It's been over a week ever since the Mane 7 battled Nightmare Moon and things have calmed down lately. Today, (Y/N), Twilight, and Spike are helping Applejack collect apples in the Sweet Apple Acres orchid with Spike sitting on Twilight's back as he looks through the apple baskets that Twilight has on her and he is throwing away any bad apples.

Thank you kindly, (Y/N) and you too Twilight for helping me out. I bet Big McIntosh I could get all these Golden Delicious in the barn by lunchtime. If I win, he's gonna walk down Stirrup Street in one of Granny's girdles. *chuckles*

I can't wait to see the look on his face when we've completed that job.

No problem at all, Applejack. I'm glad the goal is lunchtime. All this hard work is making me hungry.

I know, right?

Spike accidentally tosses an apple at Twilight's head which made her glare at him while he gives a sheepish grin.

Puh-lease, Spike. You've been lounging on my back all morning while we worked.

Exactly. You guys are taking so long, I missed snack-time.

Then both Twilight's and (Y/N)'s stomach growled as they looked at each other and laughed nervously.

I guess you're not the only one.

Well, we better get some food then.

Nope. Worm. A-ha!

Spike pulls out a shiny and fresh-looking apple and both Twilight and (Y/N) licked their lips.

Oh, Spike, that looks delicious!

However, Spike started munching on the apple instantly which made both Twilight and (Y/N) glare at him.

Spike.

Did you really have to eat the whole thing? You could've gave us a slice.

*laughs nervously* Sorry.

Spike then burps out a large green flame which turns into a scroll and it floats down for Spike to grab it.

What's that?

It's a letter from Princess Celestia.

*clears throat* Hear ye, hear ye. Her Grand Royal Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria, is pleased to announce the Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent capital city of Canterlot, on the 21st day of, eh, yadda yadda yadda, cordially extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle plus one guest.

*gasps* The Grand Galloping Gala!

Grand Galloping what?

Twilight rushed to (Y/N) with shock that he's never heard of the Grand Galloping Gala before.

You've never heard of it?! It's a royal event that happens every year to celebrate the completion of Canterlot after Equestria was founded.

Huh. I've never been to any events like that before in my life.

Spike then burped out another flame that materialized two golden tickets.

Look, two tickets.

Wow, great! I've never been to the gala. Have you, Spike?

No, and I plan to keep it that way. I don't want any of that girly frilly frou-frou nonsense.

I'm sure it won't be just for mares, Spike.

Aw, come on Spike. A dance would be nice. *gasps* (Thoughts) Especially with (Y/N)!

Twilight looks up to the sky and begins to daydream about how she would want her time to be at the Grand Galloping Gala.

Twilight is seen alone, sitting at a table wearing a dress and she looks down until someone approaches her and it was (Y/N) and he was in a suit that made Twilight blush just by looking at him.

Hey Twilight.

(Y-Y/N), what are you doing here?

Well, there's an open dance floor and I didn't want you to be all alone. Do you want to dance with me?

Twilight blushes as she smiles and nods and she took (Y/N)'s hoof as they walk to the dance floor. They both danced to the slow music and moved perfectly in sync with it. Then, (Y/N)'s face moved closer to Twilight's which made her eye's widen and she moved closer to his face as well. They both closed their eyes as the moonlight then shines and makes a bright light.

Twilight! Equestria to Twilight!

Huh? What?

Twilight regained her composure as she returned to reality and both (Y/N) and Spike was looking at her with confused looks.

Twilight, are you okay? You spaced out for a minute.

Oh yeah, I'm fine sorry. Anyways, like I was saying, the Grand Galloping Gala would be nice.

Nice? It's a heap good more than just nice. I'd love to go. Land sakes. . .

Applejack is seen selling a bunch of apple products to a bunch of ponies in a long line.

If I had an apple stand set up, ponies would be chowin' our tasty vittles 'til the cows came home. Do you have any idea how much business I could drum up for Sweet Apple Acres? Why, with all that money, we could do a heap of fixin' up 'round here. We could replace that saggy old roof, and Big McIntosh could replace that saggy old plow, and Granny Smith could replace that saggy old hip.

How does one replace a hip?

Why, I'd give my left hind leg to go to that gala.

Oh, well in that case, would you like to-

Whoa!

Applejack, Twilight, and (Y/N) look up and Rainbow Dash crashes on top of all of them.

Ow! Dash, really?

Sorry (Y/N), but are we talking about the Grand Galloping Gala?

Rainbow Dash. You told me you were too busy to help me harvest apples. What were you busy doing? Spyin'?

No, I was busy napping.

That explains the pillow and blanket in the tree.

And I just happened to hear that you have an extra ticket?

Yeah, but-

YES! This is so awesome. The Wonderbolts perform at the Grand Galloping Gala every year. I can see it now. . .

Everyone would be watching the sky. Their eyes riveted on the Wonderbolts, but then in would fly Rainbow Dash!

Rainbow Dash flies into the stadium which made the audience gasp and the said Wonderbolts confused.

I would draw their attention with my Super Speed Strut. Then, I would mesmerize 'em with my Fantastic Filly Flash. And for my grand finale, the Buccaneer Blaze! The ponies would go wild!

The ponies in the crowd cheer for Rainbow Dash and the Wonderbolts just jaw dropped at Rainbow Dash's performance. They then fly down to greet her and then the scene changes to where Rainbow Dash is flying with the Wonderbolts.

The Wonderbolts would insist that my signature moves be incorporated into their routine, and then welcome me as their newest member.

Okay, one I don't think it could be that easy. And two, I'm sure the Wonderbolts won't like a show off.

Who are you calling a show off?

The pony who clearly just stated that exactly what's she's going to do.

Oh, please what do you know? Don't you see, Twilight? This could be my one chance to show 'em my stuff. You gotta take me!

Applejack then pulls back on Rainbow Dash's tail towards her.

Hold on just one pony pickin' minute here. I asked for that ticket first.

So? That doesn't mean you own it.

Oh, yeah? Well I challenge you to a hoof-wrestle. Winner get's the ticket.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash begin to hoof wrestle each other, but (Y/N) pushes both of them away from each other.

Will you two stop it? The tickets are clearly Twilight's, so she get's to decide who get's to go with her to the gala.

Exactly, so in this case whoever has the best reason to go should get the ticket, don't you think?

Twilight shouldn't have asked that as Rainbow Dash and Applejack started to come up with many reasons to go to the gala.

Drummin' up business for the farm?

A chance to audition for the Wonderbolts?

Money to fix Granny's hip.

Living the dream.

Twilight and (Y/N) looked at each other with conflicted looks.

Those are pretty good reasons. Hard to tell which one's more important.

Then, suddenly both (Y/N)'s and Twilight's stomachs rumbled again.

*chuckles nervously* Listen to that, we are starving. I don't know about you, but I can't make important decisions on an empty stomach.

I know a place in Ponyville we can eat at Twilight, follow me.

Thanks (Y/N). I'll think about it over lunch and get back to you two, okay?

Okay.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash went back to hoof wrestling before Applejack had a thought in her mind.

Wait, you don't think (Y/N) is going to convince Twilight to give him the ticket do you?

Rainbow Dash's eye widen when Applejack said and she flew off after them.

Oh heck no! Not on my watch!

Wait! Rainbow Dash!

Twilight, (Y/N), and Spike were currently walking through Ponyville about to get some lunch and Spike decides to start up a conversation.

So, who are you gonna give the ticket to, Twilight?

I don't know Spike, but I really can't think straight when I'm hungry, so (Y/N) where is this restaurant that you talked about earlier?

It should not be too far away from here. Just a few-

Suddenly, out of the Sugarcube Corner door, Pinkie Pie tackled the three and they fell to the ground. The tickets Spike had in his hand flew into the air and landed on Pinkie's face.

Gah! Bats! Bats on my face! Help!

(Y/N) got up from the ground and picked up the dropped tickets.

Pinkie, it wasn't bats. Bats come out at night. You just had these tickets on your face.

Pinkie then noticed the tickets (Y/N) picked up and gasped as her eyes sparkled.

Wait, are those. . . tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?!

It's the most amazing incredible tremendous super-fun wonderful terrifically humongous party in all of Equestria! I've always always always wanted to go!

With decorations like streamers and fairy-lights and pinwheels and piñatas and pin-cushions. With goodies like sugar cubes and sugar canes and sundaes and sun-beams and sarsaparilla. And I get to play my favorite-est of favorite fantabulous games like Pin the Tail on the Pony!

Pinkie then rushed up to (Y/N) and hugged him really tightly while rubbing her cheeks against his.

Thank you! Thank you (Y/N)! This is the most wonderful-est gift ever! We can go together and it will be the best date ever!

(Y/N) blushed at little when Pinkie said that as she let him go.

Well. . . Pinkie as much as I would love to these aren't-

When (Y/N) gives the tickets back to Spike, a gasp was heard as they all turned around to see Rarity staring at the tickets.

Are these what I think they are?

Yes, yes, yes! (Y/N) is taking me out to the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot!

The gala? I design ensembles for the gala every year, but I've never had the opportunity to attend. Oh, the society, the culture, the glamour! It's where I truly belong, and where I'm destined to meet him.

Him?!. . . Who?

Him.

Rarity, a little more specific please?

I would stroll through the gala, and everyone would wonder, "Who is that mysterious mare?" They would never guess that I was just a simple pony from little old Ponyville. Why, I would cause such a sensation that I would be invited for an audience with Princess Celestia herself, and the princess would be so taken with the style and elegance that she would introduce me to him, her nephew: the most handsome, eligible unicorn stallion in Canterlot. Our eyes would meet, our hearts would melt. Our courtship would be magnificent. He would ask for my hoof in marriage, and of course I would say, "Yes!" We would have a royal wedding, befitting a princess, which is *giggles* what I would become upon marrying him, the stallion of my dreams.

I don't think you can just jump to marriage that quickly.

Rarity exits out of her daydream and looks at (Y/N) before getting a conflicted look on her face.

But who do I choose? (Y/N) is also such a handsome stallion and he's so heroic and nice, while Prince Blueblood is that of a prince. (Y/N)! I simply cannot believe you would invite Pinkie Pie so she can. . . party and prevent me from meeting my prince. How could you?! Hmph.

While this was happening, Fluttershy's pet bunny Angel rushed up to Spike and took the tickets out of his claws and showed them to her.

Hey!

*gasps* Angel, these are perfect.

Hold on Rarity. The ticket isn't going to Pinkie Pie.

This surprised both Rarity and Pinkie with the former in relief and the latter in sadness until Fluttershy walks up to (Y/N).

Um, excuse me, (Y/N). I would just like to ask, I mean, if it would be all right, if you haven't given it to someone else. . .

You? You want to go to the gala?

Oh, no. I mean, yes, or actually kind of. You see. . .

It's not so much the Grand Galloping Gala as it is the wondrous private gated garden that surrounds the dance. The flowers are said to be the most beautiful and fragrant in all of Equestria. For the night of the gala, and that night alone, would they all be in bloom. . . and that's just the flora! Don't get me started on the fauna. There's loons and toucans and bitterns, oh my! Hummingbirds that can really hum, and buzzards that can really buzz. White-blue jays, and red jays, and green jays, pink jays and pink flamingos!

Gee, Fluttershy, it sounds. . . beautiful. . .?

Kind of reminds me of some grasslands back on my world. Anyways, as I was attempting to say. . . those tickets aren't-

Wait, just a minute!

Everypony looked up to see Rainbow Dash on a house before she landed on the ground.

Rainbow Dash! Were you spying on us?!

No. I mean, yes. I mean, maybe. Look, it doesn't matter. I couldn't risk a goody-four shoes like Twilight giving that ticket away to you.

Say what?!

Applejack then walks up to the group.

Wait just another minute.

Applejack, were you following us too?

No. I was followin' this one to make sure she didn't try any funny business. Still trying to take mah ticket.

Your ticket?

All of the ponies then started to argue about who get's the gala ticket until both (Y/N) and Twilight broke it up.

ENOUGH!

All of the ponies broke out the argument except for Pinkie who still talking for some reason.

And then I said, "Oatmeal, are you craz- oh.

Look, as I was saying. Those Grand Galloping Gala tickets aren't mine.

They're not?

No! They're mine.

Listen girls, I know you all have very good reasons that you want to go to the gala, but you can't just force Twilight to give you the extra ticket.

Exactly, this is my decision, and I'm gonna make it on my own, and I certainly can't think straight with all this noise. . . *stomach rumbles* not to mention hunger. Now go on, shoo!

The mares then reluctantly went their separate ways before Twilight calls out to them to say one last thing.

And don't worry, I'll figure this out. . . somehow.

(Y/N) then walks up to Twilight and puts a hoof on her back.

Don't worry Twilight, your a smart pony so I'm sure you'll come up with a solution eventually.

Twilight blushes a bit and smiles at (Y/N).

Thanks (Y/N). Now how about we both get something to eat.

Sure thing, I'm starving as well. Follow me.

(Y/N), Twilight, and Spike were now at a café, sitting at a table together outside with both (Y/N) and Spike looking through a menu while Twilight was plucking petals off a flower as she was still stuck on who to give the extra ticket to.

*sighs* Spike, (Y/N), what am I gonna do? All five of my best friends have really good reasons to go to the gala. Applejack, or Rainbow Dash? Pinkie Pie or Fluttershy, Rarity. . . Oh, who should go with me?

Twilight's stomach rumbled again so she just ate the petals that she took off the flower before looking at (Y/N) with a slight blush on her face.

Say (Y/N), would you like to go to the gala with me?

This surprised (Y/N) as he rubbed the back of his head a little blushing a little as well.

I don't know Twilight. I mean, I've never been to a place so. . . formal before.

Really?

Yeah, back on Earth I would only go outside to just walk around, but I mostly spent my time indoors so I could keep the secret of my magic hidden. To be honest, I'm kind of nervous.

Why don't you give it a try then? I'm sure you'll love the Grand Galloping Gala.

Well. . . okay. I'll think about it.

A waiter stallion named Savoir Fare then approaches the three.

Have you made your decision?