**Author's Note** Hello everyone! So first of all let me apologize right off the bat for the length of this chapter. My story doesn't have 'seasons' but if it did then this would definitely be a season finale. It marks the end of several different arcs and opens the story up for new things to come.

There's no sex or violence in this chapter but be prepared for heavy drama. I challenged myself here to write the most intense turn of events that this story has seen so far. And whether you love what happens or hate it, I hope you enjoy reading it all the same!

The Heart of Pleasure
By Haunter Rayne
Ch 85 – The Last Dance Ever?

“Okay, so stop me if I sound crazy but I definitely think that Rayne is up to something.” It was early morning while in the Ponyville Day Spa two mares lay on their backs conversing while getting a hoof and mane massage. They were both wrapped in steamed towels while wearing a face mask with cucumbers over their eyes. “I mean it, this can’t all just be for nothing.” The unicorn stated as she gave a shiver from how good the spa ponies were making her feel.

“No, I agree. Rayne has been acting different lately. I’ve noticed it on several occasions.” An earth pony replied in a deadpan voice. “His odd behavior of late has me worried about him.”

“Odd behavior?” Starlight asked as she removed a cucumber from her eye to see that Maud had actually eaten hers. “What do you mean? What has he been doing?”

Maud sat quietly for a moment as she thought back to several instances she found to be peculiar. It had started when she found him looking at maps in the town hall and checking something off on a list before teleporting away. Then she caught him hiding out behind the post office where Derpy Hooves seemed to be delivering a package to him in secret. To end with, she saw him whispering something to Rarity outside her shop which made her scream before pulling him inside and closing her doors for the rest of the day.

“Just stuff. None of it seems to make sense. Although, he does seem to be going overboard with taking care of us today.” She sighed as Aloe Vera rubbed into a particularly good spot on her hoof.

Rolling over so that Lotus could massage her back now Starlight looked up and said, “Mark my words Maud. A stallion doesn’t just give a girl an all expenses paid full service visit to a day spa for the ENTIRE morning for nothing! Not even if he works there! This is either prep for an even bigger surprise later on or he is buttering us up for some seriously bad news.”

This made Maud’s eyes pop open for a moment before she sat up looking deep in thought. “He’s not… No, I’m being silly. He wouldn’t.” She stated more to herself than to anypony.

“What? WHAT?! Tell me!” Starlight urged as Lotus and Aloe now looked to each other and snickered.

Starlight listened intently while catching the slight softening of Maud's voice, “You heard about Zecora, right? That after her party… he broke up with her?”

Now Starlight’s other cucumber popped off her eye on it’s own as she stared at Maud with worry. “Yeah, I did… And he’s still seeing Dash and Applejack but they’ve come to an understanding that they aren’t serious about each other. So that basically means you and I are his only real girlfriends left. Is he… going to break up with us too?” The two mares felt frightful as Starlight's words left a heavy silence in the air.

“Ah, nay nay nay nay nah! Don’ yu worry luvies!” Lotus called out with her nasally accent sounding as thick as ever. “Your stallion adores the two of you. You should have heard how he was talking about you this morning! Aloe, what did he call them again?”

The pink spa pony giggled and recited, “I believe it was something like, ‘a pair of exquisitely gorgeous mares will be coming in today. Give them everything on the menu and I will cover the expense for both of them myself!’ Hehe!”

This made the pair of mares smile and relax. But just as Starlight was about to lay back down she suddenly choked out in surprise, “WAIT RAYNE IS PAYING FOR ALL OF THIS?!” Aloe and Lotus both looked to each other and nodded. “But, but- doesn’t he get some kind of employee discount or something?! So the reason we are getting our visit for free ISN'T because he works here?!”

At this both the spa ponies laughed. Aloe was the one to explain stating, “Oh well dearie, employee discounts don’t extend that far. Now I’m sure that Rayne could have convinced us for the sake of the two of you but he actually insisted that you get the works so he covered the full expense.”

“Mmhmm. He paid in advance and everything luv.” Lotus added.

However Starlight’s surprise only increased with every word they said. “IN- IN ADVANCE?! But… what if we didn't ’t choose everything?! He still paid for it anyways?!”

Lotus nodded. “Yes he did. In fact, he booked us up for you. Haven’t you noticed that you two are the only customers here? We aren’t even opening our doors for any other customer until noon. But of course, you two are welcome to stay for as long as you like.”

Starlight quickly laid back down not wanting to waste Rayne’s hard earned bits. But she bit her lip nervously as she said, “That’s… so extravagant. It must have cost him a fortune. I don’t know how I can relax now. I kinda feel like maybe we put him out now.” Starlight said with worry as Maud looked over and nodded.

“Oh, don’t fret. Rayne told us to expect that you might feel that way too.” Aloe told them as she suddenly tapped several times down Starlight’s back, pushed left on her hip, then eased on the pressure to her spine until a series of loud cracks ricocheted through the room.

“Ooooohhhhh!” The unicorn nearly screamed as she fell limp with a pleasured smile on her face. “Rah-… Rayne tau-ght you, how to, do that too?” She whispered out as Maud’s eyes rolled back after receiving a similar treatment.

“No, but we’ve been taking notes.” Aloe answered before the two spa ponies giggled.

- The Castle of Friendship -

“Alright Rayne, it looks like you are going to have your way after all.” Twilight smiled as everypony else nodded along with her. While Starlight and Maud were busy having their spa day, Rayne helped himself to Starlight’s seat as he sat at the map table with all the rest of their friends. “You had mentioned it before, back on the day you threw that wild party at Zecora’s.”

Rarity tossed her mane back with a glamorous smile saying, “Really darling, the thought of taking all of us out dancing is just divine! Why, I haven’t gone out for a night club setting in simply forever. Plus, it will be an excellent opportunity to strut my stuff with my dear Spikey Wikey!”

“That’s right Rarity!” The little dragon cheered from where he was sitting in her lap. “We’ve had other dates but we've never gone out dancing in a night club before.” Their friends smiled and averted their eyes letting the happy couple have their moment.

Pinkie bounced in her seat saying, “I talked to Mrs. Cake and she said that she would be fine without me for the night once I explained to her what was going on.”

Applejack went next as she spoke up with a suspicious tone to her voice. “Ya know, at first I didn’t think that I was gonna be able to make it. There’s a lot of work to be done on a farm before the fall season rolls in. But strangely, when I woke up this morning I found half the work out in the orchard had already been done! Now I wonder who could possibly be responsible for that anonymous act of charity?”

At this point Rayne and Rainbow Dash snickered as they bumped hooves together and the pegasus called out, “I dunno!”

That was when Twilight motioned to get them back on track asking, “Anyways, I'm sure this will be a real treat for everypony. Is everything ready on your end Rar-… ahem?”

They all looked over to Rarity’s now empty seat where the two lovebirds had been before falling out of the chair together. In an instant, Rarity almost frame skipped back into the seat after reapplying her make up and looked as fresh as ever. “Oh yes, it's all set. I have the most gorgeous dresses prepared for each of you. Also Rayne, there is a little surprise waiting for you in my shop. I’m sorry that it took so long but that order you placed so many moons ago is finally ready!”

"Y-yeah Ray-ne... You're going go lo-ve it." The love drunk little dragon said as he crawled back up covered in kiss marks.

“I’m glad to hear it. I couldn’t think of a more perfect night for it’s debut.” Rayne replied as the other mares all smiled to him knowingly.

“Indeed. I have no doubt that Starlight will be quite surprised.” Rarity commented sounding quite proud of her work.

“Heh, heh. That isn’t the only surprise that Starlight is going to get tonig-”

“SHHHHHH!” Everypony at the table shushed to Pinkie as Rainbow Dash and Applejack stood up to check that Starlight hadn’t been walking up at that moment for some reason.

Rayne just waved that it was fine and told them, “Remember girls, you all know about it but no talking about it. I don’t want to take any chances of ruining the surprise.” He told them and they all nodded. “Rarity, shall we go?” With that the two unicorns departed and everypony left to finish their chores for the rest of the day until they met back together later that night.

- That Evening, in Manehattan -

“Twiiiiilight!” Starlight groaned as the princess stood smirking along with the rest of their friends inside of Rarity’s boutique. “Come on you guys! Somepony tell me what is going on tonight!” But no matter how she whined all of her friends just giggled and pretended not to know anything. “Rayne wouldn’t just invite all of us out together unless there was a reason for it!”

“Oh and why ever not dear?” Rarity asked as she walked out from behind a changing room curtain where she and Spike had been helping the stallion to get ready. “Is there something wrong with all of us going out as friends?”

“Oh, well I mean of course not.” Starlight hesitated.

After that Rarity gave a devious smirk as she began to pull the curtain back. “And besides my dear… I think you’ll find that coming out with us tonight will be worth a little mystery.”

“Oooohhhhh!” The others called and Starlight’s voice dried up in her throat. When Rayne stepped out the sight of him took her breath away.

Over his shoulders he wore a short cloak that draped around him giving a masculine yet elegant appeal. It was a deep black with red trim on the end and around his neck he wore a silver cravat which matched his sterling horn perfectly. Down his front legs were a set of fitted dress pants of royal blue which along with the cloak made him look like a count or some kind of important dignitary. The finishing touch was the zircon gemstone set into a clip to hold his cravat in place. It’s pale blue sparkled with the same hue as the stallion’s eyes.

“Wo-of… I mean wow! I mean… gee Rayne. Rarity has really outdone herself. The two of you together sure know how to make a mare go speechless. You look amazing.” Starlight stammered out while twirling a hoof on the ground flirtatiously.

“Thank you Starlight, but this is nothing. Your beauty is still the one leading the show here tonight. I’m just trying to keep up with you is all.” He whispered to her as he rested his forehead upon hers and wrapped his arms around her for a gentle hug.

Starlight sighed like her heart were going to escape through her chest at any moment. However the feeling was over when a small gushing squeak slipped out from one of her friends behind her.

“TWILIGHT!” The group of others all shouted at her for ruining the moment.

“Alright, alright. Let’s get going.” Rayne called to them all. The other girls nodded and they all changed into their own outfits for the evening being heading out together for the club upstairs.

- -

“Ahem?” Rayne cleared his throat with a smirk as the bouncer raised an eyebrow to him curiously. Meanwhile everypony waiting in line to get in were dropping their jaws and snapping pictures. “How’s it going tonight Lock? I hope the crowd is treating you okay?”

“Hmph.” He retorted, already knowing he wasn’t going to like what the stallion had to say next.

“So I know you remember us and all. But we have a few guests here tonight. I’m sure you recognize princess Twilight Sparkle!” Now the crowd gasped as Twilight was blushing but kept her head held high as she walked forward. “You wouldn’t deny a princess entry to the club now would you?” Rayne teased.

Twilight walked in with Pinkie escorting by her side. “She’s my plus one and I won’t enter without her.” She said simply, just as Rayne had instructed her to before they left. Lock just rolled his eyes and let them pass.

However, as soon Lock was about to reattach the velvet rope to the stanchion Rayne called out to him again. “But of course, we also have Rainbow Dash! You know, popular sports idol and member of the famous Wonderbolts?”

With that the pegasus hovered forward while draping her hoof around Applejack’s neck. “Howdy!” The country mare called as she walked in at Dash’s side.

Now Lock didn’t bother to reattach the rope as he just stood waiting in annoyance for Rayne to speak again. “Last but surely not least we have the wonderful lady Rarity, fashionista extraordinaire, who I assume you know works right below your DJ’s club? And beside her is Spike the Brave and Glorious, several time hero of the Crystal Empire, and Rarity’s romantic partner.”

“Pleasure to see you again darling!” Rarity called as Spike just waved.

“Well then… I suppose we’ll be seeing you around Lock! Good luck with the crowd tonight!” Rayne called back from over his shoulder as he let himself in while walking with Starlight under his arm.

As soon as they passed Lock reconnected the velvet rope to stop a stampede of ponies from rushing inside as well. “Ah come on! You’ve GOT to let us in now!” Cried the masses. “Rayne and Starlight are going to be singing again tonight! And there’s a PRINCESS in there!” “Yeah! Yeah!" But Lock just shook his head. “Awwwwww!”

- Inside -

“WHOO HOOO! CLUB PARTY!!!” Pinkie shouted from the dance floor while the music reverberated off the walls. The night carried on like a dream as they danced, laughed, and drank together. The bartender had announced that the drinks were on the house that night but a moment later shared a wink with Rayne when the girls weren't looking.

“Wow! You really have me tearing it up tonight Rayne!” Starlight laughed as the two collapsed against a bar stool together after finishing with the song they were just dancing to.

Twilight who was sitting in the next seat over just spread her wings in surprise but then smiled while shouting over the loud base, “Wow so you two go all night like this? I had no idea that night clubs could be so much fun!" But she just laughed as Rayne and Starlight were too busy being lost in each other’s eyes to have hardly heard a word she said.

“Hmmm? Oh sorry! Yes, it’s always like this.” Her pupil finally called as the two shared a drink together. “You know-” She began but then her jaw dropped when she realized almost every pony in the club was chanting to them.

“One more song! One more song! One-” The masses chanted and then laughed as Starlight and Rayne burst out into embarrassed giggling of their own from this.

The heliotrope unicorn just looked up to her stallion and with a daring smirk said, “Want to try showing our friends how we really do things in here?!" She challenged as Rayne thought it over until a series of letters and numbers exploded overhead causing the crowd to cheer again.

“I have just the thing in mind for tonight. A little something special that I’ve been saving for a night like this.” He snickered to her mischievously.

“Oh, a special song huh? You rascal you.” She snickered back as she took his hoof and walked back to the dance floor with him. “Well… maybe I have a bit of a surprise for you too!”

“Oh really now?” He smirked as she gave him a playful shove.

https://youtu.be/0U3ynirmsOQ

Starlight took the lead as the music began to play. The mare was looking deep into his eyes and sang in a melody as if pouring the words out from her soul.

“I think you're truly something special, -oh.
Just what my dreams are really made of, -dreams are really made of.
Let's stay together you and me boy, -oh.
There's no one like you around, oh baby!”

Now the two danced into each others arms, both pressing into one another. “Uh, oh. -Ooh” All their friends stared wide eyed as they had never seen any couple dance in this way before. “You’re a storm, uh -oh woah.” Rayne held onto her and she held onto him as the stallion vocalized to the beat. “Uh, uh huh, uh, uh huh, uh -oh!”

“Yeah, yeah, oh, uh. -Oh!

I can't really explain it.
I'm so into you now, I wanna be more than a friend of you now.” He growled.
“When they ask, I mention my baby girl in the interviews now.
And I don't bring the problems from my world here to you now.” He leaned in invading her personal space, how he knew she liked him to do.
“There's no reason to have a friend or two now.
'Cause I’m ready to tell you how I feel in a few vow's.
Maybe, I'm speaking general now,
But girl I'mma do whatever just to keep a grin on you now!” Starlight’s ears folded as she blushed from him going on and on.
“Where I go, they wear bikini's in the winter too now.
What you think about, tan lines on the skin of you now?” Starlight gasped self-consciously.
“Why wouldn't I wanna spend a few thou'?
On Canterlot shopping spree's, and dinners at Masala’s to chow.
I ain't concerned with what other stallions do now.
As long as when I slide up in you, you growl.” He ground his hip in making her blush.
“And any dude with you, he better be a kin of you now.
And I ain't jealous it's the principle now.” He sang noticing from the corner of his eye that the blue stallion twins were back.
“I'm so into you.”

Eventually enough was enough and she shoved him back so that she could have a turn to sing.
“I really like,
What you've, done to me.
I can't really explain it!” Starlight sang, letting her voice ring higher.
“I'm, so into you!” She closed her eyes and then danced back against his chest.

“I really like,
What you've, done to me.
I can't really explain it.
I'm, so into you!”

But Rayne surprised her again as he whipped her around and held her tight like he was pouring his heart out for her.
“Come on ma, it's more than a flashin'.
I woulda traded it all, in orderly fashion.
My villa in fantasy we crashin'.
Just off the shore, so you can hear when water be splashin'.” He smirked and she giggled with him.
“The drop top three and a quarter we dashin'.
The flawless diamonds, and the border we flashin'.
The money, we oughta be stashin'.
I make sure every quarter be cashed in, I can't really explain it.
My friend be thinkin' I'm slippin', these girls be thinkin' I'm trippin'.
What kinda weed he be smokin', what type of drinks he be sippin'?
Sweet thing, just to think of you dippin'.
Would have me with the blue's so hard, you would think I was crippin'." It surprised her when he suddenly took her by the hoof looking her in the eyes.
"Now, you relaxin' with our friends, send smiles with no limits.
So you don't worry about timin' that we spend.
Ever since I been hopin’ a knee will bend.
How'd you like it if, both our name's had Glimmer on the end?”

“RAYNE!!!” Starlight shrieked as she pulled back out of his arms completely missing her cue for the song. Starlight was blushing harder than she ever had in her life and it only made it worse that their friends were all in the club watching. But then not wanting to ruin their performance she tried to catch back up as best she was able.
“-can't really explain it.
I'm, so into you, -so into you.” She vocalized as a smile crept it’s way back onto her lips.

“I, really like.
What you've, done to me.
I can't really explain it.
I'm, so into you.” She sang with her head resting on his shoulder and her hooves around his neck.

Rayne let her stay like that as he swayed her in his arms.
“I don't wanna trip, but truth is,
Girl the way you bring the game, it’s ruthless.
You love my smile, no matter how chipped my tooth is.
With you, it ain't because my whips is roofless.
Or sit on-” However mid song his voice seemed to split to whisper just for her while he was still singing aloud for the crowd. “Hey… you okay?”

She looked up feeling confused as to how he was doing that, but shaking it off deciding she didn’t really care she whispered back, “I’ve never been so embarrassed… or so happy Rayne. Don’t worry, I’m fine.” She nodded to him.

Reaching up to hold her chin gently Rayne sang to her as if she were the only one in the room.
“Even though I’m becoming somewhat successful,
Bein' a player was becoming too stressful.
But every since, this supermare has come to my rescue,
My winter's been wonderful, my summer's been special.” Starlight couldn’t resist letting out a happy squeal as his words were even making even her ears turn red.
“Let's fly from these parts, to a villa that’s painted,
Just so we can get really acquainted.
The love is real, there's no way it could feel like it's tainted.
But I can't really explain it, uh, yeah.”

Starlight broke cue again but this time it was to grab Rayne by the collar of his cloak and pull him in for a long, deep kiss. She didn’t even mind the cheers or the cat calls from the crowd and she pulled back with a smile before catching up in place to the song.
“-can't really explain it.
I'm, so into you.” She started dancing up against him with a smirk that went on for miles.

“I really like,
What you've, done to me.
I can't really explain it, -can't explain it!” She sang with a little shimmy of her shoulders.
"I'm, so into you.”

“Oh I! -really like.” She vocalized running a hoof up through her mane.
“What you! -done to me.” She pointed at Rayne.
“I can't! Really explain, -explain it!
I'm so into you, -so into you!" Starlight was on fire now as she was singing.

“I, really like. -Really like...!
What you've, done to me.
I can't really explain it.
I'm, so into you." Now she was dancing dreamily against him, sliding her arms around his neck while twisting her hips.

"Sooo... so into you. Oh aaa... ohh.
Ahh so into you..."

When the music finally died down and a silence fell over the nightclub both the unicorns dropped their ears in a heavy blush as every patron in the crowd roared out to cheer for them. It didn’t take long for the two of them to cower away back to their friends by the bar. However once there, they received no less amount of astonished admiration.

“Whhoooaaaa, you two!” Dash teased.

“That was simply glorious darlings! Have you two ever thought of putting your talents on stage?” Rarity suggested.

Even Twilight joined in saying, “Wow, I always thought that nightclubs were only about loud noise and provocative dancing. But seeing you two out there like that, it was almost romantic!”

“Gee, thanks you guys!” Starlight sassed out sarcastically. But they could all tell she wasn’t really upset. The bartender already had their usual drinks ready for them and the couple quickly refilled on their liquid courage after expending all of their bravery during that last song.

The night went on rather smoothly after that. Pinkie got Twilight to lighten up and enjoy dancing to a few faster paced songs. Alternatively Dash and Applejack seemed to save the slower base tunes for dancing with each other. However even as everyone seemed to be having a good time, unbeknownst to the others, the stallion was distracted by the sight of those blue twins holding back from dancing with anypony all night long.

“I’m sorry Starlight but could you excuse me for a moment?” He asked giving a kiss to her cheek before stepping away. Standing not too far from them Discord and Spike were taking a break together from having been dancing with Fluttershy and Rarity all evening long. The Draconequus was wearing more of a mobster style zoot suit of pinstripe black while the dragon’s attire was almost matching but in stark white instead. “Hey boys, could you two help me with a little something?”

The three of them huddled together whispering but all the while their eyes darted to how the blue stallions attention locked onto Starlight as soon as Rayne had stepped away from her. The three nodded and Rayne returned too her side before the twins could make their way over.

“Hey there, everything okay? You just kinda left me alone all of a sudden.” She asked him as she took hold of his hooves affectionately.

“I’m sorry baby, I needed a little chat with the boys to build up my courage. You’re looking so beautiful tonight that it's making me nervous.” He teased.

Starlight just scoffed almost choking on her drink. “Me?! You’re the handsome one tonight taking us out dressed up like you're some kind of king! Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed how ever mare in here has been staring at you?! ...I know I certainly have.” She mumbled solemnly.

Rayne’s gaze didn’t shift to look around, nor did it waiver from how he stared at how captivating she was to him. “Oh, I’m sorry. Are there any other mares here tonight? I must have failed to notice.”

Starlight fell to pieces at that. Sure she felt that the line was a bit corny but his delivery had been so intense that she couldn’t help but succumb to it’s effect. “Rayne… stop it. Why are you being so affectionate with me tonight?” She whispered as she curled into a bashful mess. “I know you like to embarrass me sometimes but really, my cheeks are starting to hurt.”

But then her ears perked and her eyes spread open wide as he just extended a hoof out for her. Standing nearby Rainbow Dash tapped quickly upon Twilight’s and Rarity’s shoulders trying to draw everyone’s attention as the stallion said, “It’s getting late… we’ll have to be going soon. But have one last dance with me before we go? One last chance to tell the world how beautiful you are to me?”

Starlight couldn’t breathe for a moment. But eventually she nodded saying, “I would never say no to you Rayne. I’m in love with you.”

“I’ll hold you to that.” He smiled as he lead her out onto the dance floor, shooting off the signal overheard for the DJ. “Hey Starlight, remember how I told you earlier that I was planning a special song for you tonight?”

“Uh, yeah? And it was perfect. I loved it.” She told him while tilting her head curiously.

“Heh, that wasn’t the song I was referring to… this is.” His words trailed right into the beat that began to flow now from the club’s speakers.

https://youtu.be/ktmvnKAGoks

“Ohhh-ohh-oh-ohhh-ohhh... Oh-hooo!
Yeahhh, yeahh, yeah, yeahhhh...” Rayne smirked as he danced with Starlight.
“Oh yeah, there's something about you...”

“Rayne? What are you doing?” Starlight questioned as something seemed familiar to her about the rhythm of this song.

“Ohhh-ohh-oh-ohhh-ohhh... Oh-hooo!
Yeahhh, yeahh, yeah, yeahhhh...” The stallion just snickered and didn’t answer her.
“Oh yeah, there's something about you...”

“Rayne what are you-”

“Beautiful, I just want you to know...
You're my favorite girl!” Now Starlight gave in and just smiled.
“Beautiful, I just want you to know.
You're my favorite girl!” He had her trotting in place blushing now. But when Rayne sang next, Starlight completely froze at the sound of his voice.

“I know you gon' lose it, this new Snoop shit.
Come on baby boo, you gotsta get into it.
Don't fool wit the player with the cool whip.” Starlight was undone by the sound of his voice, just like during his rap battle.
“Yeah-yeah, you know I'm always on that cool shit.
Walk to it, do it how you do it.
Have a glass, lemme put you in the mood and.
Lil' cutie lookin' like a student.
Long hair, with ya big fat booty.” She hardly even seemed mind as Rayne slapped her bottom right in front of the crowd and all their friends.
“Back in the days you was a girl I went to fool wit.
Had to tell your mentor and friends to cool it.
The girl wanna do it, I just might do it.” Their friends almost fell out of their seats concerned with how aggressive Rayne was being. But Starlight was enthralled.
“Here to walk wit some pimp-pimp clue wit'.
Mommy don't worry, I won't abuse it.
Hurry up and finish as I make you look clueless.
I laugh at these ponies when they ask who do this.
But everybody know who girl that you is.”

Starlight was visibly trembling as she stared frozen in place while Rayne at her towering in her personal space. Twilight was just about to put a stop to how he was abusing her friend when Starlight suddenly threw herself into his arms giving him a submissive but fiery kiss.

“Beautiful, I just want you to know...
You're my favorite girl!” Now Starlight found her footing and began to dance with him.
“Beautiful, I just want you to know.
You're my favorite girl!” She wasn't even aware of the shocked expressions on her friends faces as she was too busy gazing longingly up at Rayne’s eyes.

This was what she wanted. This was the sound that set her soul on fire for him. With how she was rolling her body against his, it would have been less lewd if they were actually having sex compared to how she was fawning over him now. But even as she only had eyes for him now, his attention was looking elsewhere.

“When I see my baby boo, shit, I get foolish.
Smack a stallion that tries to pursue it.” Just then he lifted Starlight’s hooves to give her a twirl.

In that moment a blue stallion moved to cut in and whisk Starlight away while the other stood on standby. What they didn't expect was for the black stallion to split apart into three masked between the flashing of lights in the night club.

Fright filled the blue twins eyes as a black claw clutched around their throats from a pair of half pony half panther mutant creatures.
“Homeboy, she taken, just move it!
I asked you nicely, don't make the Dogg lose it!” The two mirrored Rayne's each gripped the blue stallions around the neck and rushed them forward through the crowd before Twilight and the others could tell what happened.

They were dragged to the doors where Discord and Spike stood waiting. The dragon’s lips and the Draconequus’ eyes both burned with fire as they dragged interlopers outside. Once that was settled the duplicate Raynes simply vanished into shadow before melding back with the original stallion’s hooves who danced and sang with Starlight as if nothing had happened at all.

“We just blow 'dro and keep the flow movin'.
Just like before, me and baby boo cruisin'.
Body wagging true, and,
Have them hydraulics squeakin' when we screwin'.
Now she's yellin', hollerin' out on loop, and,
Hootin', hollerin', hollerin', hootin'.” Starlight wasn't even embarrassed as Rayne turned her around and rocked her hips like they were mounting right there on the dance floor.
“Wild and beautiful, you the one I'm choosin'.
Hair long and loose and curly like you're doin’.
Keep groovin', that's what we doin'.
And we gon' be together until your moms move in.” Starlight gasped as Rayne reached down grabbing her straight by her marehood. But she didn’t fret or shove him away because right then she felt like she was utterly and completely his. Looking up into his eyes she danced her hips around staring at him as if her world started and ended with whatever he wanted at that moment.

“Oh yeah, there’s something about you.”

“Beautiful, I just want you to know...
You're my favorite girl!” Starlight looked up mouthing ’I love you’ as he sang to her.
“Beautiful, I just want you to know.
You're my favorite girl!”

After kissing his cheek Starlight leaned her lips up to his ear to whisper, “I’m yours Rayne.”

Feeling thrilled to hear that he took her gently by the chin with his hoof.
“See I just want you,
To know that you are really special!
Oh why, oh why, oh why, oh why!” He vocalized as Starlight started looking teary-eyed from everything this evening suddenly hitting her all at once.

“I just want you,
To know that you are really special!
Oh why, oh why, oh why, oh why!” She smiled as tears of joy began to run down her face. But tears turned into sobs as she lost control, crying heavily into Rayne's arms.

“Oh yeah, there’s something about you.” He sang as he pulled her in to hide her face in his chest from the crowd. Then he just held her gently rocking back and forth as they danced.

“Sharp dope clothing, that's what I'm groomed in.
You got my pictures on the wall in your room-in.
Girls be complainin' you keep me boomin'.
But girls like that wanna listen to my bye-tune.
You's a study girl, but that don't stop you from doin'.
Come and see the stallion in a hood near you-in.
You don't ask why I roll wit a crew, and,
Twist up my mane up and wearing me through-in.” Lifting her face now he pointed to their friends and told her:
“Off to the side, that's the crew I choose.
Nothin' I do is new to you.
I smack up the world if they rude to you!
Cause baby girl, you're so beautiful.” Starlight was clinging onto him now while laying her head against his chest.

“You're my favorite girl!
Oh oh oh oh!
Beautiful, I just want you to know.
Yeah yeah yeah yeah!
You're my favorite girl...” But Rayne abandoned the rest of the song even though it wasn’t quite done yet. He held Starlight tightly in his arms as he walked her off the dance floor back to their friends who quickly crowded around to try to comfort her. Taking the hint Vinyl scratched the song and replaced it with a wild club beat to distract the crowd and let her friends have some privacy.

- Back in Ponyville -

The whole lot of them stepped drearily through town feeling exhausted from having danced the night away. Manes were loose and sweaty but smiles hung lazily from everyponies faces.

“Whooo that was so much fun!” Pinkie gave a drained and withered cheer.

Several others laughed weakly and Applejack stated, “It sure was fun. But I’m more beat than an old carpet on dusting day.”

“Hey Jackie… there are no clouds in the sky tonight and my wings feel like they’re going to fall off at any minute. Can I crash at your place tonight so I don’t have to fly back to Cloudsdale?” Rainbow Dash asked and the country pony nodded as the two friends walked off together.

Rarity went next saying, “Uh yes, speaking of which… Twilight, would you mind ever so terribly if Spike-”

“-Go on you two. Have a good rest together.” The princess waved as she saw that the dragon was already passed out across the unicorn’s back anyway.

Discord took this opportunity to bend down in a gentlemanly bow and ask, “Dear Fluttershy, may I have the pleasure of teleporting you home this evening?”

“Hehe, why yes. That would be lovely Discord.” The pale yellow pegasus nodded and then the two of them vanished.

All that remained now were Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle. The two smiled to each other beside the town square and shared a hug before intending to part ways for the night. “Hey Twilight?” Pinkie asked just as they started to depart.

“Yes Pinkie?” The princess replied looking back over her shoulder.

“Just think… with those two… It’s probably about to happen right now.” Pinkie sighed with a dreamy expression.

“Heh, you can talk about it all you want in the morning Pinkie. Now go to bed.” The alicorn told her. Then the two of them were off to their respective homes. Or at least that had been the earth ponies intention anyways.

“Hello Pinkie.” Called a monotone voice.

“OH! Maud! Hiya! What are you doing awake at this time of night?” She asked her sister.

“Nothing much. Just some Maud sense told me I should go for a walk tonight. I assume that since you're back that I should probably go find Rayne. I feel I should apologize for not coming out tonight. He invited me but nightclubs just aren’t really my speed.” She stated before turning to head off. But she stopped in her tracks when Pinkie spoke again.

“Oh I don’t think you’re going to find him, hehe.” The pink pony chuckled to herself.

“What?” Maud asked curiously as she turned back to her sister.

“I said that you probably won't find him anywhere in town right now. He’s still out with Starlight tonight.” She stated plainly.

But Maud felt compelled to inquire further. “Oh? Are they still back at the dance club?”

“NOPE!” Pinkie giggled harder now, starting to regain some of her boundless energy. “I’m not supposed to say anything but Rayne has a surprise for her tonight! A very, super-duper, you won’t be able to believe it kind of surprise!”

Maud thought it over for a second before grabbing hold of her sister by the face. “Pinkie, what is happening tonight? What is the surprise?”

Pulling back away Pinkie scoffed and said, “Oh I can’t tell you that silly! Then it wouldn’t be a s-” But she froze in disbelief as Maud actually stomped her hoof angrily.

“Pinkie! Tell me! What is Rayne’s surprise for Starlight tonight?!” The gray mare demanded.

The pink pie sister looked aghast as she couldn’t remember the last time that Maud had actually raised her voice. Giving a defeated shrug she looked around to make sure that no pony else was awake to overhear and whispered softly into her sister’s ear.

After Maud’s eyes popped with surprise she quickly spoke out, “Where did they go?! Pinkie, we have to stop this!”

“What?! Why?!” The party pony cried out. But as she sat there listening to her sister’s explanation her expression changed from one of confusion, to disappointment, to sobbing disbelief. “Wh- wha? But nooo! Is-s, is that true?”

Maud just nodded. “Please Pinkie… help me. Help me to find them both.” Then with a nod the two of them ran off together.

- Nearby Manehattan, Out in the Nameless Grasslands Between Towns -

“Rayne… what are we doing out here?!” Starlight asked giving a tender laugh.

Looking back to her while holding her hoof he told her, “I wanted to take you some place nice. Someplace with a view. So that we could be somewhere alone that’s beautiful… like you are.”

Now she sat down and bit her bottom lip, almost having to trot at the ground to hold back the glow in her cheeks. “Rayne, baby please! No more of that! You’re going to make me cry again, I mean it!”

“Hey, come on now. I have something that I want to tell you. And this is important to me.” He told her with a sincerity that shined in his eyes.

Starlight looked up with curiosity blooming inside her. “Rayne, I mean it. I want to know what's been going on with you. Nopony has ever been this sweet to me in my entire life. You’re giving my parents a run for their money at this point. What is it that you had to take me all the way out here just to say to me?”

“Well… you see it’s...” He stammered sheepishly. Now she really was intrigued because she had never seen her proud boyfriend seem so nervous befofe. “Let’s just say that I have one more song for you tonight. The message that I have to convey is a little too complicated for me to just say outright.”

“Oooooohh no Rayne!” Starlight pleaded as she laughed loudly now. “No more dancing, please!”

“No, no.” He reassured her. “No more dancing, I promise. You can just sit there and listen. Alright?”

“Heh, alright Rayne. Go ahead.” She gave an exasperated sigh but it was clear she was only being playful. Then she sat politely in a cute little stance with her butt on the ground and her hooves in front of her.

Rayne stepped away and took a deep breath as he looked up to the sky. The night air was peaceful and the stars were shining down from their heavenly veil above. Then looking back to the mare who sat waiting patiently for him, Rayne gazed deeply into those round eyes of hers as he sang for one final time that night.

https://youtu.be/WaN-Fh6QquE

“I saw you coming from a mile away,
Trying to hide behind that pretty face.” Starlight teased, pulling her mane over her face playfully.
“Bet my last bits baby you been bruised,
Poor little heart all black 'n' blue.” But now she listened to him carefully as she realized this wasn’t just another flirty romance ballad.

“Last thing you need's another pickup line,
You must have heard them all a thousand times.
The world only knows what you been through,” She looked down now, not wanting her past brought up.
“Believe me I've been broken too.” Now she looked up to Rayne in awe, wondering if it were even possible for him to have a past as dark as hers.

“It aches, it breaks, it takes your breath away.” Starlight nodded as that is just what it felt like for her.
“I've been around that block a time or two.” Now she was breathless listening closely to his every word.

“Baby, I don't want to fall in love with you!
I try, try, try but I can't get around the truth!
Please don't say my name, give this heart a break!
I don't want to make the same mistake but it's too late...
I'll leave on the light...
These arms are open all night.” His voice rang smooth and low across that grassy meadow as the breeze carried that tune to where her ears were listening intently.

“Oh Rayne… I never realized that I could… that we might...” She began but he shushed her and she nodded not wanting to interrupt.

“I got your taste in the back-” However that was when something else distracted Starlight that didn’t have anything to do with Rayne at all.

Off in the distance from straight behind him came a hot air balloon flying into view. Immediately she recognized Pinkie and Maud riding upon it while waving frantically to her. “Wha?” She mumbled to herself feeling annoyed that her friends were interrupting this sweetest of all moments. But then realizing she wasn’t paying attention she quickly looked back to Rayne.

“-And I'd be lying if I didn't say,
When you're this close I'm afraid.” Her eyes began to tear up again as soon as she heard that.
“Of the way I'll feel if I touch your hair,
The way I'll miss you when you're not there.
And that I'll see you when I close my eyes...
It's too late, I've crossed that line.”

“Aww...” She couldn’t help but whimper as the stallion had her falling to pieces for him all over again.

“It breaks, it aches, it takes your breath away.
I'll still be around come closing time.”

But trying to not let Rayne notice, Starlight scowled as she saw that her friends start holding up signs to get her attention. Messages like, ‘STOP’ and ‘Look At Him!’ made no sense to her for what they were trying to convey.

“Baby, I don't want to fall in love with you.” Another sign: ‘Starlight, look at him!’
I try, try, try but I can't get around the truth.” Yet another: ‘STARLIGHT!’
Please don't say my name, give this heart a break.” Another: “LOOK...’
I don't want to make the same mistake but it's too late.” Another: ‘AT...’
I'll leave on the light.” Another: ‘HIS...’
These arms are open all night...” And then there was one final sign: ‘CUTIE MARK!!!’

Now her eyes darted down to Rayne’s flank and she could not believe what she saw there. Unbeknownst to him his cutie mark was changing. It was almost flashing. She watched breathlessly with tears clouding her eyes as the blue green heart made of two mares shifted before settling instead as a single purple mare with a heliotrope & green striped heart wrapped around it.

“Is that… me?” She thought silently to her herself as her heart started to break. “I’m… I’m changing Rayne’s destiny…? Rayne is… altering his purpose in life… for me?!” She sobbed as a soul crushing truth began to dawn on her. “No, it isn’t fair! This isn’t right! He can’t! I… I can’t do this again! I can’t take another pony's future away from them like I did before! Not to him, not to him...” She cried softly as she began to accept the truth. “I… have to break up with Rayne...” She decided even though it tore her apart inside just to even think about it. But suddenly the words he sang and the movement’s he made irresistibly drew in her focus.

“It's 2 am, it's last call, baby.
The barkeep's gone, I'll walk you home now...” Then he opened a little portal in the air to reach in with a hoof and pull something back out of it.
“Save me...”

Starlight stared wide eyed thinking, ’Wait, what is he doing?!’

“Baby!”

’Wait… wait, no! Nooo! Nooooo!!!’

“Baby, I don't want to fall in love with you!” He sang from down on one knee with a diamond ring sitting in a little box held open for her.

“Wait...” Her mind pleaded having gone almost blank.

“I try, try, try but I can't get around the truth!”

“NNOOOOOOO!!!! NNNNNNOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!” Her mind screamed.

“Please don't say my name, give this heart a break!”

”Nooo baby! PLEASE! Not now! Not like this!!!” Her soul shrieked through her thoughts as she collapsed to one knee in front of him with tears streaming down her eyes.

“I don't want to make the same mistake but it's too late...”

“IT ISN’T FAIR!!! RAYNE!!!!! I LOVE YOU!!!”

“I'll leave on the light...”

“Rayne… I’m so sorry!”

“These arms are open all night… Starlight Glimmer… I’m in love with you… Will you marry me?” Rayne asked her with the most heartfelt look in his eyes that she had ever seen in any pony ever.

Her breathing was choppy as bottom lip quivered when she looked at him and whispered, “… no...” That was all she said before she dropped fully onto the ground by her side and began to cry her eyes out.

Rayne stayed there on one knee holding out the ring while feeling stunned. He blinked a couple times before looking to the mare laying in the grass crying harder than he'd ever seen anyone cry before. But faster than he could speak she suddenly looked up at him and teleported herself away.

“What… what just happened?” He asked before falling down to both knees still holding the box in his hooves in disbelief.

“Alright… get us out of here Pinkie...” Maud said to her sister who was quietly sobbing from what they had just witnessed but nodded and pulled the drawstring on the burner to lift the balloon higher into the air.

- Back in the Castle of Friendship -

Twilight sat alone at the map table reading a book by candle light to unwind from the excitement of the evening. However she was quite surprised to hear the sound of somepony teleporting into the castle near the entryway.

“H-hello? Whoever you are, it’s a little late for visitors.” The princess called out. She was shocked when her pupil suddenly walked into the room. “Oh, Starlight! I thought you were still out with Rayne. So, how did your evening-” But Twilight stopped mid sentence and rushed out of her seat as she realized her friend was covered in tears from her face down to her hooves. “Starlight! Oh my gosh! What happened?!” She asked while holding the sobbing mare with hooves and wing.

“Twi-… Twi- Twilight!” The unicorn bawled out so hard it sounded like she could hardly breathe. “Re-re-remember when you said… that we couldn’t break Rayne’s heart?! B-b-because, it could kill him?” She heaved out in between heavy breaths.

“Yes, of course I remember that. What about it?” Twilight asked while rubbing her back and materializing a box of tissue to dry her face.

“We- we- well, what if… what if I just broke my own heart instead?!!!” She cried and fell into her mentor’s arms. Whimpering from over her shoulder Starlight relayed the entire story to Twilight about what happened after she and their other friends had left.

- Back in Maud’s Cave -

The gray mare had only just arrived herself when the dark stallion suddenly materialized at her archway. “Oh, Rayne. You’re back. How… are you doing?” She asked him, for once in her life feeling grateful for the monotone inflection of her voice which now hid the guilt that was stabbing through her heart. But it only made her feel worse when her boyfriend failed to utter even a single word. He just stood there in disbelief staring at nothing as if he were numb.

When he finally decided to move the stallion just walked up to her and completely dropped himself into her arms. Rayne rested his head over her shoulder and Maud's heart broke at the first sound of sobbing that quickly began to fall from him. “I’m so sorry Rayne.” She thought quietly to herself. “I don’t want you to hurt like this… but this will be good for you in the end. I promised I would always look out for you. Even if that means protecting you from yourself.”

She rubbed his back as she watched his cutie mark fade slowly back to a blue green heart as the stallion accepted the truth that things were over with Starlight. His proud facade gave way to the weight of his tears and the disappointment. They collapsed on the floor together and she just held him as there were no words left for either of them to say.

Author's Notes:

Chapter title... I'm sure it makes sense now. With something like this to have happened it's possible that we might never see Rayne and Starlight together in Vinyl's dance club again. Plus, I felt it gives just a hint of foreboding without giving too much away.

So the first song was "Into You" by Fabulous. Who liked the way that Rayne kept catching Starlight off guard during this one? XD

The line, "dinners at Masala’s" was referring to Saffron Masala who works at the restaurant the Tasty Treat with her father Coriander Cumin.

The second song was "Beautiful" by Snoop Dogg. Now if you couldn't tell already, Starlight tends to fall to pieces at the sound of his voice. As such, from all the songs Rayne has sung in Vinyl's club he's saved any Snoop Dogg songs for a night that is truly special... a night like this one.

Okay so about Starlight crying in the dancefloor, she wasn't upset. She was just so happy that she had an emotional melt down and couldn't control herself any longer. Everything was fine at that point.

And as for Pinkie and Maud whispering to each other, I'm pretty sure you can imagine what was said now. But I had to hide it from the readers to not spoil the surprise for the next big part.

The art piece during the proposal at the end was done by the talented and wonderful Elly Eveningstar. You should remember her from the jazz club that Rayne sings at.

The last song was "Open All Night" by Bon Jovi. Now speaking just about Rayne's intent, what do you think about his song choice? Rayne was asking Starlight to marry him. What do you think of his proposal?

Next, holy shit! Rayne asked Starlight to marry him! Like for real! His cutie mark was changing away from Luna & Chrysalis and everything! Rayne had REALLY fallen in love with Starlight for real! And that's what makes it so sad because she loves him back just as much.

But Starlight can't deny the pain she still feels in her heart after enslaving a town. This time she might not be using her magic to do it, but she still feels that it's wrong to alter Rayne's destiny. So she whether it was the right choice or not, she was afraid so she turned him down.

And with that ladies and gentleponies... marks the end of Rayne's harem.

Maud is now the only romantic lover that Rayne has left. He still has many flings to sleep with and there will be many more to come. But with this heartbreak, Rayne is left with his first and last girlfriend of the story so far.

Now to be clear, Maud wasn't being jealous or vindictive against Starlight. She would have been happy to see Rayne and Starlight get married together. But Maud knows that Rayne has a greater calling than that. It will be his place to hopefully one day bring Princess Luna and Queen Chrysalis together by his side. And she wants to support Rayne in this endeavor. But now she is faced with a new challenge and that is the guilt of hurting her best friend and her boyfriend and knowing that she is responsible for forever stealing their happiness away from each other.

**P.S.** I am taking a short break to work on side stories and I will continue this story with a new chapter on the first Saturday of January.