"So, are you excited for your date tonight, Twilight?"
"I would hope so, Sunset. After all, this is their first date."
Twilight silently nodded as she, Starlight, and Sunset walked down the halls to breakfast. After dinner the previous night, Sol agreed to back off for the night to let the three mares have their girl time. Throughout most of the night, Twilight, Sunset, and Starlight had camped out in Twilight's room, sharing stories, playing games, and catching up on new events, and just talking.
"I am, and I'm also kinda nervous," Twilight admitted. "Even though this technically isn't our first date, what with him having asked me to the Hearth's Warming Eve Ball, this is our first date as a couple. I just hope that it all goes well for us."
"Pfft. Relax, Twilight," Starlight said, waiving a hoof dismissingly. "Tonight's going to go fine."
"How do you know?"
"How about because this was planned out by Sol and Princess Cadence?"
"She does have a point, Twilight," Sunset voiced. "This date of yours is being planned out by Princess Celestia's son and the Princess of Love, A.K.A, your sister-in-law, so I wouldn't worry about it."
"I know that, but I just can't help it. I've never had a coltfriend before Sol, so going on an actual date like this is new territory for me."
"Well, if you'd like, I could give you some pointers?"
"Me too," Starlight offered, earning her a curious look from Twilight.
"After all the teasing, you want to help give me dating advice?" she questioned.
"I may rib on you, Sol, and Spike from time to time, but its always been in good humor and was never malicious. Besides, this is important to you and Sol, and I'd like to help if I can... plus, this is the first date, so you should try to make a good impression."
"But I don't even know where we're going or what we're doing! Should I wear something nice? Should I go and get my mane done up? I don't know what I'm supposed to do!"
"Well, you could always just ask me."
With a startled yelp, Twilight looked around and found that as they talked, she, Starlight, and Sunset had walked into the private dining room where Sol was waiting for them, wearing an amused smirk. Lighting his horns and closing the doors behind them, Sol walked over to Twilight and, rather than sharing a kiss with her with Sunset and Starlight watching, began to affectionately nuzzle her cheek.
"Good morning, Twilight," he softly greeted. "And to answer your question, no, you don't need to do anything special. Or, at least, nothing to that extreme. What I have planned for us is going to be private, so we won't have anypony watching and judging us."
"O-Okay," she stammered briefly before relaxing herself at the soft touch of his nuzzle and returning it as she nuzzled him back. "I won't wear a dress then, but I do feel like I should do my mane up."
"If that's what you want, then I won't stop you."
"And maybe pay a visit to the spa as well. Plus, it'll give me some more time to spend together with Sunset and Starlight before they leave."
Sol let out a soft chuckle. "Then you three go do that. You rarely get to see Sunset as it is, so I think that a girl's day out with her would be nice for you. Just make sure that you're back in time, okay?"
"Promise."
"For the love of Celestia, would you two just kiss already?" Starlight asked with an exasperated sigh, while Sunset smirked at the two as she walked by.
"Actually, she might prefer it," she jabbed as she passed by the couple.
Blushing, Sol and Twilight followed Sunset's lead and sat themselves down at the table to eat, along with Starlight, who joined them soon afterwards. After the four had themselves a hearty breakfast, Twilight led Starlight and Sunset to the local spa, along with a squad of four guards, much to Starlight and Sunset's confusion. With them gone and having everything ready for his date with Twilight that evening, Sol decided to kill some time by continuing with reading the Daring Do series. Looking up and smiling at the bright sunny day, he decided that, with how beautiful the day was, that he'd read outside today in the shade of the garden's many trees.
Later that day, Twilight, Starlight, and Sunset were making their way down one of the many streets as they toured the city. After they had their time at the spa and ate out, they wandered around the city to see what all it held. While they had visited Canterlot many times before, there was always something new being built, or a new store having opened. This was especially true for Sunset, as she'd never really had the time to just come over and tour the city at her leisure since her self-induced exile.
Along the way, the trio came upon Twilight's old home, which they stopped by to pay her parents a surprise visit, much to Night and Velvet's enjoyment. As they entered, Twilight paused as she saw the guards trying to follow her in and decided to draw the line at that point, ordering her escort wait for them outside. After all, this was her home, and didn't believe that anypony would attack her there. And even if somepony did, she had Starlight and Sunset there with her. Of course, the guards weren't forgotten as Twilight and Velvet came out not long after, bringing with them a tray of cookies, and a pitcher lemonade with four cups for them.
"So, sweetie, how's it been ruling Equestria for the Princesses?" Velvet asked, taking a sip if her tea.
Twilight let out a sigh. "I'm not gonna lie, mom. We've had our ups and downs, but it's been a bit of a challenge."
"And the guards?" Night inquired.
"They weren't my idea, nor Sol's. Due to an... unforeseen complication, Captains Night Wing and Iron Hoof have both agreed to assign Sol and I guards during our stay."
"Well I say it's about time. Of all the princesses, you're the only one who doesn't have any guards."
"I know, but it just feels awkward having armored ponies following me around everywhere."
"You know that the Captains just want you to be safe, Twilight," Starlight commented.
"That," Sunset began with a smirk, "or they are trying to avoid risking Princess Celestia's wrath."
"Yeah, that too I guess."
Night quirked an eyebrow at them. "Why would Princess Celestia be mad at them? They didn't do something wrong, did they?"
Twilight gave Sunset and Starlight a quick and nervous glance. "Let's just say that somepony snuck into the castle under their watch and leave it at that."
Night and Velvet stared at their daughter, both knowing when she or Shining would lie to them, or not tell them the entire truth. However, while they would normally question Twilight's hesitance in telling them, due to her current job and the sensitive subjects that it entails, they decided to let it slide this time. Besides, they both knew their daughter well enough to know that if there was a problem, she would find a way to take care of and fix it.
"If you say so," Velvet sighed. "Just remember that your father and I are here if you ever need to talk to us."
"I will, mom," Twilight smiled.
"Good. Now then, are you ready for your date with Sol tonight?" she asked, eliciting a blush from Twilight.
"Wha- how did you...?"
"Cadence told me," she smirked. "And though I may know all the details, I can't wait to hear all about it from you."
"Wait. You do?" Night asked. A moment later, Velvet brought a hoof up and began whispering the details of Twilight's date plans in his ear. Night nodded and hummed as Velvet continued to tell him, but as she finished telling him, his eyes began to widen.
"Yep. I believe that would do it," he agreed.
"I know," Velvet giggled excitingly.
"Come on, mom. Stop teasing me," Twilight whined, finding it somewhat annoying that her own mom knew more about her date than even she did.
"Oh, lighten up, sweetie. You'll find out soon enough. Speaking of which, as much as I love your company, Twilight, shouldn't you be heading back to get ready soon?"
Twilight looked up at the clock and frowned.
"I suppose I should," she said with a small sigh, having enjoyed her time with her parents and not wanting to leave them just yet.
"In that case, we'd better head back as well," Starlight said, hopping off of the couch and stretching.
"Yeah. I need to get back home too and finish my homework," Sunset added, earning her a glare from Twilight.
"... you didn't finish it yet?"
Sunset shrugged. "What can I say? Procrastination for the win."
Twilight rolled her eyes. "That sounds like something Rainbow Dash would say."
"Yeah. It does, and I think she even did one time."
Turning back to her parents, Twilight gave them both a hug and peck on the cheek. "Well, I guess I'll see you two later."
"We would like that. Maybe after the Princesses get back you and Sol could come over again?" Night suggested.
"I think we could do that."
With a goodbye and thanks from Starlight and Sunset, Twilight led the way out of her parents' house where her escort patiently waited for her. After levitating the empty glasses and cookie plate back to her mom, Twilight, Starlight, and Sunset walked past the guards, the latter having to stifle a chuckle as she saw some cookie crumbs one of the guards' muzzle.
"Once we get back to the castle, I'll help you two with your luggage, and then walk you to the train station."
"Actually, Twilight," Starlight began, "we won't need to go that far. I was actually planning on just teleporting us directly to Ponyville from the castle after we got done packing."
"Oh. Yeah. That works too, I guess."
The walk back to the castle didn't take long for them thanks to the talking they were doing to help pass the time. Once they'd made it inside, they were greeted by Sol. After a brief exchange and compliments for Twilight's appearance from her visit to the spa, the four went to the guest rooms and began to pack what little Starlight and Sunset brought with them. Within minutes, the four were finished and standing out in the hallways saying their goodbyes.
"I'm really going to miss you, Sunset," Twilight said as she and Sunset hugged.
"Me too, but it won't be forever. I'll have summer vacation in a few months, so I'll definitely have some time to drop by again for a visit."
"I'm looking forward to it."
"As am I," Sol said, approaching Sunset and hugging her after she and Twilight had separated. "And I meant what I said before about you being my sister."
Though initially surprised, Sunset soon smiled and hugged Sol back. "You know, the more I hear it, the more I'm starting to like the sound of it... having a brother, that is."
"I'm glad to hear it." Sol pulled back and broke their hug. "And I'm sure that mother would as well."
As the two had their moment, Starlight walked over to Twilight and shared a brief hug.
"So, I guess I'll see you in a few days then," Starlight said.
"If there's nothing to delay the Princesses, then yeah," Twilight nodded before blinking as she remembered something she wanted to ask. "Oh! Before I forget to ask, how's Spike been doing since I've been gone?"
Starlight blushed and coughed. "Uh... well... Spike's fine... perfectly fine..."
Wish I can say the same for the library, she mentally cringed. Seriously, after what those three did in there, it'll take a miracle for that place to get aired out in time, even with magic.
"Are you sure?" Twilight skeptically asked, noticing Starlight's hesitation while the unicorn in question began to nervously glance round.
"Yep! I'm sure! Totally sure! Wow, would you look at the time? Sunset and I better get going." With a startled yelp, Sunset found herself levitated over by Starlight's side. "Well, see you two late, and have a nice date."
Without waiting for them to get a word in, Starlight lit her horn brightly before she teleported herself, Sunset, and their luggage back to Ponyville, leaving Sol and Twilight standing there confused.
"Well, that was odd," Sol commented.
"You don't think that something bad happened to Spike, do you?"
"I don't believe so. If something did happen, then Starlight or one of the others would've told you about it right away."
"Yeah. I suppose."
Sol nodded and lowered his head down to Twilight's. "Well, now that they're gone, shall we get ready?"
Twilight blushed faintly. "I suppose we should."
"In that case, I'll see you soon."
With that, the two left for their own rooms to get themselves ready for their date. Though nothing was really required for tonight since they would be alone, Sol still wanted to look somewhat presentable for his date, so he made his way over to his dresser where he combed down his coat and mane, and added a splash of cologne. Looking over himself and feeling satisfied, Sol retrieved a certain scroll from within one of the drawers, and placed it within his saddlebag before tossing it on. Now having everything that he needed, Sol, with a breath of nervousness, left his room and waited for his date.
While he was doing that, Twilight was in her own room doing practically the same. Thanks to her trip to the spa, her coat was much softer after the treatment, while her mane, though still smooth as silk from the spa treatment, had to be combed down a little bit. Looking over herself in her mirror and finding her look to be satisfactory, Twilight took a bottle of perfume that was sitting on her dresser and gave herself a few light sprays. Having finished her preparations and going through Cadence's breathing exercise to calm her growing nerves, Twilight pushed open the door to her room and joined Sol out in the hallway, who was ogling her as she approached.
"I know I said it before, but good call on the spa, Twilight. Those spa ponies did a wonderful job," he complimented, causing her to blush at his words... before her lips formed into a small smirk.
"Are you saying that I didn't look good, before?" she playfully teased, creating the reaction she was hoping for as Sol began to sputter. Thankfully for him, it only lasted for a moment before Twilight laughed at his reaction. "I'm just teasing you, Sol. I know what you meant. And thank you. You clean up really well, too."
"Thank you, Twilight." Sol gave a small bow at her words and offered her his claw. "Well, shall we?"
With a nod, Twilight took Sol's claw as he led her down the halls. As they walked, she began to notice that they were headed towards the throne room.
"So, where are we going?" she asked, curious as to what Sol had planned.
"Over there, first," he replied, gesturing towards the large doors to the throne room.
Lighting his horns, Sol opened the door for them. As they entered, he stopped for a moment and looked back at the squad of guards that were following them with a smirk.
"Apologies, gentlecolts, but this is where we must part ways for the time being. Twilight and I shall be back in a few hours."
Reaching a claw into his saddlebag, Sol brought out a scroll and opened it, revealing on it a set of runes in a circular pattern. As Twilight looked over the runes, Sol lit his horns and activated the runes, which caused them to glow with a pale-blue color on the scroll. As the runes glowed, the area around Sol and Twilight glowed with the same pale light, before the two were consumed by the light and teleported away.
As the light around them faded away, Twilight shivered from the sudden temperature change and moved in against Sol's side for warmth. Smiling as she felt his wing drape over her, Twilight looked around to see where Sol had teleported them off to. As she looked around, she saw that, judging by the wooden floorboards, the guard railings running along the sides, and the massive balloon holding it all by thick ropes, they were on an airborne zeppelin. And, judging by the cold air and the snowy tundra below them, she figured that they were currently somewhere in the Frozen North.
"So, an airship ride, huh?" she said. "I'll admit, I wasn't expecting this, but it is a very pretty sight."
Sol chuckled, knowing that there was far more to come than what she saw.
"Well, I had originally thought about taking you out to the library and then having dinner, but I didn't think that was special enough. So instead, we have this."
Following the direction of his claw, Twilight looked behind her and blushed. Sitting on the deck was a small, circular table with a pair of chairs sitting at opposite ends. Covering the table was a red tablecloth, along with two sets of silverware, a pair of lit candles, an ice bucked with what she could only guess at this point was champagne, and, oddly enough, an enchanted violin and bow that played music as it hovered in place.
"So, Twilight, what do you think?" Sol asked. "Our own private zeppelin, romantic music, and a dinner at sunset."
Twilight smiled and nodded. "I think that this is better than anything I would have expected," she said before giving Sol a peck on the lips. "But I would've been happy with whatever you had planned, anyway."
"Glad to hear it," he said, giving her an 'after you' gesture as they made their way to their seats. "But this is only the beginning."
"I'm looking forward to it." Twilight paused in thought as something came to mind. "You said that it's just us here on this zeppelin, right?"
"I did."
"... then who's piloting this thing?"
Sol blinked as he forgot that small detail. "Oops. Guess you're right. Yes. There is somepony piloting this thing."
"Do you know who?"
"I do not, but Cadence gave me her word that it was somepony who she trusted with the utmost certainty."
Inside the zeppelin's control room, a pair of ponies watched what was happening on the deck below them. One smiling giddily as she watched, while the other frowned as he operated the zeppelin's helm.
"I can't believe you talked me into this," he grumbled, eyeing the pink alicorn next to him.
"Oh, lighten up, Shiny," Cadence dismissed. "Besides, we've got Sunburst foalsitting Flurry Heart back home, and you know how much she loves her favorite foalsitter."
Sounds of music and laughter filled the air as Sol and Twilight enjoyed their dinner. Despite the cool air of the north, the area around them was significantly warmer, much to Twilight's delight. As their dinner continued on, Twilight eventually asked about the magic he used to get them there. Sol told her that since he didn't know any actual teleportation spells, he had to rely on using runes to do it for him. He then went on to explain how he had given Cadence specific instructions on the runes that were to be placed on the zeppelin, allowing for the teleportation runes on the scroll to lock on to the zeppelin and teleport them to it safely. Sol also added that along with the "beacon" runes, he had also given Cadence a second set of runes to carve into the floorboards, which was what caused the air around him and Twilight to warm up enough for them to enjoy their date.
By the time they had finished their dinner with full bellies, Sol noted that it was just about time for the biggest part of the date. One that, from what Cadence had told him, would surely drive Twilight to tears. Excusing himself for a moment, Sol retreated below deck to grab a few things for them. Minutes later, he returned with a pair of blankets, and several large pillows floating in his magical aura behind him.
"What's this for?" Twilight wondered, looking over the blankets and pillows.
"Just thought that you might like to be comfortable for what's about to happen next," Sol answered vaguely.
Twilight raised a skeptical brow. "Like?"
"I can't tell you. That would spoil the surprise."
After laying out the first blanket on the floor, Sol arranged the pillows in a half-circle facing towards the sunset and sat himself down. With the second blanket draped over him, he then motioned for Twilight to come join him. From his choice of words alone, Twilight knew that there could be several meanings behind his wording. But, knowing the kind of pony that he was, and having no reason not to trust him, Twilight walked over and joined Sol. As she sat down in front of him, she leaned back against his chest, while Sol wrapped his arms and the blanket around Twilight.
"Mmmm. This is nice," she cooed, clearly enjoying the warmth that Sol was providing her with. "I'm not all that experienced with it comes to romance, but I've got to admit, watching the sun set with you is the perfect way to end our date."
Unbeknown to Twilight, Sol smirk behind her, seeing the sun setting and knowing what was about to come.
"Yes, it is the perfect way to end our date... except it isn't over just yet."
"It isn't? What more do you have planned."
Sol's smirk softened as he rested his chin on top of Twilight's head.
"Cadence told me a certain story about you, Twilight. One that actually left me a little sad after hearing it."
"Really? Why? What happened in this story that made you sad to hear it?"
Sol gently tightened his hug on Twilight. "What happened was that it ending up with you in tears, and worse, sad... something that I intend on correcting."
Confused, Twilight glanced up at Sol, who's focus remained towards the sun setting behind the horizon. She also noticed that he was mouthing numbers to himself, and that his counting would reach zero right as the sun set.
But why? Why is Sol counting down to... wait a minute... sunset... frozen north...
Twilight's eyes widened in astonishment as a possible thought occurred, one that made her shiver in anticipation.
No way. He didn't plan this around...!
With the last rays of the setting sun faded behind the horizon, a bright light soared from the setting sun. As the light streaked across the sky, it lit the land below it in is dazzling light, and thanks to their spot on the zeppelin, Sol and Twilight had a perfect view.
Witnessing the astronomical phenomenon for the first time, all Twilight could do was stare with her mouth slightly ajar at the light as it crossed the sky above them. For so long she wanted to see it, and the last time she tried, she had missed it. But now, finally having the chance to watch it in all its glory, all thanks to her coltfriend, Twilight couldn't help herself as moisture built up in her eyes.
"When Cadence told me about how you wanted to see the Northern Stars, and how heartbroken you were when you missed them, I knew that I had to help fix that." Feeling something wet dripping on his arms, Sol looked around to get a look at Twilight, and felt his heart skip with worry as he saw tears running down her face. "Twilight? Is everything okay?"
Sol's worries only grew when Twilight silently turned around and faced him with teary eyes. However, it was short-lived as he found himself flung on his back with Twilight laying on top of him, forelegs tightly wrapped around him, and her lips pressing against his as she kissed him hard. Figuring that he must've done good for her to react like that, Sol wrapped his arms around Twilight and returned her kiss for the few, blissful moments it lasted. As he felt her lips part, Sol slowly opened his eyes, revealing Twilight above him who, while still crying, bore a smile that made his heart melt.
"This is the most wonderful thing anypony has ever done for me. Thank you, Sol. You don't know how much that meant to me."
"So I did good?" he asked, earning him a smile from Twilight before she leaned back down and began placing kisses on his cheek, nose, chin, and lips.
"You did wonderful."
After having her fill of kisses for the moment, Twilight rolled over and snuggled against Sol's side, resting her head on his chest as the two of them looked up at the stars. Draping the blanket over them, the two spent the rest of their date staring up at the stars far after the sun had set and Luna's moon had taken it's place in the heavens. Apart from the occasional kiss between them, nothing happened to interrupt them from their moment together. However, as time passed by, Sol's ears perked at the sound of light and steady breathing. Glancing down, Sol smiled when he saw that it was coming from Twilight, who'd fallen asleep with a smile on her face as she used him as a pillow.
Guess it's time we got going.
However, as Sol got up to move, he found that Twilight's hold on him hadn't loosened. If anything, it reminded him of the first time they fell asleep together, and how her grip on him would tighten whenever he tried to move away.
Okay. Let's try this then.
Unable to move her without waking her up, and unable to teleport her off of him, Sol instead shifted himself around onto his stomach and lit his horns, levitating Twilight and rotating her until she was settled on his back. After looking back to make sure his precious passenger was secured and still asleep, Sol got up and levitated the blankets and pillows back down below deck.
With everything returned, Sol levitated his saddlebag over and pulled out the teleportation scroll. Unfurling it, Sol stopped when he hit the runes that marked the beacon placed in Canterlot Castle's throne room and activated it.
Much like before, Sol and Twilight appeared at their designated area in a blue light that quickly died out. Blinking the bright lights away, Sol lit his horns and conjured a small ball of light that would give him enough light to see, but not enough to wake the sleeping Twilight from her spot on Sol's back. Moving silently as he could, Sol made his way from the throne room to the hall that held his and Twilight's room.
Coming upon the doors to her room, Sol opened them and made his way inside with the intent of dropping Twilight off in her bed, and tucking her in before retiring to his own room and bed for the night. That proved to be rather difficult, however, as once he pulled back the covers and tried to gently pry Twilight off of him, her hold on him tightened once again, this time with whine of protest.
Okay. How to do this? he pondered, trying to think of a way to get her to bed without waking her up.
As several ideas came to mind, Sol quickly picked one. Lowering himself to the bed's level, he rotated around until Twilight was now laying on her side on her bed. With that part out of the way, all he needed to do now was grab one of her pillows and slip it in between them, which would cause Twilight to snuggle the pillow instead. But, right as he lit his horns to retrieve one of the pillows, Twilight rolled over... and took Sol with her. Having temporarily forgotten about her alicorn strength, Sol was taken by surprise as he was flipped over and landed on Twilight's bed, all the while Twilight having maintained her hold on him as she nuzzled the back of his neck with a happy murmur.
Well, that didn't work, he thought, blushing at the position he currently found himself trapped in. I really shouldn't, but if I try anything, she might-
"No. Stay."
Sol's eyes widened as he heard her murmur. He was sure that he heard her correctly, but judging from the sound of her breathing, she was still asleep, and had more than likely been sleep talking. Still, even though he didn't want to overstep his boundaries with Twilight, despite her having said it in her sleep, he also knew that he would likely not be able to escape her without waking her. So, it was with a mixed sigh of defeat and joy that Sol surrendered himself to Twilight and pulled the covers up over them, ready to call it a night with his fillyfriend clinging to him from behind.
However, as Sol fell asleep, he didn't notice the corners of Twilight's smile twitch in a brief smirk.