//------------------------------//
// Ponies in Love (or, Ye Olde Open-Ended Shipping Chapter) 
// Story: Making Adjustments 
// by Spazzy Jamz 
//------------------------------//

	Tristan spent the rest of that day practicing his magic and secretly daydreaming about his date with Twilight Sparkle. Sometimes, his mind would get so distracted with the thought, he would become sidetracked from his magic, leading to a multitude of mishaps, one of which involved throwing Spike across the room. Despite the setbacks, Tristan had comfortably learned to master the levitation spell, running about picking up random objects with glee.

Twilight had also received her old bed back from the Apple family, who had saved up enough money from apple sales to get Big Mac a bed to replace the one he broke. Twilight placed it in one of the library's back rooms and dubbed it Tristan's room. Tristan happily accepted this, not wanting to cause an awkward situation like the one this morning. Spike was also excited to have his "big brother" become a permanent member of the household. So excited, in fact, that he moved his little basket into Tristan's room to spend the night with him.

The next morning, Tristan woke up in his new bed to a wonderful smell that had snuck its way into Tristan's room beneath the door. He righted himself in his bed, stretched, yawned, and trotted across the floor to the door. Upon making his way into the kitchen, the smell had taken full effect on the unicorn. He inhaled the aroma deeply, then slowly let it back out.

"What's that glorious smell?" Tristan asked, approaching a certain scaly chef.

"Just some haycakes," Spike replied, "But I'm trying out a new recipe. This one has a lot of different ingredients."

"You cook like this all the time?" Tristan asked, half-surprised. "You'll be a great husband someday if you keep this up."

Spike rolled his eyes. "That'll be a looong time from now."

Tristan chuckled and took a seat at the kitchen table. He glanced around for another unicorn, but she was nowhere to be found.

"Is Twilight up yet?" he asked.

"Yeah," Spike sighed. "She said she had more early morning errands to run and she needed to prepare for you two's date. She didn't even stay for breakfast."

Tristan smiled and a warm feeling spread inside him. Spike brought over the finished product and laid it in front of his hungry roommate. It was a massive stack of the haycakes Spike had described earlier, accompanied with some smaller strips of hay that resembled bacon and a glass of orange juice.

"Tell me what you think," Spike requested. He wrung at his little apron nervously as Tristan levitated a haycake into his watering mouth. After a few seconds of chewing, followed by an audible swallow, Tristan gave a nod of approval. The baby dragon breathed relief as Tristan continued with his meal. Spike set a stack of haycakes to the side for himself and removed his apron, joining the unicorn at the table.

"So, they're good?" Spike asked.

"Best haycakes I've ever had." Tristan joked. The two laughed for a bit, then enjoyed the rest of their breakfast. Afterwards, Tristan levitated his dishes over to the kitchen sink as Spike watched in amazement.

"Looks like you've mastered levitation." Spike chuckled, thankful that the dishes actually arrived at their destination and not elsewhere.

Tristan nodded again and laid back on his seat, rubbing his stomach in satisfaction. Spike carried his dishes over to the sink and began running the water. He had donned his apron once again and, with the help of a sponge, began scrubbing at the dishes, careful not to scratch or break them with his claws. Tristan raised himself from his relaxed position on the chair and climbed down from his seat.

"I better go get freshened up," Tristan stated, "Rarity is expecting me soon."

Spike said nothing as he continued to do the dishes, although he began to scrub the dishes with a little more force than before. Tristan paused in thought and sighed.

"Sorry, buddy," the unicorn apologized.

"It's fine," Spike lied. "No big deal."

Tristan approached the baby dragon. "You shouldn't let this affect you two's friendship," he advised, "I'm sure she feels just as bad about the whole ordeal as you do. But if you keep acting distant, you'll lose a good friend."

Spike set a plate down on the counter and sighed. "You're right," he reluctantly mumbled.

Tristan gave Spike a pat on the back and proceeded back to his bedroom, where he brushed his mane and tail to his liking and made his bed. He trotted back into the kitchen, letting Spike know of his departure.

"I shouldn't be gone for too long," Tristan informed him. Spike nodded and waved, then quickly returned to his cleaning. The unicorn then made his way to the library door and magicked it open, beginning the short trek to the Carousel Boutique.





Tristan arrived at the door of Rarity's home in practically no time. He looked the building over for a second before knocking. At first, there was no reply, but eventually he could hear a galloping noise coming from inside. The door shook a bit, then was slowly pulled open by Sweetie Belle, who looked up at Tristan with a smile.

"Hi, Tristan!" she chirped. "Come in!"

The filly pulled the door open further and led Tristan inside. Dresses, saddles, and other accessories lined the walls of the room with a large pedestal off to the side in front of some mirrors. Tristan walked around, inspecting some of Rarity's work before she called out to him.

"Tristan, darling!" she said. Tristan looked to see the white unicorn trotting happily down a set of stairs on the far side of the room. Her mane bounced with every step as she approached him. "So good to see you! You're right on time!"

Tristan smiled at her. "Yeah, Twilight said you needed to see me?"

Rarity nodded in confirmation. "Yes, I'm planning a new line of stallion-wear and I was hoping to use you as a model of sorts." She levitated a measuring tape their way along with a quill and paper and began taking Tristan's measurements. "I hope it's not too much trouble. Nopony else was available and I simply must get this finished before the season."

Tristan wearily watched the measuring tape float about him. "Oh, it's, uh, no problem," he replied.

Rarity jotted down the last of his measurements and sent the measuring tape back to its place. "I'll be back down in just a second, dear, make yourself at home."

Tristan nodded as Rarity trotted back up the stairs and disappeared from sight. He sat down and quietly glanced about the room. Sweetie Belle, who had remained in the room, stood beside him.

"How are you liking it in Ponyville?" she asked, staring intently.

"It's... different," Tristan answered, "But I think I'm getting a feel for it."

"That's good!"

"Yeah. Did you do well on your project?"

"What project?"

Tristan cocked his head to the side in confusion, then noticed Rarity descending the stairs once more.

"There we are!" she said, levitating some dark-colored clothing towards him, "Try these on, dear."

Tristan received the clothes with his own magic and stared at them for a second before slowly making his way to a changing room that was next to the pedestal. As he shut the door behind him, Sweetie Belle bounced and began running for the building's exit.

"Sweetie Belle, where are you going?" Rarity asked.

The filly skidded to a stop in front of the door and looked back at her older sister. "I'm heading over to the library for a second."

"Weren't you just there yesterday?"

"Yeah. I think I left something over there. I'll be back soon."

Sweetie Belle disappeared before Rarity could get another word in. The fashionista looked down to the floor in thought.

I don't recall her taking anything with her...

During Rarity's thinking, Tristan had re-emerged from the changing room. He was sporting a charcoal blazer with fine, gray pinstripes and a maroon neck tie. Rarity's eyes lit up as she watched him approach.

"Fabulous!" she exclaimed, "And very handsome on you, too!" She walked a circle around Tristan, inspecting every seam and stitch. "It seems like I could let it in a bit. Would you mind hopping up there for a moment?"

Tristan looked over to the massive pedestal that Rarity had directed him to. He climbed up and stood as still as possible as Rarity began working again.

"So, how are you liking it?" she asked, keeping focused on her work, "Being a pony and all."

"I'm getting used to it," Tristan replied.

"That's good. And you and Twilight?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well," Rarity began with a smile, "Are you two an item now? I don't mean to be obnoxious about it, but-"

"I honestly don't know," Tristan answered. "Spike told me that I should talk to her about it."

Rarity's smile disappeared, being replaced by a slight frown. "Oh, how is he doing?" she asked solemnly.

"He's taking it pretty well, I suppose," Tristan returned, recognizing the subject change, "Doesn't talk much about it."

"You understand, don't you? I love the child to death, but I'm afraid not in the manner he was hoping. And that's another thing: he's just a child. I don't think I-"

"I understand."

Rarity let out a sigh. "Besides, there's... somepony else."

Tristan nearly jumped out of his skin upon hearing this, causing Rarity's needle to find a new home in his left front leg. Rarity quickly extracted the needle and inspected the wound.

"Good, heavens, are you alright?!" she asked.

"I'm fine, I'm fine," Tristan assured, "Just got taken aback, that's all."

Rarity sighed once more and finished up her work. "I wish these things weren't so complicated." she confessed, sending away her needle and thread.

"It's never going to be easy," Tristan advised, "But you two have to talk this out. Otherwise, you'll lose each other's friendship, and I'm sure you don't want that."

Rarity shook her head, then took a step back and observed the final product. "Finished!" she said, hoping for a subject change. "What do you think?"

Tristan studied himself in the mirrors and nodded. "Very nice!" he complimented, "Your line is going to take off, I just know it!"

Rarity clapped her hooves together in excitement. Tristan chuckled to himself, then stepped down from the pedestal and began for the changing room. The white unicorn stopped him before he could reach the doors.

"No need, darling," she informed, "Go ahead and keep that set for yourself."

Tristan looked back at her, then at his clothes. "Are you sure?"

"Absolutely. I have the pattern on file, I'll just need to change some of the numbers." A smile formed on the Element of Generosity. "Besides, you may need this for your special occasion." 

Rarity's smile grew larger and she gave a wink. Tristan thought for a second, then realized what her words meant.

"You know about mine and Twilight's date?" he asked.

"Oh, absolutely!" Rarity blurted, "She filled me in just before you got here. She could hardly contain herself!"

Tristan smiled warmly at the thought of Twilight rushing in, spewing to her fellow unicorn about her plans. He found it amusing, yet heartwarming at the same time that she was thinking of him. He snapped from his daydreaming and turned for the door.

"I have to get a few things," he stated, "You know, for tonight. The date." A goofy grin appeared on his face and he could practically feel himself blushing. Rarity giggled, then waved as Tristan trotted out of sight.





Still wearing the clothes Rarity had made for him, Tristan trotted about Ponyville, catching the eye of every mare in town. He could hear their hushed chatter as he passed. The attention he had begun receiving caused him to carry himself with more vigor. He trotted proudly with his chin held high and a spring in his step.

He weaved through the mass of ponies in the Marketplace and, once in the clear, took off in a sprint for the library. He was nearly there when a voice sounded out.

"Yo! Tristan!"

Tristan slowed to a trot, rubbernecking for the source of the voice. He stood only a short distance from the library, alone. There was chuckling, then the voice called out again.

"Up here!"

He looked up and saw Rainbow Dash, waving from atop a low-flying cloud. She rolled off of the cloud and glided down, landing softly in front of the unicorn. Rainbow Dash inspected Tristan's clothes and shot a smirk.

"Nice threads, Tris," she said. "Where'd ya get those?"

"Rarity made them for me," Tristan giddily replied, trotting in a tight circle. Rainbow Dash smiled and rolled her eyes.

"What's the occasion?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"I have a date with Twilight later!" the unicorn cheered.

"That's great! She's really lucky."

"How do you figure that?"

"You're a pretty cool pony, Tris. I'm glad you and Twilight are happy together. She almost missed her chance, to be honest!"

Tristan raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Rainbow Dash put a hoof to her mouth, then quickly faked a smile. "I-It's nothing! Nothing at all, haha..."

Tristan gave her a doubtful look, causing the cyan pegasus to release a sigh.

"O-Okay... well... you see... when we were on in your world... a-after my first day out... I kinda... sorta... got a small crush on you."

"Oh, crud!" Tristan snapped. "I-I'm so sorry! I had no clue!"

"It's okay, it's okay," Rainbow Dash replied, "It was only a small phase. Nothing to fret about at all."

"A phase?" Tristan repeated.

"Yeah. You see, when we pretended to be a couple, it had been the first time I was close to somepony like that. It was weird, and for a few days afterward, I thought I had feelings for you."

Tristan felt himself become slightly uneasy with the conversation, but decided to keep his thoughts to himself as Rainbow Dash continued.

"If I would have actually acted on those feelings, then I'm not sure you would even be here, let alone be Twilight's coltfriend. Honestly, I'm actually glad I didn't."

Tristan raised an eyebrow once more. "Oh?"

"Yeah," confessed Rainbow Dash. "Because after doing some thinking, I've figured out that I like another pony much more. No offense."

"None taken," Tristan chuckled. "So who is the lucky guy, er, stallion?"

Rainbow Dash glanced about. "That's the thing. It's-"

"Tristan! Rainbow Dash!"

The two looked back to find Twilight Sparkle trotting in their direction. She flashed a giddy smile to Tristan, already excited by their plans. As she arrived next to him, she took note of the blazer and tie Tristan wore.

"Where did you get those?" she asked him.

"Rarity gave them to me as thanks for helping her out," Tristan replied. "You like 'em?"

Twilight blushed. "Absolutely."

Rainbow Dash took a step back. "Well," she said, turning, "I have a few things to take care of. You two have fun."

With that, the pegasus took off like a rocket into the sky. Tristan watched as she flew from sight, then turned his attention to the door and magicked it open. Before he and Twilight could take another step, a white-coated unicorn filly bounced out of the library and broke into a full-speed run.

"Sweetie Belle?" Tristan asked.

Twilight looked back in confusion, then to Tristan. "I wonder what she was doing here."

Tristan shrugged, then followed Twilight back into the library, where they found Spike staring dumbstruck out the door.

"You okay, buddy?" Tristan asked.

"I dunno," Spike replied. "Scootaloo was just here, then almost right after she left, Sweetie Belle showed up. They were talking about some sort of game."

"A game?" Twilight said. Spike nodded. "What kind of game?"

"Beats me," the baby dragon answered. "They didn't say what this 'game' was. Nice threads, by the way."

"I know, right?" Tristan said, turning to give Spike the full view. "I've been getting stared at all day by a lot of ponies. I think I may have found myself a new look."

Twilight grimaced at the thought of the other mares making eyes at Tristan. It didn't sit well in her stomach. Was she getting jealous? She had been jealous before, but this time it was different. She immediately returned her thoughts to her date with Tristan, and it seemed to make the annoying feeling go away. 

Spike picked himself up from the floor and proceeded to one of the bookshelves. Twilight remained by Tristan's side until she trotted off towards the staircase.

"I'm going to freshen up for our date and I'll be right back down," she said, smiling.

Tristan smiled back and began feeling the proverbial butterflies in his stomach. This would be his first real date for a long time, so the giddy feeling he was experiencing was something that had seemed forgotten. He hoped that this date went smoothly, and that he could finally ask Twilight what she thought of their relationship.

With his heart a flutter, Tristan trotted into the kitchen with Spike to await his date.





"If cigarettes existed in Equestria, I would be begging for one right now."

Spike glanced over from his spot at the oven. "Why would you need a cigarette?" he asked. "I thought those were bad for you?"

"They are," Tristan replied, "But my nerves are shot right now. I haven't been on a date in a long time."

"What about when you took the ponies out when we stayed with you? Aren't those kind of like dates?"

"No. Well, maybe. I don't know. Could you whip me up a cup of coffee real quick?"

Spike nodded and ran to the cupboard. Tristan, who sat at the kitchen table, laid his head down on the table's surface and let out a long, exasperated sigh. This awkward combination of excitement and anxiety was beginning to take a mental toll on the unicorn. What if he messed up? What if things between him and Twilight weren't what they seem?

"You're overreacting," Spike said, carrying a fresh cup of coffee to the table. "Trust me, I know about overreacting. You'll be fine."

Tristan looked up at the coffee cup. "Are you sure?"

Spike giggled. "Positive. You know, for a big brother, you sure are getting a lot of advice from me."

Tristan chuckled and levitated the coffee towards him, taking a quick sip. He could feel the anxiety wash away as the liquid goodness flowed into his stomach. He smiled with satisfaction and took another sip.

"What do you think?"

Tristan was mid-sip when he turned to see Twilight Sparkle standing in the doorway. Her mane was pulled into a bun in the back and she was wearing a bright yellow dress with a pink ribbon around the neck. Simple, yet still so elegant. She blushed a little while awaiting a reaction and Tristan nearly choked on his coffee, causing the purple unicorn to flinch.

"What's wrong?!" Twilight asked.

Tristan coughed a few more times before finding the breath to answer. "I-It's nothing," he stammered. 

Spike looked over to Twilight and scratched his head. "Isn't that the dress Rarity made you for your birthday?"

"It is," Twilight confirmed. She returned her attention to Tristan. "Is it too much?"

Tristan shook his head quickly. "No, no! It's fine! You look... beautiful."

Twilight's blushing became more apparent. "Y-You really think so?"

Tristan nodded with a smile. Spike, who was now cleaning up the minor coffee mess on the table, grimaced from the mushiness of the conversation.

"Do you have our lunch ready, Spike?" Twilight asked, giving the baby dragon a somewhat stern look.

Spike carried over a large picnic basket, to which Twilight lifted from his claws by use of her magic. "It's all there."

Twilight smiled and motioned Tristan towards her. Tristan climbed from his seat and trotted over to her. After a warm passing glance, Twilight returned her focus to the baby dragon.

"We'll be back in about an hour or so," she informed. "Mind the library for me until we return."

"Like I have anything better to do," Spike mumbled.

"What was that?"

"Nothing."

The two unicorns proceeded back through the main room and over to the door. Tristan magicked the door open and stood aside. Twilight giggled at the gesture.

"Such a gentlecolt," she remarked.

Tristan shrugged with a smile and waited for Twilight to pass before exiting after her. He began to pull the door shut, but a yellow filly suddenly appeared before him.

"Hiya, Tristan! Hiya, Twilight!" Apple Bloom greeted.

"Hello, Apple Bloom!" Twilight returned. "What are you doing here?"

"Ah came to... uh... look fer a book fer Big Mac!" she replied. "Yeah, that's it."

Twilight furrowed her brow. "I didn't think Big Mac was much of a reader."

"There's a lot about Big Mac ya don't know," Apple Bloom quickly answered. "Now, if y'all excuse me..." 

She quickly dashed past the unicorns into the library and pulled the door shut behind her. Tristan gave Twilight a confused look.

"Do the CMCs come here a lot?" he asked.

"Not really," Twilight replied. "It's kinda strange that they've all been here at some point or another today. Do you think she's in on this 'game' that Spike has been talking about?"

"Beats me."

Twilight smirked. "Well, we have plans of our own to attend to. Let's go."

Tristan nodded and happily followed Twilight through town, going over in his head the question that was to be asked.





The unicorns arrived at the picnic area that Twilight had picked out. It was a simple hill overlooking a wide, colorful meadow with a small stream running beside them and a lone apple tree at the hilltop. Tristan felt a soft breeze through his mane as he watched the tall grass dance in the wind, creating a rippling effect. A soft sigh of contentment escaped past his lips and he turned back to his companion.

Twilight Sparkle had already begun unpacking the massive basket by first removing the classic white-and-red checkered cloth. She then quickly began setting up what would soon be their dining area with an array of plates, cups, and the food containers. After everything had been prepared, she laid herself onto the cloth and silently invited Tristan over with a head gesture, to which Tristan obeyed immediately.

As Tristan laid down across from Twilight, the purple unicorn levitated a sandwich and a small side salad over to his plate. She retrieved the same items for herself and poured them both a glass of lemonade. Tristan smiled as he watched Twilight distribute the meal, occasionally shifting his glance to Twilight herself. Her mane's bangs flowed softly in the breeze and her violet in her eyes shone, making the scene all the more peaceful and serene.

Eventually, Twilight caught notice of Tristan's gaze. Tristan quickly broke away and feigned fascination in his sandwich. Twilight half-smiled and raised an eyebrow.

"What are you looking at?" she asked softly.

Tristan levitated the sandwich up to his mouth and took a large bite, chewing thoroughly before swallowing. He gently dropped the sandwich to its resting spot on the plate and looked back at Twilight.

"Oh, nothing," he lied. He watched as Twilight began partaking in her portion of the lunch. After a few seconds, he returned to his meal as well and the next few minutes were spent silently as the two unicorns finished their lunches.

Moments later, Twilight had packed up everything but the cloth they sat on back into the basket. The two sat in more silence as they simply sat and watched over the field, taking in the warm sun and the aesthetic beauty that nature had to offer.

Deep down, however, Tristan was deeply conflicted. The date was nearly over, symbolized by the hardly-existent orange tint in the sky, and he hadn't said a word to Twilight about the concern he held. He fidgeted slightly from the pressure.

"Are you okay?" Twilight asked, her voice filled with concern. "Is this a bad date?"

Tristan waved his hooves wildly. "No, no, no! It's not that at all!"

"What is it then?" Twilight pressed.

Tristan let out a sigh, then took in a deep breath. "I need to ask you about something," he admitted.

Twilight could feel her heart racing now. It wasn't in the excited kind like she had been getting used to recently. It seemed to bring on fear and discomfort. She couldn't remember anything that she could have done to make Tristan mad at her, but the paranoia lingered nonetheless.

"Y-Yes?" Twilight asked nervously.

"Well," Tristan shakily began, "Oh, how do I put this.... What, um, are we?"

Twilight tilted her head to the side. "What are we?" she echoed. "What do you mean?"

"What we are," Tristan continued. "I mean you... a-and me...."

Twilight thought hard for a moment or two, then simply shrugged. "We're ponies, I guess. Unicorns to be exact."

Tristan put a hoof on his face and sighed. "No... I mean... you know... relationship wise..."

Twilight's eyes shot open. Not only was this a sudden question, but she wasn't sure what they were either. They had both confessed feelings for each other, she had kissed him, she even begged and pleaded Princess Celestia for weeks to bring him to her over hundreds of dimensions. Despite all this, she still wasn't sure what to make of it all.

"I... I hadn't really thought about it...." she said. "You mean... like... marefriend and coltfriend?"

Tristan swallowed and nodded. "Y-Yeah. Is that what we are?"

"I'm not sure..."

"Can we be?"

Silence once again overtook the two unicorns. Tristan sat nervously, awaiting a reply from Twilight, who struggled to find the words to say. Time felt like it had stopped just for them. Tristan grew increasingly uneasy with each passing moment.

"Twi-"

His words were stopped suddenly as Twilight pressed her lips against his. The passion he felt overtake him was unlike anything he had ever felt before. Tristan's eyes were widened by the unexpected action, but he soon came around and went along with it, closing his eyes and falling into the kiss.

Meanwhile, several feet away at the south edge of the field, a pair of binoculars protruded from a hedgerow.

"Ah, how romantic," Rarity thought aloud. "Young love is such a beautiful thing."

"Oh yes, I agree," Fluttershy added, "They're just so right for each other."

"We should have a congratulatory party for the new couple!" Pinkie Pie chimed.

"Are y'all sure we should be doin' this?" Applejack asked. "Ah mean, spyin' an' all."

Rainbow Dash gave a light elbow to the farm mare. "I'm sure you wanted to see this just as bad as they did," she replied.

"And you didn't?" Spike retorted, crossing his arms. "You're a big softy deep down, we all know it."

Rainbow Dash glared at the baby dragon. "And what's your story, tough guy?" she returned. "I thought you hated all this mushy stuff?"

"Well, I had nothing else better to do after Apple Bloom ran me out of the library," Spike huffed.

Applejack glanced backwards. "What has gotten into that filly recently?" she asked. "Ah reckon Ah'm gonna need ta give the young one a talkin' to."

Rainbow Dash shook her head, then returned her attention to Twilight, who had rested her head on Tristan's shoulder. After a minute or two, the unicorns stood and trotted off side-by-side back towards town.

"They're leaving!" Pinkie Pie alerted. "Everypony run!"

In a panic, the group scattered from their hiding spot as discreetly as possible to avoid detection. Spike tugged at Applejack's tail before she could get too far.

"Hey, AJ," he asked, "If it's no trouble..."

Applejack smiled and knelt down. "Hop on, sugarcube," she instructed.

As Applejack carried Spike back into town, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash had taken off and were gently flying above the treetops. Fluttershy increased her speed and arrived at Rainbow Dash's side.

"I hope to have something like that someday," she confessed. "Wouldn't that be just wonderful?"

Rainbow Dash smirked. "Yeah, I guess it wouldn't be too bad."

Now if I can only get around to figuring out to say it.





A few minutes after the ponies' departure, several feet from the bush where the group was hiding, a shadowy figure dropped from the top of one of the trees. It sauntered over to the spot and looked down, picking up a blue feather with it's mouth and storing it in a bag.

"All in due time," Swift Gleam said, chuckling. "All in due time. The hunt has only just begun."






Spazzy Says!



I'll admit, I had a lot of fun writing this chapter. I've been busting it for the past few hours to get this done because I have to leave for work in, like, five minutes and I wanted to get it out there before I left. So, here ya go!

I'm sure you all have even more questions now than what you did when you started reading, and I'd love to elaborate more about what's to come, but I really need to go. But by all means, leave those comments. Let me know what you think. I'll put in a blog post what's to come for the next chapter.

Keep Being Awesome!

-Spazzy Jamz