A Matter of the Heart

"Alex....Alex....ALEX!"

"Ahforfu-WHAT!?"

"Finally! I've been trying to wake you up for the past two minutes!" '....Why?'

"...But why though?"

"Today is the day of the Grand Galloping Gala, and we need to ensure that everything is prepared! We need to make ourselves presentable, we need to make sure that our friends have prepared, ensure that my spell-"

"Yeayeayea, that's all well and good, Sparky, but do we really have to do all of this now?"

"Well, why wouldn't we do this no-"

"It's 3 in the fucking morning, you twat."

"...Oh...erm...my bad..."

Today was the day of the Grand Galloping Gala, an event held in high regards by my equine friends. Whilst not as enthusiastic as the girls, more specifically a certain pink pony and an indigo maned fashionista, I was still looking forward to tonight's event. Still, I was feeling rather nervous about the whole 'Reveal-my-existence-to-the-world' thing that Celestia had planned. 'Well, I can't stay secluded here all my life now, can I? Besides, my existence will get out sooner or later, so I may as well do it on my own terms, I guess.'

"I... can't... believe... the Grand... Galloping... Gala... is... tonight!" Cries Pinkie, jumping up and down on her trampoline. Where she'd gotten the trampoline, I didn't know, and I didn't plan on asking either. Ignoring her antics for now, I look over towards the lavender unicorn sitting away from me, who, because of Pinkie's shouting, was having difficulties on focusing on her book.

"Pinkie! Please stop shouting, I'm trying to concentrate." Twilight says, looking up from her book and towards the everlastingly exuberant pony. Whilst she did just that, she merrily continued bouncing away. That was until Rarity decided to make her presence known, trotting over towards us. Hearing a happy sigh to my side, I glance at Spike, who was staring lovingly at the approaching unicorn. 'That's right, Spike. Keep staring with that adoring face of yours and she's bound to fall for you.'

"Pinkie Pie! Stop that right now. It's time to prepare for the Gala, and I refuse to let you put on your new dress when you're all sweaty." Surprisingly, Rarity's threat got through to the pink pony, whose bouncing literally skidded to a halt in mid-air. 'How in the fuck does she do that? No, wait, don't question her. It's Pinkie, she does whatever she wants, physics be damned.' Jumping off of the trampoline and towards both myself and Spike, Pinkie looks quizzically towards Twilight, who was biting her bottom lip in concentration.

"What's Twilight doing?" She whispers to the pair of us. Shrugging, I gesture to Spike, who was more informed than me when it came to Twilight's 'Spell-of-the-day.'

"She's got an awesome magic spell she's been working on for the Gala." Explains Spike. Before he could elaborate further on said spell and its effects, Rarity came over to join the three of us, looking around impatiently.

"Where are the others? It's getting late!" 'Late? But the Gala's not for a few more hours. We've plenty of time.'

"Hold yah' horses, girl. We're here." As if on cue, Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy appeared, joining the four of us. 'Speak of the devils, and they shall appear.' Just in time, as well, as Twilight appeared to have finished with her book, closing it and nodding to herself.

"Perfect! I'm ready." She said to the rest of us, appearing satisfied with whatever it was she'd just learnt. 'To do what?'

"For what?"

"Yea, what are you up to, Sparky?" Ignoring both mine and Rainbow's questions, Twilight looks over to Spike, who picks up a nearby apple and makes his way to her side. Placing it on the ground and backing away, the rest of us form a circle around both it and Twilight, the latter taking on a look of determination, her horn beginning to glow.

"Ooh! Are we having pie?"

"Shh! Watch!" Suddenly, the apple was enveloped by an aura, the same colour as the one wrapped around Twilight's horn. Within moments, what was once an apple transformed into a fully sized, apple shaped carriage, fit with it's own little flag on top for decoration. '...Fucking what?' Whilst I sat there motionless, bewildered at what had just transpired before me, the rest of the girls were cheering in amazement at Twilight's magical feat.

"Thanks, girls," 'Fuck me, can you look any more smug?' "but that's just the start. Fluttershy, did you bring your friends?" She asks, turning to the mare in question. Nodding, Fluttershy lowers her head to the ground, allowing a group of mice to jump from out of her mane and onto the ground. 'Oh please don't tell me she's going to do what I think she's going to do...' Reassuring the timid pegasus that no harm would come to her squeaky little friends, Twilight's horn lit up once more.

"Oh boy, the bullshit continues?" I groan, standing up to get a better view. Paying no attention to me, the group kept their focus on the mice as the same aura from before enveloped them. Whilst I had an inkling as to what was going to happen, it didn't make it any less shocking when the four little animals were suddenly turned into a group of large horses, although their muzzles kept the appearance of a mouse, whiskers and all. '...Oh you have got to be taking the piss.'

Yea, I wasn't having any of it. 'No. Fuck off. I'm done.'

"Right, what in the actual fuck am I looking at?" Rising to my feet, I walk over to the four horse-ified mouses. "Are you seriously telling me, that you can magically turn those little fucks into these? Seriously!?" I say, unable to comprehend just how she could accomplish such a feat, magic or not. Turning towards Twilight, she responded by gesturing to her horn, smug smile and all. Sighing in exasperation, I shake my head. "Right, I'm an alien in a world of colourful, magical ponies. Why the hell is this stuff even surprising me anymore."

"Oh do lighten up, darling. Thanks to Twilight, we now have our own transportation to the Gala itself. And it's stylish as well!" I'm halfway to flipping Rarity off before, out of nowhere, her cat Opalescense pounced out from the bushes towards the horses. Ignoring Fluttershy's shouting, the cat latches onto the back of one of the four horses. Startled, and knocking the cat away from them, the horses reared up in fright. Not wanting to be trampled to death, I jump out of the way just in time for the four horses to gallop down the road. Paying no attention to Twilight's desperate calls, they vanish from sight. Correction: We did have transportation. Any more bright ideas, Gandalf?

"Those horses were supposed to pull our carriage! Now how will we get to the Gala?" 'Call an Uber?'

"Hey, you're the magical master here, Sparky. Can't you just summon a few replacements?" I suggest, the unicorn rolling her eyes at my suggestion, before giving me a quick explanation on how she couldn't just 'magic-up' a group of horses to pull the carriage. 'Well excuse me for not knowing how magic works.'

"Whatever shall we do?" Cries Rarity, throwing her signature dramatic hoof-to-the-forehead routine. Seeing as how nopony was suggesting anything, her eyes suddenly settle on me. 'Oh here we go.' "Greyson, darling. You're a big, strong, gentlestallion, are you not? Surely you could-"

"Snowflake, if you plan on asking me to drag that fucker all the way from here to that city on the mountain over there, then my answer will be for you to eat shi-" Before I could finish with my profane suggestion, our attention was drawn to the sky. More specifically, the carriage that was descending from the sky and towards us. Making room for the carriage, it gracefully landed on the ground in front of us. As had been the case with the last carriage that I'd seen, it had been driven by two armoured pegasus, one of whom was approaching our group.

"Good day to you all. I have been sent by her royal highness, Princess Celestia, to collect the one known as Alexander Greyson, and to bring him to the castle in preparation for tonight's events." He declared, his gaze moving to each member of the group, until finally coming to a stop on me. As was the case with every other pony who'd only just met me for the first time, I noticed a hint of surprise in his eyes, though his expression remained as typically stoic as every other guard I'd seen. Turning around, I could see that the girls were about as surprised as I was. 'Well this came right outta the blue. Couldn't she have told us this earlier? Like, a day in advance? Instead of, y'know, a few hours beforehand?'

"Well that sucks for you, Snowflake. Looks like you'll have to find some other poor stallion to act as your drivers. Maybe ask those two over there?" I suggest, pointing to a pair of nearby stallions. Sure enough, the mare did just that, making her way over towards the two stallions. Whilst she was busy persuading the pair, I then turned back to the rest of the group, who were only just recovering from what the guard had told them.

"Well gosh darn. Back to the castle already, sugarcube? Ya' must've really made an impression on the Princess the first time ya' went 'round." Applejack remarked, raising an eyebrow at me. Giving her an innocent smile, I merely shrug.

"Well that's just one of the perks of being me. Everypony loves me." I joke, getting a chuckle from the apple farmer. Looking to the rest of the girls, I notice Twilight looking a little dejected at the news. "What's up, Sparky?" I ask, wondering what was up with the mare.

"Well, I was hoping to give you a tour of Canterlot when we arrived, but I guess that plan just went up in smoke." 'Fuck, she's right as well. And here I was, hoping for a tour of the capital... Then again, if I'm being revealed to the world, maybe Celestia will let me look around the place after the Gala? That's a fair shout, actually. I'll have to ask her later on.'

"Ah well, don't worry about it, Sparky. When we get the whole 'This-handsome-guy-here-is-an-alien-but-he-comes-in-peace-so-don't-lynch-him-please' speech out of the way, and everypony knows who and what I am, then you can give me that tour. How's that sound?" I suggest, getting a small smile and a nod from the unicorn. "Much better. I hate seeing you upset. You're not as cute, then." This gets a full on blush from the unicorn, who tries in vain to hide it from the rest of the girls. Like sharks to blood, they make their moves. "Now you just look even cuter. Keep being you, Sparky." Leaving the unicorn to her teasing friends, I ask the driver to give me a few minutes whilst I collected everything that I would need for the Gala.

To that end, I took a quick visit back to the library, where Rarity had left me my attire for the event. The day after my recent Pinkie party, Rarity had shown me a number of tuxedos and suits, all in different colours and created with different materials, that she'd designed for me for the Gala, going through them one by one until we found one that we'd both agreed on. And by we, I mean her, as every time I'd chosen one that I thought would be good enough, she'd end up throwing it away, calling it 'Out of season' or 'A Crime against Fashion'. 'Still, I think the final pick was good. Can't wait to see how fine I look in it.'

With everything that I'd need for the Gala acquired, I returned to the group. Bidding farewell to the girls, I threw my stuff into the carriage and climbed inside, the driver closing the door behind me. Within moments, the carriage was ascending into the sky, the town and my friends getting smaller and smaller by the second. Waving at them from inside the carriage, I kept my eyes on them until I could no longer see them.

Settling in, I leaned back comfortably against my seat, going through the same process that I'd gone through when I first got into one of these things. That being to sit back, relax, and enjoy the view. 'Well tonight's gonna be fun. I get to meet up with my friends at the castle, I get to take part in some one-in-a-year event, and I get revealed to the rest of the world. What could go wrong?'

The flight to the castle was more or less the same as it was last time, with the carriage flying over the city and into the castle's courtyard. This time, however, the ponies awaiting my arrival were different from what I'd gotten last time. Instead of Captain Shining Armour being the one to greet me, both Celestia and Luna themselves were standing in the courtyard, looking up towards the carriage. Flanking them, unsurprisingly, were royal guards. 'Damn, talk about rolling out the red carpet.'

The carriage doors were opened by the same guard who'd picked me up in Ponyville. Grabbing my bag and climbing out of the carriage, I give the driver a nod of thanks, before making my way towards my awaiting entourage. Before I could even say a word, I found myself being almost tackled to the ground, courtesy of one Princess of the Night. 'Fuck me, last time I saw her she tried to beat the shit outta me. Now she's hugging me? I've said it before and I'll say it again; mares are weird, man.'

"I guess that's one way of saying hello." I laugh, struggling to stay upright. Whilst I was taller than the mare, albeit by only a few inches, she wasn't the lightest of ponies. And since I valued my testicles in good condition, I wasn't going to tell her that. "Hey Celestia? Care to join us?" I offer, the mare smirking in response.

"Perhaps later, my little human, when we have time." She responds, smirking at my bemused expression. 'Oh fuck no, I'm not being called that.'

"Little? Sunshine, If it weren't for that horn of yours, I'd be taller than you and you know it." I retort, the other ponies either amused or surprised at how casually I was talking to their Princess. 'Guess they aren't used to our banter, yet. They'll get used to it.'

"Alex, I'm an immortal Alicorn, and one of the most powerful beings in Equestria. I do not think that size matters here, though I'm sure that you have been told that before?" It took me but a few moments to figure out just what it was that she was insinuating, though judging by the sharp intakes of breath coming from the royal guards, they'd deciphered her meaning in record time. '...Oh you cheeky fucking bi-' "But enough of this banter. Come, we aren't the only ones expecting you. My niece, in particular, would like to talk to you. Privates? You are dismissed." Saluting their Princesses, the two guards made themselves scarce. 'Cadance?'

"Cadance? Why?" I ask, the three of us moving entering the castle itself. Already I could tell that they'd spent a long time preparing for tonight's event, event though they were evidently still preparing. Banners were being hung from open windows, decorations were being finished all over the corridors and servants were generally rushing around us to finish up whatever it was they were doing. Though they all still bowed to the Princess as they passed. 'Wonder if any of them ever forgot to bow, would they get executed? Nah, who am I kidding. Blueblood ain't the ruler. Oh shit, he's gonna be at the Gala tonight! Oohohoho, I'm so gonna get some fucking vengeance on that cockless fuckwit.'

"I'm actually unsure. She did not tell me what it was that she wanted you for, though if you don't know yourself, then it must be a private matter. I'll let you both discuss it between yourselves." She answers, nodding to a passing maid. "Knowing my niece, it may have something to do with her talent for love, perhaps." She adds as we climb up some stairs, a knowing smile on her muzzle.

"What, you think she wants to talk to me about love?" I reply, giving the mare a sideways look. 'She's the one that's engaged. Why would I need love advice?'

"Maybe...Why not ask her yourself?" Celestia suggests, nodding to somepony ahead of us. Following her gaze, the subject of our conversation was coming straight towards us, surprisingly unaccompanied by Shining Armour. 'Well speak of the devil.' "Hello Cadance. I trust you remember our esteemed friend?"

"Good day, aunties. And of course I remember the ever-so charming Alexander. How can anypony forget somepony like him?" She smiles, looking at me. Chuckling, I return the smile.

"Well when you're an alien in a world of magical ponies, you're not easily forgotten. Especially when the alien is as handsome and charming as I am."

"As modest as always, Alexander." Celestia chuckles, before she looks over towards a nearby group of ponies who appeared to be wanting her attention. The Princess lets out a sigh, before turning back to the rest of us. "Unfortunately, duty calls. I still need to help ensure that all the preparations for the Gala are carried out to perfection. I shall talk to you later tonight, Greyson." And with that, the solar Princess left us. Turning to Luna, she to appeared to be on the verge of leaving.

"We to must depart, our friend. We-I am not prepared to face our subjects tonight, and so shall be spending the festivities in our chambers." Luna admits, giving me a sad smile. Whilst I could understand her reasons, I still felt saddened. 'Fuck, she's still beat up about the whole Nightmare fiasco. Hiding from everyone isn't gonna help, sweetheart.'

"Well, if that's what you wanna do. Still, how about we spend some time together later on? Keeps you from being bored all night." I offer, genuinely wanting to spend some more time with the lunar diarch. Spending some more time with the mare would hopefully end up in giving her a much needed confidence boost, which would definitely help her out in the long run. It didn't take her much consideration as her once sad smile turned into one of joy.

"We find that most agreeable, our friend. Our guards shall be instructed to allow thou-you entrance into our chambers. Fare thee well, Greyson."

"See you later, sweetheart." Watching the Princess leave, I couldn't help but notice that she had more of a spring in her step as she left. 'Huh, that must've made her day. Or night, I guess.' Now that both Celestia and Luna had gone off to do their own things, that left just me and Cadance, the latter giving me a smirk and a raised eyebrow. "Oh don't you start, kiddo." I warn, already knowing exactly what she was thinking. 'Don't you dare.' Shaking her head, her smirk devolves into a simple smile.

"Did my auntie tell you that I wanted to talk to you?" Cadance asks, thankfully not probing into what had just transpired. Nodding, she continues. "Great! Let's talk somewhere a little bit more private." She says, motioning with her head for me to follow.

"Aww, and here I was hoping that we could tell each other where we hide our diary keys in the middle of a corridor."

"Well I could tell you where I keep mine, but then I'd have to kill you." 'Okay then, that's not psychotic at all.'

Arriving at Cadance's personal chambers, and wondering just how this little trip was going to end exactly, we step inside. The room was actually quite similar to the one that I'd stayed in during my week long stay, though the room was definitely more furnished than mine was. It also looked a whole lot more colourful than mine did, as well. Hearing the door close behind me, I turn to see Cadance giving me an odd look. 'Yea, I'm not sure where this is going, and I'm not sure I'll like the answer...'

"So uhh...What d'you wanna talk about, exactly?" I ask the mare, taking a cautionary step backwards. Hearing this, her eyes narrowed slightly, looking me up and down. 'This is setting of a few alarm bells...' "Cadance? You uhh... are you good?" I say, unnerved by the look she was giving me.

"Get on the bed." She suddenly says, motioning towards the bed. Looking between it and her, I'm unashamed to say that I felt slightly scared of the situation. 'Right, I do not plan on getting raped by a fucking pony of all things!'

"Cadance, sweetheart. You're a nice looking mare and all, but you're not really my type." I say, already prepared to make a dash for the door. Judging by the distance between it and me, and the fact that she's an Alicorn, my attempts at escape would most likely be futile. But as a proud Brit, I shall never surre-

"We aren't going to have sex, Alex. I just wanted to talk to you about something important." '...Oh...Erm, well then.. Awkward?'

"Oh, alright then. Was getting a bit worried there, but it's all good." I say, laughing it off. Collapsing onto her bed, I take a moment to enjoy how comfortable it is. 'Oh this bed is much more comfortable than the one I had that week. Perks of being Royalty, you get the best things in life.' "Well then, Caddy? What d'you want with lil' ol' me?"

"How close are you and Twilight?" She asks, her tone inquisitive. Sitting up, I give the mare a curious look, confused as to why mine and Twilight's relationship was so important to have me brought here.

"Why do you ask?" I respond, giving the mare my full attention. Biting her lip, she looks to the ground for a few moments, before looking back up at me.

"As you know, Greyson, I'm the Princess of Love. And that's not just a fancy title, either." She begins to explain, choosing her words carefully. "Whilst my aunts hold power over the day and night, I hold power over Love itself, an-"

"Wawawait, so when I said that before that you could control an emotion, I wasn't wrong?" I interrupt, not being able to comprehend how she could control an actual emotion. 'The sun is one thing, the moon and stars are another. But love? An emotion? What the fuck?'

"Well, I can't control it fully, but I can certainly help speed it along. I can help build an attraction between two beings, but whether or not they decide to build upon that attraction is up to them, though I can certainly help them along the way." She explains, much to my shock. 'And here I thought magic was finally running out of ways to fuck my mind. But noooo, here we go again, boys and girls!' "But as I was saying, I hold power over Love itself, and I can tell when one being loves another, even if I was partly responsible or not. As the Princess of Love, it's my job to help spread Love wherever and whenever I can. Consensual love, of course" 'Oh good, and here I thought that you'd be stealing love, like some sort of parasite. Cheers for clearing that up.'

"Okay? That's really bloody cool and everything, sweetheart, but what does this have to do with me and Twilight exactly?"

"I'll ask my original question again: How close are you and Twilight?" 'What's with the interrogation? What is this? Guantanamo Bay?'

"We're friends. Good friends. Very close friends, even. Why? What's this got to do with anything?" I answer, repaying her question with one of my own. Giving me a look that said 'Are-you-kidding?', the mare rolled her eyes, muttering something about 'Stallions are so dense sometimes', or something along those lines. Looking to the other side of the room, her horn lit up. Within moments, a significant amount of letters shot out from within one of her drawers and towards her, resting within her forelegs.

"Do you know what these are?" She asks, holding one of the letters up for me to see. Narrowing my eyes, I shook my head. "These are all letters that Twilight has sent to Celestia over the past few weeks, the first being sent a few days after Nightmare Moon's defeat." She explains.

"Aah, so they're her 'friendship reports', or whatever the hell she called them, right?" I answer, remembering all the times that the lavender unicorn had spent writing them out to her mentor, specifically after important events. Like that one time after the Ursa Major incident, for example. 'Good times.'

"Wrong. They're a different kind of 'friendship' report. They're about somepony that she cares about very, very much, and is unsure if that individual feels the same way that she does. In fact, the reason that I'm telling you all of this is that you know this individual very well." Hearing this, my eyes widened and my throat dried up. 'Oh no. Oh fucking hell, is she talking about who I think she's talking about..' "Here, I'll read a quote from one of these letters.... Ah, here we go. 'He's brave, selfless, smart (though recent events have definitely called that into question), kind, and handsome. In but a few months, I've come to see him as more than just a friend, but as somepony - no, someone that I've come to love'. And judging by your reaction, I think you know exactly who she's talking about." The mare finishes, gives me a knowing look. All I can do is nod, giving her the answer that she was already expecting. 'Oh son of a bitch..'

"...It's me, isn't it." I answer, already predicting the nod that Cadance gave as an answer. Twilight Sparkle. The unicorn who had given me a home, who had given me friends, who had given me multiple bruises, was in love with me.

Twilight Sparkle was in love with me.

"So now that you know how she feels, I'll ask you a different question: How do you feel about Twilight?" Comes the soft voice of the Princess of Love, who was now waiting for my answer. Hell, I was waiting for my own answer. 'Fuck fuck FUCK! She loves me!? Sparky fucking loves me!? Holy fucking shit! I knew she might've had a crush, but love!?' It all made sense, now. All the looks, all the affection, all the weird changes to her behaviour when it came to me. I wasn't blind to the fact that she may have developed a crush, but love? I didn't expect that. "Do you love her back, Alex?"

Twilight Sparkle was in love with me, that much was now certain. But how did I feel about her?

"I...I...I don't know. I don't know, I really fucking don't." I answer, trying to figure out just how I felt about her. "She's a great mare, that much is bloody obvious. Caring, beautiful, smart as all fuck? She's perfect." I say, eliciting a wide smile from the mare. "But she's not human." And her smile drops slightly. "Like, I've no problem with who people would want to get hitched with. I'm not a xenophobic prick. But, what if she wanted kids or something? How the fuck would that work? Last I checked, and believe me I have, I'm not a pony. What would everypony else think? Our friends? Her parents? He-"

"Let me stop you right there." Cadance interrupts, using her magic to close my mouth shut, much to my annoyance. "Take a deep breath, and calm down. Nothing will come from you being hysterical." Taking a moment to calm down, I let out a long, tired sigh, pinching my forehead. 'This day has taken a fucking turn, and we haven't even gotten to the Gala yet.' "Have you calmed down?" Nodding, she moves off of her chair and onto the bed, sitting next to me. "Thank you for your honest answer, as well." 'Wait what? I didn't answer shit.'

"What d'you mean? All I did was start ranting." I question, giving the mare a confused stare, unsure as to what she was talking about. Chuckling, the mare shook her head, levitating the letter that she had read from into my hands, allowing me to read through it fully. 'Yep, Sparky's writing. Fuck me, she's actually in love with me.' Pocketing the letter, I look to the mare sitting next to me, who had been waiting for me to finish with the letter before answering my question.

"I asked how you felt about her, and you're response was, and I quote, 'Caring, beautiful, smart as all fuck. She's perfect,' I do believe were the words you used." 'Did I actually say that? Heh, smooth as always.' "And throughout all of that, not once did you say that you did not hold feelings for her. For Celestia's sake, you even went into such great detail about how being in a relationship would affect her! Not once did you mention how it could negatively affect you, but how it could negatively affect her! You put her well-being before your own, and I don't need to be the Princess of Love to see how this shows how much you truly care for her, whether or not you knew that yourself." She explains, each and every word making sense. "So now that you seem to have understood everything I've just told you, I'll ask one final time, and I want a simple answer: do you love her, Alexander?"

We stayed there on the bed, motionless. Whilst the mare was sat there, patiently awaiting my response, I was deep in thought, trying to figure out just how much the lavender unicorn truly meant to me. Was she just my closest friend? Or was she something much more than that. In my head, I was going through all of our experiences together. The time I jumped in front of Nightmare Moon's spell for her. The time she went through all the trouble to furnish me an entire room in the library. All the times where we made each other laugh. All the times we pissed each other off.

But at the same time, I still had that voice in the back of my head that was telling me, even if I did love the mare or not, that it was wrong. We weren't the same species. I was a human, and she a pony. But did that truly matter? My thoughts shifted back to the day of the school fire. On that day, when I was helping Twilight to tidy the library, I found a book detailing Equestrian views on relationships. In the book, it explained how relationships between separate species weren't frowned upon, but were actually accepted in society. With this in mind, the small, lingering voice in my head fell silent.

Eventually, I stood up from the bed and began to pace around the room, still trying to figure out whether or not I loved Twilight back. After a few moments, I found myself looking upon a mirror, seeing myself in the reflection. 'So my old friend. Do you? Do you love Twilight Sparkle?' I stood there, gazing upon my reflection for what felt like an eternity, that very question running through my mind. In the end, I looked away from the mirror and towards the bed, where a hopeful Cadance still remained, her smile widening by the second.

"I...I might." I finally say, teasing the mare. If she knew I was teasing, she didn't show it, as Cadance suddenly clapped her hooves together in happiness, letting out a high pitched 'squee' of delight as she did so. Before I knew it, the mare had launched herself from the bed and towards me, rearing up and throwing her forelegs around me. 'Fucking hell, and I thought it was Luna who was the touchy one.'

"Ooh I'm so happy for you both!" The mare cried, releasing her hold. Chuckling, I shook my head.

"Well, I'm still trying to figure out if this is love that I'm feeling, but I'm still not sure yet, so don't get your hopes up just yet, kiddo." Hearing this, the mare backs up slightly, eyes wide.

"B-but you do feel something for her, yes?"

"You just gave me an entire speech on love, and how you can tell if one person loves another. How about you just, like, I don't know, scan me or something." I say, thinking that she could probably confirm it for the both of us. Raising an eyebrow at such a request, the mare nods.

"I think that little rant of yours, calling her 'perfect' and 'beautiful' answers that question. But, if you insist." Motioning for me to remain still, her horn lights up. A few seconds later, and a pink beam of magic makes its way towards me, leaving what appeared to be a trail of hearts in its wake. Following it, I realise that it was heading for where my heart would be. 'Fucking figures. Love magic goes straight to the heart. How cliche.' The moment it made contact, I began to feel a warmth spread throughout my body. It was pleasant, to say the least. A few seconds later, and the feeling vanished, along with the beam. Looking to Cadance for an answer, her expression told me that was happy with the answer.

"Whilst it may not be as strong as Twilight's love for you, if the letters are of any indication, there is a definite love for Twilight within you, Alex. All you need to do to strengthen it, is to spend more time with the mare." She says, her wide, joyful smile returning to her muzzle. "Has she not asked you out, yet?" She suddenly asks, getting a good laugh out of me. 'Oh that's rich. Sparky asking me out? That's funny.'

"Her? Ask me out? Hah, that's a good one, sweetheart." I say, finally calming down. Judging by the flat look she was giving me, it would appear that she wasn't joking. "Wait, you're serious?"

"Well of course I am. With Equestria being a Matriarchal society, it's usually the mare who makes the first move. And I know that Twilight might not be the most confident mare in the whole world, but such a love for you would have surely driven her to take a chance by now, yes?"

"Well...Not exactly. I mean, we did nearly go out for dinner once, I guess, but that plan kinda went up in flames." I respond, laughing at my own joke. Knowing exactly what I was referring to, the mare rolled her eyes, though she couldn't help but silently chuckle in amusement. "Still, I guess I could try it again. Without running into a burning building, this time."

"Well that's great to hear. I'm sure Twilight wouldn't want a potentially fabulous romantic night to be ruined by her stud being buried under another few tons of burning rubble." 'Stud? The fuck?'

"Well it would make for a great story, at least. I'll have to think on all of this later. I mean, I've still got to be revealed to the rest of the world, after all, so I'll have to focus on that first. But enough about me, how about you, my dear? Haven't you got a wedding coming up?" I smile, raising an eyebrow at the mare. As soon as those words left my throat, her smile returned tenfold.

I was in that room for the next hour and a half, the Princess explaining in great detail exactly how she and Shining were planning their upcoming wedding.

When I was finally allowed to leave Cadance's chambers, I was met with a familiar muzzle waiting just outside the room. I was also immediately met with a sudden weight landing on my front, and a pair of forelegs being thrown around my upper body. 'Well look who it is. My favourite maid!'

"Alex!" Spring Cleaning cries into my chest, refusing to let go. Laughing, I return the embrace wholeheartedly. Looking over her shoulder, I see another familiar pony in the form of Flash Sentry, who was giving me a slightly jealous look. 'I'm Mr-Steal-Yo-Girl.' Winking at the guard, whose eye began to twitch ever so slightly, I realise that perhaps I should let go of his girlfriend.

"Well if it isn't my favourite dynamic duo. How've you both been whilst I've been saving the world?" I ask, the mare jumping off of me and back onto all fours. Making her way back to Flash, the pair share a quick kiss before turning back to me. They both blush slightly when they see the grin I was sporting. "You both still owe me."

"Hey, you owe me for the drinks you stole!" Flash counters, evidently still upset over the theft. Shrugging, I cross my arms, nodding to the pair.

"Hey, I got you both together didn't I? I'd say that makes us even. Unless you're saying this beauty here isn't worth a few measly bottles of shit alcohol?" I retort, smirking at the pair. Seeing the look that Spring was giving him, he quickly nodded to my logic. "Splendid. And besides, that shit was weak anyway, so I technically did you a favour. If you want a real drink, my boy, then go get yourself some of the apple cider that Applejack makes, from Ponyville. It got me drunk, so it's fucking grand. Anyway, something tells me you're both not just here for a social visit."

"Princess Celestia wanted us to inform that the Gala will be commencing shortly, and that you are to come with us to your chambers so that you can dress yourself, and for the Princess herself to escort you to the Gala." Flash informs me. Nodding, I begin to follow the pair down the corridors. A few minutes and a hoof to the stomach, courtesy of Springs because of my recklessness from a few weeks ago, and we'd arrived at the exact same room that I'd stayed in during that week.

I didn't stay in that room for long, as I quickly made myself presentable for the night. One shower, beard trim and change-of-clothes later, and I looked absolutely fine if I did say so myself. Taking one last longful look in the mirror, I threw open the door and stepped into the corridor, where the pair were still waiting for me. Turning around, I took pleasure in their reactions. Thankfully, I don't think Flash noticed Spring's reaction, because if he did, he might've become very jealous indeed. 'Flash best restrain her before she pounces.'

"My, my, many mares are going to be impressed tonight, Alexander." Came the melodious voice of Princess Celestia herself, making her way down the corridor towards us. Giving them a flourish, I couldn't keep the shit eating grin off of my face.

"Will I be counting you as one of them?"

"Perhaps." She replies, giving me a flirtatious wink. "Come, let us make our way to where the guests shall be awaiting. Corporal Sentry? Mrs Cleaning? You are both free to enjoy tonight's festivities." Smiling to eachother, the pair thank Celestia before making themselves scarce. Waving goodbye to the pair, I turn back to Celestia, who was eyeing me up and down.

"See something you like?" I purr, striking a pose. In response, her eyes narrowed, and she gave me a wide grin.

"I know of a certain student of mine who might." She replies, wiping the grin off of my face. 'She fucking knows!?' Seeing my mortified expression, Celestia bursts out laughing, wiping a tear from her eye. Seeing my expression, her features soften. "Yes, I know of Twilight's feelings towards you. And in case you were wondering, I do approve." This caught me off guard. 'Wait, really?'

"Seriously? You've no problem with your prized pupil having feelings for an alien?" I ask, surprised at such a blessing.

"Of course not. Twilight is a grown mare, capable of making her own decisions. Who am I to get in the way of true love?" She says, putting to rest fears that I didn't even know that I had. "All I will say, however, is that if the pair of you do find yourselves together, that you don't hurt her." She continues, her eyes narrowing. "Because if you do, Greyson, then you will find yourself on a one-way trip to the sun itself." I found myself shaking ever so slightly at how dark her tone had become, and I quickly nodded. "Splendid! With that out of the way, shall we carry on?" Slightly disturbed at how quickly her voice had returned to its normal self, I nevertheless began to follow the mare down the corridor.

We were only halfway down the corridor when I heard singing, coming from somewhere outside. Moving to a nearby window, I found myself looking down upon a large column of ponies heading towards the castle, singing their hearts out. 'So whose paying the Pony Pied Piper to do this, then?'

"Is it Christmas or something? Why have we got carollers down there? Like seriously, what is it with you ponies and singing....and.... oh for fucks sake, of course they're at the head of it all." Standing at the very front of the large procession, were six very familiar mares. At the head of the six, was the mare of the hour herself. Twilight Sparkle. 'We're gonna have a big heart-to-heart later, me and you.' Coming away from the window and back beside Celestia, we continue on our journey. Eventually we came to a stop, facing a large pair of doors. Reaching for the door handle, Celestia's wing shot out, forcing me to retract my hand.

"Not yet." She says, shaking her head. "I want you to wait here, first. I shall go and get the attention of all of our guests, an when you hear me call your name, you shall come and join me. If all goes well, you shall be greeted pleasantly by all ponies present." She explains, preparing to enter the room. Before she could, however, I stopped her.

"And if things don't go well?" I question, wanting to hear the backup plan. Turning back to face me, the mare shrugs, giving me a sheepish smile.

"We shall cross that bridge if we get there." 'Fucking what!?' Before I could argue with the mare about how stupid such a plan was, she'd already entered the room, leaving me to wait by myself until she called my name. Keeping the door open slightly, so that I could hear what she was saying, I awaited the inevitable. Eventually, it came.

"So without further ado, please welcome our esteemed guest of honour: Alexander Ian Greyson!" Straightening my bowtie, cracking my hands, and taking a deep breath, I watch as the doors magically open, courtesy of Celestia. 'Well boys and girls. It's show time.'

Author's Notes:

That's what Alex is wearing, along with a black bowtie and a pair of white, formal gloves. I'm a classy fucker, I know. I actually wore something like this to Prom, and whilst it failed to get me any ladies that night, whose to say the OC will suffer the same fate?

And now Alex knows how Twilight feels about him. I've been hinting to this for a while now, and whilst some of these hints have been hidden, some of them have been quite obvious, as a few of you have noticed in the PM's. And whilst Cadance has pointed out an attraction to her in our OC's heart, perhaps he'll reject such a thing?

And, what if another mare has her eyes set on our charming hero, hmm?

Still, the Gala itself will be in the next chapter, along with Celestia revealing Greyson to the general public. What'll their reaction be? Find out next time, folks! Peace.