“Thank you ever so much for offering to make breakfast for us, Pinkie,” Rarity said, walking downstairs, followed by everyone else.

“No problem!” Pinkie said. “I love cooking!”

“Lemme help ya out some, Pinkie,” Applejack said. “Should make things a mite quick--”

“Oh! Shh!” Rarity exclaimed.

“What?” Rainbow asked. “We’re all awake!”

“Keep it down!” Rarity said. “Look… on the couch.”

Everyone filed down the stairs and gathered around the couch to see what Rarity was so excited about. It was Sunset and Smokestack sleeping together. Smokestack had his arms wrapped around Sunset’s waist, and Sunset held a teddy bear close to her.

“Aww!” the girls went.

“But, where did the teddy bear come from?” Applejack asked.

“Oh, when Smoke was finally out of the hospital, I took him out to the arcade and he won a teddy bear for Sunset,” Coppermane said.

“Aw, that’s so sweet of him,” Fluttershy said.

Applejack let out another chuckle, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Sunset so happy. I think she’s found her guy.”

Everyone nodded in agreement. The smile on Sunset’s face as she slept was undeniable. Unexpected snickering could be heard behind the group, and they turned around to see Rainbow Dash with what appeared to be a small air horn.

“Rainbow, no,” Coppermane said.

“Come on, it’ll be funny,” Rainbow said.

“Don't make me take that from you, Rainbow,” a voice said from the couch.

Rainbow looked down to see Smokestack with his eyes open.

“Smoke? I-I thought you were--”

“--asleep? You girls aren’t exactly quiet, so you woke me up,” Smoke whispered. “But I’m certainly not waking my Shimmercakes up. When she wakes up, so will I.” Smokestack gave Sunset a kiss on the cheek before snuggling back up with her and closing his eyes.

Rainbow groaned. “Party pooper…”

The girls giggled and quickly got started on breakfast. The scent of food stirred Sunset’s senses, waking her up. She looked behind to see who, or what, was holding her, and she was met with Smokestack's smile.

“Morning, Shimmercakes,” Smokestack said.

Sunset giggled, “Morning Smokie.”

Smokestack gave Sunset a kiss on the cheek, “You sleep okay?”

“Sure did,” Sunset said.

Smokestack released Sunset and they sat up next to each other. Smokestack wrapped his arm around Sunset’s waist and pulled her in for a passionate kiss. After gazing into each other’s eyes for a moment, Sunset got up to tidy herself up in the bathroom, whilst Smoke made his way to the kitchen.

“Morning… again."

“Morning!” everyone replied.

“Hey, Smoke, why were you and Sunset on the couch?” Coppermane asked. “I got a little worried when I woke up and didn’t see you in the room.”

“Oh, Sunset came down here in the middle of the night, and she said she couldn’t sleep. I stayed down here with her to help.”

“Oh, how sweet!” Rarity said.

He blushed. “I just want her to be happy. And… speaking of which… can I ask you girls for some… advice?”

“Sure!” Pinkie said, answering for everyone. “If it’s baking, you’ve come to the right place!

“Not baking advice,” Smokestack said, making Pinkie frown a little. “Um… I need some dating advice. You see… it dawned on me that Sunset and I haven’t gone on our official first date yet. I want to rectify that today, but I’m not sure what to do. My last relationship with Indy… it didn’t go so well. I just don’t want to mess up, because I really, really, really like Sunset. A girl that perfect deserves nothing but the best I can offer. I just have no clue what to do.”

“Darling, you’re putting too much pressure on yourself,” Rarity said. “I’m sure whatever you do, Sunset will love it.”

“No, that’s not good enough,” Smokestack said. “It needs to be perfect. As perfect as Sunset herself.”

“Well, for starters, that 50s diner in the mall has Sunset’s favorite food,” Twilight said.

“Gotcha,” Smokestack said, typing notes into his phone. “What else?”

“Don’t bring up anything involving the Fall Formal,” Applejack said.

“Yeah,” Rainbow said. “She’s really sensitive about her past.”

“Can’t blame her for that,” Smokestack said. “Next?”

“Well… we can’t really give you an exact equation for a perfect date,” Twilight said. “I mean… I don’t think we can. Maybe if I study for long enough…”

“No, Twilight. You’re absolutely right,” Rarity said. “Smokie, sweetheart, you shouldn’t overthink it. If you’re distressed, Sunset will be too, and then neither of you will be able to enjoy yourselves. I think the biggest thing here is to remember that Sunset will just love spending quality time with you. Treat her like a lady, and remember why you’re going out with her: to spend quality time with her, and to make her happy. That’s the ‘equation’ for a perfect date.”

Everyone was speechless, but their smiles all spelled agreement.

“Well said. Thanks a lot.”

“Anytime, darling!” Rarity said.

“Ah… much better.”

Smokestack looked to see Sunset walking out of the bathroom towards the group, and he found himself captivated by the sight. She tossed her fiery hair from side to side, straightening it out afterwards as she walked. It was like watching a supermodel strutting her stuff as she walked down the runway. Her gaze landed on him, and her gorgeous eyes seemed to sparkle. Her smile melted his heart like ice cream.

“Smokie? Are you okay?”

It took a moment for him to realize that Sunset was right in front of him, and he’d been ogling her that whole time in front of her friends.

“Um… yeah”, Smokestack stammered, rubbing his eyes. “It’s just… um… y-you look really pretty.”

Sunset blushed majorly. “Gosh… I mean… I don’t have any makeup on.”

“Shimmercakes, you need no makeup at all to be beautiful,” Smokestack said.

As if it was possible, Sunset’s face went redder. She started twirling her hair. “Smokie…”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen Sunset blush so much!” Rainbow teased.

“You two are so cute!” Pinkie squealed.

“Um… I need to use the bathroom now,” Smokestack said, practically on fire from how much he was blushing right now. Sunset gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before he rushed off.

Smokestack washed his hands in the bathroom with a big smile on his face, unable to stop thinking about Sunset. He splashed some water in his face to jolt his senses and help wake him up. Maybe now he won’t be so flustered by Sunset’s mere presence. Then again, how could he not be flustered by such a perfect creature?

Soon…

Smokestack froze, the water drenching his face keeping his eyes closed. He waved his arms behind him, and his heart began to pound when he felt nothing. His eyes were still shut, but the room seemed to get darker… and colder. He rubbed the water out of his eyes and looked up.

In the mirror, the walls were replaced by warping green flames. The radiating heat distorted the image of Smokestack with skin of black chitin and translucent green orbs for eyes.

Soon…

A figure rose behind his tainted reflection, resembling a mutated equine creature.

The clock’s ticking. Tick tock. I grow closer. Tick tock. Ever closer…

Smokestack found himself frozen as the sounds of a grandfather clock pierced the air. A swinging pendulum appeared to be swinging behind the figure.

“Go away…”Smokestack pleaded. “Go away…”

Slow and steady… patient… unstoppable… tick tock…

“Go away!” Smokestack shouted, quickly turning around to face the entity… only to find the same, normal bathroom wall. He examined his hands, and they were as they should be. He felt around his face. Skin; not chitin.

“Do I dare look back at the mirror?”

Smokestack summoned his strength and turned back to the mirror, and the reflection was normal. A perfect, sane reflection of the bathroom. He leaned on the countertop to collect himself, breathing heavily.

Tick tock… tick tock… tick tock…

A grandfather clock pendulum echoed in his head. A hallucination, perhaps? Or was it… her?

Soon…

Smokestack looked up, staring intently at himself. Nothing out of the ordinary now.

“No… get yourself together. We worry about this another day,” he said. “Today is about Shimmercakes, and nothing else. Get it? Got it? Good.”

He took a deep breath before drying his hands off and walking out to meet with everyone else. Being with Sunset and his friends would definitely help calm him down.

Stepping back out he got back with the others who were talking.

"You okay Smokie?" Sunset asked.

"Yeah, I'm alright babe." Smokestack smiled, moving his hands around her waist and kissing her cheek, making her blush.

"So, you done being flustered over her beauty?" Applejack asked.

"Yes, I am."

"Then I guess we're not gonna play that romance song that's on Sunset's cassette player?"

Smokestack's eyes widened. "No wait, don't--"

Pinkie zipped up and pushed the play button, much to Smokestack's pleads.

Take my breath away...

Smokestack's arms drooped and he hung his head. Everyone just gave sly smirks. Sunset gave a sexy grin and she kissed his cheek.

"Smokie, its fine. Its a great song, and its quite beautiful actually." Sunset smiled, hugging him. "And Smokie?"

"Yeah?" Smokestack asked, looking into Sunset's beautiful eyes.

Sunset grabbed the tape player and she hit her finger on the stop button. "I think this should go back to the person it belongs to."

"No, Sunset, I gave that to you as a reminder of me, I--"

"Smokestack. I insist, you need your music more than me. Besides, I've already got something that reminds me of you."

"What?"

Sunset giggled. She held up the necklace that was worn around her neck, and she gestured to the teddy bear that was on the couch.

"And I've got you. Its okay Smokie. I want you to have your music back. You deserve it back."

Smokestack gave a small smile before hugging her. "Well, if you insist..."

Smokestack smiled back and he just held Sunset close as Pinkie was finishing putting breakfast together. At least she was enjoying the gift he passed to her.

Everyone hung out for a little while longer before the early afternoon came along. Soon they all started to get ready to go their separate ways for the day. But Smokestack was quick about getting his things ready. Once he was done, he went to find Sunset.

“Hey, Shimmercakes. Can I talk to you for a moment? Alone?”

“Yeah, of course,” Sunset said. “What’s up, Smokie?”

“Listen…” Smokestack said. “I was really happy that we were able to talk last night. Finally had some quality alone time with you, y’know?”

Sunset smiled. “I liked it too.”

“Well, it got me thinking…” Smokestack said. “I realized something. We haven’t actually… like… gone out together yet. Officially, I mean.”

Sunset’s eyebrows rose. “Oh… I never thought about that. You’re right.”

He chuckled. “Yeah… so… are you free tonight?”

Sunset slowly smirked. “Yes. Yes I am.”

Smokestack suddenly felt his hand start shaking. “Cool. So… um… d-do you… um…”

“Smokie, do you want to go out with me tonight?” Sunset asked.

Smokestack's heart dropped. “Whoa… wh-what?”

Sunset laughed. “You heard what I said.”

Smokestack pursed his lips, rubbing the back of his neck. “Jumping the gun, huh?”

“You looked nervous, so I wanted to help out.”

Smoke blushed. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry,” Sunset said. “Just say yes.”

Smokestack noticed the gleam in Sunset’s eyes, nearly taking his breath away. How could he possibly say no to such a pretty face?

“Sunset… it would be an honor,” Smokestack said.

Sunset cheered and gave Smokestack a big hug. “Oh, we’re gonna have so much fun!”

Sunset pulled her head back a little, giving him a prime opportunity to give Sunset a big kiss. Sunset melted in his arms, along with his own heart. Knowing he could kiss Sunset whenever he wanted to filled him with joy. He pulled back, and gazed into her gorgeous turquoise eyes. It was unfair that one girl could be so beautiful.

“Y’know, we’re already dating, Smokie,” Sunset said. “Why were you so nervous before?”

Smokestack blushed. “Well, it’s been a long time. I might as well have never done it. Sorry.”

Sunset giggled. “Don’t worry about it, Smokestack. Wanna know something? I think it’s really cute when you’re shy.”

Smokestack's face only went redder. “Really?”

“It’s the cutest thing ever,” Sunset said, kissing his burning cheek.

“Um… I-I don’t know what to say…” Smokestack stammered.

“Just c’mere,” Sunset said, giving Smokestack a kiss. Smokestack didn’t mind one bit. Her lips were as sweet as candy, if not sweeter. They pulled away, and just held each other for a moment.

“Alright, I need to get going,” Sunset said. “I need to pick out my outfit for tonight.”

“I’d be perfectly fine if you just wore what you’re wearing now,” Smokestack said.

“Are you dressing up?” Sunset asked.

“Of course,” Smokestack said. “I have to. You don’t.”

“I’m dressing up, Smokie, and you’re just gonna have to deal with it,” Sunset said, giving him a sassy smile.

Smokie laughed. “I guess if I have to…”

Sunset laughed and gave Smokie a peck. “Give me a hand with my things?”

Smokestack nodded, helping pack up some things. But the entire time, his mind was pondering what Sunset might wear. A dress? Something even better? What kind of makeup would she wear? Would she do her hair? The possibilities were endless for how Sunset would manage to make herself even prettier than she already is. Whatever would happen, he knew he would love it.

Tonight’s gonna be amazing.

The afternoon turned to dusk, and Smokestack date with Sunset was growing near. Too near. He was starting to lose his mind. She would be here any minute. He didn’t have his roommate here to help him calm down, as he was on his own date. All he could do was try taking deep breaths as he stood in front of the mirror adjusting his suit and tie.

“Okay… calm down,” Smokestack said. “It’s just Sunset. You already know she likes you. You’ll be fine.”

Suddenly the sound of the doorbell echoed through the home, making him jump five feet into the air. Once he collected himself, he examined himself in the mirror one last time. It wasn’t ideal, but Sunset was out there waiting for him. Whether he liked it or not, he had to be ready right now.

He looked through the peephole first, and immediately felt happier when he saw the familiar fiery hairdo of Sunset Shimmer. He opened the door, and his happiness skyrocketed when he laid his eyes on beauty incarnate standing before him. Sunset’s hair was no different than it was normally, but the dress she wore was breathtaking. A sleeveless dress of sparkling magenta with a red neck-piece and red bracelet, brought out by her flowing hair. She seemed to be wearing mascara too, because her eyes were somehow more gorgeous than they usually are. Smokestack was standing before a goddess, and was wondering if he should be dropping to his knees or not.

“Sunset… y-you look amazing,” Smokestack said.

Sunset giggled. “Thanks! You look pretty sharp yourself.”

Smokestack blushed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Really? Thanks. So… may I take your hand?”

Sunset giggled again. “You certainly may,” she said, holding it out.

Right before he took her hand, he had a thought, making him look up at Sunset with a smirk. He took Sunset’s hand and pulled her in, dipping her back slightly and kissing her hand, staring intently into her eyes.

“Smokie…” Sunset said, her eyes wide. “Suave.”

Smokestack smirked again before pulling Sunset into a passionate kiss, holding her tight.

“I know just where to go tonight,” Smokestack said.

“Oh? Where?” Sunset asked.

“You’ll see,” Smokestack said.

Smokestack led Sunset to her car and kindly opened up the door for her. She stepped inside and she closed the door. Smokestack moved over to the other side and sat in the driver seat. His hands gripped the steering wheel as he looked ahead.

“Do you mind being my co-pilot? I only have one eye working and my depth perceptions a bit… you know,” Smokestack said.

“No of course,” Sunset smiled.

Smokestack grinned back and he started the engine. The car began to start up and he pulled the vehicle out of the parking spot and out onto the open road heading to the restaurant for their date.

Smokestack and Sunset arrived, and purposely parked a little further away than necessary so he could walk with Sunset more while holding her hand. It felt amazing to show everyone who walked past them that Sunset was his.

They arrived at the diner, and Sunset gasped.

“Smokie… I love this place! How did you know?” Sunset asked.

Smokestack shrugged, “Call it a hunch.”

Sunset smiled and eagerly walked inside, followed by Smokestack. They were quickly seated and helped by the waitstaff. After ordering their drinks, they took a moment to just marvel at their significant other.

“Sunset, can I ask you something?” Smokestack asked.

“Sure Smokestack, what is it?”

Smokestack sighed. “Well, forgive me for sounding selfish, but… why do you like me?”

Sunset looked at him quizzically, but with a smile. “What do you mean?”

“I mean… why did you choose me?” Smokestack asked. “How did I win you over? I-I’m just curious.”

Sunset giggled, running her hand up his arm with a sexy smile. “Well, I like you because I think you’re very sweet, smart, brave, and strong. I think all the work you’ve made is amazing, and it’s amazing that you’ve been able to overcome so much in your life. Plus… I think it’s very cute when you’re shy.”

“Y-You really think that?” Smokestack asked.

“I really do,” Sunset said. “Why are you asking?”

Smokestack sighed, “You sure you want to know?”

Sunset’s smile seemed to dwindle, probably from Smokestack's frown.

“Smokie, is everything okay?” Sunset asked. “If you want to talk about something, I’m right here. You can talk to me about anything.”

Smokestack pursed his lips. “I’ve done some bad things in my life, Shimmercakes. Some really horrible things. When I look in the mirror, I don’t see what you and your friends see. I don’t see a friend. I see a monster. Honestly, if you had seen half of the things I had done, you’d see what I see.”

“Smokestack, no. You’re not a monster.”

“Sunset, just look at me,” Smokestack said. “I look like an abandoned science experiment! My eyes, they're.. they're deformed! I’m barely put together, I've got scratches everywhere! What do you think goes through people’s heads when they see me? Look me dead in the eye and tell me that I’m not the stuff of nightmares.”

“Smokestack, stop,” Sunset said sternly. “Smokestack, look at me.” She lifted his chin up, forcing him to look at her. He blinked, and a tear was forced out. She used her hands to wipe his cheeks dry before offering a tender smile; the warmest she could muster. “I understand how you feel. I totally get it. But believe me when I say that no matter what you did, no matter how bad it was, it doesn’t affect who you are today. I know from personal experience. I don’t see a monster when I look at you. I see the sweetest guy I’ve ever met, who’s made mistakes in the past and his doing everything in his power to rectify his transgressions. You care about us. You defend us. You would do anything to save us, even sacrifice yourself. Smokie… you’re my hero.”

Smookestack's eyes went wide. More tears fell, but he was anything but sad.

“R-Really?”

Sunset nodded, leaning over to give him a peck. “Most importantly… you’re mine, Smokie. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “Shimmercakes, if we weren’t in the middle of a restaurant right now, I would be giving you the biggest kiss ever.”

Sunset laughed, her face going bright red. She took his hand, looking deeply into his eyes. “I know you’re dealing with a lot of stress right now, but there’s no need to worry. We won’t let Neon or any of his friends hurt you. If Neon wants to tangle with you, he has to go through me first.”

Smokestack gave a warm smile, “You really would do that for me?”

Sunset grinned and gave a nod, “Of course. You mess with my Smokie, you mess with me. And that goes for all of us. If it’s a fight they want, it’s a fight they’ll get.”

Smokestack chuckled, “I love your enthusiasm.”

Sunset blushed a bit.

The waiter soon came by and gave them their drinks. Then once they received their drinks, the waiter walked away with their orders.

“Well… I guess while we’re on the subject… can I tell you a secret?”

“What kind of secret?” Sunset asked.

“Well… um…” Smokestack paused and sighed. “Shimmercakes, I have to be honest. I haven’t told you everything. Remember how I said I’ve done some horrible things?”

“Mmmhmm,” Sunset said.

“I told you about running away from home… but you didn’t hear the whole story. I ran as far as I could with the loot I took, after getting traumatized by Chrysalis, but I didn’t run away from Equestria. Instead, I ran to the one place I know I could be accepted. I went to the city of Canterlot and I found my Aunt and Uncle’s home. They took me in for a bit. But I couldn’t stay…”

Sunset interrupted, “Did they ever find out about your mom and dad?”

Smokestack nodded, “I told them everything I knew. Afterwards, I ended up breaking down, and they calmed me down. They opened up their home to me, and I stayed for a few weeks. But it wasn’t the same to me. And I still kept thinking Chrysalis was going to come back to finish me off. So… without saying a word, I snuck out one night with all the loot I stole, and I ran off sneaking through Princess Celestia’s castle. But during my visit, I found myself stuck trying to find a place to hide. I hid in a closet, and that’s when I discovered… you.”

Sunset’s eyes widened, “M-Me?”

“Yes. I remember seeing you talking with Princess Celestia, and she showed you a mirror that she said could transport someone into another dimension but it opened only every 30 moons. Once you two were gone, I took my chance and I disappeared through the portal. I never came back to Equestria unless I was going to see how the world was looking while I was here, or if there was anything of value I could take back here.”

Sunset didn’t say a word. She only looked straight forward with a face that spelled deep thought, twirling her hair. Smokestack covered his face with his hand.

“Sunset, I’m so sorry,” Smokestack said. “This is the worst date ever.”

“Smokie, don’t say that,” Sunset said.

“It’s true, though."

“No,” Sunset said. “No it isn’t.”

Smokestack looked back, “It isn’t?”

Sunset shook her head, still smiling. “Trust me, I’ve been on much worse.”

“So… that means this date is bad, then,” Smokestack said.

“Smokie, this is not a bad date,” Sunset said. “Believe it or not, I’m having a really nice time.”

“B-But… I lied to you. I lied to you about being homeless, I--”

“Smokie,” Sunset said. “What did I say before? I said that your past doesn’t matter. I used to rule the school with an iron fist, and was mean to everyone around me. Princess Twilight opened my eyes, and sure, I was hated for a while, but that time is past. Now I have the greatest friends I could ever ask for, and an amazing boyfriend,” she said with a wink. “If that’s taught me anything, it’s that the past doesn’t matter. What matters is who you are now. I won’t say the things you did aren’t horrible, but that’s all over with. There’s no fixing what’s already happened. The best you can do is march forward and try to be a better person. And Smokestack… I think you’re doing a fantastic job.”

Smokestack was left speechless again. He found himself contemplating again whether or not he should drop to his knees in front of Sunset. After everything she’s said, her beauty radiated like Celestia’s sun. Inner beauty and outer beauty. Sunset really was a goddess.

“Shimmercakes… I don’t know what to say…” he said.

Sunset giggled. “Don’t worry about it. Just remember that you have friends now, and you have me. And we’ll always be here for you.”

Smokestack couldn’t help himself from leaning over to give Sunset a kiss. It was meant to be a peck, but it went on for much longer.

Ahem!

The couple was jolted out of their trance by their waiter standing next to them with their food. They blushed profusely, but the waiter just laughed before handing them their respective dishes. And the evening carried on, with Smokestack trying some things including feeding Sunset some of his food. Just a simple evening of smiles, flirting, and laughing with Sunset Shimmer. What could be better?

Night had fallen by the time Smokestack and Sunset arrived at Coppermane's home. The couple stood by Sunset’s car before saying farewell for the night, holding each other and looking into their significant other’s eyes.

“Smokestack, I had an amazing time tonight,” Sunset said.

“I did too,” Smokestack said. “Thanks for everything you said. Like… I seriously can’t thank you enough. I really needed to hear that.”

“No problem,” Sunset said. “Remember, we’re always here for you, no matter what.”

Sunset let out a mighty yawn, causing Smokestack to yawn as well.

“It’s getting late. I should get going,” Sunset said.

“Same,” Smokestack said. “Good night, Shimmercakes.”

“Good night, Smokie,” Sunset said.

Before they let each other go, they shared a long, passionate kiss. At the end of it, Sunset gave him a sexy wink before getting into her car. Smokestack walked up to the front door, but turned back to take one more look at Sunset. He might have to ask Sunset to wear that dress again on a future date. Her car went out of sight, and he immediately missed her a little.

One thing was for sure after tonight: Smokestack hasn’t felt this happy in a long time.

I know this is long overdue, I'm sorry for it being late. But I'll admit, I feel as if this story isn't really getting much attention.

But in the end, I want to keep on trucking so I'm gonna do the best I can. Any legit criticisms you may have that you wish to bring up, please do. I am listening. Anything you like, anything you dislike?