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// Chapter 3: First Date 
// Story: Dessert Eaters Support Group 
// by stupidhand14 
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        The golden light of an early morning sun shone through the windows of Cafe Soleil Levante. Celestia, wearing her royal attire, walked up to the building, flanked by some royal guards. Keeping up her smile, she opened the door with her magic and entered.
        “Hello,” the waitress said, writing something on a piece of paper. “How many are…..” Her voice trialed off as she looked up and saw Princesses Celestia standing in front of her. Coughing, she attempted to regain some semblance of dignity. “Where would you like to sit?”
        “Anywhere will be nice,” Celestia answered. At least she didn’t faint like some ponies do. 
        “Right this way,” the waitress commanded, before realizing what she did. “I mean, if its alright with you. To walk this way.” Awkwardly, the waitress led the princess over to a balcony table, where nopony else was. “Would you like something to drink?”
        “Yes, that would be lovely. Do you have Moonlight Jasmine Blossom tea? It’s my favorite.” The waitress’ face scrunched up as she thought.
        “I believe we do.” The waitress wrote down the order before stiffly looking back up. “Do you need anything?”
        “Could you ask the manager to come to my table? I would like to speak with him.” With a single nod, the waitress left to the back, probably to get the manager before the tea. 
        Within a few minutes, the manager was walking towards Celestia’s table, trying to straighten his suit and remove any wrinkles. He wore a toothy grin, and walked with a spring in his step.
        “Welcome, your highness.” He bowed as soon as he was close enough for normal conversation. “How may I help you this morning?”
        “I was curious. Do you have a table free tonight?” Celestia asked in her best royal voice.
        “Sure we do!” the manager answered, his smile still in place. He motioned around the cafe. “As I’m sure you’re aware, the layout will change by tonight, but I believe the seat of honor is available tonight on the highest tier.”
        The Cafe was laid out in three different patterns. In the morning, the windows were open and fresh air poured throughout the dining area. Many of the tables were set outside or on the balcony, with a more natural and relaxed theme. Often, the chairs and the tables lacked cloth, instead having diamond patterns that looked similar to a stem or flower that was made of fine rock. Breakfast was served with tea or coffee, usually with a croissant. 
        During the late morning and early afternoon, the cafe changed to lunch mode. This was the least busy time of the day for the Cafe, if what the manager said was true. The garden style tables were changed to efficient ones. Smooth wooden tables were sprayed across the room, though still lacking any ornaments. Most windows were closed, and, near the end, a faint aroma of rose could be smelt through the room. However, night is when the cafe came to life.
        Once the sun came closer to setting, the entire layout of the restaurant changed. The old tables were switched out for smooth quicksilver ones, with fine silk cloths placed over top. The floor elevated, using a complex holding mechanism, with different tiers based on the customer’s station. The bottom tier would be where most ponies sat, and would be the largest area. 
In the back of the room were three more elevated tiers. A central staircase ran up the three tiers, going all the way up to the top. The first was for businessponies, which was below the elevated section for nobility. These two sections had far more privacy, but at the peak of the mountain was a single table: the pony everypony should know. Normally, this was only for the most powerful noble or very important celebrity, though some nights it has been without anypony to sit there.
Celestia stood marvelling at the way the restaurant had come together. Though nopony knew it, she had helped get it funded, as both a donation and a test of equine ingenuity. She was still lost in thoughts for a minute, before being shaken from her thoughts by a cough.
“Yes, that would be lovely,” Celestia finally said to the worried stallion standing in front of her.
“Fantastic... Great!” He was smiling once again, recovering from a mini heart attack. “I’m sure you’ll love it.” It was at this point that a small alteration clicked in Celestia’s mind.
“Didn’t I mention that this isn’t for me, but for somepony else?” she inquired. The manager’s face fell, his eyes widening slightly. 
“I must have forgotten,” he answered. “That still won’t be a problem, I assure you. A friend of yours is always welcome here.” Celestia was forced to stifle a sigh. I didn’t say anything. I wish ponies didn’t believe I was always right.
“I’m afraid I must be going now, but perhaps next week I can make time to come and visit this establishment.” At these words, the manager perked up tremendously. 
“Of course, Princess Celestia. If you give us a forewarning, we can make it into quite the event.” She could practically see the bit bags in his eyes. Before she could tell him not to, the waitress arrived with the tea.
“Here you are, your highness,” the waitress said with eyes downcast. She placed the cup on the table, with a small pitcher to the side. “Would you like to order now?”
“My apologies, I have yet to look at the menu.” The waitress stiffened. Probably thinks she’s done something wrong. “Though I believe a small slice of baumkuchen cake would do nicely.” Take that, Luna! Can’t stop me now.
“Yes, of course.” The waitress visibly relaxed, looking up with a bit more confidence. “It will be ready within a few minutes.” A silence developed between the two. “Do you need anything else?” the waitress finally asked, trying to get herself dismissed.
“No, that will be all.” Celestia watched as the waitress left. She looked around for the manager, who seemed to have disappeared. Oh no… I hope he doesn’t go too overboard with my visit.
Celestia waited for a few moments, admiring the city she had built up over the centuries. The castle’s design was based, roughly, upon that of the Castle of the Two Sisters, though the changes made it negligible at best. Unlike the Castle of the Two Sisters, it was not designed with spellcraft in mind. Instead of having each tunnel, tower, and secret passageway support the architectural spell infrastructure, Canterlot was designed to have no such uses. It could not empower a spell, which was now a lost art. Not an accident, that.
Celestia saw the waitress approaching, cake levitating in her magic. However, she paused when she saw a small salad along with the cake. Unease filled her stomach, as she questioned the addition to her order. When the waitress approached, she put the cake on the far side of the table and the salad in front of Celestia.
Celestia was going to question why the waitress had made a mistake that bordered on the utmost ignorance, until she heard a delicate, yet forceful hoof clops coming towards her table. With a look of pure dread, she saw Luna, a cruel smile on her face and laughter in her eyes, walking towards Celestia.
“Thank you for fixing that order,” Luna said to the waitress who simply smiled and nodded before walking away very quickly. Luna turned to Celestia, who she was not yet done tormenting. “Well, come on, eat your salad. You don’t want to go hungry, do you?” Luna, a wicked smile on her face, took a bite of the cake. 





        In her private chambers, Celestia was preparing herself for her outing with Soarin. Not a date, just a friendly get together. While she was debating mentally how much makeup was too much on an illusion, she heard a knock at her door. 
Dispelling her illusion, she announced, “Come in.”
Without any hesitation, the Wonderbolt Captain and Representative burst through the doors, the self confident grin of a pro on her lips. Flying rapidly over to one of the chairs for guests, she sat, her legs sprawling in front of her.
“Hello, Spitfire.” Celestia took the seat opposite of her. “Will you come in?”
“Hey.” Spitfire entered the room, her wings tucked in. “How are you today, Celest?”
“It’s been a normal day. A few felonies committed, a monster attack, a couple of dark magicians trying to destroy the world. The usual.” Spitfire smirked, getting more comfortable. “But enough about my day, what about your’s?”
“Pretty good, just thought I should tell you, I’m retiring.”
Celestia blinked once in surprise. What...? Spitfire’s retiring? Spitfire watched as Celestia’s normally smiling face turned smooth and expressionless.
“Retiring?” Celestia inquired. “If I may ask, why? You still have many years of professional flying left.” Spitfire’s face turned into a wild grin, as if it were all part of some joke. Given that it is Spitfire, I don’t think that option is entirely ruled out.
“Not retiring from the Wonderbolts,” Spitfire explained. “I’m retiring as the Wonderbolt Representative.” She shifted in her chair slightly, trying to get comfortable. “Just thought I’d give you a bit of a heads up before I just quit on you.”
“Well then…” Celestia used her magic to open her special tea cabinet and selected. “Perhaps a final drink, as a farewell.”
“That’d be nice.” Spitfire watched as Celestia instantly made the tea, funneling magic into it as a way to give it a bit of extra heat. The tea and the water became a perfect homogenous mixture, which only the princess was capable of doing. It took centuries of practice, but she had perfected the art of tea making… and putting other seasonings in without anypony noticing.
Spitfire accepted the tea with absolute trust that it was safe to drink. The first sip proved the tea to be quite delicious, and not too hot. Spitfire, in true to nature fashion, chugged a third of the cup in one gulp, a lazy grin on her face. As soon as she brought down the cup, she began to feel something.
“This tea is very strong, just the way I know you like it,” Celestia said with a playful grin on her face.
It felt like a rising in Spitfire’s chest. It didn’t particularly hurt, but definitely unpleasant. Then her throat began to itch and burn, causing her to cough uncontrollably. A few second later, it finally reached her tongue, where it caught fire. She was burning alive from the inside, or so she thought. She flew around the room, looking for anything to help. Fortunately, her instincts kept her from drinking more of the tea, which would have only worsened her condition.
“I believe there is some water somewhere around here,” Celestia informed her. Spitfire dashed around, looking for any of the promised water. However, the only water she found was in Celestia’s fish tank, and, despite the pain, she would not give Celestia the satisfaction of seeing her drink disgusting water.
Instead, Spitfire found herself breaking out of the balcony doors and flying to the nearest raincloud and creating a short sprinkling to get enough water to drown out the fire that had erupted from within. The entire time, Celestia watched with amusement and silent laughter. Dragon Sneeze flowers make excellent tea, as long as one can handle the heat. Celestia took another sip, wondering if she had, perhaps, made it a bit weaker than her usual preference.
Spitfire flew back down into the room, her mouth still heaving and sweat plastering her coat. She gave Celestia her best face, but it only came out as something horrific. Her eyes were cold and hard, yet her smile was full of life.
“I will get you back for this,” she said simply.
“We shall see.” Celestia looked up at the clock. She would need to set the sun in 30 minutes, which would give her an hour to met Soarin for their friendly dinner. 
“You got something to do?” Spitfire asked, noticing Celestia looking at the clock. 
“I’m afraid I do.” Celestia sighed in annoyance. “I would love to talk to you more, but I have somewhere to be in an hour.”
“What, got a hot date?” Soarin asked, a devilish grin on her face. Celestia stiffened slightly, but otherwise remained still. How does she know?! And it’s not a date!
“Spitfire, I am over two millennia old…” Celestia started before being cut off.
“Some Stallions are into older ladies,” Spitfire mocked, her grin only growing wider. “Some mares too, though that’s none of my business.”
“I suppose you speak from experience, Spitfire?” Celestia quipped. Spitfire’s face froze, as she fell into Celestia’s trap. Her shock didn’t last long.
“Not me, personally,” Spitfire explained before rebounding the conversation. “But I still remember your old student’s schoolfilly crush on you.” Celestia’s mask finally broke as she remembered Twilight asking if she would be her special somepony.
“Hang on, how do you know about that?” Celestia hadn’t told anypony, and had requested both Cadence and Twilight’s parents to keep it a secret. That could only mean…
“Hey, look at the time.” Spitfire sprinted to the door. “I gotta get out of your mane. See ya later, Princess!” Spitfire took off out the door, not turning back.
“Spitfire!” Celestia called out, but it was too late. Spitfire was already down the hall, and was not inclined to turning back. She… Really?! She was the one that suggested that idea?!
Celestia required some deep breathing before finally calming down again. When she was calm and cool, she began to plan her revenge. She was halfway through her perfect plan of revenge when she realized 30 minutes had passed. Oh buck me! 30 minutes?!
Celestia went into a flurry of activity, grabbing one of her finest dresses and using magic to put it on. She didn’t require makeup, one of the many perks of being a fully realized alicorn. Without missing a beat, she set the sun and donned her disguise. It took her 25 minutes to make it across the town to Cafe Soleil Levante. Outside, wearing a very fetching jacket, was Soarin.
“Hey, Sunny!” he called out as she approached. “You sure you got a reservation?”
“Of course,” Celestia answered. “I made sure of it this morning.” Soarin, like a proper gentlecolt, held the door open for his companion. As Celestia walked into the restaurant, she was immediately bombarded with noise. It may have been a respectable restaurant, but ponies in large groups rarely made little noise. However, over the noise was a small orchestra, consisting of around six ponies. 
“Hey, I just saw someone I gotta talk to,” Soarin informed her as they walked in. “Excuse me.” Soarin, without breaking his elegant stride, moved to a nearby table and began to talk to somepony there.
Smiling, Celestia walked straight to the front desk.
“Good evening,” the waitress greeted. “How may I be of service?”
“Can we speak to the the manager?” Celestia asked. The waitress simply sighed and put down her pen.
“If you wish to ask for a donation or discuss a business venture, the manager is willing to speak to ponies in the morning.” The waitress began to write a small note on a paper in front of her. “These are the times he has available in the next week. Drop by then…”
“I assure you, this isn’t for business nor for a donation,” Celestia cut in, putting in some of her natural authority. “I simply wished to speak with him to confirm my reservation, as it was made on my behalf. Now will you kindly go get him for me?” 
The waitress visibly shrunk. Taking a breath, she looked like she was about to argue, before Soarin came back, a smile on his face.
“Hey, Sun, you got our reservation sorted out?” he asked as he approached.  Celestia simply looked at the waitress with a single eyebrow raised.
“If you will excuse me, I will go get the manager,” the waitress said, trying to maintain her decorum and composure. She trotted away while Soarin turned to Celestia with a wink and a grin.
“So, having a bit of trouble there, Sunny?” He shifted the wait on his hooves, leaning more on the desk.
“Yes,” Sun Beam answered with a sigh. Seeing her face fall, slightly, Soarin used his hoof to bring it back up.
“Hey, don’t worry about it. This is supposed to be a fun night, my treat. Even if we get a terrible table near the bathrooms, I’m sure it’ll be fine.” Celestia looked into his eyes, and time began to slow. She saw nothing but honesty; only sincerity and truth were in those beautiful, emerald green eyes. I could stay in his eyes for a long time… I can just dive into them, and stay floating in them for eternity… With a force of willpower, Celestia forced herself from looking deep into his eyes. Before she could ask any more questions, the waitress returned with the manager.
“Hello, how may I help you two?” the manager asked as soon as he could without raising his voice.
“I believe Celestia talked to you about a reservation for me?” A few awkward seconds passed as the manager stared at the couple.
“You were who she was referring to?” The manager looked a bit awkward, but otherwise unfazed by the fact.
“Yes,” Celestia answered, a hint of annoyance entering her voice. “Were you expecting somepony else?”
“Well, I’ll be honest, I was expecting a higher noble or…” the manager said before drifting off while looking at Soarin. “Oh, I see. Well, if you’ll follow me?” The manager led them past most of the tables in the main area. 
“We’re going straight for the bathroom tables,” Soarin whispered into Sun Beam’s ear, who had to stifle a laugh. However, the manager did not take them to the bathroom seats. Instead, he went up into the first level, where rich ponies sat. Soarin was mildly surprised, but not shocked.
Some business ponies looked to see the newcomers, as they could make potential business partners. However, some turned away as they saw that one of them was a Wonderbolt. Probably just a celebrity here to cause a scene, they thought. But for those still watching, surprise rang through them as the two moved on to the next tier, for the nobility. Soarin was certainly not a noblestallion, so then who was the newcomer?
All but a few nobles turned to see the new ponies coming in, and each one was filled with curiosity at the couple. Most of them recognized Soarin from the derbies, but the newcomer none had seen before. They watched with interest, wondering who they would sit near or next to. However, each one was shocked as they didn’t sit with anyone, instead walking up the remaining steps to the very peak of the area.
Gossip spread like wildfire throughout the crowd. For many of the regular ponies in the main area, they watched as somepony new and exciting went straight to the top of the pyramid, and nopony knew who it was. In the business sector, ponies were feeling out the competition, seeing who knew what and about whom. Many tried to fake knowledge, some of which was believed.
The nobility, on the other hoof, were having the most stir within their ranks. Rumors flew about the new ponies that came in. Was this a move by the Wonderbolt in a grab for power? Was he to become knighted as one princess’ champion, the first in a century? But what about the mare with him, the one he seemed to be following? She seemed to have a presence about her, so maybe a secret heiress, coming to power? As the rumor mill turned, Sun Beam and Soarin sat at their table, unaware of the ripples they had on the upper society ponies.
“What type of wine can I get for you two?” the manager asked, taking out a pen and paper. Celestia looked at Soarin, who simply quirked an eyebrow at her.
“I believe the lady should pick the wine this evening,” Soarin said, gesturing with his hoof. Celestia turned in thought, thinking of the perfect wine to order. Cold or hot, dry or wet? That is the question. After a few moments of deliberation, she looked up.
“I would like a 1002 Greyfields, preferably from Las Pegasus,” Celestia ordered. “But could you make it ice cold, rather than room temperature?” 
“We most certainly can.” The manager wrote down the order on the paper. “Will that be all for drinks?” Soarin and Sun Beam shared a look, questions in their eyes.
“No, I think we’re good,” Soarin answered for the two of them. With a single small bow, the manager went down the steps, thoughts of what he had just done going through his mind. He had, without any trouble, created fresh fodder for the rumor mill, with only him knowing the truth. He would be able to milk this for all it was worth.
Back on the highest table, Soarin was looking around.
“Wow, I gotta be honest, I didn’t think your boss would give us this great of seats, all on a whim,” Soarin confessed. “It’s pretty generous of her. Can’t say I expected from her.” 
I was the bearer of the element of generosity for several centuries. Coughing politely, Celestia changed the topic. “So, do you have any family in Canterlot?”
“Nah, my family lives in Cloudsdale. Roaming is in their winds, you know?” He smiled, pride showing in his eyes. “They’ve lived in Cloudsdale their whole lives.” His smile faded slightly as he continued. “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to continue that legacy.”
“Why not?” Celestia asked. Soarin’s smile returned, as if it had never really gone.
“I’m being reassigned to Canterlot, all expenses paid.” He looked thoughtful for a moment. “I guess you could call it a mini promotion, though really it’s because of my boss.” A few awkward moments passed as the two sat, digesting the information. “So, do you have any family in the city?”
“O-oh, no, I’m afraid I don’t,” Celestia answered awkwardly. “They live… elsewhere.” Soarin’s smile turned to a frown as he looked into her eyes. “Is something the matter?”
“Huh?” He looked around for a second, catching his bearings. “Uh, no. No, just, thought about something.” The two sat in silence again, neither one knowing what to say. Celestia was forced to open her menu to find something, anything to occupy herself with.
Come on, Celestia, you may have been out of the dating scene for while, but you can still do this… even though this isn’t a date. Totally not a date. Just have to use the same skills. Putting down the menu, she found the wine had arrived, as well as the waitress, no longer the manager.
“Do you two know what you’d like to eat?” the waitress asked respectfully. She was especially stiff and formal in posture, clearly not wanting to mess up again.
“I would like a Grentilouil Salad,” Celestia said.
“I will have a…” Soarin squinted at his menu. “Oh, woops. Um, just surprise me.” The waitress nodded and walked away, orders levitating in front of her.
“What’s wrong, Soarin?” Celestia asked. He looked a bit greener than usual, and slightly sickened.
“I nearly ordered something called ‘sushi’.” He shook his head, trying to rid himself of certain thoughts. “It seems griffons like that stuff, and it’s a part of their diet.”
Celestia simply nodded. She, of course, knew what sushi was, and had even tried some of it once, long ago. It didn’t sit well with her, and brought back memories of a darker time. 
Before the two could talk any further, they heard hoofsteps coming up the stairs. Looking over, Celestia saw Fancy Pants walking up, reading a book. When he got to the top he brought the book down, only to be faced with the two current occupants of his usual table.
“Oh, my apologies,” he said with a bow. “I had not known that this table was in use tonight.”
“You’re good,” Soarin replied with a small smile. “Don’t worry, it’ll be back for you tomorrow, Fancy. We’re just borrowing it for tonight.”
“Have no fear, it’s no trouble, really.” Fancy turned to Sun Beam, a smile on his face. “I’m afraid you have me at a disadvantage, my lady.” He bowed before her and took her hoof, kissing it. Soarin’s smile faded completely and his face became blank. Is he… jealous? “I am Duke Fancy Pants. What might your name be?”
“Sun Beam… your lordship,” Celestia said trying to sound humble. That probably wasn’t humble enough. 
“A pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Fancy looked around, at the tables below in the regular lords area. “I believe I see an open table over there. Have a good evening.” Without further adieu, Fancy Pants departed to sit near the end of the lord’s area.
“He seems nice,” Celestia teased Soarin. His face remained smooth as he watched Fancy Pants leave. After he was gone, Soarin’s smile returned.
“I swear, Fancy Pants is the only tolerable member of the nobility.” Celestia eyed Soarin, who was simply staring after the stallion in question. “At least he isn’t condescending as he plans on how to use other ponies for his own gain.”
“What do you mean?” Celestia asked. Celestia couldn’t help but think back into Fancy Pant’s past. He had been an advocate to the rights of everypony, even those who weren’t born of noble blood. He never used the same underhoofed tricks of the other nobles, and still came out ahead. He was a learned stallion, and refused to, in ignorance, form an opinion. He would never use other ponies for his own gain.
Soarin shook his head.
“Forget I said anything. Just talking to talk I guess.” He tried laughing, but only coughs came out. Adjusting his jacket, he got up from the table. “Be right back, nature’s calling.” Celestia’s hoof came to her face. 
“You can’t talk like that here,” Celestia demanded, only to have Soarin’s grin return in full force.
“Sure I can.” He took a few steps down the stairs before turning back to face her. “You’d just prefer me not to, but you can’t cage this pegasi.” In the next few moments, he made it all the way down the steps and was quickly walking towards the bathroom.





        Down in the lord’s area of Cafe Soleil Levante, Prince Blueblood was meeting with five other lords. Each of them had a wine glass in hoof, even Blueblood. They all gave a toast to the health of the princesses, and for the harmony to continue. Each of the lords pulled out books of philosophy, each of them ready to discuss the finer points of the nobility.
        However, Blueblood was distracted. He did not participate with as much enthusiasm as he usually did. His mind was, instead, focused on a meeting that he would need for later in the week. While his friends discussed and debated, he just took a long drink of his wine. 
While he was drawing in his sip, a pony tapped him on his shoulder. He turned to see one of the waitresses there, one he knew quite well.
“There are some ponies that would like to talk with you in the back room,” the waitress informed him.
“And they sent you, instead of somepony worthy of fetching me?” Blueblood turned to his friends, who had quieted down. “I’m afraid I must be pulled away momentarily.”
“Alright,” Earl Ink Quill said, “but if you’re not back by the time the dessert arrives, we’re taking your share.”
With a nod, Blueblood turned and followed the waitress, feigning reluctance. She was a teal pony with her a nice shade of dark green hair trapped in a braid. The two went into the back rooms, where private dining was allowed only for the most important of meetings. It was here that the mare’s disguise dropped. She bowed before Blueblood.
“What news?” he demanded.





        “And I’m back,” Soarin announced as he bounded up the steps, a smile gracing his face once again. “Miss me?”
        “I assume that’s a rhetoric?” Celestia quipped, her own smile growing. Sitting alone at the table had been dreadfully boring. “What took you so long?”
        “What do you mean?” Soarin’s eyes squinted slightly. “Are you under the impression that stallions don’t take long?”
        “In my experience, they take far less time than any mare.” Soarin had to bite his tongue to stop himself from laughing. Seeing this, Celestia eyed him suspiciously. “What’s so funny?”
        “I was just thinking, I have no idea what stamina you’re talking about.” Celestia moved to take a sip of her wine, stifling a sigh. “The bathroom or the bedroom .”
        It took a few moments to register what he’d suggested. After it clicked, Celestia spit out the wine she had in her mouth, some of it going up to her nostrils. Sputtering, she didn’t notice that Soarin had moved around the table and was politely tapping her back.
        “Woah, sorry about that.” He gave her an apologetic smile. “Did not mean to have you choke on me.”
        Celestia simply glared at him. Both for the crude joke and the timing of it.
        “Sorry, bad place and time?” Soarin asked.
        “Most certainly,” Celestia answered haughtily. Before she could reprimand him, a waiter arrived with their food.
        While Celestia was eating, her thoughts continued drifting to Soarin. Despite all of his… rougher edges, there was a certain humble quality to him. That joke was a little funny, Celestia admitted to herself. Not that I’d ever let him know that.





“The Council of Claimants are meeting again tonight,” the spy informed him as she rose to her hooves. “We have two ponies in place, listening in. They’re meeting in one of the lord’s estates.”
“Which lord is it tonight?”
“They are meeting at Duke Iron Vision’s manor, tonight.” 
Blueblood thought for a few moments. He could go straight to the meeting, but doing so would jeopardize his chances. He would need to handle this with tact and charisma. 
“I want a full report starting tomorrow, before 5:00 in the afternoon,” Blueblood commanded. He had a plan, but it would require all the information possible.
“Of course, my lord,” the mare replied with a bow. “What scenario are we going to use to cover up your momentary absence?”
“How about… scenario seduction?” Blueblood strode over to the waitress. He began to mess up her hair and outfit, while she did the same to his. Without warning, the spy locked lips with her superior and kept them there until Blueblood could feel his pulse pounding.  Five minutes later, they were both done. 
“Why?” Blueblood panted.
“To add realism,” the mare answered. “You can’t fake… flushed cheeks and skin… nor that smell.”
His clothes were wrinkled, and his hair was in disarray. He was flushed and breathing heavily, though he was able to keep some composure. “I hope it doesn’t cause too much of a problem with your superiors.”
“Of… of course not.” the mare took a deep breath, rearranging her uniform slightly.
“Keep me informed.”
“As you command, my lord.”
Blueblood finally said walking out into the restaurant. Without deviating, he returned to his friends who were still debating, despite the dessert being out before them.
“We saved you a slice,” one of his friends winked. Blueblood grabbed it and practically inhaled it, cooling his blood. For the next several hours, Blueblood debated heatedly with his friends, matching them point for point. Nopony brought attention to his wrinkled clothes or flushed face, or that of the waitress that he left with.





        “Thank you for the dinner, Soarin,” Celestia said as the two were walking out of the restaurant. “It was lovely.”
        “Hey, it’s not everyday I get to treat a mare to a fancy place like that.” Soarin stretched his wings. “I suppose a proper gentlecolt would offer to escort his companion home?” He reached out his hoof in a mockery of a grand gesture, expecting her to leap at the opportunity.
        “It’s a good thing you’re not a gentlecolt.” Celestia gave Soarin a wink, though he was still taken aback. 
        “So, that’s a no?”
        “I can walk myself home, though I thank you for the offer.” Celestia stood there a moment longer before beginning her walk home. Making her way through the dwindling crowds, she finally arrived to the palace and made her way back to her room, where she began getting ready for bed.
        Standing on a building outside the palace was Soarin, having followed Celestia home, despite her misgivings.
        “She stays at the palace?” he asked the wind. “What type of servant stays at the palace?”
        Shaking his head, he turned and begun the flight home.
        “And where does a servant get a dress like that?”