Eris and the guys head off on a holiday excursion to Las Pegasus. But their soon to find that some things may not just stay in Las Pegasus...
We've all heard the saying right? "What happens in Las Pegasus stays in Las Pegasus"? Well, perhaps their are some things that don't...
When Eris and the guys head off to the famous Sin City for some much needed vacation time and friendly bonding, they may just learn that lesson first hoof. Cause after their first night of indulgence and parting, they wake up the next day to find a few little surprises, with two of them waking up to find way more then they bargained for...
...such as gold bands...
This is a genderbend of What Happens in Las Pegasus, written by my good friend Attomicpuffin. I asked her if she would be okay with this and she said go for it.
But I highly recommend you go read the original story and check some of her other works. She's a really amazing author. ^^
Butterscotch trotted about his cottage, humming merrily to himself as he dusted off his living room coffee table. It was early in the morning and he had just finished feeding his animal friends their morning meal, deciding to get some morning cleaning done whilst they ate.
The cottage sparkled with cleanliness, causing Butterscotch to smile. “Not too shabby,” he said to himself. “Hmm, okay, the animals have been fed, I’ve swept, dusted, dishes are drying… I think I’m done.”
With a joyful smile he sank into the soft cushions of his couch to rest. He sat there with his eyes closed for a while before opening and sitting up. He hadn’t any real plans for the day and besides his regular schedule of tending to his animals he realized that there really anything to do.
Things were just so quiet…
After another moment of simply sitting in silence, Butterscotch noticed how grimy his coat felt. Looking at his forelegs, he could see some excess dust from earlier coated them, and he could feel how oily his mane felt. Probably from him sweating when he fed the animals.
“Oh my, I think I could go for a nice hot shower right about now.” He said hopping of his couch. Fluttering his wings, he flew up the stairwell to his upstairs bathroom looking forward to his cleansing bath. However his ears perked up as he turned the corner, “Hmm?”
Turing his ears to the source of the noise, he could tell it was coming from his bathroom; the sound of the shower running.
Cocking his head, a bit of worry filled him. Was there somepony else here?
Setting himself down of the floor, he slowly approached the bathroom door. It wasn’t totally shut, as wisps of steam drifted out from between the door and its frame. As he got closer he began to hear another sound. Singing? No, more like humming.
Opening the door, his face was bathed by a billowing wall of steam. Stepping inside he looked towards the shower curtain, which was partially see through and embroiled with rosy butterflies that matched his cutie mark. He could see the distorted slender shape of a figure behind it.
Slowly, and quite nervously, Butterscotch reached out to the shower curtain, holding a plunger in his free hoof like a sword for security. Clutching the curtain in his hooves, he bit his lips, trying to muster up the courage to confront this unknown intruder. Taking a deep breath, he swallowed his fear and quickly yanked the curtain away, holding up the plunger in case of an attack.
His eyes went wide at what he saw.
“Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!” Sang Eris merrily. Her eyes were closed and she was too lost in her own singing to notice the young Pegasus that was staring at her.
Her coat was completely soaked; water and suds cascading off her slender form. Butterscotch felt his cheeks flush with color and he looked her up and down. He noticed how her mane flowed over her shoulders and down her back; how her coat glistened with moisture and cleanliness.
“Let's finish our holiday cheer Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap~!” Eris’s singing was cut off abruptly as she felt a cold breeze brush against her waist. Whipping the suds from her eyes she turned her head, her crimson eyes meeting with Butter’s teal. The two of them froze as they just stared at each other for what seemed like forever.
Finally Eris broke the silence with a girly, “EEEEEEEEEPPPPPP~!”
Butterscotch flew back as Eris grabbed the nearest towel in her mismatched hands and brought it to her body like a frightened yet modest school filly.
“I’M SORRY! I’M SORRY!” Butterscotch shouted back holding up his hooves innocently.
Stepping of the shower, now wrapped with her towel, Eris gave him a slight mischievous glare. “Hmph~! Peeping on a mare whilst she’s showering are we dear Butters?”
Butterscotch felt his cheeks flush even more with blood. “I, I.. I wasn't peeping! But, Eris what are you doing in my shower?” He asked innocently.
“What does it look like?” She said magically wrapping her mane in another towel and letting a coy smile dance across her lips. “I’m showering. Can’t a lady freshen herself when she pleases?”
"W-well, of course you can...freshen yourself...but why my shower?!"
Leaning down, Eris flashed him with a cheeky smile, placing her finger on his nose playfully, “Well why not? It’s so cozy and warm.” She purred.
With his cheeks not a profound bright red, Butterscotch stuttered rapidly, “Inthatcase, I'llletyoufinish! Seeyoudownstairs, illgoputonsometea!” He said dashing out of the bathroom, leaving Eris once again alone. She was somewhat taken off guard. So, she just stood there for a moment as he dashed down the hall.
Standing back up straight she crossed her arms and pouted slightly, “So much for Plan 'Peek-A-Boo.” She groaned.
~
After she had fully dried her coat and thoroughly brushed through her hair, Eris joined the still slightly bewildered pegasus in his living room. He had prepared their traditional tea and marzipan cream cakes and had set them on the coffee table. Levitating a freshly poured cup of tea to her lips, Eris elegantly sipped it; mimicking, if not comically exaggerating the common image of a Canterlot noblemare. This caused Butterscotch to smile and relax a little.
Offering her one of the cream cakes, the pegasus stallion spoke warmly, “So Eris, what brings you here? You didn't say you were coming by today in your last letter.”
Eris smiled and playfully scoffed at him, “Do I need a reason to visit my favorite stallion?” She mused.
Butterscotch shook his head, “Oh no no, you're perfectly welcomed.” Butterscotch felt his cheeks begin to blush again at Eris’s words. He decided not to read too much into them and simply nodded with a smile before turning towards the kitchen. “Well let me just go check on the biscuits, be right back~” He was cut off and he let out a small squeak as he felt her body coiled around his, lifting him upwards in her arms. She was smiling brightly and Butterscotch noticed a twinkling in her eyes.
She was excited about something he could tell, and he was starting to suspect that this wasn't a simple random visit. “Oh my dear, dear Butterscotch, have I told you recently that you are my most wonderful friend in all of Equestria?” She cooed, causing him to look at her curiously.
“U-um… y-yes, you have, at least three times this week.” He whispered in reply, still being held in her forearms. She levitated herself, and Butterscotch back over to the couch and laid herself down on top of it, with Butterscotch, in correspondence, laying on top of her.
She cradled him like a teddy bear, giggling with excitement, “Hmm, I have haven't I?” She playfully pondered, tapping her chin with a claw, “Well, in that case, have I ever done anything to show you?”
What did she mean by that? Butterscotch pondered to himself.
“Aww, Eris… you don’t have to show me anything. I already know...how much you care about me~”
At least...I think do. Butterscotch thought to himself.
“Yes, well… that’s fun and all, but I intend to follow your teachings thoroughly,” she said magically conjuring up a school uniform for herself and a teacher's suit for him. “So I thought, should best friends give each other gifts, even if it's just for the fun of it?”
Butterscotch’s eyes widened as Eris snapped her fingers together and magically made a ticket appear with a flash of light in her paw. Shifting her digits, she fanned it out to reveal seven identical golden slips.
“W-what are those?” He asked in surprise as she held them up to him. He gasped, is jaw dropping slightly as he read their labeling and he took them in his hooves, a wide smile decorating his muzzle.
“Oh my goodness, Eris, you didn't?!”
“That’s right! I got us, the guys and Barb all tickets to the next Shim and Sham show in Las Pegasus! I know how much you’ve always wanted to see those white lions, so I thought I’d surprise you.” She exclaimed with a girlish glee. “Oh, I knew you’d love them~”
“But… how?! I mean this shows been sold out for months!”
“Oh… I have my ways.” She replied rubbing her knuckles into her chest tuft.
Hearing this brought a sneaking suspicion to the Pegasus as he stared at the tickets, “Oh, Eris… you didn't… steal these did you?”
Eris scoffed at his question, feeling a little insulted by it, “What!? Steal?! I would never commit such a treacherous act.” She said turning from him and crossing her arms.
“Oh no no no! I didn't mean it like that Eris!” He stuttered raising his hooves in defense, “I, well maybe… no! I mean… oh!” Butterscotch panicked, putting his hooves to his head and shaking his head in distress.
Eris looked back to him, hearing the sadness in his voice. “Oh sweetheart I’m sorry,” she said nuzzling him. “I was only teasing… please don’t cry, I can’t stand to see you cry… I didn't steal them. I went to the production mare and… convinced her how much publicity the show would get if… well… you and the guys attended.”
Eris waited for his response, he hand hidden his face behind his made so his face was obscured. She looked at him with sincere concern in her eyes.
After some tense silence, Butterscotch parted his mane to so she could see his face… wearing a little mischievous smirk. “Got ya.” He giggled.
“You little sneak!” She shouted as Butterscotch let out a little fit of giggles. She eventually joined in and pulled him into another warm hug.
“You know? I think I might be rubbing off on you.”
“Oh my, hehe, well, maybe just a tad.” He jest.
Finally settling down, the two caught their breath and looked at each other with sincere smiles. They looked at each other a for a while. Simply staring in silence. This time, it was Eris’s turn to blush. Butterscotch had really fooled her, and she couldn't help but smile at that. She didn't know why, but it made her feel so warm inside…
“Well.” Butterscotch finally said. “How about we go tell the others and start getting our things ready?”
Eris snapped out of her thoughts and nodded to him once again with that bright smile of hers. Snapping her fingers, she summoned a flowery button up shirt and white hat with sunglasses. “Sounds like a plan jack, I’ll get the martinis and the sun-screen!”
A bright flash filled the room and Butterscotch shielded his eyes. After a moment he opened them again and his jaw dropped to see a literal mountain of what looked like shopping bags, all filled with random assortments of clothes, nick knacks and baubles. Eris glanced at the packages and then back to Butterscotch, “What? Too much?”
The train jostled slightly as Eris, Butterscotch and the others settled into their seats. Eris had done them the kindness of magically helping them store their suitcases in the upper compartments. Butterscotch had worried that they would go for the idea, but as it turned out they were rather drained, and quickly jumped at the opportunity to head down to Las Pegasus.
“Oh Eris do you think the animals will be okay?” Butterscotch asked with a worried tone.
Eris nodded with a smile, “They’ll be fine my dear, I set them up with that magic food dispenser and water dish, Plus it we’ll only be a gone a week. Everything will be fine.” She reassured.
Butterscotch smiled back at her, although still a little worried. “Oh… yes, your right. I shouldn’t worry myself so much.” He said joining her on the train seat.
He was surprised a little as she then leaned up against him and wrapped her arm about his shoulder. “And look at it this way, this will be a great chance for all of us to become closer friends as we spend some time together seeing the sights in Las Pegasus! She exclaimed in excitement.
“That’s true. I… I am actually quite excited. Just… thank you so much Eris. This is so thoughtful of you.” Butterscotch said, looking up at Eris with a soft, affectionate smile.
Eris felt as if she was caught in a spell. Her cheeks flushed with warmth as his words fell on her ears. She felt a slight flutter in her stomach that slowly rose into her chest, causing her heart to pump faster. She chuckled a little in her throat as she felt his eyes on her. Why in Tartarus did this happen every time he complimented her?!
Trying not to let it get to her to much, she fanned it away and replied, “Well of course my dear, anything for you.”
She glanced at him again and watched him as he talked with the others excitedly, listing out all the things they wanted to do while there. “Oh… um… also, how are your ears?” Butterscotch asked, tearing Eris out of her thoughts.
Eris stuck a claw in her ear and twisted it about, making a high pitch squealing noise like that of a window washer. “Well my eardrums are still pounding. I mean sweet Solaris, who would have guessed a grown stallion could shriek so loud?”
“Hey! Excuse me if I got a little over excited when you told us you had acquired tickets to go see Shim and Sham. According to the critics it’s supposed to be astonishing.” Elusive proclaim from the adjacent seat, crossing his forelegs.
“Elusive, no offense, but you do squeal like a girl.” Rainbow Blitz added with a chuckle, causing a collective laugh to rise from the rest. Elusive began to blush and huffed at the rainbow colored Pegasi’s comment. “So what are you going to do Dusk?” Elusive interjected, trying to divert everponies attentions.
Dusk, who was sitting with Barbara in the next seat in front of Elusive, looked up from his tourist guide of Las Pegasus and smiled, “Oh I can't even decide!” Exclaimed the violet hued Alicorn. “I’ve been reading up on the history of the city. Did you guys know it's started off as no more than a railway town?”
“Classic Dusk Shine,” Rainbow mused rolling his eyes. “Dusk, buddy come on man, we’re going to Las Pegasus, I know you like your books and history, but let loose a little. Think about the now! I personally have a full list on what I’m gunna do.”
It was then that the multi colored Pegagus spotted a waitress moved down the train car with a small cart of simple treats. She was a Unicorn mare with a rosy coat and curled, golden mane. Rainbow Blitz seemed to follow her with his eyes, smiling as she passed by.
“In fact, I think I might start early.” He chuckled.
Eris noticed how his gaze seemed to follow the mare’s swaying hips and tail. “Hehe, down playboy!” Eris interjected with a hearty laugh.
Rainbow chuckled again and reclined into his seat, “Hey, what can I say? I’m a stallion. And you guys know the saying? What happens in Las Pegasus stays in Las Pegasus.”
“Well maybe ya should wait ‘till we get to Las Pegasus before ya start chasin’ tail.” Applejack jocked. The large Earth Pony stallion was leaning up against the traincare wall, his wide brimmed had partially obscuring his eyes. “As for me, everythin’ back at Sweet Apple Acres is always on schedule, so, I’m just gunna go with the flow for a change.”
However, his relaxed state was cut off when a certain pink stallion seemed to burst out from underneath one of the seat cushions, confetti and streamers partially embedded in his mane.
“Ohimsosuperdupercited!” Bubble Berry exclaimed, “I mean, Las Pegasus it practically the party capital of the world! Now that I think about it, I don't think I really even need my party canon!”
“You brought your party canon?” Asked Dusk Shine.
“Well yeah! I never leave the house without it!”
Eris leaned over to Butterscotch and whispered, “Where does he even keep that?” Butterscotch only shrugged in response.
“What do ya plan to do in Las Pegasus Barb?” Applejack asked. The young, little she-drake had been reading through some of the trains magazines while the others talked to pass the time. She hadn't been paying much attention to them until Applejack mentioned her name? She looked up, “Hmm, what?”
“I said, what ya plan to do in Las Pegasus?” Applejack repeated.
Barbara rubbed her chin for a moment in thought. “I’ll tell you what I’m gunna do, I’m gunna relax. Maybe get a nice, deep tissue claw massage, but other then that… I think I’ll just hang with you guys.” She said returning to her magazine.
“What about your Butters?” Rainbow Blitz asked leaning over the cream colored Pegasus, “You want to come along with me for a night of clubbing? Cider, mares and awesome jams all the way.”
Butterscotch’s eyes widened at the prospect, and his blushed a little. It wasn't really the suggestion of partying with Rainbow, in fact, it sounded like a great time, it was the mentioning of mares that made him feel a little nervous. Butterscotch was a rather hoofsome stallion, and he had a superb singing voice that could mare faint, and make stallions grow envious of. In all of Ponyville, the young Pegasus was one of the most sought after bachelors, with mares often being drawn to him like bees to a beehive. However, Butterscotch would always nervous to really even speak to them, his usually getting caught in his throat. I wasn't that he didn't like mares, it was just the idea of being in a relationship frightened him. He was so worried of messing up, doing something that would cause the relationship to not work out, or that perhaps he just wasn’t right to be someponies coltfriend. In fact, besides Eris and Barb, he just couldn’t help feeling nervous whenever a mare was around.
“Um… well, I appreciate the offer Rainbow, but… I’ll think I’ll pass.” He said with a nervous smile.
Rainbow nodded and shrugged, “Suit yourself.” He said with a wink, “But if you change your mind~”
“Oh, thank you Rainbow… I’ll… keep that in mind.”
Butterscotch then leaned back into his seat and let out a brief sigh. Eris noticed this and wrapped her arm around him, pulling him close to her. “Don’t worry dear, we’re going to great time, you’ll see.” She smiled.
Butterscotch looked up at her and returned her smile, “Thanks Eris, what would I do without you.”
Eris felt her heart jump a little and her cheeks begin to flush. More like… what would I do without you. She thought to herself.
The slight jostling and the loud, piercing sound of the train whistle roused the group from their sleep. Eris, finding the train car bunks too small and cramped for her licking had decided to sleep on the ceiling on a cushion of cotton candy clouds. The sound of the train whistle must have startled her, as she suddenly sat up, or rather ‘down’, and seemingly fell out of bed, landing in the walkway with mild thump.
“What in tarnation?!” Applejack exclaimed, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.
“What was that?” Butterscotch said, peeking his head out of his bunk.
Eris, regaining her composure and her footing, looked up at him, “Ouch~ I think we hit a bump in the tracks.”
Peering out through the curtains of his bunk window, Elusive took note of how dark it was outside, however, he noticed that there seemed to be a growing glow of light coming from over the horizon. “Well it looks like it’s getting close to dawn. I think I can see the sunrise.”
“Um… Elusive?” Dusk interjected. “I don’t think that’s the sunrise… I mean whenever has the sun rose in the west~?”
The whole of the group then congregated at the window, making the space somewhat cramped, trying to get a better look at this ‘western sunrise’. The rising hillside grew closer and soon the train was making its ascension up its slope; the strange light growing with ever greater intensity.
The six stallions and draconequus-mare looked on with great curiosity and anticipation as their car reached the summit of the hill. A bright glare flared as they surmounted the hill, followed by the collective dropping of their jaws as they beheld the light source.
“Woah~!” They simultaneously exclaimed.
Far down in the valley below, they were met with the unfolding majesty of their destination. Las Pegasus. The city, despite the apparent time of day, was a bustle of activity. Every building shivered with lights and billboards. Music could be heard even at this distance. Great arching searchlight swayed back and forth above the skyline. It was simply breathtaking.
Butterscotch took noticed of how the city seemed to be played out, and he could best describe it as if Cloudsdale was sat atop Manehatten. There was a grounded city, where Unicorns and Earth Ponies could be seen, while directly above it, a sprawling cumulus-formed complex of skyscrapers, arching waterfalls and rainbows floated.
Their gawking however was cut off as Rainbow Blitz burst out into a hearty laugh. “Ha ha~! Las Pegasus! Here we come!”
The train rolled into the station with a wailing squeal. With Barbara and Applejack helping with the luggage, the merry band of friends departed from the train and into the city. They couldn’t help but gawk in awe as the rising, shimmering buildings seemed to roll into the sky and merge with the clouds.
The sun was now rising in its proper point of ascension and bathed its light onto the sprawling landscape. Arriving at their hotel, they were greeted by the receptionists with warm affections, though Eris’ presence did seem to make them a little nervous. But nevertheless, they then showed them to their rooms. They had to admit, Eris had certainly outdone herself for their reservations. Not only tickets to a world renowned show, but luxury suits at a five star hotel as well~!
“So guys, tell me, do you feel spoiled yet?” Eris chuckled hovering above the group in a relaxed pose.
“I… Eris, Just… just wow~!” Dusk exclaimed, “I can’t believe you did all this.”
Eris smiled and let another chuckle escape her, “Well believe it buster. I mean, can Mama book a vacation or can Mama book a vacation?!”
“It’s just wonderful Eris,” Said Butterscotch, flying up to Eris's height and pulling her into a warm embrace. “Thank you so much.”
Eris felt her breath become logged in her throat and she could swear that her heart skipped a beat as she felt the little Pegasus' hooves wrap around her and their body press against one another. She cursed under her breath as she felt her cheeks betray her, as they heated up and began to flush a vivid pinkish hue. “Uh, heh, It's nothing,” she chuckled nervously. “Anything for you Butters... and the guys too!” She added hastily as she broke away from Butterscotch's warm embrace. A lingering, awkward silence stagnated the air for a brief moment as Eris rubbed the back of her neck trying to calm her nerves.
“Well, anyway,” Elusive said, breaking the silence, much to Eris’s relief. “You did say we would have a chauffeur whilst here right?”
“Oh, yeah!” Eris replied as she magically summoned a floating clock. “Should be here any moment now. Course if all else fails, just a snap of the fingers and I get us to the hotel.”
As if on cue, a large and elongated carriage pulled up to the train station. The carriage was nearly six doors long, painted a brilliant, marble white and embroidered with golden trim. Eris felt her mind somewhat stop in that moment. 'Just on cue eh? Weird, usually I'm all over that kind of dumb luck.'
“Well would you look at! Excellent timing I would say,” Elusive continued. An alabaster coat stallion chauffeur leaped out of the carriage and hastily sped his way over to party company, a bright smile dancing across his lips.
“Welcome!” He exclaimed excitedly. “You must be the Prince and company, it’s very good to meet you all.”
“Um, y-yes, that's us.” Dusk replied feeling a little self conscious.
“Splendid! Well then your majesty, my name is Trottalong and I will be your chauffeur while your here in Las Pegasus. It is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance.”
“Well isn't he peppy.” Eris said quietly to herself.
After loading up their lugged into the overly stretched carriage and making themselves comfortable in the leather seats, Trottalong called back to them from his coach-seat. “Where too your highness?”
It was then that just about every one of them started to excitedly shout out suggestions of what they wanted to do first, making the carriage a bedlam of clashing noise.
Eris rolled her eyes at the other's mild bickering. Holding out her lioness paw, she snapped her fingers and summoned a bright flash to overwhelm the group. When the light subsided the septum of stallions and Barbara found that their mouths had been magically zipped shut, all save for Butterscotch, who was silence with a large dollop of caramel fudge. Eris knew how much he favored that desert...
“Now guys you all know how much a fan girl I am for a good ol' fashion ruckus romp of jibber jabber, but I think it would be best if we did this a little more... orderly.” She said, dredging out the last word with distaste. She then snapped her fingers again and summoned eight straws of varying size into her eagles claw and held them out to the stallions. “Here's the game, who ever gets the longest straw decides the destination. Sound good?”
The still silenced stallions nodded in agreement and reached in to claim their straws. Comparing straws one by one, it soon became obvious who was the winner, Bubble Berry. Eris then removed their zippers to allow them to speak.
“Ohmymegagoodness we get to go where I like first! I'm so super-cited!”
“Now hold on now!” Rainbow interrupted, “I got the seconded shortest so I call after we get done with Berry's we heed over to the club.”
“Don't worry Rain, everypony's going to get their chance, we go by tallest to shortest straws. It's the only fair way.” Eris chuckled.
Dusk leaned over with a mischievous grin plastered across his lips. "Hmm, Eris that actually rather... logical. I'm pressed."
Eris replied with a heat scowl, “Dusk I swear by Solaris' cake built flank that I will zipp your mouth shut with soap in it!”
The whole assembly couldn't help but chuckle at that.
"So where to you highness?" Called Trottalong once again.
Dusk turned to Bubble with a smile, "Well, where too Bubble?"
"Let's see the sights! Then lets head over to Rainbow's club and get this party started!" The pink-colored stallion shouted excitedly.
"You heard him driver! Lets get rolling!" Eris followed, sticking her head out the window with a wicked grin. This was going to be a night to remember, and she knew it. Just her, Barbara and the guys, and most importantly... Butterscotch. She was determined to make this the most enjoyable vacation for him by the chaos that spawned her, that was exactly was she was going to do.
After an excited eye-goggling first class tour of the city’s world famous multi-colored avenues of casinos, flashing lights, hotels, restaurants and every which other conceivable means of indulgences, with Bubble Berry snapping picture after picture for his every engorging scrapbook, and having made a quick swing by designated hotel Eris had been so meticulous in choosing for their stay, the intrepid party of comrades at last arrived at their destination, the L’Oiseau Rare, one of the the city’s many and most renowned clubs.
Barbara had opted to stay at the Hotel and get settled in, so it was only the guys and Eris that stood in line, waiting to enter the esteemed boudoir of flashing lights and roaring musical accompaniment. The whole gang had dressed appropriate for the occasion. Not too classy, but just enough to show the establishment some courtesy, or at the very least, satisfy Elusive’s impulsive fashion disorder.
Eris however felt as if she was about to crawl out of her skin as she could feel a sharp heat running up her spine and into her shoulders. She bit her cheeks and lips with a droll sigh as she caught glances out of the corners of her eyes staring at her and whispering to one another. She shook her head with a huff, turning back to her friends as the line progressed. She really shouldn’t be surprised if she got a few odd looks, she mentally told herself, being well… her, but still she didn’t like being the subject of random pony’s gossip.
Her eyes drifted down to Butterscotch, who was standing next to her and wearing a casual teal blue lapel that matched his eyes perfectly, along with a light green cravat that was folded neatly into the confines of his collar. He looked so handsome…
“I don’t know Rainbow, are you sure about this?” Dusk asked as the line steadily decreased, “I’m starting to have some second thoughts about this.”
Rainbow Blitz only rolled his eyes with a smirk as he hovered over the crowd. “Oh come on Dusky, don’t be like that, trust me it’s going to be a great time.”
As the two went back and forth over if’s and do’s, Eris meanwhile fidgeted in her spot. She could practically feel the ponies eyes pressing against her, and she was beginning to feel ever more uncomfortable. For the occasion, she had decided to wear a classic red sequin dress that she thought accented her long body and if she was to be so modest, shapely curves, nicely. However the more she stood there, the more she felt like the ponies around her were judging her, nitpicking everything they could and it was making her feel quite anxious. It was then that she felt something press against her left hip. She looked down to find Butterscotch leaning up against her and she could see that he was quivering.
Leaning down she met the stallions gaze with some concern. “You okay Butterscotch?” She asked.
Butterscotch sighed and said, “I’m… I’m okay. It’s just… eh… there’s so many ponies here. Way more than I thought there’d be.”
Eris paused for a second before she replied. Finally, she wrapped an arm over his shoulders and flashed him with a warm, comforting grin. “Hey, just don’t think about them. They’re… they’re not important. The only thing that’s important right now is getting in the club and turning it on its head.” She mused with a chuckle.
“Oh, goodness, we’re not really going to turn it upside down are we?”
Eris shook her head with a sigh, “Look… don’t worry about it so much, you got me and the guys remember? And… I’m sure as tartarus not going anywhere.”
Butterscotch chuckled, “Yeah… you're right… I’m just being silly.”
“Just stick with be Butters, and everything will be just fine.” Eris said with a playful smirk.
Butterscotch couldn’t help but blush at that, “Thanks Eris…” He said looking up at her with the sweetest glance, “Let’s just stick together.”
“Like peanut butter and oats.” Eris mused.
He chuckled, bumping her side with his, “Great, now I’m hungry.”
The two of them shared a laugh just before they heard the stallion at the front door of the club call out ‘NEXT!’, and with that, they entered. Eris for some reason felt as if she could feel bubbles or rather butterflies filling her stomach as Butterscotch took the lead, taking her lioness paw in his hoof and urged her to follow suit.
Oh I’m in so much trouble, she thought to herself.
It was then that they hear a commotion rise up behind them. Looking back they saw as a large white carriage with equally extravagant visual appeal as the one they had arrived in pulled up to the club. Butterscotch, Eris and the rest watched as a practical legion of personal body guards poured out of the carriage and divided the crowded, making a clear path to the entrance way.
“What’s going on?” Dusk asked. Is inquiry was shortly answered as an elegantly decorated hoof stepped out of the carriage and onto the red carpet leading up to the club, followed shortly by the full figure of an ivory white unicorn mare. Golden locks of honey-sewn hair flooded down her neck and pooled over her shoulders, with a single red rose tucked neatly behind her ear. She wore a lavish blue sapphire bow tie which accented her eyes quite nicely.
“Oh sweet Solaris, please no.” Elusive huffed as he stared at the mare as she walked towards the entrance way.
“What is it Elusive?” Butterscotch asked. “Do you know that mare?”
Elusive crossed his forelegs and huffed, “Unfortunately. THAT mare is the very same one that gave me Tartarus back during the Gala. Her royal snobbery, the Lady Blue Belle.”
“Oh yeah I remember you telling us about her.” Bubble said, “The way you talked about her she sounded like a really meany pants.”
“Yes, well I don’t like to harbor any real ill will to anypony, especially mares, but she manipulated my allegiance to chivalry! She made a complete mockery of me.”
The group watched on as ponies began to take picture after flashing picture of the noble mare as she entered the club. Eris, along with Elusive, eyed her with much more heated glares. She had heard of the noble mare before and from what she could tell from first appearances, this Blue Belle was certainly somepony who enjoyed being at the center of things. And also, why in tartarus was she getting a VIP escort into the club while she and the literal Elements of Harmony had to wait in line, not to mention they had the Prince of Friendship with them! Who the hay did this mare think she was?
“Well let’s just hope we don’t have to see to much of her while in the club.” Said Eris, “Lets just focus on having a good time.”
“Yeah… Eris is right.” Butterscotch piped up. “Tonight's about us, let’s just try to have fun.”
Inside the club, the heavy, thruming beat of swelling music filled their ears. In general layout, the building was spread out in a circular pattern, centered around a grand dance floor, surrounded by two adjacent wings designated for tables, booths and tables where ponies could enjoy a light meal and drink before returning to the exuberant dance floor rotunda. At the far end was a practical shrine to the art of modern acoustics technology, with ceiling high speakers roaring out their tunes and energetic light shows.
“IS THIS LOUD ENOUGH FOR YA?!” Rainbow shouted out to the rest with a chuckle.
“Oh... why is it so loud?” Butterscotch asked as he tried to shelter his ears. After maneuvering through the sea of ponies they finally found a table large enough to booth all of them. Elusive marveled at the quality of their seats leather furnishings and wood work of the table, while Dusk and Rainbow flagged down a waiter to choose from the cider selections.
“Hmm… I think I’ll just gave an ice tea for now, and then maybe go with a Cinnamon Snap Delight afterwards.” Dusk said looking the menu over.
“Give me Flaming Apple Cocktail, extra fizzy.” Rainbow said excitedly, “Daddy doesn’t plan on flying after this.”
“Oh! Well, actually, the drinks are on the house.” Said the waiter. “The owner made it quite clear. Your highness and your friends don’t need to worry about paying.”
Eris cocked her head at this, “Say what? Who’s the owner?”
“That honor would have to be mine,” said an illustrious velvet voice.
Eris and the rest turned to see the marble white unicorn they had seen prior standing there before them.
“Blue Belle.” Elusive said with a droll tone.
“YOUR the the owner of this place?!” Said Eris.
“Guilty as charged,” she replied with flattered smile. “Along with a few other minor establishments here in Las Pegasus. But let me just say that it is simply an honor to have the Elements of Harmony, especially the Prince of Magi~”
Blue Belle paused for a moment, “Ah… yes Friendship, of course.”
“Ah yes, well thank you very much for the free beverages,” Elusive said trying to maintain his composure. “Now if you don’t mind, we were just about to order some appetizers.”
“Oh my dear Elusive, you're still angry with me aren’t you?” Blue Belle said with a hurt tone.
“Well not to be rude, but you did treat me demonstrably poor last time we crossed paths.”
“I know, my behavior was horrible. And you we’re being the most chivalrous of gentlecolts.”
“Oh! And another~ wait, what did you say?”
“ I said it was so insensitive of me. You we’re so polite and courteous, and I just trotted all over you. I don’t expect you to forgive me, but if you could find it in your heart, it would really mean the world to me. ”
The sincerity in Blue Belle’s voice caught Elusive off guard. We she truly apologetic for that night at the Gala? He felt his inner knight stir in his chest. “Oh~ well… that’s, that’s very kind of you to say… I’ll, I accept apology.”
“Oh thank goodness,” Blue Belle exclaimed with delight, taking a humble curtsy. “Please, if there is anything you need, do not hesitate to ask. My staff will be more than happy to serve each of you.”
However, when she rose from her curtsy and composed herself, her eyes just by chance were met with the rich teal blue of Butterscotch’s, causing her to pause for a moment.
“Oh… my, you must be Sir Butterscotch.” She began sweetly, “My, if I can be so forward, I simply must say that the rumors of your charming complexion have done you no justice.”
Butterscotch felt his cheeks flush with heat and color at the mare’s complement, while Eris felt a very different kind of heat welling up in her chest. “Oh, uh… well thank you.” She said shyly, reaching out his hoof to shake hers.
Blue Belle, who was wearing a tender, soft look of admiration took his hoof in hers. Butterscotch then noticed Elusive gesturing to him out of the corner of his eye, signaling him to kiss her hoof. Being quick about it, he rested his lips upon her hoof as was the custom and gave an awkward smile.
“Please, forgive my effrontery, but would you honor me with a dance kind stallion? It would be a delight to get a chance to know more about you.”
Butterscotch felt his cheeks flush even more, feeling as if they were about to combust in flames at any moment. He looked to his friends to find them all smiling and nodding in approval, of course with Elusive being much less enthusiastic, however Eris was finding it quite hard to stomach seeing some gaudy fru-fru mare asking her dearest Butterscotch to dance, as the ever deepening grooves in the wooden table were emphasizing.
“Oh, well.. Um…” Butterscotch began nervously, “Well I uh, thank you, but… oh dear…”
He felt almost literally like he was caught between a rock and a hard place. Glancing over at Eris, he silently called for her aid. His eyes emanating with the ‘help me’.
Eris felt a flood of relief as she read the stallion’s signal, and jumped into action. “Oh, woefully I must be the bearer of bad news,” She grinned slightly as she wrapped her arm about Butterscotch’s shoulders, pulling him close to her, striking a dramatic, sorrowful pose and speaking with the most pitiful lilt in her voice. “But I’m afraid that dear Butterscotch won’t be able to join you this evening.”
“What?!” The other five exclaimed, glaring at her with inquisitive looks.
“Yes,” she continued. “Dreadfully sorry, but as it would seem that our dearest Butterscotch has already entrusted me with the dance of the evening. Perhaps some other time maybe.”
Blue Belle, along with the other five stallions present sat there in mild disbelief for a while as the Dracongequus mare’s words sank in, while Butterscotch could only smile awkwardly between the two.
Finally, Blue Belle spoke. “Hmm, pity. Perhaps another night then. How long will you fine stallions be in town?”
“The full week mademoiselle,” Elusive interjected. “We’re here to see the grand performance of the Shim and Sham show. The one with the absolutely gorgeous white lions.”
Blue Belle nodded with a smile. “Ah yes, such a great show. And the full week? Splendid! That will give us plenty of time to get to know each other better, and to make amends. But for now, please enjoy the club, and as my waiter has said, everything is on the house!”
“Oh no, you don’t have to do that…” Dusk started, but Blue Belle simply held up her hoof in response.
“I don’t want to hear any of it.” She said, “You are my guests, and you’re royalty. Two for two, it’s the least I can do.”
“Just remember, if there’s anything, and I mean… anything, you need.” She said batting her eyes towards the cream colored Pegasus and setting her calling card on the table. “Please, do not hesitate to call me. Anyway, you fine gentlecolts… and madam enjoy your night. I must be off, sadly.”
“Yes… sadly.” Eris replied under breath. And with that, the esteemed noble mare disappeared into the crowd.
“What pray tell was that?!” Elusive exclaimed, giving Eris a dumbfounded look of confusion and shock. “Now, I know she was a royal thorn in the past, and I know that I’ve expressed my distaste for her in the past… even though I did my very best to win over her with my charm and chivalry… but here she was being completely sweet and sincere. Honestly Eris, that was just rude of you.”
Eris rolled her eyes, “Honey, please~!”
“Hey, hey!” Rainbow said, “Come on Elusive, let’s not get too sidetracked here and remember why we came here, am I right guys?”
“Gentlecolts?” Said a waitress, holding out a tray of tall, decorative glasses of fizzing green liquid. “Her Ladyship Madam Blue Belle sent these, on the house.”
“Um… what’s that?” Applejack asked, giving the waitress a questioning look. Though not quite fast enough as Bubble Berry had already down his glass, licking his lips in delight.
“Mmmmpgh~! Oh my goodness AJ, these are tasty! They taste just like apples.” Bubble said taking another glass in his hooves. “What are these?”
“Their one of our signature drinks, a Granny Smith on the Rocks.” The waiter replied with a smile.
“... not really sure how I feel about that name.” Applejack replied.
The waiter looked at the farm stallion a bit confused, “Well… um, anyway, yes, they’re the club's specialty. But just fair warning, they’re a bit~”
“Hot flanks!” Rainbow exclaimed as he tasted one of the fizzing green drinks himself, cutting the waiter off, “These are awesome! Bring more of these and keep them coming!”
“Yes well… the tartness of the green apples adds a much sharper flavor and aftertaste, though you really shouldn’t~”
“Well I’m up for round two!” Rainbow exclaimed looking to the waiter with a smile. “Come on bud, don’t waste time, lets get another round up in here.”
Sensing that he wouldn’t be allowed to finish his sentence any time soon, the waiter bowed his head and passed each of the stallions and the draconequus their drinks before heading off to the kitchen to fetch more.
“Alright, find out the hard way.” He said under his breath.
After a long, laugh-filled session of round after intoxicating round, the merry group of friends were now beginning to feel the full effects of the Rare Bird’s signature beverage, as the growing stack of empty glasses could emphasize. Bubble had taken to the stage and joined up with the DJ, working the dance floor up into a wild pandemonium of moving bodies, while Elusive and Dusk shine laughed together uncontrollably over seemingly unimportant things. Blitz and AJ were locked in a heated arm wrestling contest. When either of them lost, the loser had to take a sip of their… what was it? eighth? ninth? They couldn’t really remember.
Eris had meanwhile lounged back into the book seat now also feeling the effects of the alcohol kick in, and had now taken up conducting a little light show circus of prancing pink elephants over the table, while a perpetually giggling Butterscotch laid across her stomach as if she was an living bed.
“He hehe hehe… hehhehe, hic! Hey-yey.. Er-hic-s.” Butterscotch managed through his heated giggled and uncontrollable hiccuping.
Eris, who was very well hammered, looked down at the little Pegasus in her lap with half lidded grin of delight. “Yesss my dearest~” She cooed in a somewhat slurred fashion.
Butterscotch giggled, nuzzling his snout into her warm breast, “I justs-s hic! I just wanted to-hic-thank youu~ for suggesting this… we all really neededd it… your ss-so s-sweet.”
Eris couldn’t help but giggle like a school filly as she felt her face heat up and her heart pound heavily in her chest as her mind was beginning to shut down, allowing the thick fog of the drinks to creep in.
“Hey-y Butters…” She cooed into his ear.
“Hmm?”
“I have a s-secret I want to tell you~”
Butterscotch giggled, “Oh a secret? Tell me?”
Eris felt so warm inside, feeling his body on hers. So warm, so soft… “Wellll~”
However she was cut off as Bubble Berry ran over to the group carrying another tray of Granny Smith on the Rocks. “Okay everypony! Who’s ready for more!?”
Eris shook her head and reached over to grab another glass, as did everyone else.
“Wait!” Bubble exclaimed before they could take a sip of their beverage. “A toast! To Eris, and the wonderful night!”
They all raised the classes shortly after. “To Eris!”
“D’awww thanks guys,” She slurred. “Really it was nothing.”
Bubble quickly downed his drink before his ears twitched with the rising music. “Oh! Elusive, come on, I love this song!”
Elusive shook his head trying to clear his mind. “Ohh… I don’t know Bubbles… not really up to pair if you know what I-hic!”
He didn’t really get to finish as the pink colored stallion took him by the hoof and peeled him off his seat, dashing over to the raving dance floor.
The others laughed to themselves and downed their drinks like they were nothing, and sure enough, were flagging down a waitress for more. Eris however was beginning to see how her stallion compadres were beginning to act. “Hey, guys… we’ve had a lot to drink uh… I think we should stop.”
Rainbow Blitz looked up at Eris with an arching brow. “Oh? What’s the mat-hic-ter Eris? Can’t handle any mo-hic-re?”
“What? No, just I’m even starting to feel a little drunk… I just think we should slow down.”
“Hah! Ah think ah hear a challenge!” Applejack spoke up, slamming his cup on the table, “No pony can out drink meh!”
“What? No, just I’m even starting to feel a little drunk… I just think we should slow down.”
“Hah! Ah think ah hear a challenge!” Applejack spoke up, slamming his cup on the table, “No pony can out drink meh!”
“Care to test that ego eh AJ!?” Rainbow smirked. “How ‘bout it guys!? Let's see who can drink de most!”
“Oo! Count us in!” Bubble Berry exclaimed, dragging Elusive short behind.
“Eh… I’ll sit this one out.” Eris said, reclining into her seat.
