//------------------------------// // Unexpected Love - Ch. 6 // Story: Two Lives Becoming One // by manuccia //------------------------------// Soarin’ froze staring at the blue stallion in front of him. ‘Good going Soarin’, I’ll make out with Twilight in front of her father… that’ll make a great first impression,’ Soarin’ chided himself. “Well,” Crescent snorted. Soarin’ felt like his mouth was cemented shut. He wanted to try and explain the situation to Twilight’s father, but every scenario ended with him being kicked off the side of Canterlot. ‘Come on Soarin’, say something… anything.’ Soarin’ was looking any way out of the hole he dug himself. Looking past the stallion in front of him, he saw a grey mare trotting over. “I-I-I…,” Soarin’ stammered. Before Soarin’ could finish Twilight moved between him and her father. “Mom… Dad,” Twilight addressed her parents. “I would like you to meet Soarin’, my coltfriend,” Twilight said point to Soarin’. “What? You’re dating this colt,” Crescent exclaimed in disbelief. Before Twilight could respond her mother interrupted. “Crescent Sparkle,” Star said forcefully. “Yes dear?” Crescent asked turning to his wife. “I need to have a word with you,” she answered pulling him to the side. Crescent noticed the look on his wife’s face; the last time she gave it to him he slept on the couch for a week. They stopped near a window overlooking the Everfree Valley. “Well Crescent Sparkle, care to explain yourself?” she asked. "He's a showpony, and they are all the same," Crescent said. "Once he gets bored with Twilight he is going to throw her away, and we are going to left pick the pieces to her broken heart." "You don't know that Crescent," Star retorted. “He was also making out with our daughter,” Crescent said trying to justify himself. “Now I didn’t really enjoy seeing that either, but I’ve waiting too long for our Twilight to find a nice colt for scare her first coltfriend off,” Star said. “But…” “No buts Crescent,” Star interrupted and emphasized her point by prodding a hoof into his chest. “Now we’re going back over there and I’m going to talk to Twilight. Just do me a favor and get to know Soarin’ before you pass judgment on him.” “Fine,” he grumbled. Crescent and Star began to trot back over to their daughter and Soarin’. Both ponies still had a dazed look on their faces. Star walked over to her daughter and gently placed a hoof on her shoulder. “Twilight I want you to tell me everything about Soarin’,” Star said pulling Twilight away from Crescent and Soarin’. Soarin’ looked pleadingly at Twilight as she trotted off. ‘No, don’t leave me here Twilight.’ Soarin’ turned back to Crescent and he was intently staring at Soarin’. “Hello Mr. Sparkle. It’s nice to meet you,” Soarin’ greeted extending his right hoof. “…” “I’m sorry about earlier… I wasn’t thinking,” Soarin’ explained. “…” “Mr. Sparkle?” “I’m going to be straight with you. I don’t like you,” Crescent said with a deadpan expression. Soarin’ gulped. “If I have it my way you wouldn’t be dating my daughter,” the blue stallion explained. “So, if you hurt Twilight in any way we will have problems; so you better watch your back.” Crescent turned and trotted off towards his wife. ‘Good going, you just met Twilight’s father and he already hates you. Why did I have to kiss her?’ Soarin’ regretted his decision to kiss Twilight, and then not pulling out of the second kiss. At the moment he just wanted Twilight to return so they can watch the moonrise together. After what felt like an eternity, Soarin’ heard cheering coming from around him. He looked up and saw Twilight galloping towards him. “Soarin’ you missed it,” Twilight said. “Missed what?” Soarin’ asked “Princess Luna raising the moon,” she said matter of fact. Soarin’ mentally face hoofed. ‘Good going… We were going to watch it together.’ Soarin’ sighed. ‘At least we still have dinner.’ Soarin’ turned to Twilight. “Are you ready to go to dinner Twilight?” Twilight softly nuzzled into his chest. “That sounds nice,” Twilight answered. Soarin’ and Twilight made their way out of the gala. They had a farewell to Princess Luna and thanked her for the invitations. After leaving the castle they headed east into Canterlot towards the Sun and Moon. ‘Ok Soarin’, you messed up so far tonight, but dinner is going to be perfect. I just need to make sure I am a gentlecolt and make a good impression for Twilight’s brother.’ Twilight was trotting through the snowy streets of Canterlot. She always loved winter nights in the capital. The smell of burning wood made her feel at home. Twilight looked over at her coltfriend and smiled at him. ‘Soarin’ is the best coltfriend ever. He took me to the gala and now we are going out to dinner, and there is even a surprise there for me.’ Twilight had been desperately trying to figure out Soarin’s surprise. She had a couple of ideas, but she really wanted to know. “Soarin,” Twilight called to stallion next to her. “Yes Twilight,” Soarin’ asked looking towards her. “Can you tell me what the surprise is?” Twilight asked looking into Soarin’s eyes. “I don’t know,” Soarin’ teased. ‘Why does she has to look so cute when she looks at me like that,’ Soarin’ thought looking at Twilight. “Ok, we are going to be eating with two special ponies,” Soarin’ said. “Really, who?” Twilight asked. “Your brother, Shining Armor, and his wife,” Soarin’ said. “I haven’t seen my BBBFF in so long,” Twilight exclaimed. Then Twilight remembered that dinner was supposed to be a date. “But you don’t mind eating with them. I mean I didn’t read anything about taking relatives with you on a first date,” Twilight said. “It’s fine. I know how close you two are and I would like to meet him,” Soarin’ said. “Ok, I just hope it doesn’t end like that last time we ate at the Sun and Moon,” Twilight said grimly. Soarin’ raised his brow in confusion. “What happened?,” Soarin’ asked. “Well, it was the only time I’ve ever eaten there. When I was nine Princess Celestia paid for us to take our mother there for mother’s day,” Twilight explained. “While we were waiting for our food I wanted to show my mom a new spell I learned. It kind of backfired and set the table cloth on fire,” Twilight said with embarrassment. “Wow, you got kicked out,” Soarin’ said trying to resist collapsing on the ground laughing. “Yeah we ended up eating at Pony Joe’s,” Twilight explained. They soon saw the Sun and Moon fast approaching in front of them. It was all most time for Soarin’ to meet his marefriend’s brother. *** Shining Armor and Cadence were seated at a small table. It was situated in a private dining room and was set for four ponies. They both decided to skip the gala; they have been to enough galas and they decided to spend the time to themselves. “Cadence, why is this table set for four ponies?” Shining asked. “We have two ponies joining us for dinner,” Cadence replied nonchalantly. “Who?” Shining asked. “My parents?” “Nope,” Cadence answered. “Your sister, Twilight, and her coltfriend are.” “Oh, just Twilight and her coltfriend,” Shining said pulling his glass up to take a sip of water. ‘Just Twily and her coltfriend… WAIT, her coltfriend.’ The guard captain spit the water out of his mouth. “Twilight has a coltfriend!” he exclaimed. “Yes she does, and do me a favor and get to know him,” Cadence pleaded. “Cadence he is dating my sister. My little sister,” he emphasized. Shining doesn’t like the idea of his sister dating. “Well, here they are,” Cadence said as Twilight and Soarin’ were led into the dining room by a server. Shining looked towards his sister and more importantly to the colt she was dating. ‘Great, not only is my sister dating, but she is dating a showcolt,’ Shining thought as he recognized his Wonderbolt uniform. “Shining,” Twilight exclaimed as she rushed over to embrace her big brother. “It’s so nice to see you again.” “It’s nice to see you too, Twily,” Shining said returning the embrace. After a few minutes Twilight took her seat next to her brother. Soarin’ got into his seat and turned to Twilight’s brother. “Hello Captain Armor. My name is Soarin’ and it’s nice to meet you,” Soarin’ greeted. “Hmm,” Shining said pulling his head out of menu pretending he didn’t hear Soarin’. “Oh, nice to meet you Glidin’,” he said before immediately putting his head back into the menu. “Uh, it’s Soarin’,” the Wonderbolt corrected. “Yeah, sure,” the guard captain said not bothering to look up at Soarin’. ‘Ok Cadence warned me about this, so I just need to let him get to know me.’ Soarin’ could tell that Shining didn’t seem too fond of him, but he is glad it went better than when he met Twilight’s father. A grey unicorn stallion quickly shuffled into the room. “Good evening, I hope you are enjoying your evening. I’ll be your waiter for the night,” the grey unicorn stated. He turned to Twilight. “Can I get a drink for the lovely unicorn,” he asked. “Uh...,” Twilight stalled looking over the menu. “I’ll have a glass of grape juice, please.” “Excellent choice, and for the… Pegasus?” the waiter asked. “I’ll have a glass of your finest sparkling apple cider,” Soarin’ replied. “Yes of course, I’ll be back with your drinks,” he said shuffling out. The four ponies enjoyed their dinner. Twilight was happy to be able to catch up with her brother and her sister-in-law, and they were happy to see Twilight. Soarin’ couldn’t help but think that Shining didn’t like him. Every time Soarin’ tried to talk to him he seemed to have some excuse: like he didn’t hear what Soarin’ said, he wasn’t paying attention, or Shining was suddenly talking to his wife. The fact that Shining wasn’t even trying to get to know Soarin’ depressed him a bit. ‘Twilight’s father doesn’t like. Her brother doesn’t seem to like me, and heck her mother didn’t talk to me. I hope she doesn’t hate me too.’ Soarin’ realizes that he didn’t start too well with Crescent, so that partial explains Crescent’s behavior, but he was sure he did everything right when he met Shining. ‘Well the only thing I can do is continue to try and get on their good sides.’ The waiter shuffled back into the room. “Here are your checks,” he said handing Soarin’ and Shining their respective bills. Soarin’ opened up and the check and looked it over. ‘Ok, 300 bits, but with the 30% off for the couple’s discount I should be good.’ He looked to make sure the discount was listed, but it wasn’t. ‘Where’s our discount? I know I told the waiter that we were a couple.’ Soarin’ was beginning to get nervous, because he was short sixty bits and he didn’t want to ask Twilight for the money. ‘I know I can go ask the waiter. It was probably a simple mistake.’ Soarin’ got out of his seat with the bill in his mouth, and began to head for the door. “Where are you going Soarin’?” Twilight asked. “There is a mistake on the bill. I am going to get it fixed,” Soarin’ explained. He left the room and began to look around for their waiter. The restaurant was packed with couples enjoying romantic dinners. While a majority of the patrons were unicorns and a few earth ponies, Soarin’ seemed to be the only Pegasus there. After a while of searching for his waiter, a white unicorn with grey hair and black tux approached him. “Hello, I am the manager,” he greeted. “Is there something I can help you with?” Soarin’ took the bill out of his mouth and held it with is hoof. “There is a mistake on our bill,” he said handing him the bill. “Where is your party located?” “In the Celestial room,” Soarin’ answered. The manager carefully reviewed the bill and looked back to Soarin’. “Everything seems fine to me,” he said. “There should be the couple’s discount on there,” Soarin’ said. “Oh yes, your waiter asked me about that. I looked into it and I told him not the include it,” the manager explained. “Why?” “You have to be a couple to the discount,” the unicorn said dryly. Soarin’ was starting to get upset. “That unicorn mare in there, Twilight, is my marefriend. We are a couple,” Soarin’ stated raising his voice slightly. “Yeah sure she is, and let me guess now you’re going to tell me that Princess Celestia is your mother,” the unicorn stallion said sarcastically. “You can pay the bill as is or wash dishes,” he explained before trotting off. Soarin’ returned to the Celestial room. When he walked in Cadence was talking to Twilight about the gala. Soarin’ was glad Twilight wasn’t looking at him. He felt embarrassed that he couldn’t pay for their dinner and had was going to have to ask her for some bits. “Hey Soarin’, did you get everything fixed?” Twilight asked noticing her date’s return. “Uh sort of,” Soarin’ replied. Soarin’ hung his head low and he didn’t want to do this, but he knew that he had to. “Uh Twilight…” “Yes Soarin’.” “Do you have some bits I could borrow,” Soarin’ said staring at his front hooves. “I’m a little short.” Soarin’ didn’t even want to see how Shining reacted to his request. He doesn’t seem to like me, and don’t think this would help any. He just hoped that Twilight won’t be mad. “Sure Soarin’,” Twilight said. “I thought we would be splitting the bill.” “Thanks, I need sixty bits,” Soarin’ said. He was relieved that Twilight wasn’t upset or didn’t seem upset. “I’ll pay you back.” “It’s ok Soarin’, “ she said pulling out her bits. “Here they are, sixty bits.” “Thanks,” Soarin’ replied grabbing the bag of bits. He got all the bits together and gave them to the waiter. He just wanted to leave. ‘Next time we go out, we’ll eat at the Golden Pegasus.’ The four ponies got up from the seats and headed for the exit. Twilight turned her head to look at Soarin’. “Hey Soarin’, my mom asked if we could stop by at home after dinner,” Twilight said. “Is that ok with you?” “That’s fine,” he said. ‘Maybe I’ll get another chance to get on her father’s good side.' “Shining and Cadence are going to be there too.” Soarin’ looked back at the guard captain and the pink alicorn trotting behind them. ‘Well at least Cadence likes me.’ “Twilight,” Cadence called out. “You and Soarin’ can walk ahead. I need to have a word with my husband. “Ok, see you two there,” Twilight said. Cadence and Shining slowed there pace. “What did you want to talk about Cadence?” Shining asked. He wasn’t sure what his wife wanted to talk about. “What were you trying to do back at dinner?” “I don’t know what you are talking about,” Shining lied. “Shining Armor you know very well what I am talking about,” Cadence said in an authoritative tone. “I asked you to get to know Soarin’, not give him the third degree.” Shining opened his mouth to respond but Cadence cut him off. “I know he is dating your little sister, and I understand that I want to protect her, but you should at least the colt a chance.” “But…” “Do you love me Shiny?” Cadence asked. She surprised Shining. “Of course I love you Cadence.” “Do you trust me?” “Yes I trust you,” Shining answered. “Then trust me when I say that Soarin’ is a nice colt, and that you will like him once you get to know him,” Cadence said. “Fine,” Shining grumbled. “When we get home you are going to apologize to Soarin’ for your behavior,” Cadence said. Shining was afraid to ask. “If I don’t?” “Then you will be sleeping in the barracks the rest of the week, alone,” she answered. “But it’s going to be freezing,” Shining exclaimed. “I know, so I suggest you apologize,” Cadence said. “Also, don’t forget about what happened before our wedding. You thought Twilight was being possessive because she didn’t you to get married to me. You told her she wasn’t invited to the wedding anymore.” “Yeah, but I was going to marry a changeling.” “You didn’t know that at the time. You should at least give him a chance,” the pink alicorn said. “If you don’t do it for me, then do it for Twilight.” Shining didn’t want to agree, but he knew his wife was right. He was furious at Twilight after her outburst and she gave Cadence a chance. ‘I didn’t even give him a chance.’ Shining agreed and soon after they reached the Sparkle household. When they entered the house, Soarin’ was sitting by the fire and Twilight was with her parents in the kitchen. Cadence guided Shining to go sit near Soarin’ as she trotted off to the kitchen. Shining sat down next to Soarin’. “Hey Flyin’… I mean Soarin’,” he greeted. “I’m sorry about how I behaved earlier.” Soarin’ turned to look at the white unicorn. “It’s ok; you are just trying to look out for Twilight.” “No. I should have tried to get to know you; instead of trying to scare you off,” Shining said. Soarin’ smiled. “Twilight told me how close you to are and I glad I got to meet you,” Soarin’ said offering a hoof to Shining. “It’s nice to meet you too,” Shining replied. He grabbed Soarin’s hoof and shook. "Just be careful with Twilight." "I will." Shining got up and turned towards the kitchen and see how his parents were doing. Soarin’ sat next to the crackling fire. ‘I’m glad that Shining Armor is giving me a chance, but I still don’t know what her mother thinks of me.‘ Just as he thought that, said mare made her way into the quaint living room with a small smile on her face. She took a seat next the stallion. “I always love sitting by the fire on a cold winter's night,” Star said. “It’s nice to meet you Mrs. Sparkle,” Soarin’ greeted. “I’m glad I got to meet the colt who is falling for my daughter,” Star said happily. “Did you like your evening?” “Yeah, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Twilight is upset at me.” Star crocked her head in confusion. “What do you mean?” she inquired. “This night was supposed to be perfect, but everything went wrong,” Soarin’ explained. “First we were supposed to take a chariot to Canterlot, but another couple took it so we had to take the train. We arrived at the gala and late. I ruined my first impression for her father and now I think he hates me. I even had to ask her for bits to pay for dinner,” Soarin’ said. “I mean I’m her coltfriend I should be able to pay for dinner. To make it worse we were supposed to take our chariot back to Ponyville, but we can’t. The train isn’t running and I don’t know where she is going to stay tonight.” “First, I would like to apologize for about how my husband acted,” she said sympathetically. “Second, I am pretty sure Twilight loved her night with you.” “Why do you say that?” he asked. “It’s almost like how my first date with Crescent went,” she said. Soarin’ was curious. “Why did he kiss you in front of your father?” he asked. “No, but he felt like everything went wrong. When I got home he kissed me on the check. I was surprised because I didn’t expect it,” she told Soarin’. “Well he saw my shock and I thought I was mad at him and that I would tell him that I didn’t want to see him anymore.” “What did you do? Soarin’ asked. “Kind of like what Twilight did to you tonight. I tackled him to the ground and showed how to properly kiss a mare,” she said happily reminiscing on the night. “That night was one of the best of my life because I got to spend it with somepony I care about, and I’m sure Twilight feels that same.” “Really?” he asked. "Really," she said. “Oh, you and Twilight can stay here tonight,” Star offered. “I was going to fly…” “When I asked it wasn’t a request, I would like to get to know you,” she explained. “I’ll give you and Twilight some time,” she said. Soarin’ looked behind him and saw Twilight standing she had already taken her dress off. She trotted over as her mother left. She sat and snuggled up to Soarin’. “You heard everything. Didn’t you?” Soarin’ asked. “Yes, I did.” “I’m sorry for messing up your night,” he apologized. “You didn’t mess up our night. I loved it because I spent it with you and you did everything you could to make sure I’m happy and I appreciate it,” Twilight said looking into Soarin’s eyes. “Oh, I would love to spend the night at my parent’s.” Soarin’ was happy. Twilight’s mother liked him and her brother was warming up to him. He was just glad that he was cuddled up to his mare and he was going to enjoy her company. Two ponies fell asleep next to the fire; enjoying the comfort of each other’s company. Star Sparkle trotted into the small dimly light living room. She looked at the sleeping couple and she couldn’t help but smile. ‘They are just like Crescent and I when we started dating.’ She was glad that her daughter found a nice colt and she could tell he was a good colt. You could say it was a mare’s intuition, but she knew that Soarin’ was right for her daughter, and she hoped that they stay together. Something about Soarin' was familiar to her. Sure he kind of reminded her of her husband, but he looked familiar, and his name sounded familiar. When she meet him earlier she brushed it off because is a Wonderbolt, but that is not it. 'I swear I met this colt before... I guess it's not that important.' She quietly trotted up to her sleeping daughter and kissed her goodnight. “Goodnight Twilight, I’m glad you found love,” she said in a motherly tone. She stayed for a few moments before returning to her room and her husband. It was a love filled night in Equestria. *** Celestia was heading to he personal bed chambers. Her eyes were drooping slightly and she was ready to get some rest. The gala went perfectly and Luna's moon-rise even rivaled her sunrise for the Summer Sun Celebration. She was happy that there are ponies who were enjoying her sister's night. "Your highness... Your Highness," Celestia heard a stallion call out to her. She turned to see the source of the noise and saw a white unicorn stallion galloping towards her. "Your majesty, I have important news to relay to you." "What is it?" the princess asked. "Did you know that your student is dating a pegasus?" "Yes, I did," Celestia answered curtly. "Well it is the opinion of the court that..." "Stop right there," Celestia interrupted. She knew what he was going to say. That the court doesn't approve a well know unicorn like Twilight was dating a pegasus. 'Twilight is my faithful student and Soarin' is a son to me. They both deserve to be happy together.' "I hope you were about to say that the court would like to congratulate Twilight on finding love," Celestia said slyly. "But, Princess it is an embarrassment..." "I for one, am happy for them," Celestia said. She could sense the stallion was getting nervous. "Also, by insinuating that my student is making a 'bad' decision what are insinuating about my teaching?" "Nothing!" he exclaimed. "Well I taught my student that love is a special thing, and should always be cherished," the princess explained. "I don't know why my court has to consistantly show it's prejudice against pegasi/unicorn relationships. I for one am tired of it." The unicorn stallion was scared. He was starting to shack. "Please don't banish me to the moon!" he yelled goveling at the Princess's hooves. 'Why does everypony think I'm going to send them to the moon? I had to banish Nightmare Moon to save my subjects.' The princess tried to pry the shaking stallion off her forehooves. "Please stand up, I'm not sending you to the moon," Celestia said trying to calm him down. The stallion slowly stood back up. "I'm sorry about my outburst," he apologized. "That wasn't very regal of me." "Yes of course. Tell the rest of the court that I approve of Twilight relationship and it is not an issue they need to worry about," she explained. "Now if you will excuse me, I need to get some rest." Celestia continued to her bed chamber. The stallion simply stood there in stunned silence.