Oh god, why did I send that? He's going to freak out and never talk to me again! Photon Storm sat, unmoving, at the same desk she had been sitting in for the past hour. Her head lay cradled in her hooves as she worried a hole in the table. Raising her head, she gazed at the scribbled notes and crumpled paper that were the remnants of her fevered work. I guess I'd better put this mess away. No sense in being entirely unproductive. She reached out a hoof and began to collect the papers. I know I won’t get anything done now that I’m all worked up. Maybe I should just go lie down for a while. A nap would probably do me some good. Photon stuffed the papers into her desk and surveyed her office. Finding it to be acceptable, she turned off the lights and left the silent room.
Photon began the long walk down the many hallways of her estate in search of her bed. Despite the purposely circuitous route she was taking, she did not enounter a single other soul. Where is everypony? They can’t seriously have finished everything that needed doing? Maybe It’s just a coincidence. She stopped as she passed a large glass door that led out to an open balcony. A moment passed as she pondered the door. Deciding, she exited out of the door and into the warm afternoon. The cool breeze skimmed across her mane as she stared at the distant horizon. Even those mountains remind me of him. So far away and so untouchable, yet so close I feel like I could reach out and take them. It’s such a nice evening, I wish I could share it with him. Her gaze dropped to the ground beneath her. He’ll probably ask to be taken to a hospital now. I really blew it this time. Stallion of my dreams and I freak out and come on way to strong after knowing him for a day. With a sigh, she sat down and closed her eyes.
“Today was the last day I ever knew ye. Today was the last day I ever was free.”
---
Was that a love poem? Soarin stared dumbly at the folded sheet before him. Slowly, a tentative smile began to form on his lips. She actually took the time to write me a poem. I mean, Spitfire’s gotten some, sure, but nobody’s ever written one to me. Soarin clutched the paper to his chest as he let out a nervous chuckle. She loves me. Why do I feel so giddy? Plenty of mares have proclaimed their love to me. Soarin turned towards the window. It’s just...important. Like it’s the only thing that matters. Do I...Do I love her? He brought the poem up to eye level. Yes. I do.I think I really do.
“I need to tell her.”
---
Photon Storm gave a shiver. Opening her eyes, she saw the sun setting and night beginning to creep in She sat and watched the sun fall below the horizon before turning around and heading in. She took all of one step before stopping dead, with an expression of disbelief upon her face. Before her stood Merriweather, draped in the pink folds of a lacey pink dress and bearing a large pair of gossamer wings upon her back. She raised a wand up to Photon’s face and gave a twirl. The wand gave a little winkle as Photon continued to stare worriedly.
“Are you okay? Do you need to take a day off?”
Merriweather smiled and tapped her hoff on the glass. Before Photon could react, four mares dashed out carrying dresses, jewelry, make-up and more. One of them immediately grabbed her in a magical grip while the others worked her into a dress. As she opened her mouth to protest, she was unceremoniously dropped and was quickly assaulted by combs and brushes attempting to work the day’s knots out of her mane and tail. A set of curlers were pulled out and one pony started to curl her tail while another began to put Photon’s mane into a bun. No sooner was her hair finished than one of the mares began applying mascara and another began comparing silver necklaces. After all of five minutes, a rather unsteady Photon Storm was presented with a mirror displaying her unexpected makeover. She found herself wearing a gothic black dress and silver choker. Her tail and mane, now curled and done up respectively, had been given black bows to complete the look.
. “Merriweather, I demand you tell me what’s, Woah!”
The four mares grouped around Photon and began pulling her inside. Photon once again found herself helpless as she was swept along towards another mystery. As they got closer to the unknown destination, Photon began to notice changes had been made to her estate. Lights and windows now bore elegant drapes and ribbons flowing every which way. Freshly planted roses filled every windowsill. Finally, she was deposited before the large wooden door that lead to her large dining room. Similar decorating had been done here and she was sure she could hear orchestral music coming from within.The four mares assumed positions in front of the door before pushing out open to the scene within. A red carpet extended all the way across the hall bisecting it neatly and ending at the rear garden. Her large tables had been removed and replaced with a small, candlelit table for two. A ragtag orchestra sat to the right of the door playing a quiet melody that filled the room with an effervescent air of comfort. Finally, her gaze rested on a white figure that stood at the center of the room. Soarin stood, wearing a white tuxedo, fidgeting in place. He gave a small wave as she approached.
“Uh, Photon, do you know what’s going on?”
“Not a clue. I was just...wait...” Photon spun around in place. “Of course! A ball! She gave me a ball!”
“What?”
“Don’t you see? She’s the Fairy Godmother, I’m the Princess, this is the Ball, and you...are the Prince Charming.”
Soarin’s eyes grew wide and he began to blush.
“I’m the what?”
“Prince Charming, here to sweep me off of my hooves and take me to a life of happiness.”
Soarin, now glowing, offered his hoof.
“I don’t know about a life of happiness, but how about a dance?”
“Let’s start there.”