"Of course," Starlight answered after her kiss with Twilight. "But I want to take you on a date."
"Really?" Twilight asked.
"Absolutely," Starlight said. "Picnic in the park tomorrow at sunset?"
"Sure," answered Twilight. She couldn't believe how calm Starlight was being about all of this. She was about to go on a date with her new special somepony, and she had no idea what to bring, what to wear, or what kind of date this was! How would her other friends respond? She had so much planning to do!
At the castle, Twilight paced around her library. She was starting to wear a tread in the carpet. She flipped through as many books as she had about dates and romance.
Spike entered the library, only to see Twilight, well, Twilighting. "Calm down, Twi," he said. "What is it?"
"I have a date!" Twilight exclaimed as if it was the worst thing she'd ever faced.
Spike widened his eyes. That was not what he was expecting. "With whom?" he asked.
"Starlight," Twilight answered. "I have no idea what to do!"
Spike burst out laughing. "You have a date with Starlight? And you're worried? If anypony wouldn't mind if you messed up a little, it's Starlight. Loosen up. You'll be fine. Maybe our friends can help."
Twilight took a deep breath. "You're right," she said. "Could you ask them to come here? I have some research to do."
"On it," Spike said. "But I don't think the research is necessary.
Starlight trotted to Sugarcube Corner to pick up the cupcakes she had ordered. She was going to make this first date cozy and fun. Likely Twilight was freaking out, and Starlight figured she would need something relaxed to calm her down.
Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie entered Twilight's table room in the castle. Spike welcomed them. Twilight was pacing around her throne.
"Spike said you wanted to talk to us?" Rarity said.
"Yeah," Twilight answered. "I have a date with Starlight, and I don't know anything about dates!"
Applejack and Rainbow Dash were gaping. "Already?" Rainbow said. "I thought it would take longer for you to ask her out."
"She did it," Twilight said.
"Of course she did," Applejack said.
"What?" Twilight said, annoyed.
"Never mind them, darling," Rarity said. "I can help you get ready for your date."
"Thanks so much, Rarity!" Twilight exclaimed. "I couldn't have wished for anyone better!"
Rainbow Dash pouted. "I can be pretty romantic when I want to be," she said.
"Of course you can," Fluttershy said, blushing.
"You too," Rainbow said sheepishly. She gave Fluttershy a kiss on the cheek.
Applejack and Rarity looked between the two. "Are we missing something?" Applejack asked.
"Of course, silly!" Pinkie Pie said, bouncing by. "They're dating and have been waiting to tell you guys one at a time!"
"Wait," Rainbow said. "We haven't told you yet, Pinkie."
"I figured it out!" Pinkie said.
"Maybe we should go," Rarity whispered to Twilight. They slipped out the door and out of the castle.
Twilight and Rarity soon arrived at Rarity's boutique. "First thing first," Rarity said. "We need to find a good dress for you."
"Nothing too fancy,"
"Pshaw! Are you kidding me? This is your first date! We're going all out!"
Twilight sighed. "Fine."
Rarity squealed. "We're getting you in something blue!"
Rarity ran into her closet and got out a brilliant cerulean dress with indigo accents. Twilight's eyes widened. "That's amazing!"
"I know, right? Put it on!" Twilight did so, and once she was done, she smiled. She spread her wings and looked in the mirror.
"Rarity, you are a genius!"
"I know! Take it off so we can go through the next stage of date preparation!"
Twilight wiggled out of the dress. "What's next?"
"We need to get you some date etiquette."
"Is that really necessary?"
"Absolutely! Firstly, a line you need to have no matter what is 'your eyes are beautiful.' That always sets the mood."
"I'm not quite sure that is the mood."
"Nonsense! It's a first date! You need to make sure Starlight knows you're serious. And you need to kiss her."
"What? Last time she kissed me. I don't think I'll be able to do it on my own!"
"You must! Use that line I gave you, and it should make both of you a little bit uncomfortable. Then when you kiss her, everything will be completely natural."
"Are you sure? It's a first date. I don't think this means we should get serious. I don't think we're ready for that."
"You are! You've known each other for a fairly long time, and Starlight's liked you for a while now."
"She...has? How do you know?"
"Haven't you noticed the way she looks at you? Not only is she grateful for you, she really loves you. She's your other half, Twilight. And you have to make sure you don't drive her away."
"That could happen?"
"No, no. But the first date is extremely important. It's where you make your first impression as her special somepony."
Twilight sighed. "I don't think I'll ever be ready for this, Rarity. I do love her. But I don't think I'm cut out for romance."
"You don't need to be," Rarity said. "Just be yourself. That's the best you, or anyone, can do."
Twilight took a breath. "You're right. I'll just be myself."
Later that evening, Starlight spread a picnic blanket in the park facing the sun. It hadn't started to set yet, but it would soon. Using her magic, she spread the cupcakes, a pie, and some sandwiches she made in the middle of the blanket. Shading her eyes with her hoof, Starlight looked at the sun. Twilight should be here by now, she thought.
But just as she finished the thought, Starlight heard a twig snap behind her. She spun around to see Twilight, with her wings spread and in a beautiful gown, approach her. "Hey, Starlight," she said shyly.
"Twilight," Starlight said. "You look amazing," she said, suddenly self-conscious of her bare body.
"Rarity made me wear this," Twilight said.
"I can sort of tell," Starlight laughed.
"You look great too," Twilight said, blushing.
"Thanks," Starlight said. "Want a sandwich?" she asked, levitating one to Twilight with her magic.
"Sure," Twilight said, and as it passed from Starlight's magic to Twilight's, the bond sparked. Both of the mares could feel it. Something was happening.
In her room, Princess Luna sensed something was magically different. In Ponyville. With Twilight. I should check it out, she thought.