Fallen Eagle

Chapter 20: Nothin' But a Good Time

I just want to take a minute to say THANK YOU guys, THANK YOU so much! I just can't believe one of my stories has reached 100 followers. That's a goal that I never even considered thinking of. I'm so thankful to have so many people interested in reading this story, and we're not even halfway done yet. You guys are awesome, there's no other way of putting it. And I believe there are some reviews to reply to...

KillerWOW the Golden Foxy: Yep, I'm doing great as of right now. I know, seeing Blueblood not acting like a monumental prick is weird, almost like seeing Twilight turn into a slob.

OBSERVER01: It went better than Cougar thought it would with Blueblood acting really nice. As for the Gala, just wait.

litestardt: Sorry! I just like to keep the pacing to a consistent and high quality standard. And a few ponies did drink Colta-Cola in the previous chapter.

Dixie Darlin: You gotta have crazy OCD Twilight at some point, you just HAVE to! I added in that line about Rainbow right before I published the chapter. I can't imagine how she'd react if Scootaloo told her she has a crush on Thunderlane's little brother. Mmmm doughnuts. As for Blueblood, well, I gots plans.

necron-lordwesly: *Penguins of Madagascar* You didn't see anything...

KonigstigerAce334: I would have a hard time believing him too, knowing what he pulled in that ONE episode three seasons ago. It's weird we've only seen him once. As for the cliche' of Blueblood being a prick, well that IS his personality. But that doesn't mean people can't attempt to have him be nice like I'm doing.

Fear-Less 1300: Meh, I don't demand reviews the second I post a chapter. Who wouldn't want a secret doughnut stash of their own? With how he knows Blueblood, the stallion is definitely going to have to prove that he's changed.

Nathan Row: I get what you're saying and Cougar's said it numerous times about how beastiality or Zoophilia are extremely frowned upon in our society, both by religious groups and non-religous groups.

XxSkullCandyxX: Thank you. I try to keep every character in character, the story as realistic as possible and to have in as many themes and genres as I can to keep things interesting while not smothering every reader with it.

Okay guys, here I'd like to apologize. Why you ask? Well, you guys held up your end of the deal for me to publish Fallen Eagle to Fimfiction. However, I recently joined but found out that stories with copyrighted song lyrics are forbidden there, so no Fallen Eagle on Fimfiction :( Oh well, I love it here on Fanfiction.

I'd also like to apologize for taking so long to update this story. I of course had to update Long Live Rock 'N Roll and just life preventing me from updating. It also doesn't help when the theatre I work at has only THREE employees (that's including myself) on staff full time when we have Cinderella opening weekend. UGH.

I do not own the song you will see in this chapter. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter and the adorable Cougar and Applejack and Applebloom parts.

---

(Sweet Apple Acres. Cougar's POV)

After jogging through Ponyville and dodging just about every other pony that desperately wanted a ticket as well (damn Lyra's big mouth) I finally arrived back to the Apple family's farm. I'm kind of glad that Rarity put my tuxedo in the plastic bag; the dust trail I kicked up coated my current street clothes in a pretty thick layer. Double checking the clock on my phone, my face fell in annoyance to myself when I realized I still had two hours left until we only had to leave for the Gala. Slowing down to a casual walk, my shoes only kicked up minuscule dust particles that clung only to the bottoms of my shoes. Not really surprised to not see any members of the Apple family outside, I walked inside the house and draped the plastic bag over a chair in the living room and headed upstairs where I heard the familiar roar of the shower from behind the wooden door. "If yer thinkin' that's me or Applebloom, you'd be surprised," Applejack's voice called as her head poked out from her bedroom doorway. "He's been in there fer thirty minutes already," she added with an eye roll.

"Funny," I replied, heading towards the mare's room, "I just ran into his date outside of Rarity's place," I stopped just short of the doorway. Applejack stuck out her foreleg and motioned for me that it was alright to enter her room. "I would've been here earlier, but Bon Bon told me Lyra slipped that I got those two extra tickets; now every mare in town suddenly wants to be my best friend," I sat down in a chair in Applejack's room as she sat on her haunches on her bed. Before she or I said anything else, she took off her cowgirl hat and placed it gently on the rounded post at the end of her bed and took her red hair twists out of her golden ponytail, letting all of her mane out and fall past her shoulders.

"Eeyup," she responded almost like Big Macintosh, "every mare wants ta go ta the Gala. It doesn't surprise me one bit that they'd try ta mob ya fer spare tickets," she chuckled. "Speakin' 'o which, did ya get anymore fer anypony?" she asked and put her hat back on.

"No actually," I tore my gaze away from her longer mane, "I'm glad I didn't anyways. Celestia might start getting annoyed with me asking for more every time I see her," I grinned.

"Eh, Celestia doesn't get upset real easily, unless 'o course ya try ta take over Equestria or sneak a bite 'o her cake," Applejack joked. "Ah still think it was really sweet 'o ya ta get tickets fer Big Mac, Cheerilee, Lyra 'n Bon Bon."

"Well, I'm just a nice guy," I replied, crossing my hands together across my lap, "besides, I think we'll need the whole gang to reach Celestia and Luna's goal of having the wildest Gala ever." Applejack cocked her head from side to side, trying to discern what exactly I meant.

"Ah talk ta Lyra 'n Bon Bon on occasion, but none 'o us have really hung out with either 'o them," Applejack cricked her neck.

"Haven't you thought of expanding at all? I mean, six or seven close friends is a good thing, but I should know by now that the more friends you have, the happier you can be." The orange mare clenched her lips shut and shook her head in response.

"Naw, then it becomes a really big hassle ya know? Tryin' ta make time ta spend with all 'o them 'n feelin' guilty 'bout not hangin' with others as much as some," she explained still straining her neck around. Her hoof then shot up and she began to rub the back of her neck.

"It can get to be that way yes," I took notice of the pony uncomfortably shifting around on her bed. "But, the more friends you have to lean on when you're not strong, the more support you'll have to get on with life."

"Ugh," was the only thing she responded with. "Sorry Cougar," she groaned in annoyance, "my neck has been killin' me ever since ya left fer Canterlot. Ah strained it liftin' up a barrel 'o cider onto the top shelf in the cellar," she explained with another pained groan.

"At least you'll get a chance to hang out with Lyra and Bon Bon tonight," I tried to lighten the setting a bit, but that proved to be a challenge with Applejack in pain. "Hey, would it be inappropriate if I, you know, massaged your neck AJ?" I offered with a slight stutter. Her emerald eyes slowly drifted up towards me from the floor and just sat glued to my pale blue orbs.

"Ah, Ah guess that'd be okay," she replied with a stutter as well. Clearing my throat, I stood up from the chair and proceeded to walk over to Applejack's bed. "All right then, just be gentle okay?" She politely asked and turned around, still sitting on her haunches, so I could get a better view of her neck. Her hooves pushed her mane forward over her shoulders so I could get to her neck.

"I can do that," I said just above a whisper and placed my hands on the base of her neck. She groaned slightly as I applied the slimmest amount of pressure on her neck muscles and began to rub tiny circles all around.

"That feels, good," she groaned. Applejack stretched her neck out and rolled it a few times as my fingers expanded and contracted. "Did ya have a spare job as a masseuse back on yer planet?" She said in between moans.

"No, why do you ask?" I replied with a question, trying to not rub too hard to hurt her or to cause someone to come investigating her sounds.

"Well, yer fingers, they're like buckin' magic! My neck has never felt this good, even when Aloe at the spa massages it," she leaned back into my chest. I had to scoot back from the edge of the bed so I could still massage her neck.

"To be honest, I've never given anyone a massage before," I admitted.

"Mmm, well then, Ah'm gonna have ta start schedulin' appointments more often with ya," she rolled her head back and rested it on my shoulder, her eyes staring up at mine. Suddenly, her door burst open to reveal Applebloom. I released my hands from her neck, yet still caught her when she fell back.

"Applejack, can ya help me with-" she started but cut herself off when she saw Applejack being held by me against my chest. Her eyes shrank and began to twitch when she saw our predicament. "Uh, AJ, what are you 'n Cougar doin'?!" She exclaimed. Applejack pushed herself off my chest and sprang to her feet on her bed.

"Nothin' Ah swear! Cougar was just massagin' my neck 'cause it was hurtin', that's all," Applejack explained. I walked backward and gripped the edge of her desk, taking slow and deep breaths through my nose, thanking my lucky stars it wasn't Big Mac coming through the door.

"If you say so," Applebloom shook her head back and forth.

"You don't say nothin' 'bout what you saw all right AB?" Applejack sternly said to her little sister. "We weren't doin' nothin', but we don't need ponies ta get the wrong idea, understand?" She towered over the yellow filly. Applebloom nodded fearfully and cowered below her elder sister.

"What'd, what'd you need Bloom?" I questioned in between breaths after gaining back my composure.

"Ah just wanted Applejack's help with talkin' around Featherweight at the Gala, if ya weren't too busy ya know?" She looked from me to Applejack with her adorable orange eyes. Chuckling, I pushed myself off the desk scratched behind Applebloom's ear.

"Now Applebloom, you know Ah ain't ever really talked ta boys at all or even had a date before," Applejack replied.

"But, what about that Caramel feller?" Applebloom questioned. Applejack groaned in frustration and facehoofed.

"Why does everypony keep sayin' Caramel 'n Ah had a thing goin'?! Ah barely know the stallion! All Ah do remember him fer is forgetting' about every damn chore we had him do durin' the Winter Wrap Up a few years back," she explained angrily and cursed in front of her sister.

"Sweetie Belle told me that Rarity thought you two would look cute together; then 'o course she mentioned it ta the spa workers," Applebloom spilled the beans. Applejack clenched her teeth together.

"That damn Rarity, Ah tell ya," she threw her door open. "Big Mac! You done with that shower yet?!" She yelled.

"Eeyup!" Big Mac replied as he exited the bathroom carrying his tux and top hat on his back.

"Well good, Ah'm next!" Applejack trotted her way to the bathroom and slammed the door shut. I turned to the little filly, the two of us still standing in Applejacks' room. Pointing my thumb towards the direction of the bathroom, I turned back to Applebloom.

"What the heck was that all about? She told me about Caramel, but nothing like that," I asked.

"Oh, she gets pretty upset when ponies keep pesterin' her 'bout her 'n Caramel," Applebloom told me, "she really didn't like him that much, but Rarity thought it was a love-hate kinda thing. Ponies 'round here love gossip, Ah know first hand," she mentioned solemnly. My mouth opened to comment on her escapades following the events of the Gabby Gums Incident, but I thought better of it and shut my mouth until I thought of something else to say.

"So, are you hoping Featherweight will ask you to dance tonight? Or are you a little nervous?" I asked. Sitting down on the edge of Applejack's bed, I grasped Applebloom around her torso and sat her up on her haunches next to me. Her upper teeth bit down on her lower lip and her eyes kept darting around the room like a humming bird.

"Ah'm actually kinda on the fence 'bout that Cougar," she admitted. "Ah mean, Featherweight is sweet 'n cute 'n all, but Ah just don't know if he just thinks of me as a close friend or a potential marefriend."

"Is that why you wanted to talk to Applejack? To see if you can find out if really likes you?" She slowly nodded yes and stared up at me with her orange eyes that pleaded for help on the subject. "Well, since Applejack said she doesn't really know how to explain it and I'm thinking Big Mac is opposed to his youngest sister dating, I think I can help you Bloom," I wrapped my left arm around her and pulled her close. Her fur lightly tickled my palm.

"Ya mean it!?" She exclaimed exuberantly.

"I may not have dated or had a girlfriend before," I began, "but at least I can help you on how to get a guy's attention and keep it, though I'm not telling you everything because you're not old enough and I want to live at least until I'm thirty before I die," I grinned. Applebloom's tail wagged slightly which I thought was adorable, and she quickly hopped around on her haunches to face me so she could get the full scoop.

"Ah'm ready Cougar," she clapped her hooves together, "tell me what ya know," she begged again. Chuckling, I gave her a quick hug again before explaining to her how some guys work.

"Okay so first off, stand close to Featherweight. You've got to let him know you exist and you are right there," I explained.

"But, we go ta school together," Applebloom said, "he already knows Ah exist..."

"Yes of course he does, but if you stand closer to him, like almost shoulders touching or off to the side and facing him," I replied, "he'll know something is up, but he won't exactly know what. Things can and will get a little awkward like that, but that's the first step. After the first step of standing closer to him than you normally would, you've got to let him know you're interested in the things he does. What does he like to do exactly?" I questioned.

"Uh, he does like takin' pictures with that fancy camera 'o his," Bloom stuck her tongue out of the corner of her mouth and held her chin in her hoof, "'n Featherweight does also enjoy writin' stories 'bout whatever's on his mind," she added.

"Perfect!" I exclaimed, "you can talk in a mildly flirty tone, but take an interest in his photographs and stories. Kind of like, "Featherweight, how's yer stories goin',"? you know. Even if what he writes about doesn't grab your attention, at least acknowledge he wrote them," I said.

"Don't mock my family's accent like that," she glared in my face.

"Sorry, just trying to make my point," I cleared my throat again. "Now that you've shown interest with his hobbies, Featherweight will be either nervous and sweating bullets or interested that you're showing you're interested in him."

"What are, bullets?" Applebloom questioned.

"I'll explain later," I quickly retorted. "Anyways, since Featherweight is school aged and according to you hasn't had a marefriend before, he's more than likely going to be sweating up a storm with you getting close to him and talking about things he likes. Now step three, keep giving him a more than friendly look into his eyes and nowhere else," I focused on the end of that point.

"Why nowhere else?" She asked.

"You want him to think you're interested in an actual relationship, not one that you won't be ready for until, well you don't need to know."

"Ah guess that makes sense, whatever ya mean," she rolled her orange eyes. "Anythin' else Ah should know Cougar? Ah want to get this right," Applebloom asked me. Propping my chin in my hand, I scratched my five 'o clock shadow, trying to think of any other advice about acting around guys. Finally, I snapped my fingers in realization.

"Here's the last and most important thing you need to do," I leaned in close to her ear to whisper. "Giggle," I softly said into her ear. She pulled her ear away from my mouth and gave me a, 'Are you kidding me?' face.

"Giggle?"

"Yep, giggle at just about everything he says, unless it's sad or disturbing news of course," I quickly corrected.

"But, why do Ah have ta giggle at everythin' he says?" She asked me, "seems kinda, weird," she clicked her tongue. I responded to that the only way I knew how.

"How the hell should I know why you have to giggle?" I replied, "I mean, I don't have a clue on how it works, but it did on all the guys in my flight squadron when they got girlfriends or got married. Point is Bloomin' Onion, giggling triggers a positive reaction from guys, so if you want him to be your coltfriend or whatever, you've got to giggle," I finished my explanation.

"Fine, Ah'll giggle," she hopped off the bed, "'n thanks Cougar," she smiled at me. "Ah'm gonna go wait fer Applejack to get out 'o the bathroom."

"Sounds good," I also got up from Applejack's bed and shut the door to the room. "Oh but before you do, what is it about Featherweight you like Applebloom?" I crouched down to her level as best as I could.

"Well, he's just a really sweet colt, kind, good with that camera 'o his, he's smart 'n his really kinda cute," a tiny scarlet blush surfaced onto her cheeks, "especially his little wings 'n tail," she whispered and hid behind her hooves. I chuckled and gently ruffled her mane.

"Cute Applebloom, he's a lucky colt," I winked at her.

"Cougar, Ah thought older brothers protected their sisters from boys," Applebloom said in an innocent voice, "but, why are ya helpin' me with boys?" she asked me with her head cocked to the side. Twiddling my thumbs, I searched every recess of my brain for an answer to that. Applebloom referring to me as her second brother still took some getting used to, but I didn't mind it at all. She was the cutest filly in the country, at least to me, though Sweetie Belle certainly gave her a run for her bits.

"Well, sis," I awkwardly said, "you are very mature for your age and I can trust you to know what to do and what not to do around boys. Instead of sheltering you from boys until you're into your late teens, I think helping you get to know the do's and don'ts of acting around boys at this age will gain you experience that will help you in the future," I delineated.

"Okay Ah get that, but what if Big Mac sees me with Featherweight at the Gala 'n tries ta separate us?" She stuck out her lower lip.

"I think your teacher will keep him preoccupied Bloom," I joked. "But I'll stop and explain everything to him if he tries anything, I promise," I stood up and halted at the top of the stairs, "however, if Featherweight tries anything you're uncomfortable with, I will let Big Mac know, got it?" I asked her.

"Ah get it Cougar," she replied as we heard the shower knobs squeaking from the bathroom. I waved to Applebloom before heading back down the creaking stairs and grabbed my tuxedo bag and headed back to my house.

---

(3rd Person POV. Musical Montage)

At Carousel Boutique, Rarity was helping Sweetie Belle with her dress and mane in front of Rarity's tri-mirror set up. "Rarity, I already look great for Pipsqueak, what else do I have to do?" The younger Belle sister complained as her older sister repeatedly insisted on running a brush through her purple and pink mane.

"Oh Sweetie Belle," Rarity giggled, "you have so much to learn about looking your best for your date, especially a date at the Grand Galloping Gala, not to mention Pipsqueak is from Trottingham, a close equivalent of sophistication to Canterlot," she beamed. "My little sister, dating a Trottingham colt at the Grand Galloping Gala, I'm the luckiest big sister in Equestria tonight!" Rarity exclaimed.

"How? This is my date with Pipsqueak. You're not going to hover around us and micromanage everything are you?" Sweetie asked with a cough while Rarity sprayed half a bottle of perfume on Sweetie Belle.

"Um, only on occasion I shall try and check in on you two, but I swear on my Cutie Mark-"

"Hey!" Sweetie Belle shouted.

"Oops, poor choice of words, sorry," Rarity patted her head, "I swear on my mane that I will let you two spend your night together alone or with your friends if you choose," Rarity put on her red glasses to closer inspect Sweetie Belle's dress and mane. "Ah there, yes, you will be the most beautiful filly at the Gala!" Rarity declared, "if only my film roll wasn't empty, though I'm pretty sure Princess Celestia and Luna will still have the photography team on standby."

"Thanks big sis," Sweetie Belle hugged Rarity's leg. "By the way, are you going to save a dance for a certain somepony tonight?" Sweetie questioned.

"No, I hadn't thought of it Sweetie Belle. Though if somepony were to ask, I may accept their invitation. Why do you ask?" Rarity raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, just curious," Sweetie Belle looked around.

Welcome to your life; there's no turning back
Even while we sleep we will find
You acting on your best behavior
Turn your back on mother nature
Ev'rybody wants to rule the world

(At Rainbow Dash's Cloud House)

Rainbow Dash was currently posing in front of a mirror in her rainbow and lightning themed Gala dress, not fashion poses like Rarity but awesome poses like she does when she's in her Wonderbolt Uniform. "I can't believe this Tank!" She exclaimed to her pet tortoise, "my first Gala as a Wonderbolt and with Soarin as my Stallionfriend!" She squealed like Rarity. Her tortoise's expression didn't change as he continued to munch on a lettuce leaf. "Um, yeah it's totally cool and all don't ya think?" Rainbow cleared her throat after realizing she produced a Rarity-like squeal.

Her head turned to a picture sitting on her nightstand that she got to take with Soarin a few months ago. Her heart pounded so loud and hard that she thought it would eventually burst out of her chest. She had been on a few lunch and dinner dates with Soarin and even spent the Estrus weekend together, but this was huge. Going to the Gala as a Wonderbolt instead of a guest of the Wonderbolts? Her second dream come true. "What do you think Cougar meant when he said he knew the perfect song to play for the 'Bolts Tank?" The cyan pegasus asked her pet. A tiny belch was all she was met with.

"Yeah, you're right Tank, I should just think about spending my time with my friends and my Stallionfriend," she put her headpiece on top of her head. "A slow dance with Soarin doesn't sound too bad also," she pondered. The Wonerbolt Co-Captain then double-checked to see if anypony was watching before opening a bottle of perfume and just spraying a tiny bit on her neck.

It's my own desire, it's my own remorse
Help me to decide. Help me make the most
Of freedom and of pleasure
Nothing ever lasts forever
Everybody wants to rule the world

(At Sugarcube Corner)

"Oh Gummy, can you just feel this magic in the air?!" Pinkie hopped up and down in her dress while her 'jam' was playing loudly over a record player. Her tiny pet alligator just blinked out of sync and bit down his toothless muzzle onto Pinkie's dress. "With Cheese finally being able to make it to the Gala and with Cougar and Vinyl jamming up the airwaves, this is going to be the most fantabulous Gala ever!" She burst in excitement. Gummy began to try and chew on her dress when she stopped hopping up and down.

"You're right Gummy," Pinkie dipped her hoof in a little jar of cake frosting and dabbed it behind her ears, "Rarity's cake frosting idea is sure to keep me smelling good all night. You know how sweaty Mama can get when she party hardys! Do you think anypony will notice if I try to smuggle in my party cannon Gummy?" The pink Earth Pony tried jamming her cannon into a briefcase. The little reptile smacked his mouth a few times in response before letting go of Pinkie Pie's dress.

"Eh, I'm sure Cougar and Vinyl will make it a rocking fantabulous Gala! Good thing Cheese isn't picky about music Gummy," the mare cuddled Gummy up to her chest and hugged him, "I wonder if Cheese will want to slow dance with me, or we can do our normal dance routine at all of our yearly get togethers!"

There's a room where the light won't find you
Holding hands while the walls come tumbling down
When they do, I'll be right behind you
So glad we've almost made it
So sad they had to fade it
Ev'rybody wants to rule the world

(At Bon Bon's House)

"Oh Bonnie, you look so beautiful in your dress," Lyra smoothed everything out on Bon Bon's Gala dress and fixed up her mane. The candy making Earth Pony grumbled as her marefriend kept fretting over ever little detail about her mane, dress and makeup. Bon Bon wanted to say something about it, but every opportunity that came up was quickly shut by Lyra suddenly trying to fix something else.

"Ly, Ly please stop talking for just a second," Bon Bon pleaded to her marefriend. By some stroke of luck, Lyra finally shut her mouth to allow Bon Bon to speak.

"Yes Bon Bon?" Lyra paused with a quick smile.

"Please, can you just stop fretting over every little detail about our dresses and hair and makeup?" Bon Bon asked. Stepping away, Lyra had a saddened look on her face and dropped all the tools she had that were floating in her magical grasp. "Oh Lyra, please don't look at me like that," Bon Bon begged, hating to see the mare she loved cry. The mint unicorn sniffled before replying.

"I'm sorry Bonnie, I just want this night to be absolutely perfect for us. Ever since we fell in love in school, I've always dreamed of being next to you at the Grand Galloping Gala and showing off what a perfect marefriend you are. And getting to see you in your special dress just makes me so happy that we're together Bon Bon," Lyra cried out. Feeling bad, Bon Bon wrapped her foreleg around Lyra's neck and hugged her close.

"Lyra, it's okay. And I don't mind dressing up like this to go to parties and other social events like the Gala, especially with you Lyra. But listen to me, as long as you're going with me and I'm going with you, everything is already perfect; I don't care what we're wearing," Bon Bon planted a passionate kiss onto Lyra's lips. "I love you Lyra," Bon Bon temporarily broke away from the kiss.

"I love you too Bonnie," Lyra pressed further into the kiss. Bon Bon got the shock of the week when Lyra suddenly pushed her onto the couch, quickly asserting the top spot.

"Lyra, what about our hair and dresses?" Bon Bon said in between moans.

"Buck it," Lyra replied.

I can't stand this indecision
Married with a lack of vision
Everybody wants to rule the world
Say that you'll never, never, never, need it
One headline, why believe it?
Everybody wants to rule the world

(At Fluttershy's Cottage)

"So Discord, are you ready for your first Gala?" Fluttershy asked as two birds laced a flower band on top of her head. The Draconequus in question appeared wearing a monocle, a tiny pencil mustache, a kane and a tuxedo complete with white gloves.

"Oh, of course Fluttershy," the Lord of Chaos replied with a hearty chuckle, "and I promise to be on my best behavior, especially after everypony's trust in me is still rusty what with the Tirek incident," he added with a swish of his kane.

"I know, but at least our friends still have trust in you," Fluttershy fed some carrot to Angel. "And you do know that your best behavior means no cracking inappropriate jokes, especially about Princess Celestia's flank," Fluttershy's voice grew stern at the conclusion of her sentence.

"Moi, mock the Princess' royal hindquarters, perish the thought Fluttershy," Discord made a halo appear above his head.

"No spiking the punch or any other beverages with hot sauce, dish water, laxative or alcohol, understand?" Fluttershy went down her list. Discord let out an annoyed sigh and balled up a piece of paper before throwing it into a garbage can. The can let out a loud buzzer as the ball landed inside.

"Yes smother," Discord grunted.

"Aw, don't be a grumpy draconequus Discord," the yellow buttery pegasus patted his knee, "you can still have fun without causing chaos for everyone," she gave him a hug.

All for freedom and for pleasure
Nothing ever lasts forever
Everybody wants to rule the world

(At The Ponyville Castle)

"Spike, we're about to leave for Applejack's, are you ready?" The Princess of Friendship called from the foyer of her castle. The purple and green scaled dragon hustled down the stairs from the bathroom wearing the exact outfit he wore at Cadence and Shining Armor's wedding: A tuxedo complete with a top hat.

"So how do I look Twi?" Spike spun in a slow circle for his best friend.

"You're the most handsome dragon in Equestria," Twilight quickly hugged her little dragon friend. Blushing lightly, Spike blushed and crossed his hands behind his back while he moved up and down nervously on the tips of his toes to the heel of his foot.

"Aww it's nothin' Twi," he tried his best to make the blush disappear on his cheeks. The dragon bit down on his lower lip, wanting to ask his best friend an important question, but was afraid of her answer. Unfortunately for him, Twilight saw right through him.

"All right mister," Twilight smirked, "what's on your mind?" She questioned.

"Well, I uh," Spike completely failed to keep eye contact with the purple alicorn princess in front of him. "Twi," Spike gulped, "d-do you think Rarity will want to dance with me tonight if I ask her?" Spike fearfully asked. Twilight sighed and shook her head back and forth softly with her eyes shut. This upset the little dragon whom whined a little.

"Spike, you are a great dragon and a good friend, and Rarity does consider you one of her closest friends, but you have to consider the age difference," Twilight began.

"But, she's only 24 and technically Twilight, technically I'm 17!" Spike argued.

"Yes you are technically," Twilight agreed, "but you're still considered a baby to everypony here," she explained. Spike opened his mouth, but failed to produce any words as Twilight continued talking, "not only that, Rarity has said specifically she wants a stallion and she only sees you as a little brother," Twilight said in an apologetic tone.

"I-I love her Twi," Spike choked out. Grabbing a rag with her magic, Twilight wiped a few tears away from Spike's cheeks.

"Please don't cry Spike," Twilight begged, "I know you'll find somepony or dragoness your own age, and she'll be the luckiest girl in Equestria," she attempted to cheer him up, "and I'll be there to help you as will Rarity; she does want you happy too Spike," Twilight smiled.

"Is it too much that I just want one dance with her?" Spike finally stopped the salty tears from flowing.

"Of course not Spike," Twilight hugged him again, "don't get your hopes up, but she may say yes," the alicorn released her hug on the dragon.

"Well, it just sucks that everyone going has a date, except for me," Spike said sadly.

"Not true!" Twilight exclaimed happily, "Cougar, Applejack and Vinyl don't have dates, and I'm pretty sure Discord doesn't either," she tapped her chin. "Now come on before we're late getting to Applejack's," Twilight offered Spike her wing so he could climb onto her back. "And when the night is all said and done, no matter if Rarity rejected your offer or accepted, I'll make you a big bowl of your favorite green gems," Twilight warmly smiled.

"Thanks, Twilight," Spike paused briefly before saying Twilight instead of the word he's wanted to use for so many years: Mom.

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(Sweet Apple Acres. Cougar's POV)

Finally after Applejack and Applebloom evacuated the bathroom, I was allowed to go in and wash myself for the upcoming events of the evening. The steam from the shower was dying down as I dried my body and combed back my hair to sort of like a James Bond look, only with shoulder length hair. "Maybe I should see a barber after tonight," I double-checked the mirror. Luckily, Big Mac allowed me to borrow his shaving kit and I shaved my five 'o clock shadow from my face. Bracing my hands on the counter top, I looked at myself in the mirror, studying the different man I saw than the one that crash landed here four and a half months ago.

It was almost surreal, I didn't think the same as I did when I was back on Earth with Reaper and Ghostrider Squadron. I saw goodness and kindness in just about every pony I saw in this world, and I no longer thought negatively about everything. My thoughts then briefly drifted over to Applejack, and I just couldn't figure out what my emotions were trying to choose for me whenever the two of us were close.

"Hey Cougar, it's almost time fer us ta leave!" Big Mac knocked on the door followed by Rarity clearing her throat.

"Cougar, you mustn't keep a lady waiting, especially fourteen of them!" She shouted.

"I'm coming, I'm coming!" I retorted before zipping up my pants, button up and tucking in my white shirt, throwing on my black jacket, tying my black shoes and throwing on my black bow tie. If it was hard to tell, I was uncomfortable wearing this getup. After throwing on some deodorant, I said to myself, "I wish I could go in my T-Shirt and jeans," I complained as I exited the bathroom.

"Oh my Cougar, you do clean up good," Rarity paused to look me over, "really good. You should definitely try and find a marefriend around here; they would be one lucky lady," winked at me.

"I feel like an idiot Rarity, just saying," I replied, "not saying your seamstress work is bad, I just hate tuxedos," I explained.

"Quit complaining and join your friends!" She lightly punched my kneecap to get me to move. Granny Smith waved goodbye to us as we descended the stair case and entered the living room where all of our friends were mingling. "Ahem, presenting the MUCH and VASTLY improved."

"Oh boy," I rolled my eyes.

"Cougar!" Rarity presented myself in my tuxedo. All eyes turned to me and Rarity at the front of the room and everypony looked shocked.

"Wow, you look like a million bits Coug," Rainbow complimented me.

"Very nice Cougar," Fluttershy smiled.

"Hmm, you look different somehow," Discord teased, "let me guess, new toothpaste?" he joked and lightly jabbed his kane in my gut, to which I yanked from him and snapped it in half. "You're no fun," he snapped his eagle talons and a new kane appeared.

"Whoo, you look hot Cougar!" Pinkie let out a wolf-whistle. "What, I'll admit he does," the pink mare asked as everyone, including myself, slowly looked towards her.

"Ah can say fer sure yer the handsomest human Ah've ever seen," Applejack winked. Okay, why do I feel like that only when she compliments me? I referred to an uncertain feeling in my chest.

"He does clean up pretty good," Lyra admitted.

"I'll feel better when I get to take off these clothes," I replied.

"Oooooohhhhhh," Rainbow replied.

"Real mature Dash," I glowered. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door as a few golden chariots showing off Celestia's Cutie Mark appeared outside the house.

"Those are our rides, let's set off!" Twilight declared as I held the door open for all the ladies to trot through.

"Glock, what're you doing here?" Spike asked when all the girls exited the house and the guys got to leave.

"Celestia entrusted me with making sure your group made it to the Gala safely, especially with visibility lowering," he replied.

"Luna's moon is bright enough don't you think Glock?" I asked. He shrugged before opening the first chariot door which myself, Applejack, Applebloom, Featherweight, Spike and Twilight got to sit in.

"I-I brought you this flower Applebloom," Featherweight nervously placed the rose in her ear with his teeth.

"Aww, thanks Featherweight," the yellow filly cuddled up to him.

"Princess Twilight?" Glock asked.

"Yes Glock," Twilight replied.

"Princess Celestia has asked me to inform you that Flash Sentry, Soarin, Cheese Sandwich and Caramel have already arrived at the Gala and are awaiting your arrival," he read a parchment.

"Thank you Glock, much appreciated," the lavender alicorn thanked.

"Okay everypony, you know the rules!" Remington announced as all three chariots raised up from the ground. "Hold onto your tickets and please keep all legs inside the chariots at all times, unless you're a pegasus then do whatever the buck you want!" he added.

"Language Lt. Remington!" Rarity scolded the guard.

"Don't have to tell me twice!" Rainbow dived from the chariot, only to face plant the dirt.

"You know, it would help if we were higher than three feet off the ground Ms. Dash," Remington suppressed a chuckle. The cyan pegasus grumbled as she wiped the dirt from her face and flapped her wings until she was level with the chariot Scootaloo and Rumble were sitting in. The chariots all lurched forward, and we were instantly heading towards Canterlot. I felt at peace with the cool night breeze flowing across my face as we flew towards our destination.

I never realized how beautiful this place is at night with Luna's moon being the beacon to lead our way. Like a giant lightbulb in the sky, plastered onto an ocean of navy blue and little silver pieces of glitter. I don't know why, but I suddenly felt like singing, just to give my friends a little taste of what was to come.

Now Listen
Not a dime, I CANNOT pay my rent
I can barely make it through the week
Saturday night I'd like to make my girl
But right now I can't make ends meet

Everyone could hear me, and needless to say, they were weirded out that I had blurted out singing, despite Applejack telling me bursting out into song was normal here. I was cool with it, as long as it was more like Rock of Ages and less like High School Musical.

I'm always workin' slavin' every day
Gotta get A BREAK from that same OL' same OL'
I need a chance just to get away
If you could hear me think this is what I'd say

"Cougar's paying rent now AJ?" Applebloom questioned her older sister as I kept singing.

"Nnope, he shouldn't be, but at least the song is catchy," Applejack began to pop her shoulders back and forth.

Don't need nothin' but a good time
How can I resist
Ain't lookin' for nothin' but a good time
And it don't get better than this

"Preach it Cougar!" Rainbow started to dance in the sky.

They say I spend my money on women and wine
But I couldn't tell you where I spent last night
I'm really sorry about the shape I'm in
I just like my fun every now and then

I'm always workin' slavin' every day
Gotta get away from that same old same old
I need a chance just to get away
If you could hear me think this is what I'd say

Don't need nothin' but a good time
How can I resist
Ain't lookin' for nothin' but a good time
And it don't get better than this

You see I raise a toast to all of us
Who are breakin' our backs every day
If wantin' the good life is such a crime
Lord, then put me away
Here's to ya'

I picked up Applebloom and raised her slightly in the air when I sang about raising a toast. Thankfully nopony freaked out as I sort of danced with her in the chariot before setting her back down next to Featherweight.

Don't need nothin' but a good time
How can I resist
Ain't lookin' for nothin' but a good time
And it don't get better than this

Don't need nothin' but a good time
How can I resist
Ain't lookin' for nothin' but a good time
And it don't get better than this

Don't need nothin' but a good time
How can I resist
Ain't lookin' for nothin' but a good time
And it don't get better than this

"That's what's in store for you guys tonight!" Vinyl declared from her chariot.

As I finished singing, the castle was in full view and I could feel the chariot begin to descend towards the structure. "Nice Cougar," Twilight thanked, "a little traveling music couldn't hurt anypony."

"Brace for landing!" Glock informed us the chariot wheels touched onto the balcony which held Celestia, Luna, Checkered Flag, Flash Sentry, Soarin, Cheese Sandwich and Caramel. All seven ponies waved to us as we landed and the guards quickly opened the doors for us.

"Luna!" I briskly walked up to the midnight blue alicorn and hugged her.

"Oh my word, you look extremely dapper tonight Cougar," Luna teased me. Checkered smiled and waved hello to me as we let our hug go. "I trust the ride went smoothly?" She asked.

"About as smooth as you raising the moon," I replied and patted her shoulder.

"Twilight Sparkle, so good to see my favorite student," Celestia and Twilight bowed to each other. The rest of the group caught up with their dates that were either waiting for them or briefly said hi to different friends.

"It's good to see you too Princess Celestia, I have a feeling this will be the best Grand Galloping Gala ever," she exclaimed.

"Yes I do believe so as well," Celestia said as Glock appeared next to Celesita's side, though he seemed kind of, down. "Because I have a surprise for you Twilight," Celestia smiled.

"A surprise? All right Twilight," Spike said enthusiastically, "what is it Princess?" he asked.

"Come on out!" Celestia turned to the door behind her and she stepped aside.

"It's good to see you Twily," a voice said from behind the door.

End Chapter 20

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Okay NEXT time is the Triple G, I PWOMISE! Anyways guys, I am sorry this took so long to get out, but as I said before, I had another story to update and work. So I'll work my best to get the next chapter out quicker, but as high quality as possible.

I do not own:

Everybody wants to rule the world by Tears for Fears

Nothin' but a good time by Poison.