//------------------------------//
// The Dance 
// Story: The Pie of my Eye 
// by Azure_Shadow 
//------------------------------//

        After what felt like months of preparation, planning, progress, and waiting,  it was finally here; Canterlot High’s Girl’s Choice Dance was finally underway after seemingly forever. From outside the school, one could already hear the beats of Vinyl Scratch, or her stage name DJ PON-3 blaring from the inside of the gymnasium. Just outside of the building were a line of students waiting to enter, including Swift and Twilight, who were waiting at the end.

        
“Wow, I didn’t expect there to be a line to get into the dance,” Twilight said as she looked ahead at the two lines of about twenty students each. 

        
“Oh yeah, we got here just as it was getting started. They have booths at the start of each dance to try and make sure no one who isn’t a student gets in.” Swift explained. “A bit of a bummer but it’s school policy, what are you gonna do right?” 

        
“I suppose,” Twilight agreed. “I wonder if the others are inside yet? I know Pinkie Pie would probably be the first one in line, but I’m not sure about the others.”

        
“I don’t know, how about you try texting them and see?” Swift suggested. 

        
“Oh yeah, good idea.” Twilight said as she dug her phone out of her purse and began texting. “So are you excited for this dance? Like I said before, I’m not really too sure what to expect.”

        
Swift smiled. “Oh yeah, I’m definitely excited! Not only are these dances fun, but usually something  crazy always happens at some point. I remember one year the captain of the boy’s basketball team, Lightning Streak stole the school mascot costume and started breakdancing in the middle of the gym, and when they crowned the princess of the Spring Fling he grabbed her and ran out of the school.” he said with a chuckle.

        
“Wow, that is crazy.” Twilight said in a surprised manner.

        
“Yeah, though it stinks that Lightning Streak graduated, that guy was just plain amazing. Throwing hallway parties randomly through the year, putting sticky notes all over a teacher’s room as well as their car, disco lunch dance offs, I’d say his spirit animal was probably a frat boy.” Swift laughed.

        
“Heh, he sounds great.” Twilight agreed as she glanced at her phone. “Oh, it seems that Pinkie and Rarity are already in the gym, AJ is in line with her date, Fluttershy is going to show up with her date, and umm...Rainbow’s text reads….incoming?” she read out loud. As  if on cue, Swift and Twilight suddenly heard what sounded like the raging motor of a motorcycle a ways away. The two teens turned around to see someone on a black Harley driving towards them at max speed. As the person got closer and closer, they skid their bike across the parking lot; revealing that another person wearing a dress and biker helmet was holding onto the  one driving. The two eventually skid to a stop right by Swift and Twilight and dismounted the bike. The driver took off his helmet to reveal that he was none other than Thunderlane, wearing a suit with a long block tie. The girl riding with him was Rainbow Dash, wearing a strapless navy blue dress that went down to her knees. The two quickly approached Swift and Twilight at the end of the line.

        
“Man, that was so awesome Thunderlane! way to park a bike!” Rainbow exclaimed.

        
“Heh, thanks Dash, I aim to impress.” Thunderlane said with a chuckle.

        
“Dude, you have to teach me how to ride one of these things! Knowing how to drive a motorcycle would automatically make me like, twenty percent cooler!” 

        
“Yeah, and you need all the cool you can get Dashie.” Thunderlane joked, which prompted Rainbow Dash to punch him in the arm.

        
“Hey! Only Pinkie is allowed to call me that! And I’m already as cool as anyone can get.” Rainbow proclaimed as she tapped her thumb to her chest, after doing so her eyes turned away from her date, and towards Twilight and Swift. “Oh hey guys! You both hyped for the dance?”

        
“Heh, as hyped for a dance as we can be I guess.” Twilight answered sheepishly.

        
“Well you guys should be hyped! It’s not every day someone gets to see my bomb ass dance moves.” Rainbow stated proudly. “I’m gonna own the dance floor tonight.” 

        
“Wait, you have dance moves?” Thunderlane asked in surprise, to which Rainbow Dash nodded.

        
“Hell yeah I do! I’ve been taking dance classes ever since I was a kid! Not only did it improve my strength, flexibility, and balance,  It’s how I actually met Pinkie Pie. We both had the same instructor, so we became friends and started hanging out.” Rainbow explained.

        
“Oh wow,  I didn’t know that. That’s actually pretty cool Rainbow.” Swift said in a genuine manner. “I never really took you for a dancer.”

        
“Eh, I’m a lot of things besides just plain awesome. Just wait until you see it, it’s going to be the highlight of the dance.” Rainbow promised. “So you guys gonna get out on the dance floor too?” she asked, to which Swift and Twilight both smiled sheepishly. 

        
“Well umm...I don’t think I’m much of a dancer, but I’ll try getting out on the floor tonight.” Swift answered.

        
“I might dance...I don’t know, I guess I’m just a bi-” 

        
“Upup Upupup!” Rainbow interrupted.  “Might? Sorry Twi, but  with Pinkie at this dance, I doubt any of us are going to have the luxury of being wallflowers, that girl is a  whirlpool of party, if you’re even semi close to her, she’ll get you moving whether you like it or not.”  she stated matter of factly. 

        
“Hey guys, how about we save the dance talk until we get into the  dance in like, five minutes?” Thunderlane suggested as he  pointed behind Swift and Twilight, the two and Rainbow glanced over to the entrance to  see that the line decreased severely, with the doorway now being clear for them to walk through. With that, the other three nodded in agreement and hurried inside. After a few minutes of waiting in line, the  two pairs were finally able to step into the mini-foyer that was just outside the gymnasium. The party seemed to be starting to get into full swing, with guys and girls all chatting with one another as they either sat at tables in the room or entered the gym, where the actual dancing took place. 

        
“So what should we do?  Try and find your friends, just go in and dance?” Swift asked Twilight, to which she shrugged.

        
“Umm..I’m good with anything really, though I am a bit thirsty.” Twilight stated. Swift then scanned the room until his eyes rested on a side table with concessions on it. 

        
“Oh, then let me get you some punch, I’ll be right back!” Swift promised as he walked over to the nearby punch bowl. He stepped up to the bowl and quickly poured two cups. “Man, I hope somebody didn’t spike this...again.” he muttered to himself before taking a sip from one cup. “Mmh..this is pretty good.” 

        
“Oh? Does fruit punch go well with betrayal!?” a pissed off male voice asked from behind Swift. The young man’s eyes shot open as he turned around to face the owner of the voice; a young man with spiky blue hair wearing a black suit with a blue vest, none other than his friend Flash Sentry. Flash looked less than amused as he was giving Swift a condescending look while crossing his arms.

        
“F-Flash!” Swift exclaimed in surprise. “W-What are you doing here man!?”

        
“Isn’t it obvious? I’m here to get my dance on, check out the scene, see what my friends are going to be up to.” Flash explained as he  raised an eyebrow at Swift. 

        
“Dude…” Swift groaned. “I swear, nothing has or will go on between Twilight and I. It’s just one dance dude, just one night.”

        
“I hope so.” Flash stated plainly.

        
“So did a girl ask you to go to the dance with you today? I assume that’s how you got in.”

        
“Well...not really.” a female voice answered from behind Flash, The blue haired young man moved aside to reveal a young woman with red and yellow hair with light green eyed wearing a form fitting black cocktail dress. Swift’s eyes widened as they rested on the girl.

        
“S-Sunset Shimmer…” Swift said in a harsh whisper. He knew Sunset from her previous few month dating history with Flash Sentry, which ended due to Flash breaking up with her shortly before the fall formal. Good thing  Swift believed, whenever Swift, Thunderlane, and Flash decided to do something, Sunset always tagged along as well as brought her two freshman lackies Snips and Snails wherever they went. After a while the three amigos didn’t appreciate Sunset complaining about every aspect of whatever they were doing, or making it all about her, sans the breakup. Flash really came here with her of all people? 

        
“Hey Swift.” Sunset said in an slightly bored manner. “Anyways yeah, Flash paid me fifty bucks to ask him here so he could do whatever.”

        
“Huh, I thought you wouldn’t really come to one of these things considering how I heard things went really shitty for you at the Fall Formal, and your breakup with Flash beforehand.” Swift assumed.

        
Sunset shrugged. “Eh, people are just giving the cold shoulder now, so they wouldn’t pay me any attention, not that I blame them.” she said with remorse. “But it’s still fifty bucks, I don’t have much better to do these  days.” 

        
“We’re here so I can make sure nothing funny goes on.” Flash said as he leaned in towards Swift and squinted his eyes at him. “Alrighty Sunny, for now let’s go mingle.” he said while putting his arm around Sunset’s waist. The two then walked into the gym, and as they were doing so Flash looked back at Swift and made an ‘I’m watching you’ motion with his free hand before disappearing into the room. Swift sighed, Flash was still pissed  at him from saying yes to Twilight. It was Flash Swift told himself, Flash was always one to get things blown out of proportions, and this time was certainly no exception. Now Swift would have to worry about Flash watching him the entire time, which would make him nervous. Oh well, Swift would just have to deal with it. For now, Swift walked back to the table that Twilight was sitting at. As he saw her, he noticed that she had a concerned look on her face.

        
“Umm...Is everything alright Swift?” Twilight asked as Swift handed her some punch.

        
“Y-Yeah, yeah, stuff is fine. Why wouldn’t it be?” Swift asked with false curiosity.

        
“Well for starters, your friend Flash looked really angry for some reason, is something going on between the two of you?” Twilight asked looking slightly worried. Swift scratched the back of his head nervously.

        
“Uh...well the thing is Twilight, Flash may be a tiny bit angry with me about coming to the dance.” Swift admitted.

        
“Really? Why would he be angry about that?” Twilight inquired.

        
“Well you see, Flash thought that I wasn’t going to go to the dance, so he thought up stuff we could do today during it. You asked me to the dance yesterday, so that put a wrench in his plans, he was also extra angry because he was the  only one of him, me, and Thunderlane to not have a date. Him being the only one who was actively searching for a date was just more salt in the wound.” Swift explained. He didn’t want Twilight to know that she was the reason for Flash’s and his spat the day before, he didn’t want her to feel guilty or anything.

        
It now appeared to be Twilight’s turn to look awkward. “Oh...is that so?” she asked with a sigh. “Actually Swift...I think I may be partly at fault for Flash being mad…”

        
Oh shit, well leaving her name out of that explanation worked. Swift thought to himself. “R-Really? What gave you that idea?”

        
“Well a few days ago before first period started, he came into the room and we talked for a few minutes. He made it clear, and I mean very clear that he wanted me to ask him to the dance, but I kind of...shot him down…” Twilight explained rather guiltily.

        
“Oh...I see…” Swift stated. “So if you don’t mind me asking, why didn’t you ask Flash to the dance? I mean, I know he can be a bit...forward and can overreact to the slightest things, but he’s still an alright guy in my book.” he said as he sipped his punch.

        
Twilight shrugged. “Well...I still don’t know Flash really well, and the way he looked, added with the way he acted towards me and the just...the general feeling I got from him kind of made me think he was a player.” the lavender skinned girl admitted sheepishly. 

        
“P-pfffft…” Swift nearly choked on the punch he was drinking as he attempted to swallow. “Hold on, Flash Sentry? A player? Pffft...I’m sorry Twilight, but that idea just makes me laugh. You see, Flash is the furthest thing from a player there is in Canterlot High. When he was with his ex girlfriend, she had him wrapped around her thumb so bad that if she asked him to crawl on the floor for a whole day he probably would. Trust me, Flash is anything but a player.” Swift assured his date with a chuckle.

        
“Ah, well that’s good to know I suppose.” Twilight said before she took a quick sip from her cup, making things quiet between the two for a few seconds before Twilight spoke up again. “But umm...that wasn’t really the only reason I didn’t ask Flash out…”

        
“Oh? It wasn’t?” Swift asked curiously. Twilight seemed to look a bit nervous as he asked.

        
“No...It wasn’t. I actually...wanted to come to the dance with someone else.” Twilight stated matter of factly as she looked Swift in the eyes.

        
“Oh.” Swift replied plainly as he looked back at Twilight. It took a few seconds for Shining Armor’s words to re echo in his brain. “O-Oh...m-me?” he asked as he pointed at himself, to which Twilight nodded. “Heh...well thank you Twilight, I’m honored, though I’m still kind of surprised. I mean there are lots of other great guys that go to this school that would’ve made great dates, I’m nothing special.”

        
“I’d beg to differ.” Twilight stated. “You’re an incredible guy! You’re nice, funny, and easy to talk to, you’re really great Swift.”

        
Swift shrugged. “Ah, that doesn’t make me any different from any other guys out there.”

        
“I don’t care about any other guys out there. I really like you Swift, and I’m glad you came to the dance with me.”

        
“R-really Twilight?” Swift asked in genuine surprise. Being told that a girl liked you by one of her friends or a sibling was one thing, but hearing it right from the proverbial horse’s mouth was something else entirely.

“Yes, really Swift. I’ve actually been wanting to ask you out ever since the dance was first announced, but I was kind of scared that you would say no. So umm… yeah, that’s… what was up… sorry if it’s a bit to take in.” Twilight said awkwardly as she gave a slight shrug.

“Oh no, don’t be, it’s fine.” Swift assured Twilight. “Hehe… I’m sorry you were so nervous about asking me out, I didn’t really notice at all.” He explained with an awkward chuckle, to which Twilight raised an eyebrow.

“Really? I must have done a better job hiding it than I thought.” Twilight stated, trying her best to sound surprised at the bone-headedness of her date. After that was said, neither Swift nor Twilight seemed to know what to say to the other until Rainbow sat at their table with Thunderlane.

“Heya eggheads, what’re you two talking about?” Rainbow asked in a jovial tone.

“Hey Rainbow, Twilight was just telling me how she didn’t want to go to the dance with Flash because she thought he was a player.” Swift explained.

“Pffft…hahahaha!” Rainbow Dash bursted into laughter at what Swift said while Thunderlane held his hand to his mouth to stifle his own chuckling. The two laughed a fair bit before Rainbow spoke again. “Seriously Twi? Flash Sentry, a player!? That’s rich.”

“What!? He just had that appearance to him! He has typical high school looker pretty boy written all over him!”

“Hehe, yeah, that’s definitely true.” Rainbow agreed. “Anyways, bet it feels awesome to be asked to another dance eh Swift? It’s been awhile since that happened.”

As Rainbow said that, Twilight looked towards Swift with curiosity as he looked away from the group and scratched the back of his head. “U-Umm…yeah…it’s been awhile since umm..”
“Ever since yo-“ Rainbow was stopped as Thunderlane put his hand on her’s as well as gave her a stern look.

“Rainbow, no. Just… don’t, okay?” Thunderlane asked her in a calm voice.

“What? Why not?” Rainbow asked in an annoyed tone of voice. 

“Just no, It’s still kind of a touchy subject.” Thunderlane said as he shifted his eyes from her to Swift multiple times. 

“Seriously? It’s been like, three years but okay, I guess I’ll keep my mouth shut.” Rainbow said, mildly sarcastic. Twilight raised her eyebrow at her friend’s odd behavior just then. She glanced over at Swift to ask what it was about, but just as she was about to, an elegant voice spoke to them. 

“Oh hello there darlings!” an elegant female voice came from behind Swift and Twilight. Out from behind them came Rarity, wearing a sparkling silver party dress, and a grey skinned young man with dark black hair wearing a silverish grey suit that matched Rarity’s dress for the most part. The two took a seat next to Swift and Twilight, and sat very close together. “Lovely evening for a dance is it not?”

“Hey Rares.” Rainbow greeted nonchalantly before turning her attention to the young man next to her. “Hey Clyde! What’s up?” she asked as she held her fist up to the young man.

“Hey Rainbow Dash, nothing much really, same as usual.” The young man apparently named Clyde said as he met her fist with his own. Once he gave Rainbow a fist bump, he moved his fist over in Thunderlane’s direction. “Hey man.”

“Duuuuude.” Thunderlane greeted as he too gave Clyde a fist bump. “Still wrapped around Rarity’s  finger I see.”

“Hey, there’s no other place I’d rather be.” Clyde stated matter of factly as Rarity and Thunderlane nodded. The three of them and Rainbow chatted for a little bit before realizing there was another couple sitting at the table with them, and as such all eyes turned to them.

“Oh umm…hello there, I don’t believe we’ve met before.” Twilight said awkwardly as she glanced at Swift. “Umm…do you know who this guy is?” she asked him in a whisper.

“No idea.” Swift whispered back before turning his attention to the black haired young man sitting besides him. “Hi there.”

Rarity’s eyes lit up. “Ooh! Of course! Clyde, this is one of my dearest friends Twilight Sparkle, and her date Swift Justice. Twilight and Swift, this is my wondrously heavenly boyfriend Clyde!” she said happily as she hugged Clyde’s arm.

“Oh, well hey Clyde.” Swift greeted as he turned to Thunderlane and Rainbow Dash. “So, how do you guys know each other? I mean, I know Rainbow knows Thunderlane, but how do you guys know Clyde?”

Rainbow was the first to answer. “We’re all on the same basketball team! He plays point guard, he’s pretty good. Heck, we’re all pretty good.”

“Swift, didn’t you say that you were going to try out for the basketball team this year?” Thunderlane asked, to which Swift grinned sheepishly.

“Well…I was…but unfortunately I was sick the week of tryouts, so that was a no go.” Swift admitted.

“You’re sick for everything dude. Fall Formal, tryouts, trig tests, I think you’re going to be sick for graduation if you don’t find a way to fight a cold.” Thunderlane said with a laugh.

“Heh, yeah I was sick for that last one…” Swift muttered under his breath. “So Clyde, Rarity, how did you two get together?”

“Oh, that’s a long story Swift, let’s just say that love finds a way.” Rarity said as she stole a kiss from Clyde.

“Fair enough…hey, isn’t that Applejack back there?” Swift asked as he pointed behind Rainbow and Thunderlane. The rest of the group looked in the direction Swift was pointing in to see the blonde haired farm girl approach them wearing a slim red cocktail dress. She approached the table looking nervous without her trademark Stetson atop her head.

“Umm…howdy y’all…” Applejack said quietly.

“My goodness darling, you look magnificent!” Rarity applauded as she looked her friend over a few times.

“Heh…thanks Rarity, ah wasn’t too sure ‘bout it at first, but our sisters did a good job pickin’ this one out for me at the store.”

“Well it was the least they could’ve done considering what they did with your old dress.” Rarity said as she rolled her eyes.

“Hey, they meant well, they were just trying to iron mah dress so it was ready fer tonight.” Applejack explained sheepishly.

“Yes, the only problem being that they left the iron alone on top of it for twenty five minutes, effectively burning a hole right through it!” Rarity explained somewhat angrily. “Yet another one of my beautiful dresses, slain before its time at the hands of reckless abandonment of household appliances, how horrible!” she continued to lament. “Why I can’t even imagine what I would do if another of the dresses I designed got destroy-“

“Yeah yeah yeah, blah blah, dresses.” Rainbow states as she made talking motions with her hands. “My dad’s two dogs got to my dress and they tore that shit up, but you don’t see me crying.” She continued as Rarity silently gasped in horror. “Anyways, I’m tired of waiting!” Rainbow went on as she pointed at Applejack. “You won’t tell us who you came to the dance with! But now they’re here with you! So come on! Who is it!?”

Applejack furrowed her brow. “It ain’t that important Rainbow, but if ya need to know, ah asked….sigh….ah asked…”

“OH APPLEJACK!!” a posh voice came from the crowd of students just entering the dance.

“Eegh….him….” Applejack groaned as she made a face that looked like she had smelled something rancid. A few seconds later, a tall and tan young man with blonde hair came up from behind her wearing a red suit with a periwinkle tie, as well as having white rimmed glasses.

“There you are! Sorry that it took so long, it was hard trying to find an adequate place to park tonight. Oh hello Applejack’s friends..oh hello Swift! Fancy seeing you here!” the tan young man greeted Swift cheerfully.

“Hey Trenderhoof, fancy seeing you here too.” Swift replied with a smile.

“Trenderhoof’s your date to the dance? Heh, good job AJ, you got a real catch right there.” Rainbow said with a wide grin on her face.

“It sure is..hey Treander, ah’m feelin’ might parched. Would ya mind getting’ me a drink?” Applejack asked as she gave her date puppydog eyes.

“Why certainly, I’ll be right back my apple-dumpling!” Trenderhoof replied as he walked over to the concessions table Swift was at a while ago. As he walked further away Applejack sighed.

“Geez…that guy, ah don’t know ‘bout him.” Applejack said as she slumped down into a chair.

“Oh Trenderhoof isn’t a bad guy.” Swift assured Applejack. “I have classes with him, and he’s on the school’s table tennis team with me, I’ve talked with him and he’s a really cool dude.”

“Except fer the fact that he’s had a crush on me ever since he moved here in the fifth grade, and has done a piss poor job at hiding it.” Applejack said with a sigh. “Ah think the only reason he was available fer the dance was ‘cause he was holdin’ out hope that ah’d ask him.”

“Aww…that’s still kind of cute AJ.” Twilight pointed out.

“Eh, ah guess…speakin’ of holdin’ out hope fer a dance, where’s mah brother and Fluttershy? Big Mac wouldn’t shut up about Flutters askin’ him out at all in the last few days.” Applejack explained as she looked back towards the students entering the room.

“A-Ahem…” a low male voice cleared his throat. Everyone at the table jumped slightly as they saw Big Mac standing by Twilight. “Uum…sorry fer startlin’ y’all, but Fluttershy was tryin’ to get y’all’s attention.”

“O-Oh really? Apologies, we weren’t able to hear her. Where is Fluttershy?” Rarity asked as she looked around the room for her animal loving friend.

“H-here I am…” a voice squeaked out from behind Big Mac. The tall farmer stepped away from where he was to reveal Fluttershy; who was sporting a long green dress with her hair in a high ponytail, giving her a sort of ‘queen of the forest’ type look.

“Woah…”

“Boy howdy…”
 
“Damn girl…”
 
“Oh wow!”
 
“Cool.”

“Oh that’s her name!”
 
“My stars, Fluttershy darling, you look gorgeous!” Rarity exclaimed, which caused Fluttershy’s butterscotch cheeks to go rosy.

“Um...th-thank you. Umm..like I was trying to say everyone, I came to warn you.” 

“Warn us? About what darling?” 

        “Pinkie. She just ate about five pixie sticks at once a few minutes ago, and now I think that she’s looking for you guys.” Fluttershy explained. 

        “Oh, I see. Well thanks for the warning darling, but I think Pinkie would have a semi-tough time finding us among all these stud-”

        “Hiya party people!!!” a voice chirped from behind Swift and Twilight, the two students  jumped as a pink arm came around each of them. They looked behind themselves to see  that Pinkie was behind them; wearing a darker pink party dress. She looked between Swift and Twilight excitedly. “Hail hail the gang’s all here!!” she chirped happily.  

        “Pinkie darling, I have to say, this dance looks simply marvelous, the decor is simply amazing!” Rarity applauded as  she looked around the  room they were in,which was filled with lights and streamers and tinsel of gold, silver,  and black colors. “Sometimes I can’t believe you’re able to do things like this!”

        “Well, it isn’t just me silly billy, It’s always a team effort!” Pinkie exclaimed as she pulled both Swift and Twilight into a hug, smushing their cheeks against her own as she gave a toothy grin. Swift blushed as the overpowering aroma of cotton candy coming from his crush as she held him against her cheek for a few moments.

        “Hey Pinkie, where’s your date?” Applejack inquired her pink haired friend.

        “Oh, Caramel? He’s still in the gym! I told him I was looking for you guys so that you could join us out on the dance floor!” Pinkie explained excitedly as she  looked between all of her friends. 

        “Umm….” Swift murmured nervously.

        “Well...I don’t know…” Twilight  stated awkwardly.
        “JOIN US!!!” Pinkie yelled out as she lifted Swift and Twilight out of their chairs. “This is no time to be sitting around, this is a time to start getting down!!” she chirped. And with that,  Pinkie led Swift and Twilight to the gym (while still pressing her cheeks against theirs) as they crab walked inside the room as their friends and their dates looked on. 

        “Whelp, I guess that’s our cue to head on in.” Applejack  assumed to which the others nodded and followed inside slowly. They were about to enter the gym, until something caught AJ’’s eye. She looked back to see that some of the chaperones for the dance had just brought in two large sheet pizzas and set them on some tables. “On second thought...how ‘bout we get a bite to eat first?

______________________

        The school’s gymnasium was wrought with the sound of Vinyl’s music booming from the incredibly loud speakers by her setup. All of the normal lights in the gym were off, the only source of illumination being the strobe lights set up by where Vinyl was. There were many students in the gym close to the stage, a majority of them were crowded together in a massive mosh pit with some students scattered around the edges of the gym, dancing with their dates, dancing with friends, talking, or doing...other things. Pinkie dragged Swift and Twilight across the room and let go of  them once they reached the end of the mosh pit.

        “Hmm...Caramel was here  a second ago. Where could he have gone?” Pinkie wondered out loud as  she glanced around the perimeter of the room. 

        “I uhh...I don’t see him anywhere.” Swift said in a near whisper as he scratched the still blushing cheek that had contact with Pinkie’s.  

        “Umm...maybe he went to the bathroom?” Twilight suggested. 

        “Maybe...but if he did I think we would’ve seen him, cause the only bathroom  available is in the other room.” Swift pointed out. 

        “Well if he isn’t there, then there’s only one place he could’ve gone.” Pinkie continued as she pointed towards the large group of students in front of the three. “He was sucked into the mosh pit!” she suddenly realized. “You guys stay here!  I’m going in!!” Pinkie told Swift and Twilight. With that, she took a  deep breath before jumping up and doing a swan dive into the mosh pit, leaving Swift and Twilight alone. The two of them stood in quiet awkwardness for a few moments. 

        “So that was...well, what I expected from Pinkie.” Swift said plainly.

        “Yeah, it’s super weird, but I honestly feel like I’ve known Pinkie for long enough and seen enough of what she does that something like that doesn’t even make me blink.” Twilight said with a chuckle, after which she glanced around the dance floor for a bit. “Huh, I wonder where the others are.”

        “Probably hanging around the edges of the gym or something considering that Pinkie dragged the two of us up here.” Swift assumed. “I’m sure they’ll turn up somewhere...In the meantime, how about we cut a rug whilst we wait for Pinkie?” 

        “Uuuh...what?”

        “You know, cut a rug! Bust a move! Boogie! Get our groove  on!” Swift explained as he pumped his fists into the air while shaking his waist from side to side.

        “Pffft...what on earth are you doing?” Twilight  asked as she put her hand to her mouth; trying to stifle a giggle. 

        “I’m dancing! You know, that thing that you’re supposed to do at a dance?” Swift stated as he continued to ‘dance’.

        “Heh, I know what dancing is, I’m just not sure that’s it.” Twilight said with a chuckle, to which Swift jokingly furrowed his brow.

        “Oh yeah? Well check this out smarty pants!!” Swift ordered as he began doing different motions with his body, ones that could hardly count as dance in any way shape or form. 

        “Pffft...you’re such a dork.” Twilight laughed. 

        “Says you! Check this shit out gurl!!” Swift said as he grabbed his leg and began yanking it back repeatedly while grabbing the back of his head. He grinned as he noticed that Twilight was giggling at his silliness. “UUGH! YEAH! The dance can’t even handle me right now!!” 

        “Tch, neither can I.” Twilight said as she rolled her eyes. 

        “Oh? Any you think you can do better?” Swift asked as he stopped dancing, awaiting his date’s response. 

        “Hmmm….think is a bit of a weak word, I believe the word ‘know’ is a better fit.” Twilight stated with a cocky grin on her face.

        “I see...well then I guess there’s only one thing to do eh?” Swift said as he gave Twilight a cocky grin of his own. 

        “I suppose there is.” Twilight agreed. 

        “Alright then Twilight Sparkle, let’s dance!” Swift declared, and with that, the two suddenly began dancing their hearts out. 

______________

        “Holy crap, that pizza was delicious!!” Rainbow Dash moaned as she licked her fingers clean while entering the gymnasium with Thunderlane and the rest of her friends. 

        “Heh, ah think Bic Mac here would agree with ya.” Applejack stated while she was looking at her older brother, who had two slices of sheet pizza in his hand and was biting both at the same time. 
        “Mmhmm, gulp yup!” Big Mac chirped after swallowing a big bite.

        “It was quite delectable, who knew the quaint little shop just out in the suburbs had such wonderful pizza! I’ll have to blog about it!” said Trenderhoof.

        “It was pretty good. Anyways, should we try finding the others? Or...what?” Thunderlane asked as he glanced around the room for his friends. 

        “Eh, knowing Pinkie Pie she probably dragged Swift and Twilight into the center of that huge crowd.” Rainbow pointed out. “I guess if anything, we should wait...until...we see….” 

        “Hm? What is it darling?” Rarity asked as she looked in the direction Rainbow Dash was looking in. A few meters away from the rest of them, there was a small bunch of students on the  outside of the crowd had stopped dancing, all of them currently having their attention of two dancers close to them, two very familiar faces to Rainbow’s group.

        “...What in god’s name do they think they’re doin’?” Applejack asked as her eyes widened in shock at her lavender friend. 

        “I...think they’re dancing….or they’re both having a stroke of some sort.” said Thunderlane. 

        “Well...it certainly is...movement.” Rarity stated with a face that made it look like she was going to lose her lunch. 

        “Umm...well….they look like they’re having a good time.” Fluttershy said sheepishly. 

        “Should we uhh...do something?” Clyde asked as Rarity shook her head and covered his eyes with her hand. 

        “N-No no, it seems like those two are doing fine on their own.” Rarity assured her boyfriend, she then cringed as she witnessed Twilight accidentally kicked a guy in the back, making him topple over his date. “For the most part anyways.”

        “Well as long as they’re dancing, I believe we should dance as well, don’t you think so Applejack?” Trenderhoof asked.

        “Eh...well...ah suppose.” Applejack said rather off putting. 

        “Come on AJ! Let’s shake our tail feathers!” Pinkie Pie suddenly exclaimed from behind Applejack. 

        “AH! Pinkie! Where’d you come from!?” Applejack asked out of shock. 

        “I was looking in the middle of that mosh pit of students for Caramel! It took me a while, but I was finally able to find him somewhere in there! see!?” Pinkie exclaimed as she held up Caramel like a prized fish she caught. 

        “U-Umm...hello everyone.” Caramel said as he gave a sheepish wave to the group. 

        “Well now that everyone’s here, let’s go dance with Swift and Twilight!” Pinkie said excitedly. 
        
“Uuuhhh...:” was the reply she got from most of the group, but she just kept smiling. 

“Come on slowpokes! Let’s get our groove on!!” Pinkie said as she got behind them and somehow started pushing them as a group towards Swift and Twilight.
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        While the group of girls and their dates were beginning to dance together, unbeknownst to them, somebody was watching them. On the edge of the gym was Flash Sentry and Sunset Shimmer, both leaning against a wall whilst watching the group. Flash had a look of disdain on his face while watching the other students while Sunset on the other hand held a look of disinterest. 

        “So, you look like you’re having a good time.” Sunset pointed out as she nonchalantly took a sip from the cup of punch she was holding. Flash remained quiet as he continued to look miffed.  “Have you thought about maybe going up to them and cutting in? Or asking Swift to let you dance with Twilight?”

        “No, can’t say I have.” Flash answered quickly. 

        “You know, just standing around looking butthurt isn’t going to solve anything, you should go talk to her, or do something.” Sunset deadpanned. 

        “Mmhh...I know that, I just don’t think I can put on a happy face at the moment.” Flash stated. “I’m fine with just being here for now.” 

        Sunset shrugged. “Suit yourself.”

        “It’s just...UUGH! I can’t believe Swift did that! Going to the dance with Twilight when he messed up with Pinkie!” Flash grunted in frustration.

        “I know right? Going to a dance with a girl who was struggling to ask him all week? What an asshole.” Sunset said sarcastically.

        “Yeah! He completely disregarded the bro-....what?” Flash asked in confusion, turning his attention to Sunset. 

        “Yeah, I sit behind Rainbow Dash and Rarity in history class. For the past week or so, a recurring topic in their conversations are about how Twilight has been wanting to ask Swift to the dance since it began. Apparently, she wasn’t able to do so until the day before, where she finally worked up the courage to do it.” Sunset explained. Flash listened intently to what she said as he looked back at Twilight. She was still dancing with Swift and her friends...terribly, but still, she was smiling from ear to ear as she danced her heart out. 

        “She’s been...wanting to ask him out for a while?” Flash asked slowly.

        “Mmhmm...apparently she really likes him, as far as I can tell. I mean, she certainly seems happy.” Sunset acknowledged.  “You still going to try winning her over?” 

        Flash took a few minutes before answering. “Of course I am, I really like her, and I want to make ‘us’ happen. This doesn’t change the fact that I’ll try making her mine. I’m just going to have to show her how much I care, and how much I want her..and maybe if I can do a good job...maybe she’ll feel the same way.”

        Sunset looked at Flash with surprise. “You really feel that way Flash?”

        Flash nodded. “I do, and I’ll face off against Swift for her feelings if I need to. But for now...I’ll let her have this dance, if it makes her happy.” 

        “Wow...that’s really...admirable of you Flash, I never thought I’d see something like this from you.” Sunset stated. 

        “Well, I’d like to think I’m as one dimensional as some people say I am.” Flash stated.

        “Well...I certainly don’t think you’re one dimensional.”

        “Thanks Sunset, I appreciate it.” Flash said with a smile on his face. After saying that, Sunset chugged the rest of her cup before tossing it into a nearby trash can. 

        “Well if you’re gonna let Twilight enjoy this dance, then how about we do the same?” 

        “You want to dance with me?” Flash asked in mild surprise. 

        Sunset shrugged. “Hey, you already paid me fifty bucks, you may as well get your money’s worth.”  she said as she held her arm out to Flash. 

        “Heh...It’s tough arguing with that logic. Alright, let’s go.” Flash said as he took Sunset’s arm, and took her out onto the dance floor.
____________
        
“Aah...whooo...I’m bushed.” Swift sighed as he quickly drank some punch from a nearby punch bowl. 

        “Yeah, me too.” Twilight replied in an exhausted huff. “I didn’t realize how long we’ve been dancing for.” 

        “Mmhmm, I guess time flies when you’re having fun.” Swift said as he looked onto the gym floor with multiple people still dancing. He found it amazing how long  he had been dancing. The last time he checked his phone to see what time it was was when Pinkie dragged him and Twilight over to the dance floor near the beginning of it. That was about seven thirty, he checked his phone briefly to see that it was about ten forty-five! Between dancing with Twilight, talking with other friends, and dancing with other friends, Swift had spent most of the time on the dance floor, he and Twilight only sat down for less than ten minutes near the beginning! “Holy shit, the dance is nearly over!”

        “Hm? What time is it?” Twilight asked.

        “It’s ten forty-five!” Swift said as he showed Twilight the screen of his phone. 

        “Oh wow, I guess time really did fly.” Twilight said with a note of sorrow in her voice. “It stinks that it’s almost over. I was having such a good time...” 

        “Heh, well don’t be too glum, we still have fifteen minutes left before it’s over. How about we try finding the others and see about dancing with them again?” Swift suggested.

        “Sure, sounds  like a plan.” Twilight agreed. And with that, the two teens started walking out towards the  dance floor again with many of the students around them giving frightful looks as the backed away from the two. Swift and Twilight got to about the halfway point on the gym floor before the song that was currently playing slowly drew to a close. The two glanced up at Vinyl, who changed the records on her turntables in a flash. What came on was a slow ballad, to which many of the student in the gym got with whomever they came to the dance with.

        “O-Oh…” was the only thing that came out of Twilight’s mouth once she realized what was going on. Swift looked at her to see that his date had a rather awkward appearance to her. Twilight was looking down to the ground while blushing, her arms behind her back, barely moving a muscle. Her gaze never left the floor as she continued to be mute. 

        “Oh yeah, a slow dance. I was wondering when they were going to do one of these.” Swift thought out loud, attempting to get some form of response from his date.

        “Y-yeah...I was thinking the same thing…” Twilight  agreed. There were a few more seconds of awkward silence between the two before  Swift thought of what to do.  Their friends were nowhere in sight, and this  was most likely the last slow dance of the night. Being aware of  this,  how little time they had left before the end of the  dance, and Twilight’s look of disappointment  from the dance almost being over, Swift decided to do right by her. 

        “Hey Twilight…?” 

        “Yes Swift?” Twilight said as she looked up to her date.

        “May I have this dance?” Swift asked, which caused Twilight’s eyes to shoot open in surprise.

        “R-Really? This is a bit of a slow song, isn't it? And besides...I don’t really know how to dance with a partner.” Twilight said nervously. 

        “Heh, don’t worry Twilight. It’s really easy! Here, let me show you.” Swift said as he held out his hands for Twilight. When she put her hands onto Swift’s,  he gently took her arms and wrapped them around his neck, after which point, he put his own hand around Twilight’s waist and started swaying from side to side. “Heh, see? Easy.” Swift said with a toothy grin on his face. 

        “I suppose so, I apologize in advance if I step on your feet.” Twilight replied with an awkward chuckle. The two swayed side to side together for a few minutes in silence, having no idea what to say to one another until Twilight broke the silence. “I mean, I’ve never really danced with a guy before like this,  so I probably stink..”

        “Twilight don’t worry about it, you’re fine. It isn’t about being good or bad at dancing, it’s just about having fun!”  Swift explained as he gave Twilight a reassuring grin. While the two of them continued to dance together, Swift took notice of something behind Twilight. “Hehe Aww, look at that.”

        “Hm? What is it?” Twilight asked. She looked over her shoulder to see that Fluttershy and Big Mac were slow dancing a short ways away from them. Big Mac had a content smile on his face as his gaze never left Fluttershy’s eyes. Fluttershy herself looked as though she was in heaven at that moment, her smile hanging on her face softly, and her eyes looking at Big Mac with what looked like  the happiest gaze in existence. 

        “Those two are really cute together.” said Swift. “Are they a thing?” 

        “Fluttershy and Big Mac? Not that I know of, no. I’m pretty sure Fluttershy just asked him a few days ago to come to the dance.” Twilight explained. 

        “Eh, could’ve fooled me, those two are looking at each other like they’re the only two people in the entire gym! They totally look like a couple.” Swift said matter of factly. 

        “Yeah...I guess they do.” Twilight said as she turned away from the other two students and back to Swift. “Hey umm Swift? What are your thoughts about romance?”

        “M-My thoughts?” Swift asked, slightly taken aback by Twilight’s question. 

        “Yes, I-If you don’t don’t mind me asking. Like, do you enjoy romance?”

        Swift took a moment to think before speaking. “Yeah, I do enjoy romance every now and again. I like romance in books, tv shows, and games and the like. I think it’s nice to see two people that I like come together as a couple. How about you?”

        “I really enjoy romance too. My sister in law Cadance is actually a romance novelist, and I’ve read a lot of her books, in addition to having nights with her where we just watch soap operas and eat ice cream.” Twilight said with a chuckle. “I do love the concept of love, having a significant other with whom you confide all your secrets, your fears, dreams, and desires with...someone who will always be by your side, whom you love with all your heart, and they love you back, it just sounds like such a wonderful thing.”

        “Yeah, when you put it like that romance sounds like the greatest thing in the world.” Swift agreed. 

        “Heh, well there are a lot of people who think it is.” Twilight stated matter-of-factly. “I’m not really sure though, but that’s probably because I’ve never really experienced it….”

        “I wouldn't worry about that too much Twilight, romance is just something that kind of comes to you after a while. You’re a great girl Twilight.” 

        “Well I don’t know about great, I’m okay.” Twilight said sheepishly. 

        “You’re awesome Twilight! You’re smart, friendly, pretty…”

        ‘Y-You think I’m pretty?” Twilight asked in a stunned manner as her lavender skin quickly turned to a bright pink. 

        “Yes, you’re really cute Twilight.” Swift promised his date. As he said that, his gaze met Twilight’s, and the two stared at each other for a few moments. Swift knew that he told Twilight she was pretty mainly to up her confidence, but looking at her now, he remembered that she really was a nice looking girl. The way her hairstyle complimented her dress, the soft smile she wore whenever she looked at him, her smooth facial features, and her eyes, her eyes in particular were incredibly nice. The moderate violet of her eyes, the way they sparkled in the dim light of the gym reminded Swift of  the late night dusk, how beautiful the sky and stars could be then. He hadn’t realized due to mulling over the fact that Pinkie wasn’t going with him,  but he was still going with a wonderful girl. 

        “O-oh...thanks Swift…” Twilight said as she blushed. “I think you’re pretty handsome yourself.” 

        “Thanks Twilight.” Swift said as he continued to gaze into Twilight’s eyes. the two continued to dance for a few moments at the edge of the crowd. As they continued, a young man and woman ran through the  dance floor, one of the accidentally knocking into Twilight,  causing her to go forward and stop against Swift. 

        “O-Oh! S-sorry..” Twilight quickly stated. 

        “Heh, it’s not a problem Twilight..” Swift assured Twilight, even though having her this close to him made him feel a tad nervous. “It’s funny, we’re in another dance position now.”

        “R-Really?” Twilight asked, to which she noticed that was right, they were close to a position that resembled some of the other students, being face to face with one another whilst hugging them, the only difference being that the other girls had their arms wrapped around their date’s, and were resting their heads on their date’s shoulders. “Oh  yeah...I see.” she said before letting out a quick yawn.

        “You're tired?” Swift asked, to which Twilight replied with another yawn.

        ‘We’ve been dancing for almost four hours, of course I’m tired!” Twilight jokingly said as she rested her head on Swift’s shoulder. “Sooooooo tired…” 

        Swift’s eyes widened as Twilight leaned into him, blushing slightly at the feeling of her chest against his own. “H-Heh...well I suppose that it’s a  good thing we’ll be driving back to your place.”

        “Yes...I suppose.” Twilight murmured as she held onto Swift. 

        “So, how would you say your first school dance went?” Swift questioned. 

        “The dance I’d say...was perfect, I’m glad I came.” Twilight said softly as she tightened her hold of Swift, pushing her own body closer to his.

        “I’m glad you came too..” Swift agreed as his blush deepened, due to him noticing that Twilight’s warm body was even closer to him. It was weird, having her so close to him gave him an odd feeling he couldn’t describe. Was it bliss? Excitement? Whatever it was, it was like warm butterflies in his stomach had just woken up. 

        Umm...what’s going on? Swift asked himself as he continued to stare at Twilight. Though he couldn’t see it, Twilight’s soft smile changed briefly into a look of surprise.

        I-Is Swift’s heart beating faster? she wondered as she looked at her date’s body. As if the butterflies within her own stomach weren’t already aflutter, feeling Swift’s heartbeat quite possibly made her own heart skip a beat. She thought that Swift was still dense about her advances, but could he slowly be getting it? Twilight didn’t bother to think about it, instead opting to  close her eyes once more and simply listen to the rhythm Swift’s heart gave off, to allow the moment to be absorbed into her memory; the memory of a perfect dance. The two continued their slow dance for a few minutes longer until the slow song eventually ended, once in doing so, Swift and Twilight looked at each other once more.

        “Thanks for that dance Swift. I  had a lot of fun.” Twilight said happily, with her cheeks still a bit rosey..

        “No problem Twilight, I had fun too.” Swift said, his normally cyan cheeks also looking a tad pink. “So, looks like the dance is just about over, wanna go find the others and say goodbye?” 

        “Sure, sounds like a plan.” Twilight said as she followed Swift out of the gymnasium. As they walked out, they noticed that many of the students were also taking their leaves, many of them grabbing their jackets and exiting out. Twilight spotted Rarity, Fluttershy and the rest of their friends and their dates and walked up to them. 

        “Hey you two! All danced out?” Rainbow Dash asked.

        “Yeah, I’m exhausted, I never danced that much in my entire life.” Twilight said with a tired huff. “So are you all leaving now?”

        “Not yet, Pinkie wants to get a picture with all of us together, we were just about to look for you two actually.” Rainbow explained. 

        “Ooh!! Twilight! Swift! There you guys are!!” Pinkie exclaimed happily. “Alright everybody, gather ‘round!” she ordered. With that, each of the girls and their dates got together into a small group, Pinkie reached into her hair and pulled out not only her phone, but also a stick like device with a clamp at the end. She placed her phone onto the clamp and extended the device so that it was longer. Pinkie lifted it over her and the others, making sure everyone was in the shot.  “Okie doki everybody! Say cheese!” 

        “CHEESE!!”  the group of twelve teens all said with smiles on their faces, and with a click of the camera, Pinkie had her picture. 

        “That was awesome everyone! Ooh! You know what we should all do? We should go to Sugarcube Corner for a late night treat!” Pinkie suggested. 

        “Uh Pinkie, Sugarcube Corner closes at like, nine.” Rainbow deadpanned.

        ‘Yeah, and Mac and ah gotta get up early tomorrow to work the farm.” Applejack pointed out.

        “Eeyup.”

        “Oh, okay. But we should still totally do something this weekend girls!” Pinkie exclaimed. “Anyways, I’ll catch y'all later!!” 

        And with that, Pinkie Pie ran off with Caramel in tow, leaving the others to say their goodbyes until the next time they’d see one another. 

        “Well, I’ll catch you later Thunderlane.” Swift said as he gave his best friend a fist bump. 

        “Yeah, same to you dude.” Thunderlane said as he returned the fist bump. “So, did Flash bother you and Twilight at all during the dance?”

        “No, not really. He talked to me in the beginning, but I haven’t really seen him since.” Swift said as he took a quick look around the room they were in. Nope, no matter where Swift look, there wasn’t a trace of Flash to be seen.

        “Hmm..I see, well don’t worry too much about it, I’m sure that Flash will have his jets cooled by the time we go back to school, that’s how it usually goes.” Thunderlane reminded Swift.

        “Yeah, I know.” Swift said, all too familiar with how long it takes Flash to cool off after he gets mad. 

        “Anyways, I’ll see you later bro, have a good night.” Thunderlane said as he grabbed his helmet and soon exited the building with Rainbow Dash. 

        After that point, Swift and Twilight finished saying their goodbyes to their friends and headed on back to Twilight’s house. The ride was mostly silent on account of how tired the two of them were. The two were finally able to reach Twilight’s house after about ten minutes. Both Swift and Twilight got out of the car and walked up to the doorstep. 

        “Well, here we are.” Swift said with a note of satisfaction in his voice. 

        “Mmhmm, though you didn’t need to walk me to the door, you could’ve just driven off as soon as I got out of the car.” Twilight pointed out. 

        “Yeah, I could’ve, but I dunno, I thought that this was the more gentlemanly thing to do.” Swift admitted sheepishly as he scratched the back of his head. 

        “I agree, I certainly appreciate it.” Twilight said with a soft smile on her face. 

        “Heh...well, you’re welcome.” Swift said with a goofy smile on his.  “So umm...I guess this is goodbye for now.” 

        “Yeah, I suppose it is.” Twilight agreed. 

        ‘Well, then I guess I’ll see you Monday. Goodnight Twilight.” Swift said as he began to walk off of the front porch of the house. 

        “U-Umm...Swift?” Twilight said quietly.

        “Hm? What is it Twilight?” Swift asked as he turned back to look at Twilight. He looked back quickly enough to see the lavender skinned girl come up to him and wrap her arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace. Swift fell speechless as he only looked at Twilight as she embraced him. 

        “I just wanted to let you know...that the dance we shared...it...it...I can’t describe it...it was just...it gave me a special feeling inside.” Twilight explained as she held onto Swift. 

        “A special feeling? Y-You got that from the dance?” Swift asked, somewhat stunned by Twilight’s confession.

        “I don’t think it was so much the dance...as it was being close to you.” Twilight admitted,         earning herself Swift’s stunned silence once again as she continued. “You know Swift...I never really told you how thankful I am for meeting you. Before, most guys...most people didn’t pay me much interest, I was content to just being by myself...but then I met you...and you helped me meet the girls. I know it’s only been a couple of months, but now...I find it amazing that I was able to live without having friends, I don’t think I could ever go back to that, and I don’t want to. I guess what I’m trying to say is...thank you Swift, thank you so much for being you.” 

        It took Swift a few seconds to find something to say. “N-No problem...you’re welcome Twi.” 

        Twilight loosened her hold on Swift as she looked him in the eyes. “Swift, I umm...I...I’ll...see you Monday, okay?” 

        Swift nodded. “Y-yeah, of course.” he answered back quietly.Twilight smiled as she walked back to the front door of her house. She opened the door and quickly entered her home before shutting the door for the night, leaving Swift alone on her porch. With little left to do, Swift walked back to his car, started the engine, and started the drive back to his own home, giving him time to think about what happened that night, what happened at the dance…


...and what he felt between himself and Twilight.