"Somehow I think I liked Pap and Ive's parties better," said Cock, almost bellowing over the music. "This just reminds me of the old tavern."

He and Miles navigated across the room, carrying cups of cider. Loud music blared, other ponies chatted loudly. A small crowd gathered around one unicorn who was doing an act of balancing a ping pong ball on her horn. Another mare shouted an accusation of cheating.

"Cock, I'm surprised," said Miles, "I thought this'd be more your type."

"So did I, funnily enough," said Cock, taking a sip of cider.

"Well, look who actually took the invite!" said a voice as a mare walked up to her. She was a small mare, with a short black-and-pink mane. "Haven't seen you in a while! Who's your friend?"

"Oh, hey," said Miles. "This is Bibcock," he said, gesturing to his side. "Bibcock, this is Neon Dye."

"Big Cock?" asked Neon, cocking an eyebrow. "That's... blatant."

"/Bib/cock," said Cock. "You know, like a spout on a keg."

"Oh..." said Neon, before laughing awkwardly. "I'm sorry, I thought-"

"It's an easy mistake," said Miles, with a wave of his hoof. "So, how've you been?" he asked.

"Really good, thanks," said Neon. "Light sales have really been up. Ponies seem interested in lava lamps again, too."

"That sounds dangerous..." said Cock. "I mean... wouldn't that set your house on fire?"

"Huh?" asked Neon, "What are you..." She started laughing. "What?"

"You'll have to forgive him," said Mile High, "he doesn't really know his pop culture."

"Yeah, I'm an exotic foreigner," said Cock, self-deprecatingly. Miles laughed and nudged him with an elbow.

"Wow," said Neon. "You really know how to pick 'em, eh, Miles?"

Mile High shrugged faux-humbly.

"Oh, har har," said Cock.

"Well, nice meeting you. I gotta go make sure nopony's egged my wagon." Neon hurriedly left to the friend door.

"Friend of yours?" asked Cock.

"Yeah," Mile High said. "Sister of 'friend,' really. Actually, I got along better than I did with him, funnily enough. I wonder if he's here, actually..." He said, looking around. "I hope not..."

"Bad experience?" asked Cock.

"Oh boy..."

"We'd better avoid him, then," said Cock. He leaned in to Mile's ear. "Maybe we could find a private, secluded room?"

"At a party?" asked Miles. "What'd we do there?"

"Mm." Cock shrugged. "I can think of a few things."

Miles turned and smiled. "Well, I'm sure what you've got in mind is good for me."