Free To Study

by Wanderer D

The Perfect Night

It was late at night when Twilight finally closed the door to her office—no, Principal Starlight's office. She had cleaned up everything personal inside, teleporting the last of her possessions to her castle. It was a bittersweet moment. The end of something amazing, and yet it would continue on without her.

She sighed, placing her hoof against the door and smiling a little as memories flooded her mind. It was time to let go, and become something else. She turned, slowly making her way down the hall until she noticed the figure sitting next to the hall doors, waiting for her.

"Gallus?" she called out, blinking. "What are you doing here?"

"Heh," Gallus laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck with his claw. "Funny you should ask that."

Twilight shook her head, smiling fondly at her former student. "It's late, and your friends might want to spend some time with you. Let me close the door here…"

"Um. They're okay with me being here, I just… uh, you know." He shrugged and waved at the hall, towards her office. "It's a bit surreal."

"Yeah," Twilight chuckled nervously. "It is. I can't believe that now I just… rule the country I guess. There goes most of my free time."

"Yeah…" Gallus trailed off, looking decidedly uncomfortable, and by extension making her slightly uncomfortable too.

She cleared her throat. "So, how about we each retire for the night? I'm sure you have things to do…"

"I do." Gallus took a deep breath. "Um… Twilight?"

She felt a slight shiver up her spine. This seemed like it was headed somewhere Twilight wasn't entirely comfortable with, but she didn't know how to stop it, or worse, if she wanted to, damn that morbid curiosity of hers.

"Since you're, you know… not the principal of the school anymore…"

"Uh… yeah?"

"And it seems like we won't be seeing much of you here, I was wondering…"

"Gallus…"

He looked up at her, his eyes wide and vulnerable, like she'd never seen the cocky griffon before: pleading and fearful. "Twilight? Can we—could you..." he trailed of and cringed at her look. "Can I go out with you? On a date? At least once?"

Twilight sat in front of the mirror, powdering her cheeks a little. She didn't need blush. She needed to blush less.

"Okay, so this is the part where I ask: what. The. Hay. Twilight?" Spike said, pacing behind her. "You can't date Gallus! He's your student!"

"Former student, Spike," Twilight said with a conviction that didn't really fit how she was feeling inside. "Besides, this is the one time."

"Really?" 

She couldn't see him, but she could feel the raised eyebrow, crossed arms and skeptical look from her assistant.

"Look, I admit he's a bit younger than me…"

"He is!" he agreed.

"...by a couple of years."

Spike came into view on the mirror. He did not look amused. "If by that you mean 'a couple of years multiplied by five so it averages ten or so', I could also agree with that."

Twilight turned to glare at him. "Look, he's a young adult that confessed that he's had a crush on me for a while, Spike, what was I supposed to tell him?"

"Um… 'No?'" Spike offered. "Maybe followed by: 'I'm your former teacher and it would be weird?'"

"He's more mature than you give him credit for," Twilight said testily. Then she looked away into the night sky. "Have you seen how much he bench-presses?"

Spike stared at her for a moment. "...Oh. My. Celestia."

"Spike!"

"What else could you possibly expect me to say to that!?"

"I don't know! Something nice! It's not like I wasn't supportive for you and Rarity, even if never went anywhere!"

Spike growled and crossed his arms disapprovingly again. "I wasn't trying to date her."

Twilight blinked at that. "Wait. You weren't?"

"No. I'm a dragon, Twilight! She was going to be part of my hoard!" Spike exclaimed, giving her an exasperated look. "You don't think I would have asked her out otherwise? It's more complicated to tell a mare that you want them petrified in that moment of perfect beauty so that they can decorate your bathroom—without you know, offending them—than it is asking them out for a date! I was nervous for a real reason!"

"So what was that conversation about her pegging you?!"

Spike sighed. "To the floor, Twilight. With a net, when dragon migration happened so I wouldn't fly away. I had chores to do." He paused and gave her a confused look. "What did you think we meant?"

There was a moment of awkward silence that prolonged far too long.

"Anyway," Twilight said, shifting in her seat. "Gallus might be a bit younger than I, but he's a sweet griffon, Spike. I know this is weird, and even though I think he's cute… it's weird. But when he asked, I didn't want to hurt his feelings. You understand this, right?"

Spike sighed. "When was the last time you went on a date?"

Twilight pressed her lips, refusing to look at him. "Never."

"What was the last time somecreature asked you out?"

Twilight turned away, and heard him sigh.

"That's what I'm worried about," he said.

"So," Smolder fiddled with Gallus' bowtie. "Twilight Sparkle, huh?" She smirked, nodding in approval. "You really do go for the big prize. I can't believe I'm saying it, but that's dragon lord-level of greed right there."

Gallus ignored the quietly sobbing Sandbar, who had huddled in the corner and was giving him betrayed looks while being patted on the back by Ocellus. "Thank you. I'll take that as a compliment."

"It is!" Smolder said, frowning at him.

"How did you get her to agree in the first place?" Silverstream asked from where she was looking down at a picture book of race tracks. "Princess Twilight is a bit nerdy, so I would have thought her immediate reaction would have been 'no.'"

Gallus smirked. "Oh, you know me. I walked up to her, stared her right in the eyes and said: you and me babe, we're going on a date."

Smolder snorted. "Yeah, right. You probably were shaking when you asked her out."

"I mean," Ocellus spoke up from where she had a comforting hoof placed on Sandbar's quivering shoulder, "Princess Twilight always had a bit of a crush on you so…"

"Wait, what?!" Gallus turned around to face her. "What? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Oh, I just didn't want to hurt Sandbar's feelings," she raised her volume as the pony wailed louder. "He was hoping your feelings for him were more than platonic."

"Huh." Gallus had already turned to the mirror to check how he looked. Nodding when he saw he was all set, he claw-bumped Smolder, shoulder-bumped the grinning Yona, hoof-bumped Ocellus, hugged Silverstream, and decided that Sandbar looked too miserable for some reason to interrupt.

He swallowed the nervousness and, taking a deep breath, marched out of their room.

Behind him, he barely heard Ocellus' voice. "There, there, I can turn myself into a nice, strong  stallion for you to hug. Or even a griffon! I don't mind. Would you like that?" she cooed. "Would that be okay, Sandbar?"

He didn't wait to hear his response. He had a princess to pick up.

Gallus had met Twilight just outside her castle, and like a real gentlebird, had walked with her downtown, all the time admiring her quietly. Twilight didn't know how to take it. He looked good. Dressed up even; with a bow tie and everything. He was really adorable, making sure to take note of everything or anything that was along their way to ensure that she was comfortable, safe, and unlikely to get dirty with muddy water.

He was showing his age, a little, but Twilight reminded herself that Gallus was not a child at all, just young. She had always been excitable herself, exuding a child-like energy whenever new knowledge was to be had. Even now, the thought of books fluffed her wings and made her giddy, but also the fact that he thought she was attractive. It was hard to miss in his eyes, and it made her feel warm and pleased.

He looked handsome too. He was dashing, quite honestly, and confident. He had the smile of someone that was sure of who they were and also proud to be in her company. At no point did he make her feel like she was an addition or decoration to show off. If anything, he behaved as if it was his responsibility to ensure she was in the limelight; that her efforts to pretty-up were not wasted.

Eventually, however, their pleasant stroll ended, and they stood at their destination. The venue was nice, Twilight decided. One of the newer restaurants in Ponyville, the Midnight Rose was a casual diner that catered to many creatures, a result in part of her opening the School of Friendship and Equestria's growing international relations. 

Thus it had cuisine from every kingdom, from the subaquatic sea pony fares, to the meat-heavy griffon diet. It was a perfect place to go for anycreature—especially interspecies couples—and somewhat hard to get reservations at. He might have been preparing for this for a while.

Next to her, Gallus squirmed a little in place despite his earlier confidence, and she couldn't blame him. In truth, it made her nervous to walk in too. The quiet companionship of their walk was very different than publicly admitting they were on an actual date. 

A date! This would be the first time ever she had gone out on a date with anycreature… and this particular creature was none other than her former student! She could already imagine the tabloids! Maybe this was a bad idea, she shouldn't. She shook her head, looking at him… but he looked so cute!

Twilight gulped down the nervousness. 'True, Gallus is a bit younger than me, but not too much… and I'm immortal too. In the end, we can take it as slow or fast as we want, if we want to continue with this idea.' She took a deep breath, using her breathing exercise surreptitiously before she smiled at him. "Well, are you ready?"

Gallus coughed, and drew a deep breath as well before that charming smile of his that had caught her eye every time was back on the beak. For what little their age difference mattered right now, they both had so much in common. Like putting a brave face when they were terrified.  "Yeah, I did make a reservation, after all!" He offered her his arm as they approached.

Twilight giggled and took his arm as they reached the maitre'd, an elderly brown earth pony who slowly raised his eyebrow at them. "Your highness," he bowed slightly in Twilight's direction, immediately recognizing her. "It is an honor to have you and… your guest?"

"We have a reservation," Gallus said, voice slightly squeaky before clearing his throat. "It's under my name," he clarified with a bit more confidence. "Gallus of Griffonstone."

"Ah, yes," the maitre'd looked down at the list. "Table for two. This way, please."

The pair followed after the pony, taking a seat at a mostly secluded area with low lighting. The maitre'd, whilst still giving them doubtful looks, made sure they were seated and left. Menus were brought soon after by a waiter who introduced himself as Mango Perfect—a gray thestral pony with a rusty-red mane and black wings—and after a few minutes studying the listed food, Twilight had no idea what she should order. 

Everything looked too good.

She hummed, tapping her chin with her hoof. Should she order something with a bit of meat in it to make Gallus comfortable? She wasn't too keen on it, but had tried it on a couple of occasions… one didn't get to be Princess Celestia's personal student without having to learn how to eat meat. And if Rarity could eat Fruit Bats, well, she could eat a bit of it to make him comfortable.

'Wait,' she thought suddenly, her eyes going wide. 'What if he thinks I'm trying too hard to impress him? What if he thinks I'm just making fun of him? Oh no. Nonononono. What would Rarity do?!'

She glanced at Gallus, who was studying the menu intensely, and forced a smile. "Gallus? Everything looks too good. How about you choose for both of us?"

Gallus studied the menu, and couldn't make sense of what was in front of him. Well. He could. For the most part. The mostly griffon part, to be exact. Like... meat. Lots of meat. Beak-watering meat. But ponies didn't eat meat.

Well. For the most part. He could have sworn Sweetie Belle ate bacon. But she was an odd one. He had never seen Twilight eat anything resembling meat. But… would she be willing to try? She was going out on a date with a griffon, surely she had considered the diet—he heard his name spoken aloud by Twilight and looked up.

"...how about you choose for both of us?" she asked, her eyes locked onto his, a smile confident in her face, her hoof touching his claw.

Gallus inwardly cringed, and his eyes scanned every other section but the meat-eaters. Yep. Not risking it! Nope. Just as he swallowed his pride and was opening his beak to ask what looked good to her...

"Have we decided what we want for dinner?" the waiter's voice almost made him jump.

"Uh, yeah!" Gallus stammered, pointing at something with his claw. "We're each of us having the Mamang Keeew sai wey salad?"

The waiter grinned, showing his fangs. "Mamuang kiew sa wei salad, excellent choice! And to drink?"

"Just water, thank you," Twilight said, smiling.

"S-same!" Gallus forced a smile.

"Your meal will be ready soon," the thestral said, an unusual glint to his eyes.

As he left them alone, Gallus glanced at Twilight, truly taking her in at that moment. It was clear she had made sure to look good. Unlike Rarity, she hadn't suddenly put on make up, but it was clear she had paid attention to her mane and coat. She looked adorably shy, right now, sitting across from him. 

Of course he had noticed all of this on their walk together, but to have her there, sitting across the table, with him, well it made everything just so… he could kiss her right now.

"So!" Twilight said, shifting in her seat with a blush now clearly visible under her fur. "How's school going?"

Gallus cursed under his breath. 'Was I staring? I was staring, wasn't I? Dammit. Gallus. Focus on her! Wait! But I was focused on her! If I keep doing that I'm going to—'

"Gallus?" Twilight asked, slightly concerned. "You're twitching."

"Uh, sorry. School. Yeah—um… pretty much the same as when you left? I mean… that was yesterday."

"Oh," Twilight chuckled. "Of course. Things… wouldn't have changed much, would they?"

"Yeah, I don't think so," he said, laughing as well. "Unless—" He looked up, and to the side when he felt a presence, finding the thestral staring at him intently. "Gah!" 

"Your meal, your highness, young griffon," The plate of food had pretty much materialized in front of them, their waiter grinning wildly, eyes focused on the salad.

It was a mango salad. Who knew? Gallus had accidentally ordered something they might both enjoy. He exchanged an awkward smile with Twilight, then they both realized the waiter was still there.

"Uh… thanks?" Gallus ventured.

The waiter blinked, his tiny irises regressing to their normal, slitted size. "My apologies. Let me know if you need mango." Then he turned and slipped away into the crowded restaurant.

"Well. That was unusual." Gallus chuckled, lifting his glass up to his beak to take a sip of water. Now that they had been interrupted, it felt too weird to go back to the previous con—

"So," Twilight spoke up, giggling nervously and looking to the side. "Griffons. Do you guys lay eggs or—"

Gallus barely had time to put the glass down before he almost snorted water all over Twilight. Still, it was painful to hold it in. He started coughing, eyes tearing up before he looked at her. "What… where did that come from?"

"W-Well..." Twilight coughed. "I mean, I've been slightly curious about your biology an—"

"Is the mango good?" the waiter interrupted.

Gallus gave him an irritated look. "We haven't even started." He waved his claw in front of the waiter's face, which was hovering quite close to the salad. "We'll let you know if we need anything."

"Right, right," the waiter said, blinking before slinking back into the shadows, leaving them staring at each other with uncertain grins. 

Twilight cleared her throat. "I thought we might have to discuss that eventually an—"

It took a moment for Gallus to understand. His eyes went wide and his wings suddenly snapped open, accidentally knocking back the waiter, who was sneaking in again, eyes set on the salad.

Twilight's own wings raised slightly at the display, her chest fluffing up as well and they both stared helplessly—and admiringly—at each other, trying to ignore the looks (both, knowing and confused) of the other diners. Gallus tried to ignore the particularly interested look a pair of pegasi gave them by concentrating on the knocked-out waiter. "Uh. You okay there?"

"What happened here?" the maitre'd demanded, walking up to them, gazing from the knocked out waiter to the them, then noticing the salad. "Oh. Of course." He glared at Gallus. "As annoying as Mango Perfect can be when our salad is displayed on the table, it is excruciatingly bad manners to knock him out, young sir!"

Gallus felt his stomach grow cold. "B-but I didn't—"

"I'm afraid I must ask you to leave," the maitre'd said, glaring at him, his eyes turned to Twilight. "You of course can stay if you wish, your—"

"No," Twilight said interrupting him as she stood up. "I don't think I will. This was a misunderstanding that could have been solved with kindness and honesty," she said. "I have lost my appetite, send the bill to the castle.' 

Gallus didn't say a word as Twilight walked up to him and rubbed his shoulder with her own. He smiled and followed her out.

Twilight and Gallus sat on a cloud, side by side, staring at the distant, star-covered horizon, which was slowly shifting from dark blue to pink as Celestia and Luna raised and lowered their respective heavenly bodies.

"Well, that was a thing," Gallus said, sighing miserably.

"Yes, it certainly was," Twilight agreed, smiling at him.

The pair stayed silent for a moment in companionable silence, but Gallus grew more and more restless, his tail flapping from side to side as he kept glancing at her.

"I'm sorry," he finally whispered.

Twilight blinked and looked at him. "Whatever for?"

"Everything?" Gallus said, not meeting her eyes. "Asking you out? Messing up dinner? Dragging you here?" He sighed. "I know you accepted just to not hurt my feelings… I'm just a student, after all."

Twilight leaned a little on him, spreading a wing over his shoulders. "I've never been on a date before."

Gallus cringed. "Go me, making it awkward and embarrassing—"

"No, no," Twilight interrupted. "I've never been asked. I always thought I was… more of a conventional beauty. Certainly not like Rarity, or Applejack." She smiled, looking down at the trees and town below. "I never thought I'd be asked out by the cutest guy in school."

Gallus gulped. "B-but that doesn't make sense! You're smart and cute and kind—"

Twilight giggled. "Well, I wasn't always the Princess of Friendship, you know? I used to be kinda grumpy."

"Well, you still are if you're not allowed to submit paperwork."

Twilight gave him a look, then grinned. "That's the snark I love."

Gallus swallowed. "Um. Y-you like that?"

"Yes," Twilight said, leaning over to kiss him gently on the beak, where she lingered for a few seconds. "I do."

"So..." Gallus licked his lips. "You'd be okay with going out on a date again?"

"You know that I'm older than you, right?" she teased, her smile and tone giving away how comfortable she felt right now.

"Only by a couple of years! Besides, I'm legally an adult in Griffonstone," he said proudly. "I mean, granted, you're pretty much an adult from the moment you can hunt, and I still technically have a legal guardian, but—" He stopped talking when Twilight pressed a hoof to his beak.

"You're rambling," Twilight said, "That's what I do. Just take a deep breath."

"Yeah," Gallus said, doing just that. "Alright. Yeah… enjoy the present."

Twilight leaned on him, pecking him on the side of the beak as she rested her head on his shoulder. "Yeah. For now it's just perfect."