> My Little Pony: Sparkling Harmony: First Date Take Two
>  by Captain_Cosmos
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> First Date Take Two
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was a nice, sunny, chilly winter day in Ponyville. And Sparkler, Twilight, Starlight, and Rarity stood outside Friendship Castle, which they had only just finished moving everything back into after the merge.

Rarity looked at the castle…and scrunched up her face. “Uhm, darlings, not to be rude or anything, but are you SURE this was the BEST idea?” She asked her three friends. “Now that it’s done…I just think the Castle’s exterior has lost something with the addition of Sparkler’s house at the base.” She said.

Just like they had planned, Sparkler’s house was now the base of Twilight’s castle. Twilight smiled towards Rarity. “I think it works wonderfully.” She said. “It gives it that rustic look that the old Golden Oaks Library had.” She explained.

“And might I just say that this might be my greatest idea ever?” Starlight asked. “Like, seriously, combining two houses? How has nopony ever thought of this before?” She asked, giddy as a filly.

“Because nopony’s ever been crazy enough to attempt such a thing.” Rarity responded. “Now, if you’ll just allow me a day I can add some pizzazz to your house Sparkler.”

“Maybe one day I’ll take you up on that offer. For now, I’m just happy we got through this ordeal without any losses. Now, Ponyville has a big ol hole they can turn into a pool area or whatever, our family’s under one roof, and as far as Sparkling Harmony Records is concerned, the house taking the basement with it will mean virtually no difference in sound quality.”

“Sparkler, you can move into ANY of the castle’s rooms. Why in Faust’s name would you stay in the basement?” Rarity asked.

“Because if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.” Sparkler responded. “However I have been thinking about maybe expanding my available services now with the extra space.“

“Well now that your address is the same as the castle you should get more hoof traffic. Being a Princess Consort does have its perks after all. Or should I say princess by the very specific wording of a law?” Rarity asked all smugly.

Sparkler rolled her eyes. It didn’t even take a second for her friends to start poking fun at that. “Nopony is going to let that go are they.” She deadpanned.

“Aww come on Sparkler. Take at least SOME pride in it. It helped Sparky and Misty get life sentences.” Starlight said.

“That they’ll serve once they’re recaptured.” Rarity added.

“Ugh. Yes. I know. But what have I done to deserve this special treatment?” Sparkler asked. “I kinda feel like I AM an Alicorn imposter. With that Law making Alicorns and Royalty the same thing.”

The three ponies around her gasped. “Sparkling Medley! Don’t you dare think of yourself like that!” Rarity exclaimed.

“You are NOT an imposter! You are as genuine an Alicorn as Flurry.” Starlight said.

“You think so?” Sparkler asked.

Twilight kissed Sparkler on the cheek. “We KNOW so Sparky. Don’t let those pinbrains get to you.” She said.

Sparkler smiled warmly. “Thanks.” She said.

Rarity smiled. “So. Now that you’re all moved in together. We can move on to another matter of great urgency. When are you two going on your first date!” Rarity exclaimed to Sparkler and Twilight.

Sparkler and Twilight jumped a little, before blushing. “Ahem, well. With everything now at a steady pace I guess we can start thinking about it.” Sparkler said.

“Well…I may have thought up a couple of ideas actually.” Twilight revealed. “Had some time to kill and my thoughts wandered to you.” She said.

Sparkler blinked at Twilight, before smiling. “Alright Sparkle. What did you have in mind?” She asked.

“No! Don’t tell!“ Rarity exclaimed before pulling Twilight close. “I think you should keep Sparkler in the dark until you pick her up say…tonight?” She suggested.

“Tonight?” Sparkler asked. “I mean…I guess that could work…would need to find a foalsitter for the kids.”

“I know a mare who can help me take care of them.” Starlight said. “Don’t worry about them.”

Sparkler and Twilight glanced around, before Twilight glanced back at Sparkler. “So…what do you say Sparkler? Wanna take another crack at our first date?” She asked.

“Uhm, sure. Yeah let’s take another crack at it.” Sparkler replied, putting on a slightly nervous smile.

“Splendid!” Rarity beamed. “Come on Twilight! We gotta find you a dress!” Before Twilight could say anything, Rarity dragged her off.

Sparkler watched them go, and processed what just happened. “My Faust what did I just agree to?” She asked as the realization of what just happened sunk in.

“What was that?” Starlight asked.

Sparkler didn’t answer, instead she just started walking towards the castle. “I gotta find Flappy.” She muttered.

Starlight watched her go and raised an eyebrow. “The hay was that all about?” She asked nopony in particular.





“Rarity. Mind if I ask you something?” Twilight asked as Rarity dressed her up in another dress.

Rarity glanced at the dress and shook her head. “Definitely not that. And what is it darling?” She asked.

“Did Sparkler seem a little off to you after I asked her out on the date?” Twilight asked as Rarity took off the dress.

“Off darling?” Rarity asked.

“Yeah. Like, maybe she began having second thoughts?” Twilight responded.

“You’re kidding right?” Rarity asked. “After everything you two have been through do you really think Sparkler would have second thoughts about dating you?” She asked.

“I don’t know. Her mood just seemed to change slightly.” Twilight responded.

“Probably just nervous about the date. It happens.” Rarity said.

“I don’t know Rares. I feel like something is going on. And my instincts are telling me it has to do with her past.” Twilight theorized.

“Her past? Twilight, save for a select few, that being Candy and Hanzal, NOPONY Sparkler’s age liked her in school. What does that say about her chances of getting a date back then?” Rarity asked.

“It could’ve happened Rarity. For all we know those bullies coulda pulled a cruel prank on her.” Twilight said.

“I highly doubt those miscreants had the brains to pull off something like that.” Rarity said.

“Maybe.” Twilight said. “Still, I feel like I should horn pulse her the exact details.”

“Nope! No. Don’t do that.” Rarity said. “It’s still a surprise. I’m sure she’ll be fine.” She assured Twilight.





“This is not good. This is SO not good!” Sparkler exclaimed as she paced back and forth in what was now her old room, having moved into Twilight’s bedroom with the merging of houses.

“Squawk! So what happened? Squawk!” Flappy asked, confused.

“Twilight asked me on a date, and it turned into a surprise date in which I don’t know any of the details.” Sparkler responded.

Flappy’s eyes widened. “Squawk! What?! Squawk!” He exclaimed.

“Now you see the problem.” Sparkler responded.

“Squawk! The exact same conditions as the last time you went on a date. Back in High School. Squawk!”

“Exactly, and now, my PTSD from that event is acting up.”

“Squawk! So what’re you going to do? Squawk!“ Flappy asked.

“What CAN I do?” Sparkler asked in return. “If I say no, Twilight’ll think I’m too scared that what happened at the Yule Ball will happen this time. But if I go through with it, my PTSD could ruin things.” She explained. “Either option is a lose option.” She said.

Flappy took a deep breath before speaking again. “Squawk! There is a third option. Trust Twilight. Squawk!”

“Flappy. This has nothing to do with TRUST. It has to do with an event that emotionally scarred me for life. And has left a bad taste in my mouth.” Sparkler remarked.

“Squawk! Actually it does have to do with trust. That’s the entire point. Squawk!” Flappy explained. “Squawk! The last time you were faced with a surprise date, your trust was taken advantage of and it resulted in your first magical breakdown. Squawk!” He said.

“Ugh. Don’t remind me.” Sparkler said.

“Squawk! But this time. You have the benefit of already knowing that Twilight would never do something that stupid. Squawk!” Flappy continued. “Squawk! Heck, need I remind you how far you two have come in such a short time? Squawk!” Flappy asked.

“…I suppose that’s true.” Sparkler relented, seeing where Flappy was coming from. “Still…”

“Squawk! Look. It was going to happen sooner or later. We all knew it was inevitable. So to me, the sooner you go through with it, the sooner it’ll be done. Squawk!” Flappy said.

Sparkler’s mind raced for a moment, before coming to a decision. She took a deep breath. “Alright. I’m going to do this.”

“Squawk! That’s the spirit! Squawk!” Flappy responded happily. The Chicks and I are SO going to spy on their date. Hehe. He thought.





“You want the great and powerful Trrrrixie to do what with you tonight?” Asked Trixie to Starlight, who had just arrived at her show wagon.

“Twilight and Sparkler, that new Alicorn, need foalsitters for their six foals tonight. And I said we could handle it.” Starlight explained.

Trixie’s eyes widened. “SIX?!” She exclaimed in shock. “Twilight Sparkle has six foals?!”

“Yeah. All Alicorns too.” Starlight explained.

Trixie was flabbergasted. Six Alicorn Foals?! “How is that possible?!” Trixie asked.

“Nopony knows. But back to the point, do you want to help or not?” Starlight asked.

“Hm…very well. The great and powerful Trrrrixie shall assist you.” Trixie said. “I could do some tests on them.” She muttered quietly under breath.

Starlight heard her and frowned. “Trixie, they’re FIVE years old. You are not doing experiments on them.” She said.

“Oh relax Starlight! Trrrrixie was merely going to see if they knew how to do magic.” Trixie defended herself.

“Twilight and Sparkler are teaching them. But it’s gonna be a while before they can do anything impressive.” Starlight said.

“Ha. It’ll be a LONG while before they are on Trrrrixie’s level.” Trixie said pridefully.

Starlight just rolled her eyes. “Just be at the castle at the time I’ll Horn Pulse you.” She said as she turned to leave.

“Will do Starlight!” Trixie called out as Starlight left.

Starlight nodded as she smirked. You’re about to be surprised by what Twilight and I were able to accomplish. She thought.





Sparkler checked herself in the mirror. She was wearing her fancy sweater and the sparkly bow, with her mane braided. She took a deep breath. “Alright Sparkler. You can do this.” She told herself. “No matter where Twilight might take you. It’s not going to end up like it did back in high school. No disasters, just you and her at last having a proper romantic date.” She said.

“Squawk! That’s right. Squawk!” Flappy said.

Sparkler turned to Flappy and smiled. “I don’t suppose you know anything about Twilight’s plan?” She asked.

“Squawk! Nope. But she’ll be here any moment. So you should get downstairs. Squawk!” Flappy responded.

Sparkler nodded and trotted out of her hold room, walked down the stairs, which now extended up to the rest of the castle, and entered the living room to see her kids playing with Flappy’s chicks and Maddy. After she and Flappy took a moment to smile at their kids playing together. Sparkler cleared her throat. Alerting the kids to her presence.

All of the kids stopped where they were and all turned to see their mother standing there. Trail let out an impressed whistle. “Ooh. Breaking out the fancy clothes tonight.” He commented.

“I still think you should’ve worn a dress.” Crystal said. “Bow’s pretty though.”

Sparkler giggled. Crystal had heard she and Twilight were going on a date. So she immediately suggested a dress. “This is more my style Crystal. But good to know you like the bow.”

“So. How long are you and Mommy Twi going to be?” Melody asked.

“A few hours give or take. In the meantime, Starlight, Flappy, and whoever Starlight brought along to help are in charge.” She told the kids.

“Roger that.” Sky responded.

At that moment, while Starlight entered the living room from the upper levels of the castle, they heard a very loud, dramatic groan. “Are you for real right now Twilight Sparkle? Must you ALWAYS one-up Trrrrixie at every opportunity?!” They heard somepony ask.

Sparkler raised an eyebrow, went to the door and opened it. Outside she saw Twilight talking to a light blue pony.

“I wasn’t TRYING to one up you Trixie. Starlight and I did this purely so Sparkler and I could have our whole family under one roof.” Twilight said.

“But did you really need to merge the houses? Did you even have permission from the town to do that?” Trixie shot back.

“We did have permission and why we wanted to merge the houses is frankly none of your business.” Twilight retorted.

“Ahem. Is something wrong here?” Sparkler asked, cutting in.

Trixie and Twilight stopped their pseudo-argument and glanced at Sparkler. Twilight smiled. “Nothing’s wrong Sparkler. She’s just jealous that Starlight and I accomplished what she couldn’t do in a million years.” Twilight explained.

Trixie pouted, before smiling at Sparkler. “So you’re the Alicorn I’ve heard so much about.” She said.

“I’m Sparkler. And you are…” Sparkler introduced herself.

“I am the great, the powerful, and the responsible Trrrrixie! The mare Starlight has asked to help her foalsit your little bundles of joy.” Trixie introduced herself.

“I have my doubts about that last one.” Twilight remarked under her breath.

“Oh just give her a chance Twilight.” Starlight said. “I’ll be here to make sure the castle doesn’t burn down from Trixie’s fireworks.”

“Hey!” Trixie exclaimed.

“Squawk! Alright everypony calm down! Squawk!” Flappy exclaimed. “Squawk! We have the foalsitters. Let’s just move on. So Twilight and Sparkler can have a nice night. Squawk!” He said.

“Right.” Sparkler said. She glanced at Starlight and Trixie. “Now, a few things. Bedtime’s at 10:30 at the absolute latest.” She said.

“No dangerous tricks or anything.” Twilight said.

“And nopony goes down into the basement. I just got Sparkling Harmony Records back into working order and I don’t want to come home to a mess down there.” Sparkler finished.

“Done done and done.” Starlight said.

“I’ll only do disappearing acts and stuff like that.” Trixie said.

“Preferably NOT on any of our kids.” Twilight warned Trixie.

“Ugh. Fine, I’ll use apples and the like. Sheesh. Go and ruin all the fun why don’tcha.” Trixie muttered.

“They’re their KIDS Trixie. They’re going to be a little cautious.” Starlight said. “Now come on. You still gotta meet them.” Starlight smiled as she pulled Trixie inside. “You two have a good night now!” Starlight said as she closed the door. Leaving Sparkler and Twilight outside.

Twilight smiled and turned to Sparkler. “Shall we?” She asked.

“We shall. And might I say that you look stunning.” Sparkler said. Getting a nice look at the magenta dress that Twilight wore.

“As are you.” Twilight responded as they started walking. “Now come on. I booked a reservation at the best restaurant in Ponyville.”

Sparkler‘s breath hitched in her throat when Twilight said restaurant. But she kept a smile. “Lead the way princess.” She said. Trying to keep her breathing under control.

Back in the house, Flappy smiled as he gathered his kids in the kitchen. “Squawk! Alright you guys. Ready to do some recon? Squawk!” He asked.

“Squeak! Yeah! Squeak!” Streaker responded.

“Crow! Let’s get our spy on! Crow!” Flapperina cheered.

“Squeak! Where are they going? Squeak!” Pecker asked.

“Squawk! Don’t know. But we’re gonna find them. Now, you three will be staking out on the inside. If I can I’ll be watching from above. Squawk!” Flappy explained.

“Crow! Sounds good. Crow!” Flapperina responded.

Flappy couldn’t help chuckle. He had been looking forward to doing this with his kids all day. “Squawk! Then let’s go! Squawk!”





At Ponyville’s finest restaurant Soup D’Core, the host was idly restocking menus when he heard the doors to the restaurant open. He looked up to see Princess Twilight with another mare approach. “Ah. Princess Twilight. Welcome to Soup D’Core. How might we be of service?” He asked politely.

“Hi. We have a reservation here. Should be under Sparkle for 8:30?” Twilight responded.

The host nodded and checked through his reservation list. Quickly spying the name Sparkle. “Ah. Yes. Sparkle, 8:30 reservation for two.” He picked two menus up in his magic and gestured for the ladies to follow him. “If you will follow me.” He said. He led the two mares through the restaurant to a two seat table. “Here you are. A server will be with you momentarily.” He said.

“Thank you.” Sparkler said.

The host nodded and walked off. Sparkler, being the chivalrous marefriend, pulled the chair out for Twilight. “May I offer a seat m’lady?” She asked in a semi joking tone.

Twilight giggled and sat down in the seat. “How chivalrous of you.” She commented as Sparkler took her own seat.

“Aren’t I the knight in shining armor in this relationship?” Sparkler asked. “After all you are the princess.”

“You got me there.” Twilight said, both girls chuckled as a mare walked up to them.

“Hi! I’m Butter Batch. I’ll be your waitress this evening. Can I start you two off with something to drink?” Butter asked.

Sparkler and Twilight quickly glanced over the beverage choices. “I’ll have a glass of iced tea.” Sparkler said.

“I’ll have that too.” Said Twilight.

Butter Batch smiled and nodded. “Two glasses of Iced Tea coming right up.” She said happily as she left.

Sparkler smiled as she glanced around the restaurant. “This is a pretty nice restaurant.” She commented.

“Rarity recommended it. Said it was the perfect restaurant for a romantic evening.” Twilight explained.

Sparkler chuckled. “Figured she had something to do with it. The way she dragged you off to get you that dress.” She mused.

While Sparkler and Twilight made small talk, Flappy landed on the roof that happened to have a skylight, granting him an unobstructed view of Sparkler’s and Twilight’s date. He smiled. “Squawk! Papa bear in position. All units report. Squawk!”

“Squeak! Streaker in position. Got eyes on the targets. Squeak!”

“Crow! Flapperina, checking in from near the kitchen. Crow!”

“Squeak! Dad? Why did I get stuck watching the bathroom? Squeak!” Pecker asked. All three kids responded through walkie talkies.

“Squawk! Somepony needs to watch near the bathroom. Squawk!” Flappy responded.

“Squeak! But why? Squeak!”

“Squawk! Just trust me guys. No job is unimportant. I promise there’s a good reason for it. Squawk!” Flappy assured his kids.

“Squeak! What are you expecting to happen—“

“Crow! Drinks just left the kitchen! Crow!” Flapperina interrupted Pecker.

“Squeak! Confirmed. Drinks are inbound to targets. Squeak!” Streaker confirmed.

Flappy watched as a waitress brought them their drinks, and they ordered their food. He smiled as he watched Sparkler. So far so good. She’s keeping her cool. He thought.

Back in the restaurant, Sparkler and Twilight clinked their glasses together. “To the future.” Twilight toasted.

“To the future.” Sparkler responded as they took a sip at the same time. Toasting to the future ahead for them and their family.

“I hope the kids are ok with Starlight and Trixie.” Twilight said.

“It hasn’t been that long. I’m sure they’re fine.” Sparkler responded. “Plus, Starlight is there. And it sounds like you trust her more than Trixie.” She commented. “For some reason.” She added.

Twilight sighed. “I’ll tell you later. Trixie and I haven’t always been on the best terms.” She admitted.

“Oh. Ok then. Guessing that has to do with that rivalry vibe I got from you two earlier?” Sparkler asked.

“Yep.” Twilight said simply.

“Ok then.” Sparkler responded.

At that moment, a waiter was walking by with a bunch of drinks on a service plate. He accidentally tripped over his own two hooves, and before anypony knew it, Twilight was drenched in drinks, and the floor was covered in broken glass shards. Everything was silent for a second, everypony nearby shocked, before the waiter gasped.

“Oh my gosh princess! P-please forgive me!” He said.

Twilight shook her head after coming out of her shock. “It’s fine. Accidents happen.” She said simply. True she was a little annoyed but understood that the waiter didn’t mean to drench her.

Sparkler, after her own shock, leapt into action and grabbed every napkin on the table to clean Twilight up while the waiter lit his horn to get rid of the broken glass. “My sincerest apologies princess. I honestly don’t know how that happened. Please forgive me!” He was still apologizing.

“It’s fine. Really, no harm done. Just, watch where you’re going next time.” She advised the waiter, who nodded eagerly and quickly left. Now that he had more drinks to get.

Sparkler meanwhile was wiping Twilight’s face dry. “You handled that pretty well.” She commented.

Twilight smiled. “It was an accident. Didn’t see it coming, no use losing my cool over it.” She glanced down at the dress, which was now soaking. “Darn it, I'm gonna need to go to the lady’s room to clean this dress up.” She said.

“Need me to come with you?” Sparkler asked.

“Nah. I can handle it.” Twilight said, getting up out of her seat. “I’ll be back in a few.” She said as she nuzzled Sparkler. “Oh, and thanks for not leaving me completely soaking wet.” She added.

“Like I was gonna do anything else.” Sparkler responded as Twilight walked past her to the lady’s room.

Outside, Flappy saw the whole thing, and couldn’t help but snicker at first, before he saw Twilight walk off. “Squawk! What’s going on in there kids? Squawk!” He asked.

“Squeak! Twilight’s left Granny Sparky alone at the table. Squeak!” Streaker said.

“Squeak! Confirmed. Twilight’s in the bathroom. Squeak!” Pecker said.

Flappy gulped. “Squawk! Flapperina, Streaker, you two have ears on Granny Sparky. How is she? Squawk!” He asked.

“Squeak! She went back to her seat. Squeak!”

“Crow! And it looks like she’s shaking. Dad, is something wrong? Crow!”

Flappy didn’t answer. Instead he just kept an eagle eye on Sparkler. Come on Sparkler, keep it together. Ran through his mind.

Back inside the restaurant, Sparkler was struggling to get her breathing under control. She was attempting to patiently wait for Twilight to return, but her mind was telling her to run.

Get out of here! You’re in the middle of the restaurant! Just like last time!

It’s going to end badly! Get out of there!

Sparkler tried to ignore the voices in her head, but it was hard. She squeezed her eyes shut. No, I can’t let the past rule my future. I can do this. I can SO do this. Twilight isn’t him.

Does it MATTER? Get the Faust out of there before—

At that moment, Sparkler was suddenly hit in the back of the head by what her brain registered was food, probably an out of control food part of an accident. But it was all the excuse needed for her to jump in surprise, scream. “NO!” And lit her horn and teleported away in panic. Leaving behind a huge puff of blue smoke, and a restaurant full of confused patrons and staff.

Flappy saw this, and his jaw dropped. “Squawk! Seriously?! Squawk!” He groaned. Sparkler was doing so well.

“Crow! Dad, it looks like a toddler lost control of his food and it hit Granny Sparky on accident. Crow!” Flapperina reported.

“Squeak! Didn’t look like she cared to find that out. Squeak!” Streaker responded.

Flappy groaned. “Squawk! Alright Streaker, Flapperina, get out of there. Pecker you wait for Twilight to come out and explain what happened. We’ll wait for you two at the door. Squawk!” Flappy told his kids.

Meanwhile, Twilight had heard Sparkler scream, she frantically burst out of the lady’s room, and was about to run into the main area before she heard a familiar voice. “Squeak! Twilight! Squeak!” Twilight turned her head to see Pecker, Flappy’s chick, holding a walkie talkie.

“Pecker? What are you doing here?” She asked.

“Squeak! Dad wanted to spy on you and granny Sparky. So he recruited us to help him on the inside. I was in charge of watching the bathroom. Squeak!” Pecker explained.

“…Why?” Twilight asked. Unsure of where to start with that.

“Squeak! Dad wouldn’t say, but it might have something to do with what just happened. Granny Sparky left in a hurry. Squeak!” Pecker told Twilight.

“Sparkler left?!” Twilight asked. “Why?”

“Squeak! Beats me. Squeak!”

Twilight’s mind raced, she heard Sparkler scream no, and she could see the blue smoke from where she was…oh no. “Something from her past must’ve triggered something!” Twilight realized.

“Squeak! Her past? Squeak!” Pecker asked.

“We might explain later. Right now, we need to get home.” Twilight said hurriedly.





Back at the castle, in the house part of it, Starlight and Trixie were performing a perfectly safe magic show for the sextuplets. Trixie smiled. “And for my next trick! I shall turn this little apple into—Sparkler?!” Trixie said as all of a sudden, the door to the house swung open, quickly closed, and Sparkler came rushing past everypony in the living room and raced upstairs without a word to anypony. They heard a door slam shut.

After taking a few seconds to process what the heck just happened, Trail raised an eyebrow. “Was that mom?” He asked.

“It looked like it. Mommy Twi?” Crystal glanced at the front door, nothing.

“What’s the deal?” Lumber asked.

“Should we check on her?” Sky asked.

“Oh I’m sure she’s fine.” Trixie said. “Probably just something bad at the restaurant. No big deal.”

Everypony glanced at Trixie as if she had said something crazy. “If something bad happened at the restaurant, it must’ve been something for her to race by us like that.” Starlight countered.

At that moment, there was a puff of smoke that erupted suddenly, and the smoke cleared to reveal Twilight, Flappy, and his kids.

“Where is she?” Twilight asked frantically.

Everypony knew she was talking about Sparkler. “She went into…one of the rooms upstairs.” Crystal said.

“Probably on the second floor.” Sky added.

Twilight nodded, and while Flappy’s kids stayed behind, Twilight and Flappy raced up the stairs.

Upstairs in her old room, Sparkler hid in the closet, having nowhere else to hide. She was visibly shaking, and crying. She couldn’t believe what just happened. It was an accident, it had to have been a freaking accident, and I still freaked out and ran. Darn it! She thought as she sobbed quietly. She really did it this time, she ruined hers and Twilight’s second attempt at a first date. And this time it was her own doing alone, not some Noble or pregnancy. It was all her.

Sometime soon, Sparkler suddenly heard a knock on the door, which she froze at. She then heard two voices that she knew were ultimately coming.

“Sparkler? You in there?” Asked Twilight.

“Squawk! Sparkler, if you’re in there, we need to talk. Squawk!”

That was just it, Sparkler did want to talk, but she didn’t know if she could. After a second, Sparkler jumped as the closet door was opened and she saw Twilight and Flappy standing there, both with worried expressions on their faces. She jumped and considered running again, but she could see that it would be pointless, so instead, she just broke down. “I’m sorry.” She whispered between sobs.

Twilight immediately pulled her into a hug. “Hey. It‘s ok.” She said softly. “I’m not mad. Just worried.” She assured Sparkler.

“Squawk! Sparkler, she needs to know. Squawk!” Flappy told Sparkler. “Squawk! She needs to know what exactly happened. Squawk!”

“No, no I don’t.” Twilight countered. “You don’t have to tell me anything. I can deduce that something from your past triggered this. Am I right?” She asked. Sparkler nodded in response. “That’s all I need to know.”

“No, Flappy’s right. After ruining our date you deserve to know what happened.” Sparkler said. She resolved to get through telling Twilight. “The story of my first magical breakdown.” She said.

Twilight’s breath hitched in her throat. “…Are you sure?” She asked Sparkler.

“Just…be patient. It still haunts me to this day.” Sparkler said.

“Of course.” Twilight said as she sat down next to Sparkler.

Sparkler took a deep breath, and began to tell the story.

“This wasn’t my first dinner date. Just the first one since the incident…back in High School. When a colt asked me out…” She revealed.

“You went on a date with a colt?” Twilight asked.

“Squawk! That was not a date. That was a circus fiasco put on by featherbrained idiots! Squawk!” Flappy interjected, clearly annoyed.

“It was a few weeks into my freshman year of High school. Nopony liked me still so I was prepared for another year of the same old torment…until a guy walked up and started talking to me, which led to him asking me out.” Sparkler said.

“I thought nopony reached out to you?” Twilight asked.

“That’s because nopony did in all reality. I’ll get to what really happened soon.” Sparkler explained.

“Ok.” Twilight said, resolving to let Sparkler talk.

“So he asked me out. And by that time I knew I was gay so I was gonna need to let him down as far as a relationship was concerned. But despite that, I still said yes. Because I saw a chance. A glimmer of hope that maybe, just MAYBE, I could finally make a friend.”

“…That’s not what happened though, was it.” Twilight said.

“I never saw it coming. The night we planned for the date. He led me to a nice restaurant. And it was a pretty convincing joint, later I learned it was all just a set, a fake restaurant for this sole purpose. But anyway, much like what happened tonight, he led me in, we ordered our drinks, he got up to go the restroom…and then it happened. Everypony in the building started pelting me with food.” Sparkler said. “We were smack in the middle of the place so I was surrounded on all sides, I couldn’t do anything as they just laughed and continued to pelt me.”

Twilight gasped. She connected the dots. “It was all a prank!” She concluded.

“Squawk! Nothing but a sick, twisted prank that preyed on Sparkler’s desire for friends. Those idiots turned that against her. Squawk!” Flappy said. His anger clearly rising.

Twilight was speechless. She couldn’t believe anypony would do something so horrible. “You were under so much emotional stress from being played like that that you…” Twilight put two and two together.

Sparkler nodded, confirming Twilight’s suspicions. “I had let my guard down for one night, I had been led to believe that I could actually make a friend. And they…I never felt so embarrassed, so ashamed that I lost control of my magic…if Flappy hadn’t gotten through to me I might’ve…” Sparkler trailed off. She couldn’t go on as tears rolled down her face. “That night was an almost fatal blow to my hope that one day I might actually make friends who like me for me…I never wanted to be hurt like that again…it’s why I started wearing clothes over my wings when I went to college…”

Twilight heard enough as she hugged Sparkler lovingly in her forelegs. “Oh Sparkler. I’m so sorry that happened to you.” She said. “That was wrong on so many levels.”

“Squawk! Yeah. Suffice to say, NOPONY with an actual brain was happy about it. The local police weren’t happy that a public space was used like this. Her parents certainly weren’t happy. And I heard the entire student body got a stern talking to and supposedly a lot of detention. Squawk!” Flappy explained.

“JUST a stern talking to and detention?!” Twilight asked. “No suspension or expulsions?!”

“Squawk! No. Because THOSE options would be equal to closing down the school. Squawk!” Flappy explained.

Twilight just shook her head, before taking a deep breath. “Well, that settles it then. No more surprise dates.” She said. “From now on, we tell each other the time, date, location, no detail left unknown.” She resolved.

Sparkler winced. “Just…all I need to know is the location. The rest can still be a surprise.” She said.

“Ok. If you’re sure.” Twilight responded, planting a kiss on Sparkler’s horn.

Sparkler sighed. “I’m really sorry about tonight Twi.” She said. “Because of me first date take two was ruined.”

“No, no don’t you dare take the blame for this.” Twilight responded. “I was the one who listened to Rarity and didn’t tell you what the date was until we were on our way.”

“But if I had told you before, this might not have happened.” Sparkler said.

“I have an idea. Let’s pin the blame solely on the pinbrains that did that to mom in the first place!” Came a clearly angry voice.

Sparkler, Twilight, and Flappy’s eyes widened and they turned to see all six of their kids, and Flappy’s three chicks on the filly’s heads, all standing there, clearly having heard at least some of the story.

“Guys…” Sparkler said.

“How long have you been there? And how much did you hear?” Twilight asked.

“Enough to know about the horrible prank.” Lumber revealed.

“We couldn’t help it. We’re five years old and are always curious.” Crystal said.

Melody meanwhile rushed to Sparkler and hugged her tight. “Are you ok mom?” She asked.

Sparkler finally smiled again and ran her hoof down Melody’s mane. “Yeah. Yeah I’ll be fine Melody.” She said. It was a genuine response.

The other kids all rushed in and hugged her as well. So now it was a massive group hug. “I can’t believe anypony would do that to you. You’re awesome.” Sky said.

“I don’t know what detention is but it wasn’t enough of a punishment. They all should’ve gone to jail.” Trail said.

“Squawk! All of them were underaged so they couldn’t go to jail. And if the school suspended or expelled them, they would have to close down because it would just leave three students in school. Meaning it would’ve been better to shut it down. Squawk!” Flappy explained.

“Crow! That’s dumb. Crow!” Flapperina commented.

“That’s just how it was. It was a small village.” Sparkler explained.

“Well, at least things are different now.” Twilight said. “Now you never have to worry about being hurt like that again.” She said.

“Squawk! Yeah. You’re FAR away from those jerks. And not only do you have friends, but you also have six kids. With an amazing marefriend. Not bad for a mare who almost blew up back in high school. Squawk!” Flappy commented.

Everypony there voiced their agreement. Sparkler just smiled. “Thanks guys. I feel better now.” She said, hugging all of them best she could.

After a few moments of the group hug. They all parted from each other. Lightning cleared his throat. “So, whatever happened at the restaurant?” He asked.

“They hadn’t started making our food yet so they just charged us for the drinks…or would’ve if they didn’t comp us as an apology for the accidental drenching.” Twilight explained.

“What?” Lumber asked.

“Squawk! Yeah. A waiter tripped and soaked Mommy Twi in drinks. Squawk!” Flappy said.

That got all the kids laughing. “For real?” Melody asked.

Twilight couldn’t help but chuckle herself. “Yeah. That did happen. Hehe.” She admitted.

The kids laughed for a moment before calming down. “So. What are you going to do now?” Lightning asked his mothers.

Sparkler and Twilight glanced at each other, both getting the same idea.

Soon, all of them were sitting in the living room playing Ogres and Oubliettes. After helping their five new kids set characters up, as well as Flappy’s kids, everypony decided to start a whole new adventure in the game.

As her character fought monsters alongside her family, Sparkler’s overall mood improved exponentially. She didn’t know if she would ever be able to handle a surprise date after that fateful night back in high school. But she did know that whatever happened next, she would get through it, surrounded by ponies who love her.

Meanwhile…

In the cave above Canterlot, Silver-Mane placed Sparkler’s feather into a machine. The machine started up and he smiled evilly. “Soon. Soon all of Equestria will see that menace for what she really is. Mwahahaha!”

To be continued next time…