I was roused from my sleep by frantic knocking… Okay not frantic knocking but I knew somepony was hitting the door, but it sounded like several trucks were smacking into my wagon in sync rather than knocking. I sat up trying to blink away the various spots of pulsing rings in my eyes from the previous night.

“BOLT! RUBY!” I groaned softly rubbing the bridge of my nose with a hoof before glancing outside, the orange burning glow of sunrise could just be seen through the window.

“What the hay’s going on?” Ruby mumbled in a tired sluggish voice. I placed my hoof on her forehead and pushed her back down.

“Pinkie Pie.” I muttered getting up, walking out the bedroom.

I wrenched open the door, scowling at the bright pink beaming pony.

“Wow nice costume, but you know it’s not Nightmare Night anytime soon it’s spring right now!” Pinkie said as if I was the clueless pony.

“Pinkie it’s still night time, why the hell are you trying to break open the doors of Tartarus through my wagon door?” I asked rubbing my half open eyes.

“I just wanted to give you these…” Pinkie said her smile fading, holding out two pink slips of paper. I squinted in the growing light of the morning.

“Boltblood Thundercloud,

You are hereby invited to the PPRSABTWP being hosted by the local party planner, Pinkie Pie, at 5pm today at Sugarcube Corner, there will also be a couple’s dance at sunset at Ponyville’s town centre. Formal wear is not required.” Along the bottom were various hoof draw pictures in crayon, one of Ruby and me sat behind a rather large cake with too many candles to count and one of us again dancing together in what looked like an open air room with the night sky behind us. There was also cute balloons and bits of confetti.

“Wow Pinkie… Thank you, but what’s PPRSABTWP stand for?” I asked looking back at the top.

“Pinkie Pie’s Ruby Scales and Boltblood Thundercloud Welcoming Party, duh!” Pinkie said.

“Oh yes, Bolt it’s so obvious, we should have guessed that.” Ruby said, making me jump at her stealthy appearance.

“There’s one for you too Ruby!” Pinkie said cheerfully, grabbing the second slip and hoofing it to Ruby.

“...Rarity is doing us dresses are we okay to wear them?” Ruby asked.

“Of course, it’s not required but you can wear what you like.” Ruby stared down at the card.

“A welcoming party…” She climbed down from the wagon and wrapped her hooves around Pinkie, who made a sound like a rubber duck being squeezed before returning the hug “Thank you Pinkie.” Ruby said.

“You’re welcome Ruby, now get some sleep, it’s gonna be a long night!” Pinkie said before bouncing down the lightening road.

Ruby turned back to me, her eyes specked with tears.

“A welcoming party…” She muttered.

“You are always welcome Ruby.” I told her and I got my own hug, though with a few more coils than Pinkie’s contained.

“Shall we go back to bed now?” I asked.

“What? No! We have to go see Rarity about your tuxedo and my dress! I’m sure Pinkie will have already woken her up when we get there.” Ruby said grabbing my hoof and dragging me along, slamming the wagon door close with a flick of her tail.

“A curse upon your Pinkie Pie, you stole my sleep.” I grumbled.

Ruby led the way from where we had parked my wagon down into town, for the most part the town was deserted. Ponyville seemed like a place that appreciated a good lie in, which I could relate too. Though there were a few ponies about and they did seem wide awake, and excited. As Ruby and I passed by a pair of mares, one a earth pony with beige coloured fur with a dark blue and bright pink curly mane, though not as curly as Pinkie’s just curly around the edges, and the other a minty green unicorn with a cyan mane and white highlight, the pair glanced at us and waved, I could clearly see the pink cards Pinkie had been giving out. Ruby waved happily and I managed a nod and a smile, the pair then stuck their heads close together and began to whisper whilst glancing at us. Ruby poked my side with a hoof and smirked at me whilst I rolled my eyes.

Carousel Boutique came into view and Ruby sped up to reach the door, pushing it open with its quaint chime of the bell. Ruby glanced back at me as I pushed the closing door back open to enter myself.

“Well, I had a feeling you two would be arriving here soon, after Pinkie Pie brought something for me.” Rarity said waving a similar slip of paper “I assume you are here for your formal wear?” Ruby nodded eagerly.

“Yes!” She almost shouted in excitement, I chuckled softly and shook my head at Ruby.

“Yes Rarity, we’re here for Ruby’s dress and my Tux please.” I said and Rarity nodded.

“Well come in, come in, don’t just stand by the door, try them on, I want to know they fit.” Rarity said trotting away, she levitated out two separate screens, forcing Ruby and me to back up. The screens hid both Ruby and me from view of both each other and the rest of the shop, in various corners.

“Okay Ruby here’s your dress,” I heard Ruby gasp “And Bolt I decided to do yours in the traditional black after all, the red didn’t suit it I felt.” Rarity said as a jet black tuxedo hovered before me.

I pulled the suit from the air and began to fit in on, briefly noticing the golden buttons, which reminded me of Ruby’s bracelet. I touched the jewellery once before continuing. Once I was satisfied I had the suit on I began to push the screen back, only to have it slammed into my muzzle, backing up on reflex.

“Oh Sorry Bolt, I just don’t want you two to see each other until the party, at least, in your fancy clothing. Saving it until then.” Rarity poked her head around to look at me “Oh, you look smashing darling, fantastic, remember to fold it and I’ll get you a bag, don’t show Ruby now…” Rarity said smiling, before turning.

I did as the fashionista asked, removing the tuxedo and folding it neatly as I heard Rarity squeal in delight.

“Oh you look amazing Ruby, fantastic… But it’s missing something… One moment.” There was a sound of fast trotting across to one side before Rarity returned “Try this on,” A seconds pause “Oh yes, that’s much better, it matches your name perfectly… Maybe, before the party stop by I think I know a little touch that can complete this perfectly.”

“Wow, thank you Rarity, this is so nice.” Ruby said.

“It’s no problem, I’ve already got a few deals on a dress likes yours, a whole lamia line is just waiting to be sown for the masses, oh I can’t wait!” Rarity said with a girlish giggle and Ruby chuckled softly “Now out of that dress, come on don’t want Bolt to see.” On cue Rarity looked around and saw me staring “Are you out of your tuxedo Bolt?” I nodded “Good, good, give it to me and I will get you something to carry it in.” Rarity said trotting over to me, wrenching the screen away and pulling me along, this felt so awkward.

I sat down beside a row of Rarity’s dresses as Ruby got out of her own dress, Rarity returned with a velvet red bag containing my tuxedo and smiled at me as she passed it over, returning to Ruby. I stood up as my lamia friend slid over with a wide smile and a similar bag.

“This is going to be a great night.” She whispered happily.

“You two will look stunning together, remember, Ruby, to pop by my shop before you leave for the dance, I’ll give you one last little touch. And Bolt you get changed at your home, we don’t want you two to see each other until you’re perfect!” Rarity said excitedly.

“Maybe I should just leave this here then, save me the trouble later.” Ruby giggled and Rarity blushed.

“Ah yes that… Would be a good idea I can see, very well I shall take good care of it for you to wear tonight Ruby, we’ll look stunning together!” I shared a glance with Ruby who burst out giggling.

“Well that was fun.” Ruby said when we’d left, wandering aimlessly down Ponyville’s random streets “Did you like your tuxedo?”

I smirked glancing at Ruby before answering, in a Canterlot posh voice “Yes, Malady it was absolutely splendid.” I said head held up and Ruby scoffed.

“Glad you liked it.” She managed with a semi straight face and I chuckled as well.

Ruby and I weren’t really following any particular path, but we soon found ourselves in Ponyville market, ponies stood behind various candy coloured stalls, large smiles on their faces and all of them chatting happily with various customers, I also got a whiff of baked lemon cakes, and I could see Ruby was drooling at the smell too, which was likely a lot more intense for her.

“Shall we?” I offered and Ruby nodded eagerly.

The source was easy to find. The building which Ruby and I stood before looked like the ideal place to make sweets… I mean it LOOKED like a gingerbread house… Was it edible? Probably not, otherwise it would be ruined from rain… But still there was a serious temptation to try and bite the building. Ruby led the way inside and I followed quickly before Ruby’s tail got too thick for anypony else to fit through the door without crawling. Ruby piled her tail into a pile and stood on top of it seeing above the lines of ponies.

“It’s Pinkie.” Ruby said softly and held out a hoof so I could climb up beside her. We must have looked a real sight, a lamia with her head skimming the ceiling and a Pegasus balancing on her tail beside her.

But sure enough I could see our pink friend juggling ingredients to the cheers and whoops of ponies of various ages, one ingredient included flour… Out of the bag… No I don’t know how she did that but I’d like to find out and do it myself. I pushed myself onto my hind legs, balancing myself on Ruby with a hoof, so I could see a bit better. Now Pinkie had stopped tossing things into the air she was sliding orders to ponies whilst also working on a rather large cake, it was a large square like a base and rather thick, and the top of the base had coloured icing split in two from one corner to the opposite, one side was deep white the other a dark red.

“She’s very creative.” Ruby commented and I nodded at the mini cake versions of Ruby and me.

The cake Ruby had her serpentine tail curled around my body, at a height matching the top of my outstretched wings, in a spiral before the rest was piled around her on the base, she was stood on the side of the cake that mimicked my fur. As for the cake version of me, like I said I was within Ruby’s spiralling tail, one hoof behind my back and the other held towards Ruby as if asking her for a dance. And held up above our heads was a half decorated golden heart.

As Pinkie added more coatings of icing onto the heart she noticed us, kinda hard to miss I suppose “Bolt, Ruby you’re here!” She cried happily.

Instantly the crowd broke to see us and I jumped down, Ruby sliding off her tower, which fell a bit lower to the ground so it no longer stood out as much. A lot of ponies rushed up to Ruby and I and starting greeting us, telling us their names, there were so many shouting at once I just couldn’t figure out who was talking, so I just kept shaking hooves and returning the greetings until we reached the counter.

Pinkie had one hoof on the counter and was leaning on it, with a sideways smirk “What’s so funny?” I asked.

“Nothing, except, do you really feel scared about Ruby not being accepted now?” Pinkie asked.

“How did you know?” I asked softly.

“Just a hunch.” Pinkie said whilst Ruby giggled “That, and even I can tell it’s a fear you have, Bolt I’m good with dealing with fears as well as making parties.”

I nodded “Yeah… You are taking care of this fear.” Partly, but I didn’t say that, though Pinkie’s face seemed to imply she knew what had gone unsaid.

“Anyway, what can I get you two?” Pinkie asked waving a hoof over the display.

Ruby moved forward and placed both hooves on the glass as she looked between them all, her tongue darting out as if that might help make her decision… I suppose it would be like somepony sniffing to her, I also noticed her tail wagging like a puppy and a little filly was busy jumping at it.

Finally Ruby looked up and tapped above a slice of triple chocolate cake “Good choice, Ruby.” Pinkie commented grabbing a piece with a cake spatula and moving a large slice to a plain white bag “And you Bolt?” Pinkie asked sliding it onto the top of the counter which Ruby quickly grabbed as if it might sprout legs and run.

“I’ll… Just have a chocolate flapjack.” I muttered blushing slightly while Pinkie smiled and followed through with the order.

“Don’t chefs try other chef’s foods to learn?” Pinkie asked as I paid for the treats.

“I would normally do that yes but… Things are different lately.” Pinkie chuckled then leaned forward.

“The chocolate cakes can have their insides removed to be made hollow you know… Just something to keep in mind with your ‘different things’.” I raised an eyebrow at the odd comment then thanked Pinkie and Ruby and I left.

Ruby wasted no time in unwrapping her cake slice and only when I grabbed her hoof and she looked over, almost radiating pure fury at my action, did she stop “Remember the cheesecake?” I asked. Ruby’s eyes widened then she blushed and nibbled on the cake slowly, before taking small bites, it was slow at least… Slower.

There wasn’t much to do while we waited for five to roll around, so we made our way to Ponyville Park. We soon found a nice little hill that overlooked the main park and a meadow, the colourful ponies of the town now wondering out and about below us. I was still eating my flapjack when Ruby finished her cake and as I ate after every gulp Ruby would lean over and lick the sides of my lips for crumbs. The first time I felt my face turn pink, the second time I looked up at the sky waiting until Ruby giggled and licked me, the third time I purposely wiped chocolate on my face and Ruby spent a little bit licking it off, her hooves pushing onto my chest.

Finally I finished the flapjack and Ruby looked a little disappointed “We can just kiss for the sake of it.” I offered and Ruby gave me a fanged grin before she pushed me down onto my back and planted her lips on mine.

Ruby pushed back up off me, propping herself up with her hooves either side of my body, under the joints in my front legs. I stared up at Ruby and she gave me a small smile, alongside lidded, bedroom like, eyes and a soft tender hiss purr.

“Very sexy.” I commented chuckling.

“I can do more.” Ruby whispered as I heard her tail swish over the grass close by.

“Maybe another time, this is fine.” I mumbled and Ruby laughed once.

“Alright I’ll settle for another kiss.” Ruby cooed and I sighed as Ruby leaned down and kept me locked in a longer kiss.

My vision was taken up by Ruby’s closed eyes and a few locks of her mane, which the sunlight was casting a soft glow upon, I raised a hoof and pushed her mane back out the way, such a beautiful mare.

Ruby broke the tender fragile moment back pulling back and I was dragged back to reality. I sighed, a little longingly, but allowed Ruby to pull me up briefly to make a sort of back and head rest for me, before she turned around and lay her head under my chin, my hooves closed around her in a hug and we stared up at the soft little wisps of clouds in the sky.

“It’s going to be so hard letting Sunny borrow you.” Ruby muttered.

“Borrow me? I didn’t realise you owned me.” I said.

“Oh yes, I’ve owned you for a little while now, my little Bolty, and once Sunny has had her payment I’m never letting you out of my sight, you’ll be mine forever.” Ruby then leaned up and cupped the bottom of my chin shaking it playfully as she giggled, I smiled but my mind, and my heart, was also racing slightly… Hers forever.

“I’d like to go back.” I finally muttered after a minute of silence. Ruby blinked then sat up and looked back at me.

“Why?” Ruby asked.

“I need some advice and for the first time… I can’t ask it from you.” I said softly.

Ruby frowned a little “Bolt if it’s lamia advice I’m sure I know all about it.” She said.

“Of that I have no doubt, you are brilliant Ruby,” I paused to nuzzle Ruby and she closed her eyes allowing me “But… That’s just it… I…” I sighed softly “I am asking your mum, alright? Not some other lamia because I would have nopony else in my life but you, but this is some advice I need from somepony a little more… Seasoned.” I said.

“You calling my mum old?” Ruby asked.

“Hmmm… Yes.” Seemed like the right thing to say to Ruby, and it seemed to work because she chuckled “Though don’t tell her, only you can eat me.” I commented.

“Don’t worry… It’s safe with me… So we leave tomorrow?” Ruby asked

“How did you know?” I asked, surprised.

“Bolt, you wouldn’t spring this up if you didn’t plan to do it soon, if you planned to do it later you’d have waited… It’s ok… Maybe it’s best we get the Sunny thing over with.” I sighed softly.

“Thank you Ruby.” I whispered.

“But you owe me… After Sunny is done I’ll get a turn.” I blushed smiling at Ruby’s statement.

“Maybe after I’ve had time to recover… Six hours is a long time.” I said.

Ruby smiled and leaned up whispering into my ear “I’ll make it look like a warm up.” She promised softly before lowering herself back down onto my chest. I was left with that to think about… And anticipate.

I’m likely the only pony who can say he’s able to doze of whilst coiled up by a pony snake hybrid, but that’s just what I did. I’m not sure when but, when the weather ponies began zipping around above, my eyes began to droop and I soon sank into Ruby’s coils to catch up on what Pinkie stole. Judging from the fact that when I woke up later, Ruby had no quarrels with me napping against her tail, as it had curled around me like a sleeping bag, and only my face was barely visible, my mouth was covered to muffle my soft breathing. I was lying on my back and I could hear faint murmuring. Two voices, both I recognised, one was Ruby, no doubt, the other was Twilight.

“…It won’t be easy.” Twilight said, I turned my gaze towards the pair, Ruby was sat with her back towards me, the right side of her face just visible “Or painless.” Twilight added.

“Oh no, because having my tail being contracted into two tiny hooves will be just a picnic.” I heard Ruby mutter sarcastically and Twilight giggled.

“Yes rather obvious to say, but, I thought I should warn you nonetheless. Anyway, when do you plan to use it?” Twilight asked.

“Bolt wants to visit a big city… Maybe Canterlot, be nice to walk around there without anypony freaking out, and we could see Luna again.” Ruby said excitedly.

“Yes Canterlot is a beautiful city, I do enjoy the times I visit, but… You plan to return to your home?” I could hear the eagerness in Twilight voice. Just how long had they been talking?

Ruby nodded “Yes, Bolt has… Business to take care of back at my home with our Queen and then he wants to talk to my mum.” She explained, she then glanced back and her eyes widened “Oh, you’re awake, good. Twilight came through with the pony potion.” Ruby explained pulling me up into a position that was similar to sitting up with a pile of pillows behind you in bed, at the same time she waved a small vial of oddly reddish white liquid.

I glanced at Twilight and smiled “Thank you Princess, this means a lot to us both.” I said, but I wasn’t sure Twilight was listening to what I was saying.

Twilight was staring not at me, but rather, what I was wrapped within “That… Looks comfy…” Twilight said softly and within a second a coil had curled over my mouth silencing me and the coils clamped down, not painfully but so movement was now a distant memory.

I rolled my eyes as Ruby turned to face Twilight “They are wonderfully comfortable, have you never been coiled up before?” Ruby asked.

Twilight nodded slightly “Yes, by Pine but he’s tail was rather tough and he squeezed a little too hard for my liking… You look like you’re just cradling Bolt.” She said with a slightly jealous look.

“Would you like to experience it too? I can coil you both up at the same time.” Ruby boasted grinning as a coil as thick as Twilight’s head curled around, raising up and over her head and then fell down behind her onto her shoulders.

Twilight’s whole body sagged down slightly from the comforting weight of the coil “That… Is tempting…” Twilight admitted and the coil curled around the front and down Twilight’s back like a long white scarf, tugging Twilight slowly downward.

As Twilight lay down fully on the grass more of Ruby’s coils snaked slowly around towards Twilight out of her sightline, had she been in a state to look around. As Ruby did so her tail began to raise up off Twilight’s body in small areas and then pushed down, so it looked like a rippling wave of white and red scales, Twilight cooed softly and closed her eyes.

“Twilight, eyes up.” Ruby ordered softly.

“Hypnosis?” Twilight asked obeying Ruby’s order.

“Yes, this will pass the time a little until the party.” Ruby cooed and Twilight’s eyes drifted up to Ruby’s.

Ruby smirked and blinked, when her eyes reopened they had dilated into perfect circles before the purple flooded away to be replace with another set of colours in each eyes, more colours chased the last ones away, more rings joined in the fun, gaining in speed, Ruby was being a little faster than normal it seemed.

Twilight’s eyes opened wide on natural instinct and she leaned a little closer “How fascinating… Your hypnosis… It feels different to Pine’s… As if… It has… It’s… Own per… Personality…” Twilight’s eyes began to slowly reflect Ruby’s own as she spoke, her talking distracting her and making her mentally vulnerable.

“Yes watch carefully Twilight, take it all in, slow breaths, you’ll need the best experience for your research.” Ruby said touching at Twilight’s science-y side.

Twilight nodded groggily, which was rather difficult with her eyes locked on Ruby’s. Ruby giggled softly and leaned ever closer to Twilight, towering over her as her overpowering eyes bore right into her mind washing away all thoughts and will. A small content smile stretched slowly onto Twilight’s lips and then she slumped comfortably into Ruby’s coils which had begun to curl around as the last of her will crumbled.

Ruby blinked the hypnotic rings away as she tugged Twilight’s neck slightly, the little mare gulping as her mind collapsed to her spell. Ruby giggled letting her whole tail contracted, getting a feel for the new mare in her grasp.

“She looks cute like this, I think it’ll do her good to relax and not think about her tests for a bit, what you think, Bolt?” Ruby asked as she glanced over at me.

I wanted to grumble that I couldn’t speak due to her gag but all that escaped my mouth with a soft moan, I knew what it meant as did Ruby.

“Oh, you liking the show too Bolt?” She asked approaching me slowly and I groggily shook my head “Really? Because your eyes tell me otherwise. But I think they could move faster, the rings.” Ruby cooed, the gag falling, she wanted to hear me beg she likes it when I do.

“N-no it… It was an accident I… I didn’t mean… Mean to.” I grunted trying to sit up, her tail was making it worse!

“Oh don’t worry Bolt I don’t mind… And you were enjoying it, no?” Ruby whispered grinning.

“A… A little.” I whispered, blushing as the truth was forced out.

“And we are dating Bolt, would it be so bad of you to indulge in a little bit of relaxation?” Ruby cooed as she slid slowly behind my back to whisper into my ear, her voice and forked tongue making me shiver.

“I… I suppose…. A little hypnosis… I mean… We’ve done it before and…” I felt part of Ruby’s tail push in against the side of me and I look over to face Ruby “And… It’d… Be n… Nice…” My voice trailed away as I was met with a pair of endlessly pulsing pools of colours.

I felt my jaw relax and fall open and Ruby’s tail curled up to hold it shut as I grunted softly, the scenery was blurring and moulding the brightest colours and it felt as if they were spinning into my mind, cutting a path for Ruby’s hypnosis to walk.

“I-It’s… To intense… Hurts…” I whimpered, my eyes twitching, part of my brain fighting to relieve the pain by breaking the connection.

Ruby smiled softly and slid a little closer so her head and wonderful eyes were all I could see “Better?” She asked in a soft whisper.

“Y-yes… Thank you Ruby.” I said.

“That’s Mistress Ruby.” Ruby tried.

“…Nice try…” I managed as my mind began to whistle further into the depths of the hypnosis, falling deeper and deeper.

Ruby raised herself up a little and I looked up, her body blocking the sun and casting shadows over her, Ruby then reached over and pulled me to her chest, my eyes locked on hers as she stared down lovingly.

“You look so cute, are you ready to give me your mind?” Ruby asked

“Yes Ruby.” I said clearly.

“Good boy, just let the last of that pesky will lay its head down and sleep, there it goes, doesn’t that feel so good?” Ruby cooed and I nodded a broad smile on my face “Good boy, now let’s have a tighter hug, that sound like fun?” Another hypnotic nod.

Ruby lifted my up and pressed her nose to mine, her eyes were still spiralling, and I didn’t know if she did that consciously to keep the spell going or to make me feel better while this was all happening, and I didn’t care then or now, it was amazing. Anyway, with my nose pressed against Ruby’s, the lamia began to make her tail contract around me, I felt my breathing get a little shallower but never felt even a twinge of pain.

Finally Ruby let her tail stop pressing in and released it instantly, but she also covered my nose so I gasped softly, letting my lungs fill back up fully and Ruby lunged forward at the opportunity. I was hit so hard that I felt backwards in Ruby’s tail, her tongue lashing deeply into my mouth, as I hit the ground Ruby’s head fell onto me and her tongue went partially down my throat, I remember making a soft delighted moan and Ruby pulled her tail back slowly curling it around my own to hold it snugly.

We lay like that for maybe a minute though it felt like it should’ve been longer before Ruby killed the hypnosis in her eyes and tapped the side of my temple.

As my mind slowly returned I felt my mind think in a disappointed voice “All that and she only kissed me?” But it was still amazing.

With my mind my own Ruby loosened her hold so I could move, I wriggle up so my hooves could be pulled free and held onto Ruby as she attempted to pull back. I heard her gasp softly then purr and she rolled over as we split apart.

“Hay I wasn’t done!” I groaned, disappointed before Ruby pulled my cocoon around so I was lying on top of her, my hooves unable to find ground in time so I fell on Ruby’s body.

“So then carry on.” Ruby taunted but her smirked faded instantly.

I pressed my lips to hers and prodded her tongue with mine running it around in circles and sliding it along the top, she tasted so sweet it was intoxicating my brain, it was like hypnosis, amazing and I couldn’t think straight, my wishes were becoming muddled, I was a suggestible puppet… Ruby was amazing, every inch of her needed loving.

“Having fun?” A voice asked softly. I broke back with a soft gasp and glanced over to the second cocoon.

“How did you wake up so fast?” Ruby asked Twilight, who was staring with clear, hypnosis free eyes.

“It’s actually been quite a while now, judging from the sun… And you were both to busy wrestling that you didn’t notice anything happening.” She stated “If you are ready to finish we have Pinkie’s party to get to.” Twilight said.

That got Ruby’s interest. She almost literally threw me away to get up, but upon realising I was needed for the party to start she snatched me up while I was still realising I was falling, curled around me and began to push Twilight along.

“Party. NOW!” She said and I rolled my eyes laughing softly.

As we moved Ruby dropped me to the ground and began to drag me along, I managed to push myself onto my hooves before I got any cuts and had to move at a fair pace to keep up with the speeding lamia.

“And I thought I was excited when I had my first sleep over.” Twilight said as she tried not to be pushed head over by Ruby.

Finally we reached Sugarcube corner and I was only slightly surprised to find Pinkie standing by the open door waiting for us.

“It’s about time, we were worried we’d have to come find you!” She said before pushing us in, even though Twilight and I were panting heavily, Ruby followed ahead excitedly.

As we entered I gasped softly, it was… Definitely impressive. Pinkie had made a banner and everything, with a rather cute picture of Ruby and I holding onto each other’s hooves and we leaned off Ruby’s tail which was acting as a platform. All around the room were various tables lined with all sorts of treats, cakes biscuits small snacks everything I could think of was piled in an odd mess around the room. And the centre was definitely the best.

Truth be told, there had been a small pin of fear in my chest that nopony would turn up, I was mercifully mistaken, it looked like most of the town was crammed into the room. I could see Applejack, tipping her hat, Rarity clapping her hooves, Fluttershy attempting to hide behind her, Rainbow scowling at Ruby (Still grumpy then) as well as Sweetie belle, Applebloom and Scootaloo, there was also the pair I later found out owned the shop, who Pinkie told me were called Mr and Mrs Cake, there were a pair of twins, one blue with a pink mane and the other pink with a blue mane, they smiled like a mirror image as I looked at them. There was also a brown stallion with a darker brown spikey mane, talking to a grey Pegasus mare who was smiling sheepishly at me in a ‘Sorry about him’ way.

I look back at the last pair and blinked… I’d seen them before I was sure. I simply shrugged and looked over and smirked. Pine returned with a similar smirk, he had two mares on either side of him one was a deep blond with a blue mane and matching eye shadow and she was happily holding Pine’s hoof, whilst her friend was a tannish brown with a straw yellow mane and appeared extremely embarrassed… As well as partially hypnotised. There were many more but we’d never get to the party if I tried to list them all… Or even remember them all. So once Ruby had seen all the ponies here to greet her, Pinkie walked up before them and spoke.

“Thank you everypony for coming on such short notice to welcome Ruby and Bolt to Ponyville. Let’s show them the Ponyville hospitality.” There was much cheering and even Pine kept his pride down to whistle.

Before I knew what was happening, Pinkie was behind us and we were pushed through the crowd to a centre table, which had been hidden by the crowd before but now I could see it. Pinkie had finished the heart on Ruby’s and my cake.

“As the guests of honour… You should get the first pieces,” Pinkie leaned close to Ruby “Piece not the whole cake.” She whispered to her and I smirked as Ruby passed us a cake knife.

I held my hoof out to the side and Ruby took it with her own and we cut a single massive piece off to eat together, Pinkie pulled the decoration of us off and put it on the plate… It was sweet of her.

As we took the plate the crowd cheered then broke to get their own piece, Ruby and I retreated back and enjoyed eating the cake, when it was done Ruby glanced at the ponies struggling to get more.

“Go on, I’m good, I’ll wait here for you.” I said, Ruby smiled and slid off, I glanced around, figuring I’d talk to Pine he seemed a nice guy to talk to.

“Hold it fly boy.” I glanced back and raised my eyebrows at Rainbow who had spoken.

“Yeah what’s up?” I asked turning to face her.

“I um…” Rainbow glanced over at Pinkie who was watching us… Was that fear I saw? Who could be scared of Pinkie? She was so nice “I um… Wanted to welcome Ruby to town but… Since our meeting thought it’d be awkward could you… Pass the message on?” I raised an eyebrow at her hesitant speech.

“What’s the real reason you’re telling me this?” I asked.

“Pinkie Pie is blackmailing me to be nice.” Rainbow said with half lidded irritated eyes.

“Ah that explains it.” I said with a slight grin.

“Look…” Rainbow rubbed the side of her leg, clearly she was swallowing her pride, NOW she was being sincere “…Tell Ruby… I’m sorry… For being a jerk to her, she’s a nice mare I just…” Rainbow didn’t seem able to finish.

“Hate losing?” I supplied for her and she nodded in thanks “Yeah I’ll pass on the apology.” I told her.

“Thanks BB.” And with that Rainbow flew off. BB… Really?

With Rainbow settled I turned back to the crowd which had moved away, I had to skirt around the tables to reach it and then it was the issue of getting to Ruby in the middle. Though the solution came to me. Pine slid over beside me, now alone.

“Having trouble reaching your marefriend?” He asked.

“Sod off.” I grunted and Pine chuckled.

“That IS what she is too you, right?” Pine asked.

“No… She’s so much more.” My mind suddenly whispered something and I glanced at Pine “Hay Pine… What do you know of lamia traditions?” I asked.

Pine shrugged “Not much, I was raised in isolation never knew my family or my history. Why?” I sighed sadly at his response.

“Just… Having a tough time… Figuring some stuff out.” The crowd split and I could see Ruby talking, she had a pony in her coils and was lifting her up to the laughter of the crowd. I sighed and smiled dreamily and Pine snorted “What’s so funny?” I asked.

“You have fallen for her real good that face you made was priceless.” Pine looked at Ruby and his smirk changed to a small smile “But I can understand, I feel the same for my own mare…” Pine glanced up at the ceiling as if thinking about what to say “You know… Canterlot has a jewellery store… Maybe you could… Get her something nice?” Pine suggested.

I glanced at the lamia then back at Ruby as she put the pony down and turned to speak to another pony, she had such a wide smile, it made me indescribably happy and relieved to see her like that “Yeah… I think I know what I want to get her.” I said, Pine slapped my back, like a good friend does, but I almost buckled from his strength.

“Sorry.” He said and I chuckled and he smiled a little embarrassed as Ruby suddenly slid over.

“Hay… You want to get something to drink?” Ruby asked me and I nodded waving Pine goodbye as the blond mare from before trotted back over to him.

“What were you talking to Pine about?” Ruby asked the second we were out of earshot.

“Just asking how he deals with mares that he can’t shake off.” I said smirking and received a light tap on my shoulder “No… Just… Getting a suggestion for an idea off him.” Ruby and I reached a table and I grabbed a cup of orange juice, I didn’t drink it, just stared into the rippling liquid.

“Something wrong?” Ruby asked concerned.

“Ruby… How do you feel about visiting Canterlot when we get back from your home?” I asked.

“Huh… Canterlot well… I was kinda hoping to come back to Ponyville.” Ruby said a little disappointed.

“I know, we will straight after I get you something. A present.” I said.

Ruby looked at me, blushing faintly “Why do you want to get me a present suddenly?” Ruby inquired, leaning towards me to see my eyes better.

“That’s what couples do right, get each other gifts and… I want to get you the best one.” I said.

Ruby smiled and glanced over as her name was called by somepony I didn’t recognise, Ruby turned to leave “YOU are the best gift I ever got Bolt.” She said and I watched her go, her tail rippling the lights off the room as she slid away.

“I know,” I said placing the cup back on the table “That’s what I want to get you.”

For the most part I just lightly talked to a few ponies, Ruby was the main focus even if I was the other guest of honour. After all, lamias are a much rarer sight. I didn’t mind, in fact I was happy for the long moments I had to think… To plan. And I was also happy when I saw Ruby’s wide smile as she spoke to ponies so comfortably and got photos taken, with silly faces and odd shapes with her tail, such as a top hat behind a stallions head, followed by much laughing. The little demon that had festered in my mind was sulking in a corner for the time being and that was the way I liked it.

Finally though, the moment Ruby had been most looking forward too arrived, Rarity trotted over to Pinkie and whispered to her and the pink mare front flipped onto a clear table. Rarity grabbed Ruby and pulled her away, walking over to me.

“Time to get ready.” She said and I nodded, giving Ruby a smile as we parted.

I left the party with Pinkie hyping up the dance, I just barely heard that the DJ was to be a ‘DJ Pon3’ from a Canterlot nightclub before it got too distant for me to hear. The night had rolled in and I stared up at Luna’s moon as I walked back to my wagon, the cool night air was refreshing after the closed party space and I only walked quickly for the sake of Ruby.

I reached the wagon and slipped inside retrieving my suit and changing in my bedroom, opening the wardrobe to see the mirror. I’d forgotten the last time I’d worn a suit, jet black as an empty night sky with gold rims and buttons. I look like an agent minus the glasses. I kept adjusting the collar trying to get comfortable, this was so awkward! Finally I sighed, I was at least presentable. I just hoped it would pass Rarity or Ruby and I would never dance… Or possibly make it back to her home this year.

I made my way to Ponyville town hall and as the building came into view I could see beams of light shooting into the sky. I could see a brightly lit entrance with lines of ponies walking in and as I got closer, to the edge of the light I could see a long trail of white leading to a pair of mares, one who appeared to be grabbing the other.

I approached Rarity and Ruby from behind “Alright, that’s perfect. You look smashing dear.” Rarity said with a smile then turned to see me “Oh you’ll look wonderful together.”

Ruby turned to look the same direction Rarity was and squeaked before blushing. Ruby looked wonderful, she was in a sunset coloured orange dress that slowly turned a brighter blond further up. It flowed down her tail a bit and at the top around her neck it curved down slightly, I also noticed what she was wearing. Rarity had found a necklace for Ruby to wear, it had her name sake within, a ruby, in a perfect circle with a golden rim around it and a golden chain. I also noticed she had eye shadow, a deep shadowy leafy green. It all looked beautiful together.

“Wow Ruby you look… Fantastic.” I managed softly and Ruby smiled.

“Thank you Bolt… Rarity’s letting me borrow the necklace and eye shadow.” She said and I mouthed a thank you as Ruby glanced down at her dress.

“You two best get in before it starts, Pinkie will toast to you then the couples song will start… Then she’ll likely start her taste of songs going.” From her tone I imagined Pinkie’s taste wasn’t classical.

I walked up to Ruby, smiled and offered her my hoof. Ruby giggled and accepted it, and we made our way towards the entrance, everypony standing aside and whispering as we passed by.

“Beauty exists in everything.” I heard somepony say and I glanced at Ruby.

“It certainly does.” I thought.

The town hall looked amazing, banners of bright white on one side and dark red on the other, it took me a few seconds to realise it was Ruby’s and my coat colours. The banners weren’t the main thing though, within the centre of the room a stage had been pulled across too, with a large disco ball above and various lights pointed at it, the stage took up almost all of the floor space with only the entrance and opposite side clear. Above the opposite side, with the snack tables below, was a balcony, and on that I could see a massive DJ deck with four speakers suspended on either side. I could see a bright white unicorn with an electric blue mane moving around the decks, she waved down randomly as ponies walked in, but seemed to make sure she saw us, judging from the fact she pointed at us. She also had a friend, likely to keep her in line for the first song as she looked like a more classical musician than the DJ, she was a deep brown Earth pony mare with a well-kept black mane, but I couldn’t see much else from where I was.

Ruby and I made our way with other couple onto the stage, I was thankful it was so large as it gave Ruby room for her tail, though she curled it into a small spiral which she over lapped to save space for others, we still took up more room than anypony else but at least they wouldn’t trip over us. Ruby and I stood side to side and stared up at the DJ, well I did Ruby copied me after seeing everypony present doing the same. And on cue Pinkie appeared next to the DJ who was now rubbing her hooves together in anticipation.

“Well is everypony ready to dance?” Pinkie called into her microphone, her voice was much softer fitting what was coming up but she still has excitement in her voice “As I said our special guest Octavia and her band will be helping us with our couples dance before our main DJ Vinyl shows us how to stomp our hooves, couples it’s your time. Get on up here!” A few ponies sulked off the stage whilst a few more hoped on happily and I turned to Ruby, who seemed surprised that I moved.

“Shall I lead?” I offered, seeing her nervous face.

Ruby nodded “Yeah that’d be best.” She said and I pushed myself onto my back hooves and took her own in my front ones, a dance was normally two ponies using each other to stand in beautiful movements, but since Ruby had a tail I could lean on her a little more than normal, hopefully.

Ruby glanced at the other couples, a few did the same as us, standing on hind legs and holdings waists and such, whilst some remained firmly on their hooves.

“Okay Octavia all yours.” I hear a soft thank you and Ruby smiled at me, here we go.

Octavia disappeared from the main balcony and, after a short wait, appeared on the smaller right side balcony with a few of her band mates, the same on the opposite balcony. Octavia walked up to the front and set down a massive cello, on the opposite side the lead instrument was a piano, there were several other instruments like violins but I turned my head back down to Ruby before I got a good look and she did likewise. I smiled and leaned my head against hers.

“Sorry I’m no fancy dancer but this is about us enjoying it.” I said softly and Ruby nodded and I noticed her eyes sparkling happily.

The pianist began to start up the tune, repeating it several times before Octavia’s cello joined. Ruby glanced over at the other ponies, some, more experienced, already in full swing of their dance whilst others looked a little nervous, a few just swayed and circled slowly, in their own world. I turned back to Ruby and nuzzled her as the song began to pick up and held her hooves as we swayed and occasionally turned, Ruby giggled softly before simply smiling and leant against me enjoying the soft romantic like melody and the closeness of our bodies.

The song continued and we kept the movements going, Ruby occasionally led and I began to notice her tail brushing against my hind legs, I felt a coil clench nipping my hoof a little so I instinctively stepped forward and Ruby and I spun around quickly and Ruby smirked before holding my hoof over her head so she could twirl, I noticed some of her tail shift as she spun, rippling all the way down her body to the tip so it was the right way again, at the same time the song slowed again.

I leaned my head against Ruby’s and simply held her as the band played behind us “You mean more to me than I can explain.” I whispered softly as the song suddenly picked up behind us.

Ruby glanced up and smiled “You look handsome.” Ruby complimented a little awkwardly.

“Wouldn’t look half as good without you.” I told her pushing her nose with mine, Ruby smiled faintly and I began to notice the song slow “When Pinkie starts things going want to get on the roof? I still owe you that kiss.” I whispered Ruby’s eyes widened and she blushed before nodding and we waited patiently for Octavia to finish.

When the band stood for a round of applause they were not disappointed in the level of noise but it was soon broken by Pinkie’s shouting.

“Alright, you had your romance, now DJ, drop the bass!” That moment after I don’t think I could have ever been prepared for the level of noise and I saw Ruby actually flinched back her tail rising before she calmed down.

“Well… I’m sure Canterlot heard that.” I cried, Ruby nodded and I took her hoof nodding to the side and I noticed quite a few ponies following, including Rarity.

“PINKIE PIE!” She screeched and Ruby held her mouth trying not to laugh at her unladylike screaming.

Ruby and I managed to find the stairs up to the second floor then a ladder up to a trapdoor to get on the ceiling, I went up first and helped Ruby up then gladly closed the door behind me. The disco lights that the DJ had kicked up were going through the walls and open doorway so the path below was a rainbow of colours and we could still hear the music but thankfully it wasn’t as intense. I led Ruby around to the side then sat down and she curled her tail around the roof and hung it in drapes over the edge.

For a moment I stared up at the night sky and took a soft breath of the air, then glanced at Ruby who was smiling a little expectantly, I also noticed the way her tail was positioned to her right as if to catch her if she fell. I chuckled then crawled over and pushed her down and she giggled merrily and I laughed too. Ruby’s mane flew out around her like the flame atop a candle, and she stared up at me with lidded eyes hooves folded over her chest, I felt my heart stop then race as if it didn’t know what to do. Neither did my body. Ruby smiled as if she knew and reached up with a hoof and pulled on the tie of my tuxedo and I was dragged down to kiss her… Rarity had let her put Juniper lipstick on…

A sudden clap from an explosion followed by popping made Ruby and I split suddenly apart and we looked over as many colours exploded in the sky. The pair of us watched as fireworks raced into the air, below I could see Pinkie cartwheeling around lighting them in an odd suit that seemed to be made of flames, ponies cheering at the dance of fire.

Ruby sat up and smiled “I like Ponyville.” She said softly.

“But could you live with Pinkie all the time?” I asked and Ruby chuckled.

“Not a chance.” She said and I felt her hoof touch mine, I moved it from my chest and down for her to hold “We’ve come a long way together huh.” Ruby said in a soft voice.

“Yes… Yes we have.” And there’s just a little further I’d like to go before we continue exploring my world… Though I didn’t say that out loud.

I’m not sure how long we stayed there, occasionally, below us, I heard the music change between loud rave like music to classical, and at one point an odd blend that seemed to work. But soon ponies began to trickle away and the music died before a small crowd of the remaining guests left. I heard the trapdoor click open and Twilight and Rarity climbed out whilst Pinkie shot up as if out a canon.

“Told you they’d be up here.” Pinkie said.

“Read the script huh?” I joked.

“Huh how’d you know?” I glanced at Ruby who had a similar puzzled face as mine at the pink mare’s statement.

“Never mind that, Bolt, Ruby… I wanted to ask… How was the party? Did you enjoy it?” Twilight asked sitting down beside Ruby, Rarity joining her whilst Pinkie bounced over to my side.

“It was…” Ruby glance at Pinkie and me and smiled “A night I’ll never forget.” She said softly and Pinkie clapped her hooves happily.

“Party, officially, a success!” She cried hitting the air.

“May I ask you two, I can understand escaping Vinyl’s taste in music,” The way Rarity said taste gave her impression on it very well “But why didn’t you come back for more couple songs? Being the guests the party is centred around but not turning up for most of it is… Odd.” I smiled sheepishly.

“Sorry, that was me, I stole her because I promised I’d kiss her on a Canterlot roof but… Well never got around to it and this seemed just as nice to me.” I said softly, Rarity cupped her mouth and made an odd whimpering squeak.

“Oh I am so sorry that we interrupted, we didn’t know!” She said.

“It’s okay Rarity we were about to leave anyway, we’re going back to my home, setting off tomorrow, we’ll be picking up Bolt’s brother in Oakbark then heading straight back the way we came.” Ruby said, I’d almost forgotten Digi wanted to come with us.

“Oh, but you will be coming back of course?” Rarity asked hopefully.

“Yes, we’ll be stopping in at Canterlot now Ruby has the pony potion. I have… Something I want to get.” I said and Ruby glanced at me. I pushed my hooves together awkwardly and finally whispered “Ruby… Um… Would you mind setting off for the wagon and I’ll catch up, I need to ask Twilight and Rarity something.” I noticed Ruby’s face fall for a second then she smiled and nodded.

“Sure see you in a bit.” Ruby dropped me out of her coils, noticeably a little rougher than usual and I grabbed her hoof before she left and lightly kissed her cheek.

“It’ll be worth it, I promise.” I whispered and let her go. I watched Ruby climb off the building and slide down the street… She glanced back just once.

“I assume you have a good reason as to why you were so blunt in sending her away?” Rarity asked hotly.

“Yes… I need to ask you a favour. Let me explain what I have in mind before you go shooting daggers.” I said, then I began to explain.

It took a while to finish talking but when I was done Rarity was smiling with her hoof on her mouth and tears in her eyes and Twilight looked excited, Pinkie was positively vibrating on the spot.

“So… Will you help me? It’s difficult being secretive with Ruby, not only to hide the idea from her but also… It hurts.” I said a little shamefully.

“No, this is a wonderful secret and surprise, I suppose here will be best to…” Rarity nodded her head smiling, silently finishing her sentence.

“Yeah, that’s part of the reason why I’m going to Canterlot, for the second half of the start. Pinkie I also need two things from you, you said you could hollow out that piece of cake Ruby had? Well I need you to do that for me and I also need a way to write a bold message… You have any ideas?” I asked.

Pinkie tapped her chin in thought, but Twilight spoke up first “Ruby seems to quite like pony created things and magic, having never been able to experience it herself, I could project a message through a spell perhaps in the valley below where your wagon is parked now. It would be a nice place to have a picnic.” Twilight suggested.

I smiled and nodded “Yes… That would be perfect thank you.” I said.

Rarity flicked her mane back “And of course I will have the clothing ready for the ‘occasion’ when it begins.” She said and I smiled.

“Thank you Rarity… All of you, this… Means a lot to me and I hope Ruby likes it too.” I said.

“She’ll flip her scales!” Pinkie said and I chuckled at the thought.

“Well it’s settled, we’ll have things ready when you return.” Rarity promises.

The four of us went our separate ways home after that. I briefly walked with Twilight in silence since my wagon was near her home, but left with a silent wave as I made my way up the hill to the wagon. I pushed the door open silently and walked inside, and cracked the door open to my bedroom, peaking inside. Ruby was sat with the bedside lamp on staring at her tail, I fully opened the door and walked softly over to the bed climbing on behind her. I saw her ear twitch as the bed shifted and I wrapped my hooves around her.

“I promise… It will be worth the secrecy, just humour me Ruby, please.” I whispered softly. Ruby reached up and touched my hoof.

“I’m trying Bolt but… I feel as if you’re breaking apart from me.” She said in a fearful voice.

“I would never Ruby… Believe me when you learn what I have been doing, we’ll be closer than before all this. Trust me, have faith in me.” I pleaded.

Ruby leaned back “Ok Bolt… But don’t leave me hanging too long or I might let go.” Ruby said softly in a faint playful voice.

“Don’t worry Ruby, once we get back from Canterlot… We’ll sit down and talk about it over cake.” I promised hiding my smile.

“I’d like that.” Ruby whispered and she fell peacefully to sleep.

I lay Ruby on her side then rolled her over, pulled the covers over us both and snuggled up to her, it took several seconds before her tail instinctively went for my body’s heat source.

“I promise… It’ll be worth it.” I told the sleeping mare.

Author's Notes:

And so it begins... The end... So Ruby and Bolt finally get to the party Pinkie has planned and now Bolt has got his own plan forming he's keeping hidden from Ruby, you can all probably guess what it it so hiding it is a dumb idea. XD But I want to anyway, cause I'm like that. :3 Anyway when I proof read this chapter it made me realise, I'm nearing the end of this. My longest story and it's almost over... I'll probably do little spin offs with Ruby and Bolt, don't worry but... What big story will follow it... I've been thinking of doing a fallout story but would that seem to band-wagony? I dunno, we'll see what I decide, for now enjoy.

Sunny is getting her turn soon. :3