David closed the door to the kitchen pantry and made his way over to the couch. He held a small bowl filled with strawberries in his hands and sat down on the couch to began eating just before the front door opened.

"David, I'm home!" Midnight announced.

"Sweet, I'm over here!" David called back.

Midnight made her way over to the couch to find David lounging about with a strawberry in his hand. He smiled brightly upon seeing her.

"Strawberry?" David asked.

"Oh, sure." Midnight replied, lighting her horn.

"Ah ah ah." David said before placing the strawberry between his teeth and wiggling his eyebrows.

Midnight raised an eyebrow before smiling and climbing onto the couch. She brought her chest to his as she crawled over his body and found her place atop of him. David held a wide grin the entire time, careful not to sink his teeth into the strawberry before Midnight could get it.

She brought her muzzle just a tantalizing inch away from his, pausing for a moment as an equally wide smirk found its way onto her face. She waited there for only a moment before tilting her head to the side and swiping her tongue between David's teeth, quickly stealing the strawberry. A soft moan escaped her maw as she bit into the juicy fruit while David tried to process what had just happened.

After the strawberry was well and gone, Midnight brought her eyes back to David to find him pouting.

"You were supposed to get it through a kiss..." David said, disappointment evident in his tone.

"Oh, you're such a baby." Midnight cooed.

"Well excuse me f-" David was cut off by Midnight planting a kiss on his lips.

Midnight's tongue darted inside David's mouth, bringing the sweetness and flavor of the strawberry with it. Within seconds, David forgot all about the strawberry, and the passionate dance of tongues they had both become so acquainted with began again. David's hands quickly found themselves trailing Midnight's barrel and heading south.

"N-not yet, big guy. Tonight, after dinner." Midnight said, breaking the kiss.

"Aw, you're such a tease. Getting me all excited and making me wait. I made sure to get the day off from consulting with those engineers just to see you and I haven't seen hide nor tail of you all day." David said with a fake pout.

"I know, I know. I'm sorry about that. Ever since Luna had me come back to work, I've been really busy. She's been nice enough to change my hours so that I have the evenings with you though, so that's gotta count for something, right?"

"It's all good, Mid. If I even get to see you once a day, that's enough to make it all worthwhile. Besides, at least you're here for tonight." David replied.

"I know! I can't believe it's already been six months since you got here!" Midnight cheered.

"And four since we started dating. Honestly, where did the time go? I barely remember half of it." David replied with an amused chuckle.

"It's gone by so fast. I kinda want time to slow down a bit, you know?" Midnight said with a sheepish smile.

"I know, Mid. Trust me, we'll slow things down tonight, just for you." David replied with a wink.

Midnight giggled and nuzzled David's cheek.

"I'm looking forward to it..."

David chuckled before kissing Midnight again.

"All that aside, where were you thinking of going for our four month anniversary- slash- my six month arrivalversary?" David asked upon pulling away from Midnight.

"Daviiiiiiiid, we planned this out last week. How do you not remember?" Midnight asked with a whine.

"We did? Shit, I'm sorry, I've been really forgetful lately." David replied with an apologetic shrug.

"I'll only forgive you because I love you, I hope you know that." Midnight said, booping his nose with her hoof.

"And I'm the luckiest guy in the world for it." David replied with a smile.

"Alright, but just remember, technically, it's still another week before our four month anniversary. I don't want you to forget that. Anyways, there's this really nice restaurant called 'The Three Tribes' that opened up last year. Princess Luna recommended it." Midnight explained.

"Sounds nice. What kind of food do they have there?" David asked, curiously.

"You really don't remember that conversation at all, do you?" Midnight asked with a frown.

"I really wish I did, but I honestly can't remember ever hearing about this place." David admitted.

"Maybe you should go see a doctor about that. You're too young to have memory loss problems." Midnight chastised.

"I know, I know. I will. I just hate doctors. That's why I didn't want any checkups or anything after my uh... incident." David said with a frown.

"David, you know you can talk to me if you still feel like something's wrong. No one gets over something like that in a day. Memory loss could easily be another symptom of what you've been dealing with. Besides, those therapists had to have been good for something. I know for a fact that you've been sleeping better. No harm in being completely sure, right?" Midnight said with a determined smile.

"You're the best, Mid," David said, pulling her in for another kiss.

"And don't you ever forget it." Midnight said, upon pulling away from the kiss.

"I won't. Anyways, back to the restaurant, what kind of food do they have again?"

"Well, it's got everything. It's kinda set up for all races of pony and it has a few griffon chefs, so if you're feeling like meat, that's an option. I know how much you hate hay-burgers." Midnight said, as she scratched her chin in thought.

"Well, that sounds awesome. What time were you feeling like going?"

"I was thinking something like... seven-ish?" Midnight said.

"Sounds good to me. Are we gonna have to dress up?" David asked.

"Well, it is a bit on the more... fancy side, but we shouldn't have to wear much. Just something casual."

"Okay, I can do casual." David replied.

"Good. I can't wait."

David stepped out of Midnight's shower and wrapped a towel around his waist. He walked over to the sink and eyed himself in the mirror, carefully examining his beard and hair. He combed his hair back with his hands and attempted to style it as best as he could. Despite his efforts, he just could not find a look he liked. He tried again and again, but to no avail. He just looked like a hipster or a hobo.

"Come on, David... Mid deserves better than this..." He said to himself.

David glanced down at a pair of scissors laying on the counter. He licked his lips in thought before grabbing the scissors. After a few hesitant moments, David began cutting away at his long hair and scraggly beard. Hair fell away from his face, slowly exposing his features and skin, until his hair was reasonably short. He trimmed his beard until it was less than an inch long at any given point. Taking a moment to look in the mirror, David smiled at his handiwork. He wasn't a barber by any standard, but he looked relatively clean and professional. Not to mention, it was the first time he'd cut his hair before.

David was roused from his self-admiration by a knock at the door. He quickly opened it to reveal Midnight. Her eyes darted to his face, and she couldn't help her slack-jawed expression.

"Uh... yes?" David asked.

Midnight shook her head before finding the words.

"Oh, sorry. I was just surprised is all. I didn't think you'd cut your beard. You look amazing!" Midnight exclaimed.

David breathed a sigh of relief.

"Oh, good. I was worried you wouldn't like it. I know most ponies like me better with the beard since I look a bit more like a pony, but since this night is all about us, I wanted to look a little more professional than... like a hobo." David explained.

"You look fantastic, David. Even if you did kinda look like a hobo earlier." Midnight said with a snicker.

David kneeled down to Midnight's level and kissed her muzzle.

"I do it for you." He said with a wink.

Midnight quickly leaned her head forward to catch another kiss before David pulled away and headed out of the bathroom.

"Now don't take an hour or two like you usually do. We're gonna miss our time frame." David sarcastically warned.

"Yeah yeah, you just worry about you, big guy. I'll worry about me." Midnight replied, sticking her tongue out at David.

Midnight stepped into the bathroom and the sound of running water soon filled the air. David began dressing himself with the clothes Midnight had previously helped him decide on for the night. He threw on a pair of jeans and a black t-shirt. He then added a red and blue flannel on top and slipped on his shoes. He took a moment to appreciate his looks before heading back to the living room and reclaiming his spot on the couch while he waited.

---

Midnight walked down the stairs in a simple black dress. The dress had short sleeves for her forelegs and a hole in the back for her tail to pull through. It was particularly form fitting around her barrel and hips, accentuating her curves and allowing her hips to sway easily as she sauntered down the steps. Her mane and tail were combed neatly and straightened to her liking. She walked over to the couch to find David fake snoring while he laid on his back.

Midnight snickered at the obviously fake snoring before hopping on the couch and crawling over David's body. She planted a kiss on his lips, which he happily reciprocated. After a few moments, they parted and David opened his eyes. His jaw dropped slightly as he looked over the graphite mare.

Midnight giggled, snapping David back to reality for a moment.

"Wow... You look... absolutely beautiful..." David said with a genuine smile.

"Hehe, thanks, big guy. You look great too."

"Are you sure? I feel kinda under dressed now..." David lightheartedly criticized.

"David, you look fine. Trust me. This isn't even a super classy place. It's in the middle district." Midnight replied.

"Alright... If you say so. But I'd better not end up looking like the only one there who didn't get the memo."

Midnight chuckled before kissing David's nose and stepping off of him.

"Have I ever led you astray before, David?" Midnight asked.

"No, no you haven't." David replied with a shake of his head.

"Well, come on then! It's already six thirty. Luna said this was the best time to go."

David rolled off the couch and made for the door. Midnight opened it for him and ushered him out before closing it behind herself and locking it. They both made way for Canterlot, the gravel compacting and displacing nicely under their feet and hooves.

---

David and Midnight strolled through the city at a leisurely pace. Midnight leaned against David's leg the entire way, happily swishing her tail back and forth as the pair discussed menial things. Several ponies saw them and happily waved. The occasional 'hey David!' and 'It's good to see you guys again' was thrown their way, but most ponies didn't even spare them a second glance.

"I think it's safe to say that they are fully used to you." Midnight said.

"Yeah, only took what, six months? Not bad if I do say so myself." David replied.

They shared a smile before finding themselves in the middle district of Canterlot. Midnight quickly directed David in the right direction, and within a few minutes, The Three Tribes was in sight. Midnight found an additional bounce in her step as the cloudsdale-themed clouds came into view. David smiled brighter upon seeing the excitement in Midnight's eyes and hurried his pace to keep up with her energy.

Finally, they rounded the last corner, and the rest of the restaurant came into view. There were marble columns on the first and second levels of the building, while the third floor was made almost entirely out of clouds. The front sign was the next thing to catch David's eye. The sign read 'The Three Tribes' in elegant cursive along with a pony from each respective race forming a stylized circle around the writing. At the top, above the pony-circle, there were stylized versions of Celestia and Luna standing across from each other with their horns touching. A wave of magic seemed to be sprinkling down onto the three ponies below.

"Hehe, they're touching tips." David remarked.

"Oh my gosh, you are such a child." Midnight replied, barely containing her giggling.

"Well, Luna recommended this place right? That means she has to have seen this. Oh I have to make that joke to her next time I see her." David said, with a wicked grin.

"Come on, big guy. Dinner first, then you can go and make your innuendos to the Princess of the Night... who just so happens to be my boss... on second thought, don't do that."

"Oh, it's too late. My plan is already in motion." David replied, still grinning like a madman.

Midnight just shook her head.

"Alright, David. Dinner first though."

"Well, duh? How can I continue my evil plot on an empty stomach?"

Midnight walked over to the front door and pulled it open with her magic. As David stepped in, the first thing he noticed was how dark it was in the building. All three stories seemed to be dimmed down until only atmospheric lighting remained. There was just enough red and blue lights to make eating possible, while also being relaxing as well. The second, was that the center of the building was hollowed out, allowing a stage for a small orchestra on the first floor, to be the centerpiece for each separate level. There were railings with tables seated alongside them on each floor, allowing guests to eat and enjoy the source of music while they ate.

A soothing melody filled his ears, nearly rooting him in place. David didn't even notice the hostess trying to get his attention.

"Excuse me, sir?" The hostess asked.

"Huh? Oh, sorry. I was just enjoying the music. It's very nice." David replied, slightly startled by the hostess.

"No problem sir. How many?" The mare asked.

"Table for two," Midnight answered for him. She gave David a wink before continuing "If you could put us on the second level, that'd be amazing."

"Of course, ma'am. Please, follow me." She replied.

The hostess had a coat of pure silver, and her mane and tail were bright red, making her easily stand out in the darkened environment. David and Midnight effortlessly followed the mare through a myriad of tables and chairs, most of which were loaded with ponies, griffons, and even a couple of minotaurs. She led them to the end of the room where a wide staircase wrapped around what appeared to be a wooden support beam. They ascended the stairs and reached the second level.

While the first level looked slightly more aesthetic, with marble floors and cool lighting, the second level adorned a slight rustic look. The floor was hardwood, and the lighting was warmer. The continuous glass window lining the entire floor allowed the night lights of Canterlot to creep into the environment, breathing life into the otherwise quiet floor.

The hostess led David and Midnight to an empty table alongside the railing overlooking the orchestra. Midnight used her magic to pull out David's chair and, albeit begrudgingly, he took his seat. Midnight quickly sat down opposite of him.

"I don't think I'm ever gonna get used to you pulling out my chair and opening doors for me." David whined.

"Oh hush. It's just a polite thing for a mare to do for her stallion." Midnight said, taking her seat.

"Well back home, it was the polite thing for a man to do for his woman. Maybe we need to trade off. Like, one day you'll do it, then the next day I will-" David started, before stopping himself upon noticing the giggling hostess next to him.

"You two are absolutely adorable. Here, these are your menus. Your server will be with you in a few moments." She said, managing to stifle her giggles for a moment.

David fought back a blush while Midnight smiled brightly.

"So... Still want to trade off every day? Or do you see how silly you're being now?" She asked with smug grin.

"Ugh... fine, I won't make a big deal about it anymore. It just feels weird, is all." David said with a defeated sigh.

"Alright, alright. How about this. You get to open doors for me and pull my chair out on the weekends."

"And Friday." David corrected.

Midnight giggled.

"And Friday."

"Good." David said, perking right back up.

"You're unbearably cute when you're being petty." Midnight said, sticking her tongue out at David.

"Says the diabeetus-inducing pony wearing a sexy black dress. It's not fair that you can be that cute and sexy at the same time." David said, sticking his tongue back out at Midnight.

"What can I say? I'm just that good. Anyways, let's see what they got here. I've heard that their salad is amazing."

They both opened their menus and scanned the dinner entrées. Midnight's eyes fell on the fettuccine alfredo while David's mouth watered upon seeing the sirloin steak.

"See something you like?" Midnight asked, noticing David's wide eyes.

"Uh... yeah... They have steak..." David replied.

"I take it you like steak." Midnight said with knowing grin.

"You have no idea... I'm surprised they have it... I mean, I thought cows were sapient here." David asked, hesitation beginning to creep into his voice.

"They are, well, mostly. Further south towards the badlands, cows aren't sapient. In fact, it's really only the cows in Equestria that are known to be capable of basic thought at all. That's why the griffons are allowed to cook steak here. They go to the badlands, bring the meat back here, then cook it and sell it. They have to have an EQDA advisor go with them to collect the meat to insure the cow they killed wasn't sapient by any definition. For obvious reasons, it's extremely illegal to kill and eat a sapient creature in Equestria." Midnight explained.

"Well, thanks for explaining that. I was worried for a second that they just abducted some cow from his family and killed him. I gotta tell you Mid, with how everything here seems to be able to talk and think... sometimes I wish I was a herbivore like you just so that I wouldn't have to worry about getting that kind of thing on my conscious." David replied.

"Don't worry, David. Equestria is highly regulated when it comes to that kind of thing. Besides, I'll make sure you never end up in a situation like that."

David did not reply, he simply smiled and went back to reading through the options on the menu. After a moment, a new voice drew David from his reading.

"Hello you two, my name is Golden Ray, I'll be serving you tonight."

The waiter, a golden-brown Earth pony stallion with a silvery mane and tail filled David's vision. His distinct orange eyes shone in the dim lighting, and he stood before them with a notepad strapped to his hoof.

"Can I get you some drinks to start off with tonight?"

"Sure, can I get a strawberry daiquiri and water?" Midnight asked.

"Of course. That's actually one of our most popular drinks this time of year. Excellent choice," Golden Ray said. At Midnight's smile, he turned to David. "And what about you, sir?"

"Uh, I'll go for the lava flow and some water. That looks fun." David said.

"An excellent choice, sir. Do you both know what you want to eat, or do you need more time do decide?"

"I think we both know," Midnight said. "I'll go for the fettuccine alfredo, please."

"Very good... And for you sir?" Golden Ray asked, writing down Midnight's order all the while.

"Uh, c-can I get the eleven-ounce sirloin with the vegetable side." David said with a bit of hesitation.

"Very good choice sir. How would you like that cooked?"

"Uh... medium?"

"Very good, sir. We have head chef Gustav here from the Griffon Kingdom. He's a perfectionist, so I think you'll be very happy with your steak." Golden Ray replied.

He took their menus with a hoof and threw them onto his back before heading off to give their orders to the kitchen.

"Well, at least he's not visibly upset." David said with a shrug.

"I told you, David, nopony cares if you eat meat." Midnight chastised.

"I know, I know. It just feels weird, you know? Eating meat in public? In a land full of vegetarians? I mean, I know you don't care - I eat meat around you all the time - but as for the rest of Equestria, well... I just don't want them to go back being afraid of me again. Call me paranoid." David admitted.

"You're paranoid." Midnight replied with a smug look on her face.

"And you're adorable."

"Good. That means we can be adorable together." Midnight said, supporting herself with her elbows on the table and leaning forward.

David picked up on the hint and leaned forward in kind. He paused just a few short inches away from Midnight's muzzle and a thin smile found its way onto his lips. After a moment, they closed the distance and gently kissed each other.

It was electrifying. Quick, but full of love and passion. Regrettably, David and Midnight pulled away from each other, lest they cause a scene.

"Heh, give it another few months and we'll be able to do that without turning heads." Midnight said.

"Yeah. Here's hoping." David replied.

"So how have things been going with your work? I know you were really excited to get an actual job last month." Midnight inquired.

"Well, things have been a little hectic. Between trying to remember what I know about electrical engineering from college and sharing human tech with the engineers at Canterlot College, I haven't had as much free time as I've gotten used to. Not to mention my damn memory is so bad these days I have to write down half of our conversations to make sure I don't forget what we talked about last week." David explained with a sigh.

"How's about we take you to a neurologist some time next week and get it checked out just to be sure?" At David's somewhat sad nod, she continued, "That said, busy is usually good. That means you're doing good work." she said with a supportive smile.

"I try. Oh, by the way, I had a talk with that snob, Black Rose. He should get off your back about all that new armor the Night Guard has been harassing you for."

"Really? Oh my gosh, thank you! I've been trying to get him to shut up about it ever since I went back to work. How'd you do it?" Midnight asked with wide eyes.

"I told him we had some designs incorporating titanium and magical enchantments to save weight and make stronger armor. He didn't believe me at first, but once I showed him the strength to weight ratio of titanium, he practically begged me to start making armor. Dude wants five thousand units by the end of the year." David replied with a noncommittal shrug.

"You have no idea how long that guy has been hounding me for better armor. I've had to tell him five separate times that it's not my job to design the armor. I just get the bits to buy it. If you finally got him off my tail... just... thanks, David." Midnight replied with a genuine smile.

"Eh, figured it was about time I did something nice for you. I'm done with my good deeds for another six months, right?" David asked with a grin.

Midnight and David shared a laugh before Golden Ray arrived with their drinks.

"Here you go, a strawberry daiquiri for the lovely lady," Golden Ray said, setting Midnight's drink down in front of her, "And a lava flow for the lucky stallion."

Golden ray effortlessly deposited their water on the table and quickly made off to another table.

David looked at his drink with wonder. The red and white liquids in the glass didn't mix, giving it the appearance of a lava lamp. One blob of white slowly rose to the surface, only to sink back down to the bottom a few seconds later.

"Okay, I don't even care if this is a girly drink, that's badass." David said with a prideful smile.

"Who said it was girly?" Midnight asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Well, it's a Piña Colada. It said so in the menu."

"David... nopony said a Piña Colada was a girly drink." Midnight said with a facehoof.

"Well back home it was. Darn it, Mid, let me have this." David said with a fake pout.

"Oh alright, I'll let you win... for once. Even if you're just being petty again." Midnight said with a grin.

"I am not petty. I am being perfectly reasonable." David said, crossing his arms and turning his nose up at Midnight.

Midnight had to stifle her giggles before they became to obnoxious for the ponies seated nearby.

"Fine, you win. You're being perfectly reasonable." Midnight admitted with a shrug.

"Damn right." David said as he grabbed his drink and took an experimental sip. Rich, creamy coconut flavor exploded in his mouth, followed by a syrupy strawberry flavor. David couldn't help but let out a happy little hum as the liquid brought a slight tingly feeling to his taste buds. He set the drink on the table and smacked his lips.

"I don't know if it's just magic in the booze, or if you ponies are just that good at making drinks, but I can't taste the alchohol in this at all and now my tongue feels kinda tingly and it's amazing." David said with a happy smile.

"I think the drink you got has a little bit of magic in it. At least, that's why it gives that little tingly feeling." Midnight explained after putting her own drink down.

"So... no hangover?" David asked with wide eyes.

"Nope. You should be good." Midnight replied with a wink.

David grabbed his drink and took a much larger gulp of the strawberry/coconut flavored liquid. He set the drink back down on the table and smiled.

"That's one of my favorite things about Equestria. No hangovers."

"It sure is nice. Although, it costs a lot more to enchant the drinks. Try not to buy too many. I can afford an expensive dinner once in a while, but I'd rather not end up washing dishes to pay for drinks." Midnight said with a grin.

"Mid, I'm paying half tonight. It's not fair that I get to live with you for free and not chip in once in a while." David replied, his arms crossed.

Midnight took on a stern yet slightly playful tone while she looked David straight in the eye, “I seem to remember telling you that since you’re my boyfriend, and I love you, that you don’t owe me anything for living with me,”

She turned away for only a moment while her lips curled into the slightest of smiles before she reconnected eye contact and said “I love you and you love me, and that’s all that matters.”

She looked down to her glass and picked up her own drink. “Besides” she said before she took her own sip while she looked back at David “it’s normal for a mare to spoil her stallion once in a while.”

She put her glass down, her eyes never broke from David’s, “Just as long as you pay me back later…” Midnight seductively trailed off.

"Well, when you put it that way..." David shrugged his shoulders and allowed a grin to form on his face, "Seriously though let me pay for part of this. Please? I'll feel really bad if you pay for it all... again." David finished.

"Alright, alright. You can chip in. Only because I love you though."

"Thanks. I love you too."

David reached over the table and placed his hand on Midnight's hoof. They shared a tender moment before quickly reaching over the table and kissing. With great hesitation, they pulled away to see the waiter arriving with their entrées on a tray balanced neatly on his back.

Golden Ray arrived at the table with a wide smile before expertly unloading Midnight and David's orders with practiced ease.

"One fettuccine alfredo for the mare... and one eleven-ounce sirloin with the vegetable side for the stallion." Golden Ray announced with a proud smile.

"Thank you." Midnight said.

"Thanks." David said with a smile.

Golden Ray rebalanced the trey on his back and headed off, leaving Midnight and David to their meals.

Midnight took a fork in her magic and began eating her salad while David took his fork and stabbed at some of his vegetables.

After a few minutes, Midnight looked up at David to see that his vegetables were all gone and he was looking around as if he had done something wrong.

"David, it's alright. You can eat your steak. Nopony is going to get upset." Midnight said, placing a comforting hoof on David's hand.

Her fetlock gently stroked his hand, slowly calming him. The warmth and softness of her hoof soothed his nerves and helped David refocus his attention on her eyes.

"Okay... okay, you're right. Heh, I'm just being paranoid." David admitted, bringing his other hand to Midnight's hoof and gently holding on.

After a few seconds, they broke the contact and David brought his utensils to the steak. He cut himself a piece and slowly brought it to his mouth. After one last moment of hesitation, he took a bite and closed his eyes as the flavor washed over his tongue. David practically moaned as the flavor sunk in and the juicy steak practically melted in his mouth.

Midnight watched the whole while, a genuine smile forming on her face as David's reaction progressed from fear to euphoria, and then to satisfaction as he practically feasted on the piece of steak.

Finally, David opened his eyes to find Midnight smiling brightly back at him. The rest of the restaurant seemed to have completely ignored him.

"See? Nopony is judging you, nopony is afraid of you, and nopony is going to run you out of town. You were getting all worked up over nothing." Midnight said with a comforting smile.

"Thanks, Mid. As always, you were right." David replied with a grateful smile.

They continued to eat in a happy silence. David and Midnight managed to pull themselves away from their meals for a few moments at a time to share a loving glance or two, but for the most part, they were completely enamored with their meals. They were expensive, after all.

---

David took his napkin and wiped his mouth clean of any meat particles or juices that he might have missed and set the now-dirty napkin down on the table. His eyes fell on a satisfied Midnight, beaming a happy smile back at him.

Golden Ray returned with a knowing smile. Without a word, he removed their used dishes, and left to get their check, leaving David and Midnight alone for a short while.

"So... what'd you think, big guy? Pretty good, right?" Midnight enthusiastically asked.

"Yeah. It was really good." David replied.

"So... what are you getting me for dessert?" Midnight asked with a suggestive wiggle of her eyebrows.

"Oh, just you wait. That's a surprise." David replied with a smug grin.

"Can I guess?"

"Nope. It's a surprise."

"Aw... I mean, is it what you got me for our first, second, and third month anniversaries?" Midnight asked with a hopeful look in her eyes.

"Ugh, was it that obvious?" David replied with a fake pout.

Midnight giggled while David lightly chuckled at his attempt to play coy. In that moment, Golden Ray returned with the bill.

"Here you are. Thank you both for coming. It's been a pleasure to have served you tonight." Golden Ray said before trotting off to another table.

"Alright, let's see... Oh, it's not that bad. Only one hundred and twenty-three bits. I thought it was going to be worse." Midnight said, clearly relieved.

"Mid... that's a lot of money. Here, I'll take half." David said, pulling a small pouch out of his pocket.

"David, I got this. Relax. Besides, you can pay me back when we get back to the house." Midnight said dismissively.

"Mid..."

"Please?" Midnight asked, already making puppy dog eyes at David.

"Stop." David said, although he already felt his will crumbling.

Midnight continued her attack on David's willpower.

"Mid... Ugh, fine. You can pay."

Midnight only smiled brightly before pulling out a large pouch of bits and placing them on the table. She easily spotted Golden Ray from afar and waved him over. Within a few moments, he was at the table and counting the bits.

"One twenty one... one twenty two... one twenty three. All here. Thank you so much for coming. Have a wonderful night."

"Here." David said, tossing another small pouch of bits to Golden Ray. "As a tip."

"Thank you so much sir. You both have a wonderful evening." Golden Ray replied before heading off.

David felt Midnight's unhappy glare on him before he even looked at her.

"What? You didn't say anything about me getting the tip." David said with a shrug.

Midnight moved to speak, but then thought better of it. After a moment, she found her words.

"You know what, that's fair. Alright, David, you win this round." Midnight said, admitting defeat.

"Yes. Lemme just chalk that up on my win streak. One for David, aaaaaaaaand zero for Midnight." David said, going through the motion of adding a tally mark in the air with his finger.

"Fine, fine, you win. Come on, big guy. Let's get out of here." Midnight said, hopping off of her chair.

David moved to get off his chair, but stopped before fully rising to his feet. The whole room seemed to be spinning, and he was quickly getting dizzy. He sat back down after a moment before shaking his head slightly and trying to stand up again. He quickly lost his balance and fell back into the chair. Midnight trotted over to his side and tilted her head.

"You alright, big guy? You only had one of those drinks. I know you're not that much of a lightweight." Midnight said with a grin.

"Yeah, I don't know what's up. I just got really dizzy all of a sudden." David said, trying to stand up again.

He didn't get far before losing his balance and falling back down to the chair. Midnight moved quickly to grab him with her hooves and try to slow his fall.

"David, okay, you're scaring me now. Are you alright?" Midnight asked, clearly concerned.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm just... really... really..." David trailed off, his head lolling back and forth.

"David, your nose is bleeding!" Midnight nearly shouted.

David brought a hand to his nose before pulling it away to see his fingers covered in blood.

"Huh?" David managed.

Another moment passed, and David's hearing went with it. He could faintly hear someone calling his name, shouting it even, but it seemed so distant, almost... muted. The room around him spun so fast he couldn't make out the details anymore, and after another moment, he found himself falling to the floor. The impact barely registered with him, all he could make out were two sapphire eyes blinking back tears as his vision faded.

"David!"

"Somepony help!"

The words rang dull in his ears, and with that, his world faded to darkness.

Next Chapter: Chapter 18: The Death of David Lawson Estimated time remaining: 1 Hour, 8 Minutes