After much planning and an unfortunate setback, the date of our date with Rainbow had finally arrived. I had spent no little amount of time thinking about how I wanted this to go. We had decided we’d all get to pick an activity and I, in my infinite wisdom, had come up with the idea of doing a picnic lunch…at the tail end of February. I am 100% sure Luna was taking pity on me when she decided to pick ice skating as her activity.

Regardless of my own mental damage, Rainbow had elected to go to the movies after we finished ice skating and Fluttershy wanted to do some stargazing. Thank all that is holy I Summer had taught me how to keep myself warm with my Chi.

So it was that I had spent the better part of last night and this morning prepping lunch. I had ended up buying a number of thermoses for keeping the soups and stews I had made hot, as well as some hot coco. I also made some tuna fish salad and bought some potato chips. Once everything finished cooking, I packed it all into a genuine, bonafide, Yogi Bear-approved picnic basket.

Any reports of me having a stupid smile on my face as I gazed at that picnic basket are highly exaggerated I assure you.

Putting rumors aside, I was ready to go as Luna, Rainbow, and Fluttershy arrived for our date.

“Everyone ready?” I asked as I hefted the picnic basket.

“That looks heavy, you sure we got enough food?” Rainbow joked.

“Alicorn, Martial Artist, Jock,” I said pointing at Luna, myself, and Rainbow respectively, “If anything I’m more worried about still not having enough.”

“You worry too much Ranma,” Luna said, “Worse come to worse we can always fill up on movie theater fare.”

“Strangely that doesn’t make me feel better,” I said dryly, “I’m the moron who suggested a picnic lunch in the dead of winter. The least I can do is seeing to it you’re all satisfied.”

“Honestly Ranma, you act like a little cold will kill you,” Fluttershy teased.

“That’s what they all say just before it gets you!” I gestured dramatically, “And when you’re nothin’ but a popsicle, don’t say I didn’t warn you!”

“But I know you’ll be there to thaw us~” Fluttershy wrapped her arms around me, her head barely coming up to my shoulder. I’m sure I blushed as Fluttershy snuggled into me and Rainbow and Luna snickered.

“I suppose someone has to do it,” I muttered.

“Then we’ll be counting on you,” Rainbow clapped my shoulder.

“As much fun as it is teasing Ranma, I did want to get to ice skating today,” Luna said with an indulgent grin.

“We could change today’s date to snuggling Ranma all day,” Fluttershy suggested and I wasn’t entirely sure how serious she was as I watched Rainbow’s face turn completely red.

“Tempting, but I think that’s a bit much for Rainbow’s first date with us,” Luna said, taking pity on Rainbow’s poor soul.

“I suppose,” Fluttershy relented and let go of me.

The four of us in winter gear headed out to the frozen lake. Before Luna had suggested it, I had never gone ice skating before in my life. So it had been a week of dedicated practice for me, since I had no desire to spend a large portion of our date on my ass. Thankfully I had managed to pick up the skill relatively quickly.

As we arrived at the lake we found it perfectly frozen over and a number of other ice skaters were already enjoying themselves. I barely resisted cracking a joke in my head about people willingly subjecting themselves to the cold and enjoying it. The four of us laced up our skates and hit the ice.

As we skated, it was pretty clear where each of us sat on the totem pole of skill. I, naturally, was at the very bottom. I could skate and I wasn’t making a fool of myself, but I could do little more than propel myself forward. Rainbow was the next step up, displaying the confidence she did with most physical activities but not the same mastery she displayed in flight. Luna and Fluttershy owned the ice. There was really no other way I could think of to describe just how at home they both seemed doing tricks and gliding around the lake.

I think we all had a good time, all things considered, although a part of me couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps ice skating made for a better 1 on 1 date than a group date, since Flutter and Luna spent most of the time skating with each other and Rainbow and I were paired off by virtue of our lesser skill.

In due time a late lunchtime rolled around and I deployed my army of thermoses. The troops did admirably in keeping what needed to be hot at a good temperature. I was proud of them. If you think I’m silly for thinking about my newly bought thermoses like this…yes.

Of course, I ended up making a little bit too much, but leftovers never hurt anyone. It should probably tell you something that as soon as the thought entered my head cries of ‘food poisoning’ and images of Codename: KND flashed through my brain. I have never claimed to be the most mentally sound person in the world.

Once we were finished eating, we packed up what remained and started making our way to the movie theater for Rainbow’s portion of the date. It was with little surprise she took us to see an action/adventure film. It was a fine film and we had the typical movie snacks of popcorn and candies.

I wish I could tell you more about the film itself, but our group were otherwise engaged in the back row, if you know what I mean.

Once the movie ended, we left with silly grins and slightly flushed faces. This time of year, even though it was relatively early at just past 6pm, the stars were already out and Luna took care of her duty of ushering the moon into the sky as we were leaving the theater.

We headed up to the top of a grassy knoll near Fluttershy’s cottage, where she had already set up the stargazing equipment. Gazing into the depths of space as Luna narrated each star we looked upon them; it was a lovely way to spend the evening. I was glad that Rainbow enjoyed herself as well.

Eventually the hour grew late. Yawns from me, Fluttershy, and Rainbow grew more common. The call of our beds became more alluring.

“I think we can call this a successful date,” Luna said.

“I had fun,” Fluttershy said as she stretched from being bent over a telescope.

“I did too,” Rainbow added, “I like spending time with you guys.”

“I like it too,” I said and smiled at Rainbow. She blushed slightly. Fluttershy took her hand.

“I hope you join us on more dates,” Fluttershy said sincerely. Rainbow’s blush had progressed to full bloom.

“I’d be amenable to it,” Luna nodded.

“Sure thing,” Rainbow agreed. I noticed Fluttershy was still holding Rainbow’s hand. I couldn’t be more pleased with how things were turning out.

With plans for future dates agreed upon, even if the details could be hammered out later, we all headed home for the night.

I completely underestimated how much my surgery would put me on my ass. My nose is still sore and stiff feeling and I'm starting to become slightly concerned.

The first week was hell. My nose was constantly bleeding and the braces they put up my nose were uncomfortable as all get out and my body had an immune system reaction to them. After they were out it slowly got better until I was able to breathe again and better than ever. This last month has basically been me sleeping, eating, writing a few words, maybe playing some games if I have the energy, and going back to sleep.

20+ years of sleep debt is a hell of a drug. I'm still feeling kinda blegh. But at least I managed to finish this.

In other news, I decided that in this time of improvement I might as well try and fix my diet. Less sugar and junk food, more keto-like. I'm not cutting out carbs entirely, both because my doctor said I didn't have to and because I don't think I could afford it without having some cheap pasta/bread to fill out my meal roster from time to time.

I'm also currently looking into things like Factor meal kits. If they're affordable enough and taste decent, I can just have them prep me keto meals and not have to worry about shopping for myself and potentially getting tempted by those dastardly carbs. Or sweets. Mostly the sweets.

Hopefully I can get back into my usual monthly uploads.