"So, I want our wedding to be in the spring in the Canterlot Castle so we can see all of the trees and flowers in full bloom and I want to invite all of my friends and family and your family and friends and we can have a huge reception in the main hall of the castle with dancing and dinner and celebrating and it will be just perfect."
"I agree, Twily."
"And then we can go somewhere nice and warm for our honeymoon where we can just spend some time on the beach and go exploring in the jungle and make out under a palm tree and in a hot tub and swim in the ocean and go snorkeling and then we can go to the-"
"Twily?"
"Or maybe we can go to Germaneigh or the Neitherlands and explore old castles and go watch hoofball games and then-"
"Twily!"
"Maybe I can invite Sunset Shimmer because she's probably really happy now and then-"
"No!"
"What?"
"I mean, Twily, it's getting dark out. We should at least go tell your family the good news."
"That's a good idea too."
Twilight and Flash spent the first half hour or so after they got engaged just talking outside in the snow in the park. Twilight did most of the talking, though. She was just too excited to keep silent. They made their way from the park back into the castle, where the rest of the mare's family were waiting in the dining room.
Twilight used her telekinetic abilities to open the double doors leading to the dining room, revealing the smiling faces of Spike, Twilight's parents, Shining Armour, Princess Cadence, and a random worker in the dining room.
"Hey guys, guess what?" Twilight asked.
Without even giving an answer, Spike ran up and jumped onto Twilight's forelegs, clutching her tightly. "Congrats, you two!"
"Thanks," Twilight responded. "Did all of you know about this?"
"Yep," Twilight's father responded. "Flash told us about it when you went out to talk to Shining. Congratulations," he finished while coming up with his wife to give his daughter a hug. They also gave Flash a hug as well.
"So Flash asked you when we were outside? That wasn't for very long," Twilight mentioned as her mother gave her a hug as well.
"Well, we were expecting him to tell us one of these days," Twilight Velvet said. "He just asked us quickly and said he had it all prepared, and we gave him our blessing."
"It's true," Flash said. "I had it planned for a while and they were overjoyed at hearing about it. Spike especially."
Cadence then came over with Shining Armour, and they both gave joyful hugs. Cadence offered her congratulations to her favourite, and only, sister-in-law. Then Shining gave his little sister a big hug, whispering in her ear, "Trust me, he's a keeper. I'm so proud of you."
Twilight had a tear of joy in her eyes, and Shining had a little bit of liquid pride in his. She was overwhelmed at her family's support.
--------------------------------------
The next morning came, and the ponies all went to the train station. Goodbyes were said, hugs were given, tears were shed, especially by Flash because he missed the Crystal Empire food, and the time came for the Canterlot ponies to return home. The ponies all packed their bags on the train and went to sit down. Twilight and Shining Armour waited on the platform to say a few more final goodbyes to Princess Cadence.
While embracing his wife, the stallion said, "My dear, everything will be all right soon enough. I won't leave you for long, I promise. I'll take care of things as fast as I can and I'll come straight here when I'm done. I promise you that."
"I know, Shiny. I understand completely. Thank you so much for changing your entire life for our marriage. It means so much to me"
Twilight then came over and gave one final hug to her old sitter. "It was a pleasure being with you as always, Cadence. I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too, Twilight. I guess the next time I'll see you will be just before the wedding?"
"I think so. We're hoping to do it in the early spring. Would you like to be one of my bridesmaids?"
"I would love to, Twilight. Thank you so much. Please let me know as soon as you know the date. And then you two can join us for the Equestria Games."
"That sounds great. We'll see you soon."
The two siblings boarded the train. Shining Armour looked out the window as the train pulled away, waving one final goodbye to his wife for the time being.
Twilight sat beside her husband-to-be on one of the couches in their family's cabin. She lowered her head onto Flash's shoulder while looking out at Spike, Shining Armour, and her parents who were together on the other couch, talking together.
"Flashy, what's going to happen over the next few months? We're going to be so busy, with our wedding preparations, my royal duties, and your guard duties. How are we going to balance it all?"
"We'll just take everything one step at a time, I guess. I mean, after we get married, we can just stay here in Canterlot. Things can stay the same. They don't have to change much. And you have the help of Princess Celestia and Luna, and you have me at your side. And besides, my job isn't that hard. I'll just listen to whoever is going to take charge after Shining, and that's it. It's not like there's any big threat against the kingdom or anything."
"I guess you're right, but what if you take over as Captain of the Royal Guard?"
"Ha, that's a good one."
"No, I mean it. If you became the captain you'd be very busy. It's a hard job."
"Twilight, come on. Be serious. There are way more stallions that have been on the job for longer than I have. There's Optimus and Sentinel, who would be pissed if I became their boss, even though I have less experience than them."
"Do you really care about them, though?"
"No."
"So what's the problem, then?"
"Well, it's just that, I mean, come on. Just because Shining likes me, it doesn't mean I'll get the job. You, Celestia, and Luna would have to give your say as well. I don't know how they think about me."
"They think well of you. As long as I'm happy, Celestia is happy."
Flash looked down at his hooves, and responded, "Okay, but what about all the other guards? Like, there's Rodimus, Nova, Jazz, and Zeta, and that's not even mentioning Luna's own royal guards, the batponies, like Frenzy, Starscream, Shockwave, and Rampage. They've been serving for way longer than I have. And maybe Luna would want one of her guards being the captain this time. I don't know, I just can't see me being the captain any time soon. I'm not experienced enough nor good enough to the captain."
"Flash, I... I didn't know you felt that way. But it's not like you're not good at your job. I mean, nopony has attacked me since you joined!"
"Twily, come on. That isn't just me; it's a team effort. And besides, if anypony wanted to attack you, you'd be fully able to protect yourself."
"Come on, Flash. Just let me make you feel good about yourself!"
"You don't have to! I mean, I know I'm smart and sexy, and strong, and handsome, and modest, and humble and sexy already; you don't need to convince me." Twilight chuckled, causing Flash to smirk. "But in all seriousness, I fully accept the fact that I probably won't get a promotion or anything. I haven't been here long enough to even be considered for anything better yet."
"Okay, I get it. But, just think about it- what if you became the captain? What would happen?"
"Then I'd be really happy and stick by your side forever and be the best me I can be. But I can do that now anyway."
"All right, Flash."
"But I'd probably demote Sentinel and Optimus to janitor duty because they're a couple of douche bags. And then I'd make any stallion who looks at you weird pay dearly."
Twilight snickered yet again. "Oh Flash, I love you."
"And I love you, Twily."
--------------------------------------
"All right, Flash, are you ready go inside and tell the princesses the good news?" Twilight asked as the two of them stood outside Celestia's room. They could hear both Celestia and Luna talking inside.
"I'm ready as I'll ever be."
"That's good enough for me," Twilight responded as she used her horn's magic to open the French-style doors leading to the sun princess' room.
The day and night princesses were both conversing when they simultaneously turned their heads to the door.
"Oh, Twilight Sparkle, welcome back," Princess Celestia said with a smile. "And welcome back to you too, Flash."
Both Flash and Twilight bowed in the presence of the higher royalty. "Thank you, princess," Twilight responded. "We have some big news."
"Well," Princess Luna began, "judging from the smile on both of your faces and the ring on your horn, you two are now engaged to be married."
"Yes, that's exactly it," Twilight responded.
"Congratulations, you two," Princess Celestia said as she came closer to the couple. She looked down at Flash Sentry, and said, while giving him a pat on the head, "I'm sure that you're really excited to be starting a new life with my most cherished student."
"Yes, ma'am."
"That's great to hear," Celestia said. "Twilight, you've got a fine stallion here." Flash smiled at the compliment. I know that you two will be happy together for as long as you shall live. "You have my blessing."
"Yes, likewise," Princess Luna added.
"Thank you both very much," Twilight said.
Flash bowed, and said while looking at the ground, "You have no idea how much that means to me. Thank you.so much."
"You're very welcome, Flash," Celestia said while touching the top of his head with her hoof. "You are a fine stallion, and you will make Twilight a very happy mare for the rest of your life."
Just then, there was a knock at the door, and Celestia invited whoever it was in. The door opened, revealing a happy Shining Armour, who said, "I'm so glad all of you princess are here. Can I talk to you three in private? It's something really important."
Flash said, "Well, I guess that's my cue to leave then..."
"I'm sorry, Flash," Shining Armour said. "It's about what I spoke to you about on our trip. I just need to tell Celestia and Luna about it and ask their opinion on a few things."
"All right," Flash responded, a little disappointed, but accepting at the same time. He gave his mare a kiss on the cheek. "I guess I should be going home now, anyway."
"Okay, dear. I'll see you tomorrow or something."
"Sure. I'll be doing longer day shifts this week to make up for being away. Drop by and see me. It'll brighten up my day."
"Trust me, it'll brighten up my day as well."
Flash smiled and walked away, going outside the doors and back into one of the many beautiful hallways of the castle. He could hear Shining Armour start to talk about what was undoubtedly his leaving the force to go to the Crystal Empire, but the orange pegasus knew it wouldn't have been nice to eavesdrop. He went home for the night, falling asleep early so that he could wake up bright and early for his shift the next day.
--------------------------------------
"You look like you had a fun time away," Sentinel said to Flash as both of them were getting ready for the day. Flash smiled and nodded his head in agreement.
"I'm pretty sure anypony who gets some princess booty would be a happy stallion," Optimus added.
"Trust me, you two, I got far more than just 'princess booty,'" Flash replied.
"Well, that's great and all, but while you were away we had to work extra hard," Sentinel begrudged.
"i am so sorry," Flash said in a somewhat sarcastic tone. "I'm sure you had to risk your life to defend the kingdom this week, didn't you? How ever did you manage?"
"Hey, we may not have had to stop a villain or something," Optimus defended, "but you should at least be thankful that we were there to cover for you."
"Well, guys, I am thankful. Thank you for covering for me," Flash responded. "Since you guys are my best friends in the entire world," Flash said, sarcastic again, "do you want to hear what happened this weekend?"
"No, but you're going to tell us anyway, aren't you?"
"You know it, Sentinel. Twilight and I got engaged."
Sentinel and Optimus paused for a second. "Really?"
"Yes."
"No, wait, really?"
"Uh, yeah."
"No no no no no... really?"
"Yes! Why is that so hard to comprehend?"
Both of the other guards pondered for a second. Then, Sentinel replied, "It's just a little surprising. But, however, I have to give you my kudos on getting that far with Twilight. It must not be easy."
"Thanks, buddy, that actually means a lot. And trust me, it wasn't easy. But I would do anything for her. She has made me so happy and I love her so much."
"That's so gay," Optimus said. "But, I guess I should congratulate you too. Even though you're a douche and a sissy you still had the courage to go that far."
"I'll take that as a compliment, because that's probably the nicest thing you will ever say to me."
"You got that right, you jackass."
"There's the charm," Flash said with a grin. He didn't expect anything different coming from his two closest co-workers. However, he was happy that he was able to at least get a somewhat positive reaction out of them. "I'll see you two later," the orange pegasus said as he put his helmet on to go to his post, which was guarding the outside doors on this day.
--------------------------------------
"Spike, are you ready to take a letter?" the Twilicorn asked to her loyal dragon assistant after she returned to her room.
"Always, Twilight!" Spike responded cheerfully as he pulled out a paper and a pen from his pocket that didn't exist because he never wore any clothing.
"This one is going to go to my friends back in Ponyville. Please write this, 'To my best friends in the whole world. I have some big news to tell you, but I feel like I just have to tell you in person. I want to be able to hug you all right after I tell you. It's just too special to say in a letter. I'm going to talk to Flash and maybe we will be able to come visit you all in a few weekends so that we can catch up. I love you all and can't wait to see you. Love, your friend, Twilight Sparkle.' Did you get all that?"
Spike, while still writing and mumbling the words to himself, said, "Done! Want me to send it?"
"Yes, please!"
Spike rolled up the letter and took a deep breath in. He imagined in his mind where the letter was going to go, which was going to be directly to Applejack, who was the most trustworthy of all her friends, and belched out the fire needed to send it away.
Time went on throughout the day. Spike spent it wandering around the various rooms of the castle, which he did occasionally, trying to find some things to do. Twilight spent the time in her room writing a novel by means of levitating a pen with her horn.
"Bella, I love you," Edward said to Bella. "No, Bella, don't listen to him. I love you," Jacob retaliated. "I'm a bigger man Jacob ever will be. Just look," Edward replied while flashing himself to the girl he loved to feast on as she slept. She looked at the part that he was flashing and instantly fell back in love with him because she was shallow like that. Then they kissed in front of Jacob, who turned back into a werewolf and ran into the forest, crying.
Twilight put her pen down on the table. She lifted up the paper she wrote to critique it. "Yes, yes. This is perfect," she said quietly as she rested the paper back down and used her magic to pick up the pen again and continue writing.
She began writing the next paragraph when the door shot open. "Twilight," Spike said as he returned into the mare's room, "your friends replied to you."
"Oh, bring it here, please," Twilight said while quickly hiding her novel, which was surely good enough to inspire and entertain millions of young ponies one day. She unrolled the letter, revealing five different hoof, mouth, or horn writing styles, creating a smile on the mare's face.
"Please read it. I want to hear it," Spike pleaded.
"Sure," the mare responded. She began, "'Twilight, thank you so much for writing to us. We were beginning to worry about you because we haven't heard from you in so long. We can't wait to see you. Life has been boring here without you. I haven't learned crap about friendship since you left. Hope to see you soon. Love, Applejack.'
"'My dearest Twilight, it has been far too long since we've heard from you. I can't wait to hear the good news. Maybe we can come visit you as well. I've been working on a gift for you as well so that you can surprise Flash one evening, but I won't tell you what it is until you come here! Hope to see you soon. Rarity.'
"'There's this really good cotton candy we started making at Sugar Cube Corner, and you just have to come and try it. You and Flash can share it together and we can catch up and then I can make you cupcakes and cookies and we can eat it and tell more stories and go for a walk in the park and go say hi to everypony and eat some more snacks and it will be a lot of fun. Lots of love, Pinkie Pie.'
"'Um, I don't really have much to write about because things haven't been too exciting. I sort of wish that we could have an adventure again like old times, I guess. Maybe. Angel says 'hi' as well. See you soon. Fluttershy.'
"'Hi Twi, I've missed you a lot. I want to have a flight race against you and Flash next time you guys come. I've only told our four other friends about this, but I'm going to be competing in the Equestria Games in five different flight races. I'm so happy to be representing Ponyville. Also, the Wonderbolts are going to be competing, so this can be one final chance to show them what I'm capable of, and maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to finally join them. Wish me luck, not that I'll need it. Rainbow Dash.'"
Twilight was very content at this point. It seemed like all of her friends were doing quite well, but what was better is that they all seemed to miss her. Only seeing them once every few months just didn't equal all of the fun times she had with them prior to becoming a princess. The mare put the letter down, and went to lie down on her bed, with all of the memories she had with her Ponyville friends flashing through her mind.
--------------------------------------
Flash Sentry stood on all fours at the front doors of the castle, looking out on the rest of Canterlot, since the castle was a little bit higher than the rest of the capital city. He let out a yawn as he looked out. It was a rather boring day as not too many ponies came through the doors. He looked over to some of the buildings and shops that he could see. Hearth's Warming Eve lights and decorations were already being put up.
As he saw the festive lights, he started to hum some of the songs that were always played beginning at this time of the year, that would usually get into a pony's head and not leave for days on end. Flash's humming got louder and louder the longer he stood there, as he was getting more and more bored. "Hmm hm hm hm. Hmm hm hm hm. Ding fries are done. Ding fries are done. I gotta run. I gotta run. I work at Canter-"
"Can you please shut up," pleaded the guard standing at the other side of the doors beside him.
"Oh, I'm sorry Bumblebee," Flash said to the yellow stallion with a black mane, who was another member of the Canterlot Royal Guard. "I didn't realise you could hear me."
"Yeah, well, I can. It's already hard enough standing here without you making up new ways of getting holiday songs in my head."
"Well, you know, we could talk or something," Flash suggested.
"Well, what do you want to talk about?"
"Anything, as long as we don't get too distracted."
"Well, why don't you tell me about Twilight. You seem pretty close to her."
"There's not really much I can say. She's amazing and she loves me and I love her; that's what's important to me. We just got engaged."
"That's so great to hear, actually. You're following in our captain's hoofsteps."
"How so? I mean, except for being with a princess, I'm not much like him. He's been working here forever."
"Yeah, and I've been working here for a long time as well. I remember him before he became the captain. You kind of remind me of a younger version of him, actually. Very outgoing and ambitious. Just a nice stallion overall. We all knew that he was going to go far, but none of us thought that he'd be made captain at such a young age."
"How did he become captain anyway?"
"I'm not really sure. He was good at his job, but not the best. I guess earning the trust of one of the princesses helps, after all. So you have a better chance than all of us do of getting anywhere in this force."
"Ha, come on Bumblebee, I don't think so. I'm one of the newest members here. There's no way I'll be promoted any time soon. So many other stallions deserve it more"
"Don't be so sure, Flash. It's all in the attitude. If you get a little help along the way, anything is possible. Especially for a young stallion like you with a good heart and attitude."
"How do you know I have a good attitude?"
"Well, I've heard the way that some of the other guards have given you trouble, and you just let it slide and keep being yourself. I mean, you're not the most focused stallion I've seen on the force, but times are good right now. I guess we'll only know how good you really are if we get a true test. But it's not my decision anyway. It's all up to the higher-ups, and you have some very good connections up top."
"That's true. You know, I'm glad I was put here with you today. You're a nice guy."
"You too, Flash. You too."
The afternoon went on, and Flash and his co-worker Bumblebee talked about many different things. It was nice for Flash to be able to talk to another member of the guard just casually, without any judgement or rude comments. It was like a breath of fresh air.
The doors opened from inside the castle behind the two stallions, revealing the smiling face of Twilight Sparkle. Bumblebee bowed before the princess, greeted the guard, and then turned to her coltfriend.
"Hey, Twily."
"Hey, Flashy. Are you almost done?"
Flash looked up at the sky and checked the sun's location. "Yes, my shift is over in about fifteen minutes."
"Okay. But, how did you know that?"
"There's a clock on the building down there," the stallion responded while pointing his hoof outward.
"Oh. Well, come to my room when you are done. I want to talk to you about something."
"Will do, my princess!"
Twilight kissed Flash on the cheek, and then went back inside the castle.
"You know something, Flash?"
"What's that?"
"It's nice having you around. I know we haven't really had any talks together or anything, but it's very interesting how happy you make Princess Twilight feel. She's a completely different mare with you around. She's always so professional around all us guards, so seeing her happy like that was actually kind of nice."
"Thanks, Bumblebee. She makes me happy too."
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After his shift, a shower, and putting on an autumn coat for the cold, the stallion returned to Twilight's room. He knocked on the door.
"Come in," Twilight yelled from inside.
Flash opened the door with his hoof. "Hello again, sweetheart. Now, what's this that you wanted to ask me about?"
"I just wrote a letter to my friends and got one back. Now, I know we just came back from a trip all for me, but, I was wondering...
"You want to go to visit your friends, don't you?"
"Yes, I really do, and I'm sorry. You don't have to come if you feel overwhelmed."
"Nonsense, we'll go this weekend."
"Are you sure, Flash? You'll give up your entire weekend for me? You know that you'll probably come back to work tired on Monday morning, right?"
"That's your brother's problem to deal with, not mine," Flash joked.
The mare smiled, thanking her special somepony for being so willing to accompany her and make her a happy mare. "So... I guess you'll be off for the night?" she asked.
"No way," Flash responded. "I have plans with you."
"You do?"
"Of course. We're going to go for a trot outside and then go have dinner at my parents' house. That is, of course, if you don't mind."
"I'd love to!"
"Excellent! Get dressed into something casual and warm, and we'll leave when you're ready."
"Sure. It's nice to be able to go somewhere and not have to be so formal, actually."
Flash waited while his mare got dressed. The two of them went out for a trot in town to get to the home of the stallion's parents, which was not too far away. As they made their way through the streets of Canterlot, a small stand on the side of the road peaked the attention of the pegasus. There stood a middle-aged unicorn stallion at his small stand, selling candy, small knickknacks, gum, newspapers and magazines, among other things. With a smile on his face, the stallpony said to the couple, "Congratulations, take a free newspaper on me!"
Twilight reached down and picked up the most recent copy of the Equestria Daily newspaper because of what was on the front page. It was a picture of her and her fiancé smiling while facing each other with the diamond ring sitting on her horn. It had a title in a form of a question, asking, "A New Fresh Prince in Canterlot?" with a small line underneath it, which read, "Princess Twilight Sparkle has recently become engaged to a member of the Canterlot Royal Guard, Flash Sentry."
"Would you look at this, Flash? Front page on the news! Already!"
"I can't believe how crappy I look in this picture," Flash replied, critiquing his smile toward his mare in the photograph.
"Oh come on, you like fine."
"If you say so, my dear. I just can't believe the news has spread so fast. Nopony from the media has even spoken to us yet."
"Yeah, I guess they respect the princesses enough not to bother us about our personal lives.."
"That's true," Flash agreed. With a smile, he added, "They also know that you and the other princesses could just destroy them at will," which caused a smile on Twilight's face. She knew that that was true. After thanking the stallion, they continued on their way.
--------------------------------------
"Okay Twily, you remember my parents from the last few times you met them, right?" Flash asked as the two of them stood around the corner from the stallion's parents' house about an hour later.
"Yes, of course I do. How could I forget your father's personality?"
"Yes, well, um, just... imagine my parents' usual quirkiness, but multiply that by a hundredfold after they find out that we are engaged."
"I'm pretty sure I'm ready, dear."
"Well, all right." Flash reached into his coat's pocket and pulled out a winter hat "Here, please wear this when we go in. That way they'll only notice the beautiful ring on your horn when you take it off."
Twilight used her telekinesis to levitate the blue wool hat to go right over her head, covering her ears and horn. Flash could see her horn pushing against the hat, but the ring was not visible. "How do I look?"
Flash looked up and down at his mare, and then directly into her lavender eyes. "Exquisite, as usual."
"Oh, that's a new compliment!"
"Hey, I've got to keep them coming in order to impress you, right?"
"Oh, stop it. Being yourself is good enough for me."
Flash smirked, and then leaned in to kiss his mare on the lips. She closed her eyes and returned it.
After breaking off, she asked, "Um, what are we here for again?"
"Uh, to visit my parents?"
"Oh yeah! Let's go."
Flash and Twilight made their steps up the flat stones in the front yard leading up to the house. The light of the living room was on as the couple made it to the few wooden stairs on the front porch. As soon as Twilight placed one hoof on the first step, the front door shot open.
"Oh my Celestia, Flare, look at this! Our little colt is finally here," a crimson-coloured pegasus mare with a blue mane with a hint of purple said as she stood in the doorway.
Flash looked at Twilight, rolling his blue eyes with a grin. "Hi, mom," he replied to the mare at the door in a straightforward voice.
"Would you look at that, Glimmer? I never thought he'd come visit us. Hey son," said a large, yellow stallion with a mane a few shades darker than his son. "Come inside. It's cold."
"Hey, Dad. Thanks," Flash said as he pointed for his new newly-engaged fillyfriend to go ahead of him, to which she did after giving him a curtsey in response.
The mare and stallion came inside the older house, putting away their clothing, all except for the hat Twilight was wearing. Flash's mother invited the young couple to sit down in the living room as she finished making the evening meal. The two young ponies sat down in the love seat while Flare sat down in his large reclining chair, which he had owned ever since Flash could remember.
"How are you foals doing today?"
"Pretty good, Dad," Flash responded. "It has been a very... eventful last few weeks."
"Oh, I'm sure," the young stallion's father replied. "You two are very important ponies here. You're probably running around all over the place. But thanks for coming by and seeing us old ponies."
"Dad, you're not old."
"Yeah, Mr. Sentry," Twilight defended. "You're not old at all. Princess Celestia is old."
"That's true, my dear," he responded to the princess. Something caught his eye, though. It was on Twilight's head. "Is it cold in here? I can turn the heat up if you like."
"Oh no," the mare replied with a grin. "It's fine in here. It's nice and cozy."
"Oh," Flare responded. "Well, did you forget to put your hat away?"
"No..." Twilight said, holding the O.
"I guess it's just a new kind of fashion, then. Something I'll never understand."
Flash, wanting to change away from his father's self-deprecating conversation, asked, "How have things been with you and mom here?"
"Can't complain, buddy. We may be older, but we still got it going on."
"I'm glad to hear that, Dad. I really am." Flash looked over to the kitchen to see his mother working away. "Does mom need any help?"
"No, don't worry about it. She's fine. She wants to make a meal for a family because she doesn't get to do that much anymore."
"Yikes," Flash responded. "Laying the guilt on a little thick, eh Dad?"
"Yep. That's what I do."
"Well, that's just great," Flash responded. "Well, I hope mom is done soon. I'm hungry."
"Hi Hungry, I'm Dad."
"Dad, are you serious? You're going to start that already?"
"Serious? No, I'm not serious. I'm Dad."
Flash looked over to Twilight to see her chuckling quietly into her front hooves. "Are you kidding me-" he started to ask, but stopped. "Never mind. I'm sorry I even started this."
"Dinner's ready!" Flash's mother called out. "Flash, can you be a dear and help me set the table?"
The stallion sat up, but Twilight put her hoof on his leg, and said, "That's okay, go to the table with your Dad. I'll help your mom out."
"Thanks, dear."
Flash and Flare sat at the table while Twilight used her magic to help a very thankful Glimmer to set the table. As Glimmer laid down all of the large plates holding the food, Flare spoke up, saying, "It looks like we have a very stable diet in front of us."
Glimmer looked over to Twilight with displeased face. "Don't worry, Twilight. You'll get used to his humour one day."
"Oh, it's fine," the younger mare responded. "Flash actually has some of his father's humour in him."
"Good to know, actually. I'm sure you'll learn to love him."
"Trust me, I already have," Twilight finished as the two of them sat down at the table facing each other, with both of their stallions sitting on their respective sides.
"All right, everypony, dig in," Flare said as he began to serve himself, the other ponies following his lead. Flare used a spoon to pick up some peas, but couldn't handle the spoon too well in his hoof, spilling some of the small green pods on the table. "Oh dear, I've peed all over the table," he said as began to pick it up.
"Are you joking me?" Flash asked his father.
"No, I'm Dad," Flare responded, causing Twilight to crack up with laughter. Flash looked at the giggling mare beside him, giving her face that just said, 'I have no words.'
"Dear, why don't you take off your hat? Is it too cold in here?" Glimmer asked after she finished serving herself.
"Well, um," she said as she looked at her stallion to see if he had a response.
Flash spoke up, "There's a reason why Twilight's been wearing a hat this whole time, you know."
"Oh! And why is that?" Shimmer asked.
"Because," Flash said as he used his hoof to gently lift the hat off of his mare's head, revealing the shimmering diamond ring around her horn.
"Oh my Celestia!" Glimmer said as she stood up on her two hind legs in excitement. She came over to Twilight and leaned in closely to look.
"Wow," Flare said as he leaned on his hooves on the table to look closer. "Flash, how did you ever afford this?"
"The amount doesn't matter to me. No amount of bits can amount to as much as Twilight is worth to me." Twilight blushed in response and looked away awkwardly.
Glimmer used a towel to slap her husband on the side. "Why don't you give me any compliments like that anymore?"
"Dear, you know I'm not romantic. I don't know where Flash gets it," Flare responded.
"Anyway," Flash interrupted before an argument was started. "We hope to get married in the new year. This year has been the best year of my entire life, and I'm so happy to have somepony as amazing as Twily."
The mare didn't want to hear anymore compliments. She was starting to feel embarrassed being the center of attention. To take the attention off of herself, she asked Glimmer if she could have some more mushrooms and potatoes.
"So polite! Of course you can, dear. You don't even have to ask," Glimmer responded as she passed the plate over. "Would you like some, Flare?"
"No thanks, I don't have mush room left on my plate," was his response, which was pretty much ignored by Glimmer at this point.
The meal, as well as the casual talking and storytelling, went on for a little while. After the large meal, Flare responded, "That was nice. What's for dinner?" But it was not received that well by the others. Except for Twilight, who seemed to just love his dad-humour.
Afterwards, Flash and Flare helped put away and wash all of the plates and cutlery while Glimmer went to sit down and Twilight made her way to use the washroom, passing by a bookshelf in their hallway. Since she was quite physically attracted to books, she decided to stop along the way and take a look at what kind of books that Flash's parents had. One shelf obviously held Flash's old foalhood books, like Hairy Trotter and Daring Do. Another shelf held sports books, books on photography and history, among other books that most fathers would have, including '1001 Dad Jokes,' at which Twilight smiled and nodded her head upon seeing. Finally was Glimmer's shelf, which had cookbooks and romance novels. One book was put away backwards, though, and being the obsessive-compulsive mare that she was, Twilight used her magic to take out the book to turn it around so that the spine would face out. She pulled the book out, revealing the title, 'Fifty Shades of Hay.' That spelled the end of her searching through the family's bookshelf.
The night went on after Twilight returned from the washroom. Flare told many of the stories that he used to tell his son, like all of the foalish things he did as a colt. Twilight was even able to share some of her own embarrassing stories to help relieve the awkwardness that Flash had on his face when his father would talk about the times where his son would cry over not getting what he wanted at the store, or when he urinated all over the floor after running away without his diaper. It was all very educational to the young princess.
Goodbyes were said at the door when Flash and Twilight decided to leave for the night and go to their respective homes.
"I'm so proud of you, Flashy," Glimmer said as she hugged her only son.
"Thanks, mom. Are you... are you crying?"
"There's just something in my eye," she said while wiping away a tear of happiness.
"Yeah, it's you hoof," Flare said sarcastically. He stuck out his hoof for his son to bump it back. When the bump was returned, it was his turn to say goodbye. "Flash, I'm proud of you also. You've actually become something in life."
"Uh, yeah, thanks," the young stallion replied while looking away. "Well, we should going."
"I've had a lovely evening," Twilight said. "Thank you."
"No worries, Twilight," Glimmer said after letting out a sniffle. "Just, please, visit again soon."
"We will," the alicorn responded.
--------------------------------------
After yet another train ride, Twilight, Spike, and Flash arrived back at Ponyville. The weather in the central town was pleasant, as the forecast was mild and calm for the entire time that the three of them planned to stay in the mare's old town. As expected, Twilight's five friends were already waiting for them at the train station after the mare sent another letter telling them when her arrival would be.
"Hey everypon-" Twilight said before she was tackled by Pinkie.
"Twilight, you have to stop leaving for such long periods of time because I just get so sad when you're not here and then I have to spend time with these other four ponies who are nowhere near as cool as you and-"
"Excuse me?" Rarity piped up.
"I'm sorry Rare," Pinkie responded while still on top of Twilight. "But you have to admit: Twilight is just way cooler than all of you."
"I don't know if 'cooler' is the right word to use," Rainbow said. "But we're definitely happy to have you back here, Twi."
Pinkie, now turning her attention to the mare in the winter hat underneath her once again, continued, "We have so much catching up to do as usual. Like when Rarity asked me to help her with a dress she was making and I got so excited and put it on and then tripped out the door and ripped it and Rarity got so mad that she screamed at me and ended up swallowing a bug and the look on her face was priceless because she was freaking out and I just laughed and then got the hiccups and laughed again because hiccups are just so funny."
"I missed you too, Pinkie," Twilight responded with a smile. "I agree that we have so much catching up t- did... did you just lick me on the cheek?"
Pinkie looked down at the mare with a more guilty face. "Um, yeah. Am I a little too excited right now?"
Twilight chuckled. "Yes, but that's okay. I expect it from you."
Rarity and Applejack helped Twilight back onto her hooves. Flash Sentry let out a little cough to signify that he was there as well, and all the mares greeted him and Spike.
"So, what do we have planned?" Twilight asked after the greeting was all done.
"Well, Twilight, Pinkie and Ah made some Apple Pie and cake for us all to eat together. It's back at the barn. We can all just hang out after, if ya want."
"That sounds great!" the mare responded.
Flash's wings shot up behind him. "C-cake, you say?"
"Yep," the farmer pony responded.
"Let's go!" Flash exclaimed.
Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Twilight all started trotting ahead, with Pinkie bouncing behind them. Flash, with Spike on his back, trailed just behind, along with Rarity, who was biting her bottom lip awkwardly as they began to walk.
"Flash, darling, I genuinely hope that everything that happened before the last time you were here won't be mentioned again, because, as you probably know, I'm really sorry still."
"Mention what now?" Flash asked.
"Yeah, what're you two talking about?" Spike added.
"Exactly," Rarity finished with a smile towards Flash. "I just want things to be good between all of us."
"Of course," Flash said. "By the way, Twilight loves the necklace that you made. It was one of the greatest gifts that she had ever received."
"Oh, I'm so glad to hear that, darling. I hope she thanked you a lot for it."
"Oh, trust me, Rarity, she did that night."
Rarity blushed. "All right, Flash, that's more than I needed to know."
Flash trotted a little faster in order to catch up to Twilight, who was busy talking to Rainbow, who was proudly speaking about how she was going to be participating in the upcoming games in the Crystal Empire, and Twilight expressed her sincere happiness towards the pegasus. Even though it was cliché, seeing her friends happy made the princess happy. Especially because they all supported her and wanted the best for her in the end.
Applejack and Rarity opened the doors to the barnhouse when they eventually made it there, revealing the Apple Pie, cake, and other hoof foods on the table. Flash's wings shot out once again as he dashed over to the cake, but stopped himself before it was too late. He looked to the mare's behind him with the most innocent face he could muster up. "Sorry, I'm just a little excited. Would you like me to serve it to each of you?"
"Nonsense, sugarcube," Applejack responded. She came over after grabbing a large knife while Twilight helped grab some small plates. "Ah'll give us each a piece." The earth pony cut up the cake in eight pieces, giving Flash and Spike the pieces with the most icing, which was greatly appreciated.
Snacks were had, stories were told, and farts were let out, mostly by Pinkie and Fluttershy. The time had come for Twilight to show them the major reason why she came to see them- to reveal her engagement to the stallion that she loved.
The mare looked around as everypony was conversing, not wanting to interrupt. Flash gave her a quick shove and a raised eyebrow. "Come on, show them the ring," he whispered to his mare.
"They're having too much fun. I don't want to be rude," she whispered back after looking out. Rainbow was giving Fluttershy tips about how to fly. Pinkie and Applejack were telling stories about farming. Rarity was busy admiring how much bigger her little Spikey-Wikey had gotten, even though he had only grown about an inch in the past few months.
"Twily, speak up. Or else I'll have to do it for you."
"Fine," the mare responded. She cleared her throat quietly, but it was actually loud enough for all of her friends to stop and look at her eagerly. "Um, sorry to interrupt. I know you're all having fun and all, but I wanted to show you all something."
"Don't be sorry, darling. You've been so quiet. Please, tell us!" Rarity said excitedly.
"All right, here goes," the mare said. Her horn lit up from underneath the winter hat she was wearing. Her magic lifted the hat from off her head, resting it gently beside her.
"EEEEEEEE!" Pinkie screamed after the top of Twilight's head was revealed. "I found a cookie on the ground," the party pony said as she picked it up and ate it, completely ignoring the ring around the alicorn's horn.
"Oh my gosh!" Rainbow said. "That is so big!"
"That's what she said," Spike said with perfect timing.
Twilight gave him a smack to the back of the head with her hoof. "Flash and I got engaged a few days ago. I just had to tell you all in person."
Rarity, Rainbow, Fluttershy, Applejack, and finally Pinkie came close up to the mare as she bent her head down so that they could get a closer look at the diamond ring.
"Ohhh... oh yes. That's the good stuff," Rarity said as her eyes dilated upon looking at the ring.
"Ah'm so happy for you, Twilight," Applejack said.
"It's so beautiful... Flash really picked out a gem," Fluttershy added.
"Nonsense," Flash contradicted. "The real gem is Twilight herself. I just found a ring that could show my feelings for her."
"Well, if your feelings for her are as big as this huge rock, then you must love her a lot," Rainbow said.
"I do," Flash responded.
"And I do too," Twilight said while reaching up to peck her fiancé
"Darling, who are going to be your bridesmaids?" Rarity asked.
"All of you, of course!"
"Yes!" Rainbow shouted while hovering in the air and raising a hoof with a grin.
"What an honour," Fluttershy said. "Thank you so much."
"No, thank you all for all the support you've given me over the last few years. You're truly the best friends that a mare can ever dream of. I just... I hope you won't be mad.., but..."
"But what, dear?" Rarity asked.
"I was thinking of letting Cadence be the best mare. I just can't choose between the five of you, and I don't want any of you to be left out. I was the best mare in their wedding so I just wanted to offer it to her back. Please don't hate me..."
"Why would we ever hate you for that decision, sugarcube?" Applejack asked.
"Yeah, silly," Pinkie responded. "It's your decision no matter what. I'm just happy that you're getting married! I never thought this day would come."
"Pinkie..." Rainbow tried to interrupt.
"It's just that you're a little nerdy and I never thought you'd get a stallion as hunky and delicious as Flash to even go out with you."
"Pinkie!" Applejack yelled. "Now's one of those times when you're supposed to keep quiet."
"It's okay," Twilight responded. "I know what you mean, and I'm not upset. Besides, I'm used to Pinkie's lack of a filter by now."
"We'll work on her before the wedding, Twilight," Rainbow said.
"When is the wedding anyway?" Fluttershy asked.
"We're hoping to do it in the spring," Flash responded.
"That would be wonderful for pictures," Rarity said. "Oh! I almost forgot. Twilight, I made you something extra special over the last few weeks. I had some extra time on my hooves. It's just in the closet."
"I'm excited to see it," the princess replied.
"I just... it's also a surprise for Flash as well, but I don't want you to show him until later," Rarity added.
"I can leave if you want," Flash said. "That way you ladies can all talk without any restraint. Spike and I can go out for some more cake or something."
"Hey, I've got no complaints there," Spike replied.
"Go ahead, you two. Just come back before sunset. Maybe we can all take a trot in the park together," Twilight proposed.
"Sounds good," Flash said while he picked up Spike and put the dragon on his back. They made a mad dash over to Sugar Cube Corner to fill their faces with food once again.
Rarity went to another room and came out with a large, well-wrapped wrapped box and plopped it on the ground in front of Twilight. The alicorn looked down at it excitedly, and so did the other mares in the room.
"Open it, my dear. I can't wait to see what you think," Rarity said.
"All right, here goes," Twilight said while lowering her horn and ripping the bow. She used her magic to take all of the wrap off the top and then to open the top of the box, revealing a bunch of bubble wrap.
"Oooohhh... oh..." Pinkie said as she saw the bubble wrap.
"Control yourself, Pinkie," Rainbow said. "You can pop it after."
Twilight reached into the box, pulling out a large piece of red fabric. But upon pulling it out further, she noticed its true beauty. All of the mare's leaned in to see it, while Rarity stood there with an eager smile. Twilight held it in front of her with her magic, turning it around and giving it a thorough inspection. Rarity had made Twilight a beautiful, yet sensual, red dress that sparkled along with the mare who was going to wear it.
"So... what do you think?" Rarity asked eagerly.
"Rarity, this is wonderful," Twilight said while looking at it. "Thank you so much."
"Put it on, put it on!" Pinkie said.
"Sure," Twilight mentioned. "Just let me go to the washroom so I can..."
"Ya know you're naked right now, right?" Applejack pointed out. "Just put it on in front of us."
"That's true," Twilight said as she levitated the dress and fit right into it. The straps on the dress went around her front shoulders, the back had perfectly sized holes for her wings to fit through, and it went back to cover about half of her cutie mark.
"Wow," Pinkie said in response. "That's hot."
"Can you spin around for us, Twilight?" Fluttershy asked.
"Of course," the Twilicorn said as she spread her wings and levitated, spinning around. As she hovered in the air, the dress went far enough to cover her front except for her back legs, and the back part of it just covered the base of her tail, which came out underneath the dress. "I love it Rarity, I truly do."
"Flash is going to love this," Rainbow said. "Heck, it's starting to almost turn me on." Rainbow looked back and forth as she tried to contain her wings from shooting out behind her.
Twilight fluttered her way back down to the ground and gave the unicorn a hug to symbolize her gratitude for the gift that clearly took long to make. "Thank you, Rarity. You're a wonderful friend."
"And you are too, my dear."
"So, are you going to wear it for Flash tonight?" Pinkie asked.
"Um, maybe," Twilight said, feeling embarrassed.
Pinkie continued, "Well, you can wear this dress when he comes home and then when you see how excited Flash is you can tie him up against the wall and then-"
"Pinkie?" Applejack asked. "What is wrong with you?"
"Well, they don't call me Kinky Pie for nothing!"
"Who calls you that?" Fluttershy asked.
"Your mother!" Pinkie shouted in defence.
"Sorry I asked," the shy pegasus responded while becoming shorter in stance.
Twilight, trying to brighten the mood, said once again, "Well, I really appreciate the gift. I know this has been a hard last few months because we've had to spend most of our time apart, but I promise you that better days are ahead. We'll all be together at my wedding, and I'll be sure we all have a great time."
"I'm already excited," Rainbow said. "Next year is going to be the best year ever!"
"I can't wait either," Twilight said. "I just want all of you to know that you all mean so much to me. I wouldn't have become the mare I am today if it wasn't for all of you. You mean the world to me, and I promise you we will be friends forever, no matter how far we are from each other."
Pinkie tackled Twilight once again for a hug, but this time all of the others joined in, making it a token group hug, like one they used to share before.
After the hug, talking continued. Twilight took the dress off and put it with the rest of the clothes she had so that she could take it back to the treehouse library later that night when Flash and Spike would pack it in for the evening. But there was still time left in the day to do at least one big thing. The mare looked out the window to see that Celestia's sun was getting lower and lower in the sky. There were only about an hour left until nightfall.
"Hey, how about we go get Flash and Spike and go for a trot down by the river?" Twilight suggested while looking back
"That sounds like a lovely idea," Fluttershy said. The other mares nodded and "Uh-huh"d in agreement.
The mares trotted down to the corner restaurant. Flash and Spike were just coming out, their faces covered with icing.
"Whoa, hey Twily," Flash said while licking up all of the icing of his face, Spike doing the same for himself. "I was just about to come back to see if you wanted to go for a-"
"Trot down by the river?" Twilight finished.
"I was going to say a bucking in the bushes, but that works too," Flash said, causing the mare to blush. "Actually, no, I really was going to ask if you wanted to go trot as well. Great minds think alike, I guess."
"They sure do!" Pinkie agreed, causing all of the others to look at her in a weirded out way. "What? You all know I'm the smartest out of all of you."
"Yeah, that's for sure," Rainbow said sarcastically as the group turned to go towards the river.
There were plenty of over ponies trotting throughout Ponyville on this beautiful evening. The weather was pristine. Twilight waved her hoof at all of the ponies who recognized her as the group made their way to the river.
The sun reflected off of the lightly flowing waters of the small stream. The group of eight trotted along the bank of the winding river, kicking over the fallen leaves that were still left on the ground. Ponyville was used to snow at this time, but thanks to global warming, they were able to share this evening as a group.
Spike ran ahead, gathering rocks and throwing them into the river. Pinkie hopped around nearby, trying to beat the young dragon with the number of bounces that he was able to do. Rainbow saw Fluttershy leaning by river, so the blue pegasus picked up a large rock and threw it into the river with force, causing a loud splash and the shy pegasus to jump in fear. Rainbow laughed as she hovered above.
Twilight trotted side by side with her fiancé as they made their way down the river. She couldn't help but smile at seeing the joy on her friends' faces because they were all together again. She was truly the one thing that brought the group together. The lavender pony felt nostalgic as she thought of all the good times she had with her best friends. She looked up to see Flash looking out at the stream.
"Hey, Flashy?"
"Mmm, yes, Twily?" Flash responded as he continued to look out.
"Can you hold this for me?"
Flash looked down at the mare to see her outstretched hoof. "You little flirt. I like that," he responded, grabbing a hold of her hoof as they caught up with the others.