//------------------------------// // Chapter 5 // Story: Derpy Love // by Muffin Derper //------------------------------// “Thanks for the food Derpy. And again, sorry about last night.” “How many time do I need to tell you to stop apologizing about last night? It was my pleasure. What time should I expect you tonight?” “Is six o’clock okay?” “Yuppers, see you at six.” Twilight turned and walked away as Derpy shut the door behind her. She turned around to face Doc with a beaming smile on her face. “And yer were worried that she didn’t like ya.” Derpy glanced at Doc and rolled her lopsided eyes. “We still don’t know that Doc.” “Like hay we don’t! She came over to yer house when she was drunk off her plot.  And what was she saying? Ah yes I remember, and I quote ‘We are going to kidnap cute pony.’ If you ask me that's enough proof.” Derpy snorted as she picked up her saddlebags and headed for the door. “Well, you can keep theorising.  I’m heading to the market. See you in a few hours.” Derpy made her way out the door and headed in the direction of the market. She had a bright and cheerful smile on her face as usual, but it seemed to be even brighter this morning. Derpy was feeling good about herself today. She had company other than Doc coming over tonight for dinner. She definitely had an interesting evening last night. Even though she wouldn’t admit it to him, she agreed with what Doc had to say after Twilight left this morning. Things were looking up. It had been a while since Derpy had dated last. She was nervous about tonight, hopefully she didn’t break something. Although if you asked Derpy, tonight wasn’t a date. It was just a get together with a friend to apologize for a mishap that happened the other day. Right?  She neared her destination and started humming a tune as she made her way through the crowds. It wasn’t uncommon for ponies to stare at her, but that didn’t mean it still didn’t hurt. But Derpy was determined to not let it ruin her awsome day. As the carefree mare approached one of the stands she felt a hoof tap her shoulder. “Derpy dear, can I have a moment with you please?” Derpy turned around to find that it was Rarity who had tapped her. “Yuppers, what's up Rarity?” “It’s about Twilight. You see she has no idea what she’s doing, and she might do something, well, stupid. So try not to be too hard on her please.” Derpy gave Rarity a blank stare and cocked her head to the side. “Ummm okay? I wasn’t planning on it, but thanks for the heads up. It can’t be any worse than something I might do.” Rarity started to nervously laugh at the statement. “Oh darling, you have no idea. Anywho, just wanted to give you a heads up. Good luck tonight!” Rarity trotted off into the crowd and left Derpy standing there puzzled. That was weird. The gray mare shook her head and continued with her shopping. A tall dark blue Alicorn was pacing back and forth in her room mumbling to herself. The door to her room opened and in walked her sister. She walked up to her smaller sibling with a concerned look on her face. “Lulu what is going on?” “I just don’t understand the world anymore. Nothing makes any sense!” Luna kicked her bed in frustration causing it to slide to the other side of the room and knock some things off the wall. “Come on let us take a walk through the gardens.” Luna looked up at Celestia. “How is that going to help me?” Celestia walked up to her sister a wrapped one of her wings around the dark blue mare. “Just humor me, Lulu.” The two made it to the balcony and jumped off. Each glided down to the gardens below. “I guess I’ve been overlooking things when it comes to you.” Luna looked up a Celestia in confusion. “I don’t get your meaning Tia.” “Well, I thought you were adjusting to your new life fairly well. I mean yes, a lot has changed over the thousand years you were away. But you seemed all right.” “Tia, this isn’t your fault. Yes, I am adjusting well. But I do from time to time find myself having difficulty understanding some of today’s customs. I’m just happy I have finally gotten down today's speech.” “Well, what is troubling your mind then?” “You’re going to laugh at me.” Celestia nudged her sister gently in the neck. “There is a time and place for playful banter, but it is not now.” “Well, I’m having trouble getting this mare’s attention. She is oblivious to anything I try to do.” “If the rumors I hear are true, you need to tone down the protective side of you. You might be scaring her.” “But I don’t understand. I thought ponies liked to know you can protect them.” Luna’s face contorted. “Blast these new ideals.” “Lulu, in a sense this is still true, but you can get carried away sometimes.” Luna gasped in shock with one of her hooves over her mouth. “I do not!” Celestia gave her sister a blank stare. “Liar you just did it. Always overly dramatic.” Luna scoffed at her sister. “Well, I only learned from the best.” “Oh did you? I wonder who this mischievous pony is.” Celestia playfully looked left to right before erupting into laughter with her sister. “Look Lulu, all you need to do is tell this mare how you feel. It’s that simple.” “Spike are you ok with staying with Applejack again tonight? Because I can canc-” Spike was pushing Twilight out the door. “I’m fine!  Go have your date. Celestia knows you need to socialize more.” “That’s not fair, Spike.  I do socialize.” Spike rolled his eyes at Twilight. “Your friend’s don't count. You don't have dates with them. Go have fun.  I’ll be fine.” Spike started walking in the direction of Applejack’s house. Twilight turned around and headed into town. As she walked, she felt a funny feeling in her stomach. It caught her off guard as this was a feeling she had never felt before. As she walked through town she came upon a store that had a sign hanging out front with a wine bottle and whiskey jug on it. She pushed open the door and walked inside. Berry Punch greeted her. “And how may I help you today Miss Sparkle?” “I have a dinner date tonight and I’ve been told it's customary to bring something along.” “Hmm, a nice wine would be what you want. Can I make a recommendation?” “Yes please, I have no idea what to get.” Twilight nervously smiled at Berry Punch. “Alright, I’ll be right back.” Berry walked through a pair of curtains hanging behind the counter. A moment later she reappeared with a bottle held in between her teeth. “This will knock him off his feet.” Twilight turned a shade of dark purple. “It’s actually a mare.” She shuffled her front hooves in place. Berry cracked a grin. “Don’t worry, I prefer the mares myself as well. That’ll be five bits.” Twilight pulled out the bits and set the bottle in her saddlebags. “Thank you.” Twilight turned around and walked out the door as she head for Derpy's house. After a few minutes of walking Twilight had reached Derpy’s house. Here goes nothing. Twilight walked up to the door and knocked. Derpy answered the door. She had her mane pulled back and held in place by a bow. Twilight's cheeks turned a dark shade of purple. “Hiya Twilight, come on in.” Derpy stepped aside to let Twilight in. “I picked this up on the way here. I hope you like it.” Twilight pulled the wine bottle out of her saddlebag with her magic. “Oooooo, happy juice! Thanks Twilight.” Derpy grabbed the bottle with her mouth and bounced happily back into the kitchen. With a loud pop, Derpy uncorked the bottle and started to pour it into some wine glasses. “Don’t worry about me tonight lassie, I’m heading out. I’ll probably be out until morning.” Derpy stuck her head around the corner. “But I bought enough food to make for three. What am I supposed to do?” “Still make it, I have confidence you two will eat it all. I mean you are cooking it Derpy.” Derpy gave doc the stink eye for a few seconds before replying. “This is true. All right, just be careful out there.” “I will, lassie. Have fun.” Doc tipped his hat and walked out the door. Derpy mumbled something to herself. “Anyway, do you want a glass Twilight?” “Yes, please.” Twilight walked into the kitchen and picked up her glass. “What should we toast to?” Twilight stood there looking into Derpy’s golden googly eyes and without realising it spoke. “To having dinner with a beautiful mare.” Twilight froze and her eyes went wide. Derpy started to choke on her wine and nearly dropped her glass. “Derpy, are you alright?” Derpy nodded her head. “...Twilight, did you mean that?” Twilight’s cheeks went deep purple, and she shuffled her front hooves around. She sheepishly looked to the ground. “Well, I didn’t mean to say that aloud, but that doesn’t mean it is any less true. Oh wait, don’t tell me I misread the situation!? Oh no no no no no, stupid pony stupid pony!” “Twilight.” Twilight started to pace the floor while shaking her head. “How could I be so stupid to thi-” Derpy walked up to Twilight and cut her off with a gentle kiss on the lips. After a few moments they parted their lips. Derpy looked into Twilight's deep violet eyes. “I feel the same way about you.”