//------------------------------// // Getting Ready // Story: TimberTwi Tales: Their First Date // by CapNTilfy //------------------------------// Twilight Sparkle nervously paced back and forth in her room with her dog Spike and her friends watching as she pulled at her hair. “How long has she been at this now,” Rainbow asked impatiently as she folded her arms. “About ten minutes, darling,” Rarity said as she looked at her fingernails. Pinkie squealed with excitement. “That’s gotta be a new record!” “I think that’s about ten minutes too long,” Sunset said, then walked over to Twilight and stood in front of her. Twilight stopped just an inch away from Sunset, then blinked in surprise. She paused for a moment, then took a deep breath and sighed. “I can’t help pacing, Sunset! I’m a nervous wreck right now, and I know that’s the last thing I need to be before… ‘hanging out’... with Timber.” Sunset smiled warmly, then put her hands on Twilight’s shoulders. “I completely understand… but you’ve been alone with him before.” “But the atmosphere and location are completely different, Sunset! There’s so many variables that I haven’t accounted for!” “Twilight,” Sunset said softly. “Take a deep breath.” Twilight closed her eyes, then brought her arm to her chest as she clenched her hand into a fist. “Now release it.” Twilight exhaled as she slowly extended her arm and unclenched her fist, then opened her eyes. “Feel better?” Twilight smiled and nodded her head. “A little.” She was so grateful that Dean Cadance taught her that technique! It almost never failed her. “You needn’t worry so, darling,” Rarity said. "You both got along quite swimmingly at Camp Everfree, so I see no reason why that should change along with your chosen locations!” “Speaking of locations,” Twilight said. “Do any of you happen to know anyone who either goes to or works at Roma’s?” Ever since Timber suggested that restaurant, she’d been virtually unable to stop thinking about it! “Why do you ask,” Fluttershy asked. “I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I know I’ve heard that name from somewhere… or someone.” “It is a popular place, Twi,” Rainbow said. “You’re probably just worrying over nothing.” Twilight laughed softly. “You’re probably right, Rainbow… but just to be safe.” “Damn near everyone goes to Roma’s, Twilight,” Applejack said as she folded her arms. “We’d be wastin’ time that you could be usin’ to get ready!” “Doesn’t your date start in like ten minutes,” Pinkie asked as she checked the time on her phone. Twilight looked at her alarm clock, then yelped. “Oh crap!” She was so fixated on that one thing that she completely lost track of time! “Thanks for all your support I have to go bye!” She hurried out the door, leaving everyone else in her room. “So… are we going to follow and watch her,” Spike asked. “Pfft-kss-tch,” Rarity scoffed. “That is a violation of Twilight’s privacy, Spikey-Wikey! We will do no such thing!” Everybody gave Rarity a suspicious look. “Oh, for heaven’s sake,” Rarity stamped her foot in frustration. “Need I assure you all that I learned my lesson when I got caught by Twilight?” “Wait… what?” Sunset’s eyes widened. “I didn’t hear about that!” “Do tell, Rarity,” Fluttershy said with a grin. Heat rose to Rarity’s face. She didn’t tell anyone, that just slipped out of her! “O-Oh dear…” Timber took a deep breath. He was nervous. Very nervous. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been so nervous! You have good reason to be nervous. This is the only time you’ll go out with Twilight! “Timber?” Timber jumped, then turned around to see Gloriosa standing in his bedroom doorway. He sighed as he put his hand to his chest. “Don’t scare me like that, Glory… I thought I was going to have a heart attack!” “I’m sorry,” Gloriosa said with a laugh as she entered Timber’s room. “I just wanted to see how you were doing.” She walked over to him. “I know how much this date means to you,” she said softly. “But I think you might need to calm yourself before heading out.” Timber sighed heavily. “I think that’s going to be easier said than done.” Just one date to humiliate yourself in front of a cute girl. Timber clenched his teeth. Those damned negative thoughts persisted, even after he set things up with Twilight! “Hey,” Gloriosa snapped Timber out of his thoughts as she put a hand on his shoulder. “Still having those thoughts?” Timber nodded slowly. Gloriosa gave Timber a supportive smile. “Close your eyes, little brother.” Timber closed his eyes. “Now. Repeat after me. ‘I’ve got this.’” “I’ve g-got this.” Gloriosa shook her head. “No. That won’t do, Timber Spruce. You need to have conviction in your voice!” “I.. I’ve got this.” Gloriosa sighed. Timber was clearly still struggling with his confidence issues. “Okay, then. Let’s try this. Imagine that Twilight is standing right in front of you. She’s having some sort of trouble with… something or other.” Timber nodded. “She’s looking at you right now. She needs you, and you’re the only person that can help her!” Timber swallowed nervously. He pictured Twilight struggling with something. What it was, he did not know, nor did it matter. “Timber,” Twilight said with a slight frown. “Can you help me with this?” Timber’s heart skipped a beat as he visualized Twilight. She looked attractive even when frowning! He paused for a moment, then shook his head rapidly. If he wanted to be in a relationship with her, he’d have to force himself to be confident! Timber stood still for a moment, then imagined Twilight’s smile. How pretty it made her look. He felt a warmth run through his body, then opened his eyes and looked straight at Gloriosa. “I’ve got this!” “There you go,” Gloriosa said proudly, slapping Timber on his back. “Now get out there and show Twilight Sparkle the best night ever!” “Yeah!” Timber raised his arms and clenched his hands into fists. “I’ve got thiiiiiis!” He ran out of the room, much to Gloriosa’s amusement. He returned in a moment. “Is something wrong?” “I just forgot to thank you, Glory.” Timber wrapped his arms around Gloriosa, then hugged her. Gloriosa giggled as she returned the hug. “You’re welcome.” Timber broke the hug. “Tell me how it went, will you?” “Of course,” Timber said as he left his room. “Love you, sis!” “Love you too, bro.” Gloriosa left Timber’s room and watched him leave, proud of how far he’d come. She hoped to the Universe that his date with Twilight would go smoothly.