Pretty in Pink - The Dance Party - Part One

>You awaken with a groan, cursing the sun shining through the window and shutting your eyes tight against the light

>Why the hell are the curtains back anyway?

>And why does your head feel like it's stuck in a vice?

>Oh... right. Last night with Blitz, Bubble and the rest of the guys, you had a good time but it couldn't have been worth this.

>At least you can take some solace from the sugary sweet mound of softness at your side.

>Just gotta reach out and put an arm over it... why isn't it there?

>Carefully cracking an eyelid open, you see the bedclothes shifted where Bubble should be and a distinct lack of him anywhere else you look.

>With some effort you push yourself into a seated position, listening out for the sounds of a shower or hooves clopping but there's nothing.

>Did you have work today?

>No, he would've woken you up if that was the case. Maybe... maybe you were talking drunkenly in your sleep and said something.

>But you don't talk in your sleep. At least you've never been known to and Bubble's never mentioned it before.

>Maybe you said something last night and he just took you home before heading back to Sugarcube Corner.

>Alright, that's not even a possibility. No matter how drunk off your ass you might've been you know damn well you'd never say anything other than asking if maybe he'd like to-

>You stop that train of thought, glad Bubble isn't there to catch the blank look on your face. He always knew, somehow, what it meant.

>With a grunt and a groan you swing your legs out of the bed, rubbing groggily at your face and standing a little shakily.

>Something at the back of your mind calls your attention. Something you were gonna do today. Something important.

 

>Whatever it is, you're sure it'll come to you eventually.

>May as well get cleaned up and dressed, relaxing in bed without Bubble can only get you so far.

>Usually straying to thoughts of him draped over your chest, smiling warmly.

>Yeah... that's what you'll do. Soon as you see him today, you're going to wrap him up in a tight hug, make sure he understands you didn't mean anything you might've said.

 

>It's amazing how much a good, hot shower can do, especially after a rough night but you still can't shake that certain something bothering you.

>It's quickly forgotten when you hear a familiar voice singing a soft tune, the sound evidently coming from the kitchen.

>Still, you carefully make your way down, catching glimpses of something - or someone - zipping about.

>And the closer you get the clearer the voice becomes, to the point where you're sure it has to be-

>"Good morning, Anon!"

>In a flash Bubble's right there, nose pressed to your own before he whips his hooves around you, hugs you tightly and zips off into the kitchen.

>"I made your favourite!" He calls out in a sing-song tone.

>And sure enough, waiting for you is a stack of pancakes, laden with butter alongside thick slices of fried brown bread.

>"Sit down! Sit down!" Not breaking a breath, Bubble pushes you into your seat and eagerly moves around to his own.

>"And now, to enjoy a delicious breakfast with the -best- coltfriend in Equestria."

>You're about to ask what he's talking about before the stallion begins tucking in to his own meal, forgoing his usual one-bite consumption but still veritably pigging out.

>You can't help but smile at the sight, the smell of your own food calling you back to the present.

 

>Sure enough, everything's been made perfectly.

>Sitting there, with Bubble's company and such a fine meal, your previous cares feel so... so ridiculous! Of course everything'd be fine.

>"Didja have fun last night, Anon?"

>You might find it remarkable he's already finished, if you hadn't spent the last few months practically living together.

"Last night? Uh... yeah... I think."

>"You think?" His face falls to an expression of disbelief as the pony leans over the table. "You were having a ball! You were dancin' and shakin', all gettin' your groove thang on!" To punctuate that he hops up on his side of the table, standing on his hind legs and shaking his rump.

>That brings up a few choice memories from last night.

"So I made an ass out of myself."

>With a surprisingly soft clop, he's off the table and trotting around to you.

>"Aww, c'mon Anon, you had to get some practise in for tonight."

>You stop eating, that something bothering you from earlier taking hold of your thoughts.

>Dancing... tonight...

"Tonight? What did I agree to?"

>Bubble giggles, bumping against your side as he comes around.

>"Nothing you won't enjoy! Ooh, you're gonna put all those snooty Manehatten ponies to shame!"

>And now Manehatten.

>Dancing in Manehatten... of course!

>That was why you went out last night - as a thank you to Blitz for buying those tickets, though you do recall cracking a joke about practising your dancing.

>Did you really... oh good lord, you really did get drunk and lose it.

>But Bubble's still grinning up at you so it couldn't have been that bad.

>Right?

 

"Manehatten. Right. Hey, won't we have to catch an early train to get there in time?"

>With one of those heavy gasps that leaves him shooting into the air, Bubble grabs you and looks you right in the eyes.

>"The train! We've gotta go or we're gonna miss it!"

>Darting off up the stairs he returns barely a moment later with two laden saddlebags, calling after for you to follow.

"Bubble, hang on! I've gotta get some clothes!"

>"NotimeI'vegotthemwe'vegottagettothetrainstation!"

>Taking one last bite of the pancakes and silently shedding a tear for the rest that'll go uneaten you take off after the pink blur, your mood improving considerably under the warm weather.

 

>Despite the setback of Bubble knocking you over after zipping back to check on you, somehow the both of you manage to make it to the station with minutes to spare.

>The train's boarding, however, so you take the opportunity to grab an end carriage that'll hopefully remain somewhat empty along the trip.

>The time you'd spent with him had done nothing to dull Bubble's affection towards you. If anything it only heightened - quick kisses stolen in the backrooms of Sugarcube Corner, lying together just outside of Whitetail Woods, even knocking you over with a bone-crushing hug right in the centre of Ponyville once.

>And now he sits on the inside seat, looking up at you with a wide grin.

>It prompts one of your own.

"What're you up to?"

>He closes his eyes, pressing a hoof to his chest in perfect mimicry of Elusive.

>"Why darling, I am simply taking great delight in thinking of you thinking of me thinking of us!"

 

>You chuckle, putting your head back against the seat and closing your eyes.

"And what makes you think I was thinking of that?"

>The sound of shuffling and the weight that settles on your lap leaves you whipping your head down to the bright, beautiful smile Bubble gives you.

>"Because you always grin like that when you do."

>His hooves reach around your neck as he presses his lips to your own, the act catching you off guard as your arms extend around him.

>If you hadn't seen him partaking in his morning exercise regimen a number of times you might wonder how he keeps in such perfect shape.

>As it is, you simply enjoy the soft curves of his body as well as the silken smoothness of his coat.

 

>Clopping along the walkway of the carriage makes you break the kiss.

"I really think we shouldn't be seen like this."

>Bubble quirks an eyebrow before nodding and hopping off you, back onto his side of the seat.

>"Yeah, they'd be jealous mcjealersons if they saw that."

>The wicked grin he dons leaves no doubt about how truly he believes that.

>With a lurch the train starts to move, pulling out of the station.

>As it picks up speed your view shifts from the sparse outskirts of Ponyville to rolling countryside. It's relaxing, in a hypnotic sort of way.

>Only Bubble rummaging about in his saddlebags distracts you from the sight.

>He pulls out a small, white paper bag and from this takes a couple of candies, quickly popping one into his mouth.

>"Oh! Want one?" That delicate pink hoof proffers a green sweet which you readily accept.

>It's incredibly tart, tasting of apple and that only serves to remind you of the copious amounts of cider you took last night.

>Memories of Blitz pushing you further on, Bubble doing much the same as he clutched a mug of the stuff in his hoof.

>Blitz... he'd been a strong supporter of your relationship throughout, though you'd wondered from time to time how much of that was out of guilt.

>Maybe. Being the element of loyalty, you're sure he must've felt his slip up pretty keenly.

>You'd long since put his jibes out of your mind, especially-

>"Hey Anon?"

 

>The voice is accompanied by the sensation of a hoof gently resting on your shoulder.

>Stirred from your thoughts, you look to your side, Bubble smiling brightly.

>Before he firmly plants his lips on your own, the sweet strawberry of his own candy providing a nice contrast to your apple.

>Your hand reaches up to his cheek, keeping him close and steady.

>His eyes fall shut slowly, the stallion trying to suppress a little giggle. This close you can smell the sweetness of his coat, the warmth of his lips, how good his mane feels as your hand slides back into it...

>With a sigh he pulls back, slipping a hoof around you and laying his head partly on your chest.

>"Perfect." He murmurs, closing his eyes.

>That's how everything's been with him in your life. Instead of just being a friend you spend time with he's... more.

>You look from the window to the carriage, spotting a number of ponies giving you odd looks before quickly looking away from you.

>Could it be that... no. No, must've just been caught off guard by the sight.

>If it was a mare and a stallion they'd react just the same.

>You lose track of time after that, with Bubble dozing by your side and the gentle rocking of the train serving to keep you relaxed.

>And while you don't notice any more of those looks you can't quite shake the feeling that perhaps you shouldn't have done what you did.

>It wasn't wrong. No. Not once had you thought that with Bubble.

>It's just... The thought trails off as you turn back to the window, watching the countryside pass.

>Your eyes start to drift shut, helped along by the comfort of a certain pink pony at your side.

 

>The screech of the train's breaks jolt you from your sleep, Bubble stirring at your side though his own grin shows he's taking the rude awakening better than you are.

>The station here's a pretty big contrast to that of Ponyville's, the many lines of tracks an odd sight after what you've been used to. That's to say nothing of the number of ponies along each platform.

>With the train stopped at last, ponies that were seated begin to mill about, talking quietly among themselves and jostling for the doors.

>Bubble rights himself stretching before you hear a loud rumbling.

>He chuckles sheepishly. "Guess that breakfast wasn't really enough. Time to get some eats!"

>Standing out onto the walkway, your companion hops out and begins leading you out onto the platform.

"Know any good places here?"

>You don't feel particularly hungry but it might be nice to get something to eat any-

>"Nope!" He chirps, somehow looking utterly unfazed as he continues along the platform.

>You check your watch, noticing you've arrived here a lot earlier than youd' planned. And with no real idea of what to do it's a lot of time to spend.

>Bubble doesn't look like he minds, however, continuing on straight out from the station and into the busy streets of the city.

>It's a far cry from what you're accustomed to, ponies pushing past one another without a second glance.

>To say nothing of how fancifully many of them're dressed. You feel almost like you're back in the upmarket section of Canterlot.

>Thankfully not too many stop and stare as you move through them, though more than once you hear a snappish comment about not knocking a mane out of its style, don't you have any idea how much it cost?

>Maybe it's just the fact that you've been walking for what feels like an hour but you can't help asking your companion.

"Bubble, have you any idea where you're taking us?"

>The pink stallion looks up to you with that ever-present smile.

>"Sorry, Anon, I haven't a clue!"

>You sigh heavily, looking about for somewhere suitable to dine, finding only upmarket establishments you know both yourself and Bubble wouldn't care for.

"You know, I could've sworn you told me before that you've made purchases here."

>A pair of rolled eyes is followed with a giggle.

>"Well sure but they were all for the Cakes! I've never had to get something to eat for somepony special."

 

>You smile, then you chuckle. You'd pick him up and kiss him if there weren't so many about.

>"Alright, tell you what, why don't we check in at the hotel first and then go looking for food?"

>The pink stallion stops, looking up to you with teary eyes.

>"Put off... food? But there's so many good things to eat!"

"And I'm looking at one right now but you don't see me-"

>What the hell did you just say?

>Thankfully you don't lose a step as you keep on. That doesn't stop Bubble from giggling at your side.

>"Hotel, huh? I think you might have to wait until tonight for -that- Anon!"

>This time, you do stop. Quite suddenly, and look down at that smiling prankster.

"Look, it was just a slip of the tongue!"

>The pink pony stalks over to you, his eyes at half-lids.

>"Oh I'm sure you'd just love to slip your tongue over something."

>You glance about, hoping that little remark wasn't heard.

"Bubble..."

>"But you'll have to catch me if you want a taste!"

>Before you can ask what he means he takes off, running down one of the side streets.

>"Bubble, wait! Bubble! You're the only one who knows his way around here!"

>All he does is glance back, laughing.

>But it's an infectious kind of laugh, the kind you'd heard before when you'd spent half the night with Blitz telling some bad pegasus jokes.

>So you chase after him, ducking and weaving among the ponies, knocking bags from more than a few but not caring in the least. You've eyes only for that pink stallion just up ahead.

>And when you do finally reach the hotel? Breathless and amazed that he's somehow lead you there, he grins. That simple, honest grin that lead you to him that first day so long ago.

 

>Still laughing over getting away from you, he trots alongside as you enter the hotel, startled by the plush interior.

>You didn't expect Blitz to have forked out for anything quite so luxurious.

>The bored looking receptionist pushes back a lock of her off-red mane as you approach.

>"Hello..." She glances to you. "Sirs, and welcome to L'oreiller en Soie."

"Ah, right, hello. I believe we a room booked under Bubble Berry and Anonymous."

>With a sigh her horn alights, magic flipping pages in a ledger in front of her.

>"Hmm... ah yes, here. Room for two... double bed?" She raises an eyebrow, looking between the two of you.

"Is that a problem?" You try to keep the hard edge off your voice but it's difficult. Either she's just being snooty or-

>"No, sirs." She puts a heavy emphasis on the second word. "It's not my business after all. Your room is number fifty two, third floor."

>With another light of her horn, a key is levitated from behind her to the desk.

>You take it without another word and quickly turn off, setting off down a hallway.

>"Maybe she was just having a bad day, huh?" Bubble looks up to you, a small smile curving his lips.

>You try to return it but can't quite find a way to.

>Maybe Ponyville was different in other ways. Maybe Bubble wasn't right when you'd talked this whole thing over, all that time ago.

>But... did it really matter? You're here to have fun with him, -that- is all that matters. The time since... that unpleasantness, you've come to understand that he's all that's ever mattered.

"Hey, what's say you drop off the saddlebags and we go get ourselves some lunch, huh?"

>The stallion bumps against you, his grin returning to its usual form.

 

>With the saddlebags now long forgotten you're out on the streets once more, though still pushing through the crowds and silently cursing every accented warning not to come too close or upset a hat.

>"Oh hey!" Bubble begins bouncing along the patch, near knocking a few ponies over as he comes to a halt a little ways on from you.

>Catching up, you see what caught his attention - a candy store, not unlike that one you often visit with him in Canterlot.

"Thinkin' of getting something sweet?"

>"Maybe later." He reluctantly turns away from the window. "But now I know we're on the right path!"

>He doesn't offer any more an explanation as he starts off again, glancing back once to check if you're following.

>Rolling your eyes against his enigmatic ways you dutifully follow, hoping the method to his madness prevails again.

 

>Drawing up to a greasy spoon, you're glad to see that he really did know what he was doing.

>Though you have to wonder what it's doing in a high class end of the city. Even the clientèle set themselves apart from the passers by.

>But there's a homely air about the place, almost like Sugarcube Corner.

>When Bubble sits down at a table, he looks so natural against the whole thing. So it's with a good deal of satisfaction that you join him.

>"Cosy, huh?" He leans over the table, looking into your eyes. "Do I know how ta pick 'em?"

"Yeah, yeah. I'll concede it this once." And pretty much every time ever. But that doesn't stop you from smirking back at him.

>"Hey, what'll you two boys have?" A dusky grey earth pony trots up to the table, a pad and pencil in a shirt pocket.

 

>"Oh! I'll have the hay fries with extra hay, some daises and buttercups... you got any of those little onion ring thingies? Gimme some of those too. Oh! These chocolate chip muffins sound great! And... just a glass of milk."

>The waitress pulls out the pad, quickly noting everything down.

>"Big appetite, huh? Guess that's why you're with him." She snerks, turning to you. "Alright, what'll you have?"

>You don't answer for a moment, still a little shocked by her comment. The last thing you'd expect in this city is having it joked about so casually.

"Uh... I'll just take some potato fries."

>"A connoisseur! You bagged yourself a good one." She nudges Bubble grinning before trotting off with the orders.

>You watch after her, turning back to the pink pony to find him sharing in her grin.

"What?"

>"Nothing! But she's right, you know."

>You wave a hand, looking out over the passing crowd. "Yeah, yeah."

>"You think I would've asked Butterscotch to come? or Dusk?" You look back but gone is his little smile, replaced by a more earnest look. "Or even Blitz? Do you remember when I said we could just be happy together?"

>The stallion reaches a hoof across the table, you readily take it.

>"'Cause that's how I feel, every day. I wanna... get right up on the top of town hall and tell all of Ponyville how happy I am! But that doesn't matter, because I'd just be looking down at you."

>He puts his other hoof over your hand, the smile slowly returning to his face.

>"Because as long as I can show you how happy you make me, that's all that matters."

 

>It's like you're back in the clearing next to the woods all over again. Wondering how you could ever have mistaken this for what it is.

>"My word, just what are you doing!"

>Your reverie's broken by a shrill, accented voice being directed at you.

>"Honestly, have you no shame?"

>"Caeser, please, this is not the place to begin-"

>"I'm sorry Lyrica but I will not stand by and watch our fine city fall to this debasement!"

>"Hey!" Bubble hops out of his seat, trotting over to the grey stallion pointedly staring at the two of you. "We're out on the streets, not down in basements!"

>"Don't you think to act smart with me! Honestly, one would think you colt-cuddlers might keep that behaviour to your own bedrooms!"

>"Colt... Hey!"

>"Caesar! Please, you're making a scene."

>The grey stallion looks from Bubble to the wine coloured mare at his side. "I don't rightly care, Lyrica. It's bad enough that you flaunt their..." He grimaces. "Activities in public." He turns back to Bubble."Must you really do so in such an egregious fashion?"

>"Yeah well... you can just... mind your own business, mister!" The pink pony stares down the older stallion but he doesn't budge in response.

>"Public morality is everp0ny's business! You're not in Fillydelphia, we here in Manehatten prefer to deport ourselves with -some- respect."

>"Yeah, well-"

>"So if I may make a suggestion? Return to that capital of debauchery and at least find the good sense to settle down with a mare."

>"But I don't want a mare! I'm happy with who-"

>"I -say- this is -not- Fillydelphia-"

>"Ceasar, if you do not cease this foolishness at once I shall call the guards!"

>The older stallion glances to what is presumably his wife and then back to Bubble.

 

>Without another word he trots off, the other pony following after him.

>You sit quietly, watching as Bubble slowly walks back to the table and seats himself.

>Did... did that really just happen?

>In the time you've spent with Bubble, this hasn't happened once before. And yet here you are, having just watched him receive an earful about how wrong it is.

>He looks up to you dejectedly, the edges of his eyes looking moist.

>Ever so softly, he says, "I'm sorry, Anon."

 

>The meal was wretched. At least the waitress prevented the mood from getting any worse but she hadn't seen what happened and you weren't eager to bring it up in front of her.

>Bubble... had just sat there, barely saying two words and struggling to meet your eyes. When he did he'd quickly look off, frowning slightly.

>You wanted to hold him, to tell him this was alright, that he didn't have to think that stallion was right...

>And that you didn't want to.

>You kept thinking of what Bubble said, way back when you'd lost it.

>It didn't matter, it doesn't matter.

>He's what matters.

 

>So you're standing in line in front of one of Manehatten's hottest nightclubs. Or so you've heard.

>The event's pretty exclusive, with tickets hard to come across. Something about a famous DJ out of Las Pegasus being here.

>A sign overhead proudly proclaims that DJ C0L7 is making an appearance for tonight only.

>Bubble stands at your side, a small smile on his face sitting at odds with how much less poofier his mane looks. You've seen this once before. You're determined not to allow this to go that far again.

>Some dancing, some music, maybe a little drinking... it should be enough to take his mind of today's events.

>At least it might get him talking. Laughing is more than you could hope for but then he's always had that way of surprising you.

>The line shifts up, allowing you both to head on in, the pulsing bass from outside now increasing in intensity.

>Strobe lighting of various colours shines over the inside of the venue, while ponies dance and cheer. Some sitting off to the side drink, talking casually but more than a few head out to dance, only to be replaced by others, exhausted but smiling.

"You wanna get something to drink first or head straight out onto the dance floor?"

>The pink stallion looks up to you, as if he was deep in thought, and shakes his head.

>"I'm gonna get something to drink, you go on ahead and get started."

"Sure." You give him a glance before setting off. "I'll try not to pick up any other stallions while I'm out there."

>He doesn't so much as smile at the joke, though. Before you can ask you're pushed on out by a group of revellers, cheering as they go.

 

>Nightclubs never really were your thing but the prospect of going there with Bubble was too good to pass up.

>It was so... him. Come in, grab a drink, let your hair down, have some fun... But it's not.

>The music's great, you can't fault the DJ there but the atmosphere is killing you.

>The whole time you've been out here, Bubble's been at the bar. With the lighting and crowds it's been impossible to keep track of his drinking but you know he's never been one to do so heavily.

>You can only hope he doesn't start now.

>But just to be sure, you push on through the dancers, finally making your way up next to him.

>A half empty glass of... something, you can't tell with all the lights, sits in front of him.

>He looks up to you morosely, trying for a smile.

>"Hey Anon, having a good time?"

>You sit down on a stool next him, putting an arm over his shoulders. He shivers, trying to move away from your grip.

"Bubble what's up?"

>"I'll tell you what's -not- up, the alcohol in this stuff! Can I get another glass!"

>You grimace, trying to surreptitiously push the glass away from him.

"Look, why don't you come out and have a dance-"

>"Why? So more ponies can tell you how wrong all this is?" You can clearly see his gritted teet but more than that is how quickly his eyes moisten up. "So... so you can laugh in my face about how you were right all along?" He begins to tremble. "So you can just leave me?"

>That last part is like a kick to the gut. But this isnt' him. This isn't the Bubble you know and damn well love, you know that.

>Gently tugging at him until he's off the stool you coax him along with you.

"C'mon, let's head back to the hotel."

 

>Out on the streets it's a cool night, the music from the club following you as you both silently make your way along.

>And to think you'd been building yourself up to this, hoping that tonight you could really have some fun with him.

>You turn to your side, noticing the distinctly deflated mane and darker coat colour on the stallion.

"Bubble-"

>"Don't." He says quietly. "Don't say it. Please. Just... just let me have one more night with you."

"I wasn't going to say that! Damnit, I'm not going to leave you, alright?"

>He spins about, confronting you.

>"You don't know that! I... I told you things'd be different and they're not! Now you're gonna hate me because... because that's what it's like, isn't it?"

"No!"

>"Don't lie!" He blinks, a line of wetness running down his cheek. "You said... you said they could put you to death, Anon! You said other humans thought it was wrong and now ponies think it's wrong too!"

>He takes a step back, shaking his head. "You didn't even want this!" He sobs loudly, choking. "I just... I can't help loving you Anon... I'm sorry I did this to you."

"Bubble, you didn't-"

>"I'm sorry!"

>And with that he takes off, far faster than you can hope to catch up to him.

>And you do try.

>But it's of little use. He speeds off into the night, down sidestreets and alleys until he's lost.

>And you're alone.