“Nightmare Night, what a fright, give me something sweet to bite.” Silver Screen says in front of a mirror, practicing his Nightmare Night chant in anticipation for the event in a few days. “I wonder who came up with that chant? Is there any kind of continuation?” he thinks, before chanting. “If you don’t, I do mind, so I’ll kick you in the hide?” He utters that last word in confusion, wondering if that makes for a decent continuation. “I guess that fits. What do you…” He looks around his room, finding it bereft of life. “Oh great, I’m talking to myself again.”

It’s been well over a month since Silver Screen and Milano had started officially dating, and they couldn’t be happier. Milano would come and spend the night over at Silver Screen’s apartment, whenever Button had a sleepover with some friends, or his monthly visit from Almighty. Silver Screen would spend the night at Milano’s when he came over to see her and Button.

His relationship with Button has improved quite a bit since that day he enacted upon his promise that he would “test” the Projectionist pony. They had some days together, when Milano would have a late day from work, or when Button wanted to go to a Midnight Launch of a video game, and Milano would be too tired to take him. Silver Screen ironically would also be attending a launch, so he gladly let Button tag along.

Now, Nightmare Night is approaching, and Silver Screen continues to think about what he plans to dress up as for the occasion. He has a few ideas, being that he went to a few conventions back when attending didn’t cost a foreleg and a hoof, and dressed up for the occasions. He also wonders if Milano would be dressing up, and as what. He likes to imagine something sexy like a maid or a saucy librarian, but she could also dress up as a video game character.

Before he could come up with any other possible scenarios and outfits, a knock at the door catches his attention. Remembering that he doesn’t have to pay rent for another week or so, his mind naturally goes to Milano.

He finds that his guess is right on the bit, when he opens the door to see a concerned Milano on the other side. He is about to greet her, when he sees her expression, instantly changing his mind and tone.

“Milano? Is everything okay?”

“I think so.” Milano says, coming inside and allowing Silver Screen to close the door. “There’s something I have to tell you.”

“Oh Sweet Celestia, the impossible has happened. You’re pregnant.” he jests.

“No. It’s not that.”

“You’re breaking up with me?”

“No, never!” Milano playfully bumps him with a hoof. “I got a letter from Almighty.”

“Is he suing you for some bullshit? I’ll defend you even if it kills him!”

“It’s not that kind of letter. He’s inviting us to his place in Applewood. It’s a Nightmare Night Party.”

“Woah.” Silver Screen is surprised at the news. Almighty Dollar? Inviting them to a party? Why in all of Equestria would he do such a thing? Silver Screen investigates further. “Are you sure it’s both of us, and not just you and Button?”

“See for yourself.” Milano reaches into her satchel, pulling out the invitation. Silver Screen floats it up, unfurling it to and bringing it closer to read the text.

“Dear Milano, you and Silver Screen are invited to my Nightmare Night Party in Applewood. I would be honored to see you and your new stallion here, and take in the festivities and fun with myself and Fleur De Lis. With regards, Almighty Dollar.” He puts the invitation down with a cocked eyebrow full of hesitation and suspicion. “Your new stallion? Am I the only one who senses some kind of snide remark in there?”

“No, you’re not.” Milano shakes her head in agreement, taking the invitation back. “Still, I’m kind of intrigued in going. But, we don’t have to go if you don’t want to.”

“I’m not against the idea, but I get the feeling that Almighty is going to treat me like Bon-Bon did.”

“With disdain, before you save his life, and try to make out with you?”

“Precisely; I don’t think I want him to try and make out with me.”

“I bet you’ll want to make out with Fleur. She’s a fashion model.”

“Fashion model or not, there’s only one pony I want to make out with.” He smiles, “Have you met Fleur before?”

“I have. She’s actually not that bad of a pony. Sure, I suppose I should be mad at her for stealing Almighty away from me, but from what I understand, she didn’t know he was married until I caught them making out on the couch.”

“Yikes.”

“Yikes indeed. She kept apologizing to me profusely during the divorce, so I’m really conflicted when it comes to her. Almighty on the other hoof…”

“Yeah, he can die in a fire. However…” he taps a hoof on his chin, “It would be a great opportunity to show him how happy you are without him.”

“I thought about that.” She smirks, “It would be fun to stick it to him, and show him that I am perfectly fine with you and nopony else. So, does that mean you want to go?”

“The more I think about it, the more I like the idea. What about Button?”

“He’s going door to door with Sweetie Belle and her friends, and they’re all going to meet up at Rarity’s for treats and scary movies.”

“Button has been hanging around Sweetie Belle for quite a while. Do you think…”

“Yeah, he’s completely in love with her.”

“I thought so. Anyway, let’s do this thing.” He says with enthusiasm and anticipation. “I’m trying to figure out what to go as.” As various ideas go through his head, one thought comes to mind, prompting a smile to grace his face. “Who’s your favorite superhero?” he asks.

Milano smiles.

In the city of Applewood, Silver Screen and Milano have arrived at the place of residence for Almighty Dollar. It’s a nice, two story home that is quite large, almost mansion like in size and scale. In the neighborhood that it inhabits, many fillies and colts run around with their parents, wearing various costumes for Nightmare Night. Some are simple, like a ghost, others are more elaborate, such as a filly dressed up as Bumblemare from the Transformares movies.

Silver Screen knocks on the door to the residence, with the porch light turned off, keeping them in the darkness. Inside, they can hear the hoof tapping music pulsating through the windows and walls.

“I think this is a little tight.” Milano grimaces, shifting about in her costume. “It’s been a while since I wore this thing.”

“I think it looks great.” Silver Screen assures her.

“You’re just saying that because you like what it does to my rump.”

“Maybe, but I still think it looks great.” he chuckles.

The door soon opens, with the light inside shining on them, revealing their costumes. Milano has dressed up as Captain Equestria, due to being a huge fan when she was younger, collecting comics, and creating the costume in anticipation for the first movie that came out a couple of years ago. It’s a shockingly accurate representation of the comic book costume; an aspect that made Silver Screen drop his jaw upon first seeing Milano in the outfit. Her eye for detail almost rivals that of Rarity, though Milano is certain that Rarity can still style in circles around her, due to the fashionista using magic, while all Milano has are her hooves and sewing machine.

Silver Screen is dressed up as her arch nemesis, the Red Skull, wearing a slick black trench coat and suit underneath, with his head dyed completely red, aside from his mane. He wanted to go for a more faithful look, but the prosthetics he had used so long ago were no longer usable, and the stores in Ponyville were sold out, prompting the dye job.

Opening the door was Fleur De Lis, dressed as a vampire, with fake fangs over her teeth, and wearing a skimpy dress that perfectly accentuated her thin yet curvy body. Silver Screen hadn’t connected that this was the mare that Milano had discussed, but he definitely noticed her beauty.

“Milano, hey!” Fleur said happily, coming in for a hug. “You two made it! I’m so happy.”

“Yeah, Fleur. We wouldn’t miss this.” Milano said with only a small tinge of sarcasm, which Fleur doesn’t pick up on.

“And you must be Silver Screen.” Fleur looks to the projectionist, extending her hoof out for a shake. “It’s so nice to meet you. Button told us a lot about you.”

“Good things I hope?”

“Not at first, but you must have done something after that, because he kept singing your praises when he was here last! Almighty just had to meet you after that.”

“I see…” Silver Screen cringed slightly, feeling that Almighty only invited him out of jealousy.

“I have to say, Milano, he is a handsome one. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a stallion with a red coat.”

“Actually…his coat is blue.” Milano corrects her, “It’s part of the costume.”

“It is?” she asks. The two nod their heads in response. “Well, it’s a wonderful dye job, I do say.” She notices Silver Screen eyes, noting their different colors. “Oh my, you have wonderful eyes…”

“Umm, thanks.” he says in nervousness, inching back a little as Fleur inspects him closer.

“Can we come in?” Milano asks with polite impatience. If Fleur keeps staring, she’s going to have to kick some flank.

“Oh, where are my manners? I am so sorry. Come in, the both of you.” she steps aside, allowing them safe passage in the house.

Once inside, Milano and Silver Screen take a look around the place. It’s a fairly happening party, with many guests abound the place, talking, drinking, and laughing in their own little groups. Milano has been to these gatherings before, and is familiar with these kinds of social cliques. To Silver Screen, he might as well be in the most fancy pants high school in Equestria.

“So, which ones are the Goth Ponies?” Silver Screen jokes.

“There are some dressed up as hipster vampires over there, if that’s what you mean.” Fleur points, not quite getting his sarcasm. “Go on, make yourselves at home.”

Fleur disappears into the crowd to mingle, as Milano and Silver Screen look at one another, wondering what to do.

“I guess we should go mingle.” Silver Screen says.

“Good idea. I’ll go over there…” Milano points to the left, “…and you go the other way. We talk to the various ponies there, and then reconvene at the snack table to mosey on out of here, bar any sudden complications.”

“Deal. I’ll see you soon. If you hear any violent scuffling, it’s probably me punching Almighty repeatedly in the face.”

“Good to know.” she smiles, “Okay, break.”

The two separate, trotting around to various groups in the house. Silver Screen meets up with some ponies in costumes that range from zombies, vampires, and werewolves. The quality for a couple was impressive, while others were less so. He then thought to not judge too harshly, since he’s the one that dyed his head red to simulate the Red Skull.

Milano found herself meeting some of the higher class ponies in the house. Their costumes didn’t even look like costumes to begin with. One claimed that he was a wizard, when all that hinted at that was a cap, while the rest of the so-called costume was a suit and tie. Another claimed that she was a saloon girl from Appleloosa, when her dress was more fitted for something like the Grand Galloping Gala.

More and more, did she want to go straight to that delicious looking snack table. The topics these ponies were uttering were so mundane and boring, that the urge to fall asleep become a stronger sensation by the second. She did not want to fall asleep at that moment, for she had other plans.

“Hey, Milano.” a familiar voice said behind her.

Milano turned around, jarred by the sight of Almighty Dollar standing before her, with his winning smile and dazzling attire. In her younger days, Milano would be groveling at his hooves by his looks alone, but she remains immune to his charms, as she is well aware what lies behind that grand smile and marvelous eyes.

“Hey.” she replies.

“I thought that was you.” His eyes scan her costume, complementing the way it looks on her. “That looks very…snug. Who are you again?”

“Captain Equestria. Silver Screen is here as the Red Skull.”

“I see. Another one of your comic book characters, I suppose.”

“You suppose correctly.”

“How do you like the party?”

“It’s fine. Reminds me of a party from that book, The Great Gambit.” her eyes stray from the room, and onto Almighty’s fitting costume, which is a perfect representation of what the title character of the film adaptation looked like.

“So, you like my costume.”

“It fits…sort of.”

“Sort of?”

“Well, Gambit was a pony who threw such extravagant parties, showing off his wealth and fame to the world.”

“Yes, I thought it would be appropriate to be dressed how he did in the movie.”

“I say ‘sort of’ because the whole point of those parties was him attempting to reunite with the love of his life, Daffodil, who lived just a ride away from his home. Are you trying to woo me again, Almighty?”

“Of course not. I just wanted to have a nice party.”

“Of course you did.” Milano nods, “How is Arcade?”

“He’s fine; at a different party with some friends. They decided that watching horror movies all night was more important.”

“Not a bad way to spend Nightmare Night.”

“Where is Silver Screen, by the way?” he queries, looking around the party for him. “I would very much like to speak with him.”

“He’s around. He’s the only pony here that is the color red.”

“I thought he was blue.”

“It’s part of the costume.”

Silver Screen walks around the party; a drink of soda pop floats in front of him as his horn glows. He looks at the other ponies at attendance. His eyes go over to Fleur, who is dancing without a care in the world, to the beat of the music blaring from the sound system. Her motions and technique catch his attention, as he is rather impressed by her ability to completely own the room through the power of dance.

“She’s great, huh?” a voice says at his side.

“What?!” Silver Screen jumps a bit, startled by a costumed pony. Though his outfit is rather formal, he has the face of a long imprisoned evil in Equestria named Lord Tirek. It’s a stunning make up job; one that belongs in the movies, rather than for a simple party.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“No, it’s okay. I didn’t mean to look so…distracted.” He looks away from Fleur, and to the Fancy Tirek. “That’s incredible make up. Did you do that yourself?”

“Yes, I did.” Fancy Tirek says proudly. “Being a unicorn has its perks, as you no doubt know. Nice Red Skull costume.”

“Thanks. Sorry it’s not completely accurate. I had to improvise, due to a lack of prosthetics.”

“It’s still nice. You definitely nailed the outfit.”

“If you want to see impressive, you should see my marefriend, Milano. She’s Captain Equestria.”

“I was about to say that I saw a Captain Equestria walking around here. That’s Milano? Almighty’s ex-wife? She’s looking good.”

“Yeah, she sure does look good.” Silver Screen smiles, “You know Almighty?”

“I do. We know each other through various acquaintances. He seems like a nice guy, but I always get a weird feeling about him, too. Don’t tell him that I said this, but I don’t think he likes my movies too much.”

“Movies?” Silver Screen tilts his head with a well-timed raised eyebrow, “You’re a director?”

“Yeah. I’m sorry, I’m being so rude.” Fancy Tirek puts a hoof out for a shake, “I’m Michelin Hay.”

If Silver Screen’s brain could explode, it would have once Fancy Tirek revealed himself to be a film director that he greatly admires. Michelin Hay, a director who has made ten movies, all of which Silver Screen has seen and loved, is right in front of him with a smile on his face. Sure, there are a couple films that aren’t as good as his others, but the projectionist doesn’t care. He began watching Michelin Hay films since foalhood, and has always defended his work, no matter what.

Now, Michelin Hay stands before him, continuing to hold out his hoof, expecting a shake.

“Y….y…you’re…..”

“Oh?” Michelin is surprised, “You’re a fan, I take it?”

“I….I….I…d-didn’t know it was you.”

“You didn’t? I thought for sure I would be easily recognized. I did this as kind of a joke, since the critics like to refer to me as the Tirek of film directors. Guess I did a better make-up job than I thought.”

“Mr. Hay…” Silver Screen focuses all of his attention on his idol, “I would just like to say…that I have seen every one of your films. I have seen Transformares: Dark Mare of The Moon like four times during its opening weekend, twice in 3D.”

“I’m honored.” Michelin smiles, “It’s nice to meet such a fan. What’s your name again?”

“S-Silver Screen, sir.”

“You don’t have to be so formal, Silver Screen. Call me Michelin.”

“Sorry, Michelin.” Silver Screen blushes through the make-up. “This is kind of embarrassing, I don’t mean to be such a fancolt.”

“No, no, don’t be. It’s quite nice.” Michelin chuckles at Silver Screen’s giddiness. “Hey, are those the actual color of your eyes?”

“My eyes? Yeah. My mother has cyan eyes, and my father has red eyes. I guess something happened during development, because this was the result.”

“They kind of look…”

“Like 3D glasses, yeah.”

“If you don’t mind me saying, those are some really cool eyes.”

“Oh sweet Celestia. Michelin Hay just complimented me.” Silver Screen’s mind says. “Say something you idiot!”

“I want to be in Transformares 4.” he blurts out.

“You fucking idiot! If I could smack the shit out of you, I would!” his brain yells.

“You do? Are you an actor?”

“I was in a couple of plays and short films.” Silver Screen responds, his voice alternating between enthusiastic fancolt and desperation to work with Michelin.

“Can you do stunts?”

“Yeah…yeah I can. I can do anything. I can run fast, dodge things, fall down convincingly, you name it.”

“Hmm…” Michelin inspects him, “I do like your look. What color are you, really?”

“Blue.”

“I thought so. You know what? I’ll definitely keep you in mind for something. Probably a minor role or something. You seem like a good colt. Where do you reside?”

“Ponyville.”

“Ponyville? I’m doing screen tests with a mare that frequents Ponyville. Used to be a magician, I think.”

“Making small talk with the Projectionist?” Almighty says as he approaches the two.

“You’re a projectionist?” Michelin wonders.

“Yeah, the theater in Ponyville still uses film, so I do the reel changes.”

“I love film. It’s much better than that digital stuff, even if it has its perks.” Michelin notices Almighty giving him a look; a look that tells him that he wants to spend some stallion to stallion time with Silver Screen. “Anyway, I got to get going. Nice to meet you, Silver Screen.”

“You too, Michelin.” Silver Screen smiles, as Michelin disappears into the crowd. He looks over at Almighty, nearly blinded by his handsome good looks. “Hey, Almighty Dollar, right?”

“That’s right, and you’re Silver Screen. We’ve met before.”

“Yeah, only briefly though, but I never forget a face.” he politely smiles, “Nice party you have going on here. Is this something you do a lot, or for special occasions?”

“I usually do this every month or so. Makes for a nice gathering of friends. Have you met my wife, Fleur?” Almighty turns to where Fleur continues to dance, with others joining in on the fun.

“Yeah, she answered the door when we knocked. She’s a nice mare.”

“She certainly is. She’s a fashion model, works almost exclusively with Photo Finish for the magazine shoots. Michelin Hay also does her commercials when they are promoting some of the more…feisty undergarments.”

“I see.” He replies, not commenting on the fact that Milano already told him about who Fleur is. “I figured Michelin did the commercials; he always had a flashier style.”

“So, you’ve seen those commercials?” he wonders.

“It’s hard not to. They’re usually on during nighttime programming on the networks.” Silver Screen chortles.

“How long have you been seeing Milano, exactly?”

“A month and a half, after tomorrow.” he smirks proudly, “I honestly have no idea what she sees in me…”

“Yeah, me neither.” Almighty says in a whisper, which Silver Screen doesn’t catch.

“…but I wouldn’t trade what we have for anything in Equestria.”

“And what do you two have, if I may ask?”

“Hmm…” he thinks, “A common interest in games, movies, and all things awesome. We’ve had a lot of fun together, and Button is great too. The three of us went and saw The Amazing Spider-Mare 2, and we all had something to talk about, it's a blast being with them.”

“Fleur and Arcade are pretty good, too. Fleur has a great career, and Arcade is a popular colt at his school. He even has a marefriend. Does Button have a marefriend?”

“Well…there’s this one filly at his school that he spends a lot of time with, but I wouldn’t call her his marefriend, yet. It certainly feels like it’s heading towards that direction, though.” he chuckles.

“Let me ask you something, Silver. Do you think she’s pretty?” Almighty asks.

“Excuse me?”

“Fleur, do you think she’s pretty?” he repeats himself.

“Oh, I thought you were talking about Sweetie Belle for a second.”

“Who?”

“The filly that Button sees. If that’s who you were referring too, I would have been weirded out, because she’s a filly, and that would be strange, why would you think that I think that she’s pretty? Yeah, she’s cute for a filly, but the way you asked that question seemed to be implied if I am attracted to her, which is completely not the case, and…” he realizes that he’s rambling on, and hasn’t answered the question that Almighty has asked. “Yeah.” Silver Screen chooses to be honest with him, “I think Fleur is very pretty.”

“What do you think about her, compared to Milano?”

Silver Screen looks over at Almighty with a thoroughly perplexed look on his face. He is seriously unsure about where Almighty is going with this conversation. Perhaps he’s testing him, to see if he would attempt to leave Milano for Fleur, despite the fact that she is married. Maybe he’s doing the comparison as a ‘I got a better mare than you’ statement, which even the Projectionist finds a bit foalish.

Silver Screen also wonders if Almighty saw him staring at Fleur’s gyrating motions, as if caught in a weird trance, prompting such a strange query.

“Okay, so you were staring at a mare dancing, so what?” his mind interjects, “It’s not like you were actually thinking about cheating on Milano, were you? Why am I even asking you? I’m your brain for Celestia’s sake. Of course you weren’t planning on cheating on Milano. Why would you. Sure, Fleur has a nice bod, but Milano’s got a much nicer rump than hers. It’s all round and firm, yet it also has a little plump to it. Mmmmm……plump….” His mind trails, thinking about the greatness that Captain Equestria outfit is doing to Milano’s already voluptuous figure.

“Silver Screen?” Almighty notices that he hasn’t answered the question, “I asked you a question.”

“Oh, right.” Silver Screen snaps from listening to his brain talk to him. “Yeah. Fleur is nice looking, but Milano is way prettier than her.” He says with confidence and assuredness. “I’m surprised Milano isn’t also a fashion model.”

“Well…” Almighty chuckles in disbelief and slight offense, “I don’t think…”

“You know something? I think she would look great in those fashion magazines with the lingerie. She showed me some of the lingerie she had in her closet, it was fantastic. She looked better than any of the mares in that spring catalogue a few months ago.”

“The thing is…”

“I have to tell you, though. Milano is a wonderful mare. She’s kind, loving, smart, hardworking, and a great mother. You’d have to be an idiot to not see how fantastic she is.” He looks Almighty dead in the eyes, “An idiot. I certainly feel lucky to have her.”

Almighty has nothing to say. He can see the subtle but noticeable anger in Silver Screen’s eyes. The tone his questions were not lost on the Projectionist. He could see right through him. Almighty finds that he may have underestimated this pony, whom he believes to be nothing more than a blip on the radar. He’s going to have to try a little harder.

“Do you love her?” Almighty asks.

“Why is that relevant to you? You don’t.” Silver Screen lets loose with the bluntness.

“You think you’re so cool; coming to my party and talking to me like that.” Almighty smirks with smarminess and arrogance, “But take it from a stallion who has been around the block, it’s not going to last. Sure, you may be having fun now, but once it starts to get serious, to the point of possibly marriage, that fun is going to die out. Pretty soon, it’s going to be excuse after excuse after excuse with her. Then, you’ll start getting bored, and move on to the next.” There is bitterness in his voice, “With all of my sincerity, I hope you’re ready for that kind of future. So, I ask you again…do you love her?”

Silver Screen can only stare at Almighty. Though the speech is different, the message is the same as the one Bon-Bon relayed to him that day in the restaurant. It’s not going to last. Silver Screen could tell him what he told Bon-Bon; that Milano makes him feel special, and that he’s going to make sure that their time together is as memorable as possible, but Almighty doesn’t seem like the stallion to listen to such romanticized words.

Instead, Silver Screen quotes a line of dialogue from one of his favorite movies.

“Maybe…maybe not…” Silver Screen turns to walk away, “…maybe fuck yourself.”

Before Almighty can respond, Silver Screen makes his way into the crowd to look for Milano. Almighty attempts to pursue, but partygoers come to him to converse and mingle.

Milano stands at the snack table, munching on some cheese and crackers. There’s also some carrots and dip, along with steamed vegetables and small sandwiches that can be eaten in one bite, but she found herself drawn to the more simple pleasures of cheese and crackers. Every once in a while, a pony would brush by her, complimenting her on a costume, but she doesn’t engage in conversation, other than a simple thanks and that’s it. She wishes her time here was ending sometime soon.

Silver Screen doesn’t even announce his presence, as he comes up behind her, turns her around, and plants a passionate kiss on her lips. She lets out a surprised moan, but realizing that it’s him, her eyes close and gets into to lustful dance of saliva and tongues. It’s a hot and heavy kiss, which catches the attention of some pony folk, who are certain that such a lip clock could only be done by drunken ponies.

Once they separate, the two loves breathe heavily, wanting to do much more than simply kiss.

“I want to get out of here.” Milano whispers.

“Good. My outfit is getting a little tight.” Silver Screen whispers back with a not so subtle erection joke, which elicits a chuckle out of Milano.

“I got us a hotel room in Applewood.”

“You did?”

“Always helps to come prepared. I don’t want to travel all the way back to Ponyville at this time. And…” she gets close to his ear, nibbling it sensually. “I have a better use for these costumes.”

Silver Screen’s eyes widen in a combination of shock, arousal, and happiness. He looks into her eyes, as a smile graces his face.

“Why the hell are we still here, then?” he asks rhetorically, “Let’s go!”