A Hearts-and-Hooves Day Special (Concluded)

[20monkies]

Onyx Bass' ears ducked down as a strange shudder ran up and down his spine. Lollipop was not stalking him? How could that possibly be! She must have heard that he was playing a concert here! How could she not, after all? He was following her modelling career in secret, especially since his mother was in the field of fashion magazines. She was always saying something or another whenever she came across a photograph of Lollipop in some advertisement or some runway modelling shoot.

But now he noticed that her attention had turned full swing upon another pony - a tall and yet graceful looking mare. He had never seen such beauty himself, but it appeared she was already swarmed and busy with others. So he turned back to Sunny and Stormy, holding out his hooves towards them.

"You'll listen to my music, right? Or you already have my music and are die-hard fans like Dark Star and Slip Stream?" He waggled his brows.

Sure, they were all mares here. He had his highest chance at being the charmer that he could be. There was only one other stallion amongst them, and he seemed to be outside of the group watching them - mostly Lollipop - and nervous indeed. When Sunny called to the other, Onyx learned his name. Jitters, was it? How intriguing! He hurried to the stallion and leaned forward, handing him a copy of his CD as well with a wide grin.

"Do you like music?" He asked Jitters, eyes sparkling like polished silver. "Or maybe you like my music?" hoping the stallion listened to music, because he couldn't tell if he did or not.

******

Raven Feather was smiling pleasantly at Dark Star.

"I've been rather busy, so I have not had a chance to meet with anyone lately. I haven't seen Sky Bolt around either. But, circumstances were just that." She left it at that, not the type to divulge too much information to any pony she didn't really know too well. Raven was suddenly blinking when Slip Stream pulled up beside her as well.

She couldn't help but laugh softly as she introduced herself as Dark Star's special somepony. Really? Then the other corrected her and all was put straight forward in terms of the situation.

"Ah, nice to meet you Slip Stream. It's always a pleasure to meet a friend of a friend." Then the two were moving away to talk to each other and Raven waved a hoof at Sun Riser.

"I have been well, thank you very much! I sure look forward to having tea and biscuits with you some time up in Cloudsdale when we get a chance. It will be a nice change from being tied to the earth for these many days." She had been injured and her wing was still bandaged up. She was stretching it out slowly and steadily each day as prescribed.

As soon as she had finished speaking with Sun Riser, another came up to her. In her face, literally, and was gushing and praising her. Raven Feather had to take a small step back, and blushed as she was circled around.

"Oh - why, thank you." She murmured quietly, pushing a strand of hair back over her ear. A model, was she? She blinked slowly, thinking for a moment before steadily shaking her head as the other pulled a pose.

"I'm dreadfully sorry, but I do not think I know of you." Raven didn't pay much attention to media or magazines. She was a nature lover, traveller, wanderer. She had other things on her mind, exploring and taking on various tasks. Keeping up with the latest gossip on celebrities was not something she did. Even as the music celebrity, Onyx Bass, was promoting himself, she couldn't say she had ever seen him either save for the posters that were plastered here and there in Ponyville.

"But that is a gorgeous dress you are wearing." she said admiringly. "That crown is beautiful. Did you have that made? It's a stunning piece of work." She leaned forward to stare at the object, blinking, absorbing it's details.

Her little black cat, Black, had pounced up into the cart of Hooves and Hearts Day cards and was jumping out, circling around Raven and pawing herself over towards Sun Riser and Stormy, meowing, before moving towards Jitters to meow at him too.

[Dark Star]

As Dark Star and Slipstream returned to the stall, they were mildly surprised by the way their group of friends were conversing with one another. "Looks like we have quite the gathering here, don't we?" asked Dark Star. Slipstream just shrugged her shoulders. "Yeah, kinda makes me feel warm inside" she responded. "Are you sure that's not just from having Onyx here, or maybe from the way he was eyeing you in that dress?" Dark Star teased. Slipstream just blushed and breathed a great huff of air. "W-well, he's just a part of the crowd" she responded nervously. Dark Star giggled and took notice of the groups surrounding them. 

Sun Riser and Stormy Flee were trying to converse with Jitters. Onyx was pushing his CD towards the former 3 while Porcelain was chatting up her newest victim, Raven. Dark Star tried to keep her cool as she walked over and placed a card in-between the two mares and pushed it directly into Porcelain's face. "Perhaps you could dial down the enthusiasm a bit? You're starting to scare away some of the customers" she lightly scolded the other mare. She knew her heart must've been in the right place, she just didn't want her to bounce so hard against the others she'd break something. 

While Dark Star tended to Raven's small dilemma, Slipstream started working on the other 4 ponies. Firstly, she tried to push out the loss of feeling out from her legs and wobbled over to the front of Stormy and Sunny. "Still the same problem causer as always, I see" she started. "If she wants to help some-pony out, then let her. Ya just gotta go with the direction the wind takes ya, can't go against it" the green-maned pegasus explained. The two mares waited for their responses but were surprised when Raven's cat, Black, was suddenly trying to bring up the attention of the group. 

[Deleted]

"Oh my, thank you! The crown was built by that quiet little stallion over there! He is quite a sweetheart, even if he is a little bit on the shy side."

Lolly pointed a hoof towards Jitters and grinned before looking back towards the beautiful Raven and then chattered away again.

"It's okay that you don't know me, but I know you'll definitely know me someday, I really hope to be big one day. Head for the stars a little, you know? But I did make this dress myself! I've been working so hard on all of my clothing since I was young to make a little bit of a fashion statement, and I'm so terribly happy you like it!"

Lolly grinned gleefully and cheesily before Dark Star came over, handed her a card and scolded her softly and there was an immediate overreaction as Lolly looked looked horribly offended, a shot of dark angst across her face, then she began to sulk as she frowned at Dark Star and looked away. Another Diva tantrum, something to be quietly expected of her, but she'd calm down in very little time.

Meanwhile, Jitters heard a voice say his name and immediately came tumbling back to reality, it was the orange mare with the gentle voice and he looked around and had already saw that she was talking to her friend again. He looked a little downtrodden and walked towards Dark Star and cleared his throat softly.

"I'm going to head home now, Miss Star. It really was a pleasure seeing you again, and I hope to see you again in the near future. I don't mean to unload her on you, but I'd very much appreciate it if you could make sure Miss Porcelain takes care of herself and doesn't get into any trouble. I do have a small amount of work to do, and I may come back later today, assuming there is still anyone celebrating the festivities. I owe you a favour for that one you did me before, and the same to Miss Slipstream. Good day, my dear friend, I bid you adieu."

A nervous and soft smile covered Jitters face before he began to wander off, a little dazily away from the ever-expanding group of ponies.

[Sun Riser]

   (Sorry that I took so long. Homework practically controls my life.)

   Even though the recent events built up the crowd until it was at it's full, it started to dissipate just as quickly. And because Sun Riser was Sun Riser, it started to make her feel lonely. Sunny lowered her head and bit her lip, which received another eye-roll from Storm. Even though, she let out a giggle when Dark Star had to separate Porcelain from Raven. Sunny then lost her sunny deposition as Jitters left, one less pony from the group. 
   "What are ya frownin' about kid?" Storm questioned the small mare. Letting out another small snort. Looking down at the orange pegasus and making a mix of a puzzled and frowning face.
   Sunny didn't answer, instead, she crouched down and seemed to get smaller with every passing moment. "I feel kind of lonley, I'm usually around bigger groups than this." Sunny whispered. She was so quiet that no one could hear her. Storm had hear this, and that earned it a rude scoff.
   "You're such a baby Sunny. When will you ever grow up?" Storm said, glaring at Sunny.
   For once, Sunny actually felt intimidated by Stormy's gaze. She let out a small squeak and nervously laughed. Then straightened up, trying to be mature. Which was already proving to be quite difficult to her. She cracked a smile and thought about happy thoughts to lighten her mood.
   Storm nudged Sunny on the side, as Sun was making the strangest expression. "Hey, hey, hey, Sunny," There was no response. Storm let out a sharp sigh. "I better be bringing Ms. Mature here back to her house. Goodbye everypony." Storm said in a flat tone to the rest of the group. She flapped her wings and used the additional strength to push Sunny away. She was surprisingly heavy for a pony that seemed like she was made of toothpicks.

 (I'm sorry, I hope you don't mind if I exit.)

[20monkies]

(Awww, I wanted to get to be with Sun Riser and Storm some more. I hope you reconsider!)

Raven Feather was pleased for a moment when Dark Star came to her rescue, saving her from the clearly over excitable mare named Lollipop. She had a hard time being around such personalities, yet she admired her strange beauty and swirled eye. She tried hard not to stare at it, paying mind to the attention she had direction towards the crown upon her head.

"Oh, I don't mind at all. I'm stunned by the fine craftsmanship on that headpiece." She laughed off softly to Dark Star, nodding her head towards the lineup that was forming at the front of their vendor. "I think this fine mare has attracted many new customers."

Raven turned back to Lollipop and was awed at the mention of her dress as well.

"You stitched this gorgeous dress yourself? I'm impressed. It's very lovely."

As if she was remembering something suddenly, Raven turned around and picked up a card, frowning just a little. Was this too much to give to a stallion whom she was appreciative of, but didn't exactly know if she had feelings for or not? It was a strange dilemma that she was in, and to be on the polite side she kept a hold of it, putting out a couple of bits for the two.

"Dark Star, I'll be taking this, if it's okay." She blushed, hoping not to have to answer any questions from any of the mares that were surrounding her. She felt just a little claustrophobic, not one to be in the attention of so many ponies.

It was then a young stallion was pushing his way through that Raven realized he was the one Lollipop was talking about.

"Leaving so soon?" She asked, hair sweeping over her eyes as she looked at Jitters. But as soon as she asked, and wanted to question his creation, did he turn to leave.

Now Onyx Bass had been trying to get some attention from anypony around. And with Hearts and Hooves Day, despite all the gifts he got at the hotel, he was feeling a little.... devoid of attention. That did not settle well in his stomach at all. Even Jitters seemed to have ignored him, deciding to leave.

He tried to give him his CD. No one ever denied him like that.

Straightening himself out, he moved forward to trail after the exiting stallion, calling out to him.

"Hey!" He cried out. "Hey, are you sure you are not already a fan of mine?" He was causing a bit of a scene, red rising to his cheeks. Every pony had turned their heads to look at Onyx and Jitters, whispering nervously to each other. He stood tall with his chest puffed out, biting down on his tongue.

Suddenly, there was a loud "MEOW!" from the crowd and a little black cat was bounding to stand between the two, calling even more attention to herself.

Raven Feather saw the scene that was unfolding before her and put her face into her hoof, shaking her head.

"Oh no. Black... she just has to involve herself." She explained to the mares that were standing around her.

Onyx's featured twitched a little, waving a hoof at the cat.

"Shoo! Go away! I'm talking to this fine stallion here!" The cat meowed again and Onyx took a step back.

[Dark Star]

After having rescued Raven Feather from Lolly's over-excited continuation, the latter walked away as Dark Star finished scolding her. She handed out a few more cards and Slipstream walked over to the royally-dressed mare, concerned. "Hey, don't let yourself get down so soon. It's Hearts and Hooves Day, some-pony special'll come to meet'cha soon enough. In fact, based on how you're dressed, I'd say you'd meet him real soon" she told her. Slipstream had to bite back the nauseating feelings welling up inside her, but had to say something to cheer her up. Dark Star would've been really upset with her if she simply let some-pony walk away depressed like that, so she had to do it. "Hey, maybe he'll even show up if you sit quietly around here" she added. 'Maybe she can help advertise the place a little' she thought as she handed her a few flowers. 

Dark Star became quite busy with the small line building up in front of their stall. Bits came rushing through and cards and flowers came rushing out alongside them. She was levitating so many things at once, she almost worried that her horn might become dull from the strain. Eventually, the line came to short end and she was able to take a break. Her ears twitched slightly when Raven spoke up about taking a card. "I hope whom-ever you plan on giving that to will feel as much emotion as I had writing it" she said gleefully. 

The two mares, among many other ponies in the group, were suddenly surprised to hear the sound of Black meowing loudly in the background. They both looked over and quickly found a distraught Onyx bothering Jitters, which was only made worse by Black pawing at them. "Are those two going to be alright?" Dark Star asked, clearly concerned. Slipstream quickly trotted over and asked "What the hay's goin on?". "Onyx seems to be making some kind of trouble over there and Raven's cat, Black, is only making things worse" Dark Star quickly explained. The two mares stared in curiosity as they pondered the future events to come from this. 

[Deleted]

Jitters had already frozen when Onyx spoke to him. His voice began to stumble and then suddenly, it seemed as though all eyes were on him. His brain wracked with panic as the spotlight fell on him and his voice trembled as he tried his best to gain his footing and talk to the stallion in front of him

"Erm... well... yes, I mean, no, I mean, it's not like I've heard it, I'm more into swing and big-band if anything, and I mean, well, it would be most, erm, rude of me to just, err..."

He looked around and just felt everyone's eyes burning on him and he began to get a little hot under the collar, and shuffled around nervously on his hooves, trying to think of the best way to escape this kind of situation with the most little amount of public shame or embarrassment and very quickly move away from it.

Meanwhile, Lolly had heard Raven's comment about her dress and seemingly in a split-second, she was right back over at Raven. Pestering her once again.

"Why yes! I did! Do you like it? I was inspired by the story Alice in Wonderland, and I assumed that a character like the Queen of Hearts seems most fitting for Hearts and Hooves day! Don't you think? I mean, it is quite a splendid display, if I do say so myself. I spent two days working on this entirely for Hearts and Hooves! It's quite a beautiful dress isn't it? Don't you think? The crown really tops it off more than anything else too, and I really love the whole look y'know."

And Lolly began to rave and rant more at Raven whilst Jitters took the CD from Onyx and his face had already flared red with embarrassment by this point.

"Y-Yes... Thank you so much, Mr. Bass, I appreciate this. Thank you for the gift, I'll listen to it when I get around to it... busy schedule I do have indeed, aha..."

A nervous laugh escaped Jitters' mouth and he popped it into a saddlebag he had brought with him.

[20monkies]

Onyx was waving his hoof wildly at the little black cat, shooing her away. She was a stubborn one - but he was just as stubborn. He was about to step forward to argue with the little creature, Jitters spoke up. All eyes were on them, and Onyx's silver ones looked up at the fine young stallion and a grin quickly sped across his face.

His eyes sparkled, just a little bit. He was finally getting a little attention.

"I hope you do listen to it, because every bit of criticism I get from this album will help me make a better album in the future. Trust me, I'm sure you're going to love my music." He was just so sure of himself all the time. Chest puffed out, and black cat dodging around the crowd to return back to her owner, Onyx Bass bowed his head politely to Jitters.

"Sorry to take time from your schedule. I hope you come to tell me whenever you have the time." He gave him a wink before turning on his hoof and returning to the group of mares at Dark Star and Slip Streams booth.

Raven was blowing back a small strand of hair that was flying across her vision, and she tilted her head towards Dark Star, smiling kindly back at her.

"These cards are very lovely. You must have put a lot of time and effort into them. I'm sure every pony that is purchasing these cards will appreciate it just as much as those who they will be given to." She nodded in agreement.

When her black cat returned, climbing onto Raven Feather's back to perch herself atop her head, she meowed out at Lolly as the young mare explained her inspiration for her dress.

"It all works together very nicely. Can't say I have read Alice in Wonderland, but I will take a look at it whenever I have a moment to find it in a library." She took a mental note of the title, locking it in memory. Maybe later in the day, as she finished her walk around Ponyville, she would stop by and pick it up.

Onyx Bass returned to the booth and leaned forward, bright eyed and smiling.

"Sooo, how long are you going to be staying here? Because I'm sure you're going to get hungry at one point or another. We might as well have some time to enjoy on this day. Do any of you fine mares have a special some-pony? You're all looking beautiful in your fine dresses!" He eyed the four of them, then stopped his gaze on Raven Feather and took in a deep breath.

He held out a hoof towards her and beamed.

"My name's Onyx Bass! I don't believe I met you yet! Oh!" He handed her a CD as well, and Raven flustered at the attention he was giving her, ducking behind Dark Star just a little.

"Thank you." She mumbled, her cat snatching up the CD in her mouth before settling down on her shoulders. She ignored Onyx, turning back to her cat. "You shouldn't have involved yourself. Now look, he's come over here to make a scene."

Onyx heard and flushed, eyeing the cat. Then his attention was turned back to Dark Star, Slip Stream and Lolly.

Seemingly out of nowhere, he pulled out a large box of chocolates and held it out to them.

"Have some. They're delicious!"

[Dark Star]

After Black's little excursion to the two stallions had brought attention to the two stallions, a small flood of fan-mares rushed directly through the stall. Dark Star and Slipstream had to double-time things just to keep everything moving. Once they were done exchanging cards and flowers, they both took a quick break just to catch their breath. Raven had complimented Dark Star on her cards, something that made the dark mare smile. "I just got a little caught up in the moment and started writing out all my feelings across them. As for the flowers, I mostly got them from a couple friends of mine-one of them being Sky Bolt" she explained. Onyx started walking back to the group after a while and Slipstream was the first to shoot up to face him. 

He asked the two about how long they planned on staying there, something Slipstream was too nervous to talk about. Dark Star pulled her familiar dark vial out from behind the counter and poured the contents down her open mouth. After a slight cringe, her eyes glowed momentarily, then she smiled awkwardly as she answered for Slipstream. "We'll be here selling cards all day long. Even if we run out of cards, we won't run out of flowers anytime soon" she said as she looked just off-screen. After explaining things, the two mares were surprised to hear him ask about them having special some-ponies for the occasion. "I'm not sure about Slipstream, but I've already got some-pony special to celebrate this day with" Dark Star explained as she pulled her 3-starred necklace out from the front of dress. 

Slipstream just laughed awkwardly at Onyx's question. 'Special some-pony, me, oooh! maybe he wants me to be his special some-pony!" she thought with a squeal. She regained her composure and faced Onyx, but she only did this after he had shifted his attention to Raven Feather. This made her frown lightly and return to behind the stall and place a few more flowers onto the front of it. Her demeanor lit up quickly as Onyx placed a box of chocolates on the front of the stall. Slipstream giggled awkwardly with a slight swoon in her voice. Dark Star rolled her eyes at this and put on a smile. "Thank you, Onyx, you've added a lot more feeling to the day with this most gracious of gifts, and the chocolate is very nice as well" she said with a slight chuckle. 

[20monkies]

Onyx Bass couldn't help but frown just a little. All day? They were going to stay here selling cards all day long? Oh no, he wasn't going to have that. These mares needed to go out and enjoy the day while they were still young!

"Hearts and Hooves day only comes once every year. You need to go out, enjoy your time, have some chocolate." He urged the box forward, and Raven was watching hesitantly at the stallion. He was an odd one, that. She didn't know exactly who he was, but now that he had given her his CD… she didn't know what to do with it. It wasn't like she had a CD player hanging around conveniently or anything. Maybe she could politely return it back to the other.

But now that the box of chocolates was in her face, she graciously accepted a piece and ate it.

Onyx beamed and turned his attention back to Dark Star as soon as she had complimented him.

"The pleasure is all mine! You know, I could just break out into song just about now. Maybe a little romantic duet, if one of you want to join with me?" He waggled his brows, gazing intently at Slipstream.

Raven hoped the other didn't decide to pull her out to start singing, so she gently pressed a hoof at Dark Star now.

"I'm terribly sorry, but I think I should take my leave now. I don't want to get involved…" gesturing at the awkward stallion, trying to impress the blue and green pegasus. "I hope you understand." She blushed a little, pushing her hair behind her ear with her hoof. "I'm still in town, staying at a little pharmacy in the Marketplace. I hope you can come by one day. I'd love to spend more time with you. And your friend too, of course." Smiling kindly towards Slipstream.

Onyx was busy leaning in ever much closer towards Slipstream, grinning widely. "So, do you have a special somepony?" He asked again. "I'd understand if you did. They're one lucky stallion, to have a mare like you."

[Dark Star]

Dark Star was mildly annoyed by how persistant Onyx was. He had good intentions, it's just that he seemed to be in love with the sound of his voice and wanted to show it off in front of every-pony. Her eyes began to glow and Slipstream's face went red as the beige stallion wanted one of them to join him in a duet, something that made Slipstream's heart skip a beat. 'The chance to sing a duet in town with Onyx Bass? I think I just died and went to Heaven' Slipstream thought as she strained her face to smile at him. Dark Star was tempted to push him away with her magic when Raven spoke to her. She turned her attention to the white pegasus and left Slipstream to continue with Onyx

Raven apologized to her and mentioned how it is she needed to leave, something that made Dark Star frown internally. One by one, many of her friends were leaving her and attending to their own agendas for the day. She smiled strongly and looked Raven in the eyes. "It's alright if you leave, there are many hearts here to appease and I'm certain that my being here will help. As for us, I'm certain we can set a date in the next few days. Until then, I guess I'll see you later" she said with a warm smile and watched as Raven was on her way. 

While the other two mares were speaking to each other, Onyx Bass was chatting up Slipstream. He leaned closer and smiled, then asked her if she had a special some-pony. Slipstream was absolutely certain that what she heard was some kind of mistake with the excitement in the air. When he continued to speak as though she did, her heart began to race. "I...I don't have a special s-somepony for today..." she said as hard she could, though it only came out as a small whimper. "W-wait...are you asking to be my special somepony?" she accidentally asked out loud. She covered her mouth with both her hooves and her face was fully red. She just said something she probably shouldn't have and wasn't able to take it back. She just stood silently and waited for him to react. 

[20monkies]

Raven Feather smiled widely and nodded her head, black tendrils of hair swaying with the movement.

"Of course. You know where to find me, I'd really appreciate the company and outing soon." She had been cooped up ever since the incident, and just being out under the bright blue sky had cheered her mood up considerably. Black circled around Dark Star once more before meowing and bounding away into the distance.

Raven laughed a little, bowed her head with, "Until then," and disappeared into the growing crowd around the Town Square.

Meanwhile…

Onyx Bass' eyes widened in mock shock. Slipstream didn't have a special somepony? Was this for real? He placed a hoof to his chin, gazing into the distance as if he were in deep thought.

"Hmm…" but only until his attention was brought back when Slipstream asked the question. A question he wasn't really serious about to have been asked in the first place, yet it still slipped from her lips. Was he even asking her to be his special somepony? He wasn't sure anymore. He wanted to make her happy, considering she was one of his number 1 fans.

A blush creeped across his cheeks and he cleared his throat, all too casually, after a moment of awkward silence.

"Well…" he began, but stopped. He didn't want this to be a long term commitment, of course. How was he going to go about, without breaking her heart? He never usually thought so deeply on a subject such as romance, the flirty and fun type as he was. Still, he had to say something to her inquiry, intently watching her reaction when her hooves flew to her mouth, and her face was reddening a deep shade.

"I'm surprised, you don't have a special somepony. I really thought you would. But… if you want, for just today…" he hesitated again. Just for today. He could do that. It was manageable. "I'd like that." The box of chocolates suddenly began to feel heavier than normal, and he held it out closer towards her, smiling awkwardly.

[Dark Star]

As Onyx thought about her proposal, Slipstream leaned closer to him, eager with anticipation. What she had said was incredibly sudden, especially to herself, so there was no reason Onyx shouldn't have taken as long as he did to respond. When he did respond though, he managed to light up Slipstream's face brighter than if she stuck her tail into a light socket. Onyx had just agreed to be her special some-pony for the day and Slipstream couldn't be happier. Her wings unfolded in excitement and she blasted into the air with a huge backlash of wind in her wake, the likes of which blowing a lot of flowers and cards all over the streets. Normally, Dark Star would've found this to be troublesome, but since she didn't plan on making a profit from this anyway, she was glad for it. She placed what remained of the items on the stall and smiled at the dumbstruck Onyx standing with his eyes wide. 

"She does that when she gets too excited, she'll be back in a few minutes once she'd burned off all that energy" she explained to him. A few minutes passed and, right on schedule, Slipstream returned to her spot behind the stall with a few heavy breaths. She looked up at the beige stallion and smiled dreamily. "Thank you so much, Onyx, I'm so happy right now!" she said to him as she kept her smile. Her eyes tried to remain on the silver portals that were his, but the remaining nervousness in her mind made her eyes drift. She giggled lightly with a slight blush and asked "So...what do you...want to do?".

Dark Star chuckled to herself when she saw this development from afar. Slipstream had never seemed like the type to get so hyped up for events such as these, but all it took to make her think otherwise was a single stallion she had met only a few days sooner. It wasn't exactly as funny as it should've been, yet Dark Star still laughed. 'Just treat her nicely is all I ask, Onyx Bass' the dark mare thought to herself. 

[20monkies]

The sudden burst of wings and wind as the backlash of Slipstream swooping into the air was a little unexpected. It had tossed him back a little, Onyx staring up into the sky after her until she seemed to have disappeared. He was dumbstruck, that was for sure. But not for too long.

He knew he had this effect on mares, but to this extent? He had never known the real effect until now. At least, he had been able to make her happy. And when Dark Star spoke to him, explaining her reason for the flight, Onyx grinned lopsidedly.

"That's perfectly fine. I'm glad to have made her excited…" He had paused for a moment, thinking in silence. He never really gave things too much thought, so why was he hesitating? He felt a little uneasy with himself. He didn't know what to think, really. This was a first for him. And to be a special somepony? It was going to take some time to get used to the idea.

Onyx didn't have much time to think on it. Slipstream had returned, all huffing, puffing and flushed. The expression on her face made his decision crystal clear. Any doubt in his mind was washed away from the happiness that was beaming as brightly as the daylight.

His smile spread wider as she asked him what to do now.

"Good question." He leaned closer, nudging her gently with his elbow. "What do you want to do?"

He would have rather the mare decide what it was she enjoyed doing most. After all, he asked her to be his special somepony. He wanted to make her happy for the day. He might as well let her lead the way, so that the day could be more about her than about him.

[Dark Star]

Slipstream looked down at the ground awkwardly when Onyx wanted her to decide where to go for the day. She was so excited by everything, that she couldn't really think straight. She flapped her wings in morse code to Dark Star, whom of which was watching them the whole time and thought about locations. There were multiple different places where a couple could go during this holiday. The only thing is that she couldn't decide just where it would be best for those two to go. After about a minute, she suddenly knew just where to go. Her horn flared up and small images were quickly returned to Slipstream. "Try_the_park,_it's_lovely" she told her. 

Slipstream smiled and winked at the dark mare, then turned to face Onyx. She cleared her throat and smiled. "Let's try the park, I hear it's the best place to go for today" she told him. She kept a smile firmly planted on her face as she listened to what it is Onyx thought about in response.

Meanwhile, back at the stall, Dark Star was placing the last of her flowers directly onto the stall, wondering how it was possible for all the flowers to be gone so quickly. At that moment, almost as if he heard it, Morning Sun was walking through the streets, dragging a cart full of flowers to the square. He saw Dark Star standing in front of a stall and smiled. Dark Star could hear him coming closer and smiled at him. "Ah! Happy Hearts and Hooves Day, Morning Sun" she greeted. "Happy Hearts and Hooves Day to you too, Star" he responded. "I see you're all set for the day" Sun commented. "I could say the same to you, what with all those flowers and all" Dark Star responded. "Yeah, I'm just supposed to bring these flowers to a vendor selling a whole lot of 'em. I guess that must be you?" he asked. Dark Star nodded and then flared up her horn, levitating the cart's contents directly into the empty cart of hers behind the stall. 

The two smiled at each other and then looked over at Slipstream and Onyx Bass. Sun looked surprised to see Slipstream wearing a dress, something Dark Star picked up on. "I was the one who got her that dress" she said with a confident tone. Sun looked back at her and replied "No pony else I know could do that". Dark Star giggled lightly at this. Morning Sun was always the last to show up to a lot of things, but in this case, he was just on time to see everything going on. "I could use a hoof handing these out; Slipstream has a small date with Onyx right now" she explained. "You already know the answer to that" Sun responded with a smug grin and a smugger tone. Dark Star smiled at this and watched as Slipstream and Onyx walked away to the park.