So, her birthday is coming up… What am I gonna do? Boltsinger thought to himself, looking at the calendar. There was a picture of Twilight’s Cutie Mark on the next day with a birthday cake over top of it. Originally, books seemed like the best idea, but… Well, I’d be hard-pressed to find a book she doesn’t have… Plus… I dunno, something romantic, I guess? He paced through the library, looking back and forth at all of the things in it. I know my birthday isn’t that big of a deal, but this is a PRINCESS we’re dealing with, and the one mare I love most! I can’t just gloss over this!
The door to the library opened, Starlight coming in and pulling a book from one of the high shelves. She opened it up and started reading it as she made her way to one of the many chairs strewn about the room, only to feel a sudden impact knocking her to the floor. She looked up from her book, seeing a certain Pegasus rubbing the back of his head with one of his wings, not even noticing that she was there.
“Hey, Boltsinger, are you doing alright?” Starlight asked, alerting the stallion to her presence. “You look… flabbergasted.”
“Oh, hi Starlight.” He replied, standing up and offering a helpful hoof. “I’m just wondering what I should do for Twilight for her birthday tomorrow.”
Starlight took the offer and worked her way up. “Her birthday? Didn’t you get her some books?”
Boltsinger facehoofed, looking at her with a straight face. He motioned his foreleg to the room they were standing in, filled to the brim with books. “I think she has that covered.” He continued his pacing as Starlight took a seat. “I want to do something bigger than just a gift, anyway.”
“Such as…?” Starlight lead, looking at her book again.
“And that’s where I draw a blank.” he finished. “I dunno… Maybe I’m overthinking this.”
“You do spend a lot of time with Twilight.” the Unicorn added. “Don’t worry so much. It’s just a party.”
Boltsinger breathed a sigh of relief, turning to leave. “You’re right…” He headed into the hall, giving a farewell wing-wave. “I’ll just go and see what all everypony is doing for it and then work it out from there!” He perked up, rising into the air and taking off towards the Carousel Boutique.
The finishing touches on her latest creation were complete. Rarity was working on a delightful frock for her friend, Twilight, as a gift for her birthday. She had been working on it for days, and it had to be just so. As she gave it a final look, the bell at the door rang. Rarity’s face lit up as she headed to the main room of her shop.
“Welcome to the Carousel Boutique, where everything is--” She opened her eyes, seeing the orange stallion standing in the doorway. “Oh! Hello, Bolt! What brings you along?”
Boltsinger looked around at the various outfits, noting that a section for stallions had been expanded in the shop. “I’ve been wondering what I can do for our favorite Princess’ birthday.” He looked back at the seamstress. “Do you have any ideas?”
“Well, what do you know about her?” She asked, looking at outfits next to him.
Boltsinger took a deep breath, “Well… She’s pretty much the smartest pony ever, and she really likes to pass on knowledge and really gets into a lesson when she enjoys the subject matter. She is a bit of a worry wart, though. I kind of worry for her when she gets frazzled... “ He went on for several minutes, talking about everything he could think of as Rarity smiled warmly at the lovestruck stallion. “But Pinkie keeps on saying how huge birthdays are, and in this case I gotta agree with her, because not only is she a PRINCESS, but she’s really important to me and I wanna let her know that…” He began to sit down, Rarity moving her favorite couch over to provide a cushion. “What do you think?”
“I think you’re getting a little ‘frazzled’, yourself, dear.” She informed him, placing a hoof on his shoulder. “A gift for her would be positively divine. If you’d like, I can make some suggestions.”
“Okay, what have you got?” Boltsinger agreed.
“Well, I’ve been creating an ensemble for her to wear to her birthday party, and it’s simply fabulous!” She started, walking with him towards the outfit. It was a yellow gown with the tiniest bit of lace lining the hem, two dark purple sashes coming back from the medium-length collar and tying themselves at the rear with just enough space between them on her back to make room for her wings, as if to accentuate them. There were two amethysts with a larger sapphire in between them right at the base of the neck, with a flattering yet modest design going from the gems to the base of the skirt, which extended far enough down the legs to hide her hind legs, yet not drag on the floor at all times. Boltsinger looked at the outfit with stars in his eyes, imagining the Princess wearing it. “So her outfit is covered, but what mare doesn’t appreciate flowers to accentuate her look?” She put a hoof around his neck, raising a foreleg and motioning to the dress. “Can’t you just imagine how lovely she would be with a brilliant bloom in her mane?”
Boltsinger looked longingly at the dummy before him, imagining Twilight with the dress on and with some flowers in her mane, looking coyly at him and batting her eyelashes. “Uh-huh…” His wings grew stiff on his back, standing straight up, much to Rarity’s surprise.
“Oh! My… You most certainly can, I see!” She removed her foreleg from his back, stepping away slightly. “Um… Boltsinger, your wings?”
Boltsinger shook his head to snap himself out of his daydream, then looked back at his wings. “Oh... “ He retreated into himself, blushing madly. “Sorry about that…”
Rarity giggled. “Oh, it’s quite alright. Twilight is quite a vision when she wants to be. Any stallion worth his salt lick would be lucky to have her!” She looked piningly at the dress, letting out a lonely sigh. “Any stallion, indeed…”
Boltsinger put a hoof on her shoulder with a warm smile. “Just like any stallion would be lucky to have you.” He headed for the door, Rarity putting a hoof on his flank as he left.
“Thank you.” She said, letting him go. As he left, Rarity let out one more sigh, looking at the dress.
Walking down the streets of Ponyville, Boltsinger’s mind drifted back to the image of Twilight that Rarity put in his head, his wings shooting up again as he made for the flower shop.
“Flowers… Flowers… What kind of flowers?” He asked himself, looking around as the sound of wingbeats gave away another pony’s presence above him. He looked up to see Rainbow Dash matching his pace from the air, looking at him with a cheeky smile.
“I’d ask what’s on your mind, but… I think it’s pretty obvious!” She stated. She flew on level with his upright wings and flicked it with one of her hooves. At the impact, Boltsinger’s entire body vibrated like a tuning fork, his mouth letting out a low A note for a few seconds as the vibration died down. “Hm. Not a bad note. But you might wanna get those babies under control. There are foals out around now.”
The stallion planted his hooves, moving his wings so as to loosen them up. “Yeah… Rarity just put this idea in my head that--”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa, I do not wanna know!” Rainbow interrupted, waving her forelegs in front of her. “So, you wanna get flowers for something?” Boltsinger nodded and informed her of Rarity’s suggestion. “I think you gotta go bigger! This is for your special somepony, after all!”
“What are you getting at?” he wondered, his wings finally returning to normal.
“Flowers are pretty, yeah, but is that really enough?” She elaborated, landing in front of him. “If you really wanna impress her as much as it seems, then you gotta step up your game! Do something awesome that only you can do!”
“Something awesome… hmm…” He sat down, pondering what she meant. After a little while, he opened his eyes wide and slammed one forehoof into the other. “I’ve got it!” He jumped to his hooves and took one more look up at Rainbow Dash, a big smile on his muzzle. “Thanks! I’ve gotta go!” He began flapping his wings, rocketing along to Sugar Cube Corner, where Mrs. Cake was working the counter.
“Oh hello there, Boltsinger, dear!” the swirly-maned pony started with a smile. “Come to see Pinkie today?”
“Nope! She’s busy planning Twilight’s birthday party. I can find her any time.” He said as he put his forelegs up on the counter. “I need to talk to you.”
The baker was taken aback. “Me? Well, what do you need me for?”
“Well, Applejack tells me that you were good friends with her mother.” the stallion explained. Mrs. Cake’s expression looked like it could compete with Angel’s freshly-fluffed tail in a contest of softness. She leaned against the counter. “She said that her mom had a… a song that she sang to her father…” He explained his idea further, the mare at the counter smiled. She beckoned him into the kitchen, where the two of them continued on.
The next day, Twilight woke up with a yawn, looking to her side and seeing nopony there. She wondered where Boltsinger might have gone. Normally he was one to sleep in most days. Then again, considering what day it was, she guessed that it was probably some plan that he had, as he’s shown to be prone to for special occasions. She shrugged, getting out of bed and going through her morning routine. She made her way through the castle, Starlight and Spike each passing by and delivering happy birthday messages. She found her way into the foyer, still seeing no sign of the resident stallion. Furrowing her brow, she teleported through the various rooms of the castle, not finding a trace of him.
Finally appearing back in the foyer, she groaned. “Where is he?” She wondered out loud.
Spike ran to her from the dining room. “Something wrong, Twilight?”
“Have you seen Boltsinger today?” She asked the dragon.
Spike shrugged. “Haven’t seen him since yesterday. Did he not come home?”
“I don’t think so…” She looked over to the front door, which began to open a crack. Twilight’s ears perked up as she rushed over to the entrance, opening it wide with her magic. Boltsinger stood in the doorway, his hoof still in the air and his expression dumbfounded.
“Good morning, Twilight.” He greeted, pausing for a moment. “Happy birthday!”
The Alicorn leaned in and gave the Pegasus a hug. “Where have you been?”
“I was at Sugar Cube Corner.” he informed her. “Been working on something for tonight.”
Twilight turned to walk with him into the castle proper. “What is it you’re working on this time?”
Boltsinger looked slyly at the mare. “Now, that would be spoiler.” He looked forward, his gaze fixed on his destination. “Oh yeah! I did do a few things before I came home.” He turned to face her again, pulling out a green-covered book with a number of different flowers on the front. “First of all, there’s this. Rarity suggested that I get you some flowers to go with the thing she’s been making for you, but…” He lowered his head with a sheepish smile. “I don’t know the first thing about flowers… So, I got each of us a copy of this book!” He held the book up to her as she lifted it with her magic. “It’s not just about what kinds of flowers there are, but the ‘language’ of flowers. Finding out just what they mean and represent. What do you think?” He brought his face close to hers, tilting his head with an excited smile.
Twilight looked between the book and the Bolt, smiling. “It’s perfect. Thank you!”
“Just wait until you open it! There’s another surprise in there for you!” He continued.
Twilight tilted her head slightly, opening the book. From within the pages, something that looked like a coupon fell out. She caught it with her magic, peering curiously at the text. “Is this… a spa ticket?”
“All expenses paid spa day! Get whatever kind of treatments you want, it’s all paid for!” the stallion announced, rearing up and spreading his forelegs.
“How did you pay for something like this?” the Princess queried.
“Oh, I don’t buy too much with the bits I get working with Applejack.” He explained. “I want you to have the best day ever! Feeling your absolute best for your birthday party tonight!” He turned back to walk down the hallway. “Anyway, I’m gonna be in the music room.” Twilight opened her mouth to speak. “I… set up a music room. Soundproofed and everything!” He gave her a kiss on the cheek, picking up his pace. “Have a great day! I’ll see you tonight!” With that, he went into a gallop towards the aforementioned room.
She stood alone in the hallway, looking at the speeding pony with her mouth hung open, absolutely befuddled. “But… I just wanted to spend the day with you…”
Evening had arrived, and Twilight emerged from behind the changing curtain wearing the gown made for her by Rarity. She had been ecstatic to put it on, as it reminded her of the first dress that her friend had made for her first birthday with her best friends. She thought of the gathering that awaited her in one of the castle’s larger chambers, her friends all waiting for her, and whatever special surprise her favorite stallion had in mind.
Spike opened the door to the bedroom, peeking inside and showing a hint of surprise as he saw the mare. “Wow! You look great!” He told her, walking to her side. “Everypony is ready whenever you are. You excited?”
Twilight sighed as she made her way into the hall. “I don’t know. This birthday hasn’t exactly gone how I’d hoped it would.” She cast a glance at the dragon beside her. “I’m looking forward to this, but I was hoping to not spend most of the day by myself! Boltsinger has been absorbed in his big surprise plan, and Applejack seems to be in on it! I understand that Pinkie was planning the party and Rarity has orders to fill… Everypony has responsibilities to attend to. But I was hoping I could spend the day with my loved ones.”
“Well, I’ve been home, and so has Starlight!” Spike informed her. “Didn’t you go to the spa with that ticket that Boltsinger got for you?”
Twilight shook her head. “No... I didn’t have it in me to go.” She hung her head, looking at the floor. “It would have been relaxing, but ‘relaxation’ isn’t what I wanted today.”
Spike frowned slightly, unsure of what to say. He patted his friend’s shoulder, letting his claw linger there as they continued on their way. Finally reaching the venue, Pinkie’s preparations were shown. Red balloons were strewn about the room with streamers strung between the crystal pillars with a big starry cake on the table in the center of the room.
Pinkie emerged from behind the cake, beaming. “Happy birthday, Twilight!” She bounded over to the Princess, stopping just short of her. “Are you ready for some serious fun?”
Twilight giggled at the bubbly pony. “You know it!” She proceeded further into the room, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Starlight all gathering around.
“So, before we start up the music, there’s sumthin’ I gotta do.” Applejack began, moving to pull a guitar from under a table at the edge of the room. She moved over to a pair of curtains, sitting on a stool in front of them. “Bolt asked me to help ‘im with this, seein’ as the song comes from my family. Gotta preserve the integrity of it, after all.”
As if on cue, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash flew over to the curtains, pulling them aside to reveal a certain orange Pegasus, twirling the tips of his wings as if he had four little air pockets ready to go. He flapped his wings, sending them into position above the group. Twilight looked at the familiar sight in awe, walking over to the impromptu stage.
“So, if it wasn’t obvious, I wanted to do something special for you on your birthday. I may not be a big birthday aficionado, but Pinkie was right about one thing. It does let us celebrate how special our loved ones are. And… well… You are really special to me, Twilight.” Twilight smiled, bringing a hoof up over her heart. “Sadly, I can’t think of my own lyrics to save my life. But this… this is the closest thing I could find to stating how I feel. I hope you like it.” He rose up into the air, giving one swift wing-flap that went into his normal ‘performance hover’ as Applejack began strumming on the guitar.
~We’re far apart in every way,
But you’re the best part of my day.
And sure as I breathe the air
I know that we are a perfect pair~
He rose up higher into the air as one of the air pockets let out a bass accompaniment, another two adding little flourishes throughout to accentuate certain words and notes. The last pocket finally let out its sound, creating a low harmony to the melody being performed by the stallion in question.
~On a prickly path that go-o-oes on for miles (Goes on for miles)
But it’s worth it just to see-ee you smi--i-i-ile (Just to see you smile)
And I cannot be pulled apart
From the hold you have on my heart,
And even if the world tells us it’s wrong…
You’re in my head like a catchy song!~
He bonked his head with one of his hooves for emphasis. Twilight began flapping her wings, flying over to the performing pony and looking him straight in the eye.
~The seasons change, and leaves may fall
But I’ll be with you through them all!
And rain or shine, you’ll always be mi-i-i-ine…
On a prickly path that go-o-oes on for miles (Goes on for miles)
You’re the only one who makes it all worthwhi--i-i-ile (Makes it all worthwhile)~
He lowered himself to the floor, the air pockets dissipating as only Applejack’s guitar strumming was left as accompaniment.
~And you should not blame me, too…
If I can’t help falling in love with you…~
He lingered on the last note, his face showing his goofy grin as he averted his gaze to the floor below, pawing at it with a hoof. Applejack went on for one more measure, ending on her own personal flourish.
Boltsinger shrugged slightly, letting out a small nervous laugh. “I know it’s not entirely accurate for our situation, but…” He lifted his head again, looking at what he saw was a teary-eyed Princess. “What do you think?”
Twilight took one of her wings and brushed the tip of it against his chin, pulling him forward and going in for a full liplock. The stallion leaned into it as his wings once again stood straight up, stiff as a board. They remained connected for a few moments, Twilight eventually backing away from it. “It was beautiful. But I need to tell you something.” Boltsinger tilted his head, listening closely. “It’s not what I wanted today.”
“So… you don’t like it?” he wondered, his ears drooping.
“That’s not it. I love what you’ve done! But I just wanted to spend time with you today.” She elaborated, putting her wing on his cheek. “Why did you get so flustered about all of this, anyway?”
“Well, you heard my explanation earlier. I don’t really do much ‘birthday’ stuff, at least for me. But there’s a difference when it’s doing something for somepony important to me... “ His face and wings grew more relaxed. “I was just so concerned with doing something great for you… I... got a little carried away…”
“I think you did, too.” Twilight confirmed. “This whole performance was wonderful. But, next time you want to do something special for me on a special day, you should probably just ask me.”
Boltsinger nodded. “Agreed.” The two leaned in and nuzzled noses, getting a soft ‘aww’ from the ponies around them.
Pinkie Pie pulled out a scroll, looking down the list and checking a box. “Good thing I worked a friendship lesson into the party plan!” She looked up from the scroll at the ponies in question. “Or would this be a ‘dating’ lesson?”
Twilight and Boltsinger looked at each other, then at Pinkie. “Both.” They stated in unison, the rest of the room’s occupants laughing uproariously as the party ensued.