“I Do”
Part II
Perspective: Twilight Sparkle
“Guys, I know you’re my friends and all,” I said as I walked forward, I felt Applejack and Rainbow pulling on my foreleg. “But is the blindfold really necessary?”
I was rather rudely pulled away from trying to decide which table cloth would go with which napkin when they pulled me out. Next thing I knew I was blindfolded, and led out into the night away from where I was working at town hall.
“It’s tradition, Sugarcube,” AJ’s voice sounded.
“Yeah, besides you’ve been doing enough work and it’s your last night before you and Private tie the knot,” Rainbow added.
That’s right. Tomorrow...I’m marrying Private!
Oh my gosh in all the excitement I can’t believe that totally slipped my mind! All of this was happening so fast I never really stopped to think about it!
Private and me... the very thought brought a nervous but happy smile on my face. I heard Rainbow groan, “We’d better hurry, before she starts imagining Private sweeping her off her hooves on some boat.” She paused before saying, “Not that I read those kind of books or anything!”
“Whatever you say, Sugarcube,” AJ responded, and then I heard a door opening. I was not so gently shoved inside by them and I felt the blindfold being removed. My eyes opened to see the library had been transformed not unlike it did when I first arrived. The place was filled with balloons, streamers and other decorations. The tables which normally housed books now housed several Sugarcube Corner treats.
I saw guests were everywhere, cheering my entrance. Rarity and Fluttershy walked towards me.
I smiled wide, “Girls, what’s all this?”
“Why darling, it’s your bachelorette party,” Rarity explained, smiling equally as wide. “After all, it is your last night before the big day tomorrow.”
“Your last night of freedom as they say,” Rainbow joked as she slapped me on the back with a hoof.
Pinkie suddenly appeared from the ceiling, “So we decided to make you a super funnerfic party just for you!”
“Guys, thanks,” I said, smiling genuinely. “I really do have the best friends in the world.”
“Yeah less talk,” Pinkie said, pulling out her party canon, “MORE PARTY!” She fired the device that I still have yet to figure out. Confetti and balloons fired from the cannon. Everypony in the room cheered and the party began. Vinyl was doing her thing and providing some very catchy music.
I smiled again, I can’t believe what these guys did for me. I really have the best friends ever.
____________________________________________________________________
Perspective: Private Eye
“Guys, leggo!” I cried as I was literally being carried by what sounded like Raiden and Big Mac. They pulled me away from what I was doing for the wedding and slapped a blindfold on me. Next thing I know I’m being carried like some sort of package on what I could only surmise were their backs. I was not happy as you could imagine.
Raiden’s voice spoke first, “Come on Private, it’s your last night of total freedom, you deserve a party to celebrate right, Big Mac?”
“Eeyup,” was Big Mac’s response.
“Even still, you can at least tell me where we are going,” I said, crossing my forelegs in contempt over the situation.
“Just wait a bit,” Raiden said. “Ah, here we are.”
I heard a door open and was rather ceremoniously dumped inside the building. I used my magic to untie the blindfold and loo-
SURPRISE!!!
I blinked open my eyes and saw that Potso, my best man, had converted his pizzeria into a full on bar. Pretty much all of my guy friends in town were there, including Spike who was waving at me, Applesnack who was brooding over a drink, and Swarm who was in his typical unicorn form. I even saw Shining Armor eating, wait was that a hay dog?
Raiden slid a leg over my shoulders. “Tonight, we celebrate you leaving our circle of bachelors and venturing forth into the jungle that is holy matrimony!”
Everypony else cheered and Potso called, “The finest wines from Bitallia have been opened for such an occasion!” He set some bottles on the table.
“Raiden, are we really going to make it that kind of party?” I asked.
Raiden rolled his eyes. “Come on dude, for once in your miserable life learn to cut loose and act totally crazy!”
“Alright, I’ll try to cut loose,” I sighed.
“PARTY TIME!!!” Raiden cried, flying over and grabbing his electric guitar before going nuts on it.
Everypony cheered as I took a wine glass from the bar. The guys around me were engaged in loud raucous behavior. I just smiled as Swarm transformed into Raiden and performed an air guitar motion.
Maybe this party won’t be so bad after all.
__________________________________________________________
Perspective: Twilight Sparkle
I sat in a chair as I finished opening a present from Derpy. I smiled wide, “Thanks Derpy, I always loved your muffins.”
She smiled sweetly and said, “Anything for you guys, but uh, you might wanna hide them in case I decide to let my tummy take over.”
“Good plan,” I said, closing the box and putting it in the pile beside me. Everypony here had been giving me gifts left and right. I’m guessing it’s a tradition here in Ponyville. I was a little hesitant to accept so many but then I was reminded that this was my party and I should enjoy what everypony worked so hard to give.
Derpy smiled and trotted back over to the crowd. So far I’d received the muffins, some things for Owlicious from Fluttershy, some amazing pies from Applejack, also some crystal berries from Cadence (I made a reminder to myself to hide them from Private, I think he’s addicted to them). Rainbow came up with a rather small package and said, “One awesome present from me.”
I smiled and began unwrapping it with my magic. “Thanks Rainbow, you got me-” I stopped when I saw what it was. “An autographed picture of yourself?”
“Hey just think, in a couple years when I’m a Wonderbolt it’ll be worth a fortune,” she said proudly.
I simply rolled my eyes and smiled. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Rarity then came up with another wrapped package. I gave her a look. “Rarity, you already spent nearly a week on my wedding dress, you didn’t need to get me anything.”
“Not to worry darling,” Rarity smiled. “I did not make this, I simply bought it for you from a lovely store in Canterlot.”
“I’m not going to change your mind am I?” I asked with a laugh.
“No darling, not at all.” She levitated her present over to me.
I read the little tag. “Do not open until the honeymoon?”
“Yes darling, suffice to say it’ll all make sense then,” Rarity said, a rather mischievous smirk gracing her face.
I could use a transparency spell to see what’s inside, but I didn’t want to ruin whatever surprise Rarity had in store. It felt like it would be a clothing box of some sort though.
“Thanks Rarity, I’ll put it with the other stuff,” I said, putting the box with my other presents.
“Use it well darling, I had it picked out especially for you and Private,” Rarity said cryptically before rejoining the party.
For me and Private?
Before I could think more of that, the door opened and Princess Celestia came in. Everypony in the room bowed as she entered, I was bout to as well before my wings reminded me that I was technically the same rank as her.
She smiled and lifted her hoof for everypony to rise, Luna followed behind her and my mentor said, “Do not stop your celebration for us, my sister and I wanted to join as well.”
“Well, the more the merrier I always say!” Pinkie cheered, hopping happily around the princesses. That earned a laugh from both of them.
Luna smiled, “I shall also endeavor to make sure the cake does not disappear when my sister get’s a hold of it.”
“Luna!” Celestia yelled, her flush showing her embarrassment.
I couldn’t help but smile, here was a mare I’ve admired for so long being teased like anypony else. I smiled and walked to them. “Come on then, if anypony deserves a party to relax at it’s you two.”
Celestia smiled and said, “Very well, let it begin!”
Everypony cheered and the party continued in full swing.
____________________________________________________________
Perspective: Private
After Raiden’s mini rock concert I found myself sitting at a table. Raiden got down from the stage as a cake was rolled in by Swarm, a very large cake I may add. “Pinkie made it for the occasion.”
“Alright! Now the party can really start!” Raiden cried, zooming over to the cake.
“It’s just cake Raiden,” I said, walking over. “It’s not exactly a rare occurrence during a ponyville party.”
“Not when I got a sweet surprise inside!” Raiden laughed, rubbing his hooves together.
“Raiden, ah dun think that’-” Big Mac began.
“Aww, don’t be squares, guys,” Raiden said with a wave of his hoof. He looked to Swarm “Pop open that sucker!”
Swarm took a knife and was about to cut the cake when it suddenly burst open. Before my eyes County was there, her blond mane covered in cake and her bronze coat showing sweat. She had a whisky bottle in her hoof. “Bout time! Ya have no idea how hot it is in there!”
“County?” I said in shock. “What’re you doing here?”
“Oh howdy Private,” she smiled. “Fancy runnin’ into you here, ah was comin’ by fer the weddin’ and somewhere between here,” she pointed to the top of her bottle. “And here,” she pointed to the bottom, “Ah ended up at that Sugar Cube corner area. Next thing ah know ah ended up replacing some perdy mare and ended up in the cake.” She smirked at me, “Ya wouldn’t happen ta all be havin’ a stag party now are ya?”
“We were until you showed up,” Raiden said.
County suddenly glared at Raiden. “You...”
“Crap,” Raiden gasped, looking very nervous.
“Yer that no good rock star that groped my flank durin’ that party years ago!” County shouted, climbing out of the cake and stomping over to Raiden. “Ah dun take too kindly to stallions who like to touch what ain’t there's.”
Raiden gulped, “Come on, it was years ago, I have a marefriend now.”
County just smirked and gave him a shove that sent the pegasus on his back. “Jus’ so long as you remember how hard ah kick, Raiden Bolt, we’ll be fine.”
“I can feel the pain resurfacing on my face from sheer memory,” Raiden winced, feeling his cheek.
Big Mac laughed, “Mighty good tah see ya, County. Braeburn talked a lot about ya in his letters.”
“Well you must be Big Macintosh,” County said. “Ah heard you roped in a pegasus yourself, some sweet thing named Fluttershy.”
Big Mac blushed as us guys laughed. When it came to Fluttershy, Big Mac was all shy and quiet himself. Again, made for one another in my opinion.
“Now ah’d love tah stay and chat with y'alls,” County said, tossing her whisky bottle in a recycle bin, “But Ah’ll let you boys have some fun.”
As County left, I couldn’t help but notice her head was hanging a little. Her black cowpony hat was drooping a little. I looked at the others, “I’ll be back in a sec.”
I met County outside and asked, “County, are you okay?”
“Sure, right as rain Private,” she lied through her teeth “Ah got whisky in mah belly, Raiden’s ego smashed and got a weddin’ tah see tommara. Everythin’s great.”
“County, I know when something’s wrong,” I said flatly.
She sighed, “Ah guess it’s no bother lyin’ ‘bout it. Yer one of the few ponies who could see through it all.”
“Why are you really here County?” I asked her firmly. “What happened with you and Braeburn?”
She closed her gold eyes for a minute and said, “Ah made a damn fool of mahself.”
“County...” I said in that tone you use whenever somepony made a mistake but you’re trying to be as gentle as you could about putting it.
“The idiot had tah go and fall fer me,” she said somberly. “The reason Ah’m not Appaloosa is because he did it. Ah honestly though he was sly fer a while, cause ever since we’ve started workin’ tahgether he ain’t never looked at another mare. When ah asked him about it he said he wasn’t sly, that he just had his eye on a mare and he didn’t feel right lookin’ at another.”
“That mare was you?” I guessed.
“Yep,” she said, looking down. “Thing was ah didn’t think he would fall for me. So ah went over to where his date was going to be so ah could see the perdy mare he was fallin’ fer. Turns out, the date was fer me.”
“County...you didn’t...”
“What was ah supposed to do? Lie and pretend ah was anythin’ more than a no good drunk hick who would probably go and break his heart anyway?!” She yelled at me. “Private ah couldn’t stay there, it’d just make things complicated. Sides, he’s better off without a mare like me.”
“Is that you, or your mom talking?” I asked firmly.
She stopped talking at that.
“Your mom treated you like trash after your dad left. County, you can’t let what she said color your view of yourself.”
“Ya can’t talk like that Private,” She said, looking away. “Yer family home was right and comfortable. Mine was loud, cramped, and stank of alcohol.”
“Braeburn deserves to at least hear why you won’t let anypony in.”
“Don’t you dare bring up Rawhide!” she screamed.
“I think I should because it’s why you won’t ever get close to a guy!” I yelled at her. “He destroyed whatever opinion you had of guys. While you were a miserable wreck I carried you across town on my back, that’s hard to forget County.”
County looked down, and then back up. “If ah dun run away, then you gotta promise you won’t neither.”
“Huh?” I asked, tilting my head.
“Ah knew you’ve got some weddin’ day jitters in ya,” County smiled. “Ah’m tellin ya right now city boy, ya ain’t gonna run off, got it?”
“All of this was to make sure I didn’t run off?” I said quizzically.
She shrugged, “That, or ah really did end up in the cake anyways.”
“So, where are you going to go now?” I asked.
“Some city boy pointed out that ah shouldn’t run away,” she said, smiling at me before turning. “Twi’s lucky tah have ya, ah pegged you two together from the start.”
“If you even think of showing up to the wedding drunk, I will kick your flank though,” I said firmly.
She chuckled and galloped off into the night. I returned to the bar and saw that Raiden had another cake. “Sweet! Maybe this one has the dancer in it!”
“That or it could-a just be Berry Punch,” Potso laughed.
“Laugh it all you want Potso!” Raiden yelled. “But we’ll be getting our exotic dancer right now!”
Suddenly the cake burst open to reveal....
The Doctor?!
“Wow, it’s actually kind of tight in there.” He turned and saw me. “Oh, hello Private, been a while. And look! You got a bachelor party together! I knew this was the right cake!”
“Do-” I cut myself off and said, “Doctor Time Turner? What are you doing here?”
“Well somepony-” He giggled a little, I gave him a glare. “Sorry, um, right, somepony sent me an invitation remember?”
Right, I did stick an invitation on the Tardis.
“Hey! Where’s the exotic dancer?” Raiden asked, sticking his head into the now empty cake.
“Well, I am technically exotic, not much of a dancer though,” the Doctor quipped. “Anyways, allow me to show you all a good time! I’ve been to more bachelor parties then I can count but every one is a ship load of fun!”
With that, The Doctor joined our party. Music was added and he began stranger jigs then I’ve seen Twilight dance. And that’s saying something.
I laughed a little and went up to the bar. What County talked about rolled over in my mind. Potso walked over to me. “As your best stallion and friend I think I should ask for your thoughts.”
I sighed, “Posto, do you think I rushed into this?”
“The wedding?” Potso asked, cleaning a wine glass. “The speed of the preparations was-a something to behold, but I don’t know if rushing into it is the right word.”
I leaned my head on a hoof and said, “It’s just, tomorrow is my wedding day. I’m going to spend the rest of my life with Twilight. Will I be a good husband to her? A good father to our kids? Will I be able to handle being married to a princ-”
Potso laughed.
“What’s so funny?” I asked.
“It’s just, you sound so much like your marefriend right now. Constantly questioning yourself over which actions should-a be taken. My friend, I believe all you have are wedding day jitters. You’re facing a big time in your life and nopony here can-a blame you for being nervous.”
“This is why you're my best stallion,” I smiled.
“You have-a nothing to worry about. So long as you remember that you are marrying a wonderful, beautiful mare, and the rest will be easy. Just say I Do up there and everything will-a work out.”
I Do...
Could I even have the courage to say those words.
I wonder if Twilight is wondering the same thing?
________________________________________________________________________
Perspective: Twilight Sparkle
My friends know me so well. Cake, and soda, a little wine, but not too much, especially with Sour Grapes watching the alcohol intake.
“You’re a light-weight, Twilight. That’s all there is to it. Also, you don’t need to be hung over on your wedding day.” Leave it to Grapes to tell you the truth, no matter how bad it hurts. Luckily our wedding was late enough in the day that everypony else who did drink a lot would have, hopefully, recovered. With the exception of poor Berry Punch, she’s a lost cause and ended up having to be let out before she drank all the wine.
I looked over and saw Celestia walking towards me, cake levitating beside her. “Quite a get-together your friends have done, Twilight.”
“I’m just lucky to have the best friends in the wo-” I stopped when I noticed it. “Princess, what happened to your crown?”
Celestia felt her head, sure enough her crown was gone “It seems in all the excitement it got away from me. I wonder where it went?”
Celestia and I soon found it. Standing on the table, looking a little tipsy, was Derpy, on her head was Celestia’s crown. A balloon was on her wing. She cried out, “I Princess Derpina, declare that all be given muffins!”
I panicked and was about to run over and get the crown away from Derpy but Celestia beat me to it.
“Oh, gracious princess, all are to be given muffins?” Celestia asked, then looked thoughtful. “I have to say that’s a declaration I can eagerly support.”
“Then let it be so oh faithful subject!” Derpy declared, the crown tilting down her head as it was too big for her. “I shall also raise the sun!!” Her wing flapped and the yellow balloon floated into the air, I couldn’t help but smile at just how adorkable Derpy can be. Celestia seemed to take this all in good humor.
Celestia touched her horn to Derpy’s head and the grey pegasus then fell asleep. My mentor gently picked Derpy up in her magic and set her down on a cleared couch. She then took the crown and said, “I think, you would make a fine Princess Derpina.”
Derpy smiled in her sleep and mumbled, “Muffin throne...”
Celestia just smiled and replaced her crown on her head.
“As much fun as this has been, I’ve got to get some air. Will you all be alright without me, for a bit?” I asked.
The other guests all gave varying voices of approval. I stepped outside into the night and looked up at Luna’s sky. I began wondering and thinking over all that’s going on. Am I really ready for this? I know I said ‘yes’ but... This is a pretty big step. As big as becoming a princess, in some ways. Am I truly ready to be married?
“And there you are, looking all worried. Somepony’s got pre-wedding jitters?” Cadence asked, as she came out to stand beside me. I sighed.
“I’m just wondering if I jumped into this too quickly,” I admitted. “I mean, sure we’ve known each other for a year, but... This is a pretty big step, you know?”
“I know. I went through the same thing, too,” Cadence replied. “Sure I’d known Shiny since we were teenagers, and he finally got up the courage to ask, but I was still seriously nervous about the whole thing... I think it helped to remember that I wasn’t marrying The Captain of the Royal Guard, but the nicest stallion I’ve ever known. And he didn’t want me because I was a princess, but because he truly loved me, the nice girl who foalsat his sister.”
I smiled, put a hoof to my chest and took in a breath, letting it out in perfect imitation of her. We both laughed and I said, “Maybe you’re right. It is probably just wedding day jitters.”
She smiled in turn and whispered in my ear, “I’m sure you’ll do fine, I’m sure you’re eager for the wedding night too.”
Wedding... Night...? Me and Private... Doing... things... Oh... My... GOSH!
______________________________________________________________
Inside Twilight’s Brain...
Twilight...
Private... I’m ready....
It’s okay... don’t be nervous....
How can I not be...? After all... it’s my first time...
I promise I’ll be gentle Twilight...
Oh Private...
_____________________________________________________________
Was I drooling? And when did it get so hot, out here? I looked over at Cadence who was laughing the whole way back. OH MY GOSH! Did I really just have one of those dreams?
I sure hope Luna didn’t see it. I don’t think I’d hear the end of it from Celestia.
I looked down the street and saw Private walking away from Potso’s pizzeria. Hmm? Did he leave his party too? Well, it’s going to be the last time I get to see him until I walk down the aisle. Better make the most of it.
In fact...the moonlight makes his coat shade just ri... NO Brain, you stay away! Stay away from those thoughts! I’m warning you... Wow, he looks goooood like... NOT AGAIN!
________________________________________________________________
Perspective: Private Eye
I walked up the hill, glad to be away from the party for a bit. I sat down and looked up at Luna’s night sky. I mulled over everything Potso and the others were saying. They were right, I was just nervous and scared about taking this big step. But every stallion or mare in this situation would be scared.
I heard hoof-steps behind me and saw a great sight. Twilight had come over from the Library. She was smiling at me, but looked a little... flushed. I hope she was all right.
“Hey, Private,” she said quietly. “Party get a little too much for you, too?”
“Yeah,” I nodded as she came to sit beside me.
“Are you nervous, too?” she asked.
“Yeah, I mean...” I looked over at her. “I’m about to marry the single most beautiful and smart mare in the universe, that’s a lot of pressure on a guy.” Twilight giggled, blushing even more, if that’s possible.
“And I’m marrying the smartest, cleverest, and handsomest stallion in Equestria, who’s been knighted for being a national hero, for saving Equestria from a genocidal madstallion. So... Who’s got the most pressure on them?” Twilight asked, with a raised eyebrow.
I just smiled and nuzzled her affectionately. She returned my nuzzle and I said, “I’m excited to start our life together.”
“Me too.” She laid a kiss on my cheek, “I’ve been waiting for the day for a long time.”
“Well, it’s a few hours before you have to disappear on me,” I pointed out. “Bad luck to see the bride before the wedding and all.”
She smiled, “Well, there is something I want to do.” Her eyes became a mischievous half lidded. “Now that we’re alone together.”
“Oh,” I smiled slowly, “And what might that be?”
“Hmm,” Twilight pondered. “How about... you serenade me? Please?”
“Serenade?” I laughed. “Seriously?”
“Well, maybe a girl wants to have her fiance just go nuts romantically,” she said, nuzzling my neck tenderly.
I smiled and took her in my forelegs, dipping her slowly and began to sing,
I can’t fight this feeling any longer,
And yet I’m still afraid to let it flow.
What started out as friendship has grown stronger,
I only wish I had the strength to let it show.
I tell myself I can’t hold out forever,
I say there is no reason for my fear.
‘Cause I feel so secure when we’re together,
You give my life direction, you make everything so clear.
And even as I wander, I’m keeping you in sight.
You’re a candle in the window on a cold, dark winter night.
I smiled and set her down on the earth, her amethyst eyes twinkling in the starlight. I continued on, happy I didn’t completely botch it.
And I’m getting closer than I ever thought I might.
I can’t fight this feeling, anymore.
I’ve forgotten what I’ve started fighting for.
It’s time to bring this ship into the shore, and throw away the oars, forever.
‘Cause I can’t fight this feeling, anymore.
Suddenly, before I went into the next repeat of the chorus...
SPROING!
Twilight blushed brightly as her wings became fully erect. I covered my mouth with a hoof as she cried, “Don’t laugh! Geez! It’s not my fault I can’t control them yet!”
“It’s flattering Twilight,” I chuckled, setting myself down beside her as she tried to flatten her wings. “It shows that you find my singing tolerable.”
She blushed and rubbed her hooves nervously. “Well um, it helped that it was you.”
I smiled and simply laid a kiss on her. She looked over and suddenly I was pulled into her forelegs, our lips fighting to get at one another and our legs wrapping around each other. We kissed, our hooves rubbing each other’s backs, and this went on for a while, until Twilight pushed herself away, panting a bit. “Sorry,” she panted. “Got a bit... carried away.”
I just held her tenderly as we laid in the grass. “It’s okay. I said I’d wait until you were ready. I plan to keep that promise, Twilight.”
She snuggled into me and said, “I don’t think I’m as nervous anymore. I can’t wait until after tomorrow.” She then looked up, “Just, promise me that no matter what happens, we’ll still love each other.”
“I promise,” I said, kissing her lovingly. “I’m not about to let you go again, Twi, I made that mistake before.”
She returned my kiss and then we parted. Twilight and I stood, looked at each other and Twi said, “See you tomorrow, Preventus.”
“You too, Twi,” I said, smiling at her.
She blew a kiss towards me and trotted off back to the library.
I wasn’t nervous anymore. I was about to marry the most wonderful mare I’ve ever known. Somehow, I was looking forward to tomorrow with excitement not fear.
I love her, more than anything this world can offer...