“I Do”
Part IV
Perspective: Private Eye
The party was in absolute full swing. Pinkie had transformed the Ponyville’s park area into a reception for the ages. Streamers, balloons, a nicely separated dancing area, and the buffet. Ponies all around us were dancing, enjoying the food, and Vinyl was providing the music up front. I was sitting with Twilight at the head table, laughing as we saw everypony having fun.
I was in the best mood I’ve been in years. I couldn’t help but smile at everything. I was married now! I got past the hurdle and finally said I Do. I was the happiest stallion alive! Twilight was all smiles as well. She would impulsively pull me into a kiss every now and again.
When the last song was over from Vinyl, Raiden flew up to the mic. “Are you all enjoying this party?!” he shouted to the crowd.
Everypony cheered, several mares screamed, “WE LOVE YOU RAIDEN!!!”
They would be getting a talking to from Rainbow later that’s for sure. Raiden just chuckled, “So anyways, to provide some entertainment for our awesome bride and groom, I thought it would be fun to do a little open mic. I mean, I’m sure you’d all love to hear me sing all night, but I think there could be some hidden talent here.”
Everypony clamored to try and get the attention of Raiden, finally Raiden pointed to Big Mac who was sitting with Fluttershy. “Come on big guy!”
Before Big Mac could protest, Swarm and Pinkie began shoving him on stage. I knew Raiden meant this as a joke. Nopony has ever heard Big Mac sing before. Well, nopony outside his family at least, and when he was seen singing, it was usually part of a larger group, so nopony knew what his voice, alone, would sound like.
Applejack yelled from where she was standing at the buffet, “Come on Big Mac! Show em how Apples sang round ere!”
Big Mac looked at the mic, than at the crowd, than he whispered something to Raiden. Raiden nodded and told Vinyl. She gave him a “You can’t be serious” look. Raiden just rolled his eyes and said something more. Vinyl sighed and fiddled with her turn table.
Big Mac took the mic and...it began...
Until the end of time, yer mah soul mate...
I’ll love you till I get, tah heaven’s gate
and if I go first sweetheart, I’ll wait.
Cause Ah know Ah’ll never find,
Another soul mate...
By Celestia’s flowing mane can this guy sing. Everypony was just stunned by his baritone voice that sang with such a soul that even Vinyl was speechless. Big Mac took the mic and started walking with it in his hoof around the crowd.
Your love, there’s no tellin’ where Ah’d be, without your love,
Stumblin’ in the dark, would be pretty rough
when Ah get down, yer the one,
That lifts me up
I thank the stars above,
for your love...
He eventually, came to Fluttershy whose eyes were only focused on him. Twilight and I smiled at each other and a lot of ponies smiled themselves at the sight. Big Mac, was singing to his love Fluttershy.
Fluttershy couldn’t help but smile as Big Mac’s voice reached her ears and she realized the lyrics were about her.
In this day and time, the right one’s hard tah find
Girl that’s why, Ah’m holdin’ onto you!
Each and every night, when we turn off the light
There’s no mistaken what we have is true...
Fluttershy looked about ready to burst with happiness at this. I couldn’t help but smile and laugh a little at her expression. She was just so happy it was Big Mac singing this. Twilight nudged me and asked, “Did I look like that ever?”
“When I proposed,” I said, giving my wife a kiss on the cheek. That earned a smile on her face and a nuzzle as Big Mac went on.
Soulmate, Ah hope old together
Soulmate, in the good and bad,
and even through, the heartache
We’ve got a special bond, that’ll never break...
Big Mac walked to Fluttershy, took her hoof in one of his free ones and pulled her onto the dance floor. Everypony cheered loudly and cleared a path for them. Fluttershy would’ve shrank normally at this gesture. But I think she was too focused on Big Mac’s song to care about being the center of attention.
‘Cause darlin you and ah, are soulmates...
The pair began dancing as Big Mac sang into the mic as best he could, thankfully it was wireless. After a minute, Twilight’s horn glowed and she levitated the mic over Big Mac so he could freely sing and dance at the same time.
In this day and time, the right one is hard to find
Girl that’s why, Ah’m holdin’ onto you
Each and every night, when we turn off the light
there’s no mistakin’, what we have is true
Big Mac gazed into Fluttershy’s filled with tears of joy eyes and sang just to her.
Soulmate...until the end of time you’re mah,
Soulmate...
I’ll love you till ah get to heaven’s gate...
We’ve got a special bond, that’ll never break
‘Cause darlin you and ah are, soulmates...
Yeah Ah know Ah’ll never find,
Big Mac embraced Fluttershy and sang the last words,
Another...soul mate....
The crowd practically exploded into cheers, everypony including me was so impressed we yelled and screamed in absolute awe and wonder. Fluttershy would’ve joined in if she wasn’t so busy kissing Big Mac like she was gonna die tomorrow.
Raiden on the stage was trying to look cool. “Okay, that was pretty good I’ll admit. But you still got about twenty percent more training before you become as good as me.”
“This country and romantic stuff is driving me nuts!” Vinyl cried. “Let’s spin this shiz!” She slapped on another record and suddenly everypony was dancing again. Open mics were forgotten as everypony’s dancing took priority.
Then suddenly space was being made in the center, as everypony started watching a pair of dancers. Wait, was that Grapes and Stormfront? They were there, moving their hooves to the driving beat, and when the singing started, they took each other’s hooves and began to move to the melody. They spun, strutted, and generally were... Well amazing was the only way to describe it. There seemed to be a lot of Salsa, or something, mixed with something akin to ballet, especially when Stormy lifted Grapes to the tune of the chorus. No wonder everypony just had to stop and stare. Those two were GOOD.
“And that, ladies and gentleponies, is why she has the VIP pass!” Vinyl declared. She then looked over and saw Octavia coming. “Oh, seems you can’t resist my charms for long can you, Octy?”
“Despite what you may believe, Vinyl, not everypony worships you,” Octavia said, rolling her eyes. “I’m just here to tell you that the next selection is, how to say it, more my speed.”
Vinyl snored, her eyes obscured by her sunglasses.
“Oh stop it!” With that, she shoved Vinyl off the stage and spoke in the mic. “Ladies and Gentlecolts, I wish to inform all of you that Moongale will be taking the stage.”
I saw Sweetie Belle zoom over. “Oh my gosh! THE Moongale!? I have all of her albums!”
Twilight and I smiled and laughed a little. Seems Rainbow isn’t the only one with a super fan among the CMC.
“Also, Moongale requested that this be the couple’s first dance as husband and wife.” Octavia went on.
All eyes fell on me and Twilight, we smiled and took each other’s hooves. We walked out onto the dance floor as Moongale and the others took the stage. Octavia, Lyra, Frederick Horseshopin, and Harpo took the stage, and played... Well it wasn’t classical, but it was rather musical. Moonegale took the mic, and began to sing.
For all those times you stood by me,
For all the truth that you made me see,
For all the joy you brought to my life,
For all the wrongs that you made right,
“Did you choose this song?” I asked Twilight, as we waltzed in the middle of the dance floor.
“No, but it does seem rather appropriate, doesn’t it?” she replied, as she listened to the lyrics.
For every dream you made come true,
For all the love I found in you,
I’ll be forever thankful, baby.
You’re the one who held me up, never let me fall.
You’re the one who saw me through, through it all.
You were my strength, when I was weak.
You were my voice when I couldn’t speak.
You were my eyes, when I couldn’t see.
You saw the best there was in me.
Lifted me up, when I couldn’t reach.
You gave me faith, because you believed.
I’m everything I am, because you loved me.
Twilight and I looked into each other’s eyes. That... That was us. More specifically, that was me. I don’t know how Moongale managed it, but she seemed to capture my every emotion for Twilight I felt. She even caught on to how much Twilight had helped me change from the hardened cynic I was becoming to the stallion I am, today. I looked over at my childhood friend and she just winked at me. I couldn’t help but smile myself.
I looked at Twilight, and danced with her as I said, “Twi, thanks for changing me.”
Twilight smiled in turn, “All I did was help you rediscover your noble spirit, that had been buried under all the cynicism, and disappointment. Anyway, you’ve helped me as well Private. I’m more confident, more sure about myself than ever. You inspired me in more ways than I could ever say.”
I just kissed her on the lips with all the love I held for her. Moongale’s voice sang as we danced and kissed in the center.
You were always there for me,
A tender wind that carried me,
A light in the dark, shining your love into my life.
You’ve been my inspiration.
Through the lies you were the truth,
My world is a better place because of you.
With that, she repeated the chorus a final time, and ended the song.Everypony went nuts for Moongale’s singing. She smiled and thanked fans left and right, until a small white unicorn made her way up to the stage. She looked nervously up at Moongale, my friend smiled and looked down at her “Why, hello there, what’s your name?”
Sweetie Belle gulped, “Sw-Sweetie Belle, I-I wanna be a sin-singer too! Jus-Just like you!”
Moongale smiled at her and lowered herself down to the filly’s level. “Maybe one day it’ll be you who’s up on stage. I noticed your cutie mark. I can't wait to see you perform one day Sweetie Belle.”
Sweetie was probably fighting every urge to squeal. It was honestly really cute seeing her idolize Moongale.Then again, if anypony should be the role model for Belle, it should be Moongale.
Twilight and I laughed together as Moongale went about signing Sweetie’s picture of my friend. Moongale took it all with smiles and words of encouragement.
I, only hope I can inspire somepony like that one day.
________________________________________________________________
Perspective: Idreana Eye
I stood just on the outskirts of the party. I watched as Twilight and Private danced with one another. I’ve never seen my grandson so happy before. After all he suffered he very much deserved a mare like Twilight to relieve the pain on his heart.
I turned, and saw my son Irenius walking up to me. He looked at me and asked, “Why are you not enjoying the party mother?”
I just kept looking at the couple as they joined in the festivities. “Private tried to invite me but I told him why. I’ll tell you it as well. Adamus is still out there somewhere, until he’s stopped I can’t step in and be an active part of Private’s life. I know it pains me...but...”
“Mother,” Irenius said firmly, “You can’t keep hiding from him.”
“I’m not hiding from Pri-”
“I’m talking about Tailspin,” Irenius said, walking up to sit beside me.
I sighed, “I told you why I can’t.”
“Because you don’t want him to feel pain if something happens to you?” Irenius answered for me.
“I’m old Irenius,” I said. “I’m still absolutely hot, but old nonetheless.” That earned a laugh from both of us. “What I’m saying is, I’d just complicate things.”
“Don’t you think Tailspin deserves to know he has a grandmother?” Irenius asked. “Who fought tooth and hoof to keep Father’s dogs away from his life?”
I sighed, there was no stopping him now. “Sparrow’s made you quite stubborn Irenius. Very well...”
With that, I walked into the party. I moved my way through the crowd trying not to draw attention to myself. Nopony is going to notice an old mare while a star is on the stage. I slowly made my way to the children’s area...and I saw...him....
He was eleven now, his blue coat was mostly covered by the suit he wore as he talked with his friends. I noticed Lazarus’ son Cross among them. There was also a pinto and a red coated earth pony. The colts were all chatting with one another.
I caught a break when Tailspin left his friends for the punch bowl. I got my first good look at my grandson since he was a foal. He inherited his mother’s coat and mane. Even as he moved about in a wheelchair he gave off this aura of genuine love for the world. His blue eyes were his father’s, in fact, it was hard to see myself in him. But, that was of little consequence.
I just, had to talk to him.
No, I shouldn’t, he doesn't need another complication in his life. What would I even say? Would he even want a grandmother that was never there for him? That never held him in her lap and bored him with tales about days long gone? Who never sewed him a tacky sweater during the holidays? Who... stayed out of his life because she was afraid... he would hate her...
“Ma’am?”
I blinked and looked down, Tailspin was right there in front of me. I choked up, unable to say anything at all.
“Um, are you okay ma’am?” he asked, his voice sounding ever so polite and charming. “You’ve been staring off into space for a while.”
I got my bearings and said, “It is well, Tailspin.”
He raised an eyebrow. “I’ve never seen you before, how do you know my name?”
This, was the hardest part... could I ...even...
“Wait,” Tailspin spoke up, “You look a lot like dad and Cross’ dad.”
He’s...
“Are you, a relative of mine or something?” Tailspin asked.
He, he got it right on his own. It seems Private wasn’t the only one with a deductive mind.
I smiled slowly and said, “Well, you are my grandson, so I should think so.”
Tailspin dropped the cup of punch he had in his hooves. His blue eyes stared into my green ones. Here it comes, where were you? Why didn’t you tell me? I hate you get ou...
I felt him...hug me....
He was hugging my chest, his head on my black evening dress. I noticed he was crying. “Tailspin?” I asked, my voice laced with shock.
“I have a grandma,” he sobbed, looking up at me. “I-I hoped somewhere I had one. I’m, glad to meet you finally, Grandma.”
I felt the tears fog up my glasses but I didn’t care. I held Tailspin in my forelegs and embraced him tightly. My grandson, he’s my grandson.
“Grandma are you okay?” Tailspin asked, his voice laced with concern.
“Forgive me, Tailspin.” I looked at him, wiped my glasses with a hoofkerchief in my magic. “You’ve just, worked your way into this old mare’s heart.”
He smiled and took one of my hooves in his. “Come on, I’ll introduce you to my friends.”
With that, I was pulled into Tailspin’s world. Both figuratively and literally.
__________________________________________________________________
Perspective: Private Eye
The song ended and everypony cheered as the dancing had come to a close. I looked over as Mr. and Mrs. Cake began rolling a wagon towards us. That was a huge cake. It was festooned with lacy frosting, and sugar flowers, pillars, and little fondant figurines of myself and Twilight at the top. Thankfully it was, also, large enough to feed a field of ponies, who all wanted some. It was almost too pretty to eat, but the top layer was floated down by Grapes, with a slight smirk, and set in front of Twilight and me.
Twilight gave me a look as I held a stethoscope to it. “Private, what are you doing?”
“Just making sure nothing’s going to pop out, dear,” I explianed, removing the stethoscope.
“And suddenly, I know not to have Raiden in charge of parties,” Twilight quipped.
I smiled, took the cake knife and cut a piece of the cake off. I floated it over to Twilight and she did the honors of taking the first bite. She smiled and said, after swallowing. “An excellent cake, as always.”
“We worked very hard on it. After all you two have done for Ponyville you both deserve it,” Mr. Cake said, leaning against his wife with a smile.
“Let me have a taste,” I said, taking the cake slice but slipped and...it landed on my face.
Twilight laughed as I wiped the cake off. I licked my hoof and said, “Hm, vanilla my favorite.”
Twilight laughed even harder at my appearance. I smirked and took some cake in my hoof and smeared it on her cheek. I started laughing in turn and so did she.
“WHOO HOO! FOOD FIGHT!” Pinkie declared, coming flying at the cake.
Raiden cried, “LAUNCH SWARM MISSILE TO INTERCEPT!”
Suddenly Shining Armor threw Swarm at Pinkie Pie and the two collided in the air before Pinkie could get at the cake. They both landed on the ground and Pinkie looked a little disappointed.
“Awwww, but-”
“No, Pinkie,” Swarm said. “We’d rather eat the cake, not have it thrown all over the place.”
I laughed and looked at the cake, I noticed another slice had been cut, two in fact. I saw crumbs leading under the tablecloth and looked under there. There was Celestia, with both slices of cake. She looked at me, gave me a look and said, “You, did not see anything.”
“Yes ma’am,” I saluted, coming back from under the table and letting everypony else have at the cake. Swarm was feeding Pinkie a piece, who concluded the cake was too “tasteriffic” to be used as ammunition. And I saw Tailspin taking a couple of pieces. One for Scootaloo, obviously, and one for... Grandma?
So, you finally conceded, huh Grandma? Now I know how to get extra gingerbreads delivered during hearth’s warming.
As the cake gorging went on Twilight mingled with the guests a little. I found myself at a table, then I saw Luna coming to sit beside me. “A fine gathering this has been, Private Eye.”
I smiled at her, “You can thank your sister, she did a lot of the work.” I then said, “Thanks for the good night by the way.”
“It is kind of you to say such things,” she said, smiling in turn. “I only wish there was more I can do.”
I reached into my coat jacket and pulled out Nocturne’s medallion. I held it before her in my hoof. “You slipped this into my pockets during the battle. I never got to return it what with everything that’s going on.”
She touched her hoof to mine and pushed it towards me. “Keep it, it is technically your heirloom anyways. Nocturne would want his descendant to be able to protect the ones he loves.”
I put the medallion in my jacket and smiled, “Thanks Luna, you really are a good friend.”
She put a hoof on my cheek and said, “Twilight, is truly a lucky mare. I only hope, that you both will spend your mortal lives in love.”
“Bet on it,” I nodded.
Luna smiled and went to join the rest of the guests. It was, good to see her smile like that. Luna spent a lot of time recovering these few years. It’s good to see that she’s reached the point where she can smile again.
I looked on as the cake was almost completely gone. I then went up to the stage to find Vinyl eating her cake as it was spinning on a record. How she managed to do so is a mystery I’ll file away in the Pinkie section of my brain.
She smiled as everypony finished their cake. “Whaddya say we top this all off with a classic?”
“Toss me the mic,” I smirked. “It’s time we took this one home!”
Vinyl tossed the mic to me as the last song began. I held it in my magic and sang,
Love is in bloom!
A beautiful bride-
I saw Twilight teleport to my side and add,
A handsome groom!
Two hearts, become as one!
We both sang together
A bond, cannot be undone because,
Everypony cheered loudly as we sang surprisingly well together.
Love is in bloom!
A beautiful bride, handsome groom!
We said love is in bloom!
We’re starting a life, and making room
For us....
Vinyl continued the beat as a carriage rolled up to the party. Twilight and I walked toward it, as the parted crowd, together singing to ourselves as we made for the carriage. I saw Dad and Tailspin on my side and I went to them.
Tailspin cheered, “You did it bro! Twilight’s my big sis now!”
“This doesn't mean you can charm her into making me raise your allowance, bucko!” I quipped, rubbing his mane.
Dad laughed and said, “Enjoy your honeymoon, my son, I’ll look after Tailspin while you are away.”
I smiled and hugged both of them. I saw behind them Grandma was just smiling at me. I gave a wave and she waved in turn. Grandma was never one for the spotlight. She got her wish tonight, to see us before I started this new chapter in my life.
I turned around as Twilight’s parents said words only meant for them. She hugged them both along with her brother and sister in law. She kissed Skyla on the forehead, eliciting a giggle from the filly.
Finally, Spike walked up to both of us. He said, “I’m glad to see a family come together like this.”
Twilight and I looked at each other, and I told him, “Spike, thanks for sticking with us.”
“Hey, anything for you guys,” Spike smiled wide.
Twilight and I hugged the dragon as Rarity walked up to us. She smiled and wiped her eyes with a hoof. “I’m so happy for you both, I promise to attend to Spike while you two are enjoying your honeymoon.”
“Thanks Rarity,” Twilight smiled.
“GROUP HUG!!!” Pinkie cried as the other four elements joined in hugging us. We all laughed as we righted ourselves. After they let us go, Twilight and I walked into the carriage. I closed the door behind me and watched as Twilight collected her bouquet.
I smirked and whispered something into her ear. She smiled and moved to stick her head out the window. She held the bouquet in her magic and the bridesmaids came like timberwolves to a piece of meat. Twilight waited a bit, calculating her trajectory, and threw it.
The bouquet soared over the crowd, dodging two grabs by Rarity who barely missed. The bouquet dodged several bridesmaids, helped a little by Twilight’s magic. Before it finally plopped itself into Fluttershy’s hooves.
She looked at Twilight and I as we stuck our heads out the window. I yelled at Big Mac, “You promised me that I’d be an Alicorent! I think that’s a good candidate for a mother right there big guy!”
Fluttershy blushed brightly, Big Mac as well. But the pair smiled and simply held one another. Aww yeah, I was getting that Alicorn Child real soon.
Twilight and I went back into the carriage after waving goodbye to everypony. Twilight and I sat in the carriage, she put her head on my shoulder and said, “So, our new life begins.”
“I can’t think of anypony I’d rather spend it with,” I said, nuzzling Twilight lovingly.
A year ago, I would never have dreamed of all this. Every case, every battle, every villain, it felt like it was all leading to this. This moment when I would be lying against this mare, riding towards our honeymoon.
I felt, there are no words to really describe how I felt. I just knew, right here and now, the Private Eye of old was long gone. The cynical and hopeless detective who lived his life only day by day. Now, I looked forward.
I saw a great life, it won’t be an easy one. But then again, what life is worth living if it’s easy? I was going to be facing some new challenges in my life. Somethings I still wonder if I’m prepared for.
I knew now though, that they weren’t so terrifying...
So long as I had Twilight, my Twilight....
My love.. .my life...
Twilight...