I took a deep breath, as I finished combing my hair and took one last look. Tonight, is Pinkie's party and I am a little nervous. I have never been to a large gathering like this before and don't know what to expect. Knowing Pinkie, she managed to invite the whole school to the event. How they will all fit in her house is a question I have decided not to think about. Let's just say those magical events completely destroyed my skeptical side. Thankfully, since it's pinkie, it isn't a fancy event, so I don't have to worry about my clothing.

I took out my phone and checked the time. I smiled, as I still have plenty of time before it starts. Who would have thought that to push someone like me to go out, was for an incredibly friendly, likable, extrovert like Pinkie? God, if the girl wasn't so adorable, I wouldn't give her the time of day. She's overwhelming but in a good way. I quickly made my way out of my house and got on my way to the party.

I arrived at Pinkie's house and took a good long look at the scene before me. I could see many students, some I even vaguely recognized, walking inside, before being greeted by an excited Pinkie. The party seemed to be crazy and loud from what I could see. I took a relaxing breath. Alright I can do this. Just walk right up there, greet Pinkie, and enter the party.

I walked closer to Pinkie and when she saw me, her eyes lit up in pure happiness. God, she's not going to tackle me in public, is she? I froze when she rushed towards me. Oh god.

"Oh Marky," I heard, before I ended up on the soft lawn with Pinkie on top of me, "You came."

"Yeah, I told you I would." I groaned from the impact.

"I know!" She began hugging me, "I am just so happy to see you!" She gave me a kiss on the cheek, "School isn't enough time to see each other."

I blushed in embarrassment, as I noticed eyes are on us and most people are giving us amused looks.

"Pinkie. Must you do this in front of everyone?"

"What's wrong?" She asked innocently, "I greet you like this at school all the time."

"Yeah, but... Not... Never mind," I responded nervously.

I decided it's most likely not worth trying to explain doing it in front of so many people was my issue. At least before class it was only in front of a few teens. Finally, she got up and held up her hand.

"Anyway, I am happy to see you here," Pinkie told me, helping me up.

"Well, I am a man of my word." I responded.

I followed Pinkie as she led me inside. It was going as you would expect from a party. There was music playing, provided by Vinyl, I think her name is. There were groups of teens chatting in small groups. I could feel anxiety from being in front of so many groups of people begin to form. At least at school I could get away from crowds like this, but it looks like I'm stuck.

"Well, Marky as much as I want to stay with you," Pinkie began before embracing me again, "I better get back outside to greet everyone."

"Ok."

"Then again I guess it won't hurt not to," Pinkie told me with a huge smile.

"Uh."

"The others can just arrive on their own. I don't have to greet them Pinkie Pie style," She decided before tightening her embrace, "I usually love to greet all of my friends personally, but for you Marky I can miss out." She finished giving me what seems to be a flirty look.

"You don't have to do that for me," I manage to say.

She giggled, "But I want to."

"I mean. I'm not going anywhere, so you can do both."

"Oh. I guess so. I usually hate waiting for what I want," She responded with a cute pout, "But I guess I can," She gave me another kiss on the cheek before separating from me, "I will be back as soon as I can Marky."

I took a relaxing breath as I watched her rush outside. She has been much more affectionate towards me lately. She's adorable and the affection isn't bad, it's just a bit overwhelming at times. I bought myself some time to calm down enough to handle her for the rest of the evening. Might as well try to fit in and have some fun. I walked up to a nearby table, with snacks. One of the best things about Pinkie is her skills at baked goods. I'm not one to have much of a sweet tooth, but even I can't resist them. I grabbed a cupcake and began to eat it. Knowing Pinkie, she was most likely going even crazier with her greetings just to get back to me sooner. I shouldn't have to wait long.

"Hi there. Marcus right."

I turned around and swallowed the cupcake, before I realized it was Sunset who was talking to me. I haven't seen her face to face since the school tour.

"Yeah, can I help you?"

"Well, I haven't talked to you since the school tour," She began somewhat nervously, "I noticed you all by yourself and figured I would see how you were doing."

"You wanted to check up on someone you only met once before?" I asked.

She only nodded with a nervous blush, "I was just wondering if things are going well for you here."

"Not counting the whole battle of the bands fiasco, things have been going well."

"That's good. I trust you have made friends."

Wow, what is she, my mother? I have enough people pushing me to be more social as it is.

"Not counting Pinkie, since she is an obvious one," I began earning a giggle and nod from her, which made me pause for a brief moment from how cute it sounded, "I am close with Big Mac..."

"You're friends with Applejack's brother?" She asked.

"Uh Yeah." I answered awkwardly.

"But he usually doesn't say more than one-word responses." She pointed out, still stunned.

"I guess we just connect due to not being the best socially."

"Huh? That's..."

"Ironic," I finished.

"That and really fitting." She answered, "Anybody else?"

"Well, there's Rainbow Dash."

"Yeah, she did mention getting tutored by you. She wasn't too bad, was she?" She asked, concerned.

"Not really, it was kind of fun actually."

"Huh?" She asked stunned for a few moments, "She did say she was ready, and she seemed surer of it, than usual. Which for her is saying a lot."

"Yeah, I could tell despite knowing her for only a few days."

"I hope she really is ready."

"Trust me she is. I managed to get her to listen," I answered.

"Huh? How did you manage that?"

"By betting I could beat her at her Daring Doo game."

"Yeah, that would do it," She simply said, impressed, "Nice you managed to win though. Was it hard?"

Before I could answer, I was suddenly in a surprise hug and had my eyes covered.

"Guess who?"

"Come on Pinkie. What are you five?"

"Aw. Come on Marky I am just young at heart." Pinkie giggled before removing her hands from my eyes, "Nice to see you two talking to each other." She stated before turning towards Sunset, "Where are the others?"

Sunset shrugged, "Most likely doing their own things. I know I would want to spend time with other peers at these kinds of events."

"Oh well. Looks like it's just us three," Pinkie responded with a giggle.

"So, what do you two want to do?" Sunset asked us.

"I'm fine with whatever." I answered.

Pinkie's face lit up and she embraced me, "Oh Marky there is tons of fun stuff we can do! There's music to dance to and I am sure you know a bunch of great songs. There are plenty of sweets for us to enjoy and if you want, I could make something special just for you," She blurted out so quickly I barely could keep up with her before giving me a seemingly flirty look.

I have never met anyone more overwhelming than Pinkie. It takes all of my focus to keep up with her and it takes a lot out of me. If she is like this normally then I dread what a sugar rush Pinkie is like, assuming she isn't already on a sugar rush 24/7.

"Whoa slow down Pinkie before you overwhelm him." Sunset told her hyper friend.

"Your two suggestions sound good to me. let's do both," I answered before taking a relaxing breath.

"Okie dokie lokie."

Sunset shot me a stunned look, "Wait you got all she said."

"It wasn't easy, but yeah."

"I'm impressed. I have never met anyone who could keep up with her."

"Uh. Thanks."

Pinkie let go of me and got right up to my face with a giant smile, "Now Marky why don't we go dance together?"

"Uh... Ok."

"Great!" She exclaimed before dragging me closer to where the music was playing.

I could feel my social anxiety rise up, as we entered the crowd of dancing teens. I took a relaxing breath as I felt Pinkie put her hands on my shoulder and she even gave me what seemed to be a flirty look.

"Marky, do you know why I am having this party?" Pinkie asked.

"You said it's an annual party." I managed to answer despite my anxiety.

Pinkie giggled, "Yes, silly but I have different reasons for each party."

"The reason for this party?" I asked.

"Well... Are you ok Marky?" Pinkie asked concerned, "You look nervous. Are you ok dancing? Do you know how to dance? Am I making you uncomfortable? if you want I..." Pinkie stated before I placed my hand on her mouth.

I sighed, "It's not you Pinkie. Sometimes I just get social anxiety when around crowds."

"But why?" She asked confused, "There's nothing to be nervous about," She moved her face closer to mine, "Don't worry Marky, just follow my lead."

"Pinkie, I..." Was all I could get out before Pinkie led me in a dance and I ended up following along.

I could feel my nervousness fade away as I got used to what we were doing. After a few minutes she stopped.

"Are you having fun Marky?" She asked me.

"I... Yeah, can we keep going?" I asked.

"Of course, Marky." She responded before giving me a smile, "I'm just happy you are enjoying yourself."

We got back to dancing. I have to hand it to Pinkie. She managed to get me to calm down enough to try something new. I am really grateful to have a friend like her that can push me to things outside of my comfort zone and make it so it's not so uncomfortable anymore.

"It's amusing to see you two interact," I heard before turning around to spot Sunset watching us with a smile.

I couldn't help but smile, as I continued my dance with Pinkie. This whole party thing was turning out to be much better than I thought.

"Well, what do you think of the music?" Pinkie asked me after we finished dancing.

"It's nice despite not hearing anything like it before." I answered, earning confused looks.

"Really? These songs are well known around here," Sunset pointed out.

I shrugged nervously, "Well, not where I am from."

"Oh," Pinkie began excitedly, "I bet you know all kinds of awesome songs that we all haven't heard before."

"Well, I suppose so."

"You have to play them for us," Pinkie told me, giving me a cute look.

"I am curious about the kind of music you listen to," Sunset added.

"I guess I could show you."

"Oh. Better idea. I could ask vinyl to take a break and you can play a few for all of us here."

"I... You mean right here right now?" I asked.

"Sure. I know everyone will enjoy it," Pinkie answered with a smile.

That smile actually managed to remove any and all reluctance to play my music. I took out my phone and turned it on.

"Ok. Whenever you are ready," I told them.

"Great. I will talk to Vinyl while you pick a song," Pinkie responded, sounding excited, before she left.

I looked through my music selection and tried to decide what would be a good first song.

"Know what song you are going to play?" Sunset asked me.

"Yeah, it's one of my favorites."

It wasn't long before Pinkie returned and pointed at Vinyl, who was leaving the area.

"Are you ready Marky?"

"Yeah, let's do this."

I followed Pinkie up to the speakers and she addressed the crowd, while I plugged them to my phone.

"Ok. Everyone you are about to hear an awesome song, I am sure none of you have ever heard before," She announced before turning to me with an excited smile, "Hit it Marky."

I couldn't help but smile right back despite my slight nervousness, "You got it," I started the song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04854XqcfCY

I hope everyone enjoys the song. Oh, what am I saying? Who wouldn't enjoy the beauty of Queen? I smiled as I noticed everyone listened in awe and some even managed to sing along, as best as they could.

"Of the world!" A familiar voice sang out after the song ended.

I turned and saw it was Rainbow Dash, with an embarrassed blush. She groaned and gave everyone an annoyed look.

"What!? Can't a girl enjoy and sing along to an awesome song?" She asked, annoyed.

Everyone chuckled and she even joined along. Glad to see someone enjoyed the song so much they mistakenly added to it at the end.

"Wasn't that awesome. Don't worry Marky here will play more," Pinkie announced causing everyone to cheer.

I smiled as I quickly scrolled for another song to play. It actually feels great to introduce everyone to new songs for them to listen to.

Sunset, Pinkie and I were currently sitting together and eating snacks.

"Those songs were incredible." Sunset told me.

"Yeah, everyone seemed to enjoy it, especially since they were new," Pinkie added before eating a cupcake.

"I just can't believe we never heard them before," Sunset told us, "Well, better late than never."

"Marky, you have to do this for future parties. Vinyl would appreciate the help." Pinkie suggested.

"Sure. I don't mind."

"Great," Pinkie answered.

"Another thing," Sunset said.

"What?" I asked.

"Another reason I approached you earlier was to say thanks," She answered nervously with a slight blush.

"For what?"

"For what you told me at the end of the school tour," She answered, "I have taken those words to heart and things seem to be going better. I appreciate it."

"Ah. No problem. Glad I could help you out," I responded as I began to recall that.

"Well that concludes the school tour," She told me with the same smile she gave me earlier, "Do you have any questions"

I pause. Throughout the tour there was something bugging me about her. She seemed nice, but it felt forced. Should I bring it up or just shrug it off. I sighed. Well, she seems nice enough. Maybe she won't get mad.

"Are you acting?" I asked before mentally facepalming.

Figures, I would phrase it poorly.

"What do you mean?" She asked me confused.

I took a relaxing breath, "Look you seem nice and all, but it didn't seem completely genuine to me," I began, causing her to nervously flinch, "It seems like you are forcing yourself to be extra nice. Am I wrong?"

Perhaps, I should have kept my mouth shut. She seemed on the verge of a mental breakdown.

"I... Well..." She tried to say before she sighed, "I'm sorry," she said sadly before looking at the floor.

"Sorry?"

"I wasn't good enough at being friendly," She answered somberly.

"What are you talking about?"

She nervously glanced at me and took a deep breath, "I wasn't the friendliest teen around until certain events made me realize the error of my ways and since then I have been trying to make up for them with no success. Everyone who knew me hates me, not that I blame them, and I hoped to earn their trust. I figured the best option for me right now would be to make friends with new students who didn't have to deal with the old Sunset Shimmer, but I can't even be a nice property."

"It's not that," I began, causing the girl to give me a confused look, "Look. You are great at being nice when you don't go overboard. My problem was you seem to force it most of the time. Just act natural and find a good balance."

"I..." She tried to respond but couldn't.

"Just try to tone it down a little and do what seems natural."

"I'll try. thanks."

"No problem."

It felt good to know I helped her out with her issues, and she seemed to be in a better position in her life. I know she managed to get seemingly everyone's trust after the sirens fiasco and knowing I at least played a small part in helping her get where she is, makes me feel great.

"What are you two talking about?" Pinkie asked us.

"I hoped you had fun Marky," Pinkie told me after the party was over.

"Yeah, I did."

Pinkie embraced me and squealed, "Oh. Goody. Well, goodnight. See you tomorrow," she told me, before kissing me on the cheek.

She let go of me and I left her house. This party was actually one of the best experiences of my life. I am glad Pinkie convinced me to go. Maybe I should go out more and be more social. I guess I can try to take more than baby steps. Now I have to do what Big Mac wants me to do. Hope it's as fun as this party was, or at least not terrible.

This chapter was a little hard to write. It took quite a bit of thought to come up with dialogue and I had to trim down or stop myself from repeating things you already know or at least keep that short and to the point. The final few sections were easier to write since I didn't run into that problem.

Next chapter. Marcus does Big Mac's thing and meets his sister.