//------------------------------//
// Chapter 21: Senior (Part 2) 
// Story: Mother Celestia 
// by jl7895 
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I woke up first the next morning and found myself cuddled up next to her. I was holding her like how Celestia held me when I was young. I finally understood why she enjoyed it so much. There was something amazing about holding somepony that means so much to you. 

“I wouldn’t mind waking up to this every day,” Octavia said as she woke up. She grabbed my hand and intertwined our fingers again. “Does that mean we’re…”

“I think we should talk about it.”

“Okay,” She said as we sat up and faced each other. “Do you like me?”

“Yeah,” I said with a smile.

“And I like you. So, what’s holding us back this time?”

“What do you mean ‘this time’?”

“Well first it was us wanting to be friends and then there was Angel and then Lavender and then you wanting to be single.”

“Exactly how long have you had a crush on me?”

“Since you dipped me at our Freshmen Homecoming Dance. I was kicking myself after we agreed to just be friends. It may have just seeing you in the moonlight, but I realized that there was something special about you. Back to my question. What’s holding us back?”

“Alright, here’s the truth. I’m afraid. I’m afraid that I might do something to screw up our relationship and then I’ll hurt you. That’s what I’m really afraid of. I don’t want to hurt you because you mean so much to me.”

“How much do I mean to you?”

“My mom wanted me to stay and do some diplomatic stuff with her and Cadence. I had to beg her to let me come. I tried telling myself that I was doing it so you could have at least one friend here for you.”

“Can I ask how long you’ve liked me?”

“I like to think that I’ve always had some feelings for you since I first met you. Even when I was with Angel, you were always in the back of my mind.”

“So in all that time, how many times have you hurt me?”

“My being with Angel might have done some emotional stuff to you. And there was the time at the café when I held your wrist too tight.”

“In the twelve years we’ve known each other, you believe that you’ve only hurt me twice. If we started dating why would that change?”

“I don’t know, but I’m still scared that I’m going to do to you what I did to Angel. I don’t want to lose you.”

Octavia grabbed my hands and looked me in the eye. She had a warm smile, something that told me that I wasn’t going to mess this up and that I should at least try. We had a connection and we both knew what was going to happen next.

We leaned into towards each other and kissed. This kiss was like no other. There was this spark between us that wasn’t there with any other mare. There was something special about her, about all of this, that made me love her even more. When we withdrew, Octavia was blushing. It was her first kiss. I smiled and caressed her face. She smiled back as her blush began to fade. Without warning. Everything began to meld into one moment after that. It was a mixture of cuddling, kissing, and flirting. Unfortunately, it had to come to an end.

She told me that she had to do one more practice before the show tonight. She told me that she couldn’t wait to see me there and was looking forward to playing for me. I decided to get a surprise ready for her after the show. It took all day, but I think she’s going to love it.

I spent some time getting ready for her show. I wore a suit with a tie that matched her eyes. Unfortunately, Octavia had the chauffer, so I had to walk there. Luckily, the concert hall wasn’t too far from the hotel and there was a nice breeze to stop me from sweating.

There were ponies for almost every walk of life in Applewood. Celebrities, government officials, ponies with a lot of money, and just some ponies who were lucky enough to get a ticket. I did a bit of socializing before the show started. I was seated next to one of the lead actors in Brawl Club and the female lead in The Starving Games. The lights dimmed and Octavia took the stage. I wasn’t sure if she saw me out there, but she smiled before she started to play. There was something that made this concert even better than all her other. I couldn’t be sure, but I think I had something to do with it. Her songs switched between sad and slow to upbeat and happy. 

When the show was over, I made my way backstage with a bouquet of flowers I had the chauffer get during the show. There was a line of colts outside her changing room. Most of them were younger than me and a few of them looked a little too edger. I went to the front of the line and tried to knock on her door, but the colt in the front grabbed my arm.

“Back of the line, buddy,” He said. “Besides she’s not opening up for anypony.”

I rolled my eyes and did a knock that sounded like Toccata And Fugue In D Minor, my favorite classical song. She opened the door, pulled me inside, and locked the door behind me. She threw her arms around me and rested her head on my chest. I hugged her back and kissed her head through her hair.

“You were amazing,” I said when we let go. I presented her the flowers, which she took and them put on the table after taking a big whiff.

“Thanks,” She said as she blushed. “I’m just glad that we’re trapped in here together. If I go out there, then it would be like moths to a light.”

“I have an idea that might work.”

“Anything if it means that we’re not trapped in here.”

“Okay.” I took off my jacket and covered her with it. I then thought hard about the lobby. I tried to remember every little detail as I readied a teleport spell. The spell won’t work if there was a pony where I want to teleport, so I had to try every single spot. To my surprise, I was able to teleport the first place I tired. Ponies were apparently rushed out because the lobby was completely empty. She didn’t need it to hide her identity, but it was cold outside and I told her to keep it. 

Out chauffer was waiting for us and I whispered our destination in his ear: The Applewood Sign. I set up a candle lit picnic for us between the O’s.

“This is incredible,” She said as she saw what I did and the view of Applewood. I personally thought that the Canterlot view was better, but to each their own.

“That’s not all,” I said, “You know that whole cliché of yelling at the top of a mountain.”

“Yeah,” She said with a smile.

“Applewood!” I shouted out to the city, “My name is Golden Shield and I love Octavia Melody!”

“And I’m Octavia Melody and I love Golden Shield!”

We looked at each other, smiled, and kissed. After we went back to the hotel and watched a romantic movie. We enjoyed every moment of it and wished that it could have never ended. We again shared a bed.

I think I woke up first the next morning, but we both just stayed where we were. I was just holding her and she was enjoying it. We were forced to get up when we heard a knock on the door.

“Miss Melody,” a bag boy said from the other side of the door. “I’m here to get your bags, are you decent?”

“Give me a moment, please.” 

“I’ll leave you alone,” I said.

It didn’t take long for us to pack our bags and check out. We boarded the train car, which was the same as the one we arrived in. We tried lying on the couch together, but we quickly realized that it wasn’t big enough for the both of us. We decided to sit across from each other. I was able to convince her by telling her that I wanted to be reminded how beautiful she was. 

“So what do you think our friends will say when we tell them about us?”

“I don’t know, but I’m sure we won’t like it.”

“Maybe not all of them. I’m sure Cadence would love the idea. Shining and Spitfire probably wouldn’t care, but they’ll be happy for us. And then there’s Vinyl. If anypony doesn’t want us together, it’s her.”

“You know what? I don’t really care. I love you and that’s all I need to know.”

“Well there is one other option.”

“What’s that?”

“We can sneak around. We don’t necessarily have to tell anypony anything. And who is it really hurting?”

“It just feels dishonest.”

“To be fair, we’re not lying to them. We’re just not telling them the whole story. But I see what you mean. Cadence and Shining didn’t hide their relationship from us. On the other hand, it could be what’s best for us. Vinyl will probably keep us apart.”

We talked for a little longer and decided to keep it a secret for a little while. We were really going to see how our friends would react when they found out.

We divided our time between reading, sleeping, and talking. When we did reach Canterlot, our friends and families were there to greet us. We hugged our friends gave out souvenirs to their respective recipients. It was still somewhat early in the evening and our parents let us hang out with our friends. We told them about how much fun we had while leaving out how much fun we really had. They seemed to have bought it.

As the day began to end and we went our separate for the evening, Vinyl pulled me aside.

“Hey, you and Octavia didn’t hook up, did you?”

“Why?”

“Because you two aren’t right for each other. She deserves the best pony in Equestria.”

“What’s that supposed to mean.”

“Sorry Golden, but you’re far from perfect, especially when it comes to relationship. Even when you’re all caring and loving, you still find a way to screw it up.”

“Maybe that’s because I haven’t found the right pony.”

“And you think that’s Octavia?”

“I’m not ruling it out.”

“Please Golden, whatever you do, do not get with Octavia.”

“Why do you care so much?”

“Because she’s all I have. I can’t get a colt to even like me, my parents barley know me, and sometimes I feel that you guys leave me out. Octavia is the only one that makes sure that I’m okay and will stay behind if she has to. If you two started dating and it ended on bad terms, then I’ll have to lose one of you. And what if you two do work out? Then sooner or later the two of you will push me out of your lives. And then I don’t know what I would do with myself.”

She was openly crying at this point and repeating “I don’t know what I would do with myself”. 

“Vinyl,” I said as I hugged her, “You don’t have to worry about any of that. If it didn’t work out and then it wouldn’t end on bad terms. We’re too good of friends to let that happen. And if it did work out, then I would still want you to be a major part of both of our lives.”

“I don’t want to lose her,” She said crying harder and hugging me back. She kept repeating this through her sobs. I started to rub her back and tell her that she never will.

“Are you okay?” I said when she calmed down.

“I will be,” She said after a few sniffles. “Can you promise that? Can you promise that I’ll never lose her?”

“I would die before I let anything happen to any of my friends. Now I need something from you. If I do think that she’s the one for me, can you please give me your permission to date Octavia? I know that it would mean a lot to the both of us.”

“Okay. If, and only if, you think that you’re going to spend the rest of your lives together, you can date her.”

I walked her back to her house, making sure that it didn’t look like she was crying. It was a rare moment for her to open up to anypony besides Octavia. She had really only done it one other time and that was during Freshmen Homecoming and even then that was to me.

I decided to skip out on dinner that night and just make myself something in the personal kitchen. My friends and I have been going to the dinners less and less. It was because we saw how excited ponies were to attend that night’s dinner and we figured that we took it for granted. We agreed that we would only attend the dinner on special occasions. While it mine and Octavia’s return could be a special occasion, we decided not to go.

“Hey,” Cadence said as she poked her head into my room. “So how was it?”

“It was fun. Octavia out did herself, the hotel was nice, everything was fun.”

“Did you hook up with anypony?” She said mockingly. I didn’t respond immediately, which was all she needed. “Wait, I was kidding. You and Octavia actually got together? How far did you two go?”

“You know, Lavender, Star, Ruby, and Sapphire live in Applewood. I could have just as easily thought of them.”

“Could have, but you didn’t. Tell me. I told you about me and Shining.”

“Shining told me about you and Shining. Seriously, tell him to breathe through his mouth or something.”

“Very funny. Please, you don’t have to go into detail. Did you at least kiss her?”

“I kissed her.”

“Oh my god! I knew you would. I just have one question: Do you love her? Because you know what I think.”

“Head over hooves. You saw how much I had to beg my mom to let me go. Do you think I would just do that for anypony?”

“Well then, you two are going to be very happy together.”

Cadence and I talked a little longer after that. It was mainly about our plans after high school. I told her about moving in with Octavia and Vinyl and she told me that she planned to stay in the castle for the time being.

I had plans to talk to Shining the next day, but he conveniently got sick that day. Cadence decided to play nurse for him, praying that it didn’t go too far/ As for Spitfire didn’t come back until tonight. Which left me, Octavia, and Vinyl.

Although she had given me her blessing, Vinyl still tried to keep us apart. We decided not to tell her yet, which made it even more hilarious when she would hit me in the back of the head when Octavia and I would even look at each other. For some reason, Octavia was uncomfortable with us bugging Vinyl and Vinyl trying to keep us apart. It had come to the point where Octavia asked to speak with Vinyl in private. I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but it looked like they were arguing. It finally ended with Vinyl shrugging her shoulders and Octavia hugging her. When they came back, Octavia threw her arms around me and planted a firm kiss on my cheek.

“What did I just say?” Vinyl said. “No lovey-dovey stuff around me. Just because I gave you permission to date, doesn’t mean I want to see it.”

“I’m sorry, Vinyl, but I’m just so excited,” Octavia said. “Besides, it’s not like I didn’t give you anything in return.”

“What did you do?”

“Do you want me to tell him or should you, Tavi?” Vinyl said with an evil grin.

“How long?”

“For the rest of your lives.” Vinyl was proud of herself.

“Seriously Vinyl? You know-”

“It’s okay, Golden,” Octavia said as she grabbed my hand. “If you really want to help, then call me ‘Octy’.”

“Octy?” I asked.

“Yeah. I think it’s cute.”

“Wait, I want Octy. He can have Tavi.”

“Sorry Vinyl. The deal was you could call me Tavi all you want if I could date Golden.”

We hung out until nightfall. I walked Octavia home and ended the night with a kiss. I was happy that Cadence and Vinyl were fine with me dating Octavia. Not only that, but I knew that Shining and Spitfire were going to be alright with it. I didn’t even care that I had to go to school the next day.

Everything started out the same. I got up, took a shower, got dressed, had breakfast, and Cadence and I walked to school. We were considering picking up Octavia and Shining, who Cadence admitted to using some magic to heal him. I told her that Octavia and I wanted to full support of our friends before we started showing off. Cadence didn’t think that was healthy, but she had to live with our choice. 

I didn’t get the chance to talk to Shining until second period, but it was still early in the morning.

“You look like a million bucks,” I said to him as he sat in the desk next to me.

“Cadence is a miracle worker. I need to talk to you about something. Cadence said that you’re looking to go back on the market.”

“Maybe,”

“And one of the names she tossed out was Octavia.”

“Your point?”

“I don’t think you should go out with her.”

“What?”

“You two don’t seem like you would go well together. Look at you. You’re athletic future guard who is well read. She’s a quick whited cello player with high ambitions. The only thing you two have in common is that you both like to annoy Vinyl. What part of the two of you work?”

“Well what about you and Cadence work? You are way too laid back and she’s a princess.”

“We work because we love each other. That’s all we need.”

“And you don’t think that I could love Octavia?”

“I think that you could become infatuated with her, maybe it could end up being something more. The problem is there is a chance that it might not and then what? You and Octavia would probably talk less and less until you two are nothing. And if you don’t believe that, then how much have you talked to Lavender in the past year?”

“Okay, maybe I have been writing to Lavender less, but that doesn’t mean that I would stop talking to Octavia.”

“Whatever man, just at least think about it before you do anything you might regret.”

My plan was to ignore Shining. He doesn’t really know what he’s talking about, nor does he have the right. When he started Cadence, there were plenty of ponies who thought that they would never make it. Whatever.

I didn’t get a chance to talk to Octavia alone. Vinyl needed tutoring and Octavia was the one that could help her. I tried talking to her during fourth period, but it felt a little weird talking about this in front of Angel. At least I get to talk to Spitfire.

“You alright?” She asked after practice. “You were a bit off today.”

“I need to talk to you about something. How would you feel if I started dating Octavia?”

“I guess you two could make a cute couple. Of course that means that Shining and Cadence would have to break up. Can’t have two couples in the group. Were you thinking of asking her out?”

“Maybe.”

“Well I would hurry. I saw Concerto getting friendly with her. They’re going to hang out after school today.”

I hated Concerto more than I hated Blueblood, but that’s because I don’t see Blueblood every day. He was such an elitist that it bugged me to no end. He won’t even talk to underclassmen because he thinks he is above them. He tried being friends with us once, but that was just so he could say that he was friends with a prince and a princess. Now I hate him even more.

“When was this?”

“Last class. If I knew that you liked her, I would have said something.”

I didn’t need anything else. I rushed to the locker room and changed into my street clothes as fast as I could. The final bell rang as I left, so I quickly made my way to the front of the school. Everything seemed to have gone wrong that day. Every mare that I came across decided to stop me and try to flirt. Then there was Mr. Fallacy, who was the anti-Mrs. Steinbeck. He stopped me to make some argument that didn’t really hold up. At least that’s what I assumed what he said because I pushed past him. I barley heard some rant about how kids these days are always in a hurry. 

Unfortunately, I was too late. By the time I reached the front of the school, Octavia was already walking off with Concerto. He tried to put his arm around her, but she would just knock it off. I was happy that she would at least try to stop him, that was until she didn’t. The last I saw, he put his arm around her and she didn’t even try to knock it off.

“Hey,” Cadence said as I stared off into the distance. I looked over and the rest of my friends were with her. “What’s wrong?”

“Octavia and Concerto.”

“Wait, I thought you two were dating?” Cadence asked.

“Hang on,” Shining said, “you asked her out even after what I said?”

“What did you say?”

“I don’t think that they should be together. What about them works?”

“Thank you!” Vinyl said.

“How were we supposed to work?”

“Besides, they could be made for each other. You should at least give them a chance.”

My friends starting arguing about me and Octavia. I just walked away. There were bigger things to worry about. I wasn’t really sure what to do. I planned to spend as much time as possible with Octavia, but seeing as how Concerto decided to take that time away from me, I didn’t know what to do. I walked around Canterlot just looking for something. Somehow, I ended up in front of Octavia’s house. She eventually showed up with Concerto.

“Golden,” Octavia said as she saw me and gave me a hug, “what are you doing here?”

“I was looking for you. I thought we were going to hang out after school.”

“Sorry, but Concerto wanted to talk and we lost track of time.”

“Well do you mind if I tag along with you two?”

“You know I don’t. What about you, Concerto?”

“I would love it if a prince joined our conversation.”

“Fantastic,” Octavia said as she walked past me and approached her door. “I just need to check in with my parents. I’ll be right back.”

“Amazing mare, isn’t she?” Concerto asked when the door closed.

“She sure is.”

“How long have you two known each other?”

“Since first grade.”

“So you would know if she likes surprises. I was thinking about asking her to prom and I wanted to know if she liked to be surprised. Also, would she prefer a big flashy performance or something simpler?”

“Prom isn’t for another two months.”

“I know, but I like to plan everything. Got to keep the reputation up and I can’t just give some lame ‘will you go to prom with me’ thing.”

“I wouldn’t if I were you. I hear she has eyes for somepony.”

“Who? Who could it possibly be if it’s not me? She only hangs around two colts and Shining Armor is with Mi Amore Cadenza and you… Oh. I get it now. It seems that the prince has a little crush. I do admire you’re taste in mares, after that common pegasus, but I’m afraid that she is spoken for.”

“By who?”

“Who do you think? There’s only one stallion that is good enough for a mare like Octavia Melody. A stallion so elegant and cultured.”

“You’re talking about yourself, aren’t you?”

“Well, I wasn’t walking about you.”

“Alright, I’m only going to tell you this because I don’t want her to break your heart. Octavia is playing a bigger game and she doesn’t quit until she wins. If she wanted you then she would have gone for you.”

“Want to make a wager?”

“What?”

“In two months we will both ask Octavia to prom. We’ll let her decide which one of us she wants. The other one cannot say anything about the new relationship.”

“No, Octavia isn’t some trophy for us to show off.”

“Of course not. We’re letting her decided who she wants. Do we have a deal?”

“No.”

“Fine, but I am going to ask Octavia to prom and she will say yes to me. I guarantee it.”

Concerto gave me a disgusted look and walked away. I wasn’t sure what he was planning, but I knew that I didn’t have anything to worry about. Octavia came back out shortly after she left. I told her that Concerto had to leave and she invited me for dinner.

We decided not to hide our relationship from Octavia’s parents. They were surprisingly supportive of us. They said that Octavia has never been happier and they thanked me for that. It also helped that they completely trusted me. They told me that I could date her as long as I wanted, but her dad would kill me if I broke her heart. 

Her parents eventually left us alone. We started talking about us and what we were going to tell everypony. I told her what Shining said to me and we thought it would be best if we eased our friends into the whole thing. We would start with playful flirting, like we did to annoy Vinyl, then we would do it when Vinyl isn’t around. By then we hope that Shining would be on our side and we didn’t have to hide it.

It was late when I left. I figured that my mom wouldn’t care because she knew that I was responsible. Unfortunately I was wrong. She was waiting for me outside the castle, still in her dinner dress.

“Where were you?” She said with some anger.

“I was just at Octavia’s house?”

“Without telling me? Do you know how late it is, Golden?”

“I know. I’m sorry we lost track of time.”

“You could have at least told me or Cadence. You know, I was fine when you decided to stop coming to the dinners, but I still want you in the castle. What would have happened if somepony attacked you?”

“I’m not a little foal anymore, mom. I’m 18 and I can take care of myself.”

There was a moment of silence between us. I realized what I said and thought how it was basically me telling her that I didn’t need her anymore. She took in a deep breath and crossed her arms.

“I know Golden. When I was your age, I started to really rebel against my parents. I wanted to leave my parents and never look back and I’m afraid of losing you. I know I haven’t been the best mother because I’ve had some obligations, so I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to stay away from me. I just want to spend as much time with you as I can.”

“You’re a great mom and that’s never going to change. You’ve always been there for me and had my best interests in mind. Not only that, but you saved me from the Everfree Forest. As far as I’m concerned, that makes you the best mother ever and there is nothing that anypony can say to change that.”

“Thanks Golden, but can you at least be home before dinner?”

“I’ll try.”

“So how do you feel about her?” She asked as we started to walk into the castle.

“Who?”

“Octavia.”

“What makes you think I love her?”

“Because I didn’t say you loved her. Besides I could tell. You were begging to go to Applewood with her. And I know you and when you’re in love.”

“Alright you got me. We’ve been secretly dating since we got back.”

“Have you two…”

“Mom!”

“What kind of mother would I be if I didn’t pry? If you are active then promise me that you’ll be safe.”

“I promise.” We said good night to each other and went to bed.

I decided that I would spend more time with my mom while I could. I spent the next two months learning everything Cadence learned in a week. It was actually exciting watching Celestia work, but it wasn’t my line of work. I’m more in favor of joining the royal guard. It just feels right. I get a rush from protecting ponies. The only bad thing was that I wasn’t spending time with Octavia.

I spent as much time with her as I could, but it wasn’t enough. We put our plan into motion, which made it all the more fun. Shining eventually eased into the idea of my and Octavia dating. Unfortunately, whatever time she didn’t spend with me, she spent with Concerto. I asked Spitfire to keep an eye on them, but she could only do so much. 

I was so distracted by working with my mom that I didn’t realize prom was coming up. It wasn’t until Shining asked Cadence in some big flashy way, which happened to be the same day he told me that we has fine with me dating Octavia. 

I spent the rest of the day thinking about what I could possibly do to ask Octavia to prom. I thought of idea after idea, but I didn’t like any of them. Cadence decided to help me, which was really just us spit-balling ideas in my room. 

“What if you used your magic to spell out prom in front of her house at night?”

“No. I don’t even know the spell that lets me form letters in mid-air. Does that spell even exist?”

“Maybe in some old book. What if you got together some ponies together and have them stand in a way that spells out ‘prom’?”

“How am I going to find that many ponies?”

“I’m sure there are plenty of ponies willing to help.”

“Even if I found enough ponies to help, it’s too complex.”

“You just like to poke holes into all of my ideas.”

“It’s not that. Octavia means something special to me and I need to make sure that she knows it. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. If everything goes right than it would be the start of something amazing.”

“Alright, if you really like her then lets figure out a way to ask Octavia to prom. You want something simple, but not too simple. Something that says ‘I love you’.”

“You know what, I’m tired. How about we call it…” Just then I realized something. I started to come up with a plan, which Cadence thought was a good idea. It didn’t take much preparation, and with help of the castles limitless resources I was ready to ask her the next day. 

The next day started out as planned, everything going normal. I was so excited to ask her I could barely keep it in. My plan was to ask her during our Advanced Literature class. Mrs. Steinbeck said that she would stop the class just so I could ask her. I could feel myself shaking as the class went on.

“Ladies and Gentlecolts,” Mrs. Steinbeck said as our novel discussion groups started to end, “I’m going to try something new. I want you to come up with a critical thinking question that relates to a theme in your novel. And to show you that I’m serious, I’m going to pick two students at random and they have to come up with a question on the spot. Let’s go with Golden and Octavia.”

Octavia and I stood up and went to the front of the class. We smiled at each other and smiled. I was a little afraid that she figured it out what I was planning, but then I realized that it was impossible.

“Golden, you go first.”

I took in a deep breath to calm my nerves. I looked Octavia in the eyes, smiled, and held her hands. She looked confused, but yanked her hands away and covered her mouth when I got down on one knee and pulled out a felt box. I opened it to reveal a ring with ‘Prom?’ magically engraved in it.

“Octy, will you go to prom with me?”

“Of course I will.”

I put the ring on her finger and we hugged. The both of us felt amazing the rest of the day and nothing could bring us down. We walked out of the class with my arm around her. We were stopped when a group of ponies carrying instruments. They started to play a song for us and parted a way about half way through to let Concerto in.

“Octavia Melody, would you do me the honor of allowing me to escort you to prom?”

“Sorry Concerto, but Golden already asked.” The music came to a grinding halt. The ponies with the instruments started looking at each other and started to leave. Concerto was shocked by the news. I was trying to hold in a grin.

“Fine,” He said after talking in a deep breath, “It looks like you win Octavia, Golden.”

“Excuse me?” Octavia said as she crossed her arms. I took my arm off of her so she could do what she does best. “What do you mean by he ‘won’ me?”

“He didn’t tell you?” He asked with an almost evil grin. “Golden and I made a little wager and you were the prize.”

“You honestly expect me to believe that my friend of twelve years would treat me as some sort of trophy?”

“I don’t expect you to believe it, but it’s true.”

“You know what, I thought that you were a pony that had some of my interests in mind. I thought that maybe you cared about me, but I know that you are nothing but a liar. Golden said that you were nothing but an egocentric elitist. I didn’t want to believe him because you were so nice to me. Now I can see he was right. I’m almost positive that you were interested in me so you could start hanging around Golden and Cadence and increase your own image.”

“No, I was the one-”

“I’m tired of your lies. Just get out of here.” He was completely silent. He took in another deep breath and walked away with his head literary held high.

“I love you so much, Octy,” I said as I hugged her.

Our friends were more or less accepting of our relationship. That day, we went the castles tailor to get fitted for our prom clothes. Celestia surprised us by getting Velvet Gown to make our clothes for us. She took our measurements and told us that they would be ready in a few days.

A few days later, it actually hit me: I was dating Octavia. It didn’t bother me of course. Why would it? We got along great and something about us just clicked. We weren’t even dating for a week and we were already the perfect couple.

Prom came by faster than any of us thought. It was held in Canterlot Square in the center of town this year. As always, we got ready at Octavia’s house. Shining, Soarn’, Vinyl’s date, Brave Boulder, and I were sitting in the guest room waiting for the girls.

“Here you go boys,” Octavia’s mom said as she gave each of us a glass of water. 

“Thanks Mrs. Strings,” we said in unison.

“Does this look familiar, Shining,” I asked

“What’s he talking about?” Brave said.

“The first dance of freshman year, Golden and I were sitting here waiting for the girls to get ready for the first dance of the year. Now, were sitting here waiting for the girls to take them to our last dance.”

“Kindda a full circle moment for you two, isn’t it?” Soarn’ said.

“So, what are your plans after high school?” Brave asked us.

“Spitfire and I were thinking about starting an aerial acrobatics team in Cloudsdale, but that’s still up in the air.”

“Shining and I are joining the royal guard.”

“But you’re a prince. Princes don’t join the royal guard.”

“I’m only a prince by title, nothing more, nothing less. Besides, I like protecting ponies.”

“Whatever. If I was prince, I would be lounging around the castle every day.”

“We’re ready.” Octavia said as she poked her head in the door.

We went downstairs to take prom pictures and walked to the town square. The place was decorated with our school colors. There were a few things for entertainment, but caught everyone’s eye was the dance floor. There was something about it that attracted ponies to it. We were no exception.

We split the time between dancing and talking with other friends. Brave didn’t stay with us. He and Vinyl were only taking each other so they wouldn’t go stag. School was ending soon, so it felt nice talking to some ponies we might not see again.

“Alright everypony,” The DJ said as it got later in the night, “it’s time to grab that special somepony and have that special moment of the night. It’s time to take it slow.”

I led Octavia to the dance floor and we started to slow dance. There was a long moment where she rested her head on my chest. In that moment, it really did feel like we were the only two on the dance floor.

“This is exactly how I imaged it,” Octavia said as she lifted her head. “That night when we agreed to just be friends, I thought of all the different way that could have played out differently. I’ve always thought something like this was the best possible outcome. I can see you’re enjoying it too.”

I looked up and to find my horn glowing. I’ve learned not to be ashamed of it, as it only means that I love the pony I’m with. At the same time, however, I was envious of earth ponies. They never have to deal with a glowing horn or extended wings.

“At least you know I love you, but I think you knew that. I noticed you haven’t taken off the ring.”

“You don’t mind, do you?”

“Of course not. I gave it to you and I want you to keep it.”

“Golden, I-Ow!”

Octavia was suddenly yanked away from me. Angel was pulling her mane in an effort to pull us apart. I let go of her in hopes that her pain would stop. 

“Stay away from him!” Angel said as she let go of her mane. “Golden, I was an idiot. I still love you.”

“Come with me, Angel.”

I grabbed Angel by the wrist and started to take her away from the dance floor with Octavia following us. I couldn’t believe that Angel would do something like this now. I’ve suspected that she might do something like this for the past few days. She looks at the ring as if it was meant for her. I thought that she might say something before prom, but I guess I was wrong.

“What are you doing?” I asked Angel when we were more secluded place.

“I just couldn’t take it anymore. I still need you because I love you. Octavia doesn’t deserve you.”

“I’m standing right here.”

“That’s not for you to decide.”

“You’re right. It’s up to fate and fate is telling me that we’re not done yet. We haven’t even slow danced. I love you and I don’t want to lose you ever again.”

“No, you don’t love me. You’re just like a little foal who put down a toy and is watching another pony play with it. You just want me because you can’t have me. I’m with Octavia now and that’s how it’s going to stay, for a very long time.”

“Really?” They said together.

“Yes. Octavia, when we first started dating, I thought I was going to do something to mess it up. Just being near you, I feel as if we were made for each other.”

Octavia hugged me. That one hug was better than any kiss that I’ve ever gotten. I checked to see if my horn was glowing. I couldn’t even feel a twinge of magic. The whole thing made me know that she was the one.

The rest of the year was enjoyable. Octavia and I got along perfectly. There were a few arguments, but it was nothing we couldn’t talk out. It helped that we had a couple like Shining and Cadence to help us through the tough times. We later found out that Angel and Concerto were working together to try and break us up. The ring, which Octavia never took off, was what reminded us why were together. I was meant to give the ring to the one of the ten mares I loved the most, but Octavia was number eleven and the one that I picked. It reminded us that I picked her out of any mare.

Spitfire and I went on to lead Canterlot High the Equestria’s High School Hoofball Championship. The final game was between us and the team from Hallow Shades High School. Extra Time ended 3-3 leaving in a shoot-out. Both were able to score four points before the final shooters. Their shooter tried tricking our goalie, but he was too quick and caught the ball, Spitfires was the only one that hadn’t shot yet. Ironically, Spitfire was extremely good at slowing down. She took a few steps back and found the perfect spot to aim. She ran forward to kick the ball and the rest was up to fate. The goalie jumped to try and save it, but it barley hit his fingertips letting us win the game. This made Spitfire a local hero, as it was our schools first Hoofball championship win.

Graduation day came about a month after that game. My friends and I spent most of the day getting ready, taking pictures, and talking about the past four years. I realized how I changed in that time. I went from nothing wanting to get in between me and my friends to dating one of them. At the same time, I had gotten closer to each of my friends. I consider Shining and my brother and I would do anything for him. I know Spitfire has my back and I have hers. Cadence is still my best friend and our friendship grows stronger every day. As for Vinyl, I promised that she would be a major part of life and I intended to keep my promise.

The time had finally come for us to graduate. After we put on our caps and gowns, they took the senior class to the Hoofball field. The school had set up a stage for us to receive our diplomas and give an area for ponies to speak. There was a few ceremonial stuff with one surprise.

“We have a special guest to give a speech to our graduating class,” Our principal said. “Please give a round of applause for Princess Celestia.”

Celestia walked onto the stage wearing her favorite dress.

“Graduating class, think back to when you were five. Remind yourself of who you used to be. Whether it was an outgoing pony or one tended to keep to yourself, you have changed. As you continue to grow, you will continue to change. But, one thing will remain the same. It does not matter who you are, where you go, or what you do, these things will never change. You are destined to do great things. Since the third grade, you have each been given a special mark that will tell you your destiny. It could be something as simple as a book to something more complex, each of these represent the one thing you can do better than any other pony. It does not matter what you go onto do, I want you to remember, even the gentlest breeze is significant to some pony. Now, as you leave high school, I beg you not to ignore your destiny and continue to be the amazing ponies that you are today.”

They started handing out diplomas afterwards, which was one of my proudest moments. Time stopped as I shook our principal’s hand. It was a life changing moment. In that moment, I stopped feeling like a kid and grew up. It was something that I’ll never forget.

Afterwards, we spent some time with our parents. Celestia invited Cadence’s parents, who wouldn’t have missed this for the world. I always loved seeing her parents because they were so nice. It makes me wonder how Blueblood got the way he is. Celestia had also invited my grandparents, but only my grandfather showed up.

“I’m so proud of you two,” Cadence’s mom said as she hugged us.

“Mom,” Cadence said while she was blushing, “you’re embarrassing us.”

“Sorry, I’m just so proud of you. And Blueblood is graduating next week. Can you be there, Cadence?”

“Of course.”

“What about you, Golden?” My grandfather asked. “What are you going to do now that you don’t have to go to school? Equestria could use a strong prince and I think you’re just the colt to do it.”

“Sorry grandpa, but that’s not for me. Maybe sometime, but not now.”

“So, I see you’ve given some thought to your future,” Captain Iron Side said.