When Bright eyes woke up that morning, she never would have imagined winning a roller-dance contest and getting a boyfriend that afternoon. But here she was, walking alongside a blushing Lancer as they carried their trophy back to her house.
"Are you sure?" she asked quietly. "That you don't mind me keeping this, that is. After all, we couldn't have won the contest if you hadn't taught me..." Lancer's blush deepened.
"Well...you were a great student! I mean, you always are, but..." He paused, setting the trophy down between them and taking her hoof in his own. "You sure forgave me fast for being a jerk. I-I didn't mean to-"
"It's okay." Bright Eyes laughed. "My hair did look pretty stupid. The girls meant well, but...let's just say if I never see another lipstick or bottle of hairspray again it'll be way too soon!"
"And I don't know what I was thinking listening to Ace and Teddy," Lancer sighed. "Really, they're my best friends, but sometimes they drive me crazy!"
"They just wanted what was best for us. We can't really blame them for trying," Bright Eyes said. "And they did sort of help, didn't they? If we hadn't tried being other people..."
"...we wouldn't have realized we like being ourselves better," Lancer finished. "I never cared whether or not you could skate! You're cute, you're caring and you're the smartest pony I've ever known. That's what I fell for, Bright Eyes."
"Oh, Lancer..." Her cheeks flushed as she leaned her head closer to his. "And you never had to do anything crazy to get my attention. From now on, don't be anyone but the sweet guy you are."
He smiled, pressing a timid kiss to her cheek, and Bright Eyes' heart soared. Gathering her courage, she returned the gesture...and their lips met in a brief, tentative kiss.
"I still want you to keep it," he said, nudging the trophy towards her. "Consider it my gift to you."
"All right." She smiled. "Thank you, Lancer. But you keep the next thing we win together, okay?"
"It's a deal."
Silently, they picked up the trophy and continued the rest of the way to her house.