All Work, No Play

>The sweat drips from the tip of your nose to the ground a foot below.
>You passed the 70 push up mark just a moment ago, so you'd expect to be sweating at this point.
>No matter how many of these you can do, they're still making you work!
>You remain focused on your breathing and form.
>A breeze flows over your bare body. The sweat makes it feel particularly refreshing.
>Body weight exercises are the only way to go when it's so nice outside! It's a nice change of pace from your musky gym.
>The grass feels nice between your fingers, and the summer heat makes you feel like you're really working it today.
>It helps that the park is so well kept too.
>After the hundredth push up you can feel yourself struggle a bit more to bring yourself up.
>That's abnormal; usually you can do the first set without a bit of weakness.
>Maybe it's the heat, you feel heavier than normal.
>It must be the heat wearing you down.
>Your shirt clings to your back from the sweat.
>It's a little gross, but that just means you're going pretty hard.
>Sweaty shirts are the price you pay for-
>Wait.
>You pause in the upright position and look between your arms at your body below
>You see your bare chest glistening from sweat leading down to your engaged abs.
>What you don't see is a shirt.
>You lift your head again and look over your shoulder.
>Using your peripheral vision you can spy a pastel blue pony lounging on your back.
>You were so focused on your exercise that you barely noticed her.
"Dash?"
>The little pony smirks and tilts her head.
>"I was wondering when you were going to notice me. What's goin' on Anon?"
>You look forward again and start lowering yourself.
"What does it look like? I'm working out." you say, getting back into your steady push up rhythm.
>She playfully pats your back with her hooves.
>"Soooo same old, same old huh?" she teases, "Don't you ever do anything else?"
>You ignore her for a moment, continuing with your set.

>She's pretty light, so it isn't a big deal.
>In fact, her added weight will probably help push you a bit.
"I don't really feel a need to do anything else, Dash. At least not more than this."
>You push back up again.
"You think this body just happens?"
>She lightly rubs a hoof on your back.
>"No... it definitely doesn't..."
>You bang out a couple more before she speaks again.
>"But you really ought to use that body for more than just working out... you should go out sometime."
>You shake your head.
"Not really my priority."
>"I must agree with Rainbow Dash, Anonymous." a feminine voice comments from your left.
>Your head snaps in its direction, revealing a white mare with a purple mane standing a mere foot from you.
>You really have shitty perception skills when you're working out.
>"There is no point to all this if you can't... flaunt it a little. There's no shame in it."
"And hello to you as well, Rarity." you say, lowering yourself to the ground.
>"Anonymous, do not tell me you wouldn't like a nice night out." Rarity pouts.
>You shake your head, continuing your push ups while looking in her shimmering eyes.
"Well, I'm on a strict diet and need plenty of sleep. That really gets in the way."
>Rainbow Dash rolls onto her back.
>"Oh come on!" she groans, "You don't need to stick to that stuff ALL the time. You're just being a baby."
>You roll your eyes and grunt. You lower yourself again before turning your head to face the ground.
>As you lower yourself your nose presses against something.
>Your eyes stop rolling and see two blue eyes filling your vision, bordered by pink.
>"Yeah! You need to party once in a while Anon!" says a bubbly voice from below you.
>You shoot yourself back into the upright position with a start.
>Pinkie Pie looks up at you. She has miraculous positioned herself beneath you on her back.
"P-Pinkie? How did you-"
>"Anonymous, I have an invitation for you." Rarity declares.
>You whip your head back to Rarity
"Uh, okay." you respond

>"If the girls and I were to do something tonight, would you be willing to come along?"
>You lift your shoulder and furrow your brow.
>Were they even listening?
"I mean, I just told you why I don't go out-"
>Rainbow Dash rests her legs on the back of your head and puts her weight behind them.
>"That's not a good enough reason! You need to get out more!" Rainbow snarls
>It's getting hard to stay in good form just about now.
>You can feel little hooves kicking your abs.
>"Nonny! Come on Nonny! NON-NEE, NON-NEE, NON-NEE!" Pinkie begins to chant, kicking your lightly with all her hooves.
>The other two ponies join in as well.
>You're starting to feel overwhelmed here.
"ALRIGHT! Alright. I'll go out with all of you tonight, just please let me finish my workout!" you blurt.
>All three ponies let out different exclamations of joy simultaneously.
>Rainbow Dash hops off your back and Pinkie Pie slips out from under you.
>They join Rarity by your left side.
>"5pm, sharp! Dress well. We'll meet you at your house." Rarity declares.
>You don't recall telling them where you live, but you'd assume most ponies know where the giant human goes to rest.
>You sigh.
"Sure. I'll be there."
>"You better be!" Rainbow Dash shouts.
>You nod.
"I will be."
>They each smile at you then each other.
>"See you there Nonny!" Pinkie yelps as she turns to leave.
>The rest of the party follows behind her as they rush away.
>As they pass the large oak tree whose shade you've been sitting in, another three ponies join them in their retreat.
>As the familiar six ponies run back towards town you can barely make out Rainbow Dash talking to the rest of them.
>"I told you we could convince him! I TOLD you."
>"Well ah just thought you lacked finesse is all!" A southern voice responds.
>You shake your head and get back to your push ups.
>Looks like you have plans tonight.
>You smirk.
>This'll be interesting.

>You sit quietly on your fronts steps and tap your fingers together.
>With a small sigh you check your watch.
> 4:55pm. They'll be here soon.
>You stretch your arms back and feel the buttons of your navy blue shirt strain against your chest.
>It's pretty tight on you now, especially your shoulders. You haven't gotten it fitted since you gained so much mass.
>It doesn't look bad; in fact it clings to you in a flattering way.
>However, it does restrict movement to a degree. You had to roll up the sleeves because they looked ridiculous on your forearms.
>It was so tight the sleeves looked like they were for compression.
>I has been quite awhile since you dressed up.
>You look down at your nice, black leather shoes leading up to your gray dress pants.
>She said to dress well, so you're not taking any chances. Rarity will be there, after all, and you don't need any abuse for your fashion choices.
>You place your head in your hand and take a deep breath.
>They never even told you what, 'Going out' means.
>Nonetheless, now you're roped into it.
>You learned early on that ponies might be pretty delicate at times, but they're also strong willed.
>If they want you to do something, it's often best just to go along with it.
>If only to spare their feelings, or to avoid their insistence.
>As you crack your neck you see a group of ponies turn the corner of your quiet neighborhood in Ponyville and head down the sidewalk.
>As you spy them you get a good look at what they are wearing.
>Each one of them is wearing some kind of outfit.
>Rarity wears a fashionable blouse and hat, both in warm, pale, summer colors.
>Twilight converses with Rarity at the front of the pack. She wears a simple blue hoodie.
>Behind her is Applejack wearing a denim jacket and her well known hat.
>Next to AJ is Rainbow Dash who is sporting a windbreaker-style Wonderbolts jacket.

>Pinkie Pie follows close behind with an unzipped, pastel yellow sweatshirt with a light blue tank top beneath. Her sleeves are rolled up and her mane is in a ponytail.
>Next to her is Fluttershy who wears a nice sundress with muted, natural colors.
>You let out a sigh of relief.
>Looks like they're all wearing something somewhat fashionable. At least you won't stand out.
>For your clothing, anyway.
>After all, just wearing clothing in general is a pretty big move towards formality by ponies.
>As the posse of ponies finally get near your stoop they begin to greet you all at once.
>You stand an give a small salute with a smile.
>Out of the incomprehensible cacophony of jubilant pony formalities one voice rises out.
>"You look ravishing, Anonymous." Rarity says, gesturing to your outfit.
>You look down at your corporate casual digs then back up.
"It's the best I've got... you all look pretty good yourselves." you respond, returning the formality.
>The group lets out various sounds of appreciation.
>Their positivity is infectious.
>"You are familiar with all of the girls, correct?" Rarity continues.
>You nod.
"Of course. We've all spent time together before!"
>Well, some more than others. Fluttershy has gotten tea with you once or twice and Twilight occasionally will come down from her castle to go for a walk, or something similar.
>The rest of them either work in town or constantly bump into you.
>You wouldn't go so far as to you say you're particularly close with any of them, however.
>They are friends, sure, but it's not like you'd invite them over.
>Which has really made you wonder why they were so adamant about getting you to come with them.
>"Excellent! Then we'll skip the introductions and get moving then." Rarity declares.
>You scratch the back of your head.
"And where is it we're going exactly?"
>Rarity giggles.
>"Ah, yes, we never specified. We are going to a nice little social in the south west corner of town."
>You tilt your head.
"A social?"

>Rarity smiles at you.
>"Yes darling, a social! A place to relax and converse. Where we can get-"
>"We're going to a Haybachi restaurant!" Pinkie blurts.
>Rarity's mouth remains open for a moment as she processes her friend's interruption.
>"Y-Yes, it is a Haybachi restaurant and bar. With a group as large as ours we intrude the least in such a place."
>Haybachi?
>You scratch your chin.
"Is that where, like, someone is cooking on a big griddle in front of everyone?"
>Rainbow Dash hovers in the air just off the ground.
>"Yeah! They serve all kinds of stuff there! Have you gone to it before?"
>You shake your head.
"Nah, just clarifying."
>Twilight nods at you, then looks back to the rest of the group.
>"Then let's get moving, girls! We'll be late for our reservation if we wait any longer!"
>You imagine it doesn't really matter how late you are, considering that a princess is in your party.
>Judging by her appearance, however, she doesn't want to make a big deal out of it.
>You can relate, although you will have a much harder time not standing out.
>The girls let out a little cheer and start on their way.
>As they put a little distance between you, Pinkie turns and waves you on.
>"C'mon Nonny!" she invites
>The rest of the ponies look back at you with smiles of anticipation; anxious to get the night underway.
>It felt alien to you. You have never been part of a group before, let alone one with so much energy.
>In that moment it struck you how new of an experience this was going to be for you.
>That being said, you're still confused as to why you're even being pushed to join them so much.
>Either way, you're already a part of it.
>You put your hands in your pockets.
"Right behind ya."
>You ready yourself for the night ahead and step forward into the rest of your evening.

>When you catch up to the group they start to move forward again.
>As your walk away from your humble abode, the girls start to converse.
>You don't actively listen to any one conversation, but you pick up small chunks of each.
>"...but he doesn't like Oolong, and I had no idea!" Fluttershy says quietly
>Pinkie tilts her head.
>"And that's such a great tea name, too! He's got odd taste..."
>You fade from that conversation and start to pick up the next one.
>"...an' ah gotta give her that space. It's important for a young'n like her." Applejack explains.
>Twilight nods, looking back over her shoulder.
>"That's what I thought. I've been giving him a lot more time alone, or with friends, but not on purpose. I'm just too busy to be with Spike all the time."
>Rarity reassuringly bumps Twilight.
>"He understands that, love, he's a very smart boy. I am working more than I ever have these days, and she has been an angel."
>You fade out again and begin to take in the town as you wander through it.
>All the buildings are small and cozy. Muted colors make the whole town blend into a mix of inoffensive pastels.
>Your group wanders through downtown as the sun begins to make its way towards the west.
>The summer breeze feels warm as it flows between the many shops and restaurants that have started to turn on their outside lights.
>It feels nice and dry too; without humidity these summer evenings really have the best weather.
>Finally your posse turns the final corner, revealing a long street full of exotic restaurants.
>One of them has a large glowing sign with Japanese, or, "Neighpon", characters on it.
>As approach and stare at the sign, you can hear some of the girls laugh aloud below you.
>You missed the joke, but something about it makes you smile.
>Like second-hand happiness.
>You take a deep breath as the first members of your group goes through the door.
>Each pony holds the door for the one behind them, until finally Pinkie holds the door for you

>This place smells fantastic.
>As the waitress pony leads your group towards the atmospherically lit 'haybachi' table you can smell aromas of grilled goodies.
>Thank all that is holy that fish and crustaceans are still something on the menu. Pretty much every other animal in this pony land is sentient, so it's nice to have some protein for them omnivores to munch on.
>The ponies start to take their seats around the bar. The chairs are like high stools for them, but pretty standard for you.
>You're thankful you won't need to struggle to sit down like most places.
>As the ponies take their seats on your group's side of the horseshoe shaped table, you start to look for where you're to sit.
>However, before you know it the decision is made for you.
>The ponies start sitting from either side of the half horse shoe, coming together like a pincer and only leaving one seat dead-center of the entire platoon.
>Pinkie waves at you and pats the seat on her right as Twilight takes her place one seat over.
>"NONNEEE! We're sitting next to each other! Can I have your rice?"
>Twilight smirks as she gives Pinkie a light slap on the arm.
>"Pinkie! He hasn't even ordered yet, don't ask for his food!" she says through bubbly giggles.
>You can't help but faintly grin yourself.
>The energy in the room is high, and that is definitely a good thing.
>And yet, it continues to make you feel more and more out of place.
>You're not used to this sort of thing, and you still feel guilty that you're probably not going to bed on time tonight.
>And you really don't want to spend this kind of money, nor do you want to betray your diet.
>You'll need to step lightly here; you're really only here because you said you'd be.
>You're not expecting anything from tonight. You'll slip away after being here an appropriate amount.
>Until then, it looks like you'll be seated between a Ponk and a princess.
>You let out a small anxiety sigh and move to your seat.

>Before you even take your seat someone is already asking for your attention.
>"So how have you been Anonymous?" Rarity asks from the seat just beyond Twilight's
>You adjust your seating before addressing the question.
"Can't complain."
>Your go to.
>'Can't complain'
>Doesn't really mean much, but that's the point. It's not like things are going poorly, but they aren't really noteworthy either.
>Things are just... going.
>Rarity nods at you as the waitress pony passes out menus.
>"Well that's good, I'm sure!"
>You shrug, flipping open your menu.
"It is what it is."
>Rainbow Dash leans into the table on your left, sitting around the corner with AppleJack.
>"You've really been training, haven't ya? You're, like, twice as big than you were at New Years!"
>You scratch the back of your head and let out a nervous chuckle.
"Well, I dunno about that... but I do work out a lot more these days."
>Applejack laughs.
>"That's puttin' it lightly! Yer always out there when I'm out on a supply run. Don't matter if it's the middle of the day or late at night; I always see ya doin' somethin'."
>You look around the menu for something cheap and cheerful. Cheaper stuff tends to be lower calorie anyways.
"It's a big part of my life. I like training."
>"Um..." starts a meek voice from your right.
>The whole table turns to look at Fluttershy, sitting alone on the around right-hand corner.
>"If you don't mind, can you tell me what you're training for?" she inquires lightly
>"Ya know what," Applejack chimes, "Ah don't think ah know myself."
>"Me neither!" Pinkie adds.
>You shake your head. How do you answer this?
"There isn't anything I'm doing it for, specifically. I'm just doing it to be stronger."
>Fluttershy looks away sheepishly.
>"Oh, okay." she mumbles.
>"Just that?" Pinkie retorts, laying her head down on the table and looking up at you.
>You shrug once more.
"Yeah pretty much. It's not that weird, I mean Dash is the same way, right?"

>Dash shakes her head.
>"No it's not!"
>You lazily point at her.
"Sure you do. I always see you training to be faster."
>"Uh, yeah. Cus I'm a Wonderbolt. Gotta stay on top of my game! That's why I train."
>Pinkie sticks her forelegs all the way out on the table and excitedly clacks her hooves against the surface.
>"Are you training to become a Wonderbolt too, Nonny?" she exclaims
"Well no, I-"
>"Anon can't join the Wonderbolts, Pinkie. He can't fly!" Rainbow interjects
>Pinkie smiles
>"But he runs really fast! Maybe he could be the first running Wonderbolt! A.... Runderbolt!"
>Rainbow Dash grins and as she shakes her head.
>"What are you talking about? Wonderbolts are for flying, end of story."
>Applejack chuckles and lightly hits Rainbow Dash on the shoulder.
>"Runderbolts... maybe ah should start somethin' like that. Get Granny to make some sweaty costumes fer us too!"
>Rainbow Dash blushes.
>"Th-They're not sweaty!"
>Applejack takes a sip of her water with a mischievous look in her eyes.
>"Not before you put em on, I reckon."
>The table lets out a stream of giggles as Rainbow's blush grows.
>"You- It's not-... It's a lot of work doing all those stunts! You'd get sweaty too!"
>"Ah doubt I could smell as bad, though. Nopony can match ya on that front, sugarcube."
>The table erupts into slightly louder laughter.
>You chuckle a bit yourself.
>Watching Rainbow get so flustered is pretty amusing.
>Ponies are pretty adorable when they get emotional.
>Rainbow Dash huffs air out of her nostrils.
>"Whatever! This is about Anon, anyway!" she blurts, "It's not like he isn't always sweaty, and smelly!"
>Twilight leans forward to look at Rainbow better.
>"Yeah, but he's not always wearing a tight suit like you! He doesn't smell nearly as bad."
>The table laughs once more; the hat-trick of roasts getting funnier as they come.
>Rainbow throws her forelegs up in defeat.
>Applejack puts a foreleg around her and brings her into a shoulder hug as she continues to laugh.

>Rainbow's grumpy demeanor slowly fades to a smile as Applejack holds her.
>Finally she joins in and has a friendly laugh at herself too.
>The waitresses begin passing out menus, causing the table to calm down.
>A small waitress pony in an apron begins asking for drinks
>"A strong cider fer me, thank ya." Applejack begins.
>"Tea, please." Fluttershy mumbles.
>"The house Riesling, please." Rarity requests.
>"What's a 'Zombie'? Sounds tasty!" Pinkie giggles
>You look over her shoulder at the menu description.
>That's a lot of liquor.
>"And you sir?" the waitress inquires.
>You look at her, taken off guard.
>You should've been paying more attention to what you wanted, and not what everyone else was ordering.
"I'll be alright with just water, I think."
>You hear a boo from your left.
>"Come on Anon, you can do better than that!" Rainbow shouts.
>You tilt your head and look back to the menu.
"Alright I'll get the... Ozeki Dry, cold." you say quickly before handing back the drink menu.
>Sake usually comes in pretty small portions, so it shouldn't be too many bad calories.
>Rainbow leans on the table over her menu.
>"Ozeki what? What is that?"
>Twilight floats her drink menu back as well.
>"It's sake, Rainbow Dash. It's considered a 'rice wine'," she turns to the waitress, "I'll have one as well."
>"Rice wine?" Rainbow Dash blurts, trying to understand the description on the menu.
>Twilight shakes her head.
>"Well, it's not technically wine. It's brewed more like beer. It doesn't have any sugars so-"
>"I'll have that too!" Rainbow commands the waitress.
>The waitress gives a small bow and walks away with the drink menus.
>You look down at the food options.
>Shrimp is pretty low calorie, and pretty high protein. Only downside is their sodium content.
>But, pretty much everything you're going to eat tonight will be loaded with sodium.
>May as well go all in and just stay hydrated.
>Pinkie slaps your arm.
>"Nonny! Nonny!" she beckons
>You lean down to hear her.

>"How hungry are you, Nonny?"
>You furrow your brow.
"How hungry am I?"
>Pinkie rapidly nods
>"Yeah! How hungry?"
>You're accustomed to large, protein packed meals at home after your evening workout.
>Compared to these ponies, you're hungry enough to each of their servings.
"Pretty hungry. Why?"
>She smiles up at you excitedly before slapping her hoof down on the menu in the top right corner.
>"Let's go halfsies on this then! I don't like lobster, so you can have my portion!"
>Lobster?
>You look just above her hoof on the menu.
>'The Royal Banquet'
>It costs 60 bits and is meant for two.
>Your eyes bulge at the swollen cost.
>What the hell could possibly be included?
>The answer, as you soon found out, is everything and anything.
>Shrimp, Lobster tail, Sol, Scallops, Tofu, and extra veggies.
>A mountain of healthy proteins and delicacies.
>Your stomach rumbles.
>You haven't had a meal that luxurious in years.
>And you did get paid recently...
>"Nonny? You wanna do it?"
>You tilt your head.
"You're serious?"
>She nods quickly again, a little drool coming out of the corner of her mouth.
>"It sounds amaaazing."
>You scratch your chin.
"...okay, let's do it." you say before you can lose your nerve.
>Her smile grows twice as wide.
>"Yaay! I can't wait to see it all get made!"
>You shake your head with a smirk and sit back up.
>Where's this little pony gonna fit all that food?
>If there's too much, you can probably just spread it around the table.
>The rest of the ponies are discussing among themselves what to get, but the menu is rather limited.
>Everything is at a premium too; The cheapest meal is 17 bits!
>But that's Hibachi for ya; you pay for the spectacle too.
>Ah well. Your budget is extra small to save money usually, but now you're sitting on a lot of savings with nothing to spend it on.
>You might as well let the miserly grip loosen, just for tonight.
>Not like you have a choice now, anyway.

>The waitresses finally return with the drinks.
>A small bottle of chilled sake is placed in front of you along with an even smaller cup.
>The cup has a few stalks of cut cucumber in it.
>Twilight receives hers as well and begins to take the cap off the bottle.
>Rainbow Dash watches intently and follows Twilight's moves.
>You follow suit and fill the cup with the cool liquid.
>As you start to lift your glass another one floats in and clinks it.
>You look over at Twilight as her glass levitates back towards her.
>She smiles at you and lifts it up a little.
>"Cheers!"
>You smirk and lift yours as well.
>Rainbow Dash lifts hers up as her eyes dart from your cup to Twilight's, then back again.
>You and Twilight bring the cups to your lips and sip.
>The cool, distinct taste of the sake fills your mouth with a slight burn.
>The cucumber offers a mild hint of refreshing flavor as it slides down your throat.
>You let out a breath as you appreciate the sake.
>Twilight takes a moment to process it herself, nodding at you afterwards.
>The sound of retching from your left makes you look back to Rainbow Dash.
>Her cup is totally empty already, and judging by how she's leaning forward you can tell she knocked it back.
>You chuckle.
>"It's not a shot, Rainbow! You're supposed to sip it." Twilight scolds
>Rainbow looks up, her eyes watering.
>"Y-Yeah, figured that out."
>You look down at her empty cup.
"Where's the cucumber?"
>Her eyes dart from you to the cup and back.
>"Ate it."
"I think you're supposed to keep it in there. Adds to the flavor."
>She shrugs
>"I didn't know this stuff would be so complicated to drink."
>Pinkie squeaks next to you as her lips part from the straw in her peach-colored drink.
>"WOAH! This is super-duper tasty!"
>She shoves it over to Rainbow Dash
>"Try it! Try it!"
>Rainbow takes a sip herself and furrows her brow.
>"That's REALLY strong Pinkie."
>Pinkie nods quickly
>"But tasty! Here, Applejack, what do you think?"

>Within five minutes the entire table has, with a little pressure, tried a sip of Pinkie's 'Zombie'
>She wasn't lying; it WAS tasty
>But in a dangerous, 40% alcohol kinda way.
>Everyone else enjoys their drinks and conversation for awhile as you listen idly.
>Some of the stories from work or home make you laugh along with them.
>However, you're still a little confused about the part you play in all this.
>These girls know each other very, VERY well.
>And you're so clearly an outsider here, but they have no problem acting this loose around you.
>It's surreal, to say the least.
>You were never this close with them, so why would they include you now?
>The tips of your fingers feel cold as you hold your chilled glass of sake.
>You have to admit this little meetup is pretty nice, but why do they feel so comfortable with you?
>At what point did they decide they were comfortable with you?
>For a moment you explore your memories for the answer.
>There was a time when you spoke with them far more frequently; before you ever started your journey into the world of fitness.
>You were a skinny guy then, and you were struggling to find your place.
>That was a long time ago, but you recall being invited out back then too.
>Same group, but there was a different atmosphere then.
>They weren't as open, and formalities were much more important.
>You didn't go to bars, you went to inoffensive restaurants or dinners in the castle.
>They were trying their best to be friendly with you, and you returned the favor.
>During those early times you hung out with them regularly.
>They gave you comfort as you adjusted to being in this place.
>Nowadays you still talk to them, but you really don't have the time nor freedom to go out like this.
>Too many restrictions on your diet and sleep schedule, too many workout sessions to waste days on weekend outings.
>This lifestyle requires focus and discipline; something that these silly activities distract from.
>It's not worth it, right?

>Your thoughts are interrupted by the clinking of a glass.
>The table's attention is brought to Pinkie who stands on her hind legs and continues to clink a spoon against her Zombie's glass.
>Pinkie smiles as all eyes look to her.
>She clears her throat.
>"A toast!" she excitedly yips
>The rest of the ponies smile and lift their glasses as well.
>You raise your small sake glass to your chest level, roughly meeting where the ponies have raised theirs.
>Pinkie's excited smile softens slightly.
>"We have lots to toast for tonight, girls! Lots and lots and lots!" she shouts
>Applejack and Rainbow Dash raise their glasses a little higher.
>"Here here!" they chime in unison.
>This is clearly not their first time toasting to something.
>"And what a WONDERFUL thing that is!" Pinkie continues, "So without further ado..."
>She brings her glass down slightly
>"To Applejack for a great cider season!"
>Pinkie pushes her glass up again.
>"Here here!" the table responds
>Pinkie pulls back once more.
>"To Rainbow for a new personal speed record! To Fluttershy for her newest fuzzy family members! To Rarity for her success in Canterlot! To Twilight for another month of being the best princess EVER!"
>With each name, the table cheers and smiles. You add your voice to the cacophony, thought nobody would hear you.
>Pinkie's smile widens
>"And lastly, and perhaps most importantly, to Nonny for joining us tonight!" she shouts, shoving her cup in your direction.
>You blush as the ponies respond with jovial cheering and begin to clink their glasses together without skipping a beat.
"Th-Thank you." you stutter, beginning to clink the menagerie of cups and bottles that are being pushed towards you.
>The girls laugh as Pinkie sits again.
>Applejack reaches over the corner of the table to tap Pinkie's shoulder.
>"That was a good one, Pinkie! Yer best yet."
>Pinkie smiles innocently as she sips her Zombie through its straw.
>You take a large slug of your sake.
>Your cheeks feel flush.

>Things feel warm, here at this communion of friendship.
>You talk with them as you all continue to wait on the chef.
>They all have so much going on, and they are quick to share it with you.
>And while they are so open, they never pressure you to open up yourself.
>Maybe it's the sake, or the atmosphere, or a combination of both, but you feel looser.
>You're usually wound pretty tight; a side effect of having a disciplined life style.
>But right here, right now, you feel like you could happily drift to sleep.
>Not because you're drowsy, but rather because you feel so comfortable.
>The rest of the ponies have begun to feel the effects of their drinks, too.
>They are rowdier, louder, and animated.
>As everyone feels their buzz coming on, the conversation begins to buzz as well.
>At one point the staff turns down the lights and brings a birthday ice cream over to another table.
>They beat a traditional-style drum and slowly sing.
>Everyone at your table sings along with the staff, banging on the counter in beat with the drummer.
>The family of the filly who receives the ice cream smile and wave at your table when the song comes to a close.
>The girls giggle as they continue to lower their inhibitions with refills and good conversation.
>You quietly listen to Pinkie, Rainbow, and Applejack's discussion about the best places in town for catering.
>Twilight tenderly bumps her shoulder into your arm.
>"Feels nice, doesn't it?" she inquires softly
>You look down at her.
"What feels nice?"
>She subtly nods towards the table in front of you.
>"This. The table of friends, the night on the town. Feels pretty nice, right?"
>You nod without much thought and sip your sake.
"It's a good feeling, yeah." you admit.
>Your thoughts swirl in a wonderful flow, sitting in that chair.
>With the alcohol in your system, you feel no urge to censor yourself.
>Twilight smiles and looks down at her sake.
>"I remember the first time I felt this."

>You tilt your head.
"Going out with your friends?"
>She shakes her head with a grin.
>"No... way before that ever happened."
>You set your glass down.
"What do you mean?"
>She smiles up at you without saying a word.
>As she pauses, you can hear her friends conversing around you.
>They don't even notice the two of you chatting; they continue to talk in groups with intense interest.
>"I mean having friends in the first place." she says with a giggle.
>You squint.
>It doesn't really make sense to you.
"But... aren't you the Princess of Friendship?"
>She chuckles and shakes her head.
>"I wasn't always. It seems like so long ago now, but there was a time when I wasn't a princess."
>You thought princesses were born into royalty.
>Maybe things work differently here, but still.
>She laughs, levitating her sake towards her lips.
>"And I most certainly didn't have any friends!"
>You scratch your chin.
"Seriously?"
>She nods, sipping her drink.
>"I was all work and no play. I was conducting very important studies and I simply didn't have the time to be running around with ponies all the time!"
>She puts her sake down.
>"After all, it's far more important to chase goals than to waste time shopping or getting coffee with somepony... right?"
>You give one, exaggerated nod.
"Of course!"
>Twilight tilts her head.
>"Mmm, that's what I thought. Then during a time of crisis, when I least expected it, my mentor told me I HAD to make friends with ponies in this town. I couldn't find a single logical reason for it... I just wanted to bury myself in my studies."
>You nod in agreement.
>"...but I was wrong. The closer I became to others, the more I understood the value of friendship."
>Twilight smiles and brings her hooves together on the counter.
>"There's so much to learn in the company of others; Not just about them, but about yourself too."

>You tap lightly on the counter top.
"I'm sure there is; especially with a group like this."
>Twilight looks you up and down.
>You try not to make eye contact.
>"It was a picnic."
"Huh?"
>"A picnic. It was a warm summer morning when they brought me out for the first time."
>Her eyes stare into space as she recalls the story.
>"We hadn't spent time together as a group outside of a few adventures. Like, we never just relaxed together before."
>She idly adjusts the silverware on the counter as she continues to recount.
>"I felt out of place; we all sort of did. Nopony was friends before I came to town."
>"And as we sat in the sun and discussed life it was apparent that we were all out of our element."
>"Then, I don't remember what caused it, but something made Pinkie laugh while she was drinking tea."
>Twilight giggles, hit with a wave of warm nostalgia.
>"It all came out of her nose, but she kept on laughing! Then she started having a giggle fit, and you know how contagious her laughter can be. Before we knew it, all of the stress and worry came out in our giggles. It was like we finally dropped all the pressure we were putting on ourselves and let go. We fell into the friendship all at once, and I felt what I imagine you're feeling right now."
>She looks back up at you.
>"I realized that no matter how many books I read, none of them made me feel quite like that."
>She sighs.
>"And so, I made the decision to stick with it right then and there. I knew I had an obligation to my mentor, but now I had a personal interest too. I wanted to know what friendship could really do."
>She leans closer to you.
>"And you know what?" she half-whispers
>You lean closer too.
"What?"
>In that moment, her face softened to an expression you've never seen before.
>Delicate and subtle; she looked as if she was blinded by the warmth of her memories.
>"It made all the difference. It opened doors I could never even dream of, and it changed how I see the world... and myself."

>You feel conflicted.
>As Twilight looks up at you, your emotions swirl.
>Her sharing of experiences, mixed with some minor intoxication, has made you feel strangely vulnerable.
>And as her soft eyes and tender grin face you there's a feeling that it's mutual.
>Yet, a part of you tugs away from the friendly smile before you.
>Your clouded mind doesn't allow you to identify the root of it, but you can certainly feel the twangs of dread that roll through your body.
>It's as if you want to run from her and embrace her at the same time.
"So... you made the right choice then?"
>Your mind provides nothing clever to follow up with.
>She shakes her head and sighs, smiling up at you with an air of pity.
>"That is an understatement."
>She goes back to sipping her sake.
>For a moment you think the conversation is over.
>Before you have a chance to look away, however, she poses a question.
>"So why did you start training so much, then?"
>You look down at her with squinted eyes and a lowered brow.
>That came out of nowhere.
>Strange that she would jump to such small talk after a serious discussion.
"Well, to become stronger."
>Her head flips up and down slowly in an exaggerated nod.
>"Uh huh, and?"
>You shrug impatiently.
"That's really it."
>"Is it really? What made you start?"
>You think back to many months ago when you started your fitness journey.
>While you can't remember the exact day, you recall your routine.
>Even then, the point was just to get stronger.
>That and fill time, of course.
>There's not a lot around for humans to do, so you needed some kind of hobby to fill the time, right?
>And setting goals, reaching them, and making new ones is noble.
>It gives life purpose, and keeps you moving forward.
"I wanted to grow strong. I always wanted to do it, but never got around to it."
>You shrug.
"I needed to set some goals for myself, ya know?"

>Twilight sips her sake.
>"Oh, I know. It's good to have goals."
>You nod.
>She gets it.
"Right? Can't move forward if you don't have a target. Gotta avoid stagnation."
>She tilts her head and gently smiles.
>"And why's that?" she asks innocently
>Okay maybe she doesn't get it.
"That's a weird question. Stagnation is like..."
>You grasp for less dramatic words, but nothing comes to you.
"... stagnation is like dying. If you're not moving forward, then you're wasting time."
>You pick up you sake cup, then set it down again as you speak again.
"You'll never truly appreciate life until you grab it by the horns, dream big, and chase something."
>You sip your sake.
"-Anything else is a waste. You're just killing time... and that's the most precious thing we've got!"
>You can feel passion burning in you as you discuss the thoughts you've had thousands of times before.
>Maybe the alcohol is bringing more to the surface than you initially thought.
>You sigh, calming yourself down before you get too rowdy.
>A disciplined man never lets himself get carried away.
"I just can't let it happen. I don't want to waste what I've got going for me. If I have the capacity to be strong, I should strive to be strong."
>You may have adjusted your volume, but the passion is still behind each word.
>Twilight adjusts the bottle of sake she has been pouring from.
>She quietly slides a napkin under it before responding.
>"Those are good reasons, I think. It just makes me wonder."
>She doesn't continue, which means she's waiting on your response.
>Do you take the bait?
>You don't like these conversational games, but the only other option is sitting in silence.
>That second option sounds a little more awkward than you're willing to get tonight.
>You sigh.
"Wonder what?"
>She turns back to you, fulfillment in her eyes.
>She wanted that response. You can tell she's got a real zinger.
>"It makes me wonder... why you let yourself stagnate, anyway."

>You wave your hand dismissively in exasperation.
>Now she's just be contradictive.
"I'm not stagnating. Not even close."
>She raises an eyebrow.
>"You're not?"
>You nod slowly.
"Trust me, I'm not. I increase my reps and weight every week. I change my workouts every 60 days or so. There is no way in hell I'm plateauing any time soon."
>To your surprise, Twilight giggles.
>You're starting to get a little annoyed here.
"What? What are you laughing at? I don't- are you listening?"
>Twilight nods, covering her smiling mouth with a hoof.
>"I'm laughing because you're so committed!"
"And that's... funny?" you interrogate.
>She smiles softly.
>"To me? Yes. Because I've been there before. Remember? The books thing?"
>You recall her mentioning her studies, yes. You fail to see how that's relevant.
>"Have YOU been listening?"
>You lift a finger and inhale to respond, but she silences you with a shake of her head.
>"Can I just ask you one question? I really want you to think about this."
>You take a deep breath, shaking off her interruption.
>Admittedly, you're feeling a little impatient.
>Still, you recenter yourself and nod.
>Twilight's smile starts to fade, and her face tightens as a look of seriousness comes over her.
>"You're obviously working very hard towards a goal, and that's admirable. No one will try to take that from you."
>You look down and reach for your sake.
>"But other than that, what other progress have you made?"
>You squint at her.
"So... what do you mean? Things other than fitness? I mean I don't really-"
>"The body might get stronger, but who you are won't. It's great to be strong, or smart, or fast, or whatever you wish to be."
>She leans in closer as you try to process her point.
>"But when the training is over, and you get your reward, you might realize you neglected all the other parts of yourself."
>She lifts her sake up and brings it towards her lips.

>"Look at the ponies at this table. Each one has dreams, goals, and ambitions. They reach for the stars, and all of them have achieved so much."
>She gestures to the girls as they drink and socialize.
>The group looks innocent, but you know the stories. You know how much these girls are capable of.
>"And they reached it all because they weren't afraid to take a break from chasing goals to work on building lifelong friendships and building wonderful memories."
>She sips her sake, giving you a moment to take in all she is saying.
>It's clear the point she's making, but you're not convinced.
>It is noble to chase something without distraction and to dedicate yourself to it fully.
>Before you can respond, she speaks once more.
>"You're stagnating. Not in fitness, but I never specified that. You've become so entwined with becoming stronger that you've let everything else fall to the wayside."
>She sighs.
>"I used to call them 'distractions', but the truth was the thing I focused so much on had become a distraction."
>She sets her sake down once more and folds her hooves.
>"It's silly to believe that every ounce of your attention should be spent on your passion."
>With serious eyes she looks you in yours.
>Her purple irises shine proudly as he unwavering gaze helps you understand her confidence in what she says.
>"It's tough to admit, but even too much of something we love is too much. You might excel in one thing, but if it requires sacrificing every other part of who you are is it really worth it? If you're progressing in one thing but stagnating in a dozen others, are you really taking steps forward?"
>She squints her eyes at you.
>"So, to rephrase my question: Are you really dedicated to your passion? Or are you just too lazy or scared to balance it with all the other important parts of your life?"
>The question hits you all at once.
>It feels like the words physically pass through you.

>At first you feel offended, but as the alcohol continues to lower your defenses and squash your pride you come to see her perspective.
>She smiles at your confused expression as you fail to find a response.
>Your brain buzzes at it dissects each part of her question.
>"You're more than just your body, Anonymous." she says sweetly, "Just as I'm more than my studies, Pinkie's more than her parties, AJ is more than her farm, Rainbow Dash is more than her flying, Fluttershy is more than her animals, and Rarity is more than her dresses."
>Her tender smile warms her words and make them feel like pleasant reminders instead of brutal, tough love.
>Like a spoonful of sugar with your medicine.
>You look across the table at the ponies continuing to idly chat.
>It strikes you, in that moment, just how accomplished each of them are.
>Successful businesses, fulfilling passions, lasting friendships, and confidence in their identities.
>They seem to do it all, don't they?
>And yet they still only have 24 hours in a day, just like you.
>"They have many needs, just like you Anonymous." Twilight says, watching you survey the table.
>"There's no shame in it. Embrace it all. You never know what parts of yourself will make you happiest."
>She puts a hoof on your arm.
>"But you can't do it alone. You need friends for it... friends like us." She says, motioning to the rest of the table.
>"Take it from someone who didn't believe it herself initially; You'll find there is so much more to you than you give yourself credit for."
>Your logical side continues to fight what she is saying.
>There's no way you're in the wrong for going after something with all you've got!
>That's noble, that's admirable! That's the kind of thing that great men do!
>But your emotions fill you with a feeling of release.
>As if this advice was something you've wanted to hear for a long time.
>As if you already knew all of this, and you were just waiting for someone to say it to you.

>You can't respond with anything more robust than-
"Okay."
>The words fall from your mouth with little emotion.
>You're too busy trying to make decisions about yourself to emote properly.
>The haze of the sake has become a slightly detriment as you attempt to access your higher reasoning skills.
>But you can truly access your emotions when you're like this.
>All the noise coming from both sides is suddenly interrupted as the haybachi chef approaches your table.
>Your table happily greets him as he bows and introduces himself.
>Pinkie is literally bouncing in her seat in excitement.
>She tugs at your sleeve and points at the cart full of ingredients.
>You can see the tubs of shrimp and lobster filled to their brims.
>It's clear the two of you have truly ordered too much food.
>Twilight smirks and claps her hooves together as the chef makes an onion volcano.
>The discussion between you and her seems to have ended, at least verbally.
>She seems content with how it went.
>The night goes on without another conversation like it.
>The chef tosses zucchini into everyone's mouth, despite Rarity's objections out of fear of ruining her outfit.
>He cooks rice and noodles as the table gets even more intoxicated on their third round of drinks.
>And as the alcohol continues to flow, you feel that warmth again.
>Applejack breaks into hysterics as a chunk of zucchini gets stuck in Rainbow Dash's nose.
>Pinkie made friends with a family on the other side of the table and makes the father try her Zombie drink.
>Fluttershy is overheard humming a popular song and the table starts to sing it.
>The chef pulls out a squeeze bottle full of sake to squirt directly into everyone's mouths.
>Everyone, even Rarity, sees how long they can take it. Twilight comes out on top, in the end.
>And all at once you realize that this will be a memory.
>One you smile about for years, and can bring up with any pony at this table.
>And there's value in that.
>More than you ever expected.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3b1Mv5-WzQ [Embed]
>The table continues to bustle with activity as the meal is shared.
>Soup, salad, noodles, and rice are passed out by waitresses as the haybachi chef cooks them to perfection.
>As you sip the miso soup provided to you, there's an overwhelming feeling of comfort that fills you.
>Your shoulders lower and serious expression lightens.
>It is as if all the tension in you has been released all at once.
>You can't help but sense a bit of drowsiness in you.
>Not the kind that makes you actually want to rest, but rather the kind that let's you know that you feel safe.
>The food is more than lovely. The flavors mix together in a unique flood of smoky, salty, and buttery sensations.
>The griddle's signature char unites all the dishes of various consistencies and somehow makes each course flow into the next.
>But even with all this, the food doesn't pull your attention from the small clan you've been flawlessly assimilated into tonight.
>Applejack is eating a vegetable dish that she just KNOWS Fluttershy would like, so she gets the table to pass a small portion to her. Of course AJ was dead on; Fluttershy swears she'll buy it next time.
>Twilight walks over to Rainbow Dash to explain some of the qualities of sake to her so that she may enjoy it better. You can't hear them speak well, but Rainbow has started smiling each time she sips now.
>Pinkie continues to drink more Zombie, and has invited you a dozen times to drink more of it with her.
>You're so close together you can hear all her little squeaks and gasps as she tastes each dish.
>Rarity occasionally levitates a napkin over to you when you have food on your face, sometimes even going as far as wiping it off for you. She has very little patience for a messy eater.
>The meal goes on like this until its conclusion.
>There are half a dozen more toasts. Each one met with cheers.
>Even the father across the table that Pinkie befriended made one.

>There's a little singing here or there, and personal stories are constantly being shared.
>Applejack told the waitress that it was Rainbow's birthday, and all of you sing with fantastic vigor as they gave her a small ice cream sundae.
>She seemed flustered at first, but came to accept it as the song went on.
>And the ice cream was shared around the table, just like the Zombie before it.
>Despite all your apprehension earlier in the evening, you fall right into their group.
>The good vibes along with the alcohol melt your inhibitions as the girls sneak between the cracks in your armor and under your skin.
>It has been a very long time since you've felt such a passive sense of happiness.
>There is no need to push yourself here. You have no reason to feel pressure.
>The happiness comes through osmosis; their good-natured fun delicately seeping into you.
>You feel light.
>Which is odd, because you never knew how heavy you were before this.
>And as you think back on the night and your conversation with Twilight, you start to really understand what she meant.
>Trying to find direction in life is a good thing, but it isn't that simple.
>If you go down only one path, you abandon all the others.
>And while you imagined such a sacrifice would be necessary for what you want, it blinds you to other possibilities.
>Like the fact that an evening out with good friends could feel this therapeutic.
>That just one conversation could change your perspective.
>And that maybe you needed this.
>Because now that you feel this light, you don't want to lose it.
>Not forever, anyway.
>You're still going back to your house, and you're still going to work out every single day.
>But you're going to make more time to explore the little things in your peripherals.
>Starting with these friends that have reintroduced themselves.
>The bills come and go. Everyone seems satisfied with their meals.
>You're still not sure why they invited you.
>But now...
>You're glad that they did.

>The sun has long gone down by the time you return to the streets.
>Even on these warm summer days where the sun seems most stubborn, the night must come.
>As a light evening breeze forces its way through grid of buildings, you take a moment to enjoy the perfect temperature out here.
>The haybachi place was filled with steam and smoke, so it's no surprise that things felt a little stuffy.
>You take a deep breath through your nose and smell the fresh air.
>Everything feels right.
>Good food in your belly, a warm night, no stress, and great company.
>The girls talk quietly just outside of the restaurant a few yards ahead of you.
>As you start to approach them they stop chattering.
>They all turn from their huddle and face you quietly, their faces rosy with intoxication and pleasant thoughts.
>The silence stretches as you look them over.
>You finally realize you're supposed to say something.
>The alcohol has done a number to your situational awareness.
"So... what's up?"
>The girls giggle, whisper a bit more, then push Twilight forward.
>"Anonymous." she inquires, almost regally.
>You nod.
"Twilight?"
>She smiles at your quick response.
>"The girls and I were wondering if you would like to join us for brunch tomorrow. Probably around nine. Do you think you would be interested?"
>Nine in the morning?
>You'd be right in the middle of your workout, so that's no good.
>You look at your watch.
>11pm
>You're already past your bed time. Your 4:30am wakeup call is going to be rough.
>And if you go it'll throw your whole day off. There's a lot to do!
>"If you're busy, that's fine. We just thought we'd offer. We'd really like to have you..." Twilight says as you stare at your watch.
>It's more sensible to just go about your day tomorrow. It'd be really hard to squeeze that in.
>But your feelings take control before you can deny her.
"Ya know what, I'll be there! I look forward to it."
>The girls' faces light up as you accept; their gentle smiles growing across.

>Twilight blinks a few times in surprise before smiling warmly.
>There's a look of contentment in her eyes as she looks into yours.
>"That's... great to hear. We'll come by your house tomorrow at 9. Does that sound good?"
>You smile and nod.
"Sounds perfect."
>Applejack taps Twilight on the shoulder.
>"I hate to be interruptin', but ah think it's time we get Pinkie home."
>Pinkie leans against Rainbow Dash, half-asleep.
>Rainbow doesn't move out of fear of dropping Pinkie, but it's clear she is extremely uncomfortable.
>Pinkie's drool on Rainbow's shoulder is only out done by Rainbow's mortified expression.
>She drank at least three Zombies in the span of a few hours, so it's no wonder she's so worn out.
>That's a lot of alcohol for you, let alone a little pink pony.
>Twilight nods with a grin.
>"We'll need to get her back. Would you like to come with?"
>You shake your head.
"No thanks! I think I'm gonna clear my head with my walk back home."
>The ponies all nod in understanding.
>By the way they're acting, this isn't the first time one of them had to be herded home.
>"Then we'll see ya tomorrow, sugarcube." Applejack asserts.
>You nod then wave at the small posse of colorful ponies.
"See you tomorrow!"
>The rest of the ponies yell back in a jumbled mess of goodbyes as they walk down the road towards the Corner.
>A few of them just say goodnight, but Fluttershy tells you to get home safe. Pinkie laughs over the crowd and shouts goodbye.
>You watch them as they turn a corner and disappear into the town.
>With a long stride you start walking home.
>It's only about a 15 minute walk from here, and the stars are out tonight.
>But your mind isn't on the stars, it's on your day tomorrow.
>You let your emotions steer the ship, so now you need to reconfigure your schedule.
>It seems daunting, but you've already made your bed.
>But as you wander you realize there are plenty of openings you didn't realize before.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbJanCYONrk [Embed]
>You can just shift your workout to come after brunch, and your chores can be done in the morning before.
>Not to mention that you can run anytime, so it's no problem if you do it later in the evening rather than just after you wake up.
>There's hours between meals and working out that you usually spent doing unnecessary extra exercises.
>Now that you're thinking about it, there's lots of time spent not being active on the weekends.
>You slow your pace as you realize how easy it was to fit in the brunch.
>You always felt like your schedule was full, but it's actually quite barren.
>But every time someone suggested doing something that wasn't exercise, you pushed it away.
>It was a 'waste of time' or something similar.
>It wasn't that you didn't have time... you just felt you didn't have time to waste on unimportant things.
>But Twilight's questions have opened you to a new thought.
>If you can fill those gaps with different ways to improve, then perhaps the kind of fulfillment you get from working out will come to you in from other places.
>You sigh.
>It won't be easy adapting to this new mindset.
>But, you adapted to being a fitness buff before, so you can reprogram yourself again.
>You think about your invitation for tomorrow.
>You never did get a reason why they invited you.
>Maybe they pitied you, or perhaps they were worried.
>But you don't need to know.
>Being asked to join them tomorrow is more than enough to help you understand.
>For whatever reason, they want you as a friend.
>And you've decided that you want to be their friend.
>You stop walking as the front door to your house comes into view.
>You quietly head inside.
>As you prepare for bed, your newest emotions swirl within you.
>It feels good... but more than that.
>It feels like the start of more good things.
>As you collapse in your bed, you sense some wonderful anticipation for tomorrow.
>You haven't been excited for something in awhile.

>The world feels still around you.
>The quiet darkness of your room beckons you to sleep.
>Tomorrow will be busy, but a good kind of busy.
>And it's clear to you just how happy tonight made you.
>You just know that you're going to sleep really well tonight.
>The covers feel just the temperature, and the warmth you felt all night has followed you here.
>The prospect of tomorrow's brunch makes you smile.
>There's a lot to look forward to.
>Certainly there will be talks about tonight's dinner.
>Pinkie will probably need to be refreshed on what happened near the end there.
>They'll have another story to tell you about the adventure of getting Pinkie home, you're sure.
>And then you'll discuss life among other things.
>Your heart flutters as you think about it all.
>It's funny, you were never a fan of social interaction, or at least you thought.
>Perhaps it's just something you never knew about yourself.
>Maybe you needed the right atmosphere to realize it.
>And maybe it fulfills something in you that you didn't know you had.
>It makes you wonder how many other parts of yourself you've yet to discover.
>The comfort of the bed starts to take hold, and your eyelids feel heavy.
>So many possibilities.
>Your breathing slows.
>... tonight was just the beginning.
>You smile tenderly as you start to lose consciously.
>Tonight was just the beginning.
>...
>...

fin