The Winter Formal
The eight of them were in awe as they piled in. The inside of the limo was spacious enough for all of them to stretch out and still have room between them. The lights inside were cycling through different colors. Pinkie synced her phone to the car's speakers and played her get psyched mix in the background.
"This is awesome!" Rainbow exclaimed. "I can't believe our parents did this."
"Look what else they provided." Rarity was holding a bottle and glasses.
"They got us champagne?" She said excitedly.
"Well, no. But it's the next best thing." She turned the label to face the others. "Sweet Apple Acre's Sparkling Apple Cider!"
"That's even better!" Rainbow exclaimed.
The girls laughed and talked excitedly the whole ride to the restaurant sipping flutes of sparkling cider. They had made reservations at a family owned, Italian restaurant that was very popular. The inside was decorated with beautiful paintings and pictures of Italy. The lighting inside set the mood for a romantic evening.
The food was incredible, and the owner made it a point to stop by every table to greet the guests and see how everything tasted. When he got to their table, Twilight couldn't help but ask a few questions.
"How long has your family owned the restaurant?"
"About forty years. All they had to start was a handful of family recipes, but they were determined to make it work. They handed it off to me when my dad 'retired'." He told them.
"Why the air quotes?" Pinkie asked.
"Well on paper he's officially retired, but that doesn't stop him from coming in on occasion to cook. The man can't stand to not be working."
The table smiled and chuckled.
"Thank you for checking in on us, the food is delicious!" Twilight said.
"Thank you." He looked around the table. "Mind if I ask what the occasion is?"
"It's our winter formal." Rarity chimed in. "We're heading there after dinner."
"What school do you all attend?" He asked.
"Canterlot High." Applejack offered.
"Go Wondercolts!" Rainbow cheered.
The man smiled. "That's my alma mater. Anyway, I'll get out of your hair. Enjoy your evening."
They finished their meals, savoring each bite. Each couple ordered a dessert to split before requesting their checks. Once the checks were settled, they left a generous tip and made their way out to the limo. On the way, the owner gave them a final nod and wave, wishing them a good night.
"That was a fantastic dinner." Fluttershy said.
"I know, this night just keeps getting better and better." Sunset said. "I'm on a date with my beautiful girlfriend, my friends are all around me, and I'm going to my first dance! Can it get any better?"
"I think I can help." Twilight said before pulling her into a kiss.
This was met with a chorus of "awes" followed by laughter as Sunset stared in stunned silence.
"Where did that come from?" She asked after she regained her composure. "Normally I'm the one who takes action."
"I'm just really happy tonight. It's given me some extra courage I guess." Twilight responded a little sheepishly.
"I like it." She kissed Twilight, then addressed the others. "So what should I expect? I've never been to one of these before."
"Don't worry darling, just have fun.” Rarity chimes in. “They'll play a mixture of slow and fast songs, we'll get our group and couples pictures taken. Then we'll dance the night away. We all had a grand time at the fall formal."
"Maybe you did. I kept tripping over my dress! It was so embarrassing! That's why I went with a tux this time." Rainbow said.
"Aww ah thought it was cute seein' you outta your element. But ah have to admit, you clean up real nice." She hugged Rainbow's arm and laid her head on her shoulder.
They arrived at the school, the driver opened the door to allow them out. They thanked him and walked through the door. After a short walk they were in the gymnasium, which had been decorated to look like a winter wonderland.
"It's gorgeous!" Rarity gushed. "I can't believe this is the same place we have gym class!"
"It really is incredible what they were able to do." Fluttershy agreed.
"How do you all feel about getting our picture now while there's not a whole lot of people here?" Cheese asked.
They all voiced their agreement and made their way back to the hall where the photographers were set up. They got their couples pictures taken first, taking turns posing romantically for the camera. After the last couple was finished they got in the short line for the group photo.
Sunset was spacing out, looking around the hall at the different trophies and pictures that lined the walls when she saw Sonata walk through the door with Flash Sentry. Sonata seemed to be genuinely enjoying herself, the two were holding hands and smiling.
Sunset was about to wave to them, when she saw Aria and Adagio walk in behind them. Their dates looked considerably less thrilled to be there. Aria was accompanied by Rarity's ex boyfriend. Blue Blood seemed very timid as Aria was leading him by his tie, and not in a playful way.
What did she do to him? Sunset thought.
Adagio's date just looked miserable, and for good reason. Sunset recognized her instantly with a pang of guilt, remembering how she used to bully the poor girl with Adagio and the others. Trixie looked completely downtrodden and uncomfortable. She obviously didn't want to be there. Sunset's heart went out to her. She was brought back to the present by Twilight tugging on her hand.
"Come on, it's our turn." She said.
"Right." She stole one last glance at Trixie.
After their group pictures they all headed to the dance floor. There weren't a lot of people yet as it was still early. On either side of the DJ table, projected on screens, was a slideshow of the pictures the students had given to the yearbook club. The eight of them danced their hearts out during the fast songs that played. Sunset felt herself falling for Twilight even more as she watched her completely uncoordinated dance moves, not caring who saw her. After several fast songs the first slow song started, Sunset held Twilight close, pressing their foreheads together, swaying to the music playing over the speakers.
"Thank you Twilight." Sunset said.
"For what?" She responded with a smile.
"For giving me a chance, even after everything in my past."
"You don't have to thank me. I'll always stand by you." She kissed Sunset. "For as long as you'll have me."
They held each other and shared another kiss as the song faded out. The first few notes of the next song played, causing Fluttershy to cry out.
"I love this song!"
She took Rarity by both hands and walked backwards, rolling her shoulders playfully. The other couples watched this display with a mix of confusion and laughter.
"Where did this come from?" Sunset asked.
"I don't know." Rainbow chuckled. "I mean she came out of her shell a little at the last dance, but nothing like this."
"Ah think it's 'cause she and Rarity are a lot closer now, so she's more comfortable and outgoing."
"That must be it." Twilight agreed, watching Fluttershy dance on Rarity.
The others quickly fell into the groove of the music dancing along with their friends. As the song was drawing to a close Sunset saw Trixie sitting alone, head resting on her hands. She thought for a moment before turning to Twilight.
"Hey, I'll be right back babe."
"Okay." She responded.
Sunset approached Trixie, her nervousness growing with each step.
"Hey, long time no see..." she said awkwardly.
Trixie drew back when she saw who the voice came from. "Y-Yeah..."
They looked away from each other awkwardly. "So um, where's Adagio?"
Trixie looked at her quizzically.
"I saw the two of you come in to get your pictures taken."
"Oh. Well I have no idea, I turned away for a second and she was gone. So, here I am, dateless at a dance I didn't even want to come to."
"Im sorry… How did you wind up coming with her anyways?"
"She told me we were coming together, and that I didn't have-" Trixie stopped mid sentence. "wait, what do you care? You were just as cruel as she was."
"That's one reason why I came over to talk to you." She paused, gingerly taking a seat beside Trixie. "I'm so sorry for everything I did. I was stupid and cruel. I never should have been so mean to you. You did nothing wrong. I was going through some stuff, and I know that's no excuse, but I just wanted you to know how truly sorry I am."
Trixie was taken by surprise at how sincere she seemed, though she still had her reservations.
"You said that was one reason?" She asked.
"Yes, I also wanted to see if you wanted to come hang out with me and my friends. I'm sure they'd welcome you with open arms."
"Really? There's no ulterior motive? You're not going to lure me over there just to humiliate me?"
"Absolutely not, just extending a friendly gesture to start trying to making amends. What do you say?" She extended her hand.
Trixie hesitated before taking it with a slight smile. "Sure, why not?"
The two made their way to the group that was in full swing dancing along to the music. Before they reached the group Sunset turned to Trixie.
"Do you still practice your magic?" She asked. "I hope I didn't discourage you when I was bullying you. You were really talented, I was actually pretty jealous."
This made Trixie smile a little more. "You could never stop the Grrrreat and Powerful Trixie from perfecting her craft!"
Sunset chuckled. "I'm glad. Let me introduce you to everyone."
She went around the circle introducing everyone to Trixie finishing with Twilight.
"-and this is my girlfriend Twilight. Everyone, this is Trixie Lulamoon."
"You may also know me as the-"
"The Great and Powerful Trixie!" Rainbow said excitedly. "We've seen you perform around the Meadow Lane park! Once you even made the card I chose appear lodged in the tree behind us! How did you do that?"
Blushing, Trixie folded her arms confidently. "A good magician never reveals her secrets."
"So who's your date tonight?" Fluttershy asked, hugging Rarity from behind, swaying to the music.
"Are we sure that cider wasn't alcoholic?" Pinkie joked.
"Positive, I'm just excited to be out with everyone." Fluttershy said, kissing Rarity's cheek.
"I don't mind it one bit." Rarity said, returning the kiss. "Sorry dear, we interrupted you."
"No, you're good. I came with Adagio Dazzle."
Everyone tensed up at the delivery of that news, because Sunset had told them about her previous involvement with the trio of bullies.
"Don't worry, she abandoned me shortly after we got here... that sounded super depressing. It's really fine that she did, I didn't want to come with her in the first place."
"Then why did you?" Pinkie asked.
"Well... honestly, she scares the crap out of me. She told me we were going together and I didn't argue."
She told them about her past interactions with Adagio and the others, including the fact that it was how she met Sunset.
"Well yer more than welcome to hang out with us." Applejack said.
"Thank you. I think I'll take you up on that offer." Trixie agreed.
Trixie was a welcome addition to their group that night. She meshed really well with everyone, telling them about new tricks she was working on, and her own little group of friends, all while dancing just as hard as the rest. She was very well versed in the different line dances that played, much to the delight of everyone else. When the next slow song started, Pinkie and Cheese let her dance with them, making sure she kept feeling included.
"I'm going to go get some punch, do you want any?" Sunset asked Twilight as the next song started up.
"Yes, thank you." She responded.
Twilight sat next to Trixie on one of the bleachers at the edge of the gym.
"I'm glad Sunset invited you to hang out with us." Twilight told her.
"So am I." Trixie told her. "She even apologized for everything before she did so. She really has turned over a new leaf since I last saw her. It's nice to see her being nice to people. I don't know what you did to make her change, but keep it up."
"I haven't done much. She made the change before I met her, but I like to think I've helped a bit." She smiled.
"What are you two talking about?" Sunset said, seeing the two talking she had poured a third glass for Trixie.
"Just about how you've changed," Twilight said honestly. "and whether or not I had anything to do with it."
"You absolutely did." She handed the glasses out. "You really make me want to be a better person, to be someone you could be proud to be with."
"You are someone I'm proud to be with." She kissed Sunset tenderly.
The two gazed into each other's eyes before remembering Trixie was still sitting next to them. Both girl's cheeks became hot.
"Sorry, we're normally not this lovey-dovey in public." Twilight apologized.
Trixie laughed. "Don't worry about it, I think it's cute."
Just then the familiar notes of Sunset and Twilight's song played over the speakers. Twilight beamed at Sunset, who was already standing with an extended hand.
"We'll be right back Trixie." Twilight said as she walked with her date.
"Take your time. I'm a little danced out for a minute." She watched them go, still blown away by the difference in Sunset's personality.
Sunset guided Twilight to an open space on the dance floor.
"I can't believe they're playing our song." Twilight mused.
"I may or may not have requested it when I was getting punch." She winked as she guided Twilight into a twirl.
"I thought you were gone a little too long." She said as she returned back to Sunset's waiting arms.
"I couldn't let the opportunity to dance with you to our song slip by. It's the perfect topper to a perfect night with a perfect girl."
Twilight blushed profusely as she felt butterflies flit around her stomach. "Sunset Shimmer, I think I'm falling for you."
Sunset dipped Twilight gracefully. "I've already fallen for you."
More butterflies joined the others when they locked eyes as Sunset raised her back up.
"Sunset... I lo-"
"Look at me when I'm talking to you!" Sunset yelled, her voice seeming to come from all around.
"What?" Twilight said out loud.
She looked at Sunset, who was standing rigid, her eyes wide.
"I am!" Said a voice on the verge of tears.
"With both eyes!" The other Sunset said.
Twilight looked in the direction of the screens and saw projected on them was a video of a blonde girl, whose eyes were crossed, unable to make both of them focus on the girl in front of her. The second girl was turned away from the camera, but had a familiar head of yellow and red hair. That clip along with a few others of her bullying that same girl played on a loop as the principals and other faculty frantically tried to get the video feed cut.
The room was deathly silent. As the video cycled angry whispers began to crop up in the crowd. Sunset stood frozen in place, feeling every angry eye on her. Unable to take it anymore she turned to leave the area but was stopped by Trixie standing in her way.
"It was you? You're the reason she left school?" Trixie said with rising anger. "I should have realized it, but she never told me. Did you threaten her if she told anyone?"
"Trixie, it wasn't just-" her words were cut short by a sharp slap across her cheek.
Trixie stormed off. Sunset couldn't blame her for being angry. Her ear was ringing from the strike, she was vaguely aware of what was going on around her. Her mind was racing, imagining her friends abandoning her, being ostracized by the school. What she was worried most about though, was losing Twilight.
The teachers were able to cut the video, the voice of Principal Celestia over the speakers snapped Sunset back to reality.
"Students, we are sorry for the interruption to your evening we will have the music back up soon. In the meantime talk amongst yourselves, enjoy the refreshments and rest assured, we will find whoever was responsible and they will be punished."
Twilight squeezed Sunset's hand. Sunset pulled away, fighting back tears as she walked toward the exit. Just before she was going to cross the threshold of the gym Adagio and Aria stepped in front of her.
"You should have accepted my offer. I warned you. I told you I would ruin you." She said with a truly wicked sneer.
Sunset brushed past her, resisting the urge to sock her in the face.
Twilight observed the interaction between the two as she was following Sunset out of the gym. She glared at Adagio as she passed.
"Have fun with her. She's used goods anyway." Adagio said coldly.
Twilight stopped in her tracks. She turned on her heel and faced Adagio.
"Don't come near Sunset ever again. She's done with you."
Adagio leaned in close. "You think that tough talk scares me? Run along little mouse."
"She may not scare you but how about us." Rainbow said from right behind her.
The other six were standing with their arms crossed, wearing various looks of anger.
"Stay away from our friend!" Rainbow said more sternly.
Adagio swallowed hard, but kept her face stern. "Whatever, picking on Sunny isn't even fun anymore. Come on Aria, let's go dance."
She tried to shoulder check Applejack, but AJ stood strong and was unphased. They followed after Twilight. She had caught up with Sunset, who was now sitting against the wall, her knees held to her chest.
Twilight sat next to her and rubbed her back. At her touch Sunset broke down into quiet sobs. Twilight wrapped her in her arms.
"I'm so sorry." Twilight said after a few minutes.
"Don't apologize." She responded after she was calmer. "I was the one who did those terrible things."
"She didn't have to show your past mistakes to the whole school though." Twilight clenched her fist. "She's just such... she's a... what a bitch!"
Sunset couldn't help but laugh.
"What?" Twilight said, dealing with her own laughter.
"It's just weird to hear you curse." She wiped her eyes. "Thank you."
"She has a point dear, it's very unbecoming of you." Rarity said, alerting the couple to their presence. "Such language is more suited for someone like Rainbow Dash."
"Hey!" She started. "No, that's fair."
The eight of them laughed as Twilight helped Sunset to her feet.
"How you doin' sugarcube?" Applejack asked, wrapping her in a hug.
"Better now. Thank you all for coming to check on me." She lowered her eyes. "I'm sorry I ruined the night."
"You didn't ruin anything." Pinkie Assured her. "We can still have a good time."
"What should we do now?" Fluttershy asked hesitantly.
Sunset hesitated, thinking about all those angry judging eyes staring at her. "I don't know. If you all want to go back in you can, I think I'll just hang back out here. I don't want to stop you from having fun."
Fluttershy exchanged a look with the others.
"Let's go do something fun together." She suggested. "Besides, there's only about an hour left before they shut it down."
"Plus, it wouldn't be as fun without all of us there." Cheese said.
Sunset felt new, happy tears prickling at her eyes. Twilight wiped them away.
"What would you like to do?" She asked.
"Well, if you're all okay with it, I'd kind of like to stop by Sugarcube Corner to show Mrs. Cake my dress."
Before anyone could respond, Pinkie was leading the charge with a triumphant cheer.
"To Sugarcbe Corner!"
They were all smiling as they climbed into the back of the limousine. They were the only ones at the store when they arrived. Mrs. Cake fawned over how lovely and handsome they all looked. She gave each couple a holiday pastry they were introducing to split.
They decided to call it a night shortly after that. They started by dropping off Cheese since he lived closest. Pinkie walked with him to the door, holding his hand the whole way. When they reached the door they looked into each other's eyes.
"I had a lot of fun tonight." Pinkie said. "Thank you for asking me."
"So did I. I was happy you said yes. It was nice to get to know you and your friends a little better."
They both stood there awkwardly. Pinkie rocked back and forth on her heels.
"Well, goodnight." Cheese hugged her.
"Yeah, goodnight."
Pinkie turned to walk back to the car.
You know what, I'm tired of waiting. I'm going to take action this time. She thought.
She turned around and pulled Cheese close, planting a kiss on his lips.
The occupants of the limo erupted in cheers. Overjoyed for their friend.
Cheese opened his eyes. "So I guess that means you'd like to go out again." He said with a chuckle.
"A-as long as you'd like to." She said a little nervous.
"How does next week sound?"
"It sounds great!" She gave him another little peck before turning to go. "I should probably go, don't want to keep the others waiting."
He smiled. "I'll see you later Pinkie. Let me know when you get home."
"I will." She called back.
The driver held the door open for her. She climbed in with a goofy smile plastered on her face. The others were smiling, waiting for her to say something.
"So, I kissed him." She said sheepishly.
"We know, we saw the whole thing!" Fluttershy said, grabbing her hands. "It was so cute!"
"So how was it?" Rainbow asked.
What was next for the two was the only topic of conversation until Pinkie was dropped off in front of her house. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were next when they reached Sweet Apple Acres. The two girls made their way to the house as the Limo pulled away. Fluttershy received a call and was dropped off at Rarity's house with her. Sunset and Twilight sat cuddled together as the car pulled up in front of the Sparkle residence.
"Last stop. Hope you girls had a good night." The driver said as he opened the door.
"We did. Thank you for driving us tonight." Twilight thanked the young man.
"My pleasure."
"Looks like my uncle's still here." Sunset said, seeing the truck parked in the driveway. "Before we go in, I just want to thank you again for helping me feel better. It really meant a lot to me."
Twilight kissed her. "Of course. Wanna head in."
"Sure, but do you mind if we don't mention the video? I don't want to worry my uncle. I'll tell him later." Sunset said.
Twilight hesitated. "I guess so, if you think that's what's best."
The couple entered the house and told the adults about their night. After they were finished talking Twilight walked Sunset to her car as the first light snowfall of the season lazily floated down. After their goodnight kiss, Twilight went inside to wait for Sunset's text letting her know she got home safely.
A/N Hey everyone, I really hope you liked this chapter. What will happen next now that everyone knows about Sunset's past? I guess you'll have to keep reading. Okay, now with that awful attempt at a cliff hanger tease is over, I just want you all to know I'm working on drawing the girl's dance photos :) I'll be posting them on my Deviantart profile: Invaderody. I have a few other MLP fan-art pieces there if you want to have a look. Alright, shameless self-promotion over. Happy reading everyone! :)
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I would say that sooner or later Adagio would hit !!! It had been too long since Adagio was not seen or heard.
Anyway, congratulations to this chapter! I look forward to the next chapter!
😨...😟...😞...😔...😠...😡 ADAGIO!!!!!!!
😩 Knowing Canterlot's bad reputation for holding a grudge against a bully trying to reform, I am guessing things are not going to go well in the following chapters.
I'm so in love with this story! Can't wait for the next chapter (and more to come)
8555115
I hope I can continue to deliver an enjoyable reading experience 
I’m happy to hear that you are enjoying the story
Looks like twilight decided to do it for incem I'm proud of her.
There's something you don't see often.
I smell a disaster that's awaiting to happen sooner than later.
It's the best guess to answer the question.
And also sounds like she forced her too.
That's good.
Well disaster has indeed struck sunset and was a lot wisest than expected.
That's my girls!
Yep, adagio really is.
Proud of you pinkie
A good way to end a great night.... even if it was ruined by a video still a great time to remember.