Sunny Side had been lost in the electronic swing that Cherry Tune had been blasting at the DJ booth. She remembered her parents would dance with her at a dance studio after school to this very same music style. Sunny caught a glimpse of Promenade rushing outside to the balcony. Cherry, Sapphire and the others also noticed but before they could react Sunny motioned to them that it’s alright and she’d go look after Promenade.
Sunny went by the bar and grabbed two glasses of water. She walked outside passed the few others who were also on the balcony. Some guests were macking and eating each others faces, while others had delightful conversations over candle light. Promenade was at the fire pit looking out over the edge. In the distance the moon sat quietly at the edge of the lake, it’s light reflecting off the surface of the calm waters.
“Hey you doing ok sweety?” Sunny said handing Promenade a glass of water.
“I’m fine. Just had a … hiccup, that’s all.” she replied retrieving the water gulping a few mouthfuls down.
“You want to call it a night?” Sunny said.
“Absolutely not! I haven’t had this much fun in a long time.” Promenade said. “Thanks for looking out for me….again. Please enjoy the party, I’ll be back in there in a moment.” Promenade continued.
“You know how this goes, I don’t leave until I know you’re good.” Sunny said with a smile.
Promenade was a little irritated but knew Sunny was coming from a good place…. and for good reason. “How about we sit around the fire until we finish our waters then?” Promenade said.
“Sure thing!” Sunny replied.
The two mares drink their waters largely in silence. Promenade had been looking out the moonlit lake and Sunny sat by her side. After they finish their waters they head back in. Cherry Tune had been booed off stage for trying to play her banjo while Octavia, Vinyl, Bon Bon, and Lyra tried to coral her. Cherry leaped from the stage and fell flat on her face.
“Oh dear, this can’t end well.” Sunny said.
“But it sure will be fun to watch!” Promenade said. “Think they’ll try something at the dinner party upstairs?” she asked.
“I hope not…. How’d you know about the dinner party?” Sunny said.
“Please, I’m smarter than I look.” Promenade smiled. “ Plus it’s on Cherry’s invite… that she gave me…” she continued.
“Oh… fair enough. Well I certainly worked up an appetite after all that dancing.” Sunny said.
The two mares join the group and head to the fourth floor to their dinner reservations. The music was still thumping from below and it played in the dining room but at low enough levels so that conversations could take place. While the group chatted a bit most of the table was absolutely famished and focused on the food and desserts.
Group by group finished and headed back down stairs. Sapphire Spark and Vernal Bloom headed back down to their table. Moonlet, Nightfall, Cherry Tune, and Sugar Cloud sat at the bar to continue their “competition” and the rest slowly made their back down to the dance floor.
Sunny Side walked over to Sapphire Spark and Vernal Bloom. “Hey there Spark!” She said.
“Hey boss!” Sapphire replied with a smile.
“I thought Nightfall was your boss?” Vernal asked.
“They both are! That’s how the guard works, every officer is your boss.” Sapphire said.
“Oh nonsense Sapphire, we’re more friends than guard members at this point.” Sunny replied.
“I never thought you of all captains would say something like that Sunny!” Sapphire said surprised.
“Eh, I’m hard at work cause I have to be. AND I trust that should rank play a part of our duties you’d have no trouble with it at all.” Sunny explained. “Now I have not had the chance to meet your friend. Dinner was quite busy with everyone there.” She continued.
“Oh! This is Vernal Bloom, she’s a perfumist here in Canterlot.” Sapphire said.
“Hiya Sunny! I gotta say Saph, this one is way less stiff than ol’ Night over there.” Vernal said.
“Oh heheh, yup, still my boss!” Sapphire muttered. Sunny gave a boisterous laugh.
“Oh sorry but I know what you mean Vernal. Poor guy means well, just doesn’t know how to do the whole social interaction thing.” Sunny said. “Well I gotta go check on Promenade and get me another drink, you two have fun.” she added.
“Sure thing! Oh if you’re headed over to Sugar Could you let her know I’m gonna crash at Vernal’s place for the night?” Sapphire asked.
“Absolutely!” Sunny said. Sunny walks over to Sugar Cloud who was attending to the bar. “Hey Sugar, mind if I get a drink?” Sunny asked.
“Of course my dear! What would you like?” Sugar asked.
“Surprise me!” Sunny replied. “Also Sapphire is going to crash at Vernal’s place tonight, she wanted you to know. “ She added.
“Psssshhh I already knew that from the moment I met Vernal.” Sugar said. “Here ya go! Pineapple, coconut and rum. Reminds of the sunny beaches near mount Eris, so naturally I thought of you!” She continued.
“Ooh I am familiar with this one! That’s perfect! Thanks Sugar!” Sunny said. I’m going to check up on Promenade.” She continued.
“I think she’s doing just fine Sunny!” Sugar smiled and pointed to the dance floor.
Promenade was on the dance floor and the music changed from the heavy metal prior to dinner, to a pop dance genre. Promenade had performed ballet, swing, tap, salsa, waltz, and many other dance forms on stage and Sunny was not surprised when she noticed the talented pegasus flowing with the sensuality of the music with her eyes closed, only briefly opening to check her surroundings. Sunny also noticed that, though creatures were on every side of her on the dance floor, she seemed to be performing for someone though Sunny did not see who.
Promenade opened her eyes and made eye contact with Sunny who was sipping her pineapple drink. Promenade smiled and gave a sensual twirl as the song reached its end. A few creatures who were also watching Promenade gave her cheers and whistles as she walked off the dance floor towards Sunny. The music picked up again and the creatures returned to their night. Promenade motioned to a table and Sunny joined her.
“That was pretty amazing Promenade. If you dance as well as that I can only imagine the talent you brought in the reservists corp.” Sunny said.
“Oh yeah…. Never quite a fast enough flier to be honest.” Promenade said. “What’s that you got there?” she asked Sunny.
“Oh something Sugar made, wanna try?” Sunny asked.
“Sure!” Promenade replied happily. “That’s pretty good!” she continued. Promenade motioned to a waitress and ordered the same thing. Sunny polished off hers before the waitress left and ordered one for herself too.
“So, what do you think about Moonlet and Nightfall?” Promenade asked.
“Oh, what do you know about that situation?” Sunny replied.
“Well I’ve seen it before while I was in, so I know it can’t be easy. And if I can notice it and I don’t even work with them. Then others certainly noticed too.” Promenade explained.
“Well normally, as a captain. I’d be against it but as you said. So many have noticed and yet any rumors or discussions about them only seem to be supportive so….. Yeah.” Sunny said. “And you and I both know the code of guard explicit orders against this but I can’t see how such an archaic law holds up in our modern society so I let it go.” she added.
Promenade smiled saying under breath, “That’s what I told them.”
Just then their drinks arrive and Sunny Side takes a sip as does Promenade. “Now that’s refreshing, I could drink this all night!” Promenade said.
“Oh me too! Cheers” Sunny replied.
Sunny and Promenade continue the conversation and each time one would finish their drink the other would chug the remainder of theirs so they could both order another at the same time. Sunny lost track of how many she had and in doing so lost track of Promenade but both mares seemed well enough and enjoyed the pineapple beverages.
“Excuse me... one moment… my friend. I gotta use the restroom, I’ll be back.” Sunny struggled to say.
“Mhmm, you go do that!” Promenade said with a smile laying her head down on the table.
“Don’t go passin’ out on me now! I’ll be quick!” Sunny said. She heads to the restrooms and relieves the torrent of liquid she’d been drinking. “Oooh yeaahhh. That’s... what I’m talkin’ about.” Sunny said finishing with a moan.
“Whoa girl! Those are some noise comin’ outta there!” another creature said from a different stall.
“Oh, Haha! Sorry about that!” Sunny replied blushing.
Sunny finishes, washes her hooves and heads back out to Promenade. For a split second Sunny panicked as Promenade wasn’t at the table she left her at.
“Oh no… Where’d you go silly mare?” Sunny said to herself.
Sunny scanned the club and saw Promenade at the bar with Cherry and Sugar. They had given her a glass of water and were keeping her entertained. Though Promenade was rather tired, and the drinks were hitting her, she managed to stay conscious. “My my, what a trooper!” Sunny said waking over.
“Hey Sunny!” Cherry said.
“Hey Cherry, everything good over here?” Sunny asked motioning to Promenade.
“Sunny you gotta stop worrying so much! Promenade is handling the night like a champ!” Sugar said. Sunny was not reassured by the statement but saw Promenade looking up at her with a warm smile.
“Yeah, Sunny, you’re always there for me but remember I’ve been doing this alone for a long time!” Promenade said. Though she hadn’t meant anything by it. Cherry, Sugar, and Sunny all picked up on something Promenade hadn’t meant to share.
“That’s right ol’ girl, you and me got this together.” Sunny said to reassure Cherry and Sugar.
“Hey Cherry, can you make me a drink?” Promenade asked.
“Umm…” Cherry thought about it and though she knew that Promenade likely had enough for the night she obliged but not without a plan.
“I don’t think that is a good idea Promenade.” Sunny said. But before Promenade could respond against Sunny’s suggestion Cherry said, “I got just the drink for you Prom!” Being sure to give a nod to Sunny. “It’ll perfect for you!” Cherry added.
Sunny frowned but nodded back saying, “And two waters.”
Cherry mixed up the Moonlet Lullaby and slid it over to Promenade. “Wow, this is so pleasant Cherry! Thank you!” Promenade said.
“Anytime!” Cherry replied.
“Okay, let’s go upstairs and grab a few snacks, I’m a little hungry.” Sunny said intending to distract Promenade from the drinks and also to get food in Promenades system.
“Oh my, that’d be great! I’m craving those nachos from earlier right now!” Promenade said overly excited.
Sunny and Promenade head up stairs to their original table and Sunny orders the nachos. Promenade slowly picks at the dish trying to keep her head off the table. “So a good night dear?” Sunny asked.
With nachos in mouth, Promenade grabs Sunny’s hoof pulling her in a half hug saying. “Most definitely! Thank you for pushing me to come out tonight!”
“Heheh, no problem.” Sunny replied.
Just then Moonlet stomped upstairs looked straight at Sunny and sat down next to her.
“Hey girl!” Promenade said.
“Oh, Um... hey Promenade…” Moonlet said.
“What’s wrong sweety? Nightfall being dumb?” Promenade replied.
“Promenade! You can’t just ask that!” Sunny said. “But yeah, Nightfall being dumb again?” she added.
“.... nah it’s cool. But yeah he is… but not because he doesn’t care.” Moonlet said. “He cares too much…about everything” she continued.
“Ah the code of guard. Tricky little peace of law that just doesn’t make sense.” Promenade said.
“Look… Moonlet, you just gotta live in the moment, live for what you think is right.” Sunny said. “Ya know, with caution of course!”
“Aww, way to ruin a good moment Sunny” Promenade said. “No Moonlet, you take what you feel for Nightfall and you enjoy every moment you can until you are told not to.” She continued in a serious tone.
“At the risk of sounding irresponsible. Promenade is right. For the most part.” Sunny said “Take that chance and be happy you tried!” she added.
Moonlet was slightly taken back by Sunny’s comment as Sunny was also a captain and knew very well the code of guard. Moonlet contemplated the implications of her actions should she act on them. And while the thought of repercussions lingered, she made up her mind.
“Well Moonlet, I think I’m going to take Promenade home for the night!” Sunny said trying to pull a passed out Promenade unto her back. Promenade held on as best she could and snuggled the back of Sunny’s neck.
“Y’all two going to be ok?” Moonlet said.
“Yeah, I know I had a lot but I think she had way more. Besides, I can handle my intake!” Sunny said. “Hey, I hope it works out for you two. Have a good night.” she continued.
“Yeah, me too. I’ll send an emberlight to your place. Just press it to let me know you’ve made it safe.” Moonlet said.
Sunny carried Promenade down stairs passing by Nightfall. She gave him a nod and he returned the gesture. Sunny made it to the first floor and headed for the train station. Two off duty guard captains who also reside in Ponyville bump into Sunny and Promenade en route to the station.
“Oh hey Sunny!” Water Lily said catching up to Sunny.
“Wow you two sure look like you had a good time.” Full Throttle said walking alongside them.
“Oh my, well this is awkward!” Sunny said. “Yeah I may have gotten carried away tonight.” she added.
“That’s alright Full Throttle and I were just headed home from Light and Sound. The third and fourth floors were apparently booked!” Water Lily said.
“Sounded like a bangin’ party! Wish I could have made it the list!” Full Throttle chimed in.
“Oh.. this is even more awkward. That was for my friend here.” Sunny said motioning to her back. “It was for her birthday, and her friends kinda went all out. I hadn’t thought to invite you two, sorry about that.” she continued.
“Oh no problem! Some of the performers came down stares and mingled with the usual crowd!” Full Throttle said.
“Yeah, Velvet Remedy is super chill!” Lily added.
“I am glad y’all had a good night! But don’t you have work tomorrow Throttle?” Sunny asked.
“Pssh I can get four hours of sleep and still be wide awake. That’s why they call me Full Throttle yo!” he said.
“Oh fair enough.” Sunny smiled.
The group board the train and arrive at Ponyville. The trip seemed a blink of an eye as Sunny struggled to stay awake, and while Promenade was already passed out. “Hey We’re going to walk you two home.” Throttle said.
“Yeah, y’all looked so adorable passin’ out in the train car together but I think it best we help you to your place Sunny.” Lily said.
“Oh thank you guys.” Sunny said too exhausted to refuse the help.
Lily carried Promenade while Throttle helped with Sunny. They arrive at the Barn and Stable and Sunny takes Promenade off of Lily.
“You gonna make it hun?” Lily asked.
“You two got us home! I think I can manage from here. Thanks again you two!” Sunny said.
“Any time friend! Sleep well and come find us in the morning if it gets... too rough!” Throttle said with a chuckle.
“Will do!” Sunny replied. She closed the door and walked over to the counter where Moonlet’s emberlight gently flickered. She placed her hoof on it and it flashed and flew off. Sunny then carried Promenade to her bed but when Sunny goes to move away Promenade holds on to Sunny and asks her not to leave. Sunny obliges and lies next to her while Promenade held on to Sunny’s back. Promenade nuzzles the back of Sunny’s neck as she falls asleep and Sunny soon after.