"I think this is the place Rarity told me to meet her," Twilight said while looking up at the Curl Up and Dye Salon, which was right beside the Canterlot Cemetery. Rarity had arranged for Twilight to have a slight makeover for her next date with Flash Sentry.
Twilight opened the door with her magic, causing the chimes and bells to ring, alerting the store owner that a new customer had arrived.
"Oh, Princess Twilight?" a tall unicorn with a thick accent, stunning white coat, and pink mane asked from behind the counter.
"Um, yes. I'm here to get a makeover with Rarity, I think."
"Yes, lady Rarity already made the reservation and paid for you. She's just sitting down over there," the salon pony said while pointing over to one of the seats with a pony whose head was completely covered in one of the hair machines. Only by the mare's tail and fur colour could Twilight recognise that it was indeed Rarity.
"I was expecting you, Twilight. At least, I think that's you standing there. I can't see."
"Thank you so much, Rarity. I really appreciate you doing this for me."
"No problem, darling. Please, take a seat beside me. Fleur will come by and fix you up in a few minutes."
Twilight sat down in the salon chair beside Rarity. "Where are the others?"
"They're spending the day site-seeing around Canterlot. We're only here for a few more days, after all."
"I know. I don't even want to think about it. It'll be back to reality soon."
"Oh yes, Twilight, and that's why I want you to look your best by the time Flash comes by to pick you up tonight. You really need to make a good impression."
"Isn't being me enough for him? I mean, aren't I good enough?"
"Good heavens, Twilight, of course you're good enough for him. But you still want to look your best. You want him to be completely convinced that he's doing the right thing. And, you know, he's probably really nervous about going after somepony who is way out of his league."
"I'm not out of his league, Rarity. I may be a princess in body and position, but I'm still just a filly at heart."
"Of course you are, my dear. But just... trust me. If you look better, you'll feel better."
"All right, Rarity, I'll trust you."
"What does your brother think about all this?"
"I'm not so sure. He spoke to me the morning after the gala. He said that he saw Flash teaching me how to fly, and he saw how happy I was. He told me that all he wants is the best for me, and if Flash is what is best for me, I have his full love and support."
"Shining is such a sweetheart. Usually bigger brothers would be skeptical about another stallion."
"Oh, I'm sure he still is."
"What gives you that idea?"
"Think about it, Rarity. He was watching me and Flash when we were taking a trot outside, Flash is one of Shining's workers, and I'm his little sister, a leader. Shining is still scared, but he just doesn't want me to think that."
"He'll always be scared, Twilight. You're his little sister, and he just wants what is best for you. I would talk to him if I was you, just to see what's on his mind."
"I think that's a good idea, Rarity. I'll do it before my date tonight."
"Where are you even going?" Rarity asked with intrigue. "The second date is an important one, after all.
"Actually, Rarity, it's my third," Twilight mentioned quietly.
"What?" Rarity screamed. "How could you not tell us that this was your third date? This is the most important one! And what happened to your second date?"
"It was nothing major, Rarity. It was two nights ago. He took me out to Canterlot Gardens Restaurant, and we walked down the path in the park, before he brought me home. We told each other minor things about ourselves. I told him how it was like to live in Ponyville, I told him about you five and Spike, and he told me about what he likes to do, like playing guitar or hoofball. It was short but sweet, yet we didn't expose anything major about ourselves yet."
"That sounds lovely, actually," Rarity responded. "But you still should have told us about the date."
"I felt like I did a good job on my own, Rarity. I'm my own mare."
"I don't doubt that, Twilight. I just really wish you would have told me about it, my dear, and it's only because I want what's best for you. Did you tell him about your adventures? Your trip to the human world?"
"Not yet, Rarity. I already know that this Flash isn't the same as the one through the portal. I figured that out early, but his personality is the same—or extremely similar. He's really cool, and I didn't want him to think of me as a weirdo if I told him on the second date about another dimension. That was too soon."
"Well, my dear, when are you going to tell him?"
"When the timing is right."
"Are you ready for your makeover, Princess Twilight?" Fleur asked as she approached the princess sitting in the salon chair.
"I most certainly am."
"Oh, hold on a second, Twilight. I got this." Rarity called Fleur over and instructed her what to do to Twilight, but all of that sounded like gibberish to the alicorn, who wasn't used to the salon life.
"Certainly, miss Rarity," Fleur responded. The salon mare walked over to Twilight, pushed her chair back so that the princess' head went into the sink, and she began her procedures to making Twilight look new.
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Later that afternoon, Flash, Optimus, and Sentinel finished their shifts of guard duty and were getting ready to go home for the evening.
"What're you doing tonight, Flash?"
"I've got another date, Optimus."
"What? Wait one second: Twilight is going on a second date with you?" Sentinel shouted.
"Why is that such a shock to you? Also, this is our third date."
"Well, you are a guard, after all, while she is a princess. You don't have much of a chance to go far with her."
"Thanks for the encouragement, Sentinel. That's really kind of you."
"No problem," Sentinel responded, completely ignoring Flash's sarcasm.
"I have one suggestion for you," Optimus started. "Wait a minute, this is your third date?"
"Yes."
"Well then, this changes everything."
"What do you mean?" Flash asked.
Optimus and Sentinel looked at each other and smiled deceivingly.
"The third date is always when you can get yourself some flank," Sentinel said.
"Oh, Celestia, don't start this with me," Flash said, rolling his eyes.
"Come on, Flash," Optimus said. "You may not get another chance to get with a princess. Do her while you can. You'll forever be a hero to us."
"Guys, please leave. I don't need to hear this," Flash said politely, though with a little bit of frustration.
"Whatever," Sentinel said while walking around Flash, who was sitting on the bench in the change room. "But don't say we didn't warn you when she dumps you after tonight!"
Flash just shook his head while looking at the ground. Sentinel and Optimus never really were his friends. He just viewed them as coworkers and jokers. They never really meant anything to him.
Don't listen to them, Flash. Just keep doing what you're doing, Flash's mind told him. You'll be all right.
Flash turned back to gather his things and put them in his backpack, ready to leave to get ready for his evening date. He didn't know what to do for the date. He had paid for dinner for Twilight the previous date, and he spent the rest of his bits for the month on his suit for the date on this night.
"Flash Sentry, could I speak to you for a minute?"
Uh oh, Flash thought to himself. He could hear the voice of Shining Armour behind him. Shining had shown much respect and support to Flash so far, but the pegasus feared that that would change at any given time.
"Yes, Captain?" Flash turned and asked respectfully.
"Take a seat," Shining said while sitting down on the bench. Flash nervously came and sat on the bench beside the captain of the Guard. "I just wanted to talk to you about your date tonight."
"For sure, sir. I'm listening."
"I spoke to Twilight about your previous times together, and I must say that I'm very impressed with you so far."
Flash's eyes opened wide while he was looking down at his hooves. Surely there would be a time when Shining Armour would put his hoof down; yet it still hadn't happened yet.
"You seem to be making her very happy, which is all I want for her. So, you may continue to date her with my good wishes."
"Wow, thank you sir."
"But there is one thing I need to tell you."
"Anything."
"Please, don't listen to a word that Sentinel and Optimus said to you tonight. I heard what they were telling you, and it's a load of crap. Twilight won't dump you after tonight, but you also don't have to do anything intimate with her. Since she's a princess, she'll have to be a role model too. I highly suggest you don't try anything funny with her, otherwise you won't only be hearing from me, you'll be hearing from anypony who finds out about it."
"Trust me, sir, I already don't listen to anything they say to me," Flash responded, causing Shining to nod his head in acceptance. "I also wasn't planning anything special tonight. In fact, I don't even have enough bits to do anything special."
"Good to hear. Well, the first part, I mean. Unfortunately, I don't have any major suggestions for what you can do, really. If I had anything in mind, I'd try to help you out."
"I want to do something special for her, but I can't afford anything right now. Maybe I should just cancel or reschedule for when I have more bits."
"Um, no. Don't do that. With the way Twilight is in her constant scheduling, this will not go well. If she has time for a date tonight, that means that she made time for you."
"All right, but I can't even afford to take her out to eat tonight."
Shining Armour thought for a few seconds. "I actually may have something you can do." Shining reached into the bag that was on his side and, using his magic, pulled out two tickets. "Take her to the match tonight."
Flash grabbed the two tickets with his hooves, and after reading them, he realised that they were for tonight's hoofball match that had the Canterlot Royals taking on Trottingham Forest at Canterlot Field.
"Shining, you really don't have to do this."
"No, I insist. I can't have you make a bad impression simply because of your current situation. I was going to take Cadence tonight, but I think you would have better use of this match."
Flash looked at the tickets, revealing that they were box seats, which usually included food. "Shining, are you serious?"
"Yes, I am. Come on, I may not always be this nice to you! Take advantage while you can."
"Thank you," Flash responded, looking at the tickets. "Thank you so much. You have no idea what this means to me."
"You're welcome, Flash. I want you to make Twilight happy. That's all that matters to me."
"Can I hug you?"
"No." Flash and Shining shared a quick chuckle. Then, Shining continued, "You can hug Twilight, and you can kiss her cheek tonight, but that's it. And I mean it."
"I will drop her off at home as pure as she'll be when I pick her up."
"Good to hear, soldier." Shining got up, about to leave the room. "Oh, one more thing."
"Anything, Captain."
"Good luck."
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"Twilight, you look amazing," Fluttershy complemented as Twilight and Rarity made their way back from the salon and into Twilight's room.
"Your mane is awesome," Rainbow added, commenting about Twilight's new wavy manestyle.
"Shucks, sugarcube, Flash is going to love seeing you tonight," Applejack added.
"Thanks, girls, that really makes me feel good."
"I had something to do with it, you know," Rarity mentioned.
"We already knew that, Rarity," Applejack responded. "The whole outfit just screams Rarity."
Twilight walked over to the mirror. Her reflection was simply stunning. Her eyelashes were longer, her mane was beautiful, and the new, stunning dress that Rarity had made her was simply magnificent. The dress was golden coloured, almost as if it came from a fairy tale, and it went down to her back hooves. Her crown shined as usual.
Rarity came over to the mirror to discuss with Twilight. "Do you like it?"
"Rarity, I absolutely love it. I can't thank you enough."
"It's my pleasure, darling. That's what I'm here for."
Twilight looked at the clock on the wall, revealing that there were only a few minutes left to go before Flash would come by to bring Twilight out for the date.
"All right, girls, do you think I'm ready for the date?"
They all nodded and smiled in response with wide eyes. In fact, it probably the best that Twilight had ever looked; even better than she looked at the galas or at her own brother's wedding.
"Wait a sec, sugarcube. Do you even know where you're going tonight?"
"Actually, no, Applejack. Flash never told me. Does it really matter, though?"
"Not really, Twi," Rainbow responded. "All that matters is what happens tonight."
"What do you mean?"
"I agree with Rainbow, darling," Rarity said. "It's the third date—the most important one."
"You keep saying that. Why?"
The mares looked at each other with smiles.
"Yeah, why? Spike asked.
"Um, Spikey, would you mind going to get me a glass of water?" Rarity asked.
"Anything for you, Rarity," Spike responded while leaving the room.
"Now will you tell me why tonight is so important?" Twilight asked.
Pinkie Pie giggled. "The third date is always very special for what happens after it."
"Oh," Twilight realised. "No, I'm not going to do that yet."
"Why ever not?"
"Because, Rarity, I'm not like that. I'm a princess, and I must remain innocent."
"I guess I respect you for that," Applejack said.
"Well, all right, darling," Rarity said. "But you simply must bring protection, just in case."
"Protection? What do you mean?"
"Here, take this in case it rains. It will protect your mane," Rarity answered while handing Twilight an umbrella.
"Oh. No, I don't think it's going to rain, Rarity. I'll be all right," Twilight assured them.
The mares all went quiet when they heard a knock at the door.
"Well, it's my time to leave," Twilight mumbled.
Twilight used her magic to open the door, revealing Flash Sentry in a very expensive-looking blue suit. Twilight just opened her eyes wide and looked at him
"Oh sweet goodness, he's even dreamier than before," Rarity whispered to the other mares behind Twilight.
"You ready, Twily?"
"I certainly am," Twilight said with a smile. "Where are we going?"
"I kind of want it to be a surprise."
Twilight looked back at the mares, gave them a wink, and left with her coltfriend for the third and most important date so far.
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"Are you serious, Flash?" Twilight asked while looking up at the walls of the famous stadium in Canterlot. Twilight had remembered the times that she used to go to games with her family as a filly because of her brother's love of hoofball. It was always more of her brother's thing to enjoy going to sports games than her's, but Twilight did like the excitement of the crowd and the sport itself, at times. The unicorn also enjoyed the statistics and strategy involved.
"I am, Twily. Your brother gave me box seats for the match."
"Shining did this?"
"Uh-huh."
"Are you sure, Flash?"
"Positive. Here, take a look." Flash showed Twilight the tickets, confirming that the purchaser was indeed Shining Armour.
"Why, though? Why would he do that? I would expect him to be more concerned than actually trying to help you."
"Maybe he's not as tough as you think, Twily... Wait, I didn't mean that. He is tough. I just think that maybe he just wants you to be happy."
"You know, that is what he told me after the gala. But it still surprises me."
"Maybe there's more to your brother than you know. I know that there is plenty about you that I don't know yet."
"You can't even begin to imagine," Twilight thought out loud.
"Well, I'll have a fun time figuring it all out. Let's go," Flash said while grabbing a hold of Twilight's hoof, leading her in the direction of their gate.
Twilight and Flash made their way to the box seats, which was the middle level of the three-tier grandstand of the stadium. The seats were at about midfield, and both teams were taking their pre-game warm-ups. Some of the players were practicing their shooting by striking the ball with their hooves, shooting at the pegasi goalkeepers. Most goalkeepers in hoofball were pegasi, because of the advantage they had with the use of their wings.
"Flash, this is so exciting. I haven't been to a match in years," Twilight informed her coltfriend.
"Then you'll really enjoy it. Canterlot won the Equestrian Premier League and the Equestrian Cup last year, and they made it to the semi-finals of the Champions League. They've got a very good team right now."
Twilight took in the sights and smells of the game as the opening whistle from the referee was blown. The crowd was, as usual for Canterlot, a sellout of about thirty-thousand ponies. The south end, to the couple's left, was where most of the chanting was coming from, as usual.
"Um, Flash?"
"Yes, Twilight?"
"I just realised something."
"What's that?"
"I am way overdressed for this crowd here." Twilight looked around at the other ponies who shared the box, as well as the fans in the general seats down below. Almost everypony was in street clothes or a jersey, and only a few were remotely closely well-dressed as Twilight and Flash.
"Twilight, look at me," Flash said while pointing to his suit. "You're a princess. You're expected to look good. I look like I missed the prom for this game." That comment caused Twilight to chuckle a little, as well as feel less out-of-place.
As the match went on, it was dominated by Canterlot over the recently promoted Trottingham Forest team. However, there was no score by halftime.
"Would you like some refreshments, Princess?" asked one of the server ponies inside the box while holding some hoof-sized snacks.
"Oh wow, free food for being a princess," Twilight said happily while looking to Flash. Flash opened his eyes and nodded his head in a happy yet sarcastic way with a smile, not trying to draw attention that every pony in the box received all food for free for being in the skybox.
The match went on, the crowd cheered and roared at every opportunity, but the score remained tied until the final few minutes. Trottingham Forest had the ball in the eighty-fifth minute. The captain of Trottingham, a defender, made a move into the box and was pulled down by one of the Canterlot defenders. After rolling around on the floor, the referee gave the Nottingham player a penalty, and showed a red card to the Canterlot defender, causing an uproar from the crowd.
"What?" Twilight screamed at the top of her lungs. "That is not fair! The player dove! What's wrong with you referee?"
Flash looked at Twilight with widened eyes. Oh, good Celestia, I love you, he thought in his mind as he saw his new fillyfriend showing a passion for sports that he never knew she had in her.
Twilight looked up at Flash with an embarrassed face. "Um, that wasn't really lady-like of me, was it? That's more of a thing that Rainbow Dash would do."
"Twilight, I respect you on a whole new level because of that," Flash responded with a smile, which was returned back to him.
After the arguments of the call on the field, the fans began to boo the referee as the Royals' defender who got sent off made his way to the bench. Twilight and Flash then heard a weird roar coming from underneath them, slightly to the right. They both peered over and saw a pony, naked, running on the field towards the referee. The crowd was a mix of both cheers for the bravery of the streaker, and sounds of disapproval, as well as laughter. The stallion on the field, husky in nature, made his way surprisingly around the first few security guards, yelled in the face of the referee, and was then tackled to the ground and carried off the field.
"Ugh, that is just preposterous," one older mare said, who was dressed classily in the box with them.
Twilight looked down to the crowd. Some of the ponies were giving a standing ovation to the field invader, while other ponies, mostly of higher class, were not too thrilled with him.
"I forgot that public nudity is usually looked down on here in Canterlot," Twilight mentioned. "I guess I really have been gone for quite a while."
"I guess in Ponyville clothing is optional?"
"Oh yes, Flash. Hats are usually the most you will see there."
"Hmm. I feel like I'd like to visit Ponyville sometime for that very reason," Flash mentioned with a cheeky grin.
"Don't even think about it, mister," Twilight responded with a grin as well.
Twilight and Flash looked back to the field as the penalty kick was about to be taken. One of the strikers from Trottingham stepped up, took the shot, and hit the crossbar, the ball flying far out into the crowd. The roar from the crowd matched what would have sounded if Canterlot had scored themselves, because it meant that the score would stay locked at nil-nil. After a few more chances in the few minutes of added time, the match ended scoreless, which was a positive result for the home side, which went down to ten players because of the red card.
"Pretty good show, eh Twilight?" Flash asked.
"I enjoyed it, thank you so much."
"Don't thank me—thank your brother. He's the one that gave the tickets."
"Oh yeah. I guess I should talk to him. He's been so supportive to me. I really need to thank him."
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Flash brought Twilight back to her room later that night, and the two of them talked outside the door.
"I had a wonderful night yet again, Flash."
"I did too, Twilight. It was a lot of fun. I also saw a side to you I didn't know about."
"Yeah, I'll try to act more royal next time."
"No, Twilight, I like it. You need to let your inner self out. Don't be so reserved with me."
"I'll have to remember that for our next date, Flash... Well... Goodnight." Twilight gave Flash a kiss on the cheek yet again, causing him to blush, and opened the door to her room, but then stopped. "Um, Flash?"
"Yes, Twily?"
"I was told that the third date is something special."
"I was told the same thing too."
"But, the thing is, Flash, I... I don't really want to... you know..."
"You don't have to do anything you don't want to do."
"But, I... also kinda want to. What about you?"
"Twily, you know I would like to, but I don't think it's right. I think we should wait."
"I think so too, Flash. Maybe just one kiss, though."
"Okay, one kiss."
Twilight slowly took the two steps to get closer to Flash. She looked directly into his eyes, and he returned the look. Flash reached his head down, turning by a few degrees, and locked lips with his mare. Both closed their eyes for a semi-passionate kiss. Upon breaking it off, both of them blushed.
"Okay, um," Twilight started. "I, um... I have to go to bed now. Busy day tomorrow. Goodnight, Flash. Thank you—for, well, everything. And thanks for the, um, the kiss."
"Thank you Twilight. Have a good night."
It was progress for Flash. The guard went from a nervous wreck to a stallion who had three dates with a princess, not to even mention the fact that he had somewhat gained the trust of her beloved, somewhat-protective brother. There was still one final question weighing in the stallion's mind, though. Why did she choose to like me over all of the other guards?