Life in the Fast Lane

by TheAmazingMe

Por Una Cabeza

"Div, we're going to be late!" I called up the stairs. "Don't they teach you anything about punctuality in the military?"

"Ha." My husband replied. I was beginning to regret installing a full length mirror in the upstairs hall. "I can put on armor half-asleep. A three-piece suit with all the works takes finesse and care."

"Well, finesse your way downstairs so I can take care of the works as we walk." It was silly to stand around and wait when I could magic up the details in the carriage. "The reservation is less than half an hour away and we'll be at least that long by cab." I yelled, grateful that I'd seen to taking Bruiser over to my parent's house early.

Tapping a hoof on the banister impatiently, I debated charging upstairs and bringing him down magically. I was just about to do so when I heard hoofsteps on the stairs. "You're such a clotheshorse sometimes. Which is funny, considering how you don't usually wear clothes--"

As he rounded the landing, the words stopped themselves in my throat. The white suit matched his mane perfectly and his light blue coat popped in the light. His every step exuded confidence and poise. The suit fit him closely, yet comfortably; the tailoring brought attention to his slim physique and powerful legs. His tail swished, the only clue I had to his excitement as he waited for my approval.

This was Sogni diVolare, my dream come true. He descended the stairs like an angelic pony would descend from the heavens. Well, a maddening angel maybe, especially with his trademark grin and wicked sense of humor. "You went with the silver suit, eh?"

I resisted smoothing my front down as I felt his gaze on my apparel. His mother, the designer Progetta diVolare, was in the habit of gifting us suits when the mood struck her. Her uncanny ability to measure ponies at a glance never failed and she surprised us more often than not. "Doesn't it look okay?" I asked, a bit nervous. I'd been unsure of the suit as it looked a bit flashy, but I put extra effort to tame my mane and tail. Runic's shampoos had done wonders on my mane.

His hoof caressed my face. "You look wonderful, Ly. Like a prince in a fairy tale."

I shook my head. "You're my prince."

He rolled his eyes. "The reservation?"

"I have no reservations saying that, as cheesy as it sounded." I admitted.

He tapped my forehead. "No, Life, at the restaurant?" He reminded me.

I facehoofed. We didn't have time for daydreaming! "Oh right."

Some wish-granting force got us to Del Posto Cavallino with five minutes to spare. The Maitre'D showed us to a table close to the kitchen, but out of the way enough to be comfortable. Service was relaxed, but attentive. The lighting and atmosphere was decidedly romantic and casual. We were probably a little overdressed, but this night wasn't about watching other ponies.

Tonight, there was only one pony I had to worry about.

"I have to ask, are you going to be safe on this diplomatic mission?" The question burned in my mind. I'd read of a mission to one of the Griffon nations that ended in a deadly confrontation a few months ago. Back then it hadn't meant much to me other than outrage that anygriff would try to harm Princess Luna. Now, it brought home the dangers of a loved one in service.

"As safe as I would be anyplace else." Div answered, none-too-comfortingly. "The ponies we deal with are peaceful and have a strong connection with Princess Luna. I don't think there'll be any trouble, but I have to be prepared if there is."

I sighed. "You won't do anything especially bone-headed, will you?"

"You know me." Div said with a smile.

I nodded. "That's why I asked."

"Oh, ha-ha." He deadpanned. "I should be more worried about you. Out of the two of us, you seem to get yourself into more trouble than your average Royal Guard."

I opened my mouth to protest, but then realized he had a point. "Ugh, that's it. I'm staying home and going to Colteau's studio and that's it until you get back."

Div laughed. His laughter was easily in my top ten favorite things in the world. "There's a dance floor." He pointed out.

I looked over to see a few couples dancing to a sweet waltz. The musicians were good, especially the cellist. "We've already ordered, so I think we can squeeze in a dance."

Div laughed as we stood. "Feel free to squeeze more than that, if the mood strikes you."

I blushed. "Ugh, you and public displays of affection."

"Affection, arousal, whatever inspires you." He said as we stepped on the dance floor. Div went over to make a request of the band and returned to me as the last notes of the waltz dissipated.

When the new song started, I rolled my eyes. A very familiar tango began and Div and I reared on our hind legs to dance it together. "Really? Por Una Cabeza?" I said, smiling. We'd learned a few classical dances together. There was a more spirited tango, yet Div usually insisted on this one.

As the piano joined in with great aplomb, we demonstrated the best tango on the floor. "Remember when we first danced together, that time neither of us got a date?"

I smiled. "I seem to recall you being a bit more upset about that prospect at the time."

"I was worried. Worried you'd reject me and leave me on the dance floor." He admitted.

I shook my head as he dipped me. "Well, your worries were unfounded." The music softened and we drew close together.

"Try to remember that next time you're worried and I'm not around." He quipped directly into my ear. "That dance meant more to me than you probably realized."

With a glance, I noticed the other dancers clearing the floor. So many eyes were on us. But the stallion I loved had me in his hooves. My breath hitched a bit as I looked into his captivating amber eyes. The only eyes in the room that mattered.

It never ceased to amaze me how long we'd both been attracted to each other. "Even back then? When I was a little emotional storm?"

"Back then. Now. Always." He replied. The music picked back up again and so did the passion in our dance. My hooves traced down his sides and back up again. He dipped and lifted me. Our hooves interlaced, intertwined and then just as suddenly, we pulled away only to rejoin again with a twirl. At the end, we executed a series of spins and lifts and finished with our bodies pressed together. We held the pose, the angle at which he'd dipped and yet remained with me was a bit more severe than I'd anticipated. He planted a small kiss on my neck and slowly righted us.

The world returned around us, with our audience applauding us. A few even let out a few cheers, though they were polite enough considering the venue. Div pointed out our waiter to me and I realized how hungry I was now, especially with such a workout. Walking side by side we returned to our table and thanked our waiter.

As our waiter left, a unicorn mare came to our table excitedly. "Signores. Forgive my interruption, but I must commend you on your dance. It was quite beautiful to see two stallions with such equal passion." Her accent was slightly Bitalian, although enriched by her alto tones. "My name is Carina Locale and this is my restaurant."

"It is a pleasure to meet you." Div said warmly.

She waved a hoof. "The pleasure is all mine. Consider your drinks and dessert on the house. If you find yourselves able to stand after your meal, we'd be honored if you have another dance in you."

We laughed. "We'll see, Signora Locale. Considering what I know of Bitalian restaurants, that may be easier said than done!"

She set her hoof on Div's shoulder and laughed with us. "You have that right! Enjoy your meal."

"Thank you!" I replied as she left.

"Anytime, mio cavallino." She replied as she retreated.

I took a sip of water to freshen my throat and looked across the table at my husband. "This might be my new favorite restaurant." I admitted.

"Remember that when we do our budget. I'm sure anyplace that serves eight course meals is bound to be quite an expenditure."

"Worth it." I said, taking a bite of the salad. Closing my eyes to savor the taste, I swallowed and took another drink. "Well worth it."

Author's Note:

Formerly titled 'Volare.' I've decided to change this because a later event matches up better with that title.

Comments

[TheAmazingMe]

You might recognize the music from any number of movies. I first head it in True Lies.

[Grekoy]

Oh my Luna that was great. I blushing like crazy while reading this.

[Skarsnik]

Rofl eight course meal. that crazy :)