> A Date to Remember > by Fusion Fool the 3rd > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > One-Shot > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight walked up to the large purple tent-like building that was the Ponyville Spa. A small conjured mirror floated beside her, and she stared into it every few steps, checking her mane, then her face in precise 15-second intervals. Following behind her was a bundle of blue tulips held in her magic. She was trying to stay calm, but her fretful muttering made it clear how poorly that effort was working. “You can do this, Twilight. It’s... just your first date. Ever.” Clearing her throat, Twilight knocked on the door. Her hooves felt heavy as they hit the wood, and she shifted nervously from hoof to hoof as she waited for somepony to answer. Abruptly she stopped, her cheeks turning pink as she remembered it was a public facility, and she could just enter. She opened the door and saw her: Aloe, the mare of her dreams. The pink earth pony with the baby blue mane, all kept back by a white band, and an elegant blue tail that made Twilight blush every time she gazed too long at it. The lovely pony who had, much to her surprise, agreed a few days ago to her stammering request for a date. “A-Aloe?” Twilight ventured quietly as she finally ventured over the threshold into the spa. Aloe looked up from behind the counter, giving Twilight a surprised smile. “Twilight, you’re early! I wasn’t expecting you to come by for a little while. Would you like to take a seat?” “Oh- um, sure… thank you,” Twilight stammered, scurrying to the chair closest to Aloe. Chuckling, Aloe walked around the counter to greet her friend with a warm hug. “What lovely tulips!” she exclaimed with a smile. “I’m sorry, but I didn’t get you anything.” Twilight gasped; she had forgotten the flowers entirely. She hastily pushed them toward Aloe, almost shoving them against her nose.. “It’s- I’m okay, I… started this courtship- well, I’m still courting- I mean.” Aloe giggled. “You are so flustered! Shall I ease your troubles?” she asked teasingly. “NoIwouldn’twanttotroubleyou,” Twilight babbled, her face bright red. She watched Aloe take a bite of the flowers and heaved a great mental sigh of relief that her prospective marefriend liked them. She almost froze as her mind tripped over term ‘marefriend’, but managed to blurt out a nice, safe, mundane question. “So... how was your day?” “It was rather calm,” Aloe replied, looking back at the folders on the desk, preparing for her next appointment. “Lotus agreed to take most of the workload for the day because of our little outing, but I still had a few clients to deal with. My last client of the day should be here soon.” Twilight quirked an eyebrow. “Your last...?” The door opened to reveal a muscular earth pony stallion, his white coat splattered with dirt. A red headband held his mane above his eyes while also somehow supporting his moustache. His bright yellow shorts stood out even more, and he walked with an arrogant strut. Twilight remembered that Applejack called him ‘Ace’: a cocky and competitive colt, though still reasonably okay by her standards due to his good sportsmanship and offers of help to those that needed it in sports. “Hey Aloe… ready for me?” Ace called in a challenging tone, tossing and catching a small bag of bits. Twilight disliked him immediately, though she tried with all her might to keep herself from glaring at him as he walked up to the desk. Aloe ignored Ace’s mannerisms as she accepted his bits and nodded. “Right this way, Mr. Ace.” “Great, can't wait,” Ace chuckled, his eyes alight with anticipation. Twilight could have sworn there was a bit of seduction in his tone, making her dislike him even more. Seething, she kept herself from growling at him to back off from Aloe; after all, he was there to get a massage as a client of the spa, not steal Twilight’s not-yet-marefriend. Still, she simmered in half-understood rage as Ace followed Aloe into another room. Twilight was so blinded by her anger at Ace that she didn’t notice Rainbow Dash sneaking past her, cheeks blazing as she tried to hide her now shining hooves. Aloe’s sister Lotus Blossom, a mare who looked a lot like her except with reversed colours, walked out and rolled her eyes playfully at Dash. As the blue pegasus slunk out of sight, Lotus turned to see Twilight still staring after Ace, her eyes narrowed. “Miss Sparkle?” she said gently. “Is something wrong?” “N-Nope, nothing wrong… Just, waiting for my mar-date to finish massaging some stallion who is probably trying to get behind her tail as we speak,” Twilight spat, glaring at the rug in the middle of the floor. “I see,” said Lotus patiently. “And now you believe that same stallion is trying to seduce my sister in the massage parlor while you wait for her?” When Twilight nodded slowly in response, Lotus smiled softly. “Tell me this: Why did you stop yourself from calling Aloe your marefriend?” Caught, Twilight’s cheeks pinked as she looked up at Lotus and sighed. “I want to call her that… but it wouldn’t feel right if Aloe doesn’t feel the same toward me. If this date works out the way I have planned, then… maybe we can call each other marefriends.” She grinned sheepishly. “Right now I think we just qualify as close friends who are… testing the waters of a possible relationship.” Her head tilted to one side, Lotus peered curiously at Twillight. “And you feel jealous that Aloe is providing her services to a stallion who might have ulterior motives?” she asked, nodding calmly as Twilight murmured agreement. Lotus drew herself up formally, though a hint of a smile remained to soften her words “I assure you, Twilight, that we have defused many attempts of sexual release and pleasure over the years we’ve worked here. It is incredibly unlikely that Aloe would allow her client to mate with her while on shift.” “Right, of course, she’s a professional,” Twilight scolded herself, dropping her gaze to the spot between her forehooves. “I can’t believe I even thought it was a possibility.” She slouched in her chair, her ears pinned back against her head. She jumped a little as she felt Lotus’ hoof lift her chin; she hadn’t heard the pony move at all. Their eyes met over the masseuse’s gentle smile. “It wasn’t the first time someone has thought these things about us, and I assure you… it will not be the last.” Twilight smiled weakly, feeling a bit better... at least until Lotus’ smile disappeared, replaced by a fierce glare that pinned Twilight to her seat. “So tell me, Twilight Sparkle,” Lotus demanded, holding Twilight still by her chin. “What have you planned for my sister?” “Oh! Uh…” She thought furiously, blushing as she realized that she had worried so much about the date itself that her plans had ended up rather scant. “Well, I thought we could talk about ourselves and our lives at the park or the library - most likely the library, so I can prepare dinner. Then I thought maybe some stargazing?” Twilight frowned as she continued, “I considered putting some sort of book-related activity in there but… all my friends were against it, so maybe much later in the relationship. If it makes it past the first date,” she finished sadly as the possibility came to mind that she could ruin the relationship before it really began. Lotus tried to hide her smile; Twilight’s discomfort was clearly because she cared. “That’s a little bare boned, if I do say so myself,” she commented, rubbing her chin. “I... tried to find out how to court a pony, but my books all…” Twilight was interrupted by a blue hoof over her mouth. “Aloe is a bit more… outgoing than you seem prepared for,” Lotus said musingly. “Would you consider taking her to to the nightclub that Vinyl set up?” “Uh, sure… That’s the big square building near Sugarcube Corner, yes?” Twilight asked, smiling at the answering nod. “Okay, sure… we can replace the park event with the night club thing, and still have time to eat and stargaze if need be.” “I assure you Twilight… you might as well remove everything on that schedule and prepare to eat out,” Lotus replied, chuckling as Twilight groaned in response. “Do you fear that this will dent your wallet?” “Oh, no, it’s not that at all. I’m just… I just wanted a relaxing evening with my crush, and also prove to more than a few ponies that I don’t need Spike to cook. Though, granted,” she admitted with a little pout, “…he is better at it than me. This just means I’ll have to get back home quickly so I can pick up some more bits for tonight. Lotus relaxed, satisfied of Twilight’s intentions. “Then I suggest you go now. Ace usually asks to have us focus intensely on his muscles, so she’ll be a while.” Twilight nodded and, flashing a nervous but grateful smile, teleported out of the spa. Lotus chuckled, shaking her head as she turned to see her next client for the day. ~dood~[/hr] When Twilight returned she was dismayed to find Aloe already waiting for her. “Hello, Twilight,” Aloe said, not looking bothered at all. “Lotus told me you left to get something. May I ask what?” “Oh… I had to enchant my bit purse so I don’t have to carry it all around,” Twilight explained with a blush. She stood up straight, trying to make herself look confident and presentable . “Shall we?” Aloe giggled as she watched the bookish mare putting on airs and not entirely succeeding. “Very well. I trust you will show me a truly blessed night.” “I did have something planned, but your sister suggested a different approach, so I decided to change them,” Twilight stated with a nervous smile. “Oh? And what would that be?” Aloe asked curiously. “We’re going to the Nightclub that Vinyl Scratch opened,” Twilight announced, her heart warming as the earth mare’s smile widened. “On the first date? How daring!” Aloe giggled. “I was expecting you to take me to the library so we could discuss books, based on what I’ve learned about you and your interests,” Aloe teased. Twilight coughed, momentarily unable to meet Aloe’s gaze. “I was told that… that activity wasn’t exactly… date material,” she muttered, ducking her head. “Multiple times.” Aloe laughed and leaned in to gently nuzzle Twilight’s neck, carefully ignoring the tension she felt there. “Goodness, you’re adorable,” she said, her smile widening as she felt Twilight relax. “You didnt have to change everything for me.” “I… I just wanted to make sure you have a good time,” Twilight babbled meekly, wishing for a moment she could hide behind her mane like Fluttershy. “Did your books tell you that mares like their possible mates to be confident?” Aloe asked, giggling when Twilight’s face flushed a darker shade of red. “I must apologize, I’m finding too much amusement in teasing you.” “No, no… it’s fine, if I can take Pinkie and Rainbow’s pranks, I should be able to handle at least a little more teasing,” Twilight added with a warm smile. Aloe’s answering smile made Twilight’s heart beat faster, and they giggled together and left the spa. As they approached the Nightclub called “The Spinning Disc”, a long line up of ponies stood along the large square building with loud music emanating from within. A rather large and intimidating stallion stood at the door with a clipboard floating in front of him. “Oh my,” Twilight fretted. “This place certainly looks popular. Maybe we should..." She broke off when she noticed Aloe’s happy smile and her dainty pink hoof tapping to the beat. “Will we be able to get in?” she said worriedly, not wanting to waste an hour of her date in line only to be turned away. Aloe peered around the corner of the building and pointed to a much shorter line of ponies at a second, smaller door. They seemed to be getting in easily, especially compared to the longer line; as they watched a stallion was thrown out of it by an enormous earth pony. “Let’s give the smaller line a shot,” Aloe said with a grin as she pulled Twilight toward the other door. “The worst they can do is tell us no.” The bouncer there stopped them and looked them over. “Name?” “Aloe Blossom and Twilight Sparkle,” Aloe answered, much calmer than her still worried date. The bouncer flipped up a page on his clipboard. “Not on the list,” he said gruffly as he flipped it back down. Then he blinked and raised an eyebrow. “Wait… Twilight Sparkle?” “You’ve… heard of me?” Twilight asked, looking confused. “Of course!” he exclaimed with a grin. “Princess Celestia’s student, saved Equestria twice, technically royalty through her brother’s marriage?” The bouncer said excitedly, looking Twilight over. Shrinking from the intensity of his regard, Twilight could barely make herself respond. “Uh, not sure about the royalty part but… yes, that’s me,” she said, barely audible over the music from the club. “Can I ask why that’s important?”. “Boss’ orders. Come on in,” The stallion said with a smile, letting Aloe and Twilight pass. “Besides,” he whispered as they went by, putting out a hoof, “I’ve always wanted to meet you.” Rather disconcerted at the sudden shift in privilege, Twilight managed to smile at him as she shook hooves. She threw an apologetic look to the long line of ponies out front, blissfully unaware that her name was now being whispered among them. Aloe, on the other hoof, was ecstatic, nodding her thanks to the bouncer. She smiled brightly and bumped Twilight’s shoulder playfully with hers as they headed to the dance floor. Once they were inside, Twilight felt the weight of sound battering her body. Large speakers were set up in each corner of the large room, and an intricate stage crammed with equipment stood against one wall. Behind the control board was none other than Vinyl Scratch herself, a wild smile on her face as she spun and mixed on the fly. A multi-panel dancefloor sat right in front of the stage, the panels changing colours with the beat of the song, or, at the whim of the DJ, in response to the pounding hooves of the ecstatic dancing ponies atop it. Opposite to the dance floor was the second largest bar Twilight had ever seen (as the Princess’ student she had seen exactly one larger, in Canterlot). A wide selection of drinks, tonics, and mixers took up a quarter of the massive wall behind it, and every seat held a pony enjoying the liquids they served. Above the main floor were at least five levels of tables full of ponies relaxing and trying to talk over the pounding music. “Wanna try to grab a table?” Twilight shouted like everypony else. Aloe nodded and followed Twilight’s lead. Luck was with them: after only a few minutes they pounced on a table on the third floor that overlooked the dance floor. After taking in the view, Aloe turned to Twilight with a wide smile that faded when she saw her frowning.“Something the matter, Twilight?” “It… it feels funny to use my position to get into places,” Twilight muttered as she seated herself across from Aloe. “It makes me feel dirty.” Aloe placed a hoof on Twilight’s, giving her a comforting smile. “Maybe the owner is a fan? The bouncer did say you saved Equestria.” “My friends and I, actually,” Twilight corrected. “It still stands that you helped save us,” Aloe stated with an agreeable shrug, “and there’s nothing wrong with accepting a little appreciation for it.” The easing of tension in Twilight’s shoulders and her answering smile made Aloe laugh cheerily. As her chuckling subsided there was a moment of silence from the music followed by the deep, steady thrum of a bouncy bass line. She shot an excited look at Twilight and nodded toward the lower floor. “Come, let us dance!” she cried, jumping up and heading rapidly downstairs. “D-Dance?” Twilight gasped as she struggled to keep up with the faster mare. As Twilight reached the dance floor Aloe turned back and gave her a bright, come-hither smile, her head already bobbing in time to the beat. Her soft, pink hips followed, and soon her whole body was moving in a driving, seductive dance. Twilight watched Aloe’s bouncing hips and shaking tail in amazement, impressed impressed by how smoothly and effortlessly she moved. The shift of her shoulders, the turn of her waist, the cadence of her hooves all seemed fluid and seamless - so much so that Twilight felt skittish at the thought of dancing next to such an agile mare. She cringed as a memory surfaced of the mockery she endured for the dancing she attempted at her own birthday party. As she came out of a turn Aloe looked at Twilight with seductive eyes that soon turned down with worry. She leaned close so she could be heard over the music. “What’s wrong, Twilight?” The floor beneath Twilight seemed to suck at her hooves like thick mud. “I- I’ve been told that I can’t dance worth anything,” she said into Aloe’s ear. “And honestly, I have broken a few things.”. Aloe clucked her tongue and slipped one hoof under Twilight’s chin, lifting her head to look into her eyes. “Don’t worry about the past,” she said with a gentle smile. “Just dance. Let your body relax and let the rhythm guide you,” she cooed, pulling Twilight closer. “Don’t worry about what anypony thinks.” It was a mistake to encourage Twilight. For the first few minutes it was fine, then Twilight fell into the groove of things and stopped paying attention to the world around her, her eyes falling closed. She flailed her hooves about, only vaguely in time to the music and with little regard to the proximity of other ponies. As her movements became more chaotic and the stares mounted, the music was too loud for Twilight to see the amused expressions or hear the chuckling around her. Aloe struggled with a mix of pity and amusement; Twilight’s antics really were a funny sight to behold. Just as she was about to say something, the DJ, laughing and smiling broadly, jumped off the stage and went to greet the awkward mare. Vinyl Scratch had a laugh sharp and loud enough that Twilight stopped mid-step, her cheeks flushing as she noticed how many ponies’ attention was turned on her. Vinyl subsided into chuckles as she threw a companionable hoof around Twilight’s shoulders. “‘Sup Twi. Nice moves you got there!.” Twilight’s ears fell back, and as she looked around; almost everypony tried to get back to their own thing, though their giggling still reached her ears even through the music. She shrank down toward the floor, almost cowering as she tried to sink into it and away from all the mocking eyes. A gap appeared in the crowed, and she rose and turned to flee through it, but Aloe kept her from running. “Twilight, I’m here. I shouldn’t have laughed but… it was so adorable,” Aloe said, trying to keep herself from giggling. “Celestia, please banish me now,” Twilight muttered, just loud enough for Aloe to hear. “Trust me, Twi,” Vinly said with a friendly chuckle, “You aren’t worst dancer I’ve seen, and you were so into it, I kinda feel bad for making you stop,” She led Twilight and Aloe off the dance floor and over to the bar, where she bought them all a round. Sipping the drink carefully - she wasn’t about to add drunkenness to an already dubious night out - Twilight sighed heavily, her ears still pinned back. “So… my friends were right? I’m really that bad?” “No, you weren’t bad,” Aloe said with a calm and kindly smile. “It would only be ‘bad’ if you were forcing yourself to follow a specific dance. Instead, you let your body guide you and enjoyed yourself. It may have looked silly to others, but it was very endearing,” “She’s half right,” Vinyl corrected, smiling and shaking her head ruefully. “You are flat out terrible at dancing... technically. But the important thing is that you were out there having fun. If anything’s bad it’s that everypony watching got all judgy about it.” Vinyl patted her fellow unicorn on the back, then turned back to the stage and rolled her eyes. “I gotta get back to my beats. I’ll catch you two later if I can!” Twilight and Aloe waved to Vinyl as she hopped back on the stage, then returned to their table. Aloe tried to contain her smile but couldn’t help giggling again. “I must apologize, but I really am going to cherish that dance of yours for a while.” Twilight pouted, resting her head on the table. “So will everyone else in here.” “Come now, it was fun. In a few days, this will be a funny memory, nothing more,” Aloe soothed, patting Twilight’s head. “And besides,” she added, her eyes twinkling, “I liked it.” The unicorn looked up and gave her a tentative smile. “Thanks. I really hope you’re right.” “It won’t be the first time someone has made a fool of themselves in public,” Aloe said with an amused grin. “Some even make it into a profession.” Twilight felt a knot of tension release as she laughed, thinking somewhat guiltily of Pinkie and Prince Blueblood… and even Trixie. “I think my shame left me a bit parched,” she managed to joke. “I’ll go get us some drinks. Anything in mind?”. Aloe thought for a moment, her smile widening. “Well… how about Sex on the Ranch?” Twilight almost fell over at the phrase, and she blinked owlishly. “I’m sorry?” “It’s a drink, Twilight!” Aloe laughed. “It’s a bit like ‘Sex on the Beach’ but stronger. I’m positive the bartender knows,” she explained with a mischievous smile. Twilight gave a nervous look to her date and nodded before heading to the bar. It took a few minutes for Twilight to reach one of the active staff. “Excuse me?” A blue maned mare with a golden cloak turned to her. “How can I help you, miss?” “Um, can I get - what the hey - two Sex on the Ranches, I guess,” Twilight requested, still unsure whether of her own choice. “Coming right up,” the barista said, turning to start mixing the drinks. Twilight turned and watched the ponies dancing until she heard cups hit the bar behind her. When she turned there were two drinks waiting, complete with straws. “Two Apple Heats, miss,” the server said, smiling at Twilight. Twilight was baffled by the name but thanked her as she accepted the drinks. When she paid she added an extra couple of bits on the counter for the server, smiling at the harried but grateful nod she got in return As she headed back to their table she noticed two stallions she didn’t recognize talking to Aloe. One was a red pegasus with a spiky green mane while the other was a unicorn with a silver mane and grey coat. Aloe’s usual calm smile seemed just a tad strained as she spoke to them. Twilight just caught what the pegasus was saying as she got near. “So babe, how about we have some fun of our own?” His voice was confident but smarmy as he leaned uncomfortably close to Aloe. “Your hot unicorn friend can come too,” the unicorn added. “She was pretty cute for a crappy dancer.” He spotted Twilight arriving with the drinks and his smile widened. “Speak of the goddess.” Twilight’s usual meek demeanor became a distant memory as sudden heat brought fire to her eyes. Aloe’s dismissive eyeroll at the interlopers did nothing to assuage it, nor did the obnoxious leer of the pegasus as he reached out to stroke Aloe’s mane, making her jerk back away from him. “So, what say we get out of this dump? We can show you a lot more fun,” he said with a cheesy grin, apparently unconcerned with Twilight’s obvious anger. Grinding her teeth, Twilight set the drinks on the table and glared at the two stallions, summoning as much politelness as she could. “I must ask you both to leave.” The unicorn chuckled. “You two filly foolers? We can dig it. Ever thought about going bi?” Twilight’s horn flared, visions of toasted stallion dancing in her head. She was quite startled when Aloe stood up, her smile wider than usual, and said, “Why don’t we see?” She embraced the pegasus, both forehooves around his neck, and Twilight’s pupils dwindled in shock and fear as the unicorn leered at her, clearly hoping she would do the same. “Hmm... Nope,”,” Aloe said, her hooves moving to a different position on the stallion’s neck. He gave a high pitched yelp as something went ‘pop’; when Aloe let go of him he was clearly listing to one side, his right hooves not working quite right. “Sorry, Twilight,” Aloe said in a voice that held not the slightest remorse. “He was bothering me.” “What the hay did you do to me?” the pegasus demanded as he walked in a circle, unable to coordinate hooves or wings.. “Just a slight adjustment to your attitude,” Aloe explained with a smirk. “You’ll recover soon, but you will be a bit sore for a few days,” Aloe explained, sipping her drink. Though she was quite flabbergasted, Twilight managed to find her voice. “Now get out of here before we get really mad,” she growled at the pair, taking a step forward and lighting her horn. The pegasus and unicorn fell over themselves and each other as they scrambled away, muttering imprecations but clearly unwilling to cross the mares further. There were a few nods of approval and some scattered applause from around them; apparently they weren’t the only ones the two had bothered. “Benefits of being a masseuse?” Twilight asked curiously once things had settled down a bit and they were seated at their table. “Working and molding the bodies of countless ponies does tend to teach one what parts do what in which sequence. It’s kind of like a puzzle,” Aloe giggled, “though I really shouldn’t use such techniques often; it could scare away customers!” She sipped her drink and smiled appreciatively. “Well, the barista knows her drinks. This is an excellent Sex on the Ranch.” Aloe’s casual admission of her knowledge, not to mention her calm handling of the stallions, sent a rush of warmth through Twilight. Blushing, she glanced down at her own drink and took a sip, only to recoil at the bitter taste. “Whoa, that’s strong.” Aloe giggled good-naturedly at Twilight’s struggles. “They’re quite unsubtle, yes,” she admitted. “Not a casual drinker?” “I… sometimes drink, but I usually prefer wine or something a bit more weakly mixed,” Twilight gasped, still feeling the drink’s sting. Aloe let out a pleasant sigh as she turned back to the stage, her head bobbing along with the beat of the music. “I must admit, this has been a wonderful night, in spite of those two jerks. But a part of me can’t help but feel you haven’t been having as much fun as I.” She smiled and turned back to look into Twilight’s eyes. “I really appreciate your going to so much effort for me.” Twilight felt a silly smile appear on her face as warmth suffused her cheeks. “It’s nothing, I… do this sort of thing all the time.” She chuckled awkwardly, levitating a glass of water from across the room to end the madness in her mouth. Amused by the clumsy prevarication, Aloe shook her head. “This… truly doesn’t feel like an average ‘Twilight Sparkle’ outing, from what Rarity has said about you. You would never come here of your free will. I feel guilty that my sister convinced you to take me here to make this night better, but..." She grinned and took another sip of her drink, taking her own turn at blushing. “Even so, you have managed to balance on the line of uncomfortable tension and genuine happiness.” Twilight grimaced and hung her head, her ears falling. “You’re right, this isn’t somewhere I’d normally go,” she confessed. “I just... I really like you, and I wanted to impress you and try to make you happy. I want..." She stopped, raising her head to reveal a smile that mixed fear and hope. “You want us to be a couple?” Aloe finished for her, gazing once more into her eyes. She chuckled softly at Twilight’s nervous nod and crimson cheeks. “I think that is very much worth considering, and even working toward,” she continued. “But there is one condition.” Twilight blinked and swallowed, her sides shivering. “And what would that be?”” Aloe smiled and sipped her drink. “Show me what Twilight Sparkle does for fun.” ~dood~[/hr] “What do you think?” Twilight asked Aloe with a nervous smile. They were on the library balcony, lying on a blanket as Aloe looked through her telescope. Aloe turned away from the eyepiece and smiled happily at Twilight . “It’s beautiful! I’ve never seen anything so wondrous in my life. Thank you for showing me this,” Aloe cooed, shivering slightly as she nestling closer to Twilight. Twilight’s breath caught at the feel of that soft pink coat against hers. She bit her lip and levitated another blanket onto them both, though she quite carefully did not move away. “I’m glad. Oh! I should show you Epsilon - it looks like a pearl even when there is moonlight.” She knew the star so well that she hardly had to look through the telescope to adjust it. Her timing perfect, Aloe brushed her cheek against Twilight’s as she stretched her neck to set her eye to the eyepiece. “Ooh,” she purred, “It certainly is beautiful!” The orb sparkled in the velvet sky, seeming like a gift from some vast star-pony to their beloved. She pulled away with a happy sigh. “I must admit, this is a very fine pastime,” she said softly, “especially with somepony who so clearly enjoys it.” She leaned a little closer and tilted her head to rest it against Twilight’s. “First the club, and now this.... I cannot help but be curious as to why you are so fond of me.” A delicate frisson of electricity moved through Twilight’s body as she became even more aware of the mare beside her. “Well,” she said when she found her breath again, “I think you’re beautiful, and sweet. I’m amazed at your knowledge and your poise. Your voice is very soothing, and your eyes are… pristine sapphires.” Her tail twitched behind her as her voice faded to a halt. “That was all so corny! I’m so-” She was interrupted once more, though this time instead of a hoof it was by a pair of soft lips, their touch coaxing her into a state of bliss and calm. When they parted, Twilight felt a sense of longing, her cheeks and breath warm from the intimate contact. “I- uh…” “You shouldn’t apologize so often, and thank you. Though I must say, you could possibly say the same things about my sister, no?” Aloe asked with an impish grin. Twilight chuckled weakly. “You… make pink and blue work better than she does.” Aloe laughed, nuzzling Twilight’s neck. “Don’t let Lotus hear you say that! She’ll be less kind to you than I was to that pegasus for that comment!” Twilight’s pretended shock at the comment dissolved into a happy giggle. As one they turned to look up at the night sky, both gasping as they spotted a shooting star. Aloe closed her eyes, her face pinching as she concentrated fiercely, holding her forehooves together as she silently sent her wishes skyward. Twilight watched amusedly, her heart light but beating fast. Aloe opened her right eye to see the scholar smiling at her. “Did you make your wish already?” Feeling uncommonly bold, Twilight chuckled and shook her head. “Not to sound corny again but… my wish already came true when you agreed to all this.”. It was Aloe’s turn to blush again as she gave Twilight an adoring smile. “Not corny at all,” she said softly. Much chagrin she followed this with an enormous yawn. “Could you levitate a pillow over? My head feels heavy.” Twilight nodded and brought a large white pillow over. She soon regretted it when Aloe snatched it out of the air and flomphed it onto her head with a giggling “Gotcha!” “Oh, you...!” She grinned and grabbed a pillow of her own. Soon the two mares were chasing each other around the balcony, feathers and laughter flying with equal abandon. After a while they both collapsed into giggles and burrowed back under the blankets, pillows at hoof. Aloe dropped her head onto the pillow as they lay gasping together, all smiles. “Oh, Twilight. You are truly a gem.” Her breathing finally almost normal, Twilight’s joyful smile rivaled the moon for brightness. Reflexively she checked the time, and a worried expression flitted across her face. “Shouldn’t we get you home? I’m sure Lotus is worried about you.” “I’m a grown mare,” Aloe replied with a playful huff, “and she won’t need me until tomorrow afternoon anyway.” She let out a little giggle and pulled Twilight closer so they could share the pillow. “So for now, I’m all yours.” Twilight’s eyes shone in the moonlight, and she gave Aloe a soft kiss. “And I’m yours,” she whispered as she slid a forehoof around her. Tired and happy, the two mares cuddled under the starry sky as they drifted off to sleep.