Future Meet


                                            >You start dragging your feet as you try to make out the dark path through the thin woods ahead.

                                            >"Keep going! We're gonna miss it!"

                                            >A cold nose prodding in the small of your back jolts you forward into the unknown.

                                            "Haha quit it! I don't want to poke my eye out on a branch!"

                                            >You feel Rainbow brush past you despite your new pace.

                                            >"We've been through here a million times you know there's nothing to worry about."

                                            "Yeah but usually I can see."

                                            >You see her dark silhouette ahead pause her trot and wait for you; you can't make out her face, but you could practically hear her mischievous smirk cackle to life.

                                            >"That's cuz it's-heh...it's usually daytime-heheh!"

                                            >Your deliberate, careful step closes the distance on the immovable bundle of blue energy.

                                            "Oh really?"

                                            >That's the only problem with her naps.

                                            >She's always so hyper during bedtime.

                                            >The closer you get the better you can see her bright, glistening eyes and smile.

                                            "It's too dark I couldn't tell."

                                            >"Hahaha! Maybe you should get your eyes checked then."

                                            >You start leaning into your steps.

                                            "And maybe you should take those smarty pants off missus!"

                                            >You lunge forward but she was anticipating it; her tail brushes through your fingers as your failed tickle attack nearly topples you.

                                            >"Are you sure you don't need glasses?" You hear her taunt just up ahead--a playful hop in her step.

                                            "Why you--get over here!"

                                            >"Heheheh!"

                                            >Echoes of laughter and squeals from near misses follow your game of tag out of the woods and up to the edge of the pond.

                                            >Your planned destination.

                                            >Her defensiveness doesn't wane as you circle one another, giggling like schoolfillies.

                                            >Suddenly, you point at the sky.

                                            "Whoa look at that!"

                                            >"Huh?" She spins around and forgets about the battle long enough for you to grab her hindleg.

                                            >"Hey!"

                                            "Hahaha gotcha!"

                                            >Her wings try to keep your fingers from tickling her sides as you pin her to the ground.

                                            >"Nooo! Quit it I-ahaha! Stop, s-staaaap-hahaha!"

                                            >They're unsuccessful.

                                            >After her debt is paid you let her go with a kiss on her ear and collapse on the grass.

                                            >She jumps back up ready to spar, only to realize there was no sport in revenge tickling a human kicked back with his hands behind his head.

                                            >The pegasus lays down next to you and you catch your breaths.

                                            >"Phew, I hope we made it in time!"

                                            >Her hoof finds your hand in the short grass.

                                            "I think it'd be hard to miss."

                                            >Cool night air whispers past you as you pause to look at the startling expanse of starry sky suspended above.

                                            >Every detail of the galaxy was painted in swaths of yellow, red, and blue...a far more ornate tapestry than you could've hoped to see elsewhere.

                                            >The same picture that hung over your heads when you committed yourselves to one another, just a few feet away from where you're at now.

                                            >A smile cracks your face and you grip her hoof tighter.

                                            >"Whatcha thinking about?" Her scratchy voice fills the calm night air.

                                            "Just stuff, I guess."

                                            >"What kinda stuff?"

                                            "Oh, you know, stars and...stuff."

                                            >"You were thinking about sex weren't you?"

                                            "Agh! Dash, for the hundredth time! Guys don't always think about that!"

                                            >"I mean, I don't blame you."

                                            "You'd better not it's your fault!"

                                            >"So you admit it then?"

                                            >She stays quiet for a bit, her hoof returning the squeeze just as tight.

                                            >You still don't know how that works.

                                            "Ok fine, I was thinking about us."

                                            >"Heh! Knew it!"

                                            "But it wasn't like that...I mean...whatever."

                                            >She scoots a few inches closer and points at a shooting star with her pinfeather.

                                            >"There! Wait, that's not it."

                                            "Twilight said Hayleys Comet leaves a trail a million miles long as it passes us."

                                            >"She also said it's full of some sort of space magic so I wouldn't believe everything you hear from her."

                                            >You quirk a brow.

                                            >"Really?"

                                            >She looks back, her magenta eyes reflecting glittering sprinkles of the starry sky.

                                            >"You're a magical flying pony, your friends can levitate things with their minds, Celestia literally raises the sun with magic and you think that's farfetched?"

                                            "Well yeah that's normal. But I mean who's ever heard of space magic?"

                                            >You sigh and shake your head.

                                            "You are an enigma, Rainbow Dash."

                                            >"I thought I was cute?"

                                            "No you are! I just..." You catch onto her smirk too late.

                                            >"I know, it just sounds nice when you say it."

                                            >Her blush sapped all the motivation you had to keep ribbing her.

                                            >You grip her hoof tighter and scoot closer.

                                            >And then you wait.

                                            >Two odd creatures laying next to each other on the top of a spinning planet.

                                            >The only two in the whole world as far as you cared.

                                            >You couldn't think of anything more soothing than this.

                                            >Maybe if she was a bit closer and put her wing--

                                            >The pony shifts to lay her head on your shoulder; her wing drapes across you in a possessive gesture.

                                            >You swear she could read your mind.

                                            >Fingers from your free hand start a deliberate scratch through her thick chest tuft.

                                            >An uncontrollable coo escapes her throat.

                                            >Maybe you could read hers too.

                                            >"Did humans ever land on a comet?"

                                            "Like walk on one?"

                                            >"Yeah, like the moon story you told me."

                                            "No. We landed an explorer on one, or tried to. They miscalculated something and when it landed it bounced back a few miles high because of the low gravity. When it came back down it landed in the shade so sunlight couldn't charge it's batteries and it died."

                                            >"It bounced a few miles? That's insane!"

                                            "Oh Dash, there it is!"

                                            >"Nice try big guy but I'm not falling for that again!"

                                            "Dash just..." You turn her muzzle at the cosmic spectacle, "...look."

                                            >"...Whoa."

                                            >A streak of white light ascended from across the black horizon, trails of vapor and chunks of ice the size of mountains glistening like snowflakes in its wake.

                                            >The both of you sit mesmerized by the scene as it slowly arcs overhead casting the world in a soft blue glow.

                                            >"That's so cool."

                                            "You can say that again."

                                            >"Say what again?"

                                            "What you just said."

                                            >"I didn't say anything, that was the couple over there."

                                            "What?"

                                            >It takes a moment to register what Dash was telling you; mostly because the scene was so enthralling, but also because it definitely sounded like her the first time.

                                            >You never noticed another couple walk up, but you were daydreaming a bit.

                                            >And you suppose it's not an unpopular spot to stargaze.

                                            >You hear unintelligible whispering and realize she's right.

                                            >Funny, you could've sworn it was her.

                                            >The a soft breeze blows Dash's mane across your face and you comb it out of the way.

                                            >Only to have her suddenly jerk to the side.

                                            "Sorry! I didn't mean to catch your hair...Dash?"

                                            >She felt tense.

                                            "What's wrong?"

                                            >You ask in a worried whisper as you prop up to follow her gaze into the tall grass beside her.

                                            >Her ears are perked and her nostrils are flared as she scans the darkness.

                                            >"Something's got your scent."

                                            >...

                                            "What?"

                                            >"Hold on I think they're changelings. Stay behind me."

                                            >You ignore the fact that your half-sized counterpart just ordered you under her protective watch, but her voice left nothing to bargain with.

                                            >Besides, you didn't need to be told to watch her back.

                                            >Just as you were ramping yourself up to punch the crap out of a pony sized bug, it happens.

                                            >The grass rustles and Dash darts forward to meet it in a flash--tackling a shadowy figure to the ground.

                                            >"Leave him alone!"

                                            >"Leave Anon alone!"

                                            >You're right behind her, but hearing both her voices at once catches you off guard.

                                            >Luckily, it breaks your focus just long enough to see a punch coming out of the corner of your eye.

                                            >You duck and dive in to tackle your attacker.

                                            >You take the strange man to the ground but struggle to pin him.

                                            >Finally, you get your weight on top of him.

                                            "You must be a fat bug to replicate a grown ass man!"

                                            >Yeah.

                                            >Wait.

                                            >That's your voice but it wasn't coming from inside your head.

                                            >You stop struggling and immediately get thrown aside.

                                            >You hit the ground and try to sort the real stars from the fake ones.

                                            >You see his figure crouch over you, then freeze.

                                            >"Where'd you get that?"

                                            >He's holding Dash's feather pendant you have hung around your neck.

                                            "Let go of that you dirty!-"

                                            >He has one too.

                                            >And it was Dash blue.

                                            >Wow.

                                            >Not to mention he looks just like you. But with a stupid haircut.

                                            >You're pretty sure bugs couldn't do that.

                                            >Both of you look off into the grass where the two mares were tussling.

                                            "Dash wait!"

                                            >"Dashie!"

                                            >Both freeze and look at you.

                                            >Your Dash and...the other Dash.

                                            "H-he said Dashie, it wasn't me!" You point to the other Anon.

                                            >Both of them squint at each other, then jump apart, brushing dirt and grass from their mussed manes.

                                            >"Careful Anon...I'm not sure they're bugs."

                                            >"Hey! Who are you calling a bug you imposter!"

                                            >"Rainbow."

                                            >Both freeze and look at Anon, the other one.

                                            >That's just weird.

                                            >"I don't think they're bugs. Remember what Twilight told us about this comet?"

                                            >"What? She's full of hot air!"

                                            >"Dang you're good at this." Your Dash adds.

                                            >You could tell them apart instantly.

                                            >But the imposter, if she was one, was really really close.

                                            >Now you know why Changelings were such a feared enemy.

                                            >Everyone stares suspiciously at one another as the crowd picks sides.

                                            >You stand next to Rainbow and...Anon stands next to Rainbow.

                                            >You feel her bump against your leg.

                                            >"So..."

                                            "So maybe Twilight wasn't full of hot air, huh?"

                                            >The other Anon nods in agreement.

                                            >"Oh fiddlesticks. If you're real then what's my favorite snack?" Your Dash belts.

                                            >"If I tell you then you'll know. I'm not falling for that!"

                                            >"I knew it! She doesn't know, Anon, she's an imposter!"

                                            >"It's a peanut butter and zap-apple jam sandwich." The other Anon adds.

                                            >Your heart jumps a bit and you look at Dash, who clearly felt the same thing.

                                            >The other Dash notices your reactions before she can chastise him.

                                            "When did she give you that feather?"

                                            >Both Dash's blush.

                                            >This time second Dash responds shyly.

                                            >"T-Ten years ago...right over there."

                                            >She points to the rock where you proposed.

                                            >Well, that settles it.

                                            "See. Now do you believe me when I say you look cute!"

                                            >You could tell she was trying desperately to deny the evidence in front of her, but she couldn't.

                                            >"Aaagh! Twilight was right again!"

                                            >You'd been desensitized to displays of magic since you'd been here, but this was pretty neat.

                                            >You're still not sure you're not hallucinating from some sort of pollen you brushed past on the way out here.

                                            >Either way there's no sense in staring at each other when such an amazing spectacle is right overhead.

                                            "Well...I'm sure you've been wondering why I've gathered you here today--ow!"

                                            >Dash punches your leg.

                                            >The other Dash snickers, "Yeah that's us for sure."

                                            "I don't know. I don't think I'd get a haircut like that in a million years."

                                            >"That's what happens when mom decides you and pops need matching haircuts." You reply to yourself.

                                            >Dash looks surprised.

                                            >It takes a moment to unpack that loaded comment.

                                            "Y-you're talking about Bow and Windy?"

                                            >"Yeah, you know the big purple guy and the crop top mare that looks like her." He points at his respective Dash who nips at his finger.

                                            >You look at Dash who shrugs off your inquisitive gaze.

                                            >"Uhh...sure."

                                            >They stop pestering each other to fix you with a glare.

                                            >She turns to Rainbow.

                                            >"You mean you haven't introduced them yet? How far back in time did we go!"

                                            >Your Dash grabs her mane awkwardly, "Heh, well...I was planning on it I just--"

                                            >"--Just what! You have no idea how many awesome family game nights you're missing out on! Not to mention Anon's cooking and dad teaching him hoofball and mom--"

                                            >"--Geez go easy on her, she's you ya know?" He nudges her as he sits down on the grass.

                                            >You follow suit, using your hands to guide the still somewhat Dazed pony next to you.

                                            >She mindlessly lets you sit her down, then you reply.

                                            "You'll have to forgive her; we've only been a thing for about a week now...officially that is."

                                            >"A week! That's like eight y--"

                                            >"--ten." Anon interjects.

                                            >"--That's like ten years ago!" She ponders the severity of that realization long enough for her guilt to catch up with her, "Sorry I kinda stink at remembering our anniversary."

                                            >He pats her on the back and winks, "No problem at all, time flies when you're having fun."

                                            >Her blush and knowing smile seem to copy onto Dash's face in the ensuing silence.

                                            >You lean into her ear.

                                            "Do you think he's talking about how much we--"

                                            >"Shut it!"

                                            "Whatever you say missus."

                                            >You pull her against you to keep her blush alive as you all start to relax a little.

                                            >"Wait, whaddaya mean Anon's cooking?" Dash asks herself, "All he's ever made was burned spaghetti and cereal."

                                            "Hey! That's...partially true."

                                            >You sort of suck at the whole vegetarian meal planning thing.

                                            >"Oh man you gotta start talking to Bow more, that guy knows his way around the grill...and pretty much everything else."

                                            "So I do get better at cooking then?" You carry on the earnest conversation with yourself.

                                            >"Much better, and you lose another 10 pounds."

                                            >"But you just hit a new squat max last week!" The other Dash chimes in, obviously proud of the product of her coaching.

                                            >Cool.

                                            >You can cook and you're a gym nut.

                                            >No wonder you were kicking your own ass.

                                            >Being tight with her parents was a relief; meeting them was something you'd been dreading, especially since you'd be breaking the news that you were their daughter's weird looking alien mate.

                                            >But it was more than a relief. It was happiness, warm fuzzy joy even...knowing you belong to her family.

                                            "Wait. What about uhh..." You look at Dash, who looks innocently back to you.

                                            >You hadn't really broached that topic yet.

                                            >You were still trying to figure your lives out for Celestia's sake. Better keep your thoughts about kids to yourself.

                                            "D-Do we hang out a lot, together?"

                                            >The other Anon smiles knowingly.

                                            >"Yeah, every Friday night I throw on my cloud walking shoes and hang out with the family."

                                            >That bastard knew what you were thinking about asking, but he wasn't telling you.

                                            >You could've at least winked in Morse code or something.

                                            >"Hold on, if you're our future selves then you talked to yourselves back when you were our age right?"

                                            >"I guess, I don't really remember it that whole year was just a blur." Other Dash responds.

                                            >"Whaddaya mean you don't remember meeting yourselves! That's huge! Like being accepted to the Wonderbolts or drinking your first apple cider huge!"

                                            >"Or becoming captain of the Wonderbolts." She adds.

                                            >"Yeah, exactly! Wait..."

                                            >Your Dash looks at you, then back to her before her eyes get as big as saucers and she fluffs up in excitement.

                                            >"You mean I become captain some day!"

                                            >At the first hint of an affirmative nod Dash explodes with joy.

                                            >"Waahooo! Did you hear that Anon? I become team captain!"

                                            >She tackles you with a bear hug and you see him pull his Dash close and ruffle her mane.

                                            >That's exactly how you'd tell her you were proud of her if you were him.

                                            >Which you are.

                                            >You kiss her ear as she pulls away.

                                            >An act she's too excited to register immediately.

                                            >"When do I make it?" She ducks back in to return the head peck--missing at first because her eyes were fixed on herself.

                                            >"If I spoil everything for you then that takes the fun out of it!"

                                            >"Oh come on! You can't tell me that much and leave me hanging!"

                                            >You hold her.

                                            "She's right you know. There's no fun in knowing everything that's going to happen, and to be fair we both knew you were going to make captain someday."

                                            >She tucks her ears at the compliment.

                                            "By the way, how did that first conversation with her parents go when you met them?"

                                            >Anon chuckles.

                                            "A-And what about our apartment, do we ever move out of it? Are there any natural disasters or invasions? What's the best thing you've ever done in bed?"

                                            >"Whoa whoa slow down man!" He laughs, "I don't think I can answer those kinds of...well, maybe the last one--ow!"

                                            >Dash punches him in the shoulder, "Like you just said, part of the fun is figuring it out as you go." She looks you dead in the eye and smiles.

                                            >You know that face.

                                            >That's the look of a mare who lives on the edge with no regrets.

                                            >Did she just...wink.

                                            >Yeah you've got no problem with learning things the hard way.

                                            "How come you never told me you were this hot?" You whisper to your partner.

                                            >"Quit being a tease Anon we could really learn something interesting here!"

                                            "Learn something? What are you Twilight now?"

                                            >"No! I just--"

                                            >"--Aw quit being a nerd and loosen up a bit! You're gonna spend the rest of your lives together so you might as well start learning the ropes now!" Dash chimes in.

                                            >"Yeah I've got to say that's the nerdiest thing I've heard since...well since you said that ten years ago to yourself." Anon adds.

                                            >"Geez, you've really got your work cut out for you Anon. I'd start with pinfeather massages...if you haven't already learned that." She grins, taking some sick pleasure in making herself blush.

                                            >Who knew Dash would be competitive with herself.

                                            "Yeah I already found out about the pinfeather thing." You sift your fingers through her feathers and she snaps her wings to her side with a frustrated grumble.

                                            >She really knew how to push her own buttons.

                                            >"And the underhooves?"

                                            >Older Dash was bolder Dash. You like it.

                                            "Yep, got those."

                                            >You know better than to go for a hoof at the moment.

                                            >"And the pit rubs?"

                                            >The what?

                                            >"Hey you can't tell him about that yet!"

                                            "What is she talking about?"

                                            >"Don't listen to her she doesn't know what she's talking about!"

                                            >You weren't naive enough to think you knew everything about your mate, but this was something new entirely.

                                            "So you're saying you don't know what you're talking about, so...don't listen to you?"

                                            >You look to older Rainbow.

                                            "Keep going please."

                                            >"Shush!" Dash lunges but you catch her.

                                            >Knowing she can't escape in time, her hooves desperately try to cover your ears.

                                            >Anon just laughs.

                                            >"So my wingpits are ticklish, but if you stop tickling and rub around real slow--"

                                            >"--Shutup! Shutup! Shutup!--"

                                            >"--sorta nuzzle underneath--"

                                            >"--lalalalalala can't hear you!--"

                                            >"--a fantasy to mark you with--"

                                            >"--aaaaaaagh!"

                                            >The battle cry rings through the night giving way to crickets.

                                            >You pry the beet red, bullet sweating mare off of you.

                                            "It's ok I didn't hear a thing." You wink at the other Dash who shoots her Anon a wry grin.

                                            >"I saw that! Quit flirting with her!"

                                            "You mean you?"

                                            >"Y-yeah."

                                            >You clutch her cheeks and plant a kiss straight on her pretty pony lips, doing your best to take all the anxiety out of your flustered mess of a mate.

                                            *muah

                                            >The quick affectionate refresher seems to put her back on her best behavior because she lets you guide her rump to sit down patiently next to you, though still avoiding eye contact.

                                            >Your hand defaults to stroking through her mane to keep her cool.

                                            >"If it's any consolation, you only get hotter over time so I can't blame him." Anon speaks to your Dash.

                                            >He nuzzles Dash's head and she smiles before spinning around to meet him in a solid kiss.

                                            >With tongue and everything.

                                            >Geez that's actually kind of awkward.

                                            >Is this how her friends feel when you two do that?

                                            >And she just...yep, readjusted to push her tongue deeper.

                                            >You catch your Dash's eye and she stifles a giggle at your blush before you look skyward at the comet.

                                            >It was directly overhead now, trails of ice billowing out from it like the wake from a--

                                            *mmm-muah

                                            >They're still going?

                                            >You glance down to see Rainbow staring intently at the action.

                                            >She gulps as they finally part.

                                            >You finally look back only to catch a snapshot of her tongue cleaning some mess off your grinning mouth.

                                            >Aaand back to the comet.

                                            >"Hahah! Yeah you'll eventually get used to how awkward it is for other ponies." Other Anon jabs.

                                            "Yeah it's still awkward when we open our eyes during it so...we got a ways to go."

                                            >"You should make a game out of it. See who looks away first during the kiss!" Dash suggests with some enthusiasm.

                                            >You weren't sure who's side she was on.

                                            >"Alright, how about we actually talk about something useful!" Your Dash blurts.

                                            >"Hahaha!" The other you laughs.

                                            >Oh no, he's scheming something.

                                            >"If it makes you feel any better, I'll tell you a secret about me!" He temptingly offers your partner.

                                            "Hold on a minute."

                                            >"Yes!"

                                            >You look into his eyes but see no mercy.

                                            >Damn you.

                                            >"I used to lay in bed in the mornings after you woke up and pretend that I was still asleep just to see what you'd do."

                                            >Oh ok, that wasn't so bad. That really isn't embarrassing at all, just a little--

                                            >"--And whenever you're not home I grab your Wonderbolts uniform from the hamper to fall asleep with."

                                            >That's exactly what you hoped he wouldn't mention.

                                            >And now everyone is staring at you.

                                            >You wanted to shrink to the size of an ant and disappear in the grass.

                                            >Anything to avoid the shame of having your dirty laundry aired out.

                                            >That would've made a good pun if you could talk.

                                            >"Well, to be fair, I take his...uh, your shirt with me on trips. Do I still do that?"

                                            >Older Dash nods with a smug smirk on her face.

                                            >”The red check—”

                                            >”—The red checkered one, yeah!” She blurts excitedly.

                                            >Did your mare just defend you against yourself?

                                            >Her eyes are ardent and her blush is pretty diminished, but her smirk says it all.

                                            >You owe her one.

                                            "So how about we actually talk about something useful now?"

                                            >"Alright, shotgun round. Go for it." You respond.

                                            >You still don't trust yourself after that.

                                            "Is there anything dangerous that we need to look out for? Changelings, timberwolves, Twilight's experiments?"

                                            >"Well, how does that saying go? One's fate is often met on the path taken to avoid it."

                                            "So...that's a no?"

                                            >"Would it help you if I told you?"

                                            >You sigh.

                                            >You would say something like that.

                                            "Alright what about us. Anything we need to be aware of? Job conflicts, arguments, you know...relationship stuff?"

                                            >They look at each other and shrug.

                                            >"We don't really argue we just sorta talk through things." Dash responds.

                                            "We never get into arguments?"

                                            >"Sometimes we quibble over where to eat I guess." Anon says, "Our jobs are descent. Well, Dash loves hers. They keep us apart more than we'd like but that just makes us enjoy our time together even more."

                                            "What about f--" You catch yourself before you slip up again.

                                            >You weren't sure about broaching that subject yet, but you really wanted to know.

                                            >Dash chimes after a brief, furtive glance at you.

                                            >"What about foals?"

                                            >You stare wide-eyed at her, then at your counterparts.

                                            >She said exactly what was on your mind, but this time it's their turn to blush.

                                            >Your Dash jumps to her hooves, "Oh come on spill the beans!"

                                            >We're sorta...uh..." Older Dash is somehow at a loss for words.

                                            >He throws an arm around her and pulls her to his chest. His hand gently caresses her belly and she rests a hoof on it.

                                            >"What she's trying to say is, we already got a little muffin in the oven."

                                            >You watch your mare's expression slowly morph from frustration to...something resembling a melting marshmallow as understanding dawns on her.

                                            >For a moment only the sound of crickets fills the silence, and you watch as her watering eyes start to fill with the reflections of the starry night sky.

                                            >"We're still working on a name, but uh, we've got plenty of time."

                                            >He kisses his mare on the ear and watches her lovingly while she proudly meets your gaze.

                                            >It all seems so surreal.

                                            >You'd known Dash was the one, but to see you together as a family was something else entirely.

                                            >It was all so…wonderful.

                                            >"How did you make it work?" Your partners earnest question comes from beside you.

                                            >They look at each other to decide who should relay the secret recipe.

                                            >"It's...something you gotta figure out for yourselves." Anon finally responds.

                                            >"Huh? Whaddaya mean? How am I supposed to figure that out! I already read like a hundred books on cross species b-breeding and...impreg-n-nation..." She tapers off and tucks her ears demurely when she catches a glimpse your astounded face.

                                            >Your heart catches in your throat.

                                            >She really was invested in this thing: dedicated.

                                            >Loyal.

                                            >Not to say that you weren’t, but damn.

                                            >The other mare's response keeps the attention off your watering eyes, "Heheh! Keep it up! There's some fun ideas in those books!"

                                            >"Well do any of them work!"

                                            >Anon starts to respond, "It has more to do with--"

                                            >"--Yes!" Older Dash interjects.

                                            >He looks at her, confused.

                                            >She avoids his scrutinizing gaze, "What he's trying to say is it has more to do with the love magic reaching a certain threshold something or other."

                                            >"All it actually takes is a quick--"

                                            >"--Shush!" She shuts him up with her intense glare, "It takes a lot of effort. Long, hard effort, every day of the week, sometimes twice a day."

                                            >Your dash shoots you a sly grin at her own antics, "So you're saying we gotta practice?"

                                            >She nods, "Yep. You'll figure it out eventually!" She winks at the both of you.

                                            >As if you needed the excuse.

                                            >You do appreciate the gesture, however.

                                            >"Once you decide to talk to a doctor, or Twilight, it gets a bit more…effective." Anon adds, grinning as he tickles her belly.

                                            >"Eh, I don't know I don't think we really need any guidance if that's the case." Your Dash says as she makes eye contact.

                                            >Oh boy.

                                            >You pull her into your chest and ruffle her mane as she squeals in excitement.

                                            "You stubborn little pony! You're going to be the end of me you know!"

                                            >And what a glorious end it would be.

                                            >She giggles and kicks but ultimately lays helpless against your chest.

                                            >You sit like that for a while. Both of you. Holding your mares and watching the night sky as you pondered the futures that lay ahead.

                                            >"So that's it huh? Other than me making Captain and making foals we end up being a pretty boring!" She jokes.

                                            >"Hey! I'll have you know we go on plenty of world saving adventures!" Anon retorts.

                                            >"...roleplay doesn't count!" She whispers in his ear.

                                            >"W-we go on plenty of...fun trips to places!"

                                            >"Oh yeah? Like where!" Your Dash taunts in good fun from the safety of your lap.

                                            >Her twin responds, "The crystal empire!"

                                            >"Fillydelphia!" He adds, "A-and a bunch of other cities too!"

                                            >You can feel your mare giggling in your lap, "Heh, so we went to a bunch of cities? No monster trapping or mountain climbing? What makes that so exciting?"

                                            >"Because we went there together, genius." She responds flatly.

                                            >Your chuckling pony freezes.

                                            >She walked right into that one.

                                            >You hear yourself chuckle and hoofbump future Dash.

                                            >Future mother Dash.

                                            >Heh.

                                            >You lay back in the grass, pulling your pegasus next to you to lay in the crook of your arm.

                                            >Fingers sift through the fur of her grumbling belly and you just can’t keep your lips from nibbling on her ear.

                                            “So. Cross-species breeding books huh?”

                                            >She gulps, not daring to take her eyes off the sky.

                                            >You try to stifle a laugh as a thought forms in your head.

                                            “Is the plot thicker or skinnier than Daring Do?”

                                            >”Anon!”

                                            “Hahah! Is it a hard read? Does it take a looong time?” Your finger starts tickling her belly button and she can’t contain her laughter any longer.

                                            >”Hahaha! No it’s-heh! It’s not like tha-hahat! Promise!”

                                            “Would you describe the subject matter as…deep?”

                                            >”Noo-ahahaha!”

                                            >Your counterparts carry on their own quiet conversation ten feet away until you're done playing.

                                            >The comet was nearing the edge of the sky now, the remnants of it a faint blue haze unraveling like a sheet in the wind.

                                            >Dash rolls over to lay across your chest.

                                            >Her breathing grows deeper amidst the affectionate contact you offer one another.

                                            >You watch her eyes study her own form, looking for tells of pregnancy no doubt.

                                            >The elder mare was very early on, her belly was only noticably rounder when she laid back against him.

                                            "You're going to make an awesome mom." You trail your fingers through her mane.

                                            >As difficult as it is for her, she affixes you with her soft gaze.

                                            >"You'll be a great dad...in a few years I'm sure."

                                            >You let the snarky comment slide off her playful grin unchallenged.

                                            >There was something about the way she was looking at you that brought about childish giddiness.

                                            >It took a lot of love and dedication to start a life together, and for someone as hard-shelled as Rainbow, that threshold for making such life-altering commitments was even higher.

                                            >But at the same time you saw no reservations in her, even now.

                                            >Every ounce of love and admiration that the older mare looked at your twin with, was present in Dash's eyes as she looked at you.

                                            >You have it all right here. The recipe for success, the resolve for your hardships, the appetite for your affection.

                                            >Nothing's missing.

                                            >You won't be spending your days gaining each other's trust and worrying about each other's approval.

                                            >That already laid the base of your unspoken bond.

                                            >All that's left is to live together, and learn as much as possible about one another.

                                            >She tilts her head quizzically, "What?"

                                            >You shake your head in dismissal as you study her face.

                                            >You chuckle with joy; you can't believe you get this beautiful creature all to yourself.

                                            >"What is it? Do I have something in my fur?"

                                            "No."

                                            >"What then?"

                                            >Your smile was living its own life, and it was choosing to annoy your partner.

                                            "I'm just happy you let me get you pregnant."

                                            >"Anon..."

                                            >That may not have been the most romantic of lines, but it's how you felt.

                                            "What? You can't fault a guy for wanting to bake a muffin with his favorite mare." You rub her belly but she doesn't stop you.

                                            >Though her face does catch fire from how much she approves of your word choice.

                                            "I bet I massage your back and rub your cute little hooves when you get tired."

                                            >"Anon--" She groans.

                                            "--I'd probably bring you breakfast in bed too. I might even feed you when you get all bloated."

                                            >"C'mon quit teasing!" She manages as she tucks her muzzle into your armpit to hide.

                                            >You chuckle and pat her mane.

                                            "I bet you I'm not teasing."

                                            >"Huh?"

                                            "Hey, Anon." He looks up from his own coddling, "Do I need to be reading up on how to care for a pregnant pegasus or something?"

                                            >He has his reply ready before you're finished.

                                            >"You might want to check out 'Building the Nest' by Dr. Featherlight, but all she's ever going to let you do is rub her hooves and back when they get sore, and even then I'm pretty sure she's just saying that to get free massages."

                                            >She punches his stomach and he tries to block it.

                                            >"It's also an excuse to make him bring you breakfast in bed!" Pregnant Dash adds.

                                            >"Hey!"

                                            >"What it works doesn't it!" The other pegasus quips.

                                            >"Fine your majesty, just don't expect me to bring out the red carpet when I end up rolling you around the house."

                                            >"Watch it buddy!"

                                            >"Hahaha!" Your mare laughs at their antics, "Yeah...I'd like to keep it just us for a while, but...someday..." Her eyes linger on the playfighting couple that you inevitably become.

                                            "Yeah someday..."

                                            >"Anon!"

                                            >Your own voice snaps you out of your day dream.

                                            >"I need you to do a favor and not loose those nice dress shoes Rarity gave you."

                                            "What shoes?"

                                            >"Oh, I guess she hasn't given them to you yet. Whatever just don't loose them, because I did and I need them for the Gala this weekend."

                                            "I'll try my best."

                                            >"Since when do you go to Gala's?" Dash asks.

                                            >"Since you made me." He responds.

                                            "Who's your date?" You joke.

                                            >"Well we actually have an extra ticket so I was thinking about walking in flanked by her and Rarity."

                                            >She shoots him a dirty look.

                                            >"Or Spitfire would be fine too."

                                            >The look gets dirtier.

                                            >"Calm down! Geez! I'm just kidding!" She relaxes slightly, "Though the old captain definitely doesn't look her age--oof!"

                                            >His words get him tackled and they earn you a glare from your mare.

                                            "What I didn't say anything?"

                                            >Before you know it they're both rolling around laughing their asses off.

                                            >"I have never seen-haha! I've never seen her come onto anypony that hard before!"

                                            >"Yeah I should've thought twice about going to workout in the team gym without you."

                                            >"You shoulda seen the place after you left! I'm pretty sure you triggered Fleetfoot's heat."

                                            >"I guess that's what happens when you walk into a room of deprived alpha mares."

                                            >"I'm just glad I got there in time to save you before they locked the doors!"

                                            >"I could tell something was up when they started arguing over who gets to spot me."

                                            >They continue their banter as you share a look with your partner and see more understanting in her eyes than you'd expect.

                                            >"Fleetfoot may have a thing for you..." You keep staring at her, "...and she may have given it to the rest of the team too."

                                            >Ah.

                                            "Well I'm glad to know my attractiveness is contagious."

                                            >"Heh, it sorta is. Just don't go getting a big head over it."

                                            >Older Dash's voice grabs your attention, "Don't let that scare you, the team will treat you right. Just uh...maybe avoid them after a long week of performances. They can get a bit wound up."

                                            "Oh I bet they do."

                                            *smack!

                                            "Ow! I just meant that you get the same way when you come back after tours!"

                                            >"Oh, well that's ok then."

                                            >Not even an apology.

                                            >Dash rolls across you to lay against your other side, "So you still come out here huh?" She asks the other two.

                                            >Anon looks her, "No matter how busy we get with friends, family, or work, we always try to make it out here or somewhere secluded. Just to gather our thoughts."

                                            >"Gather your thoughts, sheesh! Did you get that out of a book or something?" Your mare jibes.

                                            >"Haha! Not at all! Apart from a few things, we just sort of figure it out as we go."

                                            >Dash for a moment, "What few things?"

                                            >The moment Anon smiles you know he planned this, "Nothing much, just the encyclopedias of breeding that you've been eating up."

                                            >You hand is immediatley there to give her disaster recovery ear scritches.

                                            "Don't worry, I think it's cute." You whisper.

                                            >As if that would somehow make it better.

                                            >"I don't get it!" She suddenly bursts.

                                            >"You don't get what?" Her twin replies.

                                            >"You're both just so...I don't know!"

                                            >"Mature?" Anon asks.

                                            >"Happy?" Other Dash offers.

                                            >"No, like...well yes but it's more than that!"

                                            >Whatever it is seems to be getting her riled up.

                                            >"...Awesome?" The older pegasus grins hopefully.

                                            >You wink at her in affirmation and she smiles wider.

                                            >"Of course, yeah! But what I'm trying to say is, you're...just like us." Your mare finally finds her words.

                                            >"Cuz maybeee we are you?" Rainbow respond satirically.

                                            >"Aaagh! That's not what I meant!" She sighs and blinks back...tears?

                                            >"It used to be that if I wasn't winning races or pushing my limits I couldn't really have fun. But ever since I met this oaf everything's become so much...brighter. I even like waking up early cuz I get to w-wake up next to you..." She trails off as her watery eyes meet your empathetic ones.

                                            >The only thing you're sure of is that you're not going to stop stroking her mane right now.

                                            >She gulps and looks at herself, "And when I see you all content a-and successful a-a-and now you've got a f-foal. *gulp You even k-kiss like us I-I just...*sniff!"

                                            >You drape an arm around her as the emotional roller coaster of a night starts to catch up with her.

                                            >"I just don't know why I deserve to be so happy!"

                                            >What?

                                            >She breaks down sobbing and you pull her into your arms--stroking her mane.

                                            "Hey...hey there...it's alright..." You sooth the crying mare as best you can.

                                            >You weren't quite sure how to handle this.

                                            >You've probably cried more than she has since you've known her.

                                            >The other couple share a look before sliding over and joining your little circle of support.

                                            >Anon's face is just as anguished as yours; his Dash is the only one who can muster a smile at the moment.

                                            >"Sheesh, you're giving me a bad rap ya know." She pokes.

                                            >Literally.

                                            >Dash boops her own nose.

                                            >It's enough to draw her eyes up to meet their wisdom.

                                            >Other Anon takes hold of her hoof and gently shakes it.

                                            >"You want to know another secret about your mate?" He whispers.

                                            >You're not sure what he's up to, but if you know one thing it's that he only has her best interest in mind.

                                            >She wipes her nose and sniffles--nodding gently.

                                            >Anon looks around as if to check that they're all alone, then leans in until they could make out every detail of each other's faces.

                                            >"When he came here, he lost a lot of things, and he was feeling very lonely. Every day seemed like a chore and every night was filled with fear and longing for what he no longer had. Until...one day a blue mare, kissed by a rainbow, decided he shouldn't be cooped up in a house all day to answer questions about a home he can never go back to."

                                            >Your pegasus was doing well until he mentioned your first meeting.

                                            >You stroke her mane as the sobbing picks up again.

                                            >Anon continues unfettered, "This mare showed him around town, but she didn't treat him like a stranger. Day after day, she took the time to get to know him for who he was...because that's who she is. A kind, gentle, caring, hard working mare."

                                            >You feel your own eyes start to water at the all-too familiar story.

                                            >"Then one day, he woke up and felt something he hadn't felt in ages. He was excited, and happy to be alive. That mare brought him joy and purpose. She gave him a place in the world, and her heart to share."

                                            >He was starting to tear up too, "And when she showed him that one final piece of the puzzle he was missing--love--he realized that he wasn't torn from his home by some cruel miscalculation of the universe. He was just shown the path to his soul mate. He was put here for you."

                                            >His mare's stoic expression was lost as she nuzzles against him for support, and maybe to hide her own watery eyes.

                                            *cough cough

                                            >He swallows the lump in his throat, "Three and a half billion potential mates in my world and not one of them could hold a light to your shadow...so if you don't think that's the coolest then I'm going to tickle you until you do!"

                                            >"Heheheh-*sniff!" She smiles despite her remnant tears.

                                            >You pat her neck and she looks at you, knowing at once that what he said was the truth.

                                            >A gentle kiss graces the tip of her snout and you wipe away some tears.

                                            "So don't you ever feel like you don't deserve to be happy."

                                            >She nods in concession, coming to terms with the tumultuous feelings in her chest.

                                            >Anon's hand moves to scratch behind her left ear while you scratch behind her right, and much to your surprise, older Dash leans against you.

                                            >You pull her into a hug and hold the group cuddle until no more sniffles could be heard.

                                            >"Just remember, no matter what happens you've always got each other to lean on." Anon pats her mane.

                                            >"Heh, yeah. Oh and try to remember to do everything exactly the way we did when you meet your younger selves in ten years, otherwise the whole time continuum will implode." Dash thoughtfully adds.

                                            >It makes your mare laugh, but gives you pause for thought.

                                            >"Thanks. I guess I just didn't know I made that much of a difference..."

                                            "You make all the difference in the world Dashie." You rub her cheek.

                                            >She perks up at the use of her pet name.

                                            >"The sooner you get used to it the better. And the sooner you get used to 'Nonny' the better." Older Dash nuzzles your cheek playfully.

                                            >This mare.

                                            >You can't believe Dash becomes more herself the older she gets.

                                            >"Hehehe, Nonny. I like that." The other pony you're hugging adds.

                                            "Hey now, there's gotta be some rule against this like a--"

                                            >"--Prime Directive?" Older you interjects.

                                            "...Yeah."

                                            >He thinks for a moment, "Nah I kinda like my pet name." He turns to your Dash, "You have my permission to use it as often as you like in public and private."

                                            "You can't override my decisions I'm more me than you are you know!"

                                            >Rainbow giggles.

                                            >"Don't listen to him it's for his own good. And don't forget to..." His words become inaudible as he whispers something into Rainbow's ear.

                                            >You're too busy trying to eavesdrop that you don't notice his Dash leaning into your own ear.

                                            >"You know the one thing I wish I'd been more open about?"

                                            >You turn towards her soft voice, carried on her warm breath.

                                            >The eyes of your lover greet you, but they had depth and emotion that only time could grant.

                                            >They were captivating.

                                            "What's that?" Your quaint response is all you can muster under the sheer dominance of her gaze.

                                            >"How much I love you."

                                            >You gulp as her eyes water ever so slightly.

                                            >You hug her tighter and tuck her head under yours.

                                            >"And no matter what I say or do, I love getting cuddled."

                                            >What a precious mare.

                                            >You stroke her mane, taking note of the slightly different texture.

                                            >You manage to choke back your tears of joy long enough to respond.

                                            "Heh-*sniff...don't worry I already know about that one."

                                            >She chuckles and squeezes you just a bit tighter before releasing.

                                            >A quick peck on your cheek surprises you, as it does everyone else in the huddle.

                                            >"Sorry, I woulda asked your permission but, you know, I don't really need it." Older Dash chuckles and wipes her eyes.

                                            >Your mare seems to be over it already, surprisingly content with whatever secret your older counterpart had whispered to her.

                                            >"Don't worry about it." She nuzzles future you in response.

                                            >A brief flash of light draws your faces upwards and you find yourself laying back to watch the mesmerizing scene in the night sky.

                                            >Both Dash's and Anon fall back with you.

                                            >The thin blades of grass do little to keep the warmth of your two pony neighbors away.

                                            >You can't help but grin as your mare's hoof finds your hand and you share a look.

                                            >This was the one you'd spend the rest of your life with and nothing could possibly be more exciting.

                                            >The comet disappears across the horizon leaving only its glowing trail to gradually fade into the starry sky.

                                            >What an incredible night.

                                            >You look over to older Dash.

                                            "Hey, I was going to ask you; what did you mean when you said..."

                                            >But she was gone.

                                            >You sit up and Rainbow does the same.

                                            >She pats the area where your twin used to be, but not even an impression in the grass remained.

                                            >It was as if they were never there.

                                            >After a brief moment of coming to terms, you lay back down hugging one another.

                                            >"So..."

                                            "So?"

                                            >"...Do you think we'll ever see them again?"

                                            >You pause.

                                            >"I think next time we'll be them." You finish confidently.

                                            >She looks at you, her soft smile slowly growing in confidence.

                                            >You hold her gaze until you realize she's looking at you just like she would ten years from now.

                                            >That same ardent gaze that held everything you wanted out of life.

                                            >Love.

                                            >"Hey, what was it you were going to ask?"

                                            >You snap out of the trance, but only partly.

                                            >You were going to ask her twin why she'd said what she said.

                                            >Your eyes turn to the same mare in your arms.

                                            "Nothing...I think she just forgot I can read you like an open book."

                                            >Dash contemplated your puzzling words, but doesn't question them.

                                            "Say, what did that guy whisper to you?"

                                            >"Heh, you mean what did that cute guy whisper to me?"

                                            "Sure, whatever."

                                            >She hugs you tighter and wraps a wing around you.

                                            >"A lot of stuff. I think I'll keep it a secret though, for now."

                                            "Really?"

                                            >She nuzzles her head next to yours, rubbing her cheek against yours quite affectionately.

                                            >That comet really got her in the touchy feely mood didn't it?

                                            >"Fine, I'll tell you one of them."

                                            "I'm all ears!"

                                            >You feel her smile and lay her muzzle across your neck.

                                            >"He said that you almost like cuddling as much as I do."