//------------------------------// // Ch. 6: Summer Sun Celebration pt.3 // Story: Love (and other things) in Prance // by Phoenix Heart 27 //------------------------------// Sunrises in Prance were generally rather beautiful but this one seemed almost hypnotic in it's splendor. The quartet of creatures marveled in it as they went about celebrating that morning at Le Café de Chat Brun. Ocean Storm flittered around rapidly as he and Roseblossom went about the restaurant cleaning and getting everything ready for Ocean's family's traditional Summer Solstice party that was to take place that night. “Alrighty, well...that just about handles everything except food, but you and père have that covered. Right mère?”, Ocean Storm asked as he got done hanging the small banner outside the café. “Qui! We’re going to need your help too Ocean. You need to be here at 5 o'clock sharp to help set up.”, Sweet Treat replied to her son as she came out with a tray of cookies and lemonade for him and his friends. “Bien sûr, maman. Je serai ici ce soir pour mettre en place.”, Ocean replied as he landed. As they continued discussing the prep, Rose and Paint cleaned the tables and swept the floors all while talking about the upcoming party. “S-so let me get this straight. They have this MASSIVE party here at the café every summer solstice?!”, Paint stated in amazement. “Yes, It's a rather fun tradition of theirs to throw a huge party every solstice. There’s also a small talent show they hold for the young generations and this year just happens to be our year at last!”, Roseblossom laughed as she finished setting a table. Ocean flew back in as they were talking and spun around in mid-air as he threw flowers into vases. “Yep. Ooohh! Paintball, mon amie, of course you are invited as well. Family and friends are all welcome to our second-biggest party of the year!” Ocean started. “And of course you’re welcome to showcase anything at ze talent showcase *gasp* you could even play your violin!", Ocean finished slightly out of breath. Paint Smear thought that over for a second. It had been a while since he publicly performed for anypony...and it would give him a chance to brush up on his skills once again. “What the hay? I might as well right?!”, Paint Smear accepted happily. “That’s ze spirit Paint! You are in for an unforgettable night of food and fun you’ll see!”, Ocean replied excited. *8 hours later…* The entire café was lit up in beautiful lights as ponies from various places, both old and young filed into the restaurant and part way into the park. The celebration was in full swing once somepony finally got the stereo going. Paint and Rosie had only just walked in when they were instantly hoofed some sparkling apple cider (courtesy of Brick). “So glad you two decided to come!”, Brick said above the noise as he lead the two towards the stage area. When they got there, that’s when Brick noticed Paint carrying two cases. One large and one small. “So I see you decided to do ze talent show.”, Brick said noting the cases. “Well Ocean and I are doing it. He just asked me to pick up his guitar while we were on our way. And yes, I’m playing my violin tonight.”, Paint replied. Brick laughed as Paint signed his name on the list of performers (his was first, to his shock). Well...looks like you and he are up first then!”, Rose laughed. “It looks like it-”, Paint started as he saw Ocean approach them with two plates of food on his wings. “-Bonsoir everypony! Here you two, eat up!”, Ocean said rapidly as he hoofed the plates of food to Rose and Paint. Paint and Rosie ate in relative silence as they watched ponies dance and just having a grand time. After some time, Roseblossom got up and excused herself to the restroom. Then Ocean heard a pony on the loud speakers say that it was almost time for the talent show.Ocean appeared out of nowhere and literally threw Paint over his shoulders and bolted towards backstage. *backstage* “Okay first, Damn! I did not know you were that strong?!? Second, bro. Seriously, chill out. Remember, I’ll be right there next to you. After all, we’re doing the same song...just on different string instruments. Plus...believe me as out-of-practice as I am with my violin...you’ll sound a hell of a lot better!”, Paint reassured his friend as they got on stage to perform.** *Some time later…* As Ocean Storm and Paint Smear packed their instruments and left the stage, they were met with massive hugs from their significant others respectively. “‘Stormie' that was beautiful! Oh I’m so happy right now!”, Brick said teary-eyed as his coltfriend hugged him close. While Brick was busy praising his colt. Roseblossom decided to praise hers (albeit...with a bit more dignity than Brick). “So….before it’s said, I did warn you guys that I was out of practice.”, Paint said. “Okay...when were you going to tell me you were a violin prodigy?!?! Seriously that was the second most amazing thing I’d ever heard in my entire life!”, Rose said as she hugged him. Paint hugged her back as the rest of the performers went on. Eventually the last performer was ushered off the stage and the party was starting to kick up a bit more. More ponies were dancing, eating and just celebrating the official start of summer. By the time it reached 2 am Ocean had already taken a rather drunk Brick home and Paint and Rose decided things were getting a bit too wild and they left to go sit in the park for a bit. *In the park…* Paint and Rose sat/lay down underneath their tree. They just talked back and forth about some of the best summer experiences they’ve had in the past. All was good until Rose asked him something. “*giggle* okay...wow! That is pretty crazy. Getting your entire head stuck in a banister while squirting water guns...that’s…*laughs*...really funny!”, Rosie laughed. “Yeah. Took my brother and two of my friends an hour to get my head unstuck.”, Paint finished. Rosie’s laughs died down as she then thought about something. “Hey Paint. I just realized that...well with most of your stories were about things either you and your brother did or you and your great-aunt did together...what about things with your parents?”, Roseblossom asked curiously. At her question, Paint Smear visibly froze. He tried to think of what to say without tearing up. He then slowly exhaled then answered. “...well...you see...my parents...they...they…*sigh*...they died when I was 3. My brother and Great-aunt raised me.”, Paint replied. A single tear rolled down his cheek. Rosie saw the tear and kissed it away. “Oh Paint. I-I had no idea...though I guess I can empathize with you on that subject. You see, I myself was orphaned as a foal. I dealt with such horrible conditions in the 3 orphanages I was in before getting adopted when I was 8.”, Rose admitted to a slightly shocked Paint. “Oh...my sweet Roseblossom. I-I had no-”, Paint started. “-I know...it’s okay. Really I think my past is what truly molded me into the mare I am today. The same might be true for you as well Paint.”, Rose said as she hugged him close. Paint still crying slightly as she held him.Absentmindedly, she started to hum a song she had been working on. “W-what’s that?”, Paint asked. “What? That song I was humming? Oh...just something I had wrote a while back and am still working on.”, Rose replied. “It sounded nice. Can I hear more?”, Paint asked. Rose smiled as she started singing.*** *After she finished* Paint lay there in complete shock from what he just witnessed. “I know, I know it was pretty bad and I still need to wo-”, Rose started before a muzzle pressed against hers cut her off abruptly. She at first was surprised by the forwardness of the kiss but she slowly returned it. After a few minutes Paint broke the kiss and smiled at a slightly dazed Rosie. “T-that was beautiful. That had to have been one of the best songs I’d ever heard. Of course I’d expect nothing less from the best songstress in all of Prance!”, Paint exclaimed in happiness. To which Rose blushed and laughed before kissing him lightly on the nose. “You really know how to sweet talk a mare don’t you?”, Rose smirked. “Heh! The only mare I’d do that to is you mon amour.”,Paint said as they nuzzled and cuddled under their tree.