I just smile as I look to my journal. There were really no words to describe how I felt. I chuckle to myself as I lift my quill.
Today was the day that I actually took Pinkie out on our first date. I will admit that I was really nervous, but I’m happy to say that our entire evening together went off without a hitch.
Today went better than I could’ve ever imagined. Honestly, I don't think I’m capable of accurately describing this day into mere simple words.
“Sit still, Anon!”
I let out a groan as I continue to pace around Rarity’s inspiration room as she works. Only giving a passing glance at her as she takes her time working on my suit.
“Are you positive I should be wearing a suit?” I ask still nervous about my upcoming date. I want it to be perfect.
“Darling, you simply must look your best for this date!” Rarity protests.
“What if i'm overdressed though?” I ask. “What if Pinkie shows up naked?”
Rarity rolls her eyes at me. “Trust me, Anon. I know that Pinkie may be random at times, but above all she is still a mare. All mares think alike in certain aspects. So do trust me on this, darling.” She says with pride.
“You sure?” She nods happily. “Alright, I’ll trust your opinion on this, Rarity.”
“As well you should.” She continues to craft my suit. “If it isn't too much to ask. Where are you taking Pinkie?”
I smile a little at that. “I made reservations at ‘Le petite fleur’.”
Rarity stops as she looks at me with surprise.
“Oh my. How did you ever get the reservations? I hear talk that very restaurant is practically booked year around!” She is still in shock.
I nod my head in agreement. The place is very popular. “I did some work for the owner a few times. He was more than happy to give me one.” I admit.
“I must say Anon that I'm a little jealous of Pinkie now.” She says with a small wink.
I feel my smile slip some. “I just hope she likes it.” I feel my self doubt coming back.
“You have nothing to fear, Anon. I'm sure that Pinkie will love it.”
I shake my fears away. “Y-Yeah. You’re right, Rarity. Just got some butterflies is all.”
“It happens to the best of them, darling.” She then lets out a happy sigh as she levitates my clothes to me. “Now put those on and let’s see how dashing you look. I want this date to go perfectly for my two best friends!”
“So you want me to teach you, what, exactly?” Twilight looks to me with a raised brow.
I shift a little nervously in place. “I know you lived in Canterlot for awhile, even a close student of Celestia’s. You have to have been taught some style of manners, right? Like how to behave and stuff?” I ask hopefully.
She nods some. “It’s true that I did take some lessons on proper etiquette. I just don't understand why you came to me and not Rarity?”
“Rarity already made me the suit, I couldn't ask for more.” I relent. “Plus you focus more when you have a goal. I know Rarity will try to squeeze me for everything I have planned.” I admit.
She chuckles at that. “I guess you’re right. So I assume this is for the big date then?” She smiles at me.
I knew that this news would spread like wildfire. Can't really blame it on Rarity either. Small towns are kinda like that.
“Yeah. I just don't want to mess up, you know?”
“Don't worry, Anon. I’ve got all of this handled.”
I let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Twilight. So, where do we begin?”
Twilight floats over a book that is literally half my size and slams it down onto the table.
“Lesson one. Proper manners.”
“Tell me that isn't just lesson one?” I ask more to myself than anyone else.
I just look at the book and then back to her thinking she can't be serious, but the way she is looking back tells me she is deadly serious. All I could do is let out a sigh as I get ready for a very long lecture.
“Oh my. Are you alright, Anon?” Fluttershy asks me as I take a few deep breaths.
“Just, fine, Fluttershy.”
“What brings you here?” She asks as she continues to feed her chickens.
I take a few more deep breaths. I had to quite literally make a break for it when Twilight wasn't looking. I learned a lot and I was thankful for her help but, a man can only take so many tests before he goes insane.
“I was kinda wondering if you could teach me how to treat a mare. Twilight already made me take a thousands tests on etiquette, but she didn't really cover the more personal touch. You know?”
“W-Why would you ask me?” She looks to me nervously.
I shrug. “Well, you kinda have a natural grace to you. I heard about the modeling thing. You were a natural at that and that takes some skill.”
I can see her blush some. “I’m not too sure I could teach anyone. I don't even know how I do it myself.”
“Not anything at all?” I ask. She shakes her head some. “Well. Alright then.” I start to walk away.
“Wait.” I hear her call back. I stop and face her again. “I may not be able to teach you, but I can tell you some more personal things I’m sure Twilight didn't cover about dates.”
I raise a brow at her. “You know about dating stuff?”
She turns away with a full blush now. “W-When I was young my mother taught me some things.”
I smile at her now. “Alright then. So what can you tell me?”
She clears her throat some. “A-Alright. Before we go over some of the ways mares act and how you should act in turn. I will start with the end of the date. My mother told me that this is the most important part.”
“Why’s that?” I ask totally invested.
“That is when you two will exchange a kiss and you to give her a gift.”
“A gift?”
She nods her head.
“This gift can be anything you wish, but it needs to identify to the pony you care for. Flowers with the same color of the ponies coat is traditional, but it means so much more to give something that you feel reminds you of them. The reason this is so important is that it can make or break a relationship. If you give them something they don't identify with, it shows that you don't care or listen to them.”
I felt some nervousness bubbling up. “Really?”
She nods again. “So you need to take your time and give Pinkie something you feel is a part of her.”
I give a serious nod. “Alright, get a meaningful gift.”
She smiles at that. “Now we can talk about how to act.”
I stand firm as I listen to everything Fluttershy was telling me.
“I still can't believe you finally did it, Anon.” Rainbow looks over to me with a smirk.
I just look back to the sky and let out another sigh.
“I can't believe it either.” I say in disbelief.
“Getting cold hooves?”
I nod. “A little. It’s kinda scary to be honest.”
“You’ve got nothing to worry about knucklehead. Pinkie will love it no matter what. Hay, even I was surprised to hear where you're taking her.”
“How do you know where I’m taking her?” I ask looking at Rainbow in shock.
“Duh, Rarity.”
I let out a groan. “Please don't tell me she told Pinkie?”
“Nah, pretty sure Pinkie is still in the dark.”
I let out a sigh of relief. “Thank god. I wanted it to be a surprise.”
“I mean, you know I’m not one for fancy stuff, but even I’m a little shocked to know you got reservations.” Rainbow admits as she punches my arm lightly. “Good on ya.”
I smile at that. “From all the praise I’ve been getting, I can only hope it is as good as everyone thinks.”
Rainbow and I just fall into silence as we watch the sun go by. Once it started to darken do I finally sit up from the grass we were lying in.
“Well, guess it's that time.” I say looking up at the sun.
She nods. “Yeah, wouldn't want you to be late.”
“Kiss for good luck?” I ask with a smirk.
“Oh. Wanna get in some more practice before you kiss Pinkie huh?” She says with a devilish smirk.
I shrug. “Don't act so innocent. I bet you're just using me for practice when you meet Spitfire.”
She just nods at that. “It’s true.”
“So...”
She chuckles. “Not today, knucklehead. Today will be just you and Pinkie.” She gets up and stretches her wings. “See ya later!”
I just watch as Rainbow takes off into the sky. I take a few deep breaths and cast one last glance at the sky. I have a half hour to get ready before I meet Pinkie at Sugarcube Corner.
“Well, no time like the present.” I say before I walk off to my home.
I stood outside of Sugarcube Corner fully dressed and trying to build up the nerve to walk in. I know the date was already set and Pinkie even accepted it. That still doesn't mean I can't be a tad nervous about walking through the door. Alright so maybe it was a little bit unreasonable, but dammit I’m allowed some space to freak out some. After taking some deep breaths do I walk inside. Only to find Pinkie is standing right there.
“Oh, um. Hi, Pinkie.” I say nervously.
“Hey, Anon.”
I rub the back of my neck nervously. “I-um.”
In my initial shock I didn't really take a good look at Pinkie. Now that I’ve relaxed some and look her over, I’m shocked by what I see. Pinkie is in a dress. Like, a dress, dress. I seen her outfit to the Gala before, but that was nothing compared to this. She’s wearing a more form fitted dress that hugs the contours of her body. It drifts up the slope of her rear and split slightly to give a glimpse of her mark.
From there the dress trails down to her knee and then taper off just before touching the ground. It looks like it’s made of silk, seeing as it has a small shine to it. If this is a piece from Rarity, I would have to give her my thanks later. What caught me by surprise next is her mane, it’s actually done in a straight style. Something I have only heard about from her friends.
I can even spot a darker shade of pink on her eyelids as well as her lips. It seems Pinkie really went the whole nine yards for this date. To sum up what Pinkie looked like in this moment was actually rather easy. She looks hot. Makes me glad that Rarity convinced me to get the suit.
“P-Pinkie... You look beautiful.” I feel the words fall out of my mouth.
She looks away with a blush. “T-Thank you. It took Rarity some time to help me.”
I nod dumbly. “She did a great job.” I realise I’m staring, so I shake myself back to reality. “I-um made some reservations. I-If you don't mind, Can I blindfold you? It's kind of a surprise.”
She smiles as she nods. I walk over to her and make sure to gently tie a small piece of cloth around her eyes. Making sure to not tussle her mane much.
“Alright.” I say after it's finished. I sidle up next to her as I gently lay my hand onto her back. “Just follow me.” I say feeling my confidence rise.
“Alright.” I can see her smiling some as I lead her towards the restaurant.
“Are we there yet?” She asks excitedly.
I just smile at her enthusiasm, “Just about.”
“I'm so excited. Usually nopony throws me a surprise party. Well, except that one time my friends did. But then again this isn't really a friendly party. This is a surprise date.”
I feel my heart burn more as I listen to her talk. I just let her go on as I gently guide her down the street. Soon though we reach our destination. I make sure to open the door and show her inside of the restaurant just before I bring her to a stop.
“We’re here, Pinkie. Are you ready?” She nods. “Ok. Here we go.”
I quickly pull off her blindfold and let her eye adjust some to the sudden light change. Her eyes open wide as she looks around at the restaurant in shock. I feel my spirits rise as her mouth hangs open slightly. Almost as if she can't believe where she is standing.
“Oh, Anon... T-This isn't where I think it is... Is it?”
Pinkie looks up at me.
I simply nod. “That it is.” I say as I walk up to the maitre d'. “Reservation under the name Anon.”
He looks to his book. “Anon. Table for two.” With a single nod does he wave a waiter over to show us to our table.
As Pinkie and I make our way over to the table, I feel myself smile as I notice Pinkie looking around at the entire place, still in disbelief. As soon as we near our table, I make sure to show myself over to her chair as I pull it out. She gives me a small smile and a thanks as I make sure she is seated properly.
I then move over to my own seat and casually sit down as the waiter sets down our menu’s. The waiter stands by our side patiently as we examine our menu’s. I had already known what I wanted to eat, so I set my menu down and just wait for Pinkie. I can see she is having a hard time deciding, seems that something is bothering her.
“What would you wish to drink this fine evening, sir.” The waiter says with utmost professionalism.
I smile. “Your finest bottle of wine.” I look to Pinkie as she looks to me shocked. “Two glasses.” I finish.
“Very fine choice, sir.” With a curt nod does he shows himself off to retrieve our drinks...
“Anon, you can't order that. It’s so expensive!” Pinkie says under her breath.
I smile at her. “Pinkie, I’ve been saving up for this moment. Order anything you like, I want this night to be perfect.”
She looks around still unsure but gives a hesitant nod as she looked back at the menu. The waiter soon returns with our drinks and sets them on the table. A smaller stand with the bottle of wine is placed next to us on ice.
“Here you are, sir. Are you two ready to order?”
I give a nod. “I would like to order the alfredo pasta with fish.”
He gives a nod before writing it down.
“And for you, Ms?” He looks over to Pinkie.
“Just a salad.”
I quickly hold my hand up to stop him from writing.
“Seriously, Pinkie, order what you want.” I urge her.
She looks rather uncomfortable, but she gives a hesitant nod.
“I guess the same as Anon, no fish.”
The waiter nods. “Very good choice. Anything else I may help you with?”
“Two slices of your angel cake.” Another nod from him. “That will be all.”
“I will be back soon with your order.”
I can't help but look back at Pinkie as she looks to the table.
“Is something wrong?” I ask her concerned.
“I-It's just that this place is so fancy... I-I don't think I can appreciate it as much as Rarity or some other pony. I shouldn't be here.”
“Hey,” I call gently across the table as I lay my hand on her hoof. “You may not be able to appreciate all the culture or that other stuff but, that isn't why you’re here.” She looks me in the eyes as I smile at her. “You’re the only pony I want to be here with.” I say honestly.
She sniffs a little as she clears away a stray tear. “You really mean that?”
I nod. “Of course I do, Pinkie. You’re my best friend. Sure we had a rocky start. With the dungeon and all.” I say playfully. She giggles some at that. “But you have been there for me. Trying to cheer me up and just inviting me to do anything you were doing. You really got me socializing with everypony.”
“I couldn't stand to see you so sad. It reminded me of...” She trails off some. She then looks at me. “Never mind about that. I’m happy, Anon.”
“That’s all I could ever ask for.” I say squeezing her hoof gently.
Soon the waiter brought our food over and we ate in silence. Just enjoying each others company. Once we were done the waiter brought over our desert and that’s when we struck up a conversation as we slowly ate.
“So there I was just sitting on the bench, when all of a sudden, Rainbow comes crashing into me.” I say as we shared some random memories. “Hit me so hard that she broke her wings and I broke my back.”
“So that’s why you two were in the hospital?” She asks.
I chuckle at that. “Yeah, she told me not to tell anyone. That’s why we came up with that backup story.”
“So you two didn't fight a bear in the Everfree?”
I nod. “Never happened. Was a pretty cool tale though.”
Pinkie chuckles at that. “I knew there was something fishy when Dashie couldn't look me in the eye.”
“She never could lie to her friends very well could she?” I ask already knowing the answer.
“Not as bad as Applejack, but pretty close.” She admits.
“You’re right about that.”
We both laugh to ourselves as it soon dies down to small chuckles. I then look down to the watch on my wrist.
“Wow, already that late.” I then look to Pinkie. “Care for me to walk you home?”
She smiles brightly at that as she gives a nod. We both get up and leave after I make sure to pay for our meal and tip the waiter. Pinkie and I just walk slowly back to Sugarcube corner as we share some small talk and look at the stars every so often. It didn't take long till we were standing outside of her door.
“Anon, I really had a great time.” Pinkie looks up to me with a smile.
“So did I.” I admit.
She starts to look a little nervous as she looks around some.
“So, I guess this is goodnight.”
I can feel myself getting nervous as well. I knew what I had to do, but I just felt so nervous to do it. I already made the date and it went well. This should be a piece of cake.
“Y-Yeah.” I hesitate some as I take a knee so I’m level with her. “Goodnight, Pinkie.” I say calmly as I close my eyes and slowly lean forwards.
I can feel my heart in my throat as I just sat there in wait for her to return the gesture. I know it wasn't but a few seconds, but I swear to you that it felt like an eternity as I simply put myself out there. I didn't need to wait long as I felt something soft press against my lips. Nothing too serious, just a goodnight kiss. We break away and slowly open our eyes. I can see Pinkie is blushing and I probably fared no better.
I was going to say something, but suddenly remember the gift part.
“I almost forgot!” I say as I walk over to a bush next to the door. I reach in and pull out a small box that I had hidden there. I then walk over to Pinkie. “I made this for you.” I say nervously as I hand her the box.
She looks to me surprised as she takes the box from me and slowly opens it. I hear a slight gasp as she looks up to me with her eyes glistening some.
“A-Anon...” She says with a catch in her throat.
I scratch the back of my neck nervously. “I-I know I’m not the best baker but... I did try my hardest to make it.”
Pinkie reaches into the box and pulls out a single cupcake. The cake is the same color as her coat and the icing is the color of her mane. I even hand carved some hard candies into the shape of her cutie mark and added them on top. It took me so many hours to make it. I just hope it’s good enough though. I can see Pinkie’s bottom lip tremble some as she looked at it.
“I-It's perfect.” She says with a quivering voice.
I feel my spirits lift a little, but I’m still nervous.
“I had Twilight enchant it. It will last forever. I mean you can eat it if you want bu-”
I’m cut off as my vision turns to pink. My eyes widen some as I realise that Pinkie had actually stood onto her hind legs and pulled me into a kiss. Unlike our first kiss, this one had something more to it. Almost like a desperate need to convey what she thought of my gift. I return the kiss feeling my nerves disappear with the loving act. Soon though she pulls away with a happy smile. Just before she touches down onto all fours.
“We should do this again sometime.” She looks at me with pleading eyes.
I smile at the thought. “Definitely.” I say as I compose myself. “Sweet dreams, Pinkie.”
“Sweet dreams, Anon.” She says before entering her home.
I let out a large sigh as the door closes. I couldn't help myself as I do a small leap into the air and give a short yell of victory to the heavens. I hoped that no one heard me, but I was just so ecstatic over how well that date went. I quickly run home so I could write this all in my journal.
And that was all there was to this date. It went better than I could’ve ever hoped for. I can't wait to do it again.
I set my quill down as I give one more loving sigh. I get up and fall onto my bed. The only pony on my mind right now is Pinkie.
“Goodnight, Pinkie.” I say to myself before I fall asleep.