Slight edit to description for people wondering the Autumn Leaf mentioned is a background pony seen with Lemon Hearts in one scene in ‘A Hearth's Warming Tail’ just wanted to clear up any confusion.
It was a sunny morning in Ponyville, Lemon Hearts slowly opened her eyes stretching before getting out of bed "Ah, looks like another great day!" She said looking out the window,"Hm wonder if Twi and Spike are awake yet?" she thought
"Hey! Lemon you awake!" She heard a voice ask from the hallway
"Well Spike's at least awake." she realized, "Yeah I am is Twi awake yet!" Lemon asked
"Yep!" Spike answered
She left the room and greeted Spike, after which the two made their way to the kitchen on the way their the yellow unicorn remembered the plans she and Twilight had made three days ago
The two got to the kitchen and Twilight greeted, "Morning Lemon! Hey, remember we're going to The Hoof Trail for dinner tonight."
"Oh yeah, we are!" Lemon remembered it was Wednesday and that was why she had remembered her's and Twilight's plans from the beginning of the week that date was tonight "So did you get reservations for us?"
Twilight nodded, "Yep I got us a great table right by the stage!"
Lemon was surprised Twilight had gotten one of the best tables for entertainment at the restaurant. "Wow, going all out are we?" Lemon asked jokingly
Twilight sheepishly chuckled she wanted to make their first date to be as perfect as she possibly could the perfect table, the perfect time, perfect everything
"From what I hear, it's going to be a clear sky tonight." Lemon explained before realizing, "Is that why you said Wednesday was perfect?"
Twilight's expression became even more sheepish turned away trying to the blush she knew she had but failing, making Lemon snicker
After recovering from the minor embarrassment Twilight asked, "So do you want to do anything before our date tonight?"
Lemon paused rubbing a forehoof on her chin then just shrugged as her answer
"Well after breakfast, I'm just going to walk around town you want to come along? Twilight asked
"Ehh, why not," Lemon replied
The two mares and dragon had their breakfast, which that particular morning was pancakes during the meal Twilight and Lemon talked about the old times before Twilight had moved to Ponyville and shared some newer memories of things that happened in Ponyville and some that occurred back in Canterlot.
The two mares left for their walk while before they were far from her castle Twilight asked, "Anywhere you want to go in particular Sugarcube Corner, The Park, stop by Lyra's or just wander?"
"I'd like to visit Lyra and then maybe the park," Lemon answered
Twilight agreed saying she'd like that too and the two made their way to their old friend's house once they got their Twilight knocked a few times the mare who answered the door was a surprise to both of them
"Twilight, Lemon! it's great that see you!" The mare said with much excitement
"Minuette?!" Lemon and Twilight said in unison
After the surprise Twilight asked, "What brings you to Ponyville?"
Minuette said, that she had just wanted some time off so she came to Ponyville because she wanted to see her friends down there, The three made their way to Lyra's living room when they got there and Lyra saw them she gave both Lemon and Twilight a big hug.
Minuette asked, “Hey so why were you and Lemon walking together did you meet each other on the way here?”
Then Twilight realized Minuette didn't know about the events of that past Saturday when Lemon broke up with Autumn, "Actually she's been staying with me this week, we came together."
Minuette was now confused asking, why she wasn't staying with Autumn Leaf then Twilight explained the story of Lemon's break up the blue mare covered her mouth with one of her forehooves
"How's she feeling about it?" Minuette asked with concern
Twilight answered, "She actually recovered from it sooner than I thought she would."
"That's good but, are you two doing anything later I think we should all do something maybe the four of us can go to a restaurant?" Minuette suggested
"Sorry, Minuette but Lemon and I are already going to The Hoof Trail tonight." Twilight apologized
"Then, why can't me and Lyra co-" Minuette cut herself off, when she thought about what Twilight said, were she and Lemon going on a-, "Do you mean, that you and Lemon are going on a DATE?" The blue unicorn said quite loudly
The noise caused Lyra and Lemon to look towards their friends and Lyra asking, "Y-you are?"
Both Twilight and Lemon nodded and both Lyra and Minuette both smiled before asking to know everything about it and Twilight and Lemon did. After the explanation Twilight said, "Sorry to leave girls but I have to do a little something. See you tonight Lemon."
"Wonder what that was about?" Lyra asked
Minuette chuckled, "It definitely has something to do with hers and Lemon's date tonight."
"Yeah and knowing her she probably has a checklist for it," Lyra said with a smirk making herself and the other unicorns laugh
Meanwhile, Twilight was walking through Ponyville while levitating a piece paper and quill in front of her "Ok, reservations check, good weather check now all I need is flowers!" She said as she read her list
Once she got to the flower stand she was greeted by a pink mare who bowed "Oh, hello. Your Highness, is there anything I can get you?"
Twilight knew this mare her name was Lily Valley "Yes I made a request for a bouquet of yellow and magenta flowers." Twilight explained
Lily walked into the tent and picked up a clipboard from a table sliding a hoof down, "Ah, here it is!" She then walked over to a shelf for orders specifically and picked up a bouquet with yellow and magenta coloured flowers five of each, "Here they are your highness. That'll be 8 bits."
Twilight took her bit bag, and took out the proper amount of bits and used her magic levitating her bits giving them to the earth pony
After Lily had put the bits into the jar the stand used to store their bits asked: "So why did you get them somepony's birthday?"
"No, nopony's birthday, I'm actually going on a date with an old friend."
Lily was surprised when she heard her explain that the old friend was a mare, not expecting Twilight was like that.
"Ok, I need to go now. I have a few more things to do before tonight." Twilight said.
"Good luck on your date," Lily said waving goodbye.
As she walked through Ponyville, Lemon glanced around seeing how low the sun was in the sky. "My date with Twilight is in just about an hour", she said aloud to herself before thinking "It may be our first date but should I get Twi some flowers or something."
"Hey Lemon!" said a voice from behind her.
"Ah!" Lemon yelped, feeling like she'd jump out of her coat. Turning around she saw a familiar face behind her. It was Bon Bon, "Don't sneak up on me like that!"
"Hi to you too." Bon Bon rolled her eyes slightly, "So whatcha doing in Ponyville? From what I heard from Lyra, you and Autumn broke up."
"Yeah, but I have a question. Where have you been?" Lemon asked since she hadn't seen her for the last three days
"Visiting family in Vanhoover." Bon Bon answered, "I also heard from Lyra and Minuette that you're going on a date with Princess Twilight tonight," she continued.
"Yeah and I was just thinking if I should get her something for our first date”, Lemon explained, rubbing her chin with a hoof
Bon Bon also put a hoof on her chin to think and said she thought it was a sweet idea. So she wanted to help. Then she asked if Lemon knew what Twilight's favourite flower was.
Lemon tapped her mouth with a hoof, "I think it's daffodils but, I know she likes Lilacs." She answered
"Well, why not get both?" Bon Bon said stomping a hoof
"Sure." Lemon agreed but as she looked around realized, "But, I should hurry. The flower stand will be closing soon. Bye." She waved
The earth pony returned the wave, wishing her friend good luck.
After running for a minute or two Lemon arrived at the flower stand and was greeted by Lilly Valley, she then looked at the shelves, Theres only one daffodil and lilac. she thought her ears drooping a bit
Lily tilted her head slightly "Were you looking for anything in particular?"
"Yes, the two you have are the kinds I'm looking for." Lemon said, "but should I really give Twi just two flowers? the unicorn asked herself
Lily picked up the two flowers the stand had left,"Here you can have them. Just one bit." Lemon levitated the single coin giving it to the pink earth pony, "Thank you." Lily said
Lily noticing her customer's distress asked, "Something wrong hoping for more than just two?"
"Yeah but, I should have come earlier." Lemon said, while internally cursing herself, "I hope Twilight didn't get much or I'll feel terrible for not thinking about this!
But before the flower seller could press further, Lemon started walking away holding the two flowers she had just bought. While walking back to Twilight's castle she saw Lyra and Minuette. They both smiled after she told them she wanted to get Twilight flowers for their first date. They both wished her good luck on last time. After walking for a few minutes she was at Twilight's castle and entered then called out, "Twilight I'm back!"
Twilight came out of a room hearing Lemon and rushing over to her, "Hey are ya ready for tonight?", she asked excitedly.
Lemon chuckled and nodded.
"Oh, before I forget I got these for you," Twilight said, levitating a bouquet of ten flowers.
Lemon reached a hoof out and took the bouquet noticing the flowers were yellow and magenta, the yellow flowers were Chrysanthemums and the magenta were Tulips her favourite colours and flowers."Great and I only got her a whole two flowers!", she thought ashamed.
"What's wrong? Did anything happen on your way back?" Twilight asked concern written on her face.
"No, nothing's wrong." Lemon lied. "Why do you ask?" Lemon questioned. Twilight just pointed to something that Lemon thought was behind her before she realized Twilight was pointing at her cheek. There was a single small tear running down it, "I'm crying?
Twilight stepped forward a bit before asking again, "Seriously did something happen. We can postpone this if you want."
Lemon shook her head, "No, nothing happened. It’s just you got me these and I *takes the two flowers* just got these." she said lowering her head.
Twilight took the flowers with her own magic, "You got me some flowers? My favourite kinds too." Twilight exclaimed.
"Yeah but by the time I thought of it they only had two and you got me these!" Lemon said rising the bouquet to emphasize her point.
"So, it isn't that bad it's not like you were required to get anything for me but thank you," Twilight said with a shrug.
"B-but I-I Y-you." was all Lemon could manage to say. “Ok let’s go.” Twilight nodded in agreement and the two made their way out, “Okay even if she said it was okay I'm still going make it up to her, by making this date the best ever. No pressure. Lemon thought still a little guilty.
The two made their way through the town and got to their destination soon after they entered a green earth pony mare with a brown mane tied up in a bun, greeted them, “Welcome to the Hoof Trail how may I- Ah! P-p-p-princess T-twilight what brings you here your highness?” The mare bowed
“I have a reservation, a table for two.” Twilight informed the nervous mare
The mare checked a clipboard moving her and stopping at the name ‘Twilight Sparkle’ “Ah here you are, right this way.” The mare stated trying to be professional after her slight freakout
The two followed the mare through a large room filled with several tables most had ponies sitting at them stopping at one to the right of the stage “Here’s your table.”
“Thank you, Uhh what’s your name?” Twilight asked
“B-berry P-pastry, your highness.” She answered
“Well thank you, Berry.” Twilight repeated
Twilight and Lemon took their seats as Berry placed a menu in front of both of them then left to go back to the front
Opening her menu Twilight looked up asking her date, “So what are you going to get?”
Lemon while looking at her menu rubbing her hoof on her chin, “Hmm well last time I was here I got the Veggie Steak, maybe I’ll get that with a Salad.” She answered before asking the same question
Twilight thought for a moment while considering her options “I think I’ll get an Oat Burger and some Fries.”
Lemon nodded, “They really do make a good burger here."
"They make everything good here!" Twilight stated
"Yes yes, they do I’ve probably had everything on the menu at least once.” Lemon agreed
After making their decisions the two just talked before a unicorn stallion approached the table, “Hello my name is Blue Plate I’m going to be your waiter tonight. So can I start you two of with some drinks?” He asked holding a notepad and pencil in his magic
Turning towards the yellow unicorn Twilight said, “Actually we’re ready to order.”
“Ok, so what are you getting?” The stallion asked
“Well, I would like the Veggie Steak and a Garden Salad. To drink I’d like Apple Cider non-alcoholic please.” Lemon gave her order
“Very good choice and you, your highness?” The stallion turned to the alicorn
“I’d like an Oat Burger and some Fries for my drink I guess I’ll have some Apple Cider too,” Twilight replied
“Ok I’ll bring you your ciders and our entertainment will begin shortly,” the stallion said as he wrote the order down
The two mares nodded.
Lemon turned to Twilight and asked, “So what is the entertainment tonight?”
“Hmmm, I think It’s singing,” Twilight answered.
Lemon nodded smiling she liked it when the performers sang last time she was here.
The mares continued talking before hearing a voice from the stage.
“Good evening everypony! Welcome to the Hoof Trail. Hope you enjoy our entertainment tonight.” A brown-orange mare announced. “Tonight my fellow performers and I will be singing.”
“Looks like you were right.” Lemon turned to her date.
“Yeah, I saw the schedule while we were being led to our table the other day and saw it looked like it.” Twilight nodded rubbing the back of her head and neck.
Lemon just nodded in understanding.
The two turned to the stage and watched the mare and other ponies on the stage begin to sing. Only stopping to thank Blue Plate for bringing their ciders the stallion told the mares their orders would be out in a few minutes.
“So are you enjoying our date so far Lemon?” Twilight asked
Lemon took a moment to respond being absorbed in the current song, “Oh! Yes, I am.”
“Glad to hear that.” Twilight smiled. “Hmm, this song is called ‘Miles’ right?” The alicorn asked.
“Mhmm.” Lemon nodded.
Both mares started humming along with the song.
After some minutes, Blue Plate walked over to their table levitating three plates placing one in front of one in front of Twilight which had a burger with fries surrounding it. and two in front of Lemon one a decently sized veggie steak, the second plate had a bowl with her salad.
“Thank you,” Twilight said.
“Yeah thanks,” Lemon repeated.
“You’re welcome, would either of you like anything else?” Blue asked the mares
“No thanks.” They replied.
“Very well, enjoy.” The stallion nodded.
“Well let’s eat!” Twilight exclaimed.
Lemon smiled levitating her knife and fork ready to dig into her steak.
Before starting, Twilight looked in front seeing the table had a bottle of ketchup along with a bottle of vinegar and salt and pepper shakers she levitated the ketchup and lifted the top bun on her burger to add a bit of it to her burger.
“You know you could have ordered a burger with ketchup on it?” Lemon asked.
“I like putting it on myself,” Twilight replied taking a bite.
Lemon shrugged “Ok then.”
Lemon started to cut her steak into pieces so she didn’t have to keep cutting off bits of it while eating. She stuck her fork in one piece levitating it into her mouth. While chewing she smiled happily at the taste.
“Good?” Twilight asked.
“Mhmm, and yours?” Lemon nodded.
“Very!” Twilight smiled.
The two mares kept on eating occasionally talking.
The two finished their meals, “Now that was good wasn’t it!”
Lemon drank a bit her cider with a small glug, “Yes it was.” She put her cup back to her lips to finish her drink when she thought, “This date was totally... Normal!” Lemon almost froze up she wanted this date to be perfect but it just ended up like every other date the yellow unicorn had gone on with Autumn and all the other stallions she had dated just your average run of the mill date. Lemon’s ears drooped
“Well, Your Highness I trust you two date enjoyed your meals.” Blue Plate said seeing the mares were done
Twilight nodded, “I did it was as delicious as usual.” Twilight turned her head to Lemon, “What about you Lemon to me it looked like you enjoyed your steak and salad.”
Lemon took a moment to realize Twilight had asked her a question, “Oh, y-yeah they were great.”
Blue smiled, “Thank you our chefs will be delighted to hear that. Now would either of you like anything else dessert, coffee, anything?”
Twilight rubbed a hoof under her chin,”Hmm well Lemon do you want anything?” She asked before seeing the expression the yellow unicorn had, “Lemon?” The unicorn didn’t react again.
Twilight closed her eyes and said, “I think we’ll just take the bill.”
“Of course.” Blue bowed before leaving shortly coming back with a slip of paper setting it on the table.
Twilight levitated the paper bringing it closer so she could read it. It read; Oat Burger 8 Bits, Fries 4 Bits, Veggie Steak 6 Bits, Garden Salad 5 Bits, Apple Cider 2 Bits, Apple Cider 2 Bits. So the total was 27 Bits.
Twilight set the bill down on the table before grabbing her bit bag. As it was set on the table Lemon caught a glimpse of it and grabbed her own bit bag, “I wasn’t able to make to make this date perfect so maybe I should pay”
Twilight noticed and asked, “So are we splitting the bill?”
“W-well you did so much planning our date, so I’ll pay,” Lemon said.
“Y-you don’t have to do that, I planned this so I’m going to pay for this.” Twilight waved a hoof.
Lemon persisted though, “But-“
Twilight shook her head, “If you want to pay we’ll split it.”
Lemon was going to try again but gave in, “Ok.”
The yellow unicorn levitated 14 Bits on to the table and Twilight put 13 Bits along with a few extra for the tip.
After paying their bill the mares left. At the door, Berry Pastry said goodbye and come again. While bowing to Twilight.
The pair started the walk back to Twilight's castle once they were a bit away from the restaurant Twilight turned to Lemon, “Hey, did you like our date?”
“Y-yeah, I did,” Lemon answered
Twilight sighed a bit, “You don’t have to lie I saw your expression when Blue Plate asked if we wanted dessert.”
Lemon closed her eyes and shook slightly, “I’m sorry.”
Twilight shook her head, “No you don’t have to be I’m just glad you gave it a shot.”
“No that’s not it. The date was great but it was just so normal.” Lemon said.
Twilight looked a bit confused, “What do mean?”
“I wanted to have this date be perfect, you did so much planning our date you bought me bouquet flowers and what did I do, I got you two flowers and just gave you a normal date. Not one I would go on with a princess.” Lemon explained.
Twilight took a moment to process what the unicorn said, “Is that all?” The alicorn chuckled.
“Wha-“ Lemon tried.
“Lemon you know I prefer being treated as a normal pony and I had fun tonight, this was the date I’ve had in awhile.”
Lemon felt shocked, “It has are you sure? Being a princess you’ve must have had better dates than this like; going to the fanciest restaurants, parties or countless other things.”
Twilight sighed shaking her head, “You’re right I’ve had ponies, mares and stallions take me on dates like that and more.” Lemon’s ears drooped before Twilight continued, “It was nice at first but I grew to kind of dislike it.”
“Why?” Lemon asked.
“Well, the ponies that I actually went on other dates with just kept up with those kinds of dates, sometimes spending more Bits in a night than I’ve seen somepony spend in a week or even TWO!”
Lemon just nodded.
“So it got to the point where I felt they were dating Princess Twilight Sparkle. So I liked this date because it was normal I actually felt like you were dating Twilight Sparkle,” exclaimed Twilight.
Lemon thought about what Twilight had said, when she realized what the alicorn meant, “You mean you felt the ponies were dating the title and I was dating the pony.”
Twilight nodded, “Yes and not that I would automatically dislike going to a fancy dinner, just please If we go on other dates just please don’t go to overblown.”
Lemon felt herself start to smile, “Ok I won’t. Maybe we could just have a simple picnic for our second date.”
“A picnic?” Twilight asked simply.
Lemon nodded, “Yep, and we could bring a telescope I know how much you like stargazing.”
Twilight let out a squeaky sound while smiling, “Yay! Ok, let’s do that we’ll need a blanket, basket-“
Lemon cut her off, “Hey hey, no you don’t I’m planning this date you planned our first one this time I’m treating you.”
Twilight chuckled somewhat sheepishly, “Ok but can you at least tell me when are we going to have our picnic.”
“How about Saturday I think it will be nice to end my week here that way,” Lemon said.
“Sounds like a plan.” Twilight smiled.
The mares made their way back to Twilight’s Castle. Once they got there, Twilight asked Lemon if because they didn’t get any dessert, she wanted something here. Lemon accepted and the two had some ice cream. After a few hours, the two went to bed both happy with how the day had gone.
