At The Gala
Okay, so one of my best friends likes me. Likes me likes me. Also, the Gala is tomorrow night. But let's look at the positives! I mean, it's not like Rainbow's affection is a negative; I like Rainbow! Maybe... not as much as she likes me at this point, but she is certainly a viable candidate. I mean, I've known a few truths about myself that many ponies may not have figured out by looking at me. Two of those ponies are my parents, unfortunately. It's not that I'm afraid of what they might think... okay, maybe it is a little bit. But by the time I figured it out, I had moved out of my parents house. On top of that... well, Shining and Cadence aren't really up on the whole 'grandfoals' thing right now, so that expectation kinda fell to me.
What may be obvious at this point, is that two mares can't exactly create a biological foal. We could adopt, of course, and I'd be willing to bet my mother and father would love it just as much as one I had myself. Still, I've kept my... preferences pretty well hidden from my parents. Living away from home does afford certain advantages in the secret-keeping department. Cadence knows, Shining might, but Mom and Dad are clueless. As far as they know, I've just cared more about books than boys.
I'm sure I have nothing to worry about. My parents have never had a bigoted thought in their life! They'd want to see me happy, even if it didn't mean biological grandfoals... right?
Right! I hope.
Anyway, now was not the time to dwell on such matters. It was time to squeeze into my dress. Rarity usually has a habit of 'showing off our curves' as she calls it. This must be fashion-speak for making the dress a size too small. That, and I haven't exactly been a firestorm of exercise lately... or ever before. Rainbow Dash has actually offered to help me work out, but suffice to say reading about exercising is about as close as I'd come to actually doing it, minus a festival like the Running of the Leaves.
Spike was already dressed in his jacket, though you'd be surprised how quickly you can dress yourself when you don't wear pants or shoes. As he was helping me with the zipper on the back, Rainbow knocked at the door. Spike hopped off my back and answered it. What entered the library was a vision of chromatic beauty! Rainbow's mane was done, and her dress looked simply divine. All I could do was gawk for the first few seconds as she stepped inside. I know Spike generally only has eyes for Rarity, but I could tell even he was impressed.
"Close your mouth, Twi. There'll be plenty of time for that after the gala." Sweet Celestia, she is everything I'm not. How can anypony just exude confidence while not appearing arrogant? Something I'd have to study, for sure. After Spike and I were done breathing through our mouths, she told me I looked great in my dress! I was probably as 'red as a country apple' or however that Apple family idiom went.
I managed to untie my tongue. "You're looking lovely, Rainbow." Spike signaled our limo had arrived, and the two of us piled into the back while Spike drove. I say Spike's a baby dragon a lot of the time, but actually he's only a few years younger than I am. Old enough to have a driver's license. The ride there was actually filled with the awkward silence I've been studying up on how to avoid. So far, it was not working.
So, the night was going pretty well! Though the ride to Canterlot was kinda quiet. I dunno why, but it seems like Twi and I have always had junk to talk about up until now. It's weird. We aren't any different than before; we just look all dolled up. "So, you excited to see the princesses?" I asked. I figured she hadn't been to Canterlot in a while.
"Oh yes, it's been a long time! I know better than to try and spend all my time there, though. They have a lot of guests to greet." I nodded. Seemed like we each expected the other to carry the conversation, but they all seemed to fizzle out. We're friends for goodness sake! We should be comfortable around each other; what's the deal here? I sat back and tried to just relax and think of something interesting to talk about.
Thankfully, I felt like once we got to the gala and had a few drinks, we'd loosen up. At the same time, I didn't want to abandon Twilight for the Wonderbolts, just like I hoped she wouldn't leave me hanging for the princesses. Oh crap! That's something I can talk about!
"Oh, I forgot to mention I ran into Spitfire the other day," I said, turning away from the window.
"Really? How'd that go? She invite you to the team yet?"
"Heh, almost. But she did say that you and I could hang with her and the squad at the after-party!"
Twilight gasped. "You mean the one in the Sun and Moon Room in the castle?"
"Uh... I guess..."
"Wow!"
Something about her excitement didn't seem right. I mean, she's been the Princess' student pretty much since she started school! How has she not been invited to the after-party they throw? How have any of us not been invited? We've saved the friggin' kingdom more than once! "So, how have you never been? Aren't you Celestia's most 'faithful student' or whatever?"
She looked like she'd never even thought about it before. She's pretty cute when she realizes something obvious to everypony else. Anyway, the ride to Canterlot was shorter than expected. I could have gotten there faster on my own, but Twilight was my date, and I was gonna ride with her. It's expected. Plus... I kinda like hanging out with her. But not in the same way I like to hang with AJ. I mean... me and AJ could hang anytime and do just about anything. She's the best mare in town to chill with. But Twilight... I dunno, I just find myself wanting to hang out with her for a different reason. A, 'had a dream about her last night and now I need new sheets' reason.
Ugh, this is so not me. I'm Rainbow Dash! I don't do 'crushes'. I don't get butterflies in my stomach around other ponies. I never have before, anyway. But now... now it's different. Now I'm different, I guess. It was kinda silly of me to think I could live my whole life without finding somepony to—No! Sweet Celestia, I'm starting to sound like Rarity! I'm not some lovestruck mare in a romance novel, I'm the coolest, fastest pony there is!
Finally, we pulled up outside the palace. Thankfully, the royal guards do a pretty good job of keeping the camera ponies out of the event, which was nice, because I hate having my picture taken. Universal praise is one thing, but picture taking kinda sucks for me. I never know how I'm supposed to look in one. I usually smile too much, or not enough. Action shots are okay, but only a few pics of me have ever looked good. On top of that, I can't have pictures of me in this frilly getup making the rounds. While I am totally hot in this dress, I have a reputation to maintain. Anyway, Twi and I headed across the red carpet and into the palace while Spike parked our ride (he's never liked the idea of a valet, according to Twi). The princesses were there to greet us. Apparently, we were the first of our friends to get here, so we kinda just hung out in the lobby. We grabbed a table outside the main hall and had a seat. The doors were still closed, so I guess they didn't want anypony in there yet. Luckily, they set up the open bar just outside! Those princesses think of everything.
"Hey, Twi, I'm gonna get a drink. You want one?"
"Oh," she said, like she was surprised I'd asked. This mare really did need somepony to treat her right! "Uhm... isn't it a little early?"
"C'mon, Twi, it's five o'clock somewhere, right?" I glanced at the fancy clock on the wall. "Actually it's already eight, so I think we'll be okay. Besides, you don't have to have a drink drink. I can get you a soda or something." She glanced over at the princesses, who'd just had a glass of wine brought to them as they kept greeting the arrivals. I'll never understand that princess obsession of hers.
"Okay, I'll have a Dr. Salt if they have it." I couldn't decide between a snort or an eye roll, so I halfway did both. But not in a mean way.
"Comin' up," I said, heading toward the bar. Even though we've been mostly quiet tonight, I think things are going pretty well. I mean, neither of us has said something so unbearably awkward that the other has turned tail and run, and we were already through the weirdly quiet ride over! Not that I'd ever say anything awkward. I wouldn't.
The line moved so slowly. I mean, I get everyone wants to have a good time, but why would you only have one bar for almost one-hundred-fifty ponies? Anyway, once I finally got to the bar, I ordered a whiskey sour and Twilight her soda. Wings are pretty good for holding stuff when you don't have magic.
Rainbow went to get me a drink, which was nice of her. It also gave me a chance to chat with my teacher.
"Ah, Twilight, so good to see you," she said happily. The princess was always happy to see me!
"Good to see you too, Princess!" She smiled at me, as did Princess Luna. Both were always so kind—with the exception of that time I had to defeat Nightmare Moon. Other than that, though, Luna couldn't have been more friendly.
"We are pleased to see you Twilight," Luna said cordially. "It appears your parents have accepted our invitation as well."
My what now?
I looked toward the red carpet and saw my Mom and Dad get out of a chariot, dressed in their finest formal wear. Okay, so I wasn't stressed about them being here, but I certainly wasn't prepared for it. After all, I was here with Rainbow as my date! Like I said before, my parents would support me... I think... but I still think it'd be best for me to warm them up to the idea.
"Mom, Dad!" I hugged them after the princesses welcomed them. "I didn't expect to see you two here."
"Oh, well, you wouldn't think we'd miss our baby girl's chance to cast the aurora magicalis for all the dignitaries of the world!" My Dad was quite prideful when it came to Shining and I. Mom was too, but a bit less vocal.
"You guys were here for that?" I would have thought they'd have come and wished me luck!
"Oh no, sweetie, we weren't on the grounds, but we could see it from the suburbs," Mom replied. "You did wonderful, Twilight, but how on earth did you get up there to cast it?"
"Oh, well I—"
"Hiya, Mrs. S!" Rainbow is nothing if not perfectly timed. She nodded to my father as well. "Mr. S."
"Oh, Rainbow Dash, so good to see you again!" he said cordially. "How are you?"
"I'm good, just trying to keep an eye on your daughter!"
Rainbow didn't really know I hadn't told my folks about us going together, but the opportunity hadn't presented itself organically, either. I mean, I wasn't flaunting it, but I wouldn't not admit it if they asked. But they wouldn't ask. I hope.
"Ah, well Twily can be quite a hoof-ful when she sets her mind to something." My mom turned to me, and I could practically feel the words she was going to say before they came out of her mouth. "So, did you decide to bring a date this year?" I love my parents. I do! But gah, does this question get tiring. Although this time, I actually did have one, although it may not have exactly been what they were expecting...
I glanced toward Rainbow as she sipped her drink and smiled broadly back at me. That look on her face... she was excited for me to tell my parents about us, about what we were giving a shot. I couldn't let her down. And I wouldn't.
"Yes, I did." Their faces lit up. I could tell they were expecting a nice, strong, Big Macintosh-esque stallion to come trotting in behind me in a tux, just waiting to introduce himself to them. Time to disappoint.
"Well, where is he?" My father asked. Really, my only two options were to kill my fledgeling relationship with Rainbow Dash, or possibly disappoint my parents. This may seem like an easy choice to you, but to me, this is like deciding between drowning or being burned alive.
"She is right here." I inhaled deeply and closed my eyes, putting my hoof around Rainbow, who in turn draped a wing across my back. "I took Rainbow this year," I said seriously.
I opened my eyes, ready for any look my parents could muster. Shock, surprise, disgust, anything! Except amusement, I was wholly unprepared for that.
"Oh, that is just adorable!" My mother laughed. I knew the look on Rainbow's face without even having to look over. Confusion. "Well, you two have fun. We're going to say hello to Shining and Cadence before the banquet starts." Before I could say a word, they were gone. I looked over to Rainbow, who was returning the befuddled expression I'm certain I was giving her.
What... what just happened? It's like Twi's parents just thought we were joking! Honestly, I'm not sure if them whinnying in disgust and walking away would have been more offensive than them not even believing Twilight!
"Did... did they think you were kidding?" I asked, slamming the rest of my drink. I mean, I could handle names, or anger, but this? I was honestly not sure how I was supposed to react.
"I'm not sure." Which was weird, Twilight always had a plan, a backup plan, and a backup-backup plan. "I mean, I told them the truth! Sincerely, even!"
That's when it hit me. I'd bet my bottom bit Twilight had never even mentioned to her folks she wasn't into stallions. It's so obvious! The way they said 'he,' how excited they got when she said she'd brought a date! They were in some serious denial. But, I guess you'd have to know about something in order to be in denial of it. Hmm...
Anyway, I thought it might be best to let Twilight go talk to her parents, if that's how she was going to handle it. "Look, Twi, I'm not trying to tell you how to live your life or anything—"
"You know that's exactly what somepony says before they try and tell you how to live your life, right?"
That's my Twilight. "Yes. Anyway, you should probably tell your parents how into me you are." She rolled her eyes. But she couldn't deny it!
"Yeah, I'll be sure to tell them that. If you see the other girls, tell them I'm already inside, okay?" I gave her a nuzzle and told her I would. I kinda understood where Twi was coming from as far as being scared of telling her folks. They seemed like the upper-class type. The grand-foal wanting type. But then again, they raised Twilight! They couldn't possibly be bigots. Well, I guess technically the Princess did most of the raising.
No way, I'm sure they just misunderstood. I took a step into the courtyard and found AJ had already set up her pastry stand. The line was around the corner! She was looking a bit frazzled as she doled out the eats to the rich ponies.
"Hey, AJ, how's the night goin' so far?" I asked, gliding over.
"Pretty good so far, sugarcube! We already broke last year's sales record!"
"We?" I looked beneath the stand to see Apple Bloom boxing up treats and giving them to AJ as fast as she could. "Oh."
"Yeah, Big Macintosh is usually the one ta help me work the stand, but he's got a hot date with Rarity tonight, so Ah let Apple Bloom stay up past her bedtime t' help me out." She turned and mussed Apple Bloom's mane before turning back to me. "Ya think you can hold down the fort for a while, darlin'?"
"You bet Ah can!" She gave a quick salute as AJ put out a 'Back in an hour' sign on the stand.
"C'mon 'n let's get a drink, sugarcube."
We grabbed a table near the bar and ordered a round. I hadn't eaten since lunch, so the drinks were going straight to the top, which was unfortunate, because all the yelling at the beginning of my tale is directly related to me not being able to think straight. Heh, bad choice of words.
Anyway, I explained what had just happened to AJ, looking for her thoughts on the subject. "Well, that's mighty rough, Rainbow."
"I know! I mean, at least if they were jerks I'd know it!" I sighed. It was only nine, and I was already tired of being in this dress. Sure I looked extra hot in it, but sweet Celestia, was it uncomfortable. I took a sip of my drink and continued. "They just kinda... laughed us off."
AJ raised her eyebrows knowingly as she stirred her drink with the coffee stirrers they put in alcohol for some reason. "So, where's Twilight now?"
"She said she was going to talk to her parents, but who knows if she's worked up the guts to do it yet." I finished the rest of my fourth drink. By this point I was pretty buzzed. "I guess I can't blame her. My parents were way cool about me liking girls. Who knows what Twi's parents might think."
"Yeah, well, their approval notwithstanding, you two shouldn't much care what other folks think of ya."
"I know... it's just, she's way more dependent on her folks than I am on mine."
I could try to blame what happened next on Applejack, but I know it isn't her fault. She didn't force me to do it. She just suggested it.
"Seems ta me like you need ta do somethin' ta prove to Twilight and her folks that you're serious about each other."
Here's where I got myself in trouble.
"You're right, AJ! I should." I slid my glass to the center of the table and got up, nearly bumping into a waiter as I did. "And I know just what I'm gonna do."
Okay, so by this point I was pretty confident that Twilight's parents were just in denial, and all they needed was a gentle push—or shove, as it turned out—in the right direction. And I decided there was only one way for me to do that, but first I had to find Twilight.
It'd been over an hour since my parents got here, and I was still just sitting at their table eating salad like a coward! How could confronting them about my feelings be this difficult? I've faced down chaos itself, and it wasn't this hard! Every time my mother would look in my direction, I'd smile, blush, and stuff more lettuce in my mouth. Disgraceful.
About the time I worked up the courage to speak, I was cut off by a pony on stage with the band. The lights dimmed and my parents excused themselves from the table for another glass of wine. I swear I'm the only one in my family that doesn't drink at every opportunity.
Well, I guess nothing left to do now but drown my sorrows in caesar dressing... I thought, before I noticed Rainbow heading towards me. I must admit, she did have a way of making me smile with just her presence.
What I hadn't noticed, was that Princess Luna was now on the microphone and began thanking all the ponies involved with the aurora magicalis she normally leads. As she was speaking, Rainbow reached me. What happened next was simultaneously the best and worst moment of my life.
Rainbow nearly lifted me up out of my chair and put her forelegs on my shoulders. She said something to me, but I was a little distracted by her intense breath. She'd clearly been back to the bar a time or two. I couldn't quite hear her over Princess Luna's commanding voice amplified by a microphone, but I did manage to catch the last few words of her sentence.
"... I want to show them I'm serious about me and you."
Before I could even inhale the breath needed to ask "Show who?", her lips were pressed against mine. In the darkened banquet hall, with all other eyes focused elsewhere, I slowly embraced it. I embraced her. I finally felt inspired enough to tell my parents anything and everything I've ever thought to keep from them, and I was confident they'd both love and support me no matter what! And they would!
But as the seconds ticked by, I noticed Luna had stopped speaking. In fact, the band had also stopped playing. I also thought I heard a sound like when a bunch of ponies gasp at once. I cracked my eyelids and noticed Rainbow and I were standing in the spotlight. Not figuratively, either.
As we parted our lips, I felt like I'd just caught a hundred-ten degree fever. Rainbow was as red as I've ever seen her. I couldn't imagine how I looked, but I didn't care. I was mortified. Every single eye in that room including my parents, the princesses, and half of Canterlot was on the two of us making out like high schoolers in the middle of the biggest formal event of the year.
I couldn't be here.
So I did the only sensible thing I could think to do.
I ran away.