"One double cheese hayburger with extra hay for the lady, and one lettuce hayburger for the sir," the waiter said, putting down two plates. Twilight and Flash thanked the waiter, who answered with a small bow and left the table.
"I'm surprised Princess Cadance was able to book a table here in such a short notice," Flash said, taking a bit of his burger. "You have to book tables at least a day in advance here."
Twilight looked at him, surprised. "Really?" she asked, narrowing her eyes slightly. Flash responded with a nod. "This restaurant is quite popular in the empire. After all, they do serve the best hayburgers here," he said.
But Starlight only asked me if I could come today... How long have they been planning this "unexpected" dinner? she wondered. I most definitely made the wrong choice trusting them...
Outside the window, six pairs of eyes were watching the two ponies inside with interest.
"Why did I have to hide in a bush again? It's ruining my mane!" Rarity complained. Flurry giggled. "Silly Auntie Rarity," she said. "How else are we supposed to spy on Mr. Flash and Auntie Twily?"
"Clever of ya to ask your ma' to book a table by the window yesterday Flurry," Applejack said. "I have to say, this is a great view."
"Oh by the way Applejack, you lost the bet," Rainbow Dash reminded. "Twilight just bumped into Flash for the third time this trip. Which means I'm winning right now!"
"I’m still in the game Dashie!” Pinkie giggled. “Once Twilight bumps into Flash two more times, the bits are mine!”
“Umm girls?” Fluttershy murmured. “Maybe we should be quiet? In case they here us. If you don’t mind that is…”
The girls nodded and quieted down, continuing their spying mission.
"This is the best hayburger I've ever had," Twilight said, her mouth full. Flash laughed. "There's a reason why this place is so popular," he said. "I've wanted to come here since forever, but everytime I try to, something comes up with the crystal guard. Last time my friend wanted to switch shifts with me to surprise his marefriend."
"Aww, how sweet!" Twilight exclaimed. He's quite a caring stallion... Wait no! Don't think like that! He's just a friend... she thought. Though as of now, I think I might be having second thoughts on the whole thing... Maybe the girls were right last night...
Oblivious to Twilight's inner conflictions, Flash shrugged. "I know he would have done the same for me," he said. "If I had a marefriend that is."
"You know, I never had the chance to ask you. What made you become a guard?" Twilight asked. "Was it your dad? One of your letters did mention how he was a guard as well."
Flash smiled. "You're right," he said. "I did join the guard because of me dad. He was an old captain of the Canterlot royal guards, but died in combat when I was a young colt." A sad smile washed over his face. "I joined the guard to honor him."
Twilight smiled sympathetically, putting her hoof on the stallion's own. "I'm sure he would be very proud of you," she said, touched. Flash smiled, blushing at their hooves' contact. The two ponies stared into each other's eyes, unable to look away. They leaned closer and closer towards each other, until...
"Your desserts have arrived," a voice interrupted. Twilight and Flash jerked back, looking towards the source of the sound. A waiter stood by their table, holding two plates of desserts.
"One ice cream sundae for the lady, and one plate of chocolate waffles for you sir," the water said, putting down the plates before taking his leave. Twilight and Flash kept their eyes trained on their desserts, averting the gaze of each other. Both were not too willing to talk about their little moment from just now.
Twilight heard noise which sounded like a series of groans. "Did you here that?" she asked, finally looking at Flash. Flash tilted his head. "Heard what?" he asked, frowning. Twilight shook her head. "Must have been my imagination I guess."
"You've got to be kidding me," Rainbow complained. "They were so close!" "I'm just not so sure how much longer of this I can take!" Rarity exclaimed.
"Umm... maybe we can give them a little bit more time?" Fluttershy suggested meekly. "We've waited for so long. There's no harm in waiting a bit more." Her friends nodded their heads. What else could they do?
Meanwhile, Flurry was pouting. "Too bad Mommy banned me from using a bubble again," she grumbled. "That worked so well with Auntie Starlight and Uncle Sunburst."
Pinkie pat her head encouragingly. "Cheer up Flurry," she said. "I'm sure Flash and Twilight will get together soon." Flurry only sighed.
Twilight and Flash were deep in a conversation about Daring Do. Both have elected to simply ignore their embarrassing moment from just now.
"And it was so cool how she took the key right out of the crumbling temple," Flash said. Twilight giggled at his excitedness. She was always happy to talk about her favourite books with her friends. It wasn't often that you met somepony as passionate about reading as she was.
"I know right!" she said. "That's one of my favourite parts! A.K Yearling is a master storyteller!"
Flash glanced at their empty plates. "Looks like we're done here," he observed. "Ready to head home? I don't think Captain Shining Armour would be too happy with you if you got back late."
Twilight nodded. "I'll get the bill," she said, waving the waiter over. "No let me," Flash argued. "What kind of stallion would I be if I let the mare take the bill." "No no, let me," insisted the princess. "I told you to stay to eat after all. It's only fair that I pay."
The two continued their banter, never realizing that the waiter had already arrived with their bill. "Ahem," he cleared his throat, cutting the two short. "I believe this argument isn't necessary. Princess Cadance has already told us to send your bill to her."
"Oh," said Twilight. She turned to Flash. "Guess that solves our problem." Cadance, what are you up to... she thought.
"It certainly does," Flash laughed. "Allow me to walk you back?"
"With pleasure," Twilight answered with a smile. The two ponies left the restaurant and walked to the castle. the moon casting a soft glow on them.
Behind them, a large bush trailed after them, following their every step. The bush had a mission. It had to get to the castle before Flash and Twilight for everything to go according to plan.