Sunset and Twilights first official date: the Fall Formal
Sunset and Twilight had been friends for months and even visited Equestria together earlier in the year. They just hadn’t gone on an official date as just them. Which is understandable, given the whole acclimation phase and the fact that it’s jusr so much fun hanging out with their friends.
But with the Fall Formal coming up, Sunset figures it’ll be the perfect chance.
Warning: this was inspired in part by Walk the Moon’s song “Shut Up and Dance” and Amber Spark getting it stuck in my head. I bear no responsibility if it gets stuck in yours.
“So, Twilight,” I began sweetly. “What’re you doing next Saturday?”
The bookworm didn’t even look up from her book, her hand taking notes without even glancing over to the pages of her notebook. Her pen scratching on the paper was the only sound in the library aside from the hiss of the air system. From the look in her eyes, I could tell she hadn’t heard me. I frowned a little and leaned forward.
“Twilight?” I asked. Still no response. “Twilight!”
The girl jerked upright, pulled back to reality, fumbling with her pen in her surprise. “Huh? What?”
I smiled and leaned against the table she was seated at. “I asked you a question, Sunshine,” I remarked, using the name she had chosen in Equestria to help determine which Twilight we had been talking to or about. “You doing anything next Saturday night?”
She smiled and blushed a little at the pet name. “Not that I know of, Sunset,” she said. “I had planned on maybe watching some tv with Shining when he and Cadence come over.”
I tilted an eyebrow at her in surprise. “Oh?” I asked. “Are you sure there isn’t something you’d rather do instead?”
She shook her head. “I love spending time with them, Sunny,” my love said with a frown. “Why? Is there something going on next weekend?”
I shrugged and swung down into a chair next to her. “Nothing overly important,” I drawled with exaggerated calm. “Just the Fall Formal and I was hoping to take my girlfriend to it. Seems she’s already got a date though.” I sighed. “Passed over by a crime drama.”
Twilight giggled and reached over to squeeze my hand. “No need to rub it in, Sunny,” she soothed. “If you want to go to the dance, then I’m sure Shining will understand.” Then her eyes shot open. “Oh, no! That means I need to get a dress, and figure out makeup and—“
“And Rarity has already agreed to help us if we needed it,” I smiled. I lifted her hand and kissed it. “She’s got some designs for us to look at later.”
Twilight was still in panic mode. “But we have to find a way to get to the dance, and tickets, and…” She looked close to hyperventilating. I reached out and poked her on the nose, and she scrunched up her face, reaching up to rub her nose.
“Tickets bought, my car is cleaned out - wipe that smile off your face - and all that’s left is getting dresses.” I grinned. “So, you free?”
She smiled shyly. “Of course,” she said.
“Great!” I beamed at her as I moved in to kiss her. “It’s a date!”
She smiled and put her forehead on mine. “Our first official one, if you don’t count the nights out with the girls.”
“Sounds good to me.” I glanced at my watch and stood up. “I’ve got to get going, I’ve got to meet Fluttershy to help set up for the shelter’s silent auction tonight. See you later tonight at Rarity’s for the sleepover?”
She nodded and I kept my posture relaxed until the door to the library clicked shut.
“Our first date,” I whispered, feeling my heart pounding. I smiled as plans began to swirl in my head and I couldn’t keep the bounce out of my step as I left to go meet Fluttershy.
“Ow!” I squeaked as Rarity pinned up one side of my skirt, poking me again.
“Oh, hush,” she grumped, her hair laying somewhat limp compared to her usual curls. She had a pearl white kerchief holding her bangs out of her face and her eyes were showing the signs of lack of sleep. A small handkerchief peeked out of the sleeve of her sweater. “It doesn’t hurt that bad, darling.”
I blew my bangs out of my face again, wishing I had brought a few bobby pins to tame my hair. “No, but you’ve poked me in the hip five times now, Rarity,” I sighed. I reached down and put my hand over hers. “You’re exhausted. You’ve got a week to work on these dresses. Take a day and get over this cold.”
Rarity took the handkerchief from her sleeve and blew her nose. “No, no,” she said, dropping the kerchief into a laundry basket and pulled another from a nearby drawer. “I believe I can power through. Your dress is so near to being fitted, I just need to tuck the pleats a little more and—“
“And you recently bought a mannequin that adjusts.” I turned her face to mine, giving her a serious look. “Get. Some. Rest.”
The fashionista looked like she was going to press the issue, but a trio of sneezes broke forth, stalling anything she may have been prepared to say.
“Maybe you’re right, Sunset,” she said as she sat in a nearby chair. “Perhaps a good night’s sleep will most beneficial. But I still have to work on Twilight’s dress, and my own!”
I raised an eyebrow as I gathered up my street clothes and moved towards the partitioned changing room. “You seriously expect me to believe you don’t already have your dress ready?”
“Well, no,” Rarity sniffed, though I wasn’t sure if it was indignation or the cold. “I happen to have mine done save for some accents that I’m still waiting on to arrive. But it’s the principle of the thing!”
I shimmied into my jeans. “And if you’re so tired you can’t sew a straight seam?”
Silence reigned as I pulled on my jacket. I stepped out and saw a look of complete horror on Rarity’s face. I gingerly reached out and touched her shoulder. “Rarity?”
“Crooked seams…” she whispered, an eye twitching before shaking her head. “How horrible.”
“These are beautiful, Rose,” Fluttershy breathed as she took up a corsage made of a pink lily and smelling it.
I smiled as I poked through a set of flowers. Roseluck’s family always had a great selection of flowers for any occasion, and today was no exception. I picked up a paired sprig of lavender and a small orchid looking bloom. I wasn’t sure what color Twilight’s dress was going to be - Rarity insisted on it being a surprise - so I decided to go with something simple.
“So,” Daisy piped up. “Who are you going to the Formal with, Fluttershy?”
I heard the shy girl chuckle a little. “Oh, I’m just going with the girls,” she said. “Sunset and Twilight are the only two that are paired up.”
Daisy looked like she was going to pass out at this. “How horrible!” she whispered.
“Not really,” Fluttershy replied, placing the corsage on the counter where Lily Valley rang up her purchase. “I get to go have dinner with my best friends and enjoy a dance for the first time since freshman years Spring Fling!”
“You mean you didn’t have fun at last year’s Formal?” I asked.
“Oh, no, I did,” she hurriedly replied. “But you have to admit, the Fall Formal had more than a few rough spots.”
I winced as I remembered what she meant. There isn’t a lot of fun in being locked in a short fight with a she-demon, and the Spring Fling had been canceled due to budget shortfalls following the Battle of the Bands. I lifted the corsage I had picked up and sniffed it, thoughts of Twilight chasing away the lingering doubts that still cropped up from time to time.
“Ready to check out?” I heard Lily ask, breaking into my thoughts.
“Hmm? Oh, yes.” I placed the flower down and dug out a few bills out of my wallet. As Lily placed the corsage into a box to protect it’s water bulb, I felt my phone vibrate, a piano riff letting me know that it was Twilight texting me.
It was short, only a few words, but it put a smile on my face.
Can’t wait for tomorrow I’m so excited! I love you <3
I smiled all the way to the car, tapping out a short reply.
I fumbled with my shoes, trying to get the buckle on one to fasten. This is why I liked boots and sandals. A simple zipper or just a strap that you slide over your heel. Dress shoes were never a simple matter, despite years of using fingers.
The tiny spoke on the buckle finally slid through the equally small hole in the strap, securing my heels to my feet. I stood and stopped by my mirror for a moment, making sure my hair and makeup was still intact. I brushed a stray wisp of hair back before smiling and giving myself a set of fingerguns.
“Here we go,” I said to myself, picking up a wrap and my purse. “Nothing to worry about, Sunset. Everything is right in place.”
I stopped by the refrigerator to pull out the corsage I had bought. The purple and pink flower made me smile as I walked out to my car. Tonight should be perfect. I was ready early and I had reservations at Tudors.
It wasn’t until I was halfway to Twilight’s that I realized that I hadn’t met her folks yet.
It wasn’t one of her folks that opened the door at my knocking.
It was worse, her big brother.
Shining Armor looked me up and down for a moment before stepping aside and motioning me inside. He led me to a nice and welcoming living room and pointed to a chair.
“Sit,” he said. “Twily isn’t ready yet, so you and I have some time to talk.”
I gulped. This wasn’t anything like the Shining Armor I had met across the mirror. He was much more menacing and imposing despite being dressed in a simple sweatshirt and jeans. I settled gently down in the chair, hands in my lap trying not to grab and wrinkle the rose and orange skirts with my worrying.
“So,” he began. “What are your intentions with my sister?”
I opened my mouth to respond and was cut off by an angry voice from behind.
“Shining Armor!” Cadence reprimanded in a voice similar to Vice-Principal Luna when she caught student’s loitering in the halls. “We talked about this. I told you not to try and intimidate Sunset!”
I turned and watched Cadence stride around the landing of the stairs and home in on the young man, who had turned a little red and grinned sheepishly. It was odd seeing her in casual clothing as the only times we had met previously she had been in her official capacity and therefore in more formal clothing.
“It’s my responsibility, Cady,” he stammered. “I’m her big brother and in charge while Mom and Dad are out of town.”
She just stared at him, arms crossed and an administrative look on her face.
He fidgeted before sighing and raising his hands. “You’re right,” he admitted.
“That’s right,” Cadence said before sweeping up and placing a small kiss on his cheek. “Now behave, Sunset is probably nervous enough as it is.”
She turned and smiled at me. “That is a lovely dress, Sunset,” she remarked as she sat next to Shining Armor. “I really like how it compliments your hair.”
“Thank you,” I whispered, feeling a little bit of a blush forming on my cheeks. “My friend Rarity designed it.”
“She did Twilight’s, too,” the Dean said with a smile. “And I find it really makes her shine. So, what are your plans?”
I worried my fingers for a moment. “I have a reservation at Tudors in about a half hour,” I answered. “I hope she likes it, I’ve never really been there before.”
Shining Armor smiled and chuckled. “I’m sure she’ll enjoy it,” he said. “It was the place we went to celebrate when she got the preliminary acceptance to Everton. I think you’ll like it too, it’s got a decent pub grub fare.”
I smiled. “Sound like I made a good choice, then,” I chuckled.
“A good choice in what?” a quiet voice said from behind me, and time slowed as I turned and saw Twilight in her dress. She made a slow turn as she touched down on the bottom of the stairs. “How do I look?”
The backless bodice was a soft blue that set off her hair with a few embroidered stars around the start of the skirt, which slowly faded into the color of a nighttime sky with iridescent thread sparkling with the light to mimic stars twinkling in my girlfriend’s namesake. She had her hair up in a simple crown braid, a flower-headed pin holding it in place. The outfit was capped by a pair of heels that shared the same color progression as the dress.
I smiled as she finished her turn, hearing Cadence make a cooing sound though I knew intellectually she had already seen her.
“You look perfect, Twi.” I stood and held out the corsage. “But this would be just the icing on the cake.”
Twilight took the corsage and slipped it out of the box, sniffing it and smiling shyly before slipping it onto her wrist. “I didn’t get one for you,” she whispered, glancing down at her feet.
I took her hands in mine and gave them a small squeeze.
“How about you be my flower?” I whispered, pushing some reassurance through our bond.
She smiled, meeting my eyes. I could have stared into her eyes all night, and probably would have if a combined “D’aw” from both Cadence and Shining Armor sent us both into fierce blushes and hurried goodbyes.
“I’m sorry about them,” Twilight said as we walked out to my car. “Mom and Dad always has them keep an eye on the house and I when they’re out of town.”
I opened the door for her. “It isn’t as bad as it could have been,” I said as she slid into the seat. “I was worried about meeting your parents tonight.”
She smiled up at me reassuringly. “Don’t worry,” she said. “They’re pretty laid back.”
I slid into the drivers seat, making sure my skirts were clear of the door before closing it. “Soon, Sunshine,” I told her as I slid the keys into the ignition. “I promise.”
She nodded and reached out to squeeze my hand before glancing around.
“What?” I asked.
“Did you know you have a back seat?” she asked innocently. “I thought you had a minor wardrobe back there.”
“Hush you,” I grouched as we pulled out of her driveway and headed on to dinner.
We weren't the only teens in Tudors, seeing a small mix of both Canterlot and Crystal Prep students in the restaurant. The old style feel of the building inside contrasted its modern exterior. Exposed wooden beams crisscrossed overhead, the wall behind the bar was made of replica ale kegs, complete with taps that were fed into the actual kegs underneath the counter. The bar itself was raw wood carefully worn smooth and sealed, adding a rustic feel that was added to by the stools that looked as though they had been made out of branches and log sections.
But the period decor ended there. The table Twilight and I sat at had modern chairs with nice cushions and the table held a small lamp that flickered with a series of small LEDs giving it a life-like feel.
I sipped my water, glancing over the top of my menu at my date as she excited looked over the menu. When she saw where we were going, she had started talking excitedly, almost being childlike in her glee.
“And they have such a delicious spinach and artichoke dip,” the scientist said, setting her menu to the side, apparently having decided on her dinner. “You are in for such a treat. Have you decided on what you want… what are you smiling at?”
I lowered my menu slightly and grinned wider. “You,” I said. “You are getting excited over dinner as though it was a new science problem. This is a side of you I’ve never seen before.”
She blushed a little and smiled. “A good meal is just like a chemical solution,” she whispered. “If you mix everything properly and apply the right catalyst to cook it, then the result is incredibly fulfilling. And this place is one of the best places to do it.”
I shook my head, raising the menu again. “Well, maybe we’ll have to come back in the future,” I offered. “Make it a special treat for future date nights.”
“I’d like that,” Twilight said, pausing to sip from her water. “More date nights, that is.”
I made a choice on a dish of gnocchi and cheese ravioli with a parmesan sauce, something that I wasn’t expecting in a pub type restaurant. I looked up and set my menu to the side. “Well, all set?”
She nodded, reaching out to take my hand. “Just think,” she whispered, running her thumb over my knuckles. “If you hadn’t asked, I’d be laid out in the floor watching tv with my brother.”
“Regretting it?”
“You are a little more attractive than the LT in Wings of Glory,” she smiled. “I think I’m winning out in the end.”
A young woman swept up to us, the staff uniform of all black with a red apron highly visible in the sea of colorful dresses and suits. “My name is Suzette and I’ll be your server,” the woman said. “What can I get for you young ladies?” she asked with a smile as she pulled out an order pad from a pocket in the apron.
Twilight pulled her hand way quickly, her face blushing. I tucked it away for later as I smiled back. “I’d like the Gnocchi Parmesan, please,” I requested. “And may I have plain breadsticks instead of the garlic?”
The waitress nodded. “Not a problem,” she said, noting it down. Turning towards Twilight, smile still on full blast. “And for you, dearie?”
“The BBQ chicken breast, please?” Twilight said. “With mashed potatoes and the roasted squash, please?”
“Gravy or butter on the potatoes?”
“Butter, please,” Twilight said, handing our menus to her when she held her hand out.
“All right,” Suzette smiled at us. “I’ll have these out in just a few moments. Can I get you anything while you wait?”
I shook my head after glancing at Twilight. “No, thank you, though.”
After she left, I locked eyes with Twilight. “What’s wrong?” I asked.
“What do you mean?”
I leaned forward a little. “When Suzette came up, you pulled your hand away and hid it a little quickly,” I stated. “And it wasn’t the first time since we’ve been in here that you’ve done that. Are you embarrassed by being seen with me?”
“No, Sunny,” she stuttered. “It’s not that. It’s just…”
I waited. I could see in her face she was looking for a way to phrase the thought, something I had seen before.
“I’m embarrassed,” she whispered. “But not by you. It’s silly.” She took my hand again. “I’m worried that someone might judge us and start a scene. I know it’s unlikely, but I really don’t want you to have a bad night just because of me.”
I looked at her and sighed. “Twi,” I began. “You are a brilliant young lady, a great friend, and a wonderful girlfriend. But there are times you are totally blind.”
“I’m not blind,” she protested. “I have astigmatism and…”
“Socially blind,” I amended to cut off her lecture about what astigmatism was. “Did you think that maybe I’d be more upset that you didn’t want to be yourself? That you held back out of fear of what someone you don’t even know think?”
I squeezed her hand as she blushed. “I love you, Sparky,” I teased, seeing her blush fade as she glared at the nickname. “And if anyone gets in our face because we’re together, trust that I’ll always side with my Sunshine.”
She smiled and laced her hand through mine. “I’m sorry,” she said gently.
“About what?” I grinned cheekily. She giggled. I heard the clink of platters and looked to the side in time to see Suzette returning with a serving tray in her hands. I went to pull my hand away only to have her grip my hand tightly for a moment, mouthing “I love you,” when I glanced up at her.
I smiled back before pulling my hand away to move the unused appetizer plate out of the way as Suzette arrived and set our dinners on the table.
“If you guys need anything else, just give me a call!” she said before turning and striding away, checking on a table as she passed it.
“That looks nice,” Twilight said, pulling her knife and fork free from the napkin roll.
“You can have a taste if you want to,” I said. “Always good to experiment.”
She smiled. “Bon appitit, Sunset,” she replied, turning her plate slightly and spearing a bit of squash.
Picking her up had gone good. Dinner, while having a rocky moment or two, had gone great. I was sure that this night was going to be perfect.
Then Twilight caught a heel in a drainage grate that I had inadvertently parked next to, snapping it clean off. I was horrified as she stumbled, still on the far side of the car and I felt her sudden panic in our bond. I rounded the car quickly to see her lean back against the hood and pull the broken shoe off and sigh.
She had assured me that she was ok and instead of heading to the auditorium we swung by her locker first where she swapped her now uneven set of heels for her gym sneakers. They were a little beat up, but the color was close enough that in the dark of the auditorium nobody should notice.
And I was wrong again when the second we joined our friends, Rarity’s horrified gasp preceded any greetings.
“What on earth happened to your heels?” she asked. “Those sneakers are just…”
I couldn’t look at her, and I saw Twilight glance down shyly from the corner of my eye. “We had a little run in with a sewer grate in the parking lot,” I admitted abashedly as I gripped my elbow.
“It took the heel clean off at the arch,” Twilight said. “It’ll be easily repaired, but we didn’t have time.”
Rarity took a deep breath to calm herself, but then gave her another once over. “Well,” she drawled. “I suppose it isn’t a complete travesty. The colors match and the skirts are long enough to disguise it.”
“Sort of an avant garde, then?” Fluttershy asked optimistically.
“I wouldn’t say avant garde, darling,” the fashionista returned as she thought. “Maybe a bit more discotheque. A modern Juliet, if you would.”
“I’m sorry, Rarity,” I said. “I’ll pay for the repairs of the shoes when I pick up my last check from the Sushi Shack.”
The other girl waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t trouble yourself about it right at this moment, Sunset,” she smiled. “Those were chosen specifically for that dress, so whenever you get around to it will be perfectly fine. Go enjoy the dance.”
We kind of milled about for a few minutes, getting glasses of punch from the refreshment table that stretched across the stage apron. I looked at Twilight and smiled sheepishly. “I’m sorry, Twi,” I sighed. “If you want to leave early, I’d understand.”
The girl turned on me and I felt a flash of irritation through our link. “I am going to pretend I didn’t just hear that,” she bit out quickly as she set her cup down. “So we had one little bit of misfortune. So what? I didn’t peg you as someone that would give up on the first date.” I saw the corners of her mouth twitch upwards as a new song started up. “I’m having a great time so far, and there’s only one thing left for your to do.”
I tilted my head as she took my cup and set it down next to hers and pulled me out towards the floor. “What is that, then?”
She turned, fairly well skipping out to the dance floor before turning to me and grinning, her whispered words matching the sung chorus of the song.
“Shut up, and dance with me.”
I couldn’t help but laugh as she started to dance, throwing my rhythm off.
While moderately more coordinated than Princess Twilight had been in this form, she didn’t dance much better.
We sat down on the couch in my apartment later that night before changing to head to Pinkie’s after party, and I leaned over and put my forehead onto hers.
“So,” I whispered. “Now that we’ve had a date, what do you think?”
The petite woman smiled and put a finger on her chin as she affected a thoughtful look. “Hmm,” she murmured. “I don’t know. We had a great dinner and danced with friends whom we’re going to see again in a short time.”
I rolled my eyes and snorted in amusement as she turned and wrapped her arms around my neck.
“I loved it,” she whispered before kissing me. “I hope we can have another one soon.”
I brushed a hand across her cheek, smiling.
“I’ll see what I can do,” I whispered. “Now, let’s get changed before Pinkie comes looking for us.”
“We wouldn’t want that, would we?” Twilight giggled, making her way to the bathroom while I changed in the loft. As I laid the dress on my bed before cinching my belt up, I reflected on the night.
“Not so bad, after all,” I said to myself, brushing my hands down my shirt, smoothing some wrinkles out.
“I happen to think so,” Twilight whispered as she slid her hands around my waist from behind. “You ready to go?”
I nodded, handing her the keys to the car before sitting to slide my boots on. “You go on, I’ll catch up with you in a minute.
As she slid out the door, I smiled as another line from the song she had quoted slid through my mind.
That woman is my destiny, I thought as I headed out the door to see my friends.
