“Cor, am I ever glad school's out,” sighed Smoulder, leaning back in her chair.
“I'll say,” agreed Gallus. “It's great hanging out with you guys, don't get me wrong, but those finals have really taken it outta me!”
Silverstream, always the optimist, smiled broadly. “Well, at least we don't have to worry about them anymore,” she chirped. “We've got all the time in the world to just sit back and enjoy ourselves.”
“Until next term, anyway,” quipped Sandbar with a small grin. It was the end of another year at the School of Friendship, and he, Yona, Smoulder, Ocellus, Gallus and Silverstream had decided to celebrate with a visit to Sugarcube Corner, where they spent most of the afternoon chatting idly. Even now, it amazed him to think how far they had come – in the beginning, their respective cultures had been so different, and the curriculum so hard to follow, that the others had struggled to find their feet. Even so, the six friends had quickly grown inseparable; and over time, they became so accustomed to their new home that one could be forgiven for thinking that they had always lived in Ponyville.
The only thing that bothered him right now was that Ocellus, that studious young changeling with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, seemed more than a little weary. Her eyes were only half-open, and she barely seemed to notice the milkshake in front of her.
Concerned, Sandbar reached across the table and tapped her gently on the shoulder. “Ocellus? You okay?”
“Huh?” Ocellus snapped out of her drowsy state and looked up. “Oh...sorry, Sandbar,” she stammered. “I guess I must've dozed off.”
Smoulder cringed at the tired look on her face. “Yeesh,” she remarked, “I'm not surprised. You look like you haven't slept for days!”
“Yeah, friend Ocellus look awful,” put in Yona. “Why changeling friend lose sleep? Did friend have nightmare?”
“No, it's just been a difficult month, what with all this exam revision and so on,” sighed Ocellus. “I've had a lot of that, but I'll...” She paused, fighting off a yawn. “...I'll pull through.”
“A lot, says you? That's the understatement of the year,” retorted Gallus, arching a dubious eyebrow. “The trouble with you, Ocellus,” he added, growing more serious, “is you take on way more than you can cope with.”
“Gallus is right,” put in Silverstream, her usual bubbly demeanour giving way to grave concern. “It's been hard for all of us, but you've been pushing yourself a bit too hard of late. You really need to dial back on the extra credit assignments, or you'll burn yourself out.”
Ocellus frowned ruefully. “I know. I just didn't want to come across as a failure after all I've had to learn. Supposing I got an F-grade on one of my papers?”
But Yona just scoffed incredulously and pulled her into a reassuring bear hug. “So what?” she dismissed. “Ocellus no failure – Ocellus very good student, and even better friend!”
“Exactly! If any creature here has a chance of getting a good grade, it's bound to be you,” observed Sandbar. “You're so studious that you make the rest of us look like slackers; and yet you always seem to find time to help us with our own studies. We can't thank you enough for that.”
“Or for lending a listening ear where we need it,” said Smoulder with a wry grin. “Remember how I came out to you about...you know...?”
That brought a small smile to Ocellus' face. She could still picture the awkward look on the orange dragon's face when she confessed to liking cute, girly things like tea parties and makeovers. Indeed, if it hadn't been for the sixth sense that enabled changelings like her to read emotions, Smoulder might never have found the courage to admit it!
“We all really care about you,” finished Silverstream kindly. “Maybe it's time you let loose and took care of yourself a bit more – maybe get a bit of a change of scenery.” She looked up at the mountains, fixing her gaze on one in particular. “Maybe we could all go over to Canterlot and see the sights?”
“Sounds like a plan,” conceded Gallus casually.
“Yona think it great change,” agreed Yona, nodding eagerly.
Sandbar gave a thoughtful hum and tapped a hoof against his chin. “Funny you mention Canterlot,” he remarked. “I've just remembered a really swish restaurant there, the Tasty Treat. Mom and Dad took me there for my birthday a few years ago.”
“Oh right? What's it like?” asked Silverstream.
“It's an Elephandian place on Restaurant Row. They serve some real nice food in there, and the atmosphere...oh, it's like you've been whisked away to Elephandia itself,” sighed Sandbar wistfully.
Gallus gave a small but appreciative smile. “So...what, you suggesting we go try this place out?”
“Well...yes and no. I was kinda hoping...” Sandbar paused and shyly rubbed his arm. “...well, I kinda wanted it to just be me and Ocellus.”
This took the young changeling completely by surprise. She stared at Sandbar in awe, wondering if she had heard him right – surely, she thought, this had to be some kind of dream!
There was a long silence.
“Ooh, I get it!” smirked Gallus at last. “You're asking her out for a date, am I right?”
“Well...yes,” muttered Sandbar, almost beginning to wish he had kept his mouth shut.
“You with a changeling, eh?” teased Smoulder. “And there was I thinking you had the hots for a yak!”
“Hey!” protested Yona, offended. “Yona not like Sandbar that way. Sandbar just friend!” She gave an indignant huff and turned to Sandbar; “But if Sandbar have crush on changeling friend, Yona happy for them both,” she finished plainly, giving a warm smile to show she meant it.
This made Sandbar feel much easier. He turned his attention back to Ocellus; “So...how about it?” he ventured.
Ocellus stared back at him with misty eyes. “You...really want to take me out to dinner? Just the two of us?”
“Well...only if you want to.”
Another pause ensued as Ocellus tried to analyse her feelings and weigh up her options. At last, she gave the young stallion a touched smile and said, “Sandbar, I'd be delighted to accept this date.”
Sandbar smiled back with relief. “I guess that settles it then. Canterlot, here we come.”
Arrangements took time, but within a few days, the six friends arrived in Canterlot on the overnight train. They had planned to spend the whole weekend there, so they had booked a suite at a luxury hotel near the city centre, with Smoulder giving up one of her gems to pay for it. Having checked in, they left their luggage at the hotel and spent most of the day wandering around town, stopping only to take lunch at a pleasant café not too far from the castle.
Towards the end of the afternoon, Sandbar announced that it was about time he and Ocellus went to prepare for their date. After agreeing to meet them back at the hotel no later than ten, the six friends went their separate ways; Smoulder and Yona opting to grab a snack at a nearby hot-dog stand, while Gallus and Silverstream flew off to hang out in the park together.
At first, Ocellus believed she and Sandbar were headed straight back to the hotel to freshen up; so she was understandably puzzled when he took her in the opposite direction, towards a smart looking shop on the High Street. “Uh...Sandbar...?”
“Yes?”
“You said we had to go prepare for our date, right?” asked Ocellus, raising a perplexed eyebrow.
“Well, of course we are,” affirmed Sandbar. “Didn't I tell you so just a few minutes ago?”
“Yeah, but you do realise our hotel is that way.” Ocellus pointed back the way they had just come.
Sandbar stifled a chortle. “I know that,” he continued, giving her a coy smile, “but what you don't know is that I...let's just say I had an extra destination in mind.” To emphasise his point, he cocked his head and winked at the signage by the front door.
Only then did Ocellus realise what he was up to. “Wait a minute!” she gasped. “This...we're at one of Professor Rarity's shops!” She turned her gaze back to Sandbar. “You don't mean...”
Sandbar nodded. “I know the Tasty Treat isn't exactly a black-tie affair,” he explained, “but I thought it'd be nice if you and I could dress up for the night.”
It took a while for Ocellus to find her voice again she was so awestruck. “Gosh,” she murmured at last. “If I'd only known about this before we left, I might've brought more money with me.”
“That's okay,” smiled Sandbar. “I don't plan on us getting anything too pricey or extravagant – just simple and smart-casual, that's all,” and he held the door open for Ocellus to enter ahead of him. Deep down, she was a little uncertain of finding anything within her budget here; but she kept a brave face all the same.
The two teenagers barely made it into the lobby before a tallish cerulean unicorn mare came cantering over to them. “Good evening,” she announced cheerfully, “and welcome to Canterlot Carousel, fashion boutique par excellence! What can I do for you?”
Sandbar couldn't help marvelling at how enthusiastic this pony seemed. Spoken like a true Carousel Boutique manager, he thought as he addressed her; “Good evening, Miss...uh...”
“Sassy Saddles – at your service.”
“...Miss Saddles, is there anything for sale here on a student budget?” asked Sandbar. “See, my friend Ocellus and I are off to dinner at the Tasty Treat tonight, and we wanted something...kinda smart-casual.”
“Informal dress for a changeling, eh?” Sassy's face lit up with intrigue. “Would I be right in thinking this is the same Ocellus who represents the Changeling Kingdom at Princess Twilight Sparkle's School of Friendship?”
“Uh...yeah,” replied Sandbar, taken aback; and Ocellus gave a self-conscious nod of affirmation.
“Well, lace and linen!” remarked Sassy. “This is such a privilege, having two friendship students for clients – and one of them a changeling too!”
“Uh...it's no big deal really,” began Ocellus timidly. “I'm nothing spec...”
“Oh, tosh!” interrupted Sassy in a tone of eager dismissal. “There's no need to be so modest. I've never had a changeling in this boutique before, School of Friendship or not; so this is a really enticing first for me. Now, what can I interest you in?” she continued, putting on a more professional tone. “Tea gown, perhaps? Maybe a nice cocktail dress? Or how about one of Rarity's own Butterfly Beauty range – new on the shelf, six designs, all in a fetching psychedelic style to match your kind?”
Ocellus blushed madly. “Well, that's...really nice of you to offer,” she stammered. “Could I just go for something plain...please?”
Sassy paused, eyeing up the young changeling. “Why, certainly,” she declared after a while. “I must confess I'm a little out of my depth here; but I'll see what I can do. If you'd like to accompany me to the sewing room, please, so I can take your measurements?”
Incredibly, it only took Sassy a few minutes to find something that suited Ocellus. Sandbar didn't have much trouble either; while they were busy, he found a simple golden brown dinner jacket complete with white dress shirt that fitted him just right, and picked out a red bow tie to go with it. And boy, did he look sharp in it too, he thought proudly as he posed in front of a nearby mirror.
But nothing, he quickly decided, compared to what Ocellus was wearing as she stepped out of the fitting room. It did indeed look fairly plain, just a simple white dress with golden trim, but it just seemed so right for a changeling like herself – simple, understated, no frills...and kind of cute too. He might as well have been gazing upon an angel!
“How do I look?” The young changeling's voice promptly broke him out of his trance.
Sandbar beamed warmly. “Beautiful,” he breathed, earning a bashful smile in return.
“Thanks,” murmured Ocellus, “and that suit looks good on you too.” She looked up at Sassy; “And thank you too, Miss Saddles, for making this for me.”
“Think nothing of it,” replied Sassy modestly. “It's been quite an interesting little exercise – and not a bad job if I do say so myself. And as students of the School of Friendship, I reckon a 25% discount is in order for you both,” she added, examining Sandbar's outfit and tallying up the prices in her head, “so to you, that's...45 bits in total.”
“Only 45 bits?” Ocellus was taken aback.
Sassy nodded. “Twenty for yours, and the rest for your coltfriend's outfit.”
“Gosh...that's really generous of you, Miss Saddles,” said Ocellus, trying to hide the blush on her cheeks. She couldn't help thinking somehow that Sassy was being a bit forward in her assumption; but at the same time, she found the idea strangely enticing. While the love she got from her friends was appetising enough, the thought of having a coltfriend, someone whose love for her was far more direct and unconditional, made her heart skip a beat. And whichever way she looked at it, she did think Sandbar rather handsome.
“Uh...yes, very generous indeed,” stuttered Sandbar awkwardly, his own face reddening as he and Ocellus paid for their purchase. “Anyway, uh...we'd better head back to the hotel now. You know, just to spruce ourselves up for tonight. Thanks again, Miss Saddles.”
“No trouble at all. Enjoy your date!”
Having returned to the hotel, Sandbar and Ocellus retired to their rooms to prepare for their evening out. Ocellus rarely ever bothered with makeup or jewellery, so she didn't take as long as Sandbar – indeed, she reckoned she had spent far more time preparing herself mentally than in terms of her appearance. She sat quietly in the lounge while the green stallion took a shower, thinking how much he meant to her. He sure was cute, she thought longingly, but did she really see him as just a friend? Or had Sassy Saddles just put everything into perspective for her?
The young changeling smiled softly as she thought back to their first year together, and how shy and alienated she had been at first. It had been hard for all of them of course, and Sandbar, being the only pony in the group, had been a much-needed rock for them to cling onto; but if any of them could have qualified as an outcast, it must surely have been Ocellus. Even now, she was still deeply touched by how accepting he had been towards her, notwithstanding the unsavoury history of her species.
“You ready, Ocellus?” called Sandbar's voice from the direction of his room.
“All set, Sandbar.” Ocellus stood up, pushing her reverie to the back of her mind as the young stallion emerged. “Shall we be off then?”
Sandbar nodded, and politely held the door open for her. “After you.”
Again, Ocellus allowed herself a soft smile as she trotted into the hallway. Such a gentlecolt, she thought dreamily.
Not much was said between the two teenagers as they left the hotel and began making their way to the Tasty Treat. They were mostly content to just enjoy each other's company, and to mull over their feelings, until after about five minutes they arrived at the restaurant. As they entered, they were greeted by an orange unicorn mare whom Ocellus guessed must be one of the owners, judging by her accent. The mare introduced herself as Saffron Masala, and showed them to a nice, quiet table for two next to the front window.
“This sure is a nice place you have here,” remarked Ocellus, settling down on the seat that Sandbar had just pulled out for her.
“Thanks,” smiled Saffron genially. “Yes, it is rather; and very proud we are of it too. So, what would you like to drink?” she asked, levitating a notepad and pencil.
“Glass of lychee juice for me, please,” said Sandbar, after a quick glance at the menu.
“Hmm...” Ocellus pondered for a moment. “...I think I might try the lychee juice too.”
“A good choice,” replied Saffron as she jotted their order down. “I'll just go fetch them for you,” and she ambled briskly away.
While she was gone, the two teens took a moment to browse through the menu and decide what they wanted to eat. For Ocellus, who had never tried Elephandian food before, this was already proving an experience to savour. “You were right about this restaurant, Sandbar,” she murmured. “I feel like I've entered another world.”
“Exactly how I felt, first time I came here,” chuckled Sandbar. “Not that that self-proclaimed 'restaurant critic'...what's her name? ...Zesty Gourmand, that's it! She didn't see much in this place, from what I'd read.”
“Eh?!” Ocellus looked at Sandbar as if she couldn't believe her ears. “How can anyone not like it here?”
“I know, right?” agreed Sandbar. “It's as if her idea of a good restaurant is one with no real décor and nothing you can call palatable! That's how conservative and...boring she is.” He gave a wry smile and shook his head; “I tell you what, she kinda shot herself in the hoof with this one. Hardly anypony took her seriously for a long time after that.”
“I should certainly hope not,” put in Ocellus feelingly. Having lived in a drab, unwelcoming hive herself, she could only imagine how dull and depressing this Zesty mare's “ideal” restaurant must be. Thank goodness this one was anything but, she thought gravely; however hard it may have been to choose something she might like. “Hmm...anything you can recommend, Sandbar?”
“Well, I do remember having a really nice broccoli curry with tandoori-spiced carrots and aloo gobi,” mused Sandbar, checking the menu again. “Ah, yes – the Broccoli Mughlai. It's got a slight kick to it, but it's not too spicy. I think you might like it.”
“Well, I guess it can't hurt to give it a try,” conceded Ocellus.
At that moment, Saffron returned with their drinks. “There we are – two lychee juices,” she announced cheerfully. “Are you ready to order?”
“Yes, please,” answered Sandbar, and repeated to Saffron what he and Ocellus had decided. “Also, could I have a Peshwari naan with mine?”
“Certainly, young sir,” affirmed Saffron, bowing politely, and trotted back to the kitchen.
It only took another twenty minutes for their food to arrive, and while they waited, Sandbar and Ocellus made small talk to pass the time. They talked about schoolwork, the goings-on with their friends, and even how the school buckball team had been performing. Eventually, the focus of their conversation turned to Gallus and Silverstream, and how close they had grown over the last two years. Sandbar even quipped that one or both of them might be taking advantage of this weekend break to confess to each other! Ocellus stifled a giggle at that; but she sincerely hoped they would.
Which brought her back to her own feelings towards the green stallion sitting opposite her. Truth be told, she had known about them for a long time, but always brushed it off as a mere schoolgirl crush; surely he could do better than her, no matter how she felt. But now, with Sassy's words still playing on her mind, and in such a romantic atmosphere, she couldn't deny it any longer – that “schoolgirl crush” of hers had evolved into something much, much more...
“Sandbar,” she ventured timidly, “can I ask you something?”
“Shoot.”
The young changeling paused, rubbing her arm and bracing herself for the worst. “How do you feel about me?” she whispered, averting her gaze.
“You mean...as a friend?” Ocellus couldn't tell, but she thought she could detect a mild falter in Sandbar's voice. It sounded nervous, but almost hopeful at the same time.
“Well...yes and no. I meant, like...more than that,” stammered Ocellus, bracing herself for the inevitable ridicule.
But it didn't come – instead, silence reigned over them for a moment. Finally daring to look up again, Ocellus was stunned to see that Sandbar was gazing back at her with a look of touched affection, one hoof resting against his chest. “And there was I thinking you didn't need to ask,” he said softly. “Did you never think to...you know?”
Ocellus blushed sheepishly. “Well...I did – but I avoided it out of respect for your privacy.” But then her eyes lit up. “Do you mean...?”
“Yes, Ocellus. I've felt that way for you ever since we ran away to the Castle of the Royal Sisters that one time.” Sandbar gave a light, hearty chuckle at the memory. “I'd been wanting to tell you for ages, but I could never build up the courage – until now.”
That brought a smile back to Ocellus' face. “I feel the same way,” she murmured. “I kept telling myself I just valued you a lot as a friend; that even if you did return my feelings, you could do so much better than some changeling like me...that I was only hungry for love. Guess I was kinda right about that last one – just not the way I thought I would be.” That was when another realisation dawned on her. “Is that why you brought me here? Why you suggested we dress up for the evening?
“It sure is. I was hoping that way I'd finally pony up and confess,” explained Sandbar, and chuckled again. “Guess you beat me to it, huh?”
They both fell silent again as they gazed into each other's eyes – not the awkward silence from before, but a pleasant, romantic silence where nothing needed to be said. This didn't last long, of course, as Saffron soon came over with their food.
“Back to reality,” remarked Sandbar wryly as their plates were set down in front of them. “Thanks very much, Saffron.”
“Yes, thank you,” added Ocellus politely.
“You're very welcome. Enjoy,” said Saffron. With that, she left them to eat in peace; but secretly, she couldn't help smiling softly. She had seen the look in their eyes from afar, and silently wished them all the best as she went about her business.
Sandbar and Ocellus did indeed enjoy their meal. It was just as Sandbar had remembered, and Ocellus found it most delectable too, from the curry, to the lychee juice, to the pistachio ice cream she had had for her dessert. She was definitely coming to the Tasty Treat again someday, she decided. Once they had finished, they paid their bill and thanked Saffron for such a wonderful dinner, leaving her a tip before they departed.
By now, darkness had fallen over Canterlot. The moon was full, the stars were twinkling, and a cool breeze wafted through the streets as the two teenagers strolled along, side by side, without a care in the world apart from each other. Every so often, they would share a brief, meaningful nuzzle, blissfully ignoring the odd looks they were getting from passers-by.
Their route back to the hotel took them past the park, and since they wanted to make the most of their date, they decided to take a detour at that point. Away from the street lamps and shops, the night sky seemed far more beautiful amidst the peace and tranquillity of their surroundings, and Sandbar and Ocellus enjoyed the stillness. After a while, they found themselves beginning to wear out a little, so they paused at a nearby hillock for a short rest. This gave them such an amazing panorama that Ocellus didn't care if they fell asleep here – as long as she had this view and her stallion to wake up to, nothing else mattered. She snuggled up to him, purring contentedly as he wrapped an arm around her barrel.
“How did you like the Tasty Treat, Ocellus?” whispered Sandbar.
“I loved it,” sighed Ocellus happily. “Best restaurant I've ever been to.” She gazed dreamily into his eyes; “Thank you so much for sharing this with me...Sandy.”
“That's alright...Celly.” Sandbar fondly returned her gaze, slowly losing himself in the twin pools of blue.
“You know,” added Ocellus, “back before we changelings were liberated, I used to wonder if we could ever feel love ourselves – like, of our very own, and not the love we spent so much of our lives stealing. Now I know we can.”
The only response she got from Sandbar was a hum of agreement. They continued to admire the twinkle in each other's eyes for a few more moments, sharing breath as they slowly closed the gap...and then came what they could only agree was the best part of the whole date. If there was ever any doubt left in Ocellus' mind as to whether Sandbar really loved her – of his own accord, for that matter – that doubt instantly faded away as their lips met. Her heart fluttered with joy, and she let loose another sigh of contentment as she leaned into the kiss, enjoying the taste of his love flowing into her mouth.
It only lasted half a minute, but to the young lovers it felt like an eternity. Eventually, however, they reluctantly broke apart and went back to snuggling until the chime of a nearby clock tower reminded them how late it was. With the tiniest hint of regret in his expression, Sandbar stood up; “Quarter to ten,” he thought aloud. “We'd better get back before the others start to wonder where we are.”
“Mmm...I suppose so,” murmured Ocellus. “I just wish this date didn't have to end so soon.”
“Ah, that's okay,” soothed Sandbar. “I really enjoyed being with you tonight – and I'd be more than happy to do this again with you sometime.”
Ocellus smiled. “So would I. Does this mean we're a couple now?”
“Well, based on what your changeling sense tells you...” Sandbar said no more, but gave her a tender peck on the forehead, just below her horn. That was all Ocellus needed for an answer.
When the two teens returned to the hotel, tired but happy, they found the rest of their friends chatting idly in the lounge. Smoulder noticed them first, and could only chuckle incredulously at their attire. “Wow, you guys,” she joked, “I thought you'd gone for dinner at the Tasty Treat, not to some fancy dress ball!”
“And a good evening to you too,” replied Sandbar, ignoring the orange dragon's cheek. “Everything okay, I trust?”
“Aw, it's been great,” chirped Silverstream. “You wouldn't believe what a great time I had with Gallus – he took me to this restaurant only a few blocks away from where you went. Aw, it was great; it had a water garden, it served some of my favourite seaweed...oh, and that's not even half of it...”
“What do you mean?” asked Ocellus curiously; although deep down, she already had an idea what the answer was going to be.
“...we're dating!” squealed Silverstream ecstatically.
Sandbar gazed at Gallus, feigning disbelief. “Is this true?”
“Yeah...it is,” murmured Gallus, blushing awkwardly. “By the way,” he went on, hastily changing the subject, “you're looking pretty sharp there, Sandbar. Where'd you get that suit from?”
“And the dress,” added Silverstream.
“Oh...just a little souvenir from Canterlot Carousel,” said Sandbar casually. “Since this was...you know, a date...anyway, it's getting on a bit. We'd probably better turn in.”
“Friend Sandbar promise to tell us all about it tomorrow?” asked Yona hopefully.
“Of course I will.”
“We will,” put in Ocellus with a smile.
With that, the six friends bid each other goodnight and retired to their rooms – all except Sandbar and Ocellus, who lingered a little longer until they were all alone. Checking to make sure they weren't being watched, Ocellus leaned forward and nuzzled her beau fondly. “Thanks again, Sandy, for such a lovely date,” she whispered.
“Anything for you, sweet Celly,” replied Sandbar. “Sleep well,” and he and Ocellus shared a final kiss before they parted ways for the night.
“I love you, my handsome steed.”
“I love you too, my cute little ladybird.”
