Equestria Girls: Love Is Magic

by onekface

A Moment of Peace

Twilight never thought she’d be a party gal before. Back in Crystal Prep, parties were pretty much banned from all activities. Unless it was a study party of course. Heck the closest thing she had to a party was probably during Shining Armor’s graduation.

Now, upbeat parties like these became a common theme in her life. With loud music and neon lights that would make the aurora look pale in comparison.

“Hey Twilight.” Lyra and Bonbon passed her by giving a friendly wave in which she responded in kind.

The party was now in full swing with most of the students boogieing on the dance floor. As expected, Flash’s band was able to breathe life into this place enrapturing everyone with his music. With his singing, his band, their matching jackets and Rainbow Dash as his backup guitar they turned up the party level up to a thousand. You can say what you want about Rainbooms and their publicity status but the Flash Drive really knows how to rock the house. They might actually even be a better band than they were.

Besides, it was also a nice change of pace. It’s been a while since Twilight actually attended a party rather than performed for one. Even Sunset seemed to be enjoying herself, grooving on the dance floor with Rarity and Fluttershy who came in their Fall Formal attire.

“Twilight Twilight Twilight!” She was alerted to Pinkie’s presence when she abruptly appeared out of the blue, surprisingly without a snack in hand. “Did you see what Bulk is wearing? It’s awesome!” Not really. The tuxedo was a good effort but every time he flexes his muscles the whole thing would tear at the seams. “Hey, why aren’t you dancing?”

“I’m just enjoying the moment.” She reasoned, though honestly she was pretty content just hanging about with her friends sipping juice from her glass on the table she reserved. Besides, the sight of Flash singing passionately on stage made her feel somewhat… calm on the inside. “What about you? I figured you’d be at the buffet table gorging on the food.”

Pinkie shrugged back boringly. “Meh. The food’s ok. I guess. I mean it’s no Luxury Cruise liner buffet level but then again I have taken berry blasted butter biscuit on a bun with five and a half layers.”

“Really? I thought you can only do that with three layers?”

“Me too! But then that night… I saw the truth!” Pinkie salivated on the memory, recalling its sweet tender texture on her lips. “You can berry blast butter biscuit on a bun with five and a half layers of chocolate! It was… sublime.”

“Wow… that must’ve been something.”

“It was more than something. It was EVERYTHING! Just thinking about it makes my tummy crave for more! But alas… it now only lives… in my memory.”

“Why don’t you tell me where to get it? If I drop by maybe I can get one for you”

“Oh!” Pinkie stuttered. “Oh… no. That’s ok. I’m fine. It’s just sweets.”

“Come on. I know you like your sweets. You’re practically the queen of culinary confection.”

“Gasp! Twilight! I’m appalled!” Appalled? Was that a word she actually knew? “Are you saying that you see me as nothing more than a party animal who enjoys sweet and cake on a daily basis!?” Her face went serious for a moment before she pulled out a plate from her hair. “Because you’re absolutely right~~. I got me a whole tray! Want a cake? It’s fresh.”

Twilight waved it off politely. “No thanks. I’m good.” Pinkie tried to offer again but she declined it. She then took a seat and began gorging on her food in peace. The nerd gal then returned her attention to the stage as the blue boy switched to a softer, slower song.

“Mind if I join ya?” Applejack came in a few seconds later with two bottles of her family’s cider. “I need to rest my legs. All that prancing around worked me quite a thirst.”

Twilight nodded in agreement. “I’ll say. The music really packed the heat. And it looks like Sunset is having a good time.”

“That girl deserves to cut loose after everything that’s happened to her. With all this shadow monster attacks and secret society stuff and her apartment blowing up, she could definitely use the break. I was worried she might’ve burned herself out from all the stress.”

“Hmm… just like a certain someone we know?” Pinkie wiggled her brows at the cowgirl earning a shy reaction from her.

“Ok ok. I’ll admit. I may have been a bit stressed out when my barn burned down. But I was preparing for my family reunion. Can you blame me for being a little panicky?” No. But that didn’t excuse her from forcing herself through the night. Honestly, Applejack looked like she was going to pass out from exhaustion.

“Luckily for you, a certain rich boy decided to help you out.” Twilight gave her a jab which again made the cowgirl react cutely. They all then turned to the boy in question who continued to sing on stage with a passion that only musicians could understand.

“Yeah. I guess I am lucky that he came when he did.” Applejack added, cradling her head in one hand while watching Flash dreamily. “Speaking of Flash. I think this might be the first time I ever heard him sing some of his older songs.”

“What about his concert at the park?”

“Meh. We were too busy selling out stock to listen. But not that I mind, really.” She added. “It’s actually kinda nice not having to worry about playing on stage.”

“Heh… I know the feeling. Just don’t let Rainbow Dash hear you say that. Otherwise she’ll flip.”

“No doubt about it. Besides…” AJ glanced over to the boy one more time, dreamily. “… his songs aren’t so bad either.”

Of that… the three of them agreed.

And whether it was coincidence or that he felt their gaze upon him, Flash turned over to their table and gave a quick wink. The silent gesture alone was caught by all three and they each reacted differently towards it believing that it was some kind of signal to them.

“Speaking of which.” Twilight spoke up. “I’ve been meaning to ask you. What’s the deal between Big Mac and Ms. Cheerilee lately?”

Applejack’s face twisted in confusion. “What about’em?”

“Don’t give me that. Haven’t you heard the rumors? They say that those two are actually in a secret relationship.”

Pinkie’s face beamed. “Oh oh oh! I heard it too! Lyra told me all about it. It’s so spicy.”

“Now that’s hootenanny hogwash. My brother is a lot of things but he ain’t exactly tight on the relationship department. You all know how hard it is to get a word out of him.” That’s true. Twilight doesn’t think she heard more than two words come out of that guy. “I don’t see how he can possibly start that kind of romance with someone like Ms. Cheerilee. Besides, it’d be downright weird if I have my own teacher be my… brother’s girlfriend.” She shivered at the thought.

“True. But they have been hanging out a lot.”

“So does everybody else in her class.” AJ reasoned back. “That doesn’t mean squat.”

“And I have been seeing them a lot in the Sweet Shoppe.” Pinkie tossed her two bits.

“She’s his tutor. Big Mac couldn’t take his final exams because of his bum leg so she’s helping him prepare for the supplementary ones. Just because they meet up almost every day to study in a sweet store, away from prying eyes, in a romantic setup, doesn’t mean they’re sharin an ice-cream.” She groaned. “Honestly, I expected better from you girls to be going on sniffing out rumors like this. Pfft… my brother and Ms. Cheerilee. Next thing you know, you’ll tell me that Principal Celestia is having a secret affair with some rich and powerful billionaire.” That was oddly specific but understandable.

Still the rumors that circulated around the student body has been quite ‘Spicy’ in a lack for a better term. But imagine what would happen if it was actually true. The scandal of the whole thing would be totally out of this world. The backlash would be bad too with the age gap and ethics of society and all that. But at the same time it would be such a romantic story to hear.

Twilight wasn’t one to dig on rumors herself but her other friends say that the two of them have been hanging out far more often than they legally should. One eye witness even claims that he saw Big Mac hide a rose in a book before returning it to the library, believing it to be a secret message for Ms. Cheerilee. If it was true, then that soft-spoken boy certainly had a way of speaking his heart out.

“You’re right Applejack. We shouldn’t be listening to nonsense. Right Pinkie?” The bubbly gal nodded back in response just in time for an intermission for the band. “I’ll go get something to drink.”

Ok… the coast is clear. Everyone’s down on the dance floor, the music is bustling and the lights are focused on the students. The DJ is putting down the beats so that means she has a good 20 minutes before the band resumes their play. With a little sleight of hand and coordination, she can be in and out of that place in 10. Another 6 minutes to stash the whole thing in her car and 2 minutes to get back to create the perfect alibi.

All that was left was to get Granny Smith away from the buffet table.

Luna cast a glance over to the fire suppression alarm.

No. Too much. The water would ruin the food and drinks on the table. Not to mention ruin her perfectly good dress. And… ruin the whole night for everyone here too of course.

Hmmm… maybe she can ask the Canterlot Movie Club to create a distraction for her.

No. She couldn’t possibly let students act immorally on her behalf. Besides, they’re too young. They’d probably rat her out in seconds when push came to shove.

The photo crew? No. Having the risk of Photo Finish catching her in the act? Celestia would never let her live it down.

“You eyeing on the buffet table too?” Doodle whispered beside her with a confirming nod.

“Maybe.” She replied, one hand on her hip. “Why?”

“Cuz if you need a distraction, I’m your man.”

Her face cracked slightly. “And how do you intend to do that?”

The old Cranky smirked. “I’ve been practicing some of my moves in private. I can slip onto the dance floor and make a little scene. If there’s one thing these students like, it’s to see their own teachers do something weird and bizarre. And with my dance number, I can get everyone’s attention for at least a few minutes.”

“That’s… good.” She whispered. “But what’s in it for you?” He immediately pointed at the racks where some cases of apple cider bottles were stacked up.

“My wife cut me off after I spent a little too much on the cider. Get me four cases and we’ll call it even.” Four cases might be an extra luggage for her haul… but if he can get the cafeteria lady out of her hair for a little while… then maybe…

“Two cases.” She haggled.

Doodle grumbled back. “Add a platter of taco.”

“Half a platter.”

“Deal!” Once they shook hands, the professor immediately went to work and got on the dance floor. And to his credit, his moves did attract the attention of everyone in the room. Some were even cheering him on.

The little stunt paid off too. Granny Smith, despite her advance age, was immediately intrigued and left her station just for a moment to see what the fuss was all about.

And so with the cunning of a hyena and the speed of a cheetah, Luna snuck to the buffet table and began scrounging through the plates. She even pulled out a trash bag to stash them all. A regular bag would never be able to fit everything. So whenever people ask, she’ll just say that she was taking out the trash. Not a complete lie. But not the whole truth either.

“Alright team. Great show out there. 20 minute break. Grab a drink and some grub and meet back stage.” The band leader announced like he had rehearsed that line a dozen times over.

Rainbow Dash left that stage wiping her brow with a single motion. Though she didn’t exactly feel bad about it. In fact you could say that she was even gleaming from all that sweat. Heck you could say that she was in a state of euphoria. She leaned back behind the curtains, a smile plastered on her face while DJ Pon-3 took reign on stage. While Rainbow Dash wouldn’t openly admit it, she had to say that playing with the Flash Drive really pumped her up.

These guys were pros down to the core. True professionals in almost every aspect. Every member of the band knew what they were doing and what to do. They were in perfect synch with one another. None of that last minute alteration, or going solo for a little bit, changing the tempo or any of Rarity’s fashion mix-up. They all knew what they wanted and they knew how to get it.

Bass Keys had his way with his guitar. Applejack can really turn on the music but this guy looked like he could work his fingers through that thing and make it sing in a way no one could imagine.

Drum Roll too could hit the beats faster than your heart ever could. While Pinkie Pie can go wild with the drums, this guy had attuned his arms to his sticks so well, she even thought that he might just bring the whole roof down all by himself.

And don’t even get her started with Sandalwood. His keyboarding skills really meld well with all their songs. You wouldn’t think that the guy only joined the band just recently. His bad stomach was a little off-putting but who here doesn’t have a chink in their armor? If only Rarity had his sense of urgency.

And of course there was the star man himself.

Flash Sentry.

While he didn’t play his guitar like she expected, he did have the voice of a rock star. Who knew a guy like him could hold a note that high? He practically had the whole place enraptured by his singing. Folks were dancing to the beat, swinging their hips to the rhythm and lip-synching along with every word. It was like he put the whole party under a spell.

The guys were good. Like… really good. Heck… if they went toe to toe in a battle of the bands, they might just come out on top. Might…

“Great show, Rainbow Dash.” Twilight’s voice chimed as she offered the rocker a bottle of cider. “You really ‘Raised the roof’ out there.” She said that phrase like it was a foreign word to her mouth.

“Thanks. But I can’t take all the credit. I was just the backup. The band’s the one who you should be cheering.” She took a sip from the bottle, her smile still holding. “Did you see them on stage? They were totally awesome! It was like playing in a rock concert. Bass and Drum Roll were in the zone.” The two band mates in question paused and turned over to them when they heard their names echoed out loud. They waved and smiled politely which Twilight and Rainbow Dash gladly returned the gesture. “And don’t even get me started on Flash. Say what you want about the guy. He knows how to sing.”

“You don’t have to tell me that. I was listening the whole time.” They chuckled amongst themselves eyeing the blue boy in the distance as he tried to reach the buffet table, only to be barred by his newly formed fans. All of which seemed to be vying for his attention. “I also heard that he fixed your bike. Pretty snazzy if I do say so myself.”

“I know. Don’t remind me.” Rainbow groaned at the though. While she was glad that her baby was fixed, she wasn’t quite sure how to feel knowing that her friend did it for her without something in return. “I told him that I’d pay him back but he said that I didn’t need to.”

“That’s nice of him.”

“More like a show off. Only a rich guy like him can pull these kinds of stunts and call it a ‘favor’. Now every time I look at my bike, I get this small guilt inside of me saying ‘You owe him’. Over and over again.” That didn’t stop her from taking that bad boy for a spin of course, or giving it an updated paintjob.

“Wow… getting a classic like that must’ve cost him a small fortune.”

But Rainbow waved it off like it was nothing. “Oh please. If he can fix Applejack’s farm and buy off Sunset’s apartment, fixing my ride is chump change.” That of course made Twilight pause, turning towards her with a puzzled expression.

“Sunset’s apartment?” The rocker gal froze, smacking her forehead, cursing herself for her loose lips.

“Ahh nuts. Me and my big mouth.”

“What are you talking about?”

Rainbow glanced around making sure no one was within earshot. “Promise you won’t tell? I kind of promised Flash I wouldn’t say anything.”

“Depends on what’s going on.” She opted. “What’s this about Sunset’s apartment?”

“Ok ok. Keep it down.” She pressed one finger against her lip. “Remember how Sunset’s apartment blew up to smithereens?” How can they forget? It was pretty much the big news in their lives. “And remember how we said that her landlord didn’t need payment for it?”

“Yeah. Because he had insurance on the place.”

“Well… not exactly.” Somehow Twilight didn’t like where this was going. “Turns out Sunset was way behind on her rent and the guy was threatening to sue.”

“That’s terrible!” But not exactly unjustified. If Sunset really was behind on her payments the landlord had it within right to evict her. And destroying a whole building like that could be worth tens of thousands in property damage. That’s not something a teenage girl with a waitress salary could pay off.

“Yeah. The guy was a real piece of work. Believe me.” Rainbow Dash continued. “Anyway… we met the guy when we went to check out the apartment. And when he told us that he was gonna sue Sunset, Flash flipped out.” Not surprising for the guy. “I wanted to smack that guy silly. But before I could get one word in, Flash whipped out a checkbook and wrote a bunch of numbers in it. Next thing I know, the landlord handed the deed over to us.”

“He bought the whole apartment!?” She screamed out loud, which was thankfully muffled by the music in the background. Rainbow Dash smacked her hand over her mouth hushing her sternly. “He actually bought out her entire apartment!?”

“Hey! Keep it down, will ya? Yes. He bought out her apartment.”

“That’s…”

“Incredible? Insane? Incredibly insane?”

“Not the words I’d use but… yeah.” Twilight breathed out, keeping herself calm while waving over to some passerby. “But if that’s the case, then why didn’t he tell Sunset?”

“He said something about not letting her worry about owing him.” That… sorta made sense. “And honestly I can’t blame him. I mean he already gave her his old house. How do you think Sunset would take it when she finds out that he saved her from a huge loan?”

Twilight can see the logic in that. It was logic based on love – or at least the kind of love that came from his own pockets. If Flash was any less of a chivalrous man in another universe he would’ve held such a debt over Sunset and chained her to his side. But not him. He was too much of a pushover to do any kind of evil deed, especially when it came to them. Applejack probably felt the same way at some point. First, the barn, then the Yaztec bowl, the house, the bike and now the apartment? Gosh… if you put all these favors together, the whole club probably owed the guy more than her family’s electric bill.

Ugh… now that she thought about it, the damage they leave behind during their magical adventures have been rather substantial. It’s rather amazing Principal Celestia tolerated their presence for this long. If she were running the school, she’d expel the problem without a second thought.

“You’re right. She definitely won’t feel good about it.” Feeling indebted to someone always felt like a leash. A chain you’re stuck with until the one you owed frees you from it. “Still… buying off someone trouble is kind of…”

“Overdoing it?” Not the word she’d use but close enough. “I feel the same way too. But how else are we supposed to do to raise that kind of cash in the short amount of time? And none of us complained when he fixed Applejack’s farm. And I think he might’ve spent way more on that than this apartment.” That’s… also true. But that was before they realized he was a rich boy. And… they didn’t exactly have a way to solve that problem. Heck it took them months to finally raise half the money needed to repair and renovate Camp Everfree. The other half was gained through a competition and some sheer luck.

“Ok… I guess you have a point. I suppose even with all our magic there are just some problems we can’t just fix with a quick wave of our fingers.”

“I know, right?”

Who in the world would do such a thing!?

Flash scanned the buffet table greedily as he desperately searched for something to munch on. He had finally managed to pry himself away from his friends hoping to get something for his stomach. But upon his arrival at the buffet table he found the place to be completely void of all treats. It was as if someone had come and pilfered everything from the giant cake right down to the last bite sized sandwich. Even the giant bucket of ice cream was taken. Nothing was left but crumbs and… perhaps the last piece of olive.

So much for grabbing something to eat before the next round but… beggars can’t be choosers at this point.

He was tempted to pull out his phone and order a pizza but considering the time it would take for it to get here, he’d be on stage already. Maybe if he was fast enough he could raid the cafeteria pantry before anyone notices. At least then he might have a chance to eat something real.

“Looking a little hungry there, rock star.” A playful voice called out as it offered him a platter of leftovers. “Care for a little snack before you get back up there?”

“Applejack! And… yes I do. Thank you.” He quickly dug into what was on the plate enjoying what he could get his hands on. The empty void in his stomach slowly filled up with sustenance. “Oh… I needed that.”

“Phew… you look like you got yourself a mighty appetite there.”

“Well what can I say? I’m a growing boy.” He swallowed.

“I’ll say. You look mighty fine on stage. Guess you got practice?”

“If you’re talking about stage presence, then yeah. I guess I do. And…” He scanned her from head to toe. “I can say you’re looking mighty fine yourself.”

Applejack chuckled softly, admiring her dress. “Aww shucks. It’s just a little leftover from Rarity’s collection. And before you asked, yes she did force me to wear this. Still. Not a bad look for a country bumpkin, eh?” Nope. Not bad at all. If she had come to the Fall Formal in that attire, she would’ve won in a landslide. “Quit staring. Now you’ll just make me feel conscious.”

“Hey you’re the one who gloated.” He countered flashing a sweet smile. “I’m just enjoying the view.” She placed her palm on his face pushing him away. “So how’s the house? I take it its big enough for the seven of you?”

“Just big enough. Rarity converted the backyard into a yoga area, Fluttershy befriended the squirrels nearby.” Because of course she did. “Twilight and Sunset pretty much took over your mom’s library, Pinkie Pie’s officially taking over all kitchen duties and Rainbow Dash is already planning her Spring Break at the beach below the cliffs. We might even make a barbeque party out of it.”

“Seems like you girls are having fun.”

She nodded. “Absolutely! Now that Sunset got the barrier set up we haven’t had to worry about any shadow monsters attacking us in the middle of the night. It’s so nice to finally relax without having to keep one eye open. And not to mention that we’re having a long term sleepover party. With next year being our last in CHS, I think this whole bunking together is gonna give us a lot of fine memories.” With the amount of adventures you guys are having this season, you might just make a whole lot more.

“Well I’m glad you’re all enjoying it. After what happened with you, Rarity and Sunset, you guys deserve to feel safe somewhere.”

“Yup.” Applejack gleefully added before suddenly brushing her legs together doing what her friends would say: A Fluttershy pose. “And speaking of memories. There’s actually something I wanted to ask you.”

“Oh?” The blue boy blinked.

“You know how my folks and I have this tradition? That every year after every apple harvest festival, we send a theme photo to all our friends and families.”

His eyes lit up recalling a certain photo he got. “Oh yeah. I remember that. Last year you guys were dressed up as fruits and vegetables in that… giant… goat horn canicap…”

“Cornucopia.”

“Yeah. That thing you just said. Carnacus…”

She chuckled. “Anyway, this year Granny Smith wants us to dress up as snowmen. She also asked that each of us bring in one new friend along for the photo. I was thinking you might wanna be my Plus-1.”

“Me? Really?”

“Is it… not a good time?”

“No no. Not at all. I just didn’t think I’d be part of your family tradition.” He coughed shyly into his hand. “As a matter of fact. I’d be… honored to be part of your family photo.”

“Really!?” Her face practically beamed.

“Really. And… I could really use some new photos of me. Haven’t had much of those since the annual yearbook.” Flash rubbed the side of his neck looking rather embarrassed before noticing his band mates waving at him from the side of the stage. “Oh. Looks like our break time’s over. Tell me all about your photo shoot later.”

“You got it! Break a leg out there.”

“Only way I know how.” He winked back. “Oh and maybe after our show, mind saving a dance for me?”

Applejack grinned and placed one hand on her hip. “I’ll be waiting.” She waved him off calmly as his band began prepping for their second half of their performance. When the boy was no longer in sight, the cowgirl casually made her way to the restroom finding herself a stall. When the door closed on her she let out the most adorable squeak that imitated that of a sheep call.

The mission was a success! Luna felt like one of those thieves in those movies committing dangerous heists. Breaking into fortresses and stealing treasures right from under their noses. Though admittedly that would be pretty much an exaggeration as her fortress was just her school gym and her treasure was just a bunch of foodstuff she pilfered from the buffet table. But hey… treasure is treasure no matter what form it takes.

Looking at her watch she noticed that she still had about six minutes to spare before anyone notices her missing from the party. Flash and his band should be going back on stage any minute now to finish off their performance. If she’s lucky, hardly anyone would miss her presence there.

“So~ got my stuff?” Cranky Doodle asked appearing from the corner of her eyes with a grin that suggested otherwise. He looked weary, one hand holding the back of his hip as he tried to stand tall. All that extra maneuvers must’ve taken its toll on his old body.

“Two cases of cider and half a platter of tacos.” She handed him his share before popping two bottles from her own stash to share. He graciously accepted, clinking their drinks together. “That was some fine dancing you did there. I never would’ve guessed that a man like you could pull off those kinds of moves.”

“And Matilda keeps saying that all those extra dance lessons were a waste of time.” Cranky laughed taking a bite off his treat. “Just don’t expect me to do anything like that in a while.”

“Noted.” She smirked. “But I could use your help in the canned food drive next year. I hear that there’ll be a number of donors who’ll be contributing peaches for the event.”

Cranky paused, taking one quick sip. “I’m sure we’ll be able to work something out.” They laughed, clinking their bottles once more. “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful partnership.”

“More like accomplices.” She added which earned another chuckle from him.

“Speaking of accomplices, where’s Celestia? I thought she’d be around for the last school party.”

Luna rolled her eyes. “She’s on a big date.”

“Oh?” The old donkey muttered before his eyes shot up in realization. “OH! You mean with Sombra? Wow… it must be serious then. I never thought of her to be someone who’d go on dates with her workaholic attitude.” On that regard Luna agreed with him wholeheartedly. Her sister has always been a shy one, especially when it came to interpersonal relationships. But ever since she officially began dating her old flame from school, she’s been going out far more often than she’d like. Heck she even decided to bend the rules. “Heh… what about you?”

She blinked. “What about me?”

“Don’t you have anyone special in your life? Like another rich billionaire?”

Her eyes rolled once more as she let out a laugh. “If you’re looking for a scandal, I’m afraid you’ll have to look elsewhere Cranky.”

“Hey, don’t take it the wrong way. I’m just saying that a lady like you shouldn’t be moping around while your sister is having all the fun.” Oh god. He sounded like an uncle who was trying to set her up with someone. “And if you want, I know some good fellas out there who’d go out with you.”

“Thanks Cranky. But I’m fine. Seriously.” She said that last word out sternly shutting the whole conversation down before he could add anymore.

He quickly raised his hand up in defense as he finished his drink. “Alright alright. No need to go Vice-Principal on me. I’m just saying. Matilda kept pestering me to hook you up with someone. But if you change your mind, you can always ask.” Yeah… never. “I should probably head back. It won’t look good if both chaperones aren’t present at the party.”

Once he was gone, Luna let off a sigh. She honestly couldn’t really see herself settling with anyone. Relationships weren’t exactly her strong suit either.

A loud rustling from the nearby bushes suddenly interrupted her thoughts. And while she didn’t expect anything dangerous, she took a stance readying herself for combat. Quietly she reached for her purse grabbing the closest thing she could use for a weapon.

“Hello? Is someone there?” There was another rustle, followed by a long pause of awkward silence, before a young lady in a dress walked out with one hand smothering her face. “Ms. Cheerilee?” Luna’s muscle unbuckled recognizing the figure. She was supposedly one of the chaperones assigned to this party.

“Oh! V… Vice-Principal Luna! H… hello there.” The teacher greeted awkwardly, her hand brushing against the back of her hair while her cheeks turned redder than a tomato looking like a child who was caught with her hand in the cookie jar. “Nice weather we’re having?” Was that a question or a statement?

Luna opened her mouth to speak but was again interrupted when a second figure appeared from the bushes, limping on one leg. The boy smiled giddily before it fell off his face shattering to a thousand pieces when their eyes locked. It was a student she was familiar with as well. And what the two of them were doing in the bushes away from the lively party in the middle of the quiet night didn’t need to be explained either. The two buttons of his shirt were messily undone, his cute bowtie yanked crudely to one side. His suit was covered in dirt and his blonde hair ruffled. There was also a mark inches from his mouth where lipstick was smudged.

“I was… helping him get some fresh air.” The young teacher said, with what Luna considered was a remarkable lie.

Fresh air huh? Oh I think we both know what kind of air you’ve been breathing.

The bottle of cider slipped from her fingers landing on the soft snow below.

“We were just… getting some fresh air.” Cheerilee maintained, her voice falling flat while her partner fixed himself trying his darn best to look like nothing happened.

…

Oh for the love of…

Luna stared at her co-worker, then at the blonde boy before sighing heavily into her hand.

“Carry on then.”

“Thank you, ma’am!” The two immediately walked away hand in hand, the Vice-Principal wondering if anyone would notice their hurried pace or what others would think of it if they were seen. If word of this got out, CHS’ reputation will burn to the ground. But who cares? That was Celestia's problem. Not hers. And she was probably out enjoying her date with that rich billionaire.

With a low groan she opened her car and searched through her loot bag. She was sure that there was a bucket of ice cream in here somewhere.