Of Hooves and Hearts [Neoniie, Conor Colton]

[Neoniie]

Hearts and Hooves Day, one that had little weight on the life of one scientist mare until recently. The day designated to the celebration of romance had always seemed a nuisance to the unicorn, as she would always be pulled away from her work by some familial event. However, this year was quite a different one. The unicorn had a pony with which to spend the day and it made the mare rather apprehensive. The social protocol for such an event was very unknown to the generally out-of-touch pony. So, she had come about a way that made the whole affair into a familiar situation.

Taking the idea to view the day as an experiment of sorts, Quantum Flux did what any good scientist would before beginning a study, she researched the subject. The socio-historical archives of the Great Library of Canterlot proved quite useful in her search for knowledge. She learned about the customs and historical origin of the event, which would make for an interesting conversation in the mare's opinion. However, she still frittered about nervously as she quickly wrapped up the gift that she had obtained for her very special somepony.

Tesla looked on with disinterest, finding no reason for the anxious behaviour of his master. However, the mare spoke disjointedly aloud to the ferret, hoping to organize the jumble of thoughts in her mind. “Completely irrational, you know what you should be doing...absolutely unprepared...too much adhesive...what if it's terrible...how did I even get into this whole thing anyway...”

Noticing that she had only a few minutes before they were to meet in the upper floor of the clock tower, Flux hastily completed her wrapping and dashed over to her dismally disorganized living space. It was a stark contrast to the pristine nature of her scientific workspace, but the unicorn saw no reason to keep it in order. Until she needed it to be so, that is. Rummaging through her various lab coats and formal attire, she attempted to find the right outfit for the approaching event.

[Conor Colton]

Hearts and Hooves day, a day that proved to be rather odd and alien to the pegasus Colton Cloudkicker. Given his traveller lifestyle he rarely stayed in on place for too long; and when he did he would never take part in various local customs and holidays unless he felt up to the task. Colton had also never felt like sharing this holiday with anypony, well, not anymore he hadn't. It was strange for the pegasus but he felt like he needed to spend this occasion with Flux, a felling he hadn't felt in quite a while....or ever for that matter.

Colton felt like he needed to do something to mark the occasion, he felt like he needed to do something special for Flux; but there was one problem...He had yet to think of what he would do. The pegasus needed to think of something, and fast. As Flux was downstairs doing something, and she was rather noisy about it; Colton paced back and forth trying to think of a solution, "Okay okay....Think Colton....think dang it..." The pegasus stated as the stopped and propped his hoof under his chin in concentration. "How could I have forgot?! Celestia's sake I'm soo stupid!" He said as he conked himself on the head a few times, all the while Sparks sitting on the windowsill with a raised brow of his little bird eye.

"....Sparks you have to have something! Come on....I'm desperate here!" The pegasus stated, quietly pleading with the bird. Sparks then reached into Colton's saddlebags and pulled out a magazine, "Yeah....what about it?" The pegasus stated inquisitively. Sparks then turned to a page entitled 'For that very special somepony' the bird then pointed to an advert entitled 'Cutie Mark Necklaces', "Wait...let me read that....Diamond studded, golden plated, custom made Cutie Mark Pendants....only for......125 bits?!" Colton recoiled as he thought about this for a second........She's worth it....He thought as he reached further into his saddlebags and pulled out a picture of him and Flux.

"Sparks....I need you...to find a jewellers...show them her Cutie Mark....pay with these.." He said as he put small pouch on the sparrow and filled it with coins, "Then you get the necklace...and find us...okay?" He asked as Sparks nodded and sped out the window like a bird on a mission. Colton shut the window and breathed a sigh of relief. He made his way to where Flux said they would meet. He poised himself and readied himself for what was to come, "....Just relax Colton.....don't worry....Let's just hope Sparks doesn't mess this up..."

[Neoniie]

I suppose this will do. The unicorn stood in a pool of various articles of clothing, finally settling upon the one that she would be using. It wasn't exactly her preference to dress up for any occasion, but certain social protocols had to be observed. The first Hearts and Hooves day spent with a very special somepony was supposed to be a momentous event and so, there were certain courtesies to be observed. Quickly putting the attire on, Flux trotted over to the slightly broken mirror that hung on the opposing wall. It is rather festive, if nothing else, she thought.

With a swish of her tail, Flux returned to her immaculately clean experimental area. She picked up a nearby bottle and continued to apply the adhesive substance, hoping to make the wrapping job seem less rushed. She noticed that the substance seemed to be much less fluid than when she had used it earlier, but such a trivial difference was not worth noting. She glanced around the room, letting her magic to the work for her. Flux sighed, realizing that Tesla had once again vanished from the basement room. He must be off for some sustenance. She turned back to her spellwork and quickly completed her wrapping-related spells. Only pausing to levitate the gift into her saddblebag, Flux took one last look at the worn walls of the clock tower and then ascended the staircase to meet Colton. Here we go.

Now, Tesla on the other hand was lazing about in the white snow outside. His brown coat had been protecting him from the cold of the weather and the ferret saw no reason to get up anytime soon. However, he noticed a flapping of wings overhead that compelled him to open his eyes. The ferret found himself looking up at the familiar shape of Sparks the sparrow. With some slightly interest, he got to his paws and stared up expectantly at the bird.

[Conor Colton]

Colton stared at the floor and took a few concentrated breaths, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was going to go wrong, terribly wrong. Colton paced back and forth in the upper level trying desperately to clear his head of any doubting thoughts, less he look suspicious or uneasy for this special occasion.

"Okay....I'll just show Flux around the town, and buy Sparks some time....No wait that wouldn't work, she knows this place better than I do..." He whispered as he tried to think of plan and think of it quickly, "Okay...new plan...we go an enjoy ourselves for a while....Maybe a nice walk, some dinner, come home and then Sparks'll be here with the necklace." Colton said as he remembered a contradiction in that statement, "No you idiot, I told him to find us....Why would I tell him to find us?!......Maybe she'll think it's romantic, Sparks showing up with the gift....Or maybe she'll see right through us.....AH! I CAN'T DECI-" Colton was cut off as he hear hoof steps coming up the stairs.

A few seconds later Flux came into view as she made that final step. Colton couldn't help but not worry about his issue, as other thoughts entered his mind, one in particular was Have she ever wore a dress before? Colton then shook his head slightly, gathered himself, and responded, ".....Wow Flux....you look.....amazing..." Colton said, still with widened eyes, "That dress looks really good on you as well......" Colton said as he almost became lost in the sight infront of him. He shook his head once more and responded again; this time, keeping his composure.

"Well....I suppose we best get moving...we have a big day ahead of us..." He said with a smile, trying to cover up the fact that his worries were coming back to him again, "Anyway...where do you wanna go first?" He asked as he proceeded towards the door, "This is as much your day as it is ours, so anything you want, it's done....Trust me..." He said as he mentally prayed to give Sparks good fortune.

Whilst all this was going on, Sparks was still on the hunt, but the bird couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. Well he was obviously being watched by hundreds of ponies that looked up but...something was different, it sent a shiver down the birds spine as he continued on.

[Neoniie]

Flux blushed slightly at Colon's wide-eyed look. She had settled on a light red dress that bordered between pink and its darker counterpart. It was an older gift from her mother with the intention of her wearing it to some sort of charity dinner for the Astronomy Board that her mother was a part of. The unicorn had ended up staying late at the Library to research current griffon steam technology and the dress had been left in the dark recesses of the clock tower's basement. It seemed that today was the day that her mother's gift would get its day in the limelight. The unicorn hated dressing up, but she had done so regardless. After all, a repeatedly burned lab coat wasn't very seemly for pleasant company.

She considered Colton's question, a list of all the locales in Canterlot running through her mind. There were so many possibilities for a destination that would be fitting for the holiday, but one stuck out in her mind. The Gardens of Canterlot Castle. It was located near the hedge maze, where she and Colton had shared that amazing flight and she knew that flowers and meaningful locations were traditional to the Hearts & Hooves Day customs. Combining the two seemed like sovling two forumlas in one calculation. "Well, I was thinking of the Canterlot Gardens. They are on the Castle Grounds, but the Princess opens them each year for the Hearts & Hooves Day festivities. Would that be agreeable?"

Outside, the ferret was following the movements of the sparrow above. He lept from perch to perch on lampposts and tree branches. Tesla's interest had been piqued by the separation of the bird and his master and the ferret would not let his curiosity go unanswered. So, he continued after Sparks, hoping to learn what the bird's destination would in the end be.

[Conor Colton]

When Flux brought up the suggestion of Canterlot Gardens it instantly triggered memories in the pegasus' mind, he remembered the hedge maze and the subsequent tour that came along with it; he remembered the flight they shared and all the sights they experienced on that day, almost becoming lost once again in his own thoughts. He quickly regained his composure however when he realized he still hadn't responded to the mare's question, "Uh...sure, that's a great idea Flux." He said with a light smile plastered on his face once again; he knew all he had to do was buy Sparks a little more time and hopefully the bird wouldn't find a way to mess up this simple task.

Colton opened the front door of the tower to let Flux pass through before him, "After you my dear, let's enjoy this day while it lasts." He said, all the while still with a niggling thought of doubt in his mind that something had gone wrong, a feeling of which he could not shake. Colton exited the tower along with Flux, feeling a slights shiver when his hooves came into contact with the white snow outside he promptly brushed some of it off his feet before proceeding only to be met with more snow, regardless however, he pushed on. As the walked Colton noticed something strange; next to the tower was a mound of snow with an impression in it, it resembled that of a small animals and had equally as small fingerprints leading from it. He disregarded this as irrelevant but he just couldn't help but notice it.

As the two walked through the snow blanketed streets of Canterlot Colton took a moment to reflect on the situation as he walked, Okay...so we'll just go to the gardens and Spark'll meet us there. It shouldn't take him too long to find them anyway... After all I ripped out the part that gave him the address of that Jewellers....That bird never did have good memory.... He'll find it in no time at all... He thought as he felt suddenly reassured about the situation. When Colton reached into his saddlebags however to get a scarf he noticed something; the magazine was still in his saddlebag. He sneakily took a peek, and wouldn't you know it, the address was still in the magazine; he had forgotten to rip it off and give it to Sparks earlier. Instantly Colton's worries came flooding back to him, he began to think over his options, Okay, Sparks has no idea where he's going.... He'll probably find this place but it'll take longer than I expected.... I can't bring Flux to a special place like Canterlot Gardens and have nothing for her... I just need a bit more time! He thought as he turned to Flux in an attempt to stall their journey.

"Actually Flux...would you mind if we stopped and got a bite to eat first? There's plenty of places open today so I'm sure we can find something good...." Colton said as he hoped his rather rushed attempt would prove effective.

Further into the city, Sparks was still gliding over the streets of the city, keeping an ever vigilant eye out for any jewellery store. But the bird couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched, but this time when he turned around to check he saw a rather familiar ferret staring back at him. It took a few seconds but Sparks put together a crude conclusion in his mind, if Tesla found out, he could tell Flux! In response to this Sparks speeded in the other direction, trying desperately to evade the pursuing ferret. As he did he began to fly lower through the crowed streets of the city, knocking over various decoration, stands and ponies, some who were also on dates. He quickly darted around a corner into an alleyway and pressed himself up against a wall, breathing deeply and hoping he wasn't being followed anymore.

[Neoniie]

Flux trotted outside, saying with only a hint of teasing, "How gallant, Mr. Cloudkicker." Inwardly, she chided, How sappy. Honestly, you aren't some gooey-eyed filly. However, Flux dismissed the voice and drew the warmers that matched the red dress closer to herself as the chill of winter nipped at her coat. Then, she waited for Colton to close the door and enter the white expanse himself. Hearing the familiar 'click' of closing behind her, the unicorn walked slowly beside Colton. Though it sounded immensely cheesy and she would never admit it to herself, the unicorn wanted to spend as much time with her special somepony as possible, and not just because of social protocol on these matters.

She also remembered the Garden with stunning clarity, memories coming back quickly the more she thought about their destination. It was strange how she remembered it clear as day, especially when her memory of events was not the best of her traits. Nonetheless, Colton's words brought her back to the current time. "Oh...uh...not at all. That sounds quite lovely." She smiled at Colton, leaning slightly into the similarly snow-coloured coat of her pegasus. Sappy, sappy~, sing-songed that frustrating mental voice. She merely viewed her actions as getting into the spirit of the holiday. After all, she didn't want her Hearts & Hooves Day with Colton to be disappointing to the pegasus. "Did you have anywhere in mind?" she asked. Flux wasn't in any particular hurry on this particular day. A chemical dissection of love poison could wait until tomorrow.

Tesla, on the other hand, had no time to waste in following Sparks. It was an arduous task, since the streets of Canterlot were not the best place for a ferret to travel. So, he stuck to the tops of buildings and the spaces between roofs and exterior walling.There was no way her was going to lose sight of the sparrow until he knew what was going on. Turning a corner from which he had caught a glimpse of familiar plumage, Tesla stood face to face with a bird. He looked impatiently at the avian, non-verbally asking for an explanation to his strange behaviour.

[Conor Colton]

Colton braced himself for the incoming answer to his previous statement, but to his surprise he was met with a positive response. He felt like his anxiety towards the question melting away as Flux leaned her white coat onto his own, "Uh....yeah that does sound lovely..." Colton mentally face-hoofed after that statement however, Well of course it sounds lovely to you Captain Obvious! You brought it up! His inner voice yelled at him. Colton was ready for a full scale argument in his head but Flux's next question snapped him out of that.

"Uh...well there's plenty of places....um..." Colton said as he mentally scrambled for good place to eat, then a thought flickered in his head, or more so a memory, "....How about that place we went to on the tour...Y'know...just before we met Thunder?" He asked, not soo worried about the answer this time; he had even forgotten about the whole situation with Sparks as he gently rested his coat on Flux's.

Sparks on the other hand, was not having soo much good fortune. After he had turned a corner into that alleyway, he thought he would have gotten away from the pursuing ferret. But just as he turned to continue his search he found himself staring at the exact creature he was running from. He recoiled slightly from the shock and was just about to speed off in another direction. However he realised that if Tesla followed him though that...then there wasn't much hope of him outrunning the creature any time soon. He sighed in defeat and was about to explain the thing; but he had the same realization Colton had had, he didn't have the magazine fragment. The bird then instead did a series of crude gestures to try and explain the situation basically saying that 'Colton needs to get Flux a necklace, but he forgot to get it for today, and now I have to find it....But I have no idea where to find it!' Sparks then got to his little bird knees and begged Tesla to not make any mention of the to Flux.

[Neoniie]

Flux laughed quietly at Colton's suggestion. "Such a day filled with rememberance we're having." It was interesting that they were going to be frequenting two nostalgic locations in one day, but the unicorn didn't mind. They were good memories that would be recalled and even the strictly logical side of the scientist couldn't argue with the joy of reliving a time filled with joy. "That sounds like a wonderful idea," she said, making her agreement with the pegasus clear. "We should make haste, however. It is likely to be a busy day in Canterlot."

The unicorn took in a refreshing breath of the chilly air that the day provided, just relishing in the moment while it lasted. She remembered a quote that she couldn't quite attribute, 'It's truly the small things in life that bring the most joy.' After a moment or two of silence, she took her weight back onto her own two hooves, moving away from Colton as she stood upright. She took a few steps forward before turning back to the white pegasus. "Shall we go?" However, as she asked, the surrounding snow caught the eye of the mare and sparked a small idea. Though it was a rather strange suggestion from the unicorn's perspective, she couldn't help but feel in a whimsical mood with the spirit of the holidays. With a silly little smile as her only warning to Colton, she gathered up a clump of snow up in a green aura and launched it toward the pegasus. "I suppose we have a bit of time, that is, if you're up to the challenge," she laughed.

Tesla watched the bird's explanation with interest, his curiousity finally satisfied. He remembered that the bird and his master were not Canterlot native, so they would have little idea where the various shops in Canterlot were located. Even the ferret had a much more varied knowledge of the city than that of his owner, as he spent much more time roaming its streets. With a roll of the eyes, he returned a series of gestures that communicated a willingness to help him find the right sop. He also agreed not to mention Colton's laspe of memory to Flux, though he did have half a mind to do so. The ferret turned toward the north end on Canterlot and stepped a few paces forward, checking behind him to be sure that the bird had gotten his message.

[Conor Colton]

Colton breathed an inward sigh of relief as it seemed he had just given Sparks a lot more time, but strangely enough, the thought of the bird or whether he would see this task through didn't matter to the pegasus at the moment. When the two of them were silent for a second or two Colton once again felt all his worries and inhibitions fading away; he was walking on thin ice with his plan but that fact didn't seem to stir him for the moment. He just found joy in the few seconds of silence the two spent together, as they had done a few times before.

When Flux leaned away from Colton and began to walk he began to regain his focus, along with his worries and inhibitions. He wondered how Sparks would manage such a task on his own and without any guidance whatsoever. He still responded to Flux's question however, "Uh...Yeah, let's..." He said as he began to take a few steps forward. However, his mind was clouded with worry that he didn't notice an incoming frosty projectile; which caught Colton square in the face. The pegasus took a second before wiping the snow off his face and shaking what was left off his muzzle. He looked forward to see Flux laughing with a silly grin on her face.

The pegasus returned a grin as well as a slight chuckle as he responded to Flux's challenge, "Oh I'm up for it...But Miss Flux...Quite frankly, you have no idea what you've gotten yourself into." Colton stated playfully as he grabbed a mound of snow an returned fire, or snow rather as the two kept lobbing snowballs back and forth.

Sparks was rather surprised at Tesla's attitude towards the while situation. The bird honestly expected the ferret to rat him out right there and run to his master, but the bird was thankful that he had at least agreed to help him and Colton; rather than reveal the truth to Flux right there. Sparks got up from his knees and brushed himself off slightly. He floated back to a few feet off the ground and began to follow the ferret, all the while thinking what Colton was doing and he wondered if he was having a better time than he was.

[Neoniie]

The unicorn quickly manipulated the snow around her into a curved barrier, serving as a blockade against Colton's rather well aimed snowballs. It created a small patch of grass in the same shape, marking the area that Flux had taken the snow from. Though she knew it was mostly using her own magical skills to her advantage, Colton had wings and so still had a way to evade her barrier. She launched a few more snowballs over the top of her barricade, a couple of giddy laughs still audible from the mare.

She found it strange that at no other time was she so content with the world at large. Even her constant curiousity was silenced by her time with Colton. It was still a percuiliar feeling, one that continued to elude the unicorn's full understanding. That was why this Hearts & Hooves Day had struck her as a chance for study of this idea. Perhaps through experiencing it herself, she could finally pin down what it was. Unfortunately, the unicorn got a faceful of snow for her idle thinking. Shaking off the snow, she re-engaged her 'enemy', not really trying particularly hard to become the victor of their little snow battle.

Tesla weaved through the streets much more slowly than he would have ordinarily done. He did need to be certain that he wouldn't lose the sparrow in the droves of Hearts & Hooves celebrants. So, he took a slower pace as he lead the sparrow, his little ferret mind trying to recall the best jeweler in Canterlot. Those in the business of accessories and chocolate were booming with buiness around the time of the holiday and so, finding a location that wouldn't be swamped with ponies would be a difficult task indeed. At each one they passed, the ferret saw pairs of hooves that led outside the doors of the shops. With a smirk, he reminded himself that he was luck not to be in the position of those shop owners. However, he continued on, oddly invested in Sparks' search for Colton's present.

[Conor Colton]

Colton continued to snowball war strongly, he was taking a few hits but he was giving a few back that were just as strong. The sudden action of Flux raising a snow barrier Colton had to re-evaluate his strategy, he decided he'd try and fly around but when he tried he was pelted by a few snowballs to the face; sending him towards the ground. Even with that Colton couldn't help but laugh at the situation. As he threw a few more snowballs back he felt a sense of colt like innocence and care freeness. He hadn't felt a felling like this in such a while, a point in time when all his inhibitions melted away and the only thing that mattered to him was the moment he was experiencing.

He ducked behind a mound of snow to hide from the incoming snowballs, this brief moment of safety gave him a chance to think. He relaxed against the snow, even as snowballs pelted the wall protecting him. He took a moment to catch his breath and to realize something, This is the most fun I've ever had in years! Why is this so great? He asked himself as he readied another snowball and as he began to throw it he was pelted with another one to the face, sending his intended projectile skyward. Colton didn't know he could throw that far to be honest. The pegasus realized that this strategy wasn't working at all, so he opted to use a different approach. The pegasus speeded towards Flux's protective barrier and managed to break through the snow.

Colton ended up flying straight into the unicorn and sent them both tumbling down a hill, ending up lying next to each other at the bottom of the hill. Colton checked to see if Flux was okay, and when that was confirmed he couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Meanwhile Sparks was vigilantly following Tesla as his search continued. What the little bird didn't expect was a sudden, out of nowhere snowball dropping from the sky and burying the sparrow in a small mound of snow. If only he knew where it had came from.

[Neoniie]

Flux watched Colton's attempt at a flight around her barrier, aiming a couple good shots at the pegasus. Of course, only a few of them actually made contact with her sparring partner, but they still managed to get the pegasus to resume his earthbound position. She had the advantage of magic, which made aiming and firing quite a bit easier for the unicorn than for her pegasus opponent. She continued to fire the little spheres of snow, until Colton find his own protective barrier in the form of a natural snowbank. She ceased her launch of snowballs, curiously awaiting his next move.

When she saw the slightest sign of a familiar blue mane, she let fly the snowball which she had held back, managing to both contact Colton and make him drop his own projectile. She grinned, having far too much fun with such a juvenile game. Even as a foal, she had never participated in such things, as she had science to pursue. The spirit of the holidays, she recalled, her smile only widening. However, her reminiscing had caused her to forget her snow-based battle and she was quite surprised when a white pegasus came crashing through her snow wall. The two tumbled backward, landing stomach upward beside one another.

The two shared a look of concern, each ensuring that the other had suffered no injuries in the tumble. When their health had been confirmed, Colton began to laugh. The snow unicorn couldn't help a somewhat goofy smile from showing upon her own muzzle at what had just occurred. The pegasus and unicorn lay in the snow, coats matching its colour almost perfectly and laughing for the next few minutes. Flux enjoyed the release of energy and happiness, just enjoying spending time with Colton. She quickly faced him, turning away from the sky. "I suppose you are the victor then, Colton." She smiled, laughter dying down slightly as she listened for his response.

Tesla was alerted to the landing of the snowball when a few stray flecks of snow fell on his fur. Shaking the white specks from the brown, he turned back to find his sparrow companion head-deep in a pile of snow. With a sigh, he extended his paw toward the bird, foot tapping slightly as he counted the minutes. Canterlot was becoming busier by the second and it would be increasingly difficult to find their destination when more ponies crowded the streets.

[Conor Colton]

As Colton's laughter finally subsided he rested his head on the cold snow covered ground, his blue mane becoming riddled with white flakes. He looked up towards the sky and gave a slight smile as the sun beamed down on him and Flux. He just relished in the moment as all the world seemed to stop around him and Flux, even the immediate issue of Sparks finding that gift seemed trivial to the pegasus. He just lay there for a while and enjoyed the silence and the company of the unicorn.

However, when Flux addressed the pegasus directly after her laughter ended Colton turned his attention and his head to the unicorn lying beside him. He smiled slightly before responding to her statement, "Well....I guess you're right...." Colton said as he got to all fours and steadied his stance once again, "But, I wouldn't really say there was a clear winner. You got me a good few times before I got you with that stunt I pulled." The pegasus said as he offered a hoof to get Flux back on her own hooves.

When Colton had done that he posed a question to himself, What just happened? He asked himself that because he had honestly no idea what had happened. The pegasus could safely say he never felt so alive, it was nothing but a simple snowball fight and yet it felt like more fun than he had had in a very long time. He then came to a conclusion, ....It had to be Flux...she's what made this so enjoyable... He thought as he turned to the snow covered unicorn and smiled. He then noticed something with Flux. He walked up to her and addressed her directly.

"......Flux...." Colton lead into as he looked the unicorn directly in her eyes, "......You got something in your mane." Colton said as he gently placed his hood on her reddish mane to gently brush a dead leaf off of her. But as Colton felt her hair and gazed deep into her eyes he couldn't help but smile, and before he knew it, he had leaned in and kissed the unicorn.

On the other side of the city, Sparks held onto a extended furry paw and managed to pull himself out of the snow mound that had previously buried him. He rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment as it seemed Tesla wasn't pleased at the current circumstances. But when Sparks went to follow the ferret once again he noticed something out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a small shop with none other than the sign 'Custom Cutie Marks Pendants' displayed at the front. The bird sped over as fast as he could and ended up colliding with the glass window, slowly sliding down it with a look of success on his face.

[Neoniie]

"Quite so," Flux replied, taking the proffered hoof. She regained her balance, having swayed slightly during her return to an upright position. Even as she agreed to Colton's statement and their battle of snow ended, one fact still pulled insistently at her mind. For what reason did such a juvenile activity seem so enjoyable? You have never even liked snow or this day of hearts and hooves. Of course, another thought sprung up at the mention of 'hearts'. Why in the name of Celestia are hearts even considered romantic? Has anypony even seen them? They're not particularly charming. With an internal hiss that reminded her to stay on topic, the mare considered the idea.

However, the sudden appearance of Colton's voice brought her thoughts to a reeling halt. She turned toward him, confusion her expression. As he explained his intent, she stood still, allowing the pegasus to brush aside the dead leaf. The idea of a leaf in winter of course piqued a possibility within her scientific mind, but the slight tinge of red that coloured the unicorn's muzzle lightened the desire to rush inside and try to find some way to create winter leaves or such without magic. She wasn't exactly used to having anypony quite so close to her. However, any sort of nervousness in the unicorn was swept away with Colton's rather unexpected kiss.

Her mind was simultaneously frozen and pulling at several different directions. Once again, it seemed, a pony faced the war between head and heart. Now was not the time for such conflict, however, and Flux merely closed her eyes and just left her constantly logical mind to puzzle itself out. She merely ejoyed the company of the pegasus and the odd sparkle of the kiss. Her rather 'head-in-the-clouds'-like state was only broken with an amused chuckle in the back of her mind, Flux found the strange way that this one pegasus managed to make her enjoy a day that was symbolized by rather unattractive organs of all things to be quite the mystery.

Tesla was on quite the other side of this hearts and hooves matter at the moment. Though he was quite pleased that he and the sparrow had managed to find the correct shop, the amount of ponies who trailed out the door was staggering. Holidays in general caused such a stir, one that usually woke the ferret from his lovely slumber. He watched the bird end up face-to-glass with the shop, nearly doing a face-to-object himself out of exasperation. Nonetheless, his cunning little mind had already gotten an idea. He scampered to the bird, a grin on his face. His plan was conveyed wordlessly, giving the idea that their beaked friend could put that to go use. All that Tesla suggested was that Sparks and glass have a bit of a disagreement, which seemed like a fair request to the ferret who could put his feet back the entire time.

[Conor Colton]

Colton didn't know why he suddenly decided to kiss Flux, when he was looking into her eyes he didn't know what came over him. He put the reason why he did it out of his head and simply enjoyed the moment. He wasn't much for being enveloped in holidays, and he wasn't even sure what the significance behind Hearts and Hooves day was. He never stopped to ask himself that question and simply interpreted the event as an excuse for ponies to act all mushy in public and to receive expensive gifts. And yet here he was, kissing this beautiful unicorn mare in broad daylight, and concocting a scheme to get her the most amazing gift imaginable, Huh...go figure. He thought as he finished up his kiss with Flux.

The point after the kiss had always seemed like the quietest to Colton, usually the two would just glare at each other and smile like idiots, and this was no exception. With there faces near centimetres away from each other Colton merely blushed slightly and rubbed his head against Flux's mane as he walked to the direction of the inner city. He turned back to the unicorn and extended his hoof out to her, "...Come on, we still got a luxurious, elegant Canterlot day ahead of us Miss Flux." He stated playfully in a dialect that mimicked a stereotypical Canterlot snob as he had done in the past.

Sparks had to literally peel himself from the glass as he almost exploded with happiness. Finally he could finish this errand that proved a rather arduous task and return to his owner and best friend triumphant. The sparrow was so happy he gave Tesla a small hug, something he never thought he would do. Regardless, he speeded towards the door but forgot one minor detail; the crowd. The sparrow bounced off a Canterlot local who didn't seemed to phased as the ponies were cramping to get in like a pack of wild Timber Wolves.

The bird needed to come up with an idea, he would have simply flown in but it seemed a few pegasi had already had that idea, and were literally wedged in the upper part of the door way. Sparks gave himself what could only be described as a 'face-wing' and thought over his next move. Then something came to mind, a trick he had done once before. The bird carefully looked around until he saw what he needed, a littered magazine. The bird looked through and found a coupon inside, one for 'A free pair of diamond earrings...' of course Sparks ripped off the segment saying '...When bought with 500 bits worth of product'.

The bird picked up a small rock and conked a consumer on the back of the head.

"Ow what the.....what's that bird holding....Free diamond earrings?!" A consumer stated as the crowd suddenly turned towards the two pets. Sparks then, surprisingly, slipped the coupon under Tesla's collar, then made an expression saying 'I am soo sorry....but RUN!' As the crowd dived for Tesla and Sparks waltzed through the now clear doorway.

[Neoniie]

Flux also blushed as the kiss ended. This whole idea of dating and love was still something that she had not quite settled into yet. After being so opposed to what she had determined a 'frivolous waste of energy and time' for much of her life, it felt much like a confusing idea even now. However, that wasn't to say that the unicorn didn't enjoy her present company, just that it was different. She turned after Colton, allowing her head to complete it's following of that of her companion. It seemed so incredibly natural, causing the mare to question why she hadn't ever noticed it before.

She took his hoof, a light laugh accompanying the action. The unicorn had to admit, his mock accent was almost spot on each time he did it. The idea of the travelling pegasus being a stuffy Canterlot noble was so ludicrous that she couldn't help but find the irony funny. Copying his accent, she replied, "Why yes, Mister Clockicker. Perhaps afterwards we shall have a moonlit stroll through the gardens and a spot of tea." It was suprisingly easy for the unicorn to emulate the nobles, having been around them with some regularity due to her father's position amongst them.

Tesla was not having such a relaxing time. First, he'd gotten a rather sudden hug from the bird. One which he met with a raised eyebrow and unamused expression. Then, the little bird had managed to get every pony for miles chasing after him. As soon as he'd realized what had happened, the first few ponies were already diving toward him. He shot off through the open doorway, leading the ponies away from the store. The ferret glared back at the slowly disappearing sparrow with a look that said 'You are so going to get it later.' With the ponies gaining speed, he took off to the east, hoping to lose them in the crowded business district.

[Conor Colton]

Colton couldn't help but chuckle at Flux's mimicking of his mimicking, he then turned to the unicorn to respond to her suggestion. He dropped his comical accent and answered in his normal voice, "I may just have to take you up on that offer." The pegasus stated with a pleasant smile, he then did something he never expected, he lifted Flux hoof slightly and kissed it similar to the way a Canterlot noble would do. Colton wasn't much for theatrics and don't get me wrong he was mannerly, but he never felt the need to do that before.

"Come on, we better get moving. Celestia knows how full these restaurants will be." He said calmly but with a slight state of urgency as he led Flux gently by the hoof towards the restaurant they had frequented before. As they walked Colton didn't find himself particularly worried about anything, he just walked and enjoyed only one thing, the company of the mare on the end of his hoof. Colton had already thought over subjects like this before but he just couldn't help and think about Flux. Ever since he had met her, Flux was practically the only thing on his mind. He couldn't ascertain why but he just chalked it up to one thing, a word he hadn't used before and was wondering if he should use it, it was a simple four letter word and yet it carried so much weight. Love.

Meanwhile Sparks had proudly strut into the jewellers, he floated up to the counter only to be met with a strange look from the clerk, which was to be expected. The bird pointed to the sign on Cutie Mark pendants and took out a picture of Colton and Flux, pointing to the mare's Cutie Mark as he did. Almost immedietly the bird took out the required amount of bits and presented them to the still dumbfounded clerk. Sparks had to wait a while but finally he had got what he came for, the object of his search, the necklace.

He exited the store floating and with a happy grin on his face. The bird revelled in his accomplishment...Or he would have had a strange event not occurred. Sparks saw a figure fly right past his face, he turned to find the necklace out of his beak and in the one of another, a magpie! The black and white bird gave a wink to the dumbfounded sparrow and sped off. Sparks in hot pursuit.

[Neoniie]

Flux had to admit, the idea of a nighttime stroll was a rather pleasant one. After all, whilst working on particularly frustrating problems, she would usually leave the clock tower in a stormy huff and make her way to the forest trails that dotted the edges of the mountainous city that lay just below the treeline. It never failed to clear her mind and calm her more manic phases enough to work through the problem that had triggered them. The thought of such a walk with Colton could only be an enjoyable one.

After Colton's rather surprising gesture, the two trotted into the main section of the city. The pegasus was right, the restaurant would likely be crowded with couples and families. After all, love was not restricted to couples. She caught the attention of a waitress, asking, "Have you filled all your tables?"

"We've got one left, but two other ponies are sitting there as well. You don't mind sharing, right?" The waitress jerked her head toward a corner table at which sat two unicorns sitting making googly-eyes at one another. Glancing back at Colton, she wordlessly communicated her lack of opinion on the matter. The choice was now up to her pegasus companion.

Tesla was in the chase of his life. Those ponies just would not give up on their search. He had spotted a nearby fruit vendor in his panic and quickly jumped upon the cart. Knocking over a few apples with a well-placed bump of his side, the ferret created an obstacle for his pursuers. However, the apples only tripped up a few of the ponies who followed him and even so, the rest did not give up on their pursuit. With a sigh, the ferret's expression once again portrayed annoyance. If he could speak, he would have shouted to the heavens that both Sparks and his master had better thank him for this.

[Conor Colton]

Colton entered the restaurant shortly after Flux. He stood as the red haired mare enquired as to their seating. When Flux got her answer Colton turned to the indicated table and couldn't help but raise and eyebrow, Oh....fantastic... Colton thought. He was about to reject the offer and leave but then he remembered something, Sparks still hadn't returned and there was no sign of him. So Colton had only one option to stall for time.

The pegasus sighed and looked back at the waitress to answer her offer, "Yeah, that'll do..." Colton said as he looked back at Flux to gauge her reaction, she was as surprised as he was. Colton only wondered how awkward the situation was about to get as he weaved through the establishment to reach his seat. He sat on the far side, allowing Flux to sit next to him. Colton looked and saw that their sudden arrival hadn't phased the two seemingly lovesick unicorns; in fact Colon would go as far to say that they didn't even notice them.

The pegasus kept quiet for a few seconds. He wondered if there was anyway around this. Then something hit him, he asked himself, What made me not want to sit here? ....It would have been awkward, sitting next to two strangers making googly eyes at each other...maybe I can spin that around so me and Flux can have some actual privacy... He thought as he turned to the unicorn beside him. He leaned over and whispered in her ear, "...I'm gonna try something, and hopefully this'll get them to leave...just play along." Colton said as he began to make googly eyes at Flux. He took a fork and dropped it on the table to get the other two's attention. "Oh I'm sorry, don't mind us....Just work away." Colton said as he continued to make the googly eyes and gently rubbed his nose against Flux's, hoping his plan would work.

On the other side of this spectrum, Sparks was chasing down a rather troublesome female magpie. He rounded a corner and managed to catch up with the bird before promptly reaching for the necklace, after some struggling he had what he came for and was about to leave. But when the bird looked back he saw something, the magpie had a miserable look on her face, she shed a slight tear in defeat. Sparks couldn't leave that alone, as much as he wanted to. The sparrow hovered over to the magpie and did something unexpected, he hugged her and patted her on the back. The magpie looked up and suddenly didn't have a look of depression on her face to say the least. The magpie leaned closer towards Sparks beak, the sparrow didn't know what to do except the same. Sparks closed his eyes and waited what was to come.

He then opened them and realized the magpie had sped off in the other direction with the necklace, Sparks once again gave chase.

[Neoniie]

At Colton's, admittedly grudged, reply, Flux followed the waitress and her pegasus companion to the only open table. She sat beside Colton tentatively, watching the other two ponies with mild interest. She could tell that the situation would be rather awkward by the expression that her special somepony had worn at the prospect. In honesty, the unicorn wasn't particularly bothered by it. She did recognize that such an opinion would be a strange one, but it did give her a detached example of the odd phenomenon that she was still working to explain.

With this thought came another, more of a memory than an idea in actuality. She remembered what her mother had said regarding magic, 'Sometimes, we just can't explain things, Flux. It's a mystery to all of us, a wonderful one.' Even as a younger pony, Flux had scoffed at the notion. In her eyes, everything could be explained by science. She was determined to do so, even if she had to search for 1000 years to prove it.

However, now was not the time for such musings, as Colton leaned over to her and spoke in a conspiring tone. His plan was vague at best, causing the unicorn to give pause. She had never liked not being entirely clear on what was happening in any given situation, but this was Colton. He was a special case for most things, in the mare's experience. So, she watched him closely as the plan was put into motion.

His idea did startle her initially, unable to see how this would help them rid the table of its other couple. However, it slowly dawned on her what Colton was attempting. Though it was far outside her expertise, she did try to lend a hoof in his idea. She thought back to what she had seen in regards to couples in her fillyhood, wondering what she could do to move the plan along. And idea hit her, almost grinning mischievously as it came to mind. Nuzzling Colton's cheek, she said, “You're my special-wescial, lovey-dovey, pony-wony!" Inwardly, the scientist rolled her eyes, unable to believe that she was the one saying such ridiculous things. But, if she had calculated right, it would work to displace their table-mates.

Tesla had a much more difficult problem on his paws, nothing quite as easy to deal with as unwanted table guests. He was certain that by now half of the market must have been destroyed by the chase. Even though a considerable portion of the crowd had given up on the pursuit, at least five very persistent ponies were still galloping after him through the streets. Even climbing up to the rooftops hadn't slowed their pursuit, though it had reduced his immediate danger of being caught. The ferret needed some way to deter the ponies, some way to convince them that the prize was no longer worth the effort. Spotting a nearby gardener in Canterlot Park, he jumped back into the streets and led his unwitting pursuers toward the park. With a quick pounce atop the head of the gardener, he managed to startle the pony enough to flail about, moving the hose he'd been wielding with him. Just as the ferret had hoped, the water had sprayed in a neat line, right across the faces of his five followers. With wet hats and manes, they were finally convinced that the ferret and his 'coupon' were far more trouble than it was worth.

As they left, Tesla gave a sigh of relief. His only other plan would have been to throw himself into the nearby duck pond and hope they wouldn't follow him in. Quite far from home, he decided he may as well enjoy his time in the park and began to wind his way through a nearby cluster of bushes.

[Conor Colton]

Colton followed in suit with his special somepony, nuzzling against her. He was going for a sort of quiet but still awkward display of affection. However Flux decided to take it to another level. When she exclaimed her rather sappy response to the pegasus' plan, Colton had to hide his face with a menu as he tried to hold back laughter. After a little while he composed himself and showed his face and his subsequently googly eyes once again.

"Well you're my honey-bunny, snoopy-doopey, pumpkin-wumpkin." Colton said as he cringed inside, Colton was indeed romantic on occasion but he was never this cheesy. Regardless he continued his displays of affection, nuzzling along Flux's neck and brushing his hoof through her hair while looking into her beautiful green eyes. He glanced every once and a while to see how the other occupants were doing.

Sufficed to say, the two weren't enjoying what was going on, the had a look of visible awkwardness about them. So Colton decided to put the final nail in their coffin's. He nuzzled up Flux's neck and brought his face infront of hers, he stared lovingly into her eyes before leaning forward and kissing the unicorn as he had done before. If this didn't work then nothing would.

But Colton looked and saw the other couple leaving. He grinned in his triumph and expected to pull away from the kiss...However Colton didn't want to stop, he felt a sudden compulsion to keep this going as long as he could. But after a few minutes Colton naturally went out of the kiss...Putting his hoof around Flux he smiled and waved for some service, "Excuse me...Waiter?"

On the other side of town Sparks was still in hot pursuit of the magpie who stole the necklace, after a while he began to catch up to her, reaching ever more closer with his beak extended. But suddenly the magpie had stopped. She turned and presented Sparks with none other, than the necklace. The sparrow kept his wits about him as this could easily be a trap...But the magpie had a look of sincerity in her vision.

The sparrow reached for the necklace carefully until he finally closed his beak on it, holding it above his head triumphantly the sparrow then turned to the magpie...Strangely enough she looked...Happy. Sparks wondered why but then the bird led him to a small tree and inside...was a nest...filled with more jewellery and various other valuables...It seemed Sparks' new friend was a collector of the finer things.

[Neoniie]

Flux noticed Colton's amusement with her strategy, almost bringing a grin to her own face. She still honestly could not believe that the two were truly exchanging such overly-romantic sentiments at all, much less surrounded by as many ponies as were certainly crowding the restaurant. It wasn't that the mare looked down upon such things, she just couldn't see why they were necessary. As far as she was concerned, if such sentiment couldn't merely be perceived between the two, it wasn't worth just stating. Actions were far more revealing of one's true character. However, now was not quite the time to wander into philosophical thoughts. Instead, the mare focused all of her attention on trying to unnerve their fellow table occupants.

She nearly grinned when their idea succeeded and the couple vacated the table. However, that grin was mirrored by the pegasus who was kissing her softly. She noticed that the white stallion opposite her didn't pull away immediately, almost bringing another grin to Flux's face. Oddly enough, when he had begun the kiss, the unicorn's slight feelings of embarassment melted away. She didn't really care that they were surrounded by ponies and the serving staff. It was Hearts and Hooves Day, after all. She could let go of her logical insistence just this once, for Colton.

When they did pull away, Colton called over the waiter and Flux glanced around idly. Each of the respective couples seemed to have been far too caught up in each other to particularly noticed Colton and Flux. In fact, it was as though each table was surrounded by some sort of bubble that limited the occupants awareness of the other patrons. Regardless, she just leaned into Colton's shoulder and awaited the arrival of their waiter.

Tesla had been having a similarly calm time since losing the pursuit of the ponies. He'd not bothered to remove the coupon from his collar and had instead merely kept out of view of any passing ponies. He had almost memorized the Canterlot Park, as it was the place that he would often travel to during his more native time of awakeness, nighttime. The ferret had reached a cluster of trees and noticed that a twittering sound emitted from the nearby hollow knot in the tree to his left. Figuring he may as well see what it was about, he began to climb up the tree's bark, glad to be back in his element of nature for once.

[Conor Colton]

Colton smiled pleasantly as Flux leaned against him. He rested his head slightly on her soft red hair, closing his eyes and merely enjoying the moment as he had done soo many times before. Once again, all his worries about Sparks and the subsequent present the bird should have delivered right now just dissipated in his head. Like always he just enjoyed the mare's company.

When the waiter arrived and broke up this rather romantic, if sappy moment. Colton opened his eyes to meet the waiter face to face.

"Yes Sir, what would you like today?" The waiter asked.

"Uh...I think I'll have...a daisy and cucumber sandwich please." Colton responded.

"Certainly Sir, and for your Madame?" The waiter asked. Once Flux gave her order Colton had a sudden Spark in his mind. He called the waiter over again and as the service pony approached, Colton tore out a small piece of paper in the menu, he hoped Flux hadn't noticed.

He slipped the waiter the slip from under the table and on it was the item 'Hearts and Hooves Day special' Colton made a sign to the waiter saying to not say a word. Colton then tried to cover this with a request.

"A blueberry juice as well please." Colton said, hoping his spontaneous plan wasn't going to backfire.

Meanwhile, Sparks gazed in wonderment at the Magpie's collection of various valuables, almost drooling over them. Then an idea sparked in the sparrow's head. It would seem that this Magpie didn't want any trouble and was looking for Sparks' friendship. And possibly something more, Sparks couldn't tell. The sparrow whispered a plan to the Magpie. Which basically came down to 'Why just give my master one piece of jewellery for his girlfriend' the bird implied.