Twilight could hear the sound of music emanating from Sugarcube Corner as she and Rarity turned onto the road. Pinkie Pie had clearly gone all out for the Hearts and Hooves Day party, since the outside was decorated and a nearby sign gleefully invited any passing ponies inside. She turned to the mare walking in step beside her. They’d agreed to not go too overboard, but Rarity had certainly come through: the matching azure dresses were both form-fitting and flashy, with the collar and cuffs speckled with the occasional gem. Twilight was thankful that the dress cradled her wings comfortably.
Rarity paused with a hoof on the door. “Are you ready, Twilight? We don’t have to let everypony else know yet, though I’m sure a few of them already suspect it.”
Twilight smiled at the concern, wrapping a wing around her partner. “They’ll find out sooner or later. Tonight, let’s just have fun. You and me.”
“Well, well,” Rarity said, leaning into the embrace. “This is a big change from the Twilight Sparkle that flew into Ponyville so long ago.”
“What can I say?” Twilight replied with a wink. “Life is short and you are hot.”
“You totally got that from a book, didn’t you?”
A bubbly laugh was the only answer Rarity got as the duo entered the bakery. If the outside looked enticing, then the inside was downright splendid. Pinkie had apparently decided that red and white streamers were the way to go and the refreshments table looked like a veritable buffet. The pink mare herself was hopping from pony to pony, doing her best as the host to make sure everyone was enjoying themselves.
Spotting Rainbow Dash and Applejack sitting together at a table near the corner of the room, Twilight motioned to Rarity and the two weaved their way through the crowd. They were careful not to bump any of the ponies dancing, though she did wave to a few ponies she recognized, like Ditzy Doo and Time Turner, who were amiably chatting over by the punch bowl. As they neared the table, she realised the main reason they had chosen a corner table.
“Come on Applejack. Jusssst a shot or two.” Twilight could easy guess just how much the pegasus had knocked back based on the slurred words and the fact that Rainbow was practically hanging off of Applejack’s left foreleg.
“You know, hon, you’re not doing a great job of convincing me that coming to this party with ya was a good idea.” Applejack’s other hoof seemed to be permanently glued to her face in embarrassment.
“Oh, don’t be like that!” Rainbow gave a silly giggle that she would no doubt later swear never happened. “You were the one who got me buzzing on some Sweet Apple cider before the party!”
Applejack shook her head. “And I can’t tell ya how much I’m already regrettin’ it.” She tipped her hat to Rarity and Twilight as they approached. “I hope you gals are doin’ better than this drunken mess. You’d think for how big she talks that Rainbow could handle a bit of the hard stuff.”
“Hey!” Rainbow gave an indignant scoff. The already rosy shade on her cheeks flushed deeper. “I resemble that comment!”
“Oh, Applejack, do lighten up,” Rarity said as they both sat down at the table. “It’s Hearts and Hooves Day after all. Let Rainbow have her fun.”
“And you two!” Rainbow turned her attention to them, pointing a hoof slightly to Twilight’s left. “Did you two make with the smoochy smoochy yet?”
“Rainbow!” Applejack cried.
Twilight gave a sly grin, shuffling to Rarity’s side. “I guess you’ll never know, Rainbow. They say that a lady doesn’t kiss and tell.”
“I’m seeing a whole new side of Twilight now that y’all are together. I gotta say that I like it,” Applejack commented with a genuine smile.
“Speaking of together.” Rarity raised an eyebrow at the pair of ponies opposite them. “I notice that you two are particularly close today.”
Applejack laughed, shaking her head. “Yeah, Featherbrain here asked me to the party with her just after I met with Twilight yesterday.” She wrapped a hoof around the intoxicated pegasus. “Had I known I would be playing babysitter to a tipsy trickster, I might have rethought my answer a little more.”
“Again, totally your fault!” Rainbow leaned into the hug regardless. “Besides, I can tell you totally want my bod.”
Twilight turned her attention away from the bickering duo to check out the rest of the party. Many ponies were dancing to the music on the main floor, and she spotted Spike dancing merrily with Apple Bloom through the crowd. The two looked as if they were on top of the world, and she couldn’t help the wide smile that spread across her muzzle when the filly leaned close and pecked Spike on the cheek. Twilight had to stifle a laugh as Spike was struck immobile, a furious blush colouring his face. Ooh, she would have some juicy tidbits to tease him about tomorrow!
Twilight ignored the conversation still going at the table, instead letting her wings flare slightly as she tapped a hoof to the music. Rarity had obviously noticed as she felt a hoof tap her shoulder before a soft voice whispered in her ear, “Would you care to dance, dear?”
Twilight glanced at her marefriend, nodding eagerly. “I’d love to. I should warn you, though, I’m still not the best dancer. Spike laughed at me the other day for having four left hooves.”
Rarity giggled, gently pulling on a purple hoof. “I’ll take my chances. As Pinkie Pie would say, this song is my jam!” The two navigated the throng of ponies until they found an open bit of floor. Twilight bowed low, offering a hoof to her mare. Rarity smiled thankfully, laying her own hoof in Twilight’s. The two began moving in tandem, bopping to the rhythm of the dance track. “You know, there’s something a little odd about having a princess bow to me.”
“Sorry,” Twilight grinned sheepishly. “Still not totally used to this whole dating thing. I’ll get better, I promise!”
Rarity twirled the mare on the spot, loving the way Twilight’s eyes seemed to shine. “I find it quite adorable, dear. And don’t worry about experience,” she said, leaning close to nuzzle Twilight. “I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
Twilight blushed at the tender words. “I’ll be counting on it,” she replied earnestly, returning the gesture. Seems that I have more than one thing to get used to. But I know as long as we’re together, it’ll all be worth it.