[8:00 p.m.]

Shining was right on one thing: if I thought Fleur’s house was big, then what was before me far exceeded my expectations. Fancy Pants’ mansion was ginormous. Carriages were packed along the side of the roads, there was a drop off point at the front gate, and there were at least a few hundred ponies that were walking in. Some paparazzi tried to get in as well, but the security was tight enough to keep them out.

Once Silver Wheel dropped us off at the front, I followed Fleur and Shining to the check in at the front with my gift for Fancy Pants in tow. The stallion that was there looked very uptight and burly. The sunglasses and black suit made him look like some kind of intimidating agent.

“Fleur de Lis! So glad to have you join us for the evening,” he greeted with a gruff sounding voice.

“Glad to be here,” Fleur responded. “May we go in?”

“Yes you may,” he replied before opening the door for the girls, and I followed before the stallion stopped me abruptly. “Whoa there pal, where do you think you're going?”

“Oh! Don’t worry about him dearie, he’s with us,” Fleur vouched.

“He’s our new secretary,” Shining added in.

I looked up to the stallion who lifted his sunglasses to give me a skeptical, yet threatening look. “Uh… Hello?” I asked with a wave of my hand, and a sheepish smile on my face.

“Hmmm… Alright, you’re in, but I’ve got my eye on you buddy,” he warned as he set his glasses back in front.

“Thank you sir,” I replied as I quickly rushed inside with the girls, and gasped a breath of air I didn’t know I lost. “My god that was tense. He looked like he could rip me to shreds.”

“Oh don’t worry about him dearie. When you get to know him, Bubbles can be a pretty nice guy,” Fleur defended.

… Bubbles… I’m fighting a very powerful urge to burst out laughing right now if I don’t want to risk him hearing it.

“Well with that out of the way, let’s put our gifts on the table before we find your brother Fleur,” Shining suggested as we walked further inside.

“Sounds good, though I don’t think we’ll need to look very far,” Fleur said as she pointed a finger.

Shining and I followed the direction, and my eyes felt like they bulged out of their sockets. On each side of the grand stairway in the center were literally mountains of presents for Fancy Pants ranged from small to at least twice my size.

“Uh… I’m not even sure if he’ll have time to open all of those presents in one night,” I commented. “Maybe he can open the two of yours when we meet Fancy Pants since I can only guess you’re the closest to him. I’ll just lay mine—“

“Are you looking for Sir Fancy Pants?” A stallion voice interrupted. I turned, and saw that he was probably one of the older staff of house maintenance from the way he was dressed like a butler, carrying a silver platter of hors d’oeuvre.

“Indeed we are,” Fleur answered as she stepped in with a smile. “Do you know where my brother is?”

“He’s taking some rest in his private study. I suggest you go to him soon however. He’s been wanting to see you,” the butler suggested.

“We’ll do that, thank you,” Fleur replied. “Ozzy, why don’t you bring that gift with you? Fancy Pants probably wants to speak about the broadcast this morning, and I’m sure he’d be delighted to meet you.”

“If you say so Fleur,” I replied before Fleur led Shining and me up the stairs.

When I looked back, I didn’t realize how crowded it was inside the mansion, with a handful of ponies within it giving me questionable stares before they looked away, and whispered something to their peers.

Looking at their attire, they must be the more upper class type of ponies compared to others I’ve come across today. These look more judgmental compared to some I’ve talked to at the businesses today, and probably even more than the ones I’ve seen in public when I first arrived.

I pushed whatever they might have said about me out of mind before I continued following the girls. A few minutes later, we stopped by a well engraved door with one of the maid staff standing in front. The attire she wore was kind of revealing, and probably what you might expect any maid would wear. It was black with white trimmings, her heart shaped neckline gave her D cup sized breasts excellent cleavage, her skirt looked just too short to be not revealing, and not only was she wearing one of those frilly hats, but she even had a matching choker.

“Excuse me, is my brother occupied in there?” Fleur asked the maid.

“Let me check in,” the maid requested before she gave the door a couple knocks, opened the door, and peeked her head inside. “Sir Fancy Pants, your sister and her guests are out here. Should I let them in?” A sound of silence filled the room, probably because he was too far away for his voice to reach in. The maid pulled back to us, and gave a nod with a smile before she opened the door wider.

We walked inside with Fleur in the lead, and the first thing I noticed about the room as the maid shut the door behind us was how red it was. The carpeting was crimson colored, the walls were in a lighter shade, the bookshelves and desk were redwood, and the suede chairs that sat in the middle had only gold trimmings to contrast the rest of the material. On one of those seats was a burly white unicorn with a styled, short aqua mane, mustache, and monocle with a gold chain connecting to one of his coat pockets. The suit he was wearing looked suitable to his name, having a purple bow tie, black coat with a vest that matched his mane, and a white button up shirt underneath. Unlike most of the ponies I’ve seen today, his blue hooves were actually shown under his white fur as it was trimmed to such length.

Come to think of it, how come I couldn’t tell whether they were actually their hooves, or just covered well with their fur? Strange how that part works around here.

“Fancyyyyy!” Fleur exclaimed with glee.

“Fleuryyyyy!” Fancy Pants returned as he got up from his chair, gave his sister exaggeratingly loud kisses on both of her cheeks, and pulled her into an embrace. During that close proximity, I noticed that he was actually about an inch and a half taller than his sister. “It’s so good to see you safe and sound dear sister. Are you feeling alright from that carriage incident yesterday?”

“I’m feeling quite well Fancy, and it’s good to see you back in Canterlot. Sorry we couldn’t come by sooner. Today has just been a hectic day for me,” Fleur replied as she pulled back, and gestured to Shining. “Dearie, you remember Shiny?”

“It’s good to see you again Fancy,” Shining said with a smile as she walked up and gave him a handshake.

“My word, I haven’t seen you this well dressed in years. I almost didn’t recognize you for a second,” Fancy Pants commented.

Huh, I guess those two have some history as well. Wonder what he meant when he said he hadn’t seen her dressed that well in years?

“And Fancy, allow me to introduce you to my new secretary and friend, Ozzy Shore. Ozzy? This is my older brother Fancy Pants.”

“Ahh, so you're the little rascal who whisked my sister away,” he said as he came in with a smile, and shook my hand that was not holding his gift. “I must simply thank you for saving her life. I’m afraid to fathom what might have happened if you weren’t there.”

“Oh no, it’s no trouble at all Mr. Fancy Pants,” I replied as we finished the handshake. “I’m just glad nopony had gotten hurt. You can call me Oz if you’d like.”

“Well in that case Oz, you may call me Fancy,” he replied with a nod. “And I see you’ve brought me a gift.”

“Oh yes, but I think you should open Fleur’s and Shining’s first,” I suggested.

“For moi?” He asked playfully as he turned to the girls.

Fleur was the first to pull out her present from her purse with a smile before handing it to him. “Happy Birthday Fancy.”

Fancy then unwrapped the gift before a black box was revealed. Once he opened the lid, his eyes widened at the beautifully engraved, gold pocket watch that was inside. He pulled it out along with the chain, and observed it in amazement before he sees some writing on the back.

“To my beloved brother… Aww Fleury, you shouldn’t have.” Fancy looked back up to Fleur with a smile before giving her another hug. “Thank you so much for this. It’s simply wonderful.”

“I’m glad you liked it,” Fleur replied before they pulled back.

“Here’s my present next Fancy,” Shining said as she pulled out her gift from her purse before giving it to him.

After a few moments to unwrap, Fancy smiled once he saw the cobalt blue framed monocle with chain. “Why Shiny, this is quite divine, and it matches my mane and stache. Thank you very much for this,” he said with a nod.

“Ozzy? You’re up,” Fleur said before I nodded, walked up and presented the gift to him.

Fancy then began tearing apart the last gift before observing the picture frame that was revealed. “Marvelous! You have a fine taste indeed Oz, and I think I know just the picture to fill this with.” His horn then glowed a light blue aura before a camera came floating from behind his desk towards us. “Buttermilk! We need your assistance!” He exclaimed before the same maid from earlier came inside, and curtseyed to him. “Would you be a dear and take a few pictures for us please?”

“It’d be my pleasure sir,” Buttermilk replied before she took the camera. Fancy and the girls took a position in front of the furniture with albeit a strange one, as Fleur was in the middle with Shining and him at her sides. “Are we all set?” She asked.

“Hoooold it! There’s still one more that needs to be in here,” Fancy said before he glanced over my direction. I raised my eyebrow, and checked both sides of me to see if he was referring to someone else before I pointed a finger at myself. “Yes you dear old boy. Come on in the shot with us would you?”

“Um… Okay,” I said nervously before I walked up to Fancy’s side, and he had an arm over my shoulder.

“Okay, now we’re ready,” Fancy confirmed.

“Smile for the camera!” Buttermilk exclaimed before we complied, and two bright flashes temporarily blinded me. “I got some good shots here sir.”

“Marvelous!” Fancy exclaimed before he had his arms over the girls’ shoulders. “Ladies, I’d love for you two to stay and chat, but could you two give me moment with Oz here?”

“It’s not anything harsh is it Fancy?” Shining asked with folded ears.

“Don’t worry Shiny, it’s just a small chat. I won’t chew him out,” Fancy promised. “Now you two go on out and enjoy the party. I’ll be coming down later Fleury.”

“Alright then. Ozzy, we’ll be in the gardens if you need us,” Fleur informed.

“I’ll meet you down there then,” I replied.

“Don’t stay up here too long then! And don’t give him too much of a hard time Fancy. Come along Shiny,” Fleur said before she pulled Shining out of the study, and Buttermilk followed suit after curtseying and shutting the door.

The study was quiet now besides the music that was playing downstairs, with me and Fancy being the only two in the room.

Oh boy… This is getting tense. I’m sure Fancy’s one of those overprotective kinds of brothers since he and Fleur seem so close. Though why did he want me to be in the picture with him?

Fancy set his gifts to the side before he got behind his desk, and pulled out two glasses, plus what looked like a bottle of expensive scotch. “Care for a drink dear boy?” Fancy asked.

“Uh, yes please,” I hesitated before Fancy popped the cork, and poured the amber colored liquid in the two glasses.

“So you’re one of those humans who started settling in Equestria recently, yes?” He asked as he handed me a glass.

“That’s right. I actually just moved in first thing yesterday,” I replied.

“Well now, allow me to welcome you to Equestria then. A toast to your arrival,” he said before we clinked glasses, and I took a few sips of the scotch. It was stronger than I expected, but I tried to not let it show as I combatted the burning taste of alcohol. “How has Canterlot been treating you so far Oz?” He asked as we took a seat in the chairs.

“It’s been quite a ride, I’ll say that much,” I replied. “Even if I wasn’t in this kind of business as a secretary before, I don’t think there was ever this much excitement with anything similar back on Earth.”

“How has working with Fleur been for you so far?”

“It’s been fantastic. I’ll admit, I’m kind of concerned as I noticed how carefree she can be, but she’s just been wonderful to be with.”

“And how about Shining Star?”

“It went a little bumpy between us at first, but I think things are starting to get better.” I took another sip of my drink as I finished, getting more used to the burning sense than before.

Then again, when I said things were ‘bumpy,’ it was more like walking through a minefield in some cases.

“I see… You must have done more work than I had previously thought,” Fancy commented while looking up.

I raised my eyebrow in confusion. “I’m sorry, I don’t think I quite follow.”

“It may have been because of how long it’s been since I last saw Fleur, but when she came in earlier… I noticed there was something different about her,” he explained.

“How so?” I asked.

“She seemed… Happier than usual. A kind of joy that I haven’t seen in quite some time. She has a good way of hiding her feelings, but I’ve known my sister enough to see signs that not many other ponies can see. Adding into it, something was especially different with Shining Star as well.”

“You mentioned earlier how it’s been so long since she dressed like she is tonight… What did you mean by that if you don’t mind me asking?”

“I apologize Oz, but that is something I cannot share with you. It’s a rather personal subject that Shining doesn’t want anypony referring to her with. I’m sure you’ll get the same answer if you asked Fleur as well. You understand this don’t you?”

“Of course,” I replied with a nod before I downed the rest of my drink.

“I may not know what had happened before you came in here, but I’m getting a sense that these subtle changes I’m seeing in the girls right now have something to do with you Oz,” Fancy theorized.

“… That’s not a bad thing is it?” I asked with a shakiness in my voice.

“On the contrary. I’m a little more at ease seeing them the way they are tonight,” Fancy said as he got up to the window that was behind his desk, and I set my empty glass down before I followed. We gazed outside to the gardens, and saw Fleur and Shining having a good time chatting with each other, and the other guests. “It has been quite some time since I last saw the two of them like this, at least a little. I was afraid that something like this might not happen again, even if I did everything in my power to make it so… I suppose there are some things a brother just can’t do that others could.”

Suddenly a hand on my shoulder made my spine tingle, not realizing how tense I was before I turned to Fancy who had a melancholic look. “If those two have eyes like mine, they must have seen something that makes you different compared to other ponies… Besides you being a human of course,” he continued. “You probably already realize by now how much I care for my sister Fleur, and as her brother, I want to do however I can to keep her safe and happy. So I’d like to ask you from stallion to stallion that you please watch over and take care of her and Shining not as just their secretary, but as a dear friend as well. Can I trust you to do this Oz?”

I looked back down to the garden where the girls were still having a good time, and I recalled what had happened since I first came to Equestria to now.

Things might have been rough between us three for a brief period, but I don’t think I would ever be here if I hadn’t met the two of them. It may have been crazy, sure, but I’m happy that I got to meet and make friends with them, and I want to do what I can to return their kindness.

I looked back to Fancy with a determined expression before I nodded. “I promise I’ll take good care of them. You have my word.”

“I’m counting on you then Oz,” he replied as he patted my shoulder a few. “And if there’s anything you need that could help them, don’t be afraid to give a call or stop by.” He then reached into his coat pocket, and took out a business card with his contact information.

I took the card and placed it in my wallet for safe keeping. “I’ll keep it in mind. Thank you Fancy,” I said with a smile.

“You’re quite welcome dear boy. Now run along and enjoy the party. And I thank you for your gift and promise,” he said with a smile before I nodded and walked to the door.

“It’s no trouble Fancy, but I got one question I’d like to ask though.”

“What’s that?”

“Why do you have something like that in here?” I asked as I pointed to the one thing that stood out in the room that was itching my brain: a monocle in a glass case displayed on the wall with a small hammer hanging on the side, and a sign below it, reading ‘In case of really fancy party, break glass.’ “Like is it an emergency, special monocle for those kinds of parties, or what?”

“Ah… No my dear boy,” Fancy answered. “That would be… The second monocle.”

“… Huh?”

“There was only one time when I attended a party that was so fancy, I had to wear a second monocle along with one I already have on like right now… The results were disastrous.”

“What happened?”

“… It’s too terrifying to speak of.” Suddenly there were beads of sweat running down Fancy’s forehead, and his irises shrunk just a tad.

“Well… Do you think you’ll ever need that second monocle again since it’s displayed right there?”

“… No, not again… Never again… Celestia help us all should I ever need to wear the second monocle…”

There was nothing besides the music that was playing outside as I was starting to realize things were starting to get pretty weird for my taste.

“Okaaaaay… Well then, I’m going back to the girls downstairs then. Like I said, I promise I’ll look after them… See you around, and Happy Birthday,” I bid before I smiled sheepishly, waved, and opened the door. I nodded a little to Buttermilk who was still standing at the door, and she returned the gesture before I stepped out of the room.

[9:30 p.m.]

Well that had to be the strangest way to end a conversation I ever experienced. Why would anyone even wear a second monocle for something more fancy than usual? I’m curious to what happened at that one party Fancy wore that monocle if it was that much of a taboo to talk about. I guess some of even the highest class of ponies around here can have their awkward moments sometimes… Strange as that was, I actually feel a little better knowing that even those kinds of ponies can’t be considered perfect. If there’s one thing I’ve learned that I’ll never forget, it’s that no matter what happens, everyone has fucked up so bad at least once in their lives unless you’re some kind of hermit. Me? Well I pretty much learn from everyone else’s fuck ups to avoid them mostly, but I can’t deny that I’ve made a few myself. Anyway, I better go see how Fleur and Shining are doing. They may be worried for why I’ve been out for so long.

I tried to get myself through the large crowds of ponies to get to the garden while picking up a few hors d’oeuvre along the way as I was a little hungry. Soon however, I got a little lost from how big the mansion was, and somehow ended up in some part of the backyard where not only there was a pool, but over in the distance was appeared to be some sort of vessel that was a mixture of a yacht, and a blimp.

Christ, just how loaded is this guy anyway? Surely he can’t afford something like this just owning a restaurant. Does he fund it perhaps, and gets a share of the loan? What else could this guy do? Gah, forget that. I’m lost, and I need some directions.

“Excuse me, young stallion? Or man should I say?” A feminine voice called me while poking my shoulder. I turned around, and saw that it was a fancy looking unicorn mare. She had hot pink fur with an indigo mane that stretched just above her shoulders, with the ends of her strands curling outwards. She wore a red silk dress with her heart shaped neck line accenting her pushed up bust, matching gloves that stretched to her elbows, and one of those white fluffy things around her neck. “Are you here alone tonight?” She asked.

“No, I’m here with some friends,” I replied as I looked around. “I’m just a little lost finding them. Do you know how I could get to the gardens from here?”

“Why the sudden rush? I’m sure your friends won’t mind you staying out for just a tad longer,” she replied with half-lidded eyes, and a smile as she wrapped her arms around one of mine. “Why don’t I treat us to some drinks, and get to know each other for a bit? I’ve been wanting to meet a human since I first heard of them, and I’d like to get… Personal, as we talk.” She pressed my arm between her breasts outside of the dress as she fluttered her eyes at me.

I laughed nervously at the sudden up close gesture as I tried to pull away, but to no avail. “Thank you for the kind offer, but I’ve been keeping my friends waiting for too long, and I promised to be with them throughout the night. So if you could please excuse me—“

“And let go of our friend so we can be with him for the rest of the night, that would be most appreciated miss,” a familiar voice hissed. I turned my gaze, and found that it was Shining standing there with her arms crossed, and her brow furrowed to the mare. Fleur was also alongside her doing the same gesture.

The mare that was holding me had her irises shrunk to pinpricks once she saw the girls before she pulled away quickly, and gave me some space. “Um… Yes, of course. If you’ll excuse me,” she said before she turned and power walked out of the area.

I sighed a breath of relief before I turned to the girls. “Thanks for that. Things were starting to get uncomfortable for me.”

“Are the girls from your world usually that forward?” Fleur asked with a raised eyebrow.

“I can only say a couple out of the majority,” I answered. “I gotta say, I thought Fleur pulling me to a restaurant for dinner was forward. I don’t usually see behavior like that unless the roles were switched.”

“Well it’s like I’ve said yesterday Ozzy. With how there’s more mares than stallions in this world, the competition to find mates can be quite brute unless they’re willing to make a herd,” Fleur explained.

“So polygamy does exist here,” I said. “Honestly, I don’t think I could handle that. Plus I think giving all your attention and love to one girl makes it more meaningful compared to sharing it with others. Then again, polygamy’s mostly looked down upon back on Earth.”

“So monogamy is the main practice back on your world?” Shining asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Yeah, and I think it’s mostly because the numbers between guys and girls are more even,” I answered. “If we were in the same scenario as this where one population in gender outnumbers the other, I guess it would make sense to form herds, or harems as it’s termed back on Earth, in order to keep the population stable and growing. But that’s not a problem back on Earth, and since there are about as much girls as there are guys, one can keep the other all to themselves.”

“That would be nice, wouldn’t it?” Shining asked as she turned to Fleur.

“Well enough about that for now, how did things go with Fancy? I hope he wasn't too hard on you,” Fleur said with ears folded.

“Oh no, things were great between us,” I said with a wave of my hand. “I think we’ll be able to get along just fine, all things considering.”

“What do you mean by that?” Shining asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Do either of you know anything about… The second monocle, of Fancy’s?” I asked.

The girl’s eyes widened with their irises shrunk to pinpricks. “Oh, yes… that,” Shining deadpanned.

“That’s… A touchy subject for all of us dearie. It would be best that you don’t know the details,” Fleur suggested.

God, what is up with this second monocle thing?! The only thing I could think of that can be considered the worst possible thing would be how ridiculous it would look. Ugh. Somehow, I don’t think I’ll ever get the answer no matter how hard I try.

“Anyway, why don’t we go to the dance hall and enjoy the rest of the evening hmm?” Fleur asked with a smile.

“Oh, uh… I can’t,” I said with a sheepish smile. “Never been to a dance before remember? Somehow I don’t think I’ll do better than a fish out of water.”

“Well now, I think we should change that for tonight,” Fleur protested with a devious smile as she grabbed my wrist. “I’m going to teach you how to dance, and I’m not going to let you stand in the background the rest of the evening without having some fun.” She then pulled me back inside the mansion, caught off-guard by her demanding behavior. Shining just giggled at my expense as she followed us.

[9:50 p.m.]

When we got to the dance hall, there was a small orchestra of ponies on stage, performing pieces that many other ponies in a circle were dancing in front of the stage, while there were those sitting in tables scattered around the hall enjoying the music, and chatting. The dancers in the circle looked like they’ve been doing what looked like the waltz all their lifetime, which I feared was the kind of dance I would never get.

“Uh… I’m worried that I might go against their flow. Are you sure I can’t just step to the side and watch?” I asked.

“Don’t worry dearie, you’re going to be fine,” Fleur said with a wave. “Learning the waltz won’t be too hard as long as you know the movements. Shiny? Do you mind sitting out for a moment?”

“Go nuts. I’m not much of a dancer anyway,” she replied as she walked to one of the tables that were scattered along the walls of the room, and took a seat.

“If you’ll follow me please?” Fleur asked before she pulled me along to a space on the dance floor once the music stopped for a small intermission. The two of us faced each other, Fleur still sported the same, warming smile while I did everything in my power to not sweat from nervousness. “Now then, to dance the waltz, we need to be in a good position. Take your left hand, and hold my right,” she instructed, and I complied as our hands were held by the palms. “Now I put my left on your shoulder, while you put your right around my side.” She then did as she said, and I gingerly placed my right hand under her bottom ribcage. Without warning, she took my right hand, and dropped it lower and further behind until it was to the small of her back. “There we go. Now we get closer, stand up straight, keep your gaze on mine, and don’t look down between us.”

When we got in position, our fronts were barely touching each other, with her chest lightly pressing against mine, and my heart was racing just from not only looking into her pale purple eyes, but from how close our faces were. “We’re… Certainly a little close in proximity aren’t we?” I asked with my voice shaking.

“Don’t worry Ozzy, this is normal for any kind of dance,” she replied still keeping that smile up. “Now to start things off easy, we’re going to draw a box on the floor with our hooves, or feet in your case. You step forward with your left, sidle to your right, and bring your left back in making the first two sides of the box in three steps. Then you step back with your right, sidle to your left, and bring your right back in, coming back to where we started, and completing the box. Understand?”

“I think so,” I replied.

“We’ll begin after the introduction, and I’ll count the steps as we go. Alright?” She asked, and I nodded in response.

Once the other dancers got in position, the music started playing a familiar piece. After the small intro, Fleur nodded, signaling me to begin moving to the tempo before I made the first step. “One, two, three. One, two, three. One, two, three. One, two, three. Very good Ozzy. See? Not so hard is it?” She asked with a smile as we kept dancing to the beat.

“I guess not,” I said with a shrug of my shoulders.

“Now we’re going to try and change things up a bit,” Fleur challenged. “We’re going to do the same motion with our hooves, but turn one quarter counterclockwise as we get on our second step. Does that make sense?” I nodded in response. “Alright, we’ll start with the same step we began once we get there. Ready?” Once I stepped my left foot we started with, I turned left as I stepped with my right, and brought my left back in. Then I stepped back with my right, turned and stepped to my left, brought my right back in, and repeated before I realize we were making a bigger, and complicated box around the floor. “One, two, three. One, two, three. One, two, three. One, two, three. You’re doing it Ozzy!” She exclaimed with glee.

“Ha ha, look at me! I’m dancing the waltz!” I exclaimed with a smile. “This is actually really fun. This music’s also nice to dance to as well.”

“Isn’t it? This is actually my favorite piece,” Fleur replied as we continued dancing.

The tensions I had earlier soon melted away without me even realizing it, as Fleur and I were not only dancing in sync with the music, but with each other, as if there was some kind of strange force or magic that was keeping us connected. What I didn’t realize however, was how connected we were in our fronts, as it seemed like we pressed closer to each other than when we had started.

Did this happen on accident while we danced? Ozzy, if there ever is a time for you to get a boner, you BETTER not be getting it right at this moment.

Soon however, the song ended, and the ponies in the hall (including me) applauded to the small orchestra.

Fleur sighed in content and slight exhaustion as we gave each other some space. “My, that was quite exhilarating. Would you like to go again Ozzy?”

“Sure, I could probably go for one more song,” I answered.

So long as I don’t get something in my pants again. Seriously, why is something like that keep happening today?

“Excellent!” Fleur exclaimed with a couple claps. “There’s just one thing though. Give me a moment.” Her horn then started glowing the pale pink aura I’ve seen before. I looked at myself, and my surroundings to see what she was trying to do until—

“Hey! You put me down right now Fleur! This is not funny!” A familiar voice exclaimed. I turned to the source, and my eyes widened when I saw that it was Shining enveloped in Fleur’s aura, as she was being levitated over to the dance floor. She was then gently put down on the floor in front of us before the aura dissipated. “You know you didn’t have to do that if you wanted to talk to me Fleur. That was very unnecessary.”

“But how else would I want you to come by and have a dance with Ozzy while I get us some drinks?” Fleur asked with a devious smile.

“… Huh?” The two of us asked in synch.

“Oop! Looks like they’re ready to do another song. You two have fun while I go fetch us some wine. Ta-ta~!” Fleur sang before she rushed out of the dance hall.

“Wait! Don’t leave me here alone with… Why that sneaky little…” Shining muttered.

… Okaaaay, this is a little awkward. I was okay with one more dance, but I didn’t think Fleur wanted me to do it with Shining. I’m not even sure if she’s comfortable enough to go this far with a guy yet. I understand that Fleur wants her to come out of her shell and relax a little, but this might be a little too pushy for her. Maybe I’ll just ask, and if she doesn’t want to do it, I’m fine with just talking while we wait for Fleur to come back.

“Um… May I have this dance?” I asked as I held my hand out.

Shining’s ears perked and swiveled towards me before the rest of her followed suit with widened eyes. She looked unsure of what to do as she covered her mouth with her closed hand, and scanned her surroundings.

I knew it. She looks uncomfortable. I’ll have to say something to calm her down a little so she doesn’t feel pressured.

“Listen, I know what Fleur did was sort of uncalled for, and we don’t have to—“

“I suppose I could go for just one dance if you don’t mind doing it with—“

“… What?” The two of us asked each other in sync after we said our previous lines at the same time.

“I-I mean, if you’re okay having this with me, I’m more than happy to oblige,” I said first.

“I thought you’d feel awkward having a dance with your manager, especially after all that’s happened day,” Shining commented while fixing her glasses.

“N-no, I’m fine. If we’re starting over like we agreed earlier, I just want you to feel comfortable while we’re here like I sort of am.”

“And you’re absolutely sure you’re alright with this?” She asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Of course. I mentioned earlier how I wanted to have some fun while working with you girls right?” I asked as I held out my hand, my offer for her to dance still standing.

“Well… If you’re fine with it… Just don’t get that hand any lower than where you had it with Fleur,” she demanded as she gingerly took my hand.

“Don’t worry, I won’t,” I promised as the two of us got in position for the next song like I did with Fleur, taking note where my hand was before it bumped into something little stringy. It twitched from contact while her whole body shivered as she gripped tightly onto me.

... I think I might have just touched her tail. Oh god, is that a sensitive place for ponies?

“S-sorry, that was an accident,” I apologized as I moved my hand up slightly.

“I-it’s fine… Just don’t do that again please,” Shining requested as her cheeks blushed a little, and she looked to the side.

Once we got the awkward tensions from getting into our positions out of the way, the orchestra started playing the next song, and I led us after the first couple of beats.

Since I was getting the hang of the movement from the last song, I upped the pace a little, and made the steps smoother to transition than before. Shining seemed surprised at how good this was getting, as she looked at me with those widened, pale green eyes.

“Goodness… I guess Fleur turned out to be a better teacher than I thought,” Shining commented as we danced.

“Has she always been so… Pushy, if that’s the right way to word it?” I asked.

“Not to mention a little too comfortable with herself, and her surroundings,” she replied with a sigh. “Then again… You have to admire how she enjoys the littler things sometimes, and always trying to have me join in on the fun she wants to share.”

“Yeah, I can see that,” I agreed. “But you have some good things that help balance things out in her life.”

“How so?” She asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Well, you seem like the voice of reason for her when she may try something a little too risky,” I explained. “Maybe that’s why she trusts you so much as a friend and manager, because you’ve probably looked out for her since day one. She also sees how tense you can be sometimes when you do things for her, and that’s why she wants you to relax at these kinds of things, and treat you to something special like that spa treatment she mentioned in the broadcast this morning.

“As far as I can see, you want to get Fleur to be more serious with how she handles things, and she wants you to relax, and not let such things stress you out. You pretty much complement each other into one heck of a team like peas and carrots, and I admire that.”

“… I see,” Shining responded as she looked past me, probably trying to come up with something to say. “Well… I guess you aren’t as bad of a guy as others I’ve come across.”

… I’m not sure if that was a compliment, but I’m just going to take that as it is.

“May I ask you something Oz?” Shining asked.

“Sure. What is it?”

“… Did you really meant what you said earlier… When you said I was attractive, even with these glasses of mine, and wearing my usual attire during my work days?”

My cheeks heated up a little from hearing that. It still felt a little awkward that I just called my boss attractive back then, even when she was in her business attire. “Uh… Yeah, I did… Why do you ask?”

“… It’s nothing… Just thought I’d get that statement clarified,” Shining responded with a small smile.

As we continued to dance, I noticed something familiar that was like the last dance, but a little different. Our chests were pressed against each other more than when I had danced with Fleur, but as I glanced at the other dancers, some added their own little twirls and spins to their routines.

… Eh, why not? Might as well add something interesting to this occasion.

With the plan in mind, I gave it a go by flinging Shining out, catching her by the hand I was still holding. She was surprised at first before I pulled her back, twirled her around me like I saw the stallions on the floor. As the song came to a close, and Shining was in front of me, I dipped her with my hands holding her up by the back, while she had her arms around my neck. Everyone but Shining and I applauded to the orchestra while we stared at each other with surprise in our faces, the former more reddened in the cheeks.

“… Did you learn that from Fleur when I wasn’t looking?” Shining asked.

“Uh… No?” I replied. “I kind of watched how the others did it, and I guess I just… Gave it a shot?”

“And what a marvelous shot indeed!” A voice exclaimed cheerfully.

Shining and I turned to the source, and saw that it was Fleur smirking with two wine glasses in her hands, while Fancy was beside her with that same expression, and two more wine glasses.

“A little stagnant in the end, but very well done for your first time,” Fancy critiqued as I pulled Shining up to a standing, with both of our faces still flushing red.

“Um… Thanks,” I replied with an embarrassed laughter while scratching the back of my head before he handed me a glass of wine.

“Do you not regret having a dance with him now Shiny?” Fleur asked with a smirk as she passed Shining her own glass. “I must say, that last one was a bold move on his part, I’m rather jealous I didn’t get a piece of that.”

“I-it’s not what you think!” Shining exclaimed as she shook her free hand out front. “I was as much taken aback by that as you were. I thought he was going to drop me in that dip… Which was why I held onto him for dear life… Yes, that’s it.”

“Well, I’m certainly glad everypony here is having a good time,” Fancy commented with a smile. “I must say this turned out to be a splendid birthday for me this year, and I look forward to spending the next one with all of you.”

“A toast to Fancy Pants then!” Fleur exclaimed joyfully as she held up her wine glass. “Happy Birthday Fancy!”

“Happy Birthday Fancy!” Shining and I joined as the four of us clinked our glasses, and we took a sip of the wine. Shining continued downing her glass (which was quite full when we got it) when the rest of us finished sipping ours. She finished with nothing left in her glass, and gasped an air of refreshment.

“Uh… Shiny, are you feeling alright?” Fleur asked with a raised eyebrow.

“I feel fantastic!” Shining exclaimed almost too quickly. “Oh, would you look at that, out of wine. I’m going to fetch myself some more. If you’ll excuse me,” she said before she dashed out of the dance hall, leaving the three of us with dumbfounded expressions.

“Um… Maybe I should give her some space for the rest of the evening,” I commented. “I think that might have been a bit too much for her.”

“Well, I don’t know about you, but I’d like to go for another try in dancing,” Fleur asked with a smirk. “If you’re that quick of a learner, maybe I can teach you some more advanced techniques.”

I looked to Fancy, about to ask if it was alright him before he smiled and waved. “Go right ahead dear boy. Give her a good time.”

“Thanks Fancy,” I replied with a smile before I took a few more sips of my wine.

Fleur and I set our glasses down on the table Shining occupied earlier, before she pulled me back to the dance floor for another song. Fancy chuckled a little at the sight before he walked out of the dance hall.

[10:30 p.m.]

A few songs with a break for chat in between later, Fleur and I were tuckered out, and ready to call it an evening. We tried to find Shining before we bid Fancy a good night. We found her at the bar booth that looked like she had a little too much to drink, as she was a little off balanced when she tried to stably get off the stool with little success. Though she was kind of out of it, at least she looked more relaxed compared to how she was earlier.

When we thanked and gave Fancy a good night, we walked out of the mansion with Shining leaning between us. Once we came out front, Silver Wheel came around right on time. We helped Shining get in first before the two of us followed, and Silver Wheel began the ride home.

“S-so Oz… S-some par-party huh?” Shining asked, barely able to make sentences.

“Yes, it was quite a night. A great way to end my first day here in Equestria as your new secretary,” I replied with a smile.

“Well don’t think—don’t think further d-days are like today’s,” Shining warned in quite poor a fashion. “You never know—you never know what day will come next Ozz-zz. Luckily, we have a day off t-tomorrow, ‘cause I think… I think I’m gonna wake up with such a hangover tomorrow.” She chuckled from the thought of the aftermath, probably too drunk to even see how that was remotely funny. “But when I feel g-good enough, we’ll talk payment and all that crap tomorrow. Despite what bad stuff I s-said about you earlier, I c-can see you being a good—a good member of the team.”

“Thanks Shining, I’ll work hard for my part,” I said.

Even though she might not remember most of this by tomorrow, I might as well take what I can get.

“And don’t let anypony—anypony else say otherwise,” Shining continued. “‘Specially about you being a virgin, ‘cause if I met you—if I met you long before today, I’d be…” She then flopped over to her side on the floor of the carriage, out cold from the alcohol as I heard her snoring, with only her tail and ears giving involuntary twitches.

… Somehow I wish I was drunk enough to not remember that in the morning, and I’m kind of glad to not hear what she was going to say next.

“Oh dear, she’s really out of it,” Fleur said as we came to a stop at Shining’s house first. The place wasn’t as big as Fleur’s, but enough to be considered a condo. I couldn’t get much else on the details because I was a little tired, buzzed, and it was too dark to see anymore. Fleur reached into her purse to grab her keys, and handed them to me. “Shiny doesn’t want anypony besides me and Silver Wheel to be in her home for personal reasons, so you go on ahead inside, and I’ll see you in the morning alright?”

“Sounds good Fleur,” I said before Silver Wheel opened up the door. I crouched down to Shining’s level, with my head close to her ear. “I’ll see you tomorrow Shining. Thanks for the job, and the wonderful time,” I whispered before she responded with some gibberish in her sleep. I got up, and stepped out of the carriage, and bowed to Silver Wheel. “Silver, good seeing you, and thanks for the ride.”

“A pleasure to have you *umpf!* with us Oz,” he replied as he got Shining over his shoulder, and Fleur stepped out of the carriage to help him out.

“Fleur, you have a good night as well,” I bid with a smile.

“You too Ozzy,” she replied before I turned and went my way back to her house. “And Ozzy?” She asked. I stopped in my tracks, and I turned my gaze to her over the shoulder. “Welcome to the team, and thank you for the lovely evening,” she finished with a smile.

“Anytime Fleur,” I responded while returning the gesture before I went my way back to Fleur’s house… Or should I say my new home in the land of Equestria. Boy, that’s going to get some getting used to.

Author's Notes:

The second monocle joke was brought to you by this tumblr post.

And that does it for Ozzy's first day as Fleur de Lis' new secretary. What other odd, and unusual challenges will he come across starting tomorrow, and further on? What exactly is going on in Fleur's head? How bad of a hangover will Shining get the next morning? Will Ozzy be able to handle looking after these two unique mares like he promised Fancy Pants, while trying to figure out his boner problem? Well I guess you'll have to see in the next chapter.

Hope you enjoy the read, and until next time,

This is Dudeler, signing off.