//------------------------------// // Wrap-Up Party // Story: TimberTwi Tales: First Impressions // by CapNTilfy //------------------------------// "Hit it," Pinkie shouted as she pointed to Vinyl, who swiftly laid a record down and started her first tune of the night. As the party planner danced, she noticed Gloriosa tapping her foot to the rhythm of the beat. Grinning, she backflipped off of the stage, much to the approval of the audience. Pinkie landed right next to Gloriosa with a smile and half-lidded eyes. "Hell-o there," she purred. "Did I ever tell you you look cute with those flowers on?" Gloriosa giggled. "Why, Pinkie Pie, are you hitting on me?" "Can't ya tell?" Pinkie winked. Gloriosa giggled again. "I'm flattered, but I'm asexual." "Darn!" Pinkie snapped her finger. "Foiled again by sexual orientation!" She made a sputtering noise. "You were only person left that I hadn't hit on!" Gloriosa blinked. "Wait, you've hit on everybody here?" "Well, not everybody. Just people around my age." Pinkie leaned into Gloriosa. "Oh, and I definitely didn't hit on Timber. Twilight got him fair and square! I may be flirty, but a girl's got to have principles!" She giggled, then snorted. Gloriosa patted Pinkie on the shoulder. "Good on ya... now what do you say to a dance between friends?" Pinkie grinned widely. "I say 'let's boogie down!'" As soon as Vinyl's beat dropped, Rainbow Dash ponied up, then took off into the sky with a whoop as she took out her phone. Once she got a good aerial view of Camp Everfree, she took a picture, then flew back down and took a picture of the party. "Catch me!" Rainbow powered down just inches above Vinyl's audience, and they all raised their hands almost immediately. They bounced her up once, then twice, then let her back onto the ground. "Best. Week. Ever!" Rainbow let out another whoop, then danced her heart out. Life was awesome, and she was going to live it to its fullest all day and every day! "I'm on top of the motherfucking world, baby!!" Once the first tune ended, an idea popped into Rainbow's head. A wide grin spread across her face and she rushed off, then immediately returned with her guitar. She went onstage, then leaned into Vinyl. "Hey," Rainbow whispered into the DJ's ear. "Can you hit me with the first couple of bars of your next tune?" Vinyl raised an eyebrow, then smiled. "Sure! I'm always up for a sudden collab." She played for a moment, then stopped as Rainbow took center stage. "Ready when you are!" Vinyl nodded, then began the next tune as Rainbow played alongside her. Applejack smiled as the party went on, and she began to think about her talk with Twilight. About how important family was to her. It made her think of Apple Bloom, and it was at that moment that she had realized she'd barely kept in touch with her! Applejack took her phone out of her pocket, then tapped on her sister's name in her contacts and sent her a text. Hey sis, how's things back at the old homestead? Applejack put her phone back into her pocket, then began tapping her foot to the beat of the music. A few moments later, her phone chimed and she took it out. Same old, same old. Sugar Belle stopped by a couple of times to see Big Mac, but that's about it. Applejack laughed softly. Sugar Belle was as sweet as her namesake and as kind and understanding as Fluttershy. She was happy that her big brother found such a wonderful woman. How long had they been going out now? Three... maybe four months? Another chime from her phone snapped her out of her thoughts. How about you? How's Camp Everfree been treating you? Applejack grinned widely as she sent her next text. Just you want 'til I get home, Apple Bloom. I've got a humdinger of a tale and something crazy to show you! She couldn't wait to see the looks on everyone's faces when she showed them her super-strength! Another chime. Can't wait to hear and see it! Another text. Can't wait to show and tell it! Applejack put her phone back in her pocket, then got up and started to dance. Rarity rested her head in her hands with a dreamy smile as she watched Derpy and Bulk Biceps dance together. Those two had been becoming rather close lately, and it wouldn't surprise her if at some point they ended up becoming an item. She sighed as a small wave of sadness filled her. The same sadness she felt before Twilight consoled her. It seemed like just about everyone was finding love but her. Lyra and Bon Bon, Wiz Kid and Curly Winds, Princess Twilight and Flash, and now this world's Twilight and Timber Spruce! Then there was the matter of Fluttershy's apparent crush on Sandalwood. Rarity had no idea whether the feeling was mutual or just one-sided, and she had to keep herself from prying. She didn't want a repeat of that incident involving herself, Twilight, and Timber! Rarity sighed again. Crushes for her had been few and far in between in her time at Canterlot High, and now that her Junior year was coming to an end she started to wonder if she'd ever have a high school boyfriend! ...No. No, she shouldn't have that attitude. She couldn't have that attitude! Second only to becoming a world-renowned fashionista, finding love was Rarity's top lifelong goal! A feeling of renewed determination washed over her. She shouldn't get discouraged! Surely there had to be someone in CHS or elsewhere who'd fall in love with her and vice-versa! Perhaps not here, and perhaps not now... but someday! Feeling better, Rarity got up and joined the crowd to dance. Fluttershy sighed as she watched Bulk and Derpy dance together. They both seemed happy, and she was happy for them... but she still couldn't shake the guilt she'd held onto after all this time! Bulk turned to face Fluttershy, then smiled. She felt a small pang of guilt, then looked away and got up to leave. "Fluttershy, wait!" Fluttershy stopped, gritting her teeth as she took a hold of her arm. She was going to have to look him in the face. She didn't want to, but she couldn't just run off. That would only make her feel worse! "Hey," Bulk said once he caught up to her and put a hand on her shoulder. "Are you still upset about breaking up with me? Even now?" Fluttershy slowly nodded her head. "Fluttershy," Bulk said softly. "You have to let it go." "You were crying when it happened," Fluttershy all but whispered. "That was the first time I'd actually hurt someone, Bulk. I-I-I don't know if I can." "Fluttershy... look at me." Fluttershy hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath and exhaled. She would have to steel herself, even if she knew she'd falter. After mustering up a bit of courage, she turned around. Bulk smiled warmly at her. "Do I look like I'm crying now?" Fluttershy shook her head. "Am I acting like I resent you for what you did?" She shook her head again. "I've long since forgiven you, Fluttershy, and it's been far too long for you to hold onto that regret." Bulk Biceps slowly wrapped his arms around her as she started to feel a lump in her throat. "Let me be there for you as a friend and relieve you of your guilt." "B... B-Bulk..." Bulk gently shushed her. "I won't let go until you do." Fluttershy closed her eyes as the lump grew stronger, then focused on her guilt. How she had let it sit and fester there for the last couple of years. Tears formed in her eyes, and she let out a whimper. Bulk tightened his grip on her. Fluttershy imagined her guilt. The image of a big, swirling black mass of regret, shame, and self-loathing appeared in her mind's eye as she pictured herself standing before it. With a serious amount of willpower, she grit her teeth and cracked her knuckles, knowing how much imminent pain she would be in. Fluttershy took as strong a swing as she could muster, then punched the mass as hard as she could. It shattered almost immediately... as did she. Bulk held Fluttershy close as her sniffles became sobs and her tears fell on his shirt. "There you go," he whispered as he consoled her. "I know it hurts now, but you're going to be okay." Fluttershy nodded as her tears kept coming, gradually pouring out all the negative feelings she had accumulated over the course of those couple of years. Within a few minutes, she let out a shuddering sigh as she wrapped her arms around Bulk. "Thank you... thank you so much. I had no idea how much I needed that release..." Bulk gently patted Fluttershy on her back. "You're welcome." Out of the corner of her eye, Fluttershy spotted Derpy walking towards them with a look of concern. "Is everything okay," she asked Bulk. "I started wondering where you went, then the next thing I know, she's crying!" Derpy gestured towards Fluttershy. Fluttershy let go of Bulk, then wiped away her last tear. "Yes, Derpy. Everything's okay now." "We were just tying up a loose end," Bulk said as he let go of Fluttershy, then winked at her. Fluttershy giggled. "You two go on. I've kept you from each other long enough." Bulk nodded, then took Derpy by the hand and laced his fingers with her. "C'mon, hon! I've got a few more good dances in me!" Derpy grinned. "You and me both, Muscleboy!" They pecked each other on the lips, then hurried back to the crowd. Fluttershy sighed happily as she watched them, grateful to be free of her guilt. Sunset searched the crowd for Flash with her journal in her hands. When she got her chance to talk to him after leaving him to investigate the cave, she was surprised by an unexpected request from him. "Sunset," Flash said. "I've been thinking about what you said to me earlier." Sunset raised an eyebrow. "You mean the whole 'tough love' thing?" Flash nodded. "I have be honest with you... getting over Princess Twilight is easier said than done for me." "It's not supposed to be easy. Was it easy for you when we broke up?" Flash shook his head. "No... but this situation is different. I could still see you every day at school, but Twilight? I might never see her again." Sunset folded her arms. "So what do you want me to do about it?" "I want your journal so I can personally contact Twilight and ask her out once and for all." Sunset blinked in surprise. "For how long?" "Not for very long. At least long enough for her to get back to me." "And if she says yes? What then?" Flash sighed. "Look, I won't keep it for any longer than I need to. I know how important that journal is to you... but do you know how important this closure would be to me?" Sunset stood still in thought for a moment, then smiled. "All right, Flash. You've got a deal... but for the record, I really don't think this is a good idea." "Noted." Sunset's mind hadn't changed in the slightest since her conversation with Flash, but she also knew that there'd be nothing she could say or do to dissuade him. His mind had been made up. "Sunset!" Flash waved his hands in the air, just outside of the crowd. Sunset took notice, then walked up to him. "Okay," she said as she approached Flash. "I know it goes without saying, but I want you to be careful with this." Flash nodded. "If you hear from Princess Twilight and it's an emergency, text Rainbow and she'll be right over to pick it up." "Understood." Sunset took a deep breath, then exhaled. "All right. Here you go." She handed her journal over to Flash. "Thank you. I promise I'll take good care of it." Sunset smiled warmly. "I know you will." She watched as Flash walked off with her journal, fervently hoping that no emergencies would arise while it was in his possession. Twilight took a seat as she tried to catch her breath. The party had been going on for about an hour now, and she'd practically been dancing nonstop since it started! She was amazed she could still move, let alone dance for that long! Her heart was pounding as sweat rolled off of her forehead. She was so hot from all of that physical exertion! ...Wait. She was hot. Oh, no... Twilight felt the urge rise again at the very thought of her current situation. All hot and sweaty! She swallowed nervously. She had to hold out until tomorrow, because she knew that as soon as she'd start, she wouldn't be able to stop until she was completely satisfied... and the Universe knows how long that could take! Twilight had to either distract herself or cool herself off. For the sake of urgency, she'd have to be quick! Unfortunately that meant she'd have to exert herself further, causing more heat and sweating. She clenched her teeth, damning the paradox she found herself in. She'd have to resort to drastic measures... "Spike," she called out. Within moments, Spike hurried to her side. "What's up, Twilight?" "Can you bring me a dead squirrel?" Spike grinned. "One dead squirrel, coming-" He stopped suddenly, and his eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Wait... you've never wanted one before." "First time for everything," Twilight said quickly as she began to fidget. Spike's poor choice of words had only strengthened her urge! Spike studied Twilight for a moment, then sniffed the air. His eyes slowly widened in understanding "Oh, geez... when was the last time you mastur-" "Just get me a fucking dead rodent!" "Okay, okay!" Spike hurried off. A few minutes later, he would present a dead rabbit to Twilight, who not only lost her libido, but her lunch as well. Gloriosa ran a hand through her hair with a happy sigh as she watched all the campers party. Pinkie had stopped dancing with her a while ago, and she was now freestyle rapping on stage. Gloriosa couldn't help but giggle. Camp Everfree hadn't been this lively this often for such a long time! She hoped it was a glimpse into the future, where more people would come over. It'd be a success story that she and Timber could pass down to the next generation! Gloriosa's eyes slowly widened. The next generation... that was a thought that she hadn't entertained since her parents' sudden deaths. It was far too early to tell if Timber would have any children. He was about to go on his very first date, after all! As for herself? She knew children were a big responsibility, and she had more than plenty of experience, having watched over many groups of them as a camp counselor. Gloriosa definitely knew she wanted children, but as for how she'd get them? She could adopt a child, which would probably lead to a screening process to determine if she was fit to be a mother. She'd have to look through lists of children, perhaps some sort of red tape or something. It would be time-consuming, for sure... but just the thought of making a lonely child happy filled her heart with happiness! And yet, Gloriosa thought as she put a hand to her stomach. There was also the possibility of getting herself pregnant through IVF. She had to admit, she'd been curious as to what it felt like, having a life grow inside of her. She remembered her mother's maternal glow before Timber was born. How beautiful she looked. How happy she looked. Oh, to feel that instant connection to her child immediately after birth! Unfortunately, pregnancy had its fair share of drawbacks as well. Fatigue, moodiness, swelling, general discomfort, vomiting, just to name a few... and that was just during those nine months! Gloriosa would be in screaming agony for who knows how long, giving birth to who knows how many kids! Even the thought of a C-section made her nervous! Gloriosa closed her eyes, then took a deep breath. She reminded herself that it would be a good few years before she actually made a decision, and she was just weighing the pros and cons of both options. With a slow exhale, Gloriosa relaxed, then went back to dancing. Timber smiled dreamily as he watched Twilight dance with her friends. He wanted to join in, but he kept his distance. He'd have to give her some space if he wanted her to trust him. Besides, he'd see more of her on their date. Heat rose to Timber's face. Oh, wow... it was just now sinking in for him! He had a date. An honest-to-god date. With a girl he liked. A smart and beautiful girl. A girl who actually enjoyed his jokes. His heart skipped a beat, and he knew beyond the shadow of a doubt: Twilight Sparkle truly was special. All of this only made Timber want to walk over to Twilight more... to talk to her more. But he had to hold off. At the very least, he'd see her and her friends off tomorrow morning. It was the right thing to do. Still... he found himself sighing dreamily again as he took another look in her direction. She looked so happy. Hopefully someday Timber himself would reach that same level of happiness. He was getting there. Slowly, but he was getting there. Timber turned around, then went about his own business for the remainder of the party. And so the wrap-up party went on for a few hours. Bodies gradually tired as it winded down, until everyone used what was left of their energy to clean up, then collapse in their respective beds.