Oh, dear. What am I getting myself into?
The unicorn had been pacing and prancing to and fro in her shop since her new date, Archaic Smile the pegasus, had left. In less than an hour she had questioned her goals and motives; she had not planned on meeting somepony that might become special to her during her stay in Ponyville. The thought hadn’t even crossed her mind, and though she was anxious she was also very excited.
I haven’t had a coltfriend since school, she thought. Why bother now?
She ceased her pacing and peered out the shop’s front windows, looking for nothing in particular. It was a warm, sunny day seemingly as relaxed and cheerful as ever.
Certainly nice for a walk in the park... especially at sunset. He’ll be here, then. She sighed and resumed pacing. In a few hours... I’ll close the shop early so I can get ready.
In the following two hours she thought endlessly about her plans for that night. A few curious ponies came to the shop to introduce themselves and browse, and she took the opportunity to strike up a casual conversation with a fashionable-looking mare.
“You’re outfit is adorable,” she said. “I haven’t had a chance to go shopping since I settled in. May I ask where you buy your outfits?”
“Oh, thank you! I go to Rarity’s Boutique. She always has the latest trends. She’s quite popular in Canterlot, too,” said the mare. “You can find everything you need there, I’m sure. Would you like directions?”
―*―
Upon arriving back home I immediately put the Heart’s Desire in a pot more suitable for decoration and sprinkled a bit of water on the delicate flower. I set it on the work desk in my room, where it seemed to radiate an atmosphere of warmth and joy in the sunlight. I realized I was still humming to myself; it was the melody from the old, classic song Hearts ‘n’ Hooves, named after the holiday.
I have a date tonight, I thought. It’s so surreal.
I had a few snacks and sat at the kitchen table wondering how to kill the remaining hours I had before meeting Spring Glory. I settled with tending to my garden for some time, and then I stared at blank sheets on my desk for a half hour before giving up once more. Eventually, I ended up sitting on my bed while staring out a window towards the Everfree Forest. I idly thought about everything that had happened in the past few days.
I never thought something like this could happen. We don’t really know each other yet, though... It could still fall apart at any moment, I thought. I’d hate for that to happen. I’m so tired of being alone...
―*―
Shortly after receiving directions and thanking the mare, Spring Glory closed her shop and headed to Rarity’s Boutique. When she stepped inside she was stunned by the display of vibrant dresses, saddles, bags, and other attire. The mare she had spoken with was right; everything she would need was in this boutique.
Oh my... What should I wear? It mustn’t be too formal...
She spotted a very graceful unicorn sifting through a rack of dresses, who then looked up at her and smiled.
“Oh, hello, my dear!” the mare said. “Are you the unicorn who just moved into town? I’m Rarity. It’s a pleasure to meet you!”
“Nice to meet you, too. You’ve heard of me?” asked Spring Glory.
“It’s a small town we live in, darling,” said Rarity. “Forgive me, but I don’t know your name.”
“Oh― I’m Spring Glory.”
“Well, Spring Glory, what brings you here? Are you searching for a new, fabulous ensemble? You’d look beautiful in many of my dresses, and―”
“Actually,” interrupted Spring Glory, “I’m looking for something more... casual. Something you could wear for... a walk in the park, for example.”
“Hmm...” Rarity examined Spring Glory with intense scrutiny for a short while, and then her eyes lit up. “I know exactly what you need! Wait here just one moment.”
After disappearing behind rows of outfits, Rarity returned with a bright yellow saddle decorated with pale frills; it was clearly hoofmade, and it was very well crafted, with subtle patterns etched into it.
“You’ll look absolutely amazing in this,” said Rarity.
“It’s... very pretty, but... it looks a bit fancy, don’t you think?” asked Spring Glory.
“You must trust me, my dear. Now, go try it on!”
She looks so eager for me to try it on, thought Spring Glory. “Well... okay.”
She took the saddle and stepped into the dressing room. After slipping through the straps and tightening them, she looked in the large mirror.
Wow, she thought. I do look quite dazzling in this... but it seems too fancy for a stroll in the park. She remembered what the mare who had come to her shop earlier had said. But if Rarity really is that popular, then I should probably take her word... Yes. It’s different here in Ponyville. I just have to get used to it.
“Do you like it?” Rarity shouted over the door. Still wearing the saddle, Spring Glory shyly stepped out. “Oh, you look gorgeous! Don’t you think so?”
“Well... yes, you’re right. It’s very beautiful,” said Spring Glory. “How much is it?”
“Darling,” Rarity laughed, “fabulosity like this is priceless! Consider it a welcoming gift.”
“Oh, but... are you sure?”
“Yes, of course! I want you to have it.”
“Well... in that case, thank you so much. This is so generous of you.”
“It’s nothing,” Rarity said. “If you don’t mind, may I ask what the occasion is?”
“I’m... meeting somepony this afternoon,” said Spring Glory. “He’s a friend. We’re going for a walk in the park.”
“Oooh, well, then I won’t keep you waiting! Go on, go meet your friend!” Rarity ushered Spring Glory to the door.
“Okay... Thank you again for this beautiful saddle.”
Rarity smiled brightly.“You must come back and tell me about your date.” She winked and went to attend to her dresses, leaving Spring Glory by the door.
Can’t hide anything from her, she thought as she left the boutique. She’s so kind, though. She smiled and headed back to her shop, excited about the upcoming night.
―*―
I rolled off of my bed and looked in the mirror. I combed my scruffy mane for a while, only satisfied when it was raked back as smoothly as possible. After briefly looking into my dusty, near-empty wardrobe, I decided to stick with my scarf. I scrubbed my teeth and nibbled on a few mints while I waited for the clock to strike six―an hour before sunset. I sat at the table and watched the clockhands tick by while restlessly tapping the table with my hoof.
I sighed. This is taking so long... I’m only getting more nervous by waiting like this. Perhaps I should go now. I stood and walked towards the door. It doesn’t hurt to be a bit early.
I glided to down into Ponyville, lazily riding on the air currents. When Spring’s Glories was in sight, I spiraled down towards the shop. I checked the door, but it was locked again, so I decided to sit on a nearby bench. A few passerby ponies looked at me curiously, and some even seemed surprised to see me out and about.
I don’t feel very nervous being out in public right now, I noticed. This must seem as unusual to everypony else as it does to me.
I almost dozed off until I was startled by a little pegasus filly who poked my side. “Excuse me, mister,” she said. “Aren’t you the sculptor who lives around here?”
This surprised me, and I stared at her a moment before responding. “You... know about me?” I asked.
“Yeah! I’ve seen your statues around. They’re cool!”
“Oh... thank you.”
“You think you could show me how to make a statue like yours?”
“Well... I don’t know,” I said. “Statues like those take time to complete... and I’ve never taught anypony before...”
“That’s okay! I’ll do anything to get my cutie mark!” she exclaimed, turning to show me her lack of a cutie mark. Her eager eyes were too hopeful to resist.
“I can’t right now, but... I think I’ll be around. Ask me another time, and I’ll see what I can teach you.”
Another two fillies showed up, then. “Scootaloo, we’ve been looking everywhere for you!” one said. “We’re going to try zip lining today, remember? C’mon!”
“Oh, right!” said the one named Scootaloo. “Thanks, mister!” She ran off with her fillyfriends. “Guess who I just talked to?” I thought heard her say. I watched them dash off into the distance, puzzled by the whole interaction.
“Who was that?”
I turned to see Spring Glory standing next to me, and I nearly lost my heart as it tried to explode out of my chest.
“Honestly... I don’t know,” I answered.
“Kids,” she remarked with a smirk. “I didn’t expect you’d be here so soon.”
“Well... I just couldn’t wait any longer,” I said, only realizing the romantic sound of my reply after I’d said it.
She blushed. “That’s very sweet,” she said. “I need to run into the shop and get something. I’ll just be a moment, then we can be on our way.”
When she turned I saw the brilliant saddle she was wearing; it was a very smooth yellow and it had light yellow frills flowing out of it. There were thin, intricate designs on the saddle that brought an intriguing depth into it.
Sweet Celestia, I thought. She’s beautiful.
I stood by the door as I waited, and I began worrying about what I would say to her. I had it in my mind that the night would either go very well or go very terribly.
Don’t panic. You can’t, now that you’re here. Just... be normal, I told myself. She’s just very pretty... no reason to panic...
When she returned, she had a pale yellow flower in her mane, complimenting the beautiful saddle. “All set,” she said. “I’m not sure where the park is, so you’ll have to lead the way.”
“Oh... of course. It’s this way,” I said, and we began walking.
“Archaic Smile?”
“Um... Yes?”
“Thank you for asking me out tonight. It’s nice to spend time with somepony,” she said, and I noticed her scoot a bit closer to me as we walked.
“Don’t thank me yet... tonight’s not over,” I said.
She giggled lightly. “I know.”