>Gloom Wing is skipping beside you with her eyes closed.
>She’s even humming.
>It really is adorable.
>You smile and look up to the night sky, enjoying her quiet humming.
>Simply enjoying each other’s company, you both walk down to Canterlot proper from the castle grounds.
>Until a loud metallic ‘thump’ accompanied by a yelp breaks the peace.
>Startled, you jump and tense up looking around, before turning your gaze to Gloom Wing.
“Gloomie, what... Oh.”
>Gloom Wing is sitting on her flank staring at you with wet eyes, rubbing the top of her head with a hoof.
>She skipped head first into a street marker.
>You try to fight the rising tide of laughter.
>She begins to pout, her eyes starting to glisten.
>Your lips twitch up into a smile. A giggle escapes.
>”Anooooooonn...”
>You can’t take it. You laugh.
>By the time you regain control of your lungs, Gloom Wing has her forelegs folded over her chest. She’s also glaring daggers at you.
>You fucked up, but it was worth it.
>Wiping your eyes, you smile at Gloom Wing and move to help her stand.
>She turns her head sharply and huffs.
“Oh, come on Gloomie. It was funny.”
>Gloom Wing turns back to you then raises her hooves up towards you.
>”Carry me.”
“...You can’t be serious.”
>"Hey, I'm injured, and you laughed at me! It's the least you can do!"
“You’re a trained guard. A bump on the head is not an injury.”
>Her eyes tear up and she lets out a whimper.
>Oh god, she’s serious.
>Letting out a sigh, you lean over and grab her, lifting her up and pulling her to your chest.
>You can hear her suppress a squeal.
“... Two blocks, Gloomie... I’ll carry you two blocks.”
>She whips her head around and gives you a pleading look.
>”But I-”
“Not a word, or I won’t carry you at all.”
>Gloom Wing’s mouth snaps shut with an audible ‘click’.
>She instead settles for bringing her tail and legs up, wrapping them around her side and pressing into you. Her lips go from a pout to a big, dopey grin.
>You can’t help but smile.
>With Gloom Wing cradled in your arms, you continue walking down the street.
>She’s a lot lighter than you expected.
>Must be pegasus magic.
“Hey, Gloomie?”
>”Mm?”
“Don’t get too comfy. I still need you to give me directions.”
>She whines before lifting her head sullenly. Her eyes open and scan the empty streets. After a minute her ears perk up and her wings give a small twitch of excitement.
>”Oh! We’re almost there!”
>She hops out of your arms and starts to trot down the road. Turning to look over her shoulder, she smiles.
>”It should be just a little bit farther!”
>You nod and follow her through the last few turns before you see the restaurant.
>The restaurant sits at the end of the street, a sign hanging over the door with “The Star’s Fancy” written in little glowing stars. The building is made from a dark, almost ebony material with some kind of leafy vine starting to grow along the sides of the building.
>Well, you asked for someplace fancy. You just didn’t expect to be so nervous.
>Out front you can see an earth pony in a tuxedo waiting at the door.
>As you approach you see the stallion turn his head to look at both you and Gloom Wing.
>”Ah! Miss Gloom Wing. It’s nice to see you. Is it a party of two, then?”
>”Yes it is! Could we get a private booth please?”
>”Of course, Miss Gloom Wing. I’ll show you and your date to your seats now.”
>As you and Gloom Wing follow the stallion, you see another quickly trot into his place, ready to take more guests.
>Wait. Did Gloom Wing just get in without a reservation? In a private booth?
>Not to mention being recognized on sight.
>You shove that thought into the back of your head. You can think about it later.
>You’re too busy trying not to embarrass yourself in front of all these ponies.
>Not to mention staring at all the food. Literally everything you see looks mouth watering.
>After what feels like an eternity, you are seated in a private booth, hidden from the crowd behind stylized wooden walls. The waiter leaves two menus and briskly trots off.
>You let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding.
>You feel a hoof lay on top of your hand.
>Looking up you see a blushing Gloom Wing, her face set in a nervous smile.
>”Anon, are you alright?”
>You smile, turning your hand over to grasp her hoof and running your fingers over it idly.
“Yeah. I’m fine, Gloomie. I’m just kinda nervous. I didn’t expect this to be so... Well, fancy. I’ve never really been anywhere like this, at least not as a guest or customer.”
>”...You’re holding my hoof...”
>Gloom Wing is giving you a thousand yard stare, a blush painting her face.
>You let out a quiet laugh and squeeze her hoof lightly before letting go and grabbing the menu. 
>Bringing it up, you open it and begin looking over the choices.
>You hear a quiet whine from Gloom Wing and suppress a chuckle.
>As you look through the menu, you realize two things.
>One: You have no idea what any of these things are.
>And two: You don’t see prices anywhere.
“Hey, Gloomie?
>”Yes Anon? Did you decide what you want?”
 “No, I haven’t. I was wondering how much this all costs.”
>”Oh, uhm... Don’t worry, Anon! It’s my treat! You just get whatever you want!”
>You look over the top of your menu to peer at Gloom Wing.
>She averts her gaze, ears turned back.
>Gloom Wing has always been awful at hiding things.
“No, really, Gloom Wing. How much does this all cost?”
>She grimaces and turns to face you, giving you a sheepish grin, her ears drooping.
>”Uhm... About a week’s pay...”
>You fold up your menu casually and lay it down on the table. You place your hands on top if it and smile happily.
“Want to go to Starbucks? I could really go for a coffee.”
>Gloom Wing darts her hooves across the table and grabs your hands.
>”I’ll pay for it Anon! Please? I just want to have a nice dinner with you...”
“Gloomie, I can’t just take your hard-earned bits like this.”
>”Please, Anon? Just this once?”
>Her lips fold into a pout and she turns her puppy-dog eyes to you with all the cute she can muster.
>You let out a long sigh.
“Fine. Next time nothing so expensive. Otherwise I’m paying. I’m not comfortable accepting this.”
>Gloom Wing bursts into a smile and nods frantically.
>”O-Of course! Nothing like this /next/ time! I promise!”
>A blush paints her face red and you chuckle softly at her stressing the ‘next time’.
>You really are having fun spending time with Gloom Wing.
>You pull your hands back and grab the menu.
>You have to admit, everything looked amazing. You don’t think you could make a bad choice.
“How’s the soup here, Gloomie?”
>”I think it’s really tasty. Were you going to get some?”
“Yeah, I think I am. What about you?”
>”The fruit platter! It’s got every kind of fruit you could want! Oh, and it comes with whipped cream and some sauces! Like honey!”
>She has definitely been here before.
“That sounds more like a dessert than dinner.”
>Gloom Wing flashes you a grin and blushes slightly.
>”I really like sweets.”
>You both start laughing as the waiter makes himself known, clearing his throat.
“Miss Gloom Wing, sir. Have you come to a decision?”
>You both nod and give him your orders before he excuses himself.
“So, Gloomie. You’ve been here before, haven’t you?”
>She gives you a forced smile and reaches for the menu to hide her face.
>Unfortunately for her, it’s gone.
>”I-I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
>Her hoof is still aimlessly sliding along the table.
>You let out another sigh.
“Please don’t lie to me, Gloomie.”
>She stiffens and leans towards you.
>You’re positive the table is the only thing preventing her from jumping at you.
>”Don’t be mad Anon! I just... I don’t want to talk about it.”
“It’s fine, Gloomie. You’ll just have to tell me sometime, okay?”
>She nods and gives you a sincere smile.
>”Thanks Anon. I will.”
>The waiter suddenly trots in and nods to both of you before speaking.
>“Miss Gloom Wing? You have another arrival for your party. A Miss Stardust Blossom.”
>You see the color drain from her face as she stops everything.
>Like, completely stops. You don’t think she’s breathing.
“Gloomie... You okay?”
>Her pupils slowly shift to look at you.
>Her color returns as a blush, more vibrant than you have ever seen.
>With her entire face crimson, she drops her head to the table with an audible thump.
>You hear her voice drift across the table, though it's barely a whisper.
>”...Sweet Celestia, why?”
>An alabaster unicorn with vibrant purple eyes and a cherry red mane curling around a smiling face trots up to the booth .
>”Gloomie, are you in here, dear? It’s been ages since I last saw you! Is your special somep0ny here with you? I’ve been dying to meet him!”
>Spotting you, the unicorn smiles widely before trotting up to you, lifting a hoof.
>”You must be Anon! Gloomie has told me so much about you! I’m Stardust Blossom, an old friend from when we were both fillies. I’m so glad she finally got such a great coltfriend.”
>Oh.
>Gloom Wing told Stardust you two were special somep0nies.

>You are now Gloom Wing.
>And it’s all over.
>You’ve been sending letters to your oldest friend, Stardust, for the last few months.
>It became a routine for both of you. You would send letters as often as you could.
>She eventually asked you if you had found anyp0ny special.
>You may have stretched the truth just a /little/ bit.
>Or a lot.
>You remember telling Stardust how you didn’t just find a special somep0ny. You had found a best friend, a soulmate.
>You told Stardust all about Anon. Everything you could remember about him.
>His favorite color is blue, his favorite food is chocolate donuts with sprinkles, that he smells like fresh apple pie, how his room is so messy!
>You didn’t think that she’d come to Canterlot!
>Why is she in Canterlot!?
>You bite your bottom lip and lift your head up to offer a smile to Anon and Stardust.
>They’re talking to each other.
>Oh Celestia, it’s over!
>Anon’s going to tell her you’re not really dating! That you are just friends!
>Stardust is going to tell Anon about all the letters you sent about him!
>How much you wrote about him!
>[spoiler]That you snuck into his room![/spoiler]
>Anon will think you’re creepy for sure! He’ll stop talking to you!
>You feel a panic attack coming on.
>Oh wait, you’re already hyperventilating.
>You reign in your panic and steady your breathing.
>No. No time to panic. Think, Gloom Wing. You can save this.
>You just need to separate them!
>You get Stardust to go with you to the bathroom.
>Distract her, maybe ‘accidentally’ splash water on her and make her make-up run.
>That will keep her busy for a while.
>From there you can get back to Anon.
>Tell him you saw a pony getting attacked!
>By ninjas!
>You know Anon will go to help them, he’s so sweet.
>Once you both get outside you can say you’re scared from the attack.
>Maybe he’ll carry you again!
>This will work! It’ll be perfe-
>”Gloom Wing, did you really tell Stardust we were dating in those letters?”
“BUTTERSCOTCH!”
>Anon and Stardust stare at you.
“Oh. Er-I Uhm... Yeesss?”
>Anon slowly turns to face Stardust.
>”I guess you could say this is our first official date.”
>You slam your hooves down on the table, lifting yourself up and staring wide-eyed at Anon as your wings shoot out with an audible ‘pomf’.
>You squeak.
>Anon starts laughing.
>Stardust shakes her head before turning back to Anon, a small smile on her lips, tittering softly.
>”Well then, I won’t interrupt such a romantic night. It was a pleasure meeting you, Anonymous.”
>”The pleasure was all mine, Stardust.”
>Stardust turns and starts to trot out before stopping and shifting so only you can see her face.
>”Oh, Gloomie, my dear. I’ll be here for a few days, so do make sure to come visit me. Alright?”
>You slowly deflate back into your seat, a blush burning on your face. You nod as you fold your wings back down.
>Stardust shifts her eyes in Anon’s direction and back to you, before grinning mischievously and mouthing ‘good luck’.
>She titters once more before winking at you and trotting out of your private booth.
>Did... Did everything just /not/ blow up in your face?
>Right as you finish settling in your seat, the waiter walks in with a covered silver platter balanced on his back.
>He turns and casually slides it onto the table, grabbing the lid and pulling it away, revealing your meals.
>One of the platters is filled with various fruits strewn around, glazed with honey.
>The other, a bowl of creamy white soup garnished with celery, sits on the side.
>Your stomach rumbles.
>You really were hungry.
>You grab a piece of banana off the platter, throwing it into your mouth.
>As you smile, Anon chuckles and grabs the celery, stirring his soup lightly before taking a small bite out of it.
>You hear him hum his approval.
>”Okay Gloomie, I admit this is the best soup I’ve ever had.”
>Enjoying your own meal, you nod and smile at him.
“Best place to eat in all of Canterlot.”
>When both of you finish your meals, you excuse yourself to pay.
>You don’t want to tell Anon how you can afford coming here.
>Scanning the room, you find the waiter by the front and wave him over.
“Excuse me, waiter? I’d like to settle the bill, please.”
>”Of course, Miss Gloom Wing. How would you like to go about it?”
>You scuff your hoof on the floor and let out a deep sigh.
“Could you put the bill on my family’s tab?”
>You hated using your family’s money.
>”Of course, miss Gloom Wing. You and your date may leave at your leisure”
>The stallion bows before trotting off to serve other customers.
>You have to bite back a grimace at the bow.
>You start trotting back towards Anon and your smile slowly returns.
>Tonight it doesn’t matter though, because you’re on a date with Anon!
>He even said it was a date!
>Anon wasn’t even mad about the letters!
>If things keep going this well you may even get [spoiler]a goodnight kiss[/spoiler]
>Your wings flutter a little at the thought.
>This night is going perfect!

>You are Anon.
>This has been a great night.
>First you got the rest of your shift off, then Gloomie took you out on a date.
>Gloomie brought you to a fancy restaurant and payed for the meal, much to your vexation.
>Oh well, it was too good to really complain.
>You both left the restaurant just a minute ago. However, instead of going back to the castle, she’s leading you deeper into Canterlot.
“Where are we going, Gloomie?”
>Grinning, she turns to you.
>”We’re going to a magic show! I’ve never been to one and it sounds... um... fun...”
>You laugh and put your hand on Gloomie’s mane, ruffling it.
“Alright. I’ve been to a magic show or two back where I’m from. They are really fun.”
>”Really? I thought you didn’t have magic where you’re from?”
“We don’t. Instead we used tricks and hand movements to fool the eye. There were people who would lock themselves underwater with padlocks and get out easily.”
>”Can you do that, Anon?”
>You shake your head and smile.
“No, I can’t. I’ve only seen it a few times, but it’s always great to see.”
>Gloom Wing flutters her wings in excitement and grins.
>”I’m even more excited to see a magic show now!”
>Grinning, you remember one trick you picked up from back home.
“Hey Gloomie, I think you have something in your ear.”
>Before she can respond, you crouch down and reach out behind her ear and pull a hidden bit from between your fingers.
“Oh, looks like it was just this bit.”
>You grin at her surprised look.
>”Where did you...?”
>You snap your fingers and use the motion to cover up sliding the bit back between your fingers, waving your empty palm before her eyes.
“Magic, Gloomie”
>You and Gloom Wing share a laugh before you stand, continuing down the street until Gloom Wing stops you and points to what looks like a movie theater from the eighties.
>”This is the place, Anon!”
>Gloom Wing trots inside without a second look.
>You stop, look up, and read the sign.
“Mystic Moil’s Magical Ministrations.”
>Sounds pretty cool, actually. You follow Gloom Wing inside.
>Once you get inside you notice that Gloom Wing is already buying tickets from the ticket master.
>She trots to a pair of double doors, tickets held happily in her mouth.
>Gloom Wing looks at you expectantly as you walk over and take one of the tickets from her mouth, before opening the door.
>Standing aside, you wave her in.[spoiler] [/spoiler]“Ladies first, Gloomie.”
>Her eyes sparkle like diamonds.
>Gloom Wing trots inside and you follow.
>It’s a standard theater, lots of comfortable looking seats all facing a polished wooden stage. A few ponies are already seated, talking quietly among themselves.
>Returning your attention to Gloom Wing, you see she has found a spot to sit. You quietly make your way over and sit down beside her.
>”Are you as excited as I am, Anon? This is going to be great!”
“I actually am pretty excited. It’s been years since I’ve seen a magic show. I wouldn’t think ponies would have things like this, since, you know, you can actually use real magic.”
>”Well, I’ve never seen a magic show at all, so I’m really excited no matter what they do!”
“Do you know when they are going to start the show?”
>The lights dim as you ask and Gloom Wing smiles. “I’d say right now.”
>You nod and grin, settling into your seat, Gloom Wing doing the same.
>A purple unicorn stallion trots up onto stage and bows, smiling widely. His horn glows and he turns to the audience.
>”Tonight, I shall take you with me on a journey! I shall take you to new heights and show you sights to cherish!”
>The stallion grins and rears up, spreading his forelegs in a grand gesture.
>”So! Let us begin our journey into the magnificent world of magic and illusions!”
>With that, he brings his hooves back down to the stage, fog suddenly bursting from underneath his hooves, flowing off the stage and into the crowd.
>He starts letting small different colored sparks jump from his horn. They land in the fog and begin to dance through the room, twisting and turning over each other and around the audience members as the fog slowly advances.
>You grimace.
>The second that illusion touches you, it’s going to shatter like glass and ruin the whole show.
>You turn to Gloom Wing, who is watching with enraptured eyes, completely absorbed by the show.
>Quietly, you stand and sneak out of the theater.
>You don’t want to ruin Gloom Wing’s first magic show.
>You take a seat outside the theater and run a hand through your hair.
>You’ll just wait until it’s over and then walk with Gloom Wing back to the castle.
>Leaning back against the wall, you close your eyes and wait for the show to end.
...
>You awake to the sound of sniffling.
>You open your eyes groggily and see Gloom Wing standing in front of you.
>She’s crying.
“Gloomie...?”
>Her eyes are red-rimmed and bloodshot. Tears are streaming down her face as she lets out sobs.
>Her ears laid back, wings loosely hanging down far enough to brush the stone of the street.
>”Why di-did you l-l-leave?”
>Gloom Wing raises a hoof weakly and rests it on your knee. She takes a deep, shuddering breath. You can feel her shaking through her hoof.
>”Did... Did I do something wrong?”
>You feel like shit.
>Bringing your hands up, you grab her, gently pulling her into your chest, your hand starting to run through her mane.
>You don’t know what to say so you just hold her close, running a hand through her mane.
>She presses into you, getting as close as possible while crying into your chest.
>Gloom Wing looks up at you, sniffling softly. “You’re... not mad at me?”
>You shake your head and squeeze her a little tighter.
“No, I’m not mad, Gloomie. I disrupt magic. The illusions would have faded if I stayed.”
>Gloom Wing lifts her head from your chest, looking up and locking her eyes onto yours, tears still clinging to the edges.
>”Why didn’t you tell me?”
>You grimace, bringing your hand up and wiping at her tears.
“Honestly? I didn’t know the magic was going to extend into the crowd, I wanted you to enjoy your first magic show.”
>Gloom Wing frowns then leans back into you, resting her head on your chest again.
>”I was excited because I got to see it with you...”
>You fucked up. Looks like you ruined Gloom Wing’s birthday.
>You wrap your arms around her tightly and stand, keeping her close and lifting her off the ground.
>”What... Hey, where are we going?”
“I’m sorry for making you cry, Gloomie, so I want to take you someplace special to me.”
>Gloom Wing nods and just rests her head on your shoulder. You walk in silence, except for the occasional sniffle.
>After a few minutes, you see your destination and smile.
“Okay, Gloomie? Can you close your eyes for me?”
>Gloom Wing nods, sniffling once more before closing her eyes and blushing lightly.
>Her lips only pucker a little.
>You smile and walk into the park.
>When you come to what you wanted her to see, you put her down.
“You can open your eyes, Gloomie.”
>She nods and then opens her eyes slowly, the sight of a moonlit pond filling her vision and shining off her golden eyes. ”Are we in the park?”
>You nod and point out to the middle of the water.
“See that spot right there? That’s where I landed when I first came to Equestria.”
>”In the water?”
>You laugh, and nod at the memory.
“Oh yes, and it was cold. I have a reason for bringing you here though.”
>Gloom Wing looks at you inquisitively, waiting for you to continue.
“This is where I ended up after I was torn from my home, my family, and my friends. I lost my life, Gloomie... “
>You stop to take a deep breath.
“I just want to thank you, Gloomie. You’ve dealt with all my shit and have been my friend. my best friend.”
>You stand and look down at her. She’s looking back up at you with a tight, but sincere smile.
“So, as my best friend, and tonight being your birthday, I’ve decided what I’ll give you.”
>”What’s that Anon?”
“Gloomie... how about we go on another date when we have time. As special somep0nies.”
>You hear Gloom Wing’s breath catch and the ‘pomf’ of her wings.
>You smile widely and wait for her answer.
>She manages a stiff nod and a few quick breaths.
“Well, in that case /dear/... Since I didn’t get you a birthday present, how about a dance instead?”
>You brush off your suit and smile, offering Gloom Wing your hand.
[spoiler]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yBnIUX0QAE[/spoiler]
>She gives you her hoof and stands up on her hind legs. You step forward and let her lean into you as she gets her balance and control of her breathing.
>Gloom Wing moves her wings for balance and puts her forehooves on your chest; you rest your hands on her sides, under her wings.
>It’s awkward, but you both slowly fall into a rhythm, swaying back and forth, slowly turning under Luna’s full moon.
>You both hold each other and sway in front of the pond where you were dumped into this world, smiling and laughing with each other until the night turns gray with the first rays of dawn.
>And for once, you don’t feel so far from home.