Chapter 12

Princess Celestia’s Throne Room, Canterlot

Just as Iron Cross and Twilight were about to exit the throne room, Celestia trotted after them.

“I’m sorry Twilight, Iron Cross; I forgot to mention something to the both of you. I realize that we were just discussing matters of state security but it’s just as important to have fun sometimes. I was thinking of holding another gala, more specifically a Hearts and Hooves Day Gala. It’s something new I thought of. Oh and don’t worry it’s not going to be like the Grand Galloping Gala, I assure you it will be much less formal…just something for fun. All of your friends will be invited of course. I promise there won’t be another ticket situation like the last gala.”

Twilight blushed heavily when she heard mention of that particular incident. “Hehehe of course Princess but may I ask why you decided to do this out of the blue?”

“Twilight I am hardly doing this at random. It has been rather stressful as of late here at the castle and I thought that everypony could use a breather, including Luna and I. It is important that even during times of stress and strife that we try our best to handle the situation without having a mental breakdown. In other words Twilight, it’s essential to have fun to help relieve the burden of stress.”

Twilight simply nodded in agreement, remembering yet another incident where she went mental because she didn’t write a weekly friendship report. She wondered if Big Mac still had her stuffed animal, perhaps she would visit him later to find out. Twilight added that to her mental checklist of things to do.

Iron Cross winced at the thought of a big party, remembering what Pinkie’s party was like. If the crazy pink party mare was invited then trouble would certainly ensue. It’s not that he hated Pinkie Pie, but rather she scared the living daylights out of him. Being a soldier for so many years had taught him to appreciate and even grow found of daily routines. He had a deep rooted paranoia of the unpredictable, it wasn’t that he couldn’t adjust he just didn’t like it. Pinkie was the very avatar of unpredictability…that and she had a fondness for breaking the laws of physics.

Celestia giggled as if reading Iron Cross’s mind. “Oh don’t worry there won’t be any alcohol served at the gala. I banned its consumption ages ago…due to a rather embarrassing scandal involving me, ten bottles of wine and griffon prince.”

Twilight’s eyes grew to the size of saucers not being able to comprehend the pure shock of imagining her princess and mother figure flat on her flank drunk. She looked like she was about to have a mental breakdown.

Iron Cross let out a wry chuckle. “It seems our majesty knows how to have some fun on occasion.”

Celestia adopted a look bemusement. “What can I say? I was young and quite the party pony. As I recall the griffon prince was extremely handsome so…I just took the initiative that’s all. For all the scandal we caused with our romp I didn’t hear a peep of complaint out of him. After the dust settled I would occasionally go to Griffania on diplomatic missions but I always managed to squeeze in a quickie with Prince Talon. Ah those were the days.”

Iron Cross gave Celestia a knowing wink. “Youth is such a wonderful thing is it not, your majesty?”

“Indeed it is Iron Cross. Do you wish me to send the both of you off? I have a carriage waiting outside.”

“Why yes your majesty that would be lovely, besides I think poor Twilight is too flustered to use teleportation magic anyway. Have a pleasant day your majesty.”

Celestia giggled and waved. “A pleasant day to the both of you as well, and I expect to see you at the gala!”

Iron and Twilight entered the stagecoach plopping down on the plushy lavender seats. They sat across from each other; Iron was looking out the window with a hoof placed on his chin staring at nothing in particular while Twilight sat fidgeting with the same look of disbelief she had in the throne room.

“I can’t believe this…THE PRINCESS a-aand a GRIFFON!!??? I mean I know that hippogriffs exist but for her to f-ff…fff…forn-icate with a griffon? She is a pony after all but she’s also a goddess…OM MY GOSH what is it like to have sex with a goddess? Books…yes books I bet I could find out more about this from books ehehehehehe.”

Twilight’s muttering rant broke Iron from his musings. “Umm Twilight are you ok?”

She continued to mutter for couple more minutes until Iron got sick of it. He slapped her across the snout with his hoof. “Sorry about that Twilight but it was the only thing I could do to snap you out of it.”

Twilight rubbed her snout suddenly jolted back to reality. “Sorry Iron I have a tendency to freak out sometimes. Thanks for slapping me back to my senses.”

It was going to be a little while till the carriage reached Ponyville so Iron Cross decided to chat with Twilight for a bit. He didn’t really know her very well other than she was the town librarian and the star pupil of Celestia. “Look don’t worry about the Princess too much Twilight, she may be the ruler of Equestria and a solar goddess but she has the same desires as any of us. I remember back when I was a human even political leaders had lovers on occasion. If anything you should be happy that Celestia admits to her mistakes and wants.”

Twilight looked down at the floor in embarrassment. “You’re right Iron…it’s just hard for me to imagine the princess doing things like that. I’m sooooo sorry I freaked out.”

“It’s alright Twilight I forgive you but let us move on to more stimulating conversation topic hmm? Actually I was wondering if I could ask you a bit a personal question if you don’t mind.”

“Umm sure Iron go ahead and ask.”

“I assume this Hearts and Hooves Day thing is some kind of romantic holiday right?”

“Yes…why do you ask?”

“Ok that’s what I thought. So if this is indeed a romantic holiday, then I must ask. Do you have a special somepony you intend to take along to the gala?”

Twilight rubbed her hooves together still looking at the floor. Awkward silence filled the carriage for several seconds. Iron Cross let out a heavy sigh realizing he must have hit a conversational land mine. What was with this crazy bookworm mare? She was one of the most socially awkward creatures he’d ever seen in his entire life (human or stallion otherwise). She had plenty of friends that he knew, but the mare acted like she’d hardly experienced life outside the library.

“Alright sorry I asked. I guess I must have hit a nerve. At the very least are you even interested in finding somepony to be with?”

Twilight responded in very Fluttershy-esque voice. “Well I do like stallions.”

Iron Cross laughed. “Well now we’re getting somewhere! I thought you were some bookish asexual creature whose only love was studying.”

Twilight shot Iron Cross an icy glare while gnashing her teeth. “Grrrrrrr WHY DOES EVERYPONY THINK THAT!!??”

“Oops sorry Twilight I didn’t know that was such a sour subject for you.”

Twilight calmed down a bit before answering in a slightly annoyed tone. “It’s ok…I’m just not very good at being social. I kinda came onto the scene pretty late. Just so you know I really do like stallions but I’ve never really been in a relationship before.”

“Ah I see well everypony has to start somewhere Twilight. Who knows maybe this gala will be an opportunity for you to find your stallion in shining armor.”

“Maybe but I really don’t have much of an idea who would be suitable for me. I mean I’m not as picky as Rarity but I do have some standards. It’s so easy for you to go to the gala Iron. You already have Applejack.”

“Trust me Twilight things weren’t always so smooth with Applejack and I. There was point where we had a very awkward phase but it worked out in the end. You just have to get your hooves dirty and try. Don’t think about the millions ways you could fail, but what you have to gain. You’re a very attractive mare Twilight, don’t sell yourself short. I’m willing to bet there are plenty of stallions who would want to be with you.

Twilight looked like she was on the verge of tears. “Y-you really think that…I’m…b-bbeautiful?”

Iron Cross nodded. “Yes its plain as day. You are the element of magic, Princess Celestia’s star pupil and of course extremely adorkable. Calling all stallions heeeerreee is Ponyville’s most eligible bachelorette.”

Twilight kicked Iron Cross in the leg. “Adorkable??? What the hay does that mean? Oh sweet Celestia does that mean ponies think it’s cute because I’m dorky?”

“You make it sound like it’s a bad thing Twilight. I say it’s just part of your charm.”

“Ok Iron I’ll try to be more assertive and just so you know I do have a stallion in mind.”

Iron Cross looked out the window of the carriage and noticed that they had arrived at Twilight’s library. As the steward opened the door for Twilight, Iron gave her a quick ruffle to the mane. “Atta mare, I hope everything works out for you. Later Twilight.”

For the first time since they left the throne room Twilight smiled. Iron Cross somehow reminded her of her brother, Shining Armor. He joked around sure, but underneath all of the humor was genuine concern and friendship. Twilight’s eyes burned with a new type of determination, she was going to find a stallion. Oh yes, she would if it was the last thing she ever did. Now all that was left to do was make a check list of all of the eligible stallions in Ponyville.

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Carousel Boutique, Ponyville

Rarity let out a squeal of joy when she received the invitation to Princess Celestia’s Hearts and Hooves Gala. She couldn’t wait to design the perfect dresses for her friends and especially her new fillyfriend Fluttershy. How long had it been since she went on a date with somepony she was proud to show all of Equestria to? It had been far too long that was certain. Rarity slumped onto the floor cuddling the invitation and drooling as well. Sweetie Belle came trotting down the stairs to see what all the giggling and squealing was all about, only to find her sister looking like a madpony.

“Umm Rarity what’s wrong with you? Did you drink too much wine again?”

Rarity’s slobber fest was interrupted by her sister’s question and she immediately composed herself, albeit with a slight blush. “Why hello Sweetie Belle, I’m sorry you had to see me in such a state but you must understand that I just received some wonderful news. Princess Celestia is going to hold a Hearts and Hooves Gala. Oohhhhh just imagine how romantic it is going to be! Why I just can’t contain my excitement!”

Sweetie Belle cocked her eyebrow. “Oh it’s one of those things. Seems kinda boring to me.”

“Now Sweetie Belle, I don’t expect fillies to be into that sort of thing just yet. Perhaps when you’re older you shall understand, and before you get any ideas do not go crusading for a romance cutie mark. I shall have none of that. Perhaps if you’re well behaved I will arrange for you, Applebloom, and Scootaloo to have a pizza party sleep over during the gala.”

“Ok Rarity that sounds nice, but if you’re going to the gala who’s gonna watch us?”

“Oh you just leave that to me darling, I’m sure I can conjure up a fillysitter somewhere.”

Just as Sweetie Belle was about to complain about having a fillysitter, there was a slight knock at the door. Rarity in her typical dramatic fashion hurried to greet her guest. When she opened the door, Fluttershy was standing outside with a bouquet of roses.

“Fluttershy my sweet how nice of you to visit and you brought my favorite, red roses. Oh how thoughtful!”

As soon as Fluttershy dropped her bouquet of roses she gave Rarity a quick kiss to the lips. Rarity a bit taken back by Fluttershy’s newly found directness blushed slightly because Sweetie Belle was still in the room. Sweetie Belle eyed her sister with a slight bit of suspicion, not quite sure what to make of the kiss.

Fluttershy nibbled on one of the roses and smiled at Sweetie Belle. “Oh hello Sweetie Belle how are doing today?”

“I’m ok Fluttershy. How’s Angel Bunny doing?”

“He's doing just wonderful. I think he finally is taking a liking to normal bunny food. Ohhh I would just get so mad when he wouldn’t eat anything but fancy salads. I had to give him the eye a couple of times since he was so naughty.”

Rarity cleared her throat. “Well Sweetie Belle I’m sure that Fluttershy is happy to see you but she has some private business with me that she has to attend to. I’ll give you some bits so you can go buy a milkshake at Sugarcube corner, doesn’t that sound good?”

Sweetie Belle shuffled her feet. “A milkshake is always good but I still don’t understand why Fluttershy kissed you like that. I know that friends sometimes kiss each other but that was going a step beyond. I know how you work Rarity; you can’t expect me to just forget what I saw by giving me a milkshake.”

Rarity facehoofed. Sometimes Sweetie Belle could be very perceptive. She was a chip off the old block as far as Rarity was concerned.

“I guess there’s no getting anything past you eh Sweetie Belle? I might as well tell you even though you might be a bit young to understand. You see Sweetie; I got tired of trying to find my prince charming so I decided to find my princess. As you may well know Fluttershy and I have been friends for years…so we decided to take our relationship to the next level. In other words Fluttershy and are fillyfriends.”

Sweetie Belle stood staring for a moment and then her eyes became bigger than saucers. “Oh…MY…GOSH!!! I’m so happy for you Rarity. I just knew it would only be a matter of time before you two got together I mean you’ve been friends for sooooo long.”

Rarity awkwardly accepted Sweetie Belle’s embrace not quite sure how to take this. “Ehem well yes darling it took me quite a long time to sort this out but I assure you that the feelings of love that Fluttershy and I share are mutual. How may I ask do you know of such things Sweetie Belle?”

“You promise you won’t get mad if I tell you Rarity?”

Rarity let out a chortle. “Oh of course not dear, why would I get mad?”

“Umm you say that now but…I’m pretty sure you’ll get mad.”

Rarity grit her teeth. “Now Sweetie Belle it’s extremely rude to lie to your sister so go on and tell me how you know.”

“Well I may have read some of your romance novels on how mares…umm…get together?”

Rarity’s left eye twitched. “Grrrr…now Sweetie Belle how many times have I told you not to read my private book collection? Those books are not meant to be read by fillies, if you want to read something more appropriate then read Daring Do.”

“Rarity you keep telling me that I shouldn’t be into that kind of stuff, but the truth is…well I sorta…do like that stuff.”

“Sweetie Belle, dear could you please speak up I can barely hear what you’re saying.”

Sweetie Belle began to blush heavily. “I do like that kind of stuff…”

“Oh well you are beginning to reach the age where you start becoming interested in colts. It’s only natural.”

“NO! That’s not what I umm meant.”

“Well Sweetie Belle it’s quite alright if you read some romantic novels from time to time there is no shame in it. Perhaps I was wrong about you not being mature enough to read them. I’m sorry darling, if I seemed angry but from now on you’re welcome to read more, of course you must ask my permission first.”

Sweetie Belle eyes started to well up and she began shuffling her hooves against the ground. “Rarity I wasn’t talking about the books. I meant that I like that kind of stuff as in what you and Fluttershy are doing.”

“YOU WHAT??? I mean I was rather surprised that you accepted us a couple so easily and now it makes perfect sense. You’ll have to excuse me Sweetie Belle; this is just very shocking to me. If you don’t mind darling, could you tell me how this came about?”

“You think what I’m going through is shocking? Rarity, you always talked about how you wanted to find your prince but instead you hook up with Fluttershy. I guess I can’t blame you since most of the colts you’ve dated were horrible.”

“My word Sweetie, I had no idea you were so perceptive. I just assumed that you had no interest in such things or even cared about my romantic flings. Well from this day forth there will be no more of that. I swear to you my dear sister that you can come to me and talk about these kinds of things whenever you want.”

“Thanks Rarity that means a lot. Anyway it’s not that I hate colts or that they treated me badly, it was just one of those things that sort of happened. I guess I should start at the beginning.”

By this point Fluttershy was completely enraptured by Sweetie Belle’s situation. Fluttershy normally didn’t try to stick her hooves into other pony’s business but Sweetie Belle’s situation hit close to home, for it was similar to her relationship with Rarity. Fluttershy also firmly believed that love could take any form and it was the heart that mattered not the plumbing. She gave a short sigh as Sweetie Belle started recounting her story.

“About four months ago the CMC decided to have a sleepover at the tree house. Applebloom said she couldn’t make it because she had a lot of chores to do, so it was just Scootaloo and I. It was kinda boring without Applebloom but we found a Vanity Hoof magazine and decided to read it, you know just out of curiosity. There was an article about kissing and at first we laughed at it, but then we got curious about what it was like. Scootaloo and I kinda…kissed. At first it was weird but then we started to like it and we…did it a couple of times. I never really realized how cute Scootaloo was, well in a sort of rough messy way. *Sigh* She has such a wonderful purple mane and when I’m near her I swear she smells faintly of oranges.”

Rarity’s mouth looked like it was going to unhinge as she stood there listening to her sister. “Oh my you really are in love with…ermm…Scootaloo aren’t you? Well this is certainly a surprise but not entirely unexpected. Friendship is often the foundation for romance, I mean look at Fluttershy and I if you need any further proof.”

Sweetie Belle wrapped her forehooves around Rarity in a tight embrace. “Thank you Rarity. I was so scared to talk about this. I thought you were going to be mad at me. I was just confused and I didn’t know if it was right, but I feel so comfortable around Scootaloo.”

“Hush darling it’s quite alright. Now I don’t mean to be a soil-sport but you will need to tell Applebloom about this, she is one of your best friends after all. I understand that you love Scootaloo but please don’t try to take your relationship too fast. At least now you have a date for the Hearts and Hooves Gala. I’ll make sure that I make an absolutely fabulous dress for you and your new fillyfriend.”

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Sweet Apple Acres, Ponyville

Applejack was finishing up rooting some weeds in the carrot patch when she decided to take a break. It wasn’t a particularly hot day, but weeding was hard work and nonetheless she still worked up a thirst. She went in the house to grab a glass of iced tea and as she came back out she noticed Big Mac sitting on the porch reading a book. He was slowly nursing a glass of lemonade when he noticed Applejack had come over to sit next to him.

“Woo wee weedin’ sure is hard work. Ah reckon ah worked up a mighty thirst.”

“Eyep.”

“Whatcha readin’ there Big Mac, is it somethin’ about farming?”

“Nope.”

“Aww come on now Big Mac ya can tell yer sister what it is. Ah know you like to read all those fancy books on thinkin’ and such.”

Big Mac sighed knowing how stubborn his sister could be when she wanted something. “Fine…it’s a book on how ta properly treat a mare on a date. Before ya start laughin’ at me just know that while I’ve had relationships before they were kinda like yours. Ain’t too many mares that can stand a stallion who works a lot.”

Instead of spitting out her tea or laughing Applejack just let out a grunt of acknowledgement. She knew all too well that the Apple family was practically married to their farm and consequently neither her nor Big Mac were ever very good at keeping up relationships. Applejack knew she got extremely lucky with Iron Cross because he lived on the farm, so that eliminated some of the problem. Hay, he even came to the understanding that she was a busy mare and he didn’t seem to have a problem with it. Applejack let out a soft chuckle, realizing just how good of a match she and Iron Cross really were.

“AJ I have a plan fer this Hearts and Hooves Gala. Ah know exactly how to break the ice with the mare I’ve got mah eye on.”

“Just how in tarnation are ya gonna go about doin’ that?”

Big Mac pulled out a ragged looking stuffed animal from underneath the chair he was sitting on. It appeared as if he had attempted to make some repairs to it. It took Applejack a few moments to register why her brother had the stuffed toy, when it dawned on her. The stuffed animal belonged to none other than Twilight. It had been a while since the little incident involving a love spell and the said toy but apparently Big Mac felt obligated to not only repair the doll but give it back. Applejack whistled at her brother’s clever plan.

“Ah see how yer gonna do it ya big ole’ Casanova. Ya figure that you can use the doll as an excuse ta go over to the library and butter up Twilight. Ah approve of the plan, but ah just never figured she would be yer type…well except fer the fact y’all both enjoy readin’ so much. Ah guess it makes sense. She is quite pretty if ah do say so mahself and she’s sooo adorkable sometimes. Never mind, it makes perfect sense now. Only thing is does she like ya back?”

Big Mac scratched his chin in thought. “Ah know most of the mares in town think I’m some kind of stud. It’s possible Twilight thinks so too, but ah ain’t too sure she’s got a whole lot of experience with stallions. Ya know with her bein’ a bookworm and all.”

“Pfft ah didn’t know ya realized all the mares thought about ya that way.”

“AJ ah may not talk much but that doesn’t mean I’m stupid. It’s plain as day seein’ all them mares staring at mah flank. Ah can’t even go on a normal shoppin’ trip without somepony like Carrot Top givin’ me a discount or even freebies sometimes.”

Applejack laughed spitting out some of her tea. “Well ain’t that a barrel of apples? Mah brother the stud-muffin!”

Big Mac rolled his eyes. “AJ don’t ever mention the word muffin like that again. Ah already had quite the experience with Derpy talkin’ about wantin’ ta squeeze mah muffins. Most ponies think she’s crazy but ah know she ain’t, hay she was downright flirtin’ with me and knew damn well what she was talkin’ about.”

Applejack rolled on the ground barely able to breath between her spasms of laughter. “Hahahaha Derpy oh lawrd that hilarious…hahahaha DERPY!!!!”

“Ah knew it was a bad idea ta talk to ya about this.”

“Sorry Big Mac ah just couldn’t help mahself. Ah really do hope that this plan of yours works out. Twilight might be a bit of an egghead but that don’t mean she’s a bad mare. Ah love her to bits ya hear and ah don’t want ya breakin’ her heart. If ah so much as hear ya even mildly upset her, I’m gonna buck yer face into last week.”

“Don’t worry yer little orange hide AJ, ah know how special she is. I’ll treat her like she deserves.”

Applejack spit on her hoof and shook hooves with Big Mac. “Alright it’s a promise then.”