First Date with Maud: Between a rock and a hard place

>You swing the door to the restaurant open, stepping inside from an overcast evening outdoors that threatens to keep you trapped here for the rest of the night.
>With luck, your date will be more than pleasant and that won't be a problem.
>Besides, your date is the bubbly Pinkie Pie's sister.
>How bad could it be?
>You hand a coat to a pony beside the door in waiter's garb, receiving a numbered ticket in return before taking a gaze around the place.
>The restaurant's interior is colored a warm red, with golden chandeliers and the soft lighting of candles both set upon the chandeliers and on each white clothed table on the open floors and in the nooks of booths on the sides of the large main room.
>It's in one such booth you spot your date. Or at least you think it's her. Pinkie had described her as "A pleasantly purple maned pony, with the cutest rock colored coat."
>A strange description, but hey, it was Pinkie.
>And such a pony sits in one of the far corner booths in the room, hair done up and pinned at the back of her head, idly playing with her silverware and looking absolutely bored.
>Maybe that's a good thing. If she's anything like Pinkie, she'll perk up with some company.

>Striding across the room to the table, the mare looks up from the silverware she plays with and stares at you so hard you think she'll burn a hole in you.
>Not stopping, you smile as you reach the table, bowing slightly in greeting as you introduce yourself.
>Staring at you as you finish, she looks you up and down in one long, unblinking stare, before finally saying in a tone flat as the table:
>"You aren't what I was expecting. How exciting."

>She sounds anything but excited. Guess that rules out her being like Pinkie, anyway.
>As she continues to stare, you begin to wonder if it's worth trying this or if you'd rather face the potential storm. It might be more friendly at this point-
>"My name is Maud. Please, sit."

>You sit in the booth opposite Maud, sighing a bit mentally. She's a tough pony to read already. Maybe she'll lighten up with some jokes, or stories, or....something.
>For now she's resumed playing with her silverware, a light pinging sound coming from something beneath her hoof tapping the fork repeatedly.

>You take a good look over Maud, or what you can see of her anyway.
>Her mane is done up quite nicely. One long, slender, obsidian black shard of something holding her mane up in place in a fan position of sorts. It's peculiar since the shard or stick seems rough around the edges, but the dark color has a slight sparkle to it, and i seems quite nice despite the rough appearance.
>She's wearing some form of dress, of that you're certain, though what kind remains to be seen yet. The neckline at least is sleek, forming a v shape that trails down slightly below the table ,the fabric also a dark, obsidian black of sorts.
>She also wears a neck band, dark as well, but with a gold shape in the center that resembles a globe, with five very small, differently colored circles arranged around the top half of the globe. It stands out quite starkly against the collar and her coat color, and draws your eyes to it if you don't focus them on her face with a slight amount of mental effort.
>"You look nice tonight, Maud," you say softly, testing the waters of conversation with the mare as you look about the room slowly, "And this is quite the restaurant for a first date. Very fancy."
>"Thank you," she says flatly, with no tone whatsoever, "The restaurant was suggested by a friend of my sister, as well as some....tips on how to dress for such an occasion," she shifts the hoof playing with something beneath the silverware once, making that light pinging noise again, "I don't often meet in circumstances such as this."

>It's hard to tell if she's nervous, modest, shy, or anything really.

>"How about we order some food, to minimize the wait," you suggest.
>Maud nods, looking out toward one of the waiters as you raise your hand and motion him over.
>"Yes, sir. Madam," the young stallion says with a bright grin, bowing his head deeply, "How may I be of service?"
>"I would like some water, on the rocks," Maud says flatly as you stifle a laugh, "And the Baltic course meal."
>"One ice water for the lady and the Baltic meal. And for the sir?"

>"The Baltic course meal, sir, is a special soup, salad, and light bread meal. The salad is arranged in such a way as to appear dazzling to the consumer thanks to presentation and some slightly coarse minerals that are quite tasty and known to have some beneficial side effects for the next few hours. I can tell you more if you wish, but that is the basic description of the meal itself. I've had it before, and it's quite tasty."

>Sounds interesting.
>"I'll have what she's having," you reply, looking out the corner of your eye to gauge Maud's reaction.
>She merely blinks a few times.
>The waiter nods, jotting the orders down on a small notepad he pulls from his chest pocket before bowing and heading to place your order.
>"Strange," Maud says softly, eyeing you, "Most I've dined with have ordered whatever their favorite meal was. A few even thought my tastes out of the ordinary. The meal does, after all, contain minerals that bear resemblance to small pebbles."

>You shrug, smiling a bit as you reply, "Hey, it sounded alright and I like trying new things. Don't you?"
>Maud looks away for a moment, perhaps pondering the question a bit, before she stares at you and dryly replies:
>"If I didn't, I suppose I wouldn't be sitting here with you right now."
>.....Was that a joke?
>You laugh, a short, hearty noise that shows quite the contrast to the ever stoic Maud. You think you see a slight twinkle in her eye, though that could easily be the reflection of the candles at your table more than a sign of enjoyment.
>Still, it's beginning to feel like you're making progress.

>Suddenly, a voice calls out over a speaker system you didn't know was in the restaurant.
>"Ladies and gentlemen," the rich, feminine voice says softly, "The hour is now eight o'clock, and the live band will begin playing for your entertainment. Should you wish to dance, the area in front of the stage has been cleared for the occasion. Thank you, and enjoy yourselves this fine evening. The weather outside may be bad, but The Morrison knows how to be good to our patrons."
>A curtain is drawn back from what you thought was the back wall, revealing an expansive stage. On which sits a band of old, with trumpets, saxophones, trombones, and more.
>A classic big band.
>And in front of that band stands a stunningly dressed mare you don't recognize. No doubt the one who made the announcement. She begins to sing softly as the band begins to play, setting a tune to the restaurant as a stallion walks to a microphone beside her.

>The dancing can wait for the time being, and honestly you wonder if Maud would even enjoy it.
>For now, you turn to ask her more about herself.
>"So Maud, what do you do? What are your hobbies?"
>"I'm a geologist," she replies quickly, only the slight increase of her speaking giving tell to her excitement, "I study rocks, minerals, fault lines....essentially if it has to do with rocks, I study it."
>Huh. Not something you would've guessed.
>"So you study rocks. Is it interesting?"
>She nods slightly, "Rocks are fascinating to me. I've written many poems alongside my more recent research notes. I didn't bring them tonight, I'm sorry to say. I did bring my companion, however."
>She holds a hoof out, showcasing a small rock, more along the lines of a pebble, on her hoof. That must've been what she was playing with earlier.
>"He is named 'Boulder.'"
>....Huh.

>"Hello, Boulder," you say politely, nodding in the direction of the rock before looking back to Maud, "Does he do any tricks?"
>"I'm afraid not. He's rather sedimentary."

>You try not to laugh as you reply, "Then I can't blame him, he's been too busy getting himself together."
>The two of you stare at one another for a moment, before you can't hold your laughter anymore and proceed to laugh heartily while Maud keeps staring at you. You think you see the corners of her mouth twitch ever so slightly in the midst of your guffaws.
>You wipe a tear from your eye as you regain your composure, looking at Maud as you settle back down and trying to gauge her reaction.
>"That was wonderful," she says calmly, "You're like a fresh igneous in an ancient rock quarry. I haven't had this much fun in a long time."

>Before you can continue conversing, the meals arrive. A hearty "stone" soup of sorts, with the salads and some light bread on the side to accompany.
>The salad does indeed dazzle, strange opalescent minerals no bigger than your pinkie nail are scattered about the salad. The candlelight shows most to be a light blue color, though some are shades of green or yellow instead. All of them, however, scatter small rays of yellow-orange light where the light strikes them, lighting up the plate and table, making your table seem as though it has two beacons in the darkened restaurant.
>The waiter leaves as quickly as he came, leaving just you and Maud once more.
>Suddenly, she does something that surprises you: She sets Boulder aside, and raises her glass of ice water. Face stoic as ever, she speaks.
>"A toast, if you like."
>You raise your glass to hers, a slight ring coming from them as they clank together softly as she says, "To you, Igneous: A spark in a mine."

>Something tells you that's the closest you're going to get to getting a straight "I like you" from Maud. At least for now.


>"And to you-a noble and reserved gemstone."
>She doesn't smile, but you think you can see her blush in the dim lighting. Maybe it's your imagination; One such as Maud doesn't seem likely to show such emotion.
>Right?


>Concerned about your teeth, you pick one of the minerals up and experimentally squeeze it between your index finger and thumb.
>It's surprisingly squishy.
>"The minerals come from the sediment of lakes, and for proper consumption are boiled before being lightly cooled, then placed on a salad. The heat makes them slightly spongy, and the re-cooling process leaves them brittle should they completely solidify again. It's quite interesting."
>"And also quite safe," she says flatly as she notices your look of concern, "You'll be fine."


>The two of you eat your meals, Maud giving brief descriptions of some of the minerals within the salad as you chew thoughtful bites of the surprisingly good tasting salad.
>"And the added benefit of the green ones are that they're more dense, which not only help you feel fuller after eating them, but confer a sturdiness in your muscles that's quite comforting."
>It's surprisingly interesting, despite her monotone voice and flat expressions. And somehow, despite how she at first came across as bored or uninterested, you now see subtle signs of excitement when she talks about the minerals.
>Or maybe you're just seeing something that isn't there for the sake of convincing yourself. Who knows. Who cares.
>When the meal is done, and after Maud has fed her pet rock somehow, you pat your full stomach.


>"Are you really going to call me Igneous now?" you ask, somewhat amused.
>"If you'd like, I could. Though I was merely complimenting you in the most fitting way I could think of."
>Something to consider.

>"Those are some very interesting, and nice looking, accessories you have there. Is there a story behind the necklace?"
>Maud looks down, as though trying to look at the necklace, before looking back up at you and placing a hoof gently on the globe and the colored, orbiting rocks.
>"It's of my own design. The globe represents the planet, of course, and the five gems and rocks are varying materials found in the world. The two rarest are at each end, and will be the equator of the planet when I have more gems, minerals, and rocks fitted for the necklace. I just need to take samples, color them, and have a jeweler fit them for me."
>"Is there a reason behind it, or is it just something for fun?"
>Maud shrugs slightly, the only overt body language you've gotten out of her so far, "I felt it needed to be done, so I'm doing it. Part of me wishes to make one for my sister as well, so I've kept extras of the fitted rocks and gems. I'm still uncertain what design would be best suited for her, or if she'd like a necklace compared to something else. I will figure something out."

>Maybe you'll be able to help her with that later. If there is a later, of course.

>Maud lets out a slight yawn.
>"It must be getting late...." she says, idly looking toward the dance floor, "I haven't danced since I was little. I'm...uncertain if I'll enjoy it like I did then."
>She turns her gaze to you.
>"Still, I wouldn't mind trying it again. If you are up for the task, of course."

>You see no reason not to. At worst you'll both look like idiots together.
>And sometimes, that's what dates are about.
>You get up, taking one of Maud's hooves in hand and gently leading her to the dance floor. She moves surprisingly quickly, though once again with a flat expression and no eagerness in her steps. As though she's neither reluctant nor excited to go, she just simply goes.
>It'll take some getting used to.

>Regardless, the two of you reach the dance floor, some of the other ponies, either couples or dates like yourselves, are spread out and dance slowly, holding their partner closely as expressions of happiness and comfort surround you.
>Trying your best to mimic their positions, Maud puts one hoof around your hip as best she can, while you hold her other hoof in your hand, Maud leaning against your body as the two of you begin to do a simple 4 step, slowly spinning as you get used to each others strides. Or half steps, in your case.
>It's a bit strange, dancing with a pony, due to their height. But not entirely unpleasant.
>The music is soft, this number focused on a muted trumpet and the smooth tones of a saxophone with no vocals.
>You can't see Maud's face, just the top of her head and fanned mane still pinned up elegantly, but you'd like to imagine she's smiling.
>Though of course she's probably not.
>She's much like a rock herself, you think idly, stoic, seemingly featureless in expression, almost callous in nature.
>And yet, you can tell there's something more to her.
>Her hoof tightens slightly on your hip, a quick squeeze before relaxing again, taking your mind off how she seems, and more how she is.
>She's....oddly charming, in a way. And you can't say the night's been terrible.

>Suddenly the music stops, or maybe it's been stopped for a while. Based on the number of ponies eyeing the two of you, you think it's the latter.
>"Maud? I think the music is done."
>"So it is."

>"I suppose we should stop then," she says, bringing the dance to a halt and gently letting go of you, dropping to all fours again.
>"Thank you, Igneous," she says softly, "I enjoyed myself more than I can describe."
>You're about to reply when you're cut off by an announcement over the speakers, a gentle, but official, voice calling out.
>"Ladies and Gentlemen, I regret to stop the pleasant night you all are having, but the restaurant is closing for the evening."

>"Hey, can I get one last song?" you call up to the stage, the big band members starting to thin out as they pack up to head home.
>One of the saxophone players stops and waves to a few members of the band. In a moment, he's gathered up one of each, and the drummer stays in the back, giving a quick salute with a drumstick to you and Maud as he counts a beat, and your final dance of the night begins.

>"Thank you."
>You look down at Maud, slightly confused.
>"Pardon?"
>"Thank you. The dancing is nice, and I didn't want it to end so suddenly."
>You smile, though she can't see it, and the two of you spin softly in the center of the dance floor while waiters and other diners gather their things or used plates from tables, pay checks, and prepare to head out into the night.
>One or two waiters stop to watch the two of you after the others are shown out, one even getting lucky and dancing with that nice looking singer you saw before. They stay out of your way, and you out of theirs, though the waiter flashes you a smile as you recognize he's the one you had serve you tonight.
>As the music begins to drop low for the final time, you and Maud swing away from the other pair, slowly meandering toward the table so you and Maud can grab your things.
>The music stops with the two of you beside your table, candlelight reflecting brilliantly off Maud's necklace and hair pin as she takes a step back, looking up at you.

>"Tonight was exceptional," she says quietly, the final notes of music fading as the waiters and band members quietly remove themselves from the floor and stage, the curtain being drawn silently.
>Maud retrieves Boulder from the table and walks beside you toward the door to exit, having left a substantial amount of bits in a bag on the table.
>You turn in your coat number ticket to the tired looking waiter behind the counter. He pulls your coat out, then pulls another for Maud as she presents a ticket of her own. The grey coat is lightly padded around the neck and reaches from neck to flank, much in the way of a light trench coat.
>The two of you step outside together, meeting a surprisingly clear night sky side by side.
>You feel a tug on your leg as you take in a deep breath of the damp night air, and look down at Maud, who motions for you to lean closer.
>You lean down to listen to her quiet words.
>"Tonight was the most fun I've had since I received my rocktorate. Thank you. And I was told that when a date,as this was, is sufficiently pleasing, that the mare often rewards the suitor with a kiss."
>Before you can process her words, you feel a set of lips on your cheek. They press firmly, almost stoically, against you, like Maud herself.
>It feels like she's not used to doing such a thing, the way she presses her lips so flatly against your cheek, then removes them almost as quickly.
>And yet, for some reason, it makes your heart race and brings a smile to your face.

>"Pinkie was right when she said you were different," Maud says softly as you stand up straight again, "And I hope we get to do this again soon, Igneous."
>With that, she turns and walks away, heading down the street, toward a grand hotel a mere block over.
>You rub your cheek slightly, smile still plastered on your face, before turning to head the opposite way, toward your home.
>Mind filled with the possibility of getting Maud to break out of her shell.
>Or perhaps just filled with Maud.