope you don’t mind if Brian joins us for practice today,” Octavia asked
“Well, judging by your cutie mark, I'm guessing you are good at art and music,” Symphony asked Brian
“I am. I’ve played cello for twelve years and in the last three I’ve added guitar,” Brian answered
“Feel free to join us for rehearsal. Are there any songs you’d like to play,” Symphony asked
“Since we’re the only ones here, there is something you should know. I’m not from Equestria originally. I won’t get into the details but some of the songs I know are from my home,” Brian explained
“I hope to hear some during practice,” Symphony decided
“I will definitely do that; sir.”
During practice Octavia handed Brian a copy of the sheet music they were playing and although having never played the piece, followed along masterfully.
“Alright, split into your groups to compose,” Symphony said addressing the orchestra
“Brian, you’ll join with us. This is Harpo, Beauty and Frederic,” she said introducing him to her friends
“Nice to meet you all,” Brian replied
Brian took a couple pages of blank sheet music and wrote from memory two wrestling themes he liked; ‘Fight’ and ‘Catch Your Breath’. The two did sound similar to one another that they could be linked together with ease.
“Finished already? Most ponies can’t get that much in a short amount of time,” Frederic said sarcastically
“My mind is like a jukebox with music playing constantly. All I need to do is just write out the notes,” Brian replied, causing some dumbfounded looks
“Well, something written that fast will probably sound like crap,” Frederic added sarcastically
“Our visitor for the day, Mr. Brian Dragnov has a piece he’d like to play for you,” Symphony said
“The piece is titled ‘Fight to Catch Your Breath’. Enjoy,” Brian stated
After finishing the piece, Brian received a standing ovation from the orchestra. He was thankful that he was the only one that knew the songs as he really didn’t want to explain how knew them.
Once practice was finished; Octavia decided to treat Brian to lunch. As they were leaving Brian could hear Frederic saying something behind his back and forced himself not to say anything he could regret later.
“Sorry about Frederic. Sometimes he thinks that he’s Celestia’s gift to music. Don’t take anything he said to heart as he wanted to rile you up. When you played, he actually was surprised at how good the piece sounded,” Octavia said reassuringly
“Thank you. Even as we were leaving Fred seemed to have something to say. I just wish he said it to me not behind my back,” Brian answered
“Come on. Let’s get lunch. My treat,” she said leading them to a restaurant
Once they were seated, Brian looked at the menu and decided on a burger and fries. He had to remind himself that this world differed from the cartoon slightly in terms of food.
“May I take your order,” the waitress asked
“I would like a burger and fries with a chocolate shake please,” Brian answered
“And for you ma'am,” the waitress asked Octavia
“The same please. Thank you very much,” Octavia said
As they ate, Brian started to think that he was having fun with Octavia. They had something in common they enjoyed, in terms of music and this was their first ever date, which evened the playing field.
At home, he realized that even with his accomplishments it meant nothing. In his mid twenties with no girlfriend to speak of made him feel like a loser in the eyes of others. People he went to school with were married and others had children of their own while he had nothing. Shaking the nagging thoughts from his head, Brian went back to eating in peace.
“Bit for your thoughts,” Octavia offered
“Thinking about the difference between here and home. There, I feel like a virgin loser while here, I feel like I have more of an ability to change that,” he answered
“Well, I suppose I can help you change that,” she said with a sly grin
Brian had to beat his chest to prevent himself from choking at what she suggested. Sex was the last thing he expected to hear so early. It felt even stranger coming from someone who was raised to be prim and proper.
“It wouldn’t be right away of course but eventually as we get to know more about each other,” she clarified
“Sounds good. I’d rather get to know more about you as well,” he answered
As they finished and were about to pay, Brian pulled out his lucky coin.
“Shall we flip for it? Heads I pay, tails you pay,” he suggested, tossing the coin
The coin landed on his hoof with the clean heads facing upwards and he stowed the coin back in his pouch as he pulled out the bits to pay for their lunch.
“Here you go, twenty bits. Thank you very much,” Brian said
As they left Octavia turned to him and said, “you didn’t have to pay. I said I’d treat us.”
“I know but I decided to pay instead. With all the work I’ve been doing for Twilight, she paid me enough to have some money to spare. At home it’s customary for the male to pay for the food,” Brian answered
“Can I see that coin you used,” she asked “Two headed, scars on one side. I don't see any tail on this.”
“Heads I win, tails you lose,” he answered simply “The tail refers to the reverse of the coin.”
Walking Octavia home, they agreed to meet the next day for a second date. This time; she offered to let him pick where they went. He really felt the pressure to find anything and sought help.
“Welcome back,” Twilight said “How'd it go?”
“Not too badly; I'd say. Just out of curiosity; do you have a suggestion for where to go on a date tomorrow?”
“What exactly did you want to do for activities,” she asked, summoning a map
“I’m not sure exactly. I was thinking someplace fun.”
“Depending on what you're looking for; there's a bowling alley or arcade that might be what you're looking for,” she explained
“What's in the arcade? That is; if you've been there?”
“I haven't been there in a while; but they had racing games and shooting games last time.”
“I didn't expect to see car racing or shooting.”
“Well; Ponyville might not be perfect; but we have some modern technological advances. The games are based on fictional ideas such as carriages with wheels that do not have anypony pulling them. Even the shooting is just for fun,” she replied
Armed with the information; he had an idea for their second date. Brian walked down the street to Vinyl and Octavia’s house to pick up his date. Once he got there and knocked on the door, he was unnerved when Vinyl opened it.
“He’s here,” Vinyl called over her shoulder
Moments later Octavia appeared and Brian was surprised she wasn’t wearing her usual bowtie.
“Ready to go,” he asked
“Lead the way,” she answered
As they walked down the street, Octavia started to recognize where they were.
“Ponyville arcade? I haven't been here is so long,” she exclaimed “My parents took me here when I was a filly.”
“I asked Twilight about going somewhere fun and she mentioned the arcade. I wouldn't have known you have been here before,” Brian answered
Heading inside, Brian found the place divided into two sections one with video arcades and the other contained various games of skill. Looking around caused his eyes to fall on one of his favorite games; skeet ball.
“Cool. I haven't played skeet ball in a while. Would you like to play a game,” he asked
“Sure; just take it easy on me,” Octavia answered
As they took their positions at the front of the game Brian grabbed the first ball and arced it to the right and scored 100 points while Octavia scored 75. His second ball has too much spin so it just landed in the 25 while she scored 100.
Brian decided to throw the game with the last three balls by just throwing hard enough to score points but not the bigger amounts. While he scored three in the 25; she managed to land another in the 100 and the final two in the 75 leading to a final score of 200 to 425.
“That was fun even though you were going easy on me,” she answered
“I just play for fun, not score.”
Octavia walked them over to the games of skill, specifically the ‘baseball toss’. Hanging on the side of the cabinet was a stuffed musical note she saw and liked.
“Can we try the game, please? There’s a prize I really like,” she asked
“Sure. Throw the ball hit the bottles,” Brian answered
The carney handed him three balls and Brian threw the first knocking the bottles down. He decided to throw the other two at the other sets of targets scoring all three.
“Winner. Triple winner. Which prizes would you like,” the carney said
“May I get the musical note please,” Brian asked
“Two more,” the carney said
“Do you happen to have any other musical note designs?”
“I do. Please take your pick,” he answered withdrawing different plushies
“These two, if you don’t mind,” Brian asked, picking a set of black eighth notes and a pink and blue treble and bass clef shaped like a heart
“Of course. Thank you,” the carney said
Octavia stored the prizes in her saddlebags as they chose their next game.
“Want to race,” he asked gesturing to a pair of racing cabinets
“Sure. This time no holding back.”
As he stepped inside the game cabinet, Brian was reminded of home and automatically felt comfortable with the controls.
“Ready,” he asked
“You bet,” she called back
Once the race started, Brian automatically shifted into higher gear and was able to pass most of the cars. Heading into the final corner of the track, he threw the car sideways and drifted to the finish line. The remaining laps were the same with Octavia following behind him at every turn. At the very last moment, Brian was unable to straighten his car quick enough and she managed to pass him in a narrow margin.
“That was tough. I didn’t think I’d win. Where did you learn to drive like that,” she commented
“At home I played a lot of racing games; both street and track based. Street racing is easier to drift in,” he explained
“Remind me not to challenge you to a race. Up for another game,” she mused
“Yeah, it’s your pick,” Brian answered
She led them over to a shooting gallery which Brian was dumbfounded by. The rifle resembled ones seen in the Wild West; but lacked its trigger guard and the trigger itself was wider. He was taught marksmanship by his father, who was in the military; but Octavia didn't seem to be the kind to have shot anything before. As they took their spots and started firing, Brian noticed she missed a few of her targets while he hit everything.
“How'd you get so good,” she asked
“My old man was in the military and taught me. I entered quite a few competitions as a teenager and won every time I did,” he answered
Since they each won two games, they decided on one final game. Seeing a fighting game, it was agreed to play a best of 5 series.
“Pony Kombat? This’ll be fun,” he said
“Good luck,” she said
To keep things fair, each fight would be randomized in terms of both characters and stages. Having played the MK series at home, Brian knew every combo and won the first two games rather handedly. The next two were won by Octavia with a combination of luck and button mashing. The final game ended in a tie as both characters had the same amount of health remaining as the timer ran out.
“Well, that sucked,” he said casually
“Why? It was fun.”
“It was; but I’ve never had a game go to the time limit. Every time I’ve played, someone is dead with plenty of time to spare,” he admitted
“There’s a first for everything,” she answered
“True. I just don't get that lucky.”
Deciding they played enough, it was agreed they would get something to eat before heading home.
“There’s a place down the street my family took me to when I was younger. From what I remember they were the only place that served seafood,” Octavia said
“Sounds good to me. Lead the way,” Brian answered
After they walked inside and were given their menus, Brian saw fish and chips and knew his order already.
“Can I take your orders?”
“Fish and chips please,” Brian answered
“The same for me please,” Octavia added
“Two fish and fries coming up.”
While their food was being cooked, Octavia asked him the question that was bugging her since they ordered, “what did you mean by chips?”
“At home, we have places that serve fish and chips. In the country of England at home; fries are called chips so when they were brought to America where I live, the term remained,” he answered
Five minutes later, the food was delivered and Brian had to hold himself back from devouring the food and take his time. Battered and right out of the deep fryer, Brian ripped a small piece to taste it and he wasn’t disappointed.
“Best fish I’ve had in quite some time,” he said
“Agreed and I really haven't been here in so long, I’ve forgotten how good fish can taste,” Octavia responded
After they finished, and with some literal arm twisting by Octavia resulting in Brian having a sore spot, he relented and allowed her to pay for lunch as he paid for all the arcade games.
“You know, you didn’t have to twist my arm if you didn’t want me to pay,” he said still rubbing his arm
“You paid for enough the past couple of days so I felt like I should at least pay for lunch.”
Brian escorted Octavia home where they saw Vinyl waiting outside.
“Have fun you two,” Vinyl asked
“We did. In fact we have something for you,” Octavia said passing her roommate the plush eighth notes
“That is so cool! I’ve never had a plush before; let alone a musical note. What did you get,” Vinyl said hugging her new plush
“This is mine,” Octavia said withdrawing the heart
“Well, that definitely fits you two musical lovebirds,” Vinyl said with a grin
“And finally,” Octavia said pulling out the single plush note
“Mine,” Brian answered tucking it under his wing.
“Oh! Before I forget, Octy, I have a letter for you,” Vinyl said levitating it towards her “It's from the princesses.”
“I’m invited to a party at the castle in a two days. And I’m going to be picked up in a chariot. What about pyou Brian,” Octavia said reading
“When I get home, I’ll probably have Twilight waiting for me telling me that I’m going too,” he predicted
Once he got to the library, Twilight was outside waiting for him like he predicted.
“I hate being right,” he said out loud
“Right about what? I just received,” Twilight started
“A letter from Celestia about a party in 48 hours and I’m invited,” Brian finished
“Are you psychic,” she asked
“No, but ‘I can see the future’. Seriously though; Octavia received the same thing and I know you are the first to get one.”
“You can predict the future,” she asked dumbfounded
“No, it’s a joke from home,” he explained
“Okay, but yes, I did receive a party invite for the six of us and you. Celestia didn’t know you and Octavia were together and sent hers separately.”
“Well, I guess I've got no choice about going but I’m not wearing a stinking ‘monkey suit’. I’ve worn those enough times,” Brian said
“Why would you wear a suit that looks like a monkey,” Spike questioned “Whatever a monkey looks like, that is?”
“At home it’s an insult for a tuxedo. I’ve had to wear suits a few times and disliked them.”
“Well, I’ll help Octavia with selecting a dress for a party,” Twilight said
"Go for it," he answered heading inside to take a nap
On Sunday while Twilight was getting ready for the party, Brian decided to just jump in the shower to clean up and make himself presentable. Walking in the living room he saw Spike pacing.
“Brian, you got to help me. Twilight wants me to go and I can't stand these events,” he said putting a claw in his mouth
“Unfortunately we don’t have a choice; otherwise it’ll be rude to the princesses,” Brian answered
“Yes, it would be rude. You are going and that’s final,” Twilight decided
“Well; I'm not going to dress up; but I think I'll grab my trench coat. It's something than not wearing nothing.”
Once the carriage arrived, Brian helped everyone inside before climbing in last. He was told that a chariot would pick Octavia up and he would see her at the party. At the castle, he jumped down to assist the girls so their dresses did not get messed up. Looking around he spotted Octavia in a blue dress with a black sash around her waist.
“Good evening. You look fantastic,” he said with a bow
“Thank you. I’m surprised you didn't dress up,” she answered
“After wearing suits for so long, I can’t stand the monkey suit. Plus I don’t mind showing off the jacket,” Brian said
Before the two walked inside they overheard a conversation with Blueblood and the others.
“I recommend you stay away from that black pony in the jacket. He seems to be rather odd,” Blueblood said
“Got something to say? Grow a set of balls and say it to my face,” Brian demanded, taking off the jacket
“That’s Prince Blueblood. His aunts are the princesses,” Octavia whispered
"Oh good. I thought his name was 'Count De Money'."
"It's pronounced 'De Monet'," a passing noble scoffed "The nerve of such commoners; Count De Money. I've never heard such a thing."
“I really don’t care to have people talk about me behind my back. If there’s anything else you said, I suggest you apologize now, Doucheblood before I make you,” Brian stated
“It’s Blueblood. Prince Blueblood to be precise. And what are you going to do,” Blueblood asked sarcastically
Hearing someone arguing outside, Celestia and Luna decided it was best to check it out.
“What am I going to do? Imma deck you in the schnoz,” Brian answered bluntly
Blueblood walked towards Brian as the latter raised a hoof and punched the white unicorn in the nose; causing him to be pushed back a few steps and to have a little bloody nose.
“You brute. You actually drew blood,” Blueblood said looking at his hoof with a small red smear on it
Luna and Celestia took him to get cleaned up and as they were leaving Luna’s horn glowed faintly and created a thumbs up causing Brian to laugh.
“Sorry about that. I’ve always hated when someone can’t say something to you directly and goes behind your back. I might have been hasty in punching him but I did tell him to apologize,” Brian said apologetically
“You have nothing to be sorry for, darling. Chivalry is about protecting others,” Rarity said
Heading inside the ballroom Brian saw everyone in attendance backing away from him as if he was Death itself.
“What's wrong? Why’s everyone looking at me as if I’m the Grim frickin’ Reaper,” Brian asked
“Scars and your fur color looks evil,” someone said
“You’ve been serious battles,” another chimed in
“I’ll say this once: I’m not an enemy. I was sent here from the human world by Discord. These scars aren’t from fights but a lightning strike. You judge me by my appearance without knowing anything about me. There’s a saying where I come from; ‘don’t assume because it makes an ass out of you and me’ and that’s what I see. I didn’t expect to be liked by everyone but don’t treat me like an outcast due to events that were out of my control,” Brian stated, addressing the crowd
“That was the reason I invited you here. I thought that by introducing you to some of these ponies it might reduce fear,” Celestia said
Brian decided to sit out of the dancing for a little while to give everyone some time to relax. In the meantime; he threw the jacket back on to cover up.
“Brian; let’s dance,” Octavia said dragging him to the dance floor
Hearing a waltz made things easier as he stood up on his hind legs and had Octavia follow his lead. The sight of the two of them caused the floor to empty and he didn’t care. While he wasn’t that interested in dancing, he made things up as they danced.
“Where’d you learn to dance like that,” Octavia asked
“Home, plus I threw some parts of others in there as well.”
“Shall we get something to eat? All that dancing made me hungry,” she said
“Sounds good,” he said spotting a table with hors d'oeuvres
'It’s not the best but something is better than nothing,' he thought
After the party was over and the guests dispersed, Twilight and company were asked to remain as there was something that needed to be discussed.
“First off, I’m not apologizing for decking Blueblood. He had some rude remarks about me he should have said to my face. I did tell him to apologize or else,” Brian said frankly
“Chivalry from your home and here are a little different. I don’t know things are there, but here in Equestria, there is a vast difference between the number of mares and stallions. In fact, when you offered to pay for your date with Octavia, some people actually thought it was rude for you to pay,” Celestia explained
“I’d apologize but I won’t. It may be rude but I was raised as a gentleman. Paying for something may be looked down upon here; but it’s not going to change. I’d rather others judge me by my actions not my appearance,” Brian said
“Princess Celestia, although I did have some aversion to it, I don’t mind if Brian pays for something on our dates as he did say that that was how he was raised and it’s not easy to change something like that,” Octavia argued
“And he did help my friends out,” Twilight said “And is overseeing the book checkout at home.”
“He helped me feed the animals even if he played a prank on Angel,” Fluttershy added
“What prank,” Luna asked curiously
“Fluttershy’s bunny Angel kept kicking me so I asked Discord for a fake rabbit's foot that freaked Angel out” Brian answered “Although the events prior were my fault.”
“What did you do,” Celestia asked
“When I was the griffin; I killed and ate a rabbit that just so happened to be Angel’s brother Wyatt.”
“Overall, it looks like you helped everyone, Brian. By the way, how’s Ignis doing,” Luna asked, changing the subject
“Who’s this ‘Ignis’ fella,” Applejack asked
“A Nightmare form that I have. He’s still locked up; but I’m guessing that some time soon I'm going to end up releasing him,” Brian said sadly
“Is this another one of those ‘I can see the future’ jokes,” Twilight asked curiously
“No, I’m only guessing. Honestly, I hope I’m wrong,” he said
“What's Ignis look like,” Celestia asked
“He doesn’t have a form but apparently can become whatever I need,” Brian answered
“Hopefully you don’t release it without control. We remember what happened when my sister ran wild,” Celestia answered
“Before this ends; I, Photo Finish, must get a picture with everyone,” the photographer Photo Finish stated “I must capture…da magicks.”
Brian was hesitant but was dragged into the middle with Octavia on his right, Spike on his left and three of the ‘mane six’ flanking them with Celestia and Luna in the back.
“No, no, no. Dis won't do,” Photo mused “Take off da jacket.”
“If I'd have known how much trouble this jacket would have caused; I wouldn't have bothered.”
“Nonsense; darling,” Rarity argued “Good work deserves to be shown.”
“That's right,” Octavia added “You look good in it.”
Following the picture, Photo Finish also asked him for an interview and he briefly said that he was a human sent there by Discord after the unfortunate death of his parents.
“Thank you for the interview. The paper will be ready in a day or two,” Photo Finish said leaving “I; Photo Finish…must VANISH!”
“Princess Celestia, do you mind if tomorrow I went to see the training your guards go through,” he asked
“It is fine with me but you need to ask Commander Hawk as he runs the course,” she answered “Just as a reminder; all of you can stay here in the castle if you'd like.”