Found that I had saved this a while back and couldn't find it again when I checked back recently, story by Klaifferon

Chapter one: Introduction

>it's the 3rd of january
>you are Anon
>it's about 11 pm, or even later
>you're walking the straight dark alley, making your way to the closest bus station so you can get home
>and there's nothing you'd want more right now, than to already be there, because it's damn cold out here
>you can already see the light of the street lamps, reflecting the glitters of falling snow at the end of your dark shortcut
>you're almost reaching there, about to turn right in the next three meters
>when out of sudden...
>something of skyblue color jumps from behind the corner and crashes directly into you, making you fall on your back and hit your head
>for a split second, there's dark
>as you vision clears from the shock, you can see what just happened
>a blue animal with rainbow colored mane and tail laying on your chest is picking itself up
>you also notice it has a strange collar, made of leather and metal, around it's neck
>before it's gone, you manage to glimpse into it's eyes
>and for that second, as if you've felt the very same fear the creature was going trough
>gave you a cold shiver on your back
>but before you fully process what's happening, the thing is already running the way you came
>another figure comes from around the corner
>it's a man of slightly above average figure, dressed as if he just ran in a hurry out of his house, not even closing his coat
>he's furiously tapping on some sort of remote controller
>>“Fucking piece of shit, work! Work!“
>he also notices you, laying there
>>“Don't worry, I'll get that cunt.“ he mumbles towards you as he runs past
>you don't have to be a detective to realize he's the one chasing it
>so you turn around to see what is happening
>the creature has a good ten meters of lead, but of of nowhere, collapses on the ground, screaming in pain
>and it's terrifying how human that scream sounds
>almost like a young girl...
>the cause of it's pain is in the man's hand, a remote controller for the electric collar
>nowadays, you try to avoid violence in all forms because it makes you quite uncomfortable
>not really giving you any traumas or anything, but sometimes it mentaly hurts just to see and hear
>and this is borderline unbearable just to listen to
>so you instinctively cover your ears, but can't look away
>he stops running and walks up close, still pushing the button, releasing always only when talking
>>“You like it?! Huh?! I'm gonna make you pay!“
>holding your ears is no good when it's still happening right in front of you, you gotta act
>so you make yourself stand up and run up to him
„Hey! Stop it. You're torturing the poor thing!“
>>“Yeah, I can see that and I'm enjoying every last bit of it. The unobedient bitch deserves it.“ he looks over his shoulder at you
>now that you see it up close, you remember an article
>it isn't that long since you read about it on the internet
>scientists somehow discovered or just straight up created this new specie
>there was a drawn picture in the headline, looking similiar to what you see now
>they should be availible to buy as exotic pets for a disgusting amount of money, some unspecified date in the future
>...where did he find it so soon, before anybody else?
>but this is no time to think about any of that
„This is no punishment. You'll kill her like that. Please, stop it.“ you try to talk some sense into him
>>“She can take it, just watch.“ he turns back around with a grin on his face, as if he was proud to demonstrate
„Just cut it out man, I'm not gonna watch you do that!“ you turn him around by his shoulder 
>but this time, you're faced with anger in his expression, because of what you dared
>>“If you don't like it, then just fucking turn around and go wherever you came from. This is MY personal bussines. Not yours.“
>he pushes the button again, looking you in the eyes
>>"What'cha gonna do, fuckwit?"
>yes, what you gonna do? that is a great question
>because your thoughts are a mess right now
>what IS the right thing to do?
>you don't want to start another fight, but you don't want to let this happen either
>deep inside, you were always the kind who wanted to be brave, save lives, create values, be the hero of situation
>but not like this, not trough violence
>you can't just punch him, or can you?
>you can, but you won't
>so you quickly smack the hand he's holding the device with, making him drop it
>and as soon as it lands on the ground, you stomp it, hoping to give the animal time to escape
>the flow of electricity from the collar stops, but she still lays on the ground, not moving
>the guy stares at you unbeleivingly for a few seconds, as the anger builds up inside him
>you did what you did and now comes the consequence
>>“You have made a huge mistake buddy. Huge, huge mistake.“
>and without any further hesitation, you're getting punched straight in the face
>it doesn't hurt yet, but your head starts spinning from the shock and for a half a second, you almost forgot what the hell is even going on

>>“What the fuck did you think in that stupid head of yours?"
>another punch, to the exact same place, but your hands instictively fly up to at least partly parry it
>and one more right after it, right trough your hands and to your brow again
>you stumble back, out of his range and breathe heavily, trying to calm down, that is now your top priority
>>"You had enough dipshit? Now, your money, you broke something I need to get repaired." he opens his hand, waiting for you to give him your wallet "I don't have all night."
>little does he know you only have some change for the bus
>you can feel some liquid, running down your face as he talks, but you're ignoring it, you're not even paying attention to his words, all you do is just breathe heavily and rhytmicaly to calm down your mind
>shh, it's okay Anon, you did what you thought was right...
>accepted what followed...
>and now, you'll do what you gotta do to survive
>suddenly, as if new energy of determination flew trough your body and you find courage to raise your head and face him
>this time you have no fear, no doubt about what to do
>you're almost unnaturaly calm
>“Why the fuck are looking at me like that? You're deaf? Your wallet!"
>he's definitely going to hit you again now
>but he has to do a step closer first
>breathe in
>and at the same time as his fist flies to you face it did before, you're already dodging to the left
>and with a breathe out, your left fist is buried deep inside his stomach
>he's actualy quite predictable with his angry movements
>breathe in
>but he's way too close
>you breathe out and your left fist hits the side of his head, allowing you to step back
>breathe in
>he tries to throw another anger-clumsy punch, but misses
>breathe out
>you hit his jaw from bottom with your right fist
>breathe in
>“You...fucker.“ he spits some blood out, wasting precious time on talking
>breathe out
>your left fist hits his sleep centre again without hesitation
>breathe in
>he falls to the ground
>breathe out
>...
>breathe in
>...
>...
>breathe out
>breathe in
>breath out
>time is back to normal and you're "snapped back" out of your trance, as if you awoke in he morning, day after party
“What did I just do...?"
>except you know well what you just did
>your head hurts and your brow stings, so you put your hand there
>the liquid dripping on a side of your face was your blood all along
>it shouldn't have been a surprise, what else would it be?
>...but it feels like a surprise, to actualy see it on your hands
>and it's ...uneasy, way more than you'd like it to be
>your head spins and you gotta lean on the wall for a second
>while doing so, you reach into your pocket for tissues and put two on your wound
>you close your eyes, waiting for the headspin to pass and when you open them again, you're staring at the guy on the ground
>...is he ...dead?
>omg
>you quickly check his pulse over a tissue, trying not to stain his clothing with your blood
>he's alive
>phew
>maybe you should at least zip his winter coat, make sure he won't freeze to death here
>but after then, your injury starts to sting again, interrupting your flow of thoughts
>you try to concentrate on the breathing to ignore it and recapitule:
>the thug should be fine, he's breathing and hopefuly awakes before he freezes
>you're kinda okay-ish too and-...
>...the animal, one because of which it all started... is she okay?
>you'd literaly almost forget about her in all this stress, if she wasn't laying few meters behind the beaten up guy
>but before anything else, you put away the tissues which are now soaked trough and touch your brow with your fingers
"Aw, shit. That hurts."
>it will definitely need some stitches, but at least it bleeds a bit less by now
>you still put new tissues on it as you move towards the animal
>notice she has wings and they are tied together
>feathers clipped very short
>strange though, that she's still laying there like that
"Oh no..."
>surely, her heart didn't make it
>all of this for nothing...
>MAN, you're so dumb!
>as you're running closer, your head is full of regret and dark thoughts about how you fuck up everything
>you kneel down, trying to check for pulse
>but where does she even have veins??
>no matter, her chest is moving, so she's alive - only passed out
>...
>phew...
>...man, you're a drama queen
>you have a little sincere chuckle of relief
>if nothing else, you saved a life - so it was worth it
>but maybe you should try to wake her up, make sure she's really okay
>so first you try to shake her a bit
>then a bit more
>after the second try, she flinches, and confusedly opens her eyes
>at the first sight of your bloody face, she yanks and breaks free from your hands, frightenedly backing away to the wall behind her
„Calm down. Ok? Just calm down. Everything's fine now." you talk to her like to a puppy and gesture with your hands, trying to force a smile
>but it's hard for you to look calming with your hands and face stained with blood
>“Pl-please, leave me be.“ she avoids eye contact, but still watches you
>wait, what? 
>is it actualy talking?
>like a human?
"...You can speak?!" you step back, but immediately do two more steps closer because of curiosity
>"Please, no..." she closes her eyes, turns her head away and presses herself scaredily against the wall, hyperventilating like a prey about to be mauled
>you shake your head to take in what's even happening
>maybe you really should go and leave her be, you're scaring the hell out of her
>but you're also so very curious, so you spit on another tissue, cleaning yourself as much as you can before talking to her again
„Come on, open your eyes. I'm not trying to hurt you, I just want to speak with you. ...Please."
>she carefuly opens her eyes and notices the guy laying on the ground next to her
>you can hear her gasping of shock
>"That's him..." she whispers to herself, then she turns her head at you "...Did you...kill him?"
"No, he's alive. ...Who is he anyway?"
>"I don't know..."
"How do you not know?"
>"I don't know, I swear! Please let me go!" she cries out in sudden despair
"Look, I'm sorry for stressing you like that. Just,.. go if you want to. I'm sorry." you step back and make enough room for her to leave
>she stares at you unbelievingly for a second
>"...You're not holding me back at all?"
"I told you already, I'm just curious what happened."
>she sits on her rump uncertainly
>"...I-I ran from him. And ate all the documents he got about me. I'm free now."
>her voice is strange, it's... a little raspy
>can imagine a kid in puberty talking like that
"You what?" you'd almost laugh "Oh, well,.. that's good for you I guess... eating the papers and all. But uh... what are you going to do now?"
>"...I'm gonna hide in the forest, somewhere far away."
"Don't want to dissapoint you, but there's no forest around. Just city everywhere in a circle of... well, quite a circle. And then just fields."
>"I'm gonna hide somewhere, even if I was to DIE there." she's filled with sudden repulsement towards you as she's saying that "Better than surviving among your kind as a property."
„Uhm, okay then. Guess you don't like people a lot." you'd smile with a mixture of dissapointment, then look partly away "...It's kind of understandable, really..."
>you were hoping for at least a little thank you, but who knows what that thing has been trough, you can't possibly blame her
"...What's your name anyway?“ you ask after a few seconds of silence and staring into a wall
>she hesitates at first, but seeing you still not being angry for busting out on you like that, she cools down a bit and replies in a softer tone
>“...It's Rainbow Dash.“
„Huh, did he name you like this?“ you point with your thumb over your shoulder at the unconciouss guy
>“No. That is MY own name. My real name." she frowns at you seriously
„Ok, ok. It just sounds a bit...funny. No offense.“ you smile sincerely „...My name is Anon.“
>and you offer her a hand
>she looks down at your hand, then turns her gaze on your face, looking you right in the eyes
>it's a strange way she looks at you, almost as if looking trough you, staring straight into your soul
>and for almost uncomfortably long time
>“You're different from the others...“ she exhales surprisedly
>...what the heck did she just see?
„Um,.. thanks? I guess?“ you put the hand away, because she likely isn't gonna shake it anyway
>"No,.. I mean, it's me to thank you." she continues in a different tone from before, almost... a little trusting "...I didn't thank you for saving me."
"That's nothing... I just wish it didn't have to come to this to make him stop. But-"
>“He deserved it, you know?... Don't feel bad about him." she interrupts you "...But you're kinda bleeding too.“
„Nah, that's alright. I deserved it just as much.“ you laugh forcibly and place another tissue on the wound because the previous ones are soaked trough yet again
>by now you're kinda used to the pain already
„...But I guess I should go now, I have a bus to catch.“ you stand up, about to turn around
>“W-wait hum-I mean Anon.“ she stands up as well and reaches out her hoof to stop you
„...Yes?“
>“I...I uhm wanted ask if I could...“ she sits down again
>...
>it's visible how she's forcing herself to say it
>„...If i could stay a night or two? I-I can do some housework in return.“
„Well, I can do housework by myself. I don't have a big house and-“
>“But there must be something I can do!"
„Hmm, I can't think of anything really." you raise your shoulders „I'm just used to living alone.“
>...
>oh well, that sounded a lot colder than you expected
>lol, what would Jesus do, Anon?
>...
„Uhh, look, if you need a place to stay, I'll let you stay in my house for some time. I just don't need anything in exchange. That's all I wanted to say."
>"Just like that and for real? That sounds suspicious." she frowns at you
"Hey, I wasn't the one who asked for a place to stay." you chuckle
>"Yeah, but...Ok then, sorry, you're right... Promise no sketchy bussines?"
„Sure.“ you laugh and raise your little finger "Pinky promise."
>you can see her cracking a half smile when you said that
>"You know my old friend used to-.....Nevermind, Pinkie promise."
"Ok, but first, there are two things I probably should do. Lemme get these things off you.“
>a bit hesitanly, she comes closer
>you reach for the rope over her clipped wings, which is pretty easy to untie
>then the collar, but-
„Hey, this thing is sturdy. I can't get it off right now. I'll need some tools for that.“
>“Well, at least those ropes are away.“ she sighs
„Yea. Now, for that ring of his.“ you move to the guy, still laying on the same spot
>for some reason, you name him Richard
>“Ring?“
„Yes. You don't know? While adoption documents are probably more important, I think it's like a small technical certificate for a car. It's on the internet. ....You'd seriously leave and wouldn't even throw it away from him? Or eat it too?“ you smirk at your own joke, but continue a bit more serious "...He might even start an official investigation if he had something that would connect him to you."
>“I didn't know any of that.“ she frowns
„Well, now you do. Also, I'm gonna take it, because the cheery fella torn my eyebrow with that thing.“
>“But if you'll keep it even after I'm gone, what's gonna happen?“
„Don't know. You can keep it when you'll go, but it probably won't help. They'll think you stole it, if you get caught.“
>you come closer to her ex owner and take the bloodied ring
>it's silver-like, a bit robust, but not too big to hinder on your finger
>you clean it with a yet another tissue
>there's a number imprinted on it, saying: „No. 369“
„Is this like your serial number?“
>“I'm not a machine to have a serial number...“
„Well you do have one. Look.“ you show it to her
>when she sees it, it's kinda like something broke inside of her
>“369...I'm the 369th…?“
>you wouldn't answer
>“....If there really is so many others of us here...How..?" she sits down, staring into the ground, but then lifts her head and yells out in the air, partly at you "How could you do this to us?! So many!!! Don't you humans have no mercy at all? No compassion?!“
>she's almost crying now, but she's holding it inside 
>something tells you she wouldn't cry in front of you
>but you can see how is her sadness turning to anger when she's about to look at you again
„Look, um Rainbow. I know you must feel pretty horrible right now. But-“
>“What?!“ she barks
„Just,.. try to keep it together. It sounds harsh, but anger won't do anything but make it worse.“
>she'd just growl even angrier at you, piercing you with a gaze
>but when your eyes meet, as if she somewhat "snapped out of it"
>“I-I..,..Y-...you're right. I'm sorry. It's not your fault, I-... just couldn't help it...“
>what does she keep seeing?
>her eyes are now even more watery, but she still isn't crying
>still holding all the sadness inside, looking away in shame
>now you can only wonder how tragic she really feels under that crust of pride
„I know, that's fine. But we should go, before someone finds us, or before he awakes. And we have to catch the next bus.“
>“R-right. You lead the way.“ she wipes her eyes with her hoof and stands up, trying to act like she's 100% okay
>you'd nod and stand up
>she's following you trough the empty streets to a lonely bus station nearby
>you're still feeling pretty tense though, your teeth even chatter while you're replaying the pictures of what happened in your mind
>maybe it's partly because of cold, but the stress has some part in it too
>as much as you hate to admit it, you're having a little trouble "not worriying"
>along the way, you'd walk past a nightly general store
>gives you an idea
„Wait here in the shadow, I'll be right back.“
>“Wait, where are you going?“ she whispers urgently in fear of being left alone again
„To that building over there. Just a few seconds.“
>you don't really give her choice, because you'd just run inside
>after not even two minutes, you're back with two 0.3l glass bottles
>she's hiding behind a trash bin
>"Where did you go?" she's still whispering
„Here. It might help you relax.“ you've opened both of them with your new ring, offering one to her
>“You bought it for me? And what is it?“ she comes out of the shadow
„Nothing special, just beer, but it's something.“
>“And you say it helps?“
"I don't know, if it does. But we can try." you say and take a sip from your bottle
>she takes one from hers to taste it
>“It's bitter...“ she looks a bit disgustenly at the bottle
>but then she starts forcibly gulping it down
>wouldn't finish it whole though
>"Yuck." she'd make even more disgusted face at the end, followed by a loud burp
"I'm not sure if that was what I had in mind, it's better to drink it slowly." you laugh softly "If you don't like it, just throw it away. It was a little stupid idea to begin with."
>“Hmpf.“ she throws the bottle into the bin she was hiding behind
>you'd then continue on your way with your beer in right hand
>having a sip it here and there
>and it actualy helps you to calm down
>but it's so cold your teeth chatter even more
>you'd purposely arrive just shortly before the bus actualy stops on the place, so you don't have to wait too long
>while entering, you have your scarf over most of your face and avoid to look in driver's eyes
>maybe you're just paranoid right now, but you'd be happier if nobody remembered you from this night, if you could be just another nameless person, walking trough shadows
>but not all things can always be avoided
>the driver would be blind if he wouldn't notice a skyblue creature with colorful mane and shock collar around her neck
>at least he couldn't connect your face with her if somebody ever asked him
>he saw only the scarf and importanly, he probably saw the ring, so it won't feel that suspicious if anyone should ask
>walking past him, there are three people sitting in the bus
>an old lady with an old man, most likely her husband. Probably coming from a cinema or something because they still have some popcorn
>they look so happy together and active, even after growing old and wrinkled
>it's reminding you of something that you used to crawe so much back then, but it always felt so distant from you
>....but you don't envy anymore, you're actualy kind of happy to see others have it
>you're content with loneliness now
>there's also some drunk guy who barely noticed you, or your new companion walking behind you
>even though you avoid consuming too much alcohol nowadays, there were nights in past, when you ended up the same
>although they all seem pretty harmless, you still make your way to the very back of the bus, so their company will be as far away from you as possible
>there, you'd sit on one of the chairs and silently wait
>it's warm in here compared to outside, almost relaxing to you
>even your teeth are now finally quiet
>Rainbow Dash is sitting next to you and stares in front of her with a blank look
>...maybe the beer wasn't the best idea
>you don't know what it does with her
>man, you're so-  .....well, calling yourself stupid won't do any good now
>you should at least talk to her, to keep her thoughts busy
„Are you alright? How you holding up?“ you whisper, so the others can't hear you
>“The beer thingy you gave me, did it help you relax?“
„A little..“
>“I just keep getting stuck on thougts.“
„...Then try finding a good one and stick on it.“
>“What's a good though in this situation?“
„Well,.. you probably flew in past." you'd point at her clipped wings after a second of thinking "Why don't you think about flying?“
>“I can't even remember the flying anymore...“
„Yes you can. I flew once in my life on a plane and I can still remember it." you smile now "For you, it must have been like riding a bicycle is for me... Close those eyes.“
>she does that, even though she still looks a bit worried about what is gonna happen next
>you're not sure what exactly are you doing right now, but hope for the best
>you did that with yourself before, kind of like meditating... visualisation?
>anyway, you'd start narrating a scenery, whispering very quietly and VERY slowly, to give her enough time to imagine
„It's the first day of a green, fresh spring, in a sunlit afternoon. Your feathers are grown back and you're strong and healthy as a first primrose, effortlessly making it's way closer to sun trough wet and heavy leaves. Where you're standing, the ground is soft, covered with the greenest grass...and under a few flaps of your wings, all the land suddenly becomes so small and distant........  The blinding sun is up in the sky with you, so beautiful and warm, caressing everyone with it's loving embrace. Neverending seas of trees with fresh leaves are rustling in the soft wind and they are singing... of peace... Surely, you can hear them...?“
>a faint smile appears on her face
>“I can.“
>a fine encouragement to continue
>you have a good visualisation, so you aren't even making it up, you can see it firsthand and merely narrate
>and you'd continue on narrating the scenery to the smallest details, for the rest of bus ride
>you wish you could give it to her for granted, but you have no idea what's really coming to this strange creature
>at least you can help now
>but how is she gonna end up?
>at this point you get distracted by your own dark thoughts that are invading your imagination with scenes of death, consuming the land and all it's habitants
>so you stop narrating at this point and open your eyes, realizing you're arriving to your bus stop
„We're here... Let's go.“
>she opens her eyes and the smile slowly vanishes as she comes back to the reality once again
>“Alright...“
>from here, it's not even a kilometer to your home
>she's shivering a bit, but you're almost there
"Hey, let's go faster, make the blood circulate."
>she silently follows your swifter tempo, lost in thoughts
>"This is it.“ you're pointing at your house while closing by
>the key in a lock turns and the door open, revealing the dark rooms of your home
>first thing you do, is switch on the lights, so you can see while untying your boots
„Could you clean your hooves a bit? It's messy out there.“ you'd give her a floorcloth before she enters
>“Sure...“
>when she's done, you're heading to your living/dining room to the left
>there, you'd close all the curtains so no one can see inside
„You can sleep on the couch, sheets and pillows are stored inside. But come to think of it, maybe you might wanna take a shower as well. How long is it since your last bath?“
>“I can't remember.“
„Well, you should definitely take a shower. There's even a bit of my blood on you over there." you point at her shoulder "It's those doors on the right. I'll go second. Towels are in the cabinet, right next to the entrance.“
>"Ok..." she tiredly goes the way you sent her
>in the meanwhile, you'd go look at yourself in the mirror to check the wound 
>it bled fairly before, but it doesn't look that bad now
>there will likely be a little scar above your brow in the future, reminding you of this night
>so you bring a needle with a thread and prepare for a sting
>a single stitch, or maybe two will be enough
"Ow!"
>yeah, two is enough, definitely not three
>then you head to your fridge
>few joghurts you've been saving for later, some cheese, butter, peanut butter, ghee butter, one more bottle of beer, blueberry marmelade, honey, mustard, ketchup, eggs and some fruit and vegetables
>come to think of it, you're not even really hungry, so you're about to close the fridge
>...but you bet she is
>so you slice some bread, put it in toaster, then spread some butter and honey on it
>leaving it on the table, along with two appless and a glass of water, you grab the other bottle of beer from the fridge and sit in your chair
>what a friday night
>with your eyes closed and beer opened, you patienly wait till she's finished showering and think about how lovely your bed will be once you get there
>now all the tiredness finally catches up to you and you can almost see yourself falling asleep
>when you're at half of the bottle, you hear the bathroom door finally open
„Check the table. Eat up if you're hungry.“ you murmur with eyes still closed
>“Is this for...?...Thanks Anon.„
>you can hear her biting a mouthful of apple
"No probs." you open your eyes and stand up to take a shower as well, leaving almost a full bottle on the table
„When you're done, just put it in the sink. I'll clean it later.“ you'd turn around before closing the bathroom door behind you
>and finally, it's here
>you're turning the water heat to the very maximum
>some really hot shower after the cold day
>feels good
>actualy, might be the best thing today
>so you just stand there for some time, absorbing the heat before getting to wash yourself
>after you're done showering, you'd brush your teeth and go back
>she's already sleeping around the time you enter the living room, so you don't even turn the lights on
>there's some light from the moon outside and you would find your bedroom door even blind
>the bottle is still where you left it, but you don't really feel like finishing it, so you just pour it down the sink
>when you finally get to bed, you're tired as hell but the little of beer you had still prevents you from falling asleep immediately 
>so you roll around for a few minutes, until the sleepiness takes over
>and eventualy, it does pretty soon...

Chapter two: The Second Day


a couple of dreams you can't remember later...

>the sun shines trough the window
>you never close the bedroom curtains for the night, so you're used to this kind of awakening
>but the light lasts only for a few seconds, before the clouds hide it again
„Oh jolly.“ you're opening open your eyes
>it's feels like you could sleep longer, but you'd probably be oversleeping your restful sleep
>so with a loud yawn, you stand up and continue to your bathroom wearing nothing but your underwear
>completely forgetting you have a new roommate, laying on the couch in your living room
>while opening the door, you'd freeze and stare at her surprisedly
>that is, before the flashback of yesterday strikes you
>but just to be sure, you touch your brow to feel the two stitches
>right...
>so all of that really happened, eh?
>...
>...maybe you should get some clothes on you at least
>so you swiftly return for some pants and t-shirt
>then go do some morning hygiene, and now!.. it's time for breakfast
>what's it gonna be?
>on a draining board, there's a washed plate from yesterday and two apple cores in the trash
>half-filled glass of water is standing on the table, next to a couch Rainbow Dash is sleeping on
>what a strange name though..
>does she always get called by her full name or just "Rainbow"?
>that sounds weird
>she'd let out a little snore sound while you're thinking about her name, so you turn around to have a good glance who you even brough home
>the sight makes you chuckle a bit, she looks like a big puppy in a way
>fluffy ears, big eyes, gentle muzzle...
>now that you reflect on yesterday,.. you're kinda glad about all you did
>it could have turned out better of course, but you did the best you could, given the situation and mindset
>if you knew better, you'd do better
>suddenly your stomach gurgles, interrupting you from your thoughts
>need to eat something, something warm
>so you crack open a few eggs and slice the rest of the bread
>bread fried in egg it is for today
>the sound of oil crackling wakes your sleepy roommate up
>first it's just a flinch of her ear, then she registers the smell of the food being prepared
>at the first opening of her eyes, she'd yank in confusion and spring up
>almost immediately, in the „ready to run/attack" stance
>like a starled dog, almost
>then she notices you, making the breakfast
>„Oh....“ she exhales, realizing where she is
„'Morning. Slept well?“ you grin over your shoulder 
>“I think I-...almost did... Good morning.“
>gulping the rest of the water she left by the couch, she comes closer to see what you're preparing
>her mouth waters from the sight of the food and you can hear her swallowing down the saliva
>but she doesn't say anything, just keeps watching you
>so you put some slices of fried bread on a plate, which you slide closer to her, along with two plastic bottles
„Here, mustard and ketchup. And the rest is on the table already.“
>she wouldn't really move, just questioningly and suspiciously slide her gaze from the food onto you
"...What is it?"
>"...You're not planning something bad,.. are you?"
"Pff, the way you're asking almost sounds as if you're hoping for something bad to happen." you chuckle heartily and continue frying
>“All of this just feels so very unlikely... Almost if there was some betrayal planned in the future."
"...Care to share the experience that gave you this mindset?" you'd look over your shoulder at her
>"Let's just say I trusted a human once before. That's all." she retorts
"You did? Well, something tells me it wasn't the guy from yesterday. Was it someone who had you before him?"
>"No." she frowns "...And I'm not telling you more."
"Ok then, you don't have to." you crack a little smile, tending to the pan in your hand again
>but by now, you're almost finished frying, so you'd take your plate and continue to the table
>a little sheepishly, followed by her
>there you put some mustard with ketchup on your bread, placing a slice of cheese over it only to watch her silently copy you
"Well, enjoy." you announce amusedly before having a first bite of your bread
>"...Yeah, thanks. You too."
>"Oh my,..." she exhales when she has a bite too
>followed up with two more
"Try it with a tomato." you roll her way one of the two tomatoes you brough
>she'd look at it with a little doubt and wouldn't try it until you take one bite of yours
"It's not poisoned." you grin "Not even rotten."
>she wouldn't answer, merely glance at you with unreadable expression and continues stuffing herself
>...
>"So... this is what humans eat?" she then asks when she finishes her first slice
"Not too typicaly."
>"..So what's typical?"
"Meat probably. In all of it's different variations. Yeah, but bread in all different variations too..."
>"Meat?! From living things? That's disgusting!" she makes a "bleh" face while pushing the plate a little farther, even though there's no meat on it
"Is it?" you'd smirk at her before having another bite
>at this point, she'd slowly stand up from her seat, carefuly backing away to the main door while tensely keeping both eyes onto you
>"You're planning to eat me one day, aren't you?"
"..What, you seriously think I'd eat you?" you burst into laugh
>"Well, you tell me? Maybe that's why you brought me here and feed me!" she's already grabbing the handle, getting ready to escape
>maybe your little joke was a bit too much
"Come on, calm down. I was just playing with you."
>"You're telling me it was just a joke?"
"If I wanted meat, I'd just go and buy it. It's not like I couldn't afford it at all."
>"So you really ARE carnivorous?" she accusingly points her hoof at you
"No... At least not me. Some people prefer meat, I don't. That's all. And I'm certainly not going to eat you." 
>...
>she still lingers
"Come on, don't be silly. You can leave anytime. The keys are right next to the door." you point "I wouldn't try stop you."
>she tries the handle, realizing it was locked the whole time, so she grabs the key to see if it really fits
>and of course it does, you were telling the truth
>having the door opened, she sticks her head outside only to be slashed by a freezing wind and snowflakes right in her face 
>not exactly a welcoming weather this particual morning
>"Maybe I'll stay a bit longer... But no funny bussiness. I'm careful now." she closes the door and slowly walks back to the table to sit again
"Sure... Though, it's not like I'm the one in need here."
>"Why would you keep helping me then?" she asks and carefuly bites into a slice of bread she left there
"Do I need a reason? Ever thought I might just be like that?" you smile warmly
>she lifts her head and frows at you suspiciously, measuring you whether you're lying or not
"Well?" you glance her directly in the eyes
>but she looks away after a few seconds, with a little of guilt in her expression
>"...Damn you." she mumbles
"What is it?"
>"You look so trustworthy it's almost... off."
"I take it as a compliment." you chuckle and stand up from the table to wash your plate
>she then watches you walk to your computer while still munching on her last bread
>silently, you'd open your browser and check facebook
>zero messeges and notices
>no surprise, you never had too many friends
>only two or three real good ones, but you don't communicate a lot via facebook these days
>so you somewhat randomly open youtube with some videos, but you feel a bit uncomfortable when she's watching you
>"What are you doing over there?" she asks with her mouth full
"Killing time, I guess. Trying to have some fun."
>"How's this fun?" she gulps down what she was chewing and turns her chair around to see even better at you
"I dunno. It just keeps me busy when there's nothing to do." you pause the video and turn around as well
>"But isn't that kind of... boring?"
"When it becomes routine,.. yeah."
>"So why do that?"
"What else should I do in winter? In a city?" you shrug your shoulders, raising your palms
>"There's always something to do, you just gotta try finding it...."
"That's very vague and unspecific answer." you chuckle
>"For someone who doesn't want to try, duh... You want something specific? Well then, for starters, I can take you on a little stroll."
"You'd seriously wanna go there? I saw you poking your head outside and changing your mind about leaving a few minutes ago."
>"That was deciding whether I want to stay there for good. But a short walk is something different. Come on, do that for yourself."
"Jeez, I don't really wanna. It's nasty weather outside."
>...
>she lowers one of her eyebrows and pierces you with a judgemental, persuasive stare
>...
"What's your bussiness with it? I just don't see any vision of fun there." you'd turn your chair back around to face the PC, trying to ignore her
>to which she stands up and walks up to you to get back your attention
>"...You don't have to. Never know what will happen." 
"Yeah, like catching cold?" you wouldn't look away from the screen, hoping she'd let you be
>"...Come on, don't be a neighsayer."
"Was that a pun?" you'd snicker and actualy shift all your attention to her, pausing the video for a second
>"Well,.. not really an intentional one actualy. But uhhh..." she very faintly, almost sarcasticly chuckles as well, but then shortly glimpses you in the eyes again "....The truth is, I'd like to have a look outside too." 
"Wait, YOU would like to see the city? Why so suddenly?"
>"Well, it isn't that much about the city. I'd just like some fresh air... and I really don't wanna go there alone..."
>...
>..
"...Okay then,.. I'll go with you. Not for a long though."
>"Cool. Let's go then."
"Yeah, just lemme grab my jacket... and my other clothing."
>after a minute of putting clothes on, you grab the freezing door handle and open
>upon stepping outside, a cold, north wind slashes you across your face just like did her before 
>damn that's actualy cold
>"The winters here are pretty harsh eh? We don't have them like this at home." she looks up at you
"It's not always like this... You still wanna go outside?"
>"Sure, I'll get warm by walking. Only my ears might suffer a bit from the wind but that's all."
"I can see,.. with ears like that."
>"Hey, all ponies have ears this big!" she immediately defends herself
"All I'm saying is that ears like that must be pain to have in a cold like this. ...But wait, I'll be right back."
>and you slip back into the house, only to emerge a few seconds later with a thick winter hat
>"You brought that for me?...  It seems a bit small though."
>it's a human size of course, and she has a slightly bigger head than you do
"It's quite strechy." you'd try to put it on her, covering her ears and most of the mane underneath it pretty nicely
>"Oh well, wasn't expecting that. Thank you Anon..... That is... actualy very thoughtful of you." she smiles surprisedly
"What can I say? I'm nice like that." you smirk amusedly
>so finally, you set more than one foot outside of your house and go to the right, by the sidewalk
>your house is in a dead end, so it's not like many people walk trough here, but it still feels like you must be the only ones outside today
>not that big of a surprise though
"...So,.. "ponies", huh?"
>"What?"
"You mentioned "All ponies have ears this big." So is that how your specie is called?"
>"Yeah..."
"Hmmm."
>...
"And-"
>"-So where are we going?" she unintentionaly interrupts you
>you were about to ask more about her origin, but since she breaks the silence first, so you let her speak
>you can always ask later and it seems she isn't really talkative about this topic anyways
"...I thought you wanted to lead?" you'd ask confusedly
>"Well, I can, but I'll get us lost in this blocky labyrinth." she grins 
>this might be the most lighthearted expression you saw her make so far
"Don't worry, I know my way around here. You can't get me lost here." you smile back almost smugly, - almost
>"So if you're so local, is there anything interesting to see?"
"Unless you're a big ugly factory enthusiasist, then you're out of luck for like... 5 kilometres around here? 5 kilometres trough this wind and snowing."
>"There's literally nothing else? No trees? No lakes? Not even a tiny little park?"
"We are in old industrial part of the city. No flora or fauna around here."
>"Let's just go this way then, maybe we find something interesting." she leads on trough one of the alleys, completely random directions
>and you're following a step or two behind her
>“How can you live here?“ she eventualy stops, standing in a corridor between two tall buildings, out of the wind's way
"I get by." you'd stick your hands out of your pockets to blow some hot air from your lungs on them and then put them back
>"I mean, don't you ever crave something more than this?" she points at the view of a grey, snowcovered city block in front of you
"It's not always that bad... Sometimes I go skiing or snowboarding in winter. And I used to go motocrossing a lot in summer. But sure,.. I'd like to live somewhere else."
>"Then why stay here?"
>you've been avoiding to ask this yourself
"I-..I don't even know to be completely honest. Maybe I'm afraid of something new. This is pretty much all I know lately." you say without really thinking about it
>and it kind of hits the nail
>you feel like you shouldn't open yourself too much to random colorful creatures, but you don't really have anyone else to talk to, so it just slipped out
>"You know that'ss..."
>...
"Stupid?"
>"I was gonna say sad, buuut..."
"Yeah. I guess I should have done something with my life some time ago. But it's better than it used to be." you start walking away to avoid any further questions about this topic
>you're not lying about what you said either though
>there HAVE been some radicaly big positive changes in your mental health over the last two or three years
>it just feels like,.. like they still aren't enough
>you still miss something
>there could be more to hapiness than just "not suffering"
>.....
>...
>"Hey, what's that building over there? It looks abandoned." she nudges you to get your attention and indicates a direction with her head
"It is. They decided this big building wasn't big enough, so they made a new one and moved there. But nobody wanted to buy this one, so it's rotting here past few... tens of years. At least that's what I heard."
>"How about we check inside?" she looks up at you
"Since when you care about factories?" you stop and look back down on her
>"Since they got empty and left to rot. A working factory would be no fun, but an abandoned one? I wanna see some old stuff." she grins with a little spark of mischief in her eye
"Seriously? At this time of year?" 
>"Well, we are here now, aren't we?" she smirks
"Speaking of little strolls..." you grunt a bit grumpily, but then you think about it for a few seconds ".......But actualy, you bumped my curiosity. I kind of wanted to have a look inside myself one day. Why not today?"
>at which she'd give you this very approving look,
>and you're both walking up to the rusty front gate
>judging from a visible hole in the equaly rusty fence, you aren't the first visitor here
>and probably not the last one either
"At least we don't have to climb over it... So which way do we get inside the building?"
>but she's already trough the hole and on her way to the ladder that's leading up to the balcony
"Hey! Wait!" you're crouching trough the broken fence, running up to her
>the ladder under which she's waiting for you, is solid two meters and something more from the ground
"I pressume you need a hand here?"
>"Not at all. Watch." she grins and she runs up the wall, jumping from it just enough to catch on the ladder with her front hooves
>that was actualy pretty impressive
>“Come on, slowpoke!“
>but you merely gotta jump to reach the ladder, lift yourself up and you're soon catching up to her
>maybe too close for your likings
"Would you mind covering your rear next time? This feels pretty uncomfortable from here." you embarassedly face down a while climbing
>"What am I supposed to do?"
"You should wear something. At least a pair of pants or boxers. For some decency."
>“Do you put pants over dogs rear too?" she flicks her tail annoyedly
"That's an odd question. I thought you don't consider yourself an animal." you chuckle over your winning argument
>"I don't!.. What I meant, is that it's natural."
"Natural or not, on the way back, you're climbing down first. I don't need to be in this position again."
>up on the balcony, there's a locked door and a broken window with some sharp shards still sticking from it
„Careful, I'll get rid of-“
>but in the middle of your sentence, she jumps trough the hole, missing the shards with her belly and legs by mere few milimetres
„Are you nuts? You just almost gut yourself!“
>“Nah.“ she laughs at you from the other side
„You were this close." you're showing her, using space between with your fingers
>“Don't worry. I got that. I'm not as clumsy as you might think.“ she turns around with a grin, flicking her tail proudly, about to start exploring
„I'd just appreciate if you weren't so reckless, alright? I already put quite a lot of effort into keeping you alive...“
>“Alright, I'll try.“ she snickers behind her back as you're removing the shards so you can continue trough as well
>maybe it's true you just overreacted, you used to do a lot of dangerous stuff too in your life and got injured only rarely
>or are you just getting old in your head?
>isn't that a bit too soon for that in your 20's?
>nothing happened after all....
>...
>inside the building, it's just as you expected: mostly dark, almost empty, only some old stuff, some broken stuff and-... it's a bit smelly here as well
„Ugh, it's... in worse condition than I actualy expected."
>“It's perfect. So ugly you can't possibly make it worse!“
„What do you mean by- oh I see now."
>she's already smashing trough some half broken door like police into pedo's house
>then she's kicking around some old CRT computer screen that they left there
>she's basically destroying everything she can lay a hoof on and she's having a time of her life doing so
"Didn't know you had this kind of tendencies inside you." you'd walk up to her with a chuckle
>“Come on! Try it too.“ she yells with a laugh
>but you linger
"Someone might hear." 
>"Who cares? It's abandoned!"
>oh well, she's kinda right
>no one would hear in this weather and... it actualy looks like fun
>so you'd find yourself some half broken vase laying on a cracked work desk, just high enough for a good kick
>and you kick it with all your precision, sending it in pieces to the ground, where it shatters even further, accompanied with a loud noise
>it feels… somewhat nice
>being at it, you kick over the desk as well, flipping it over with even louder crash
>then turn over to Rainbow Dash,- who's watching you with expectation about what you're going to say
„I guess... this is the kind of fun I didn't see a vision of." you snicker and grin when you glance into her eyes
>"Exactly! You never know!"
>and you're grinning as you're picking up a brick to throw it against another CRT monitor
>“That's what I'm talking about!“ she grabs one as well and throws it against the same monitor
"Hey, hey. And watch this." you kick another piece of old hardware trough a hole in the ground
>you'd both run up to the hole and watch it shatter on the lower floor
>"Ha! Nice! But how many bricks do you think that door over can survive?" she snickers and picks one up
"Looks like we'll have to find out." you smirk, grabbing one as well
>and from then on, you unleash a carnage on the buildling, smashing, throwing, kicking and destroying things like hooligans, laughing and giggling all around
>it's taking you back to years when you were just a child
>only you and your friends, being brought together by some silly activity
>nothing else exists, but "now"
>and you haven't had this much fun with somebody in a long time...
>“This reminds me of when I was asked to destroy an old barn for my friend. Another friend of mine thought I'm doing it because I'm angry at her and was all: „Sit down, let's talk about it.“ By Celestia! Hahaha, what an egghead!“ she laughs while smashing a keyboard over a wall
>then she stops and frows with her head lowered
>„….But I really miss her. ....I miss all of them so much.“
>you'd stop too and for a few seconds, there's total silence
>just her, staring into the ground with a blank stare, while the wind outside softly howls
>you feel like you should say something, but before you open your mouth-
>“Screw it!.“ she angrily kicks the wall
>and you can swear you could hear a crack
>but not the kind of crack a wall would make...
>“Ow...Dammit!!!!!“ she falls down on her rump and looks at her leg, bent slightly the other way around
>she must have kicked it under a bad angle and too much strenght
>this is the first time you saw someone actualy  break their leg out of pure anger
>but it's not funny though
>at least not for you right now
„Holy shitfuck and tender beans! Are you kidding me!? Your leg is fucking broken!“
>“No, ow, it isn't, it doesn't hurt, I mean it's just in spasm, the muscles must be just shocked or something.“ she tries to hide the pain in her face with a very visibly forced smile
„Are you serious? Look at it! It's literaly bending the other way around! I have to take you to doctor!“
>“What? No way. I can put it back myself, then I just won't walk on it for some time. Look.“ she tries to fix the leg back to it's position but stops as soon as she touches it with her hoofs
>“Aaaargh! Ow, ow, ow, ow, for Celestia's sake that hurts!“
>she's starting to shake a little, realizing it's actualy serious 
>by that time you're already crouched next to her
„We gotta get you out of here. Can you walk on the other legs?"
>"Sure, just-just help me get up." she reaches her hoof to you
>but as soon as you try to pull her up, she starts collapsing to the front again
>of course you catch her, trying to keep her up on her three functional legs
>"My head's spinning! I -I don't think I can walk." she's quickly sitting down again "At least not yet, I just almost puked. S-so sorry for causing you even more trouble." 
"Shut up, I need to get you out of here. What if I'll carry you?" you're already lifting her up a little "Is that okay?"
>she just faintly nods in agreement, so you pick her all the way up like a bride, bringing her to the balcony you came here trough
"Hey hey, you're awake?" you're trying to nudge her head with yours to get her attention
>"I'm awake!... I just need a moment."
>by now you're finally at the balcony window again
>a cold, but fresh wind is blowing trough it, filling your lungs and breathing new life into the almost fainting pony in your hands
>since you've already moved away all the shards, you can step trough the window without having to lay her on the ground again, but then there's the ladder
"Now what? How do we get you down?"
>"Just give me a moment... I- I can make it down it's just..." she gulps, and breathes deeply in, trying to keep it together as good as she can "...I just need a little time and I can make it down. But the gap,.. between the ladder and the ground."
"I can catch you down there, you're not that heavy."
>"But! ...okay, okay that might work. Put me on the ground here. Just gimme a minute."
>so you'd carefuly lay her next to the ladder and watch over her while she's breathing as deep and rhytmic as she can
....
>"..Okay, I think I'm ready." she annonounces after a minute or two
"You're sure?"
>"Yes! Quickly."
>so you're climbing down first, checking above if she's not falling
>but luckily, she does make it down to the last step of the ladder using only three hooves, without tinging the broken one over anything
>"You're sure you can catch me?" she's yelling down at you
"Yes! Trust me!" you yell back while preparing yourself
>she'd look down first, cringing a little over the though of you not catching her, or catching her a wrong way
>but then she lets go, falling straight into your arms
"Ooof." you spring down a little to make the catch easier "...You okay?"
>and she nods, but in her expression, you can see it still might have hurt a little
>you wouldn't mention it, since she doesn't want to either and you're carrying her out of the area
>"What are we gonna do now?" she's clinging onto you in front of the gate in an open space
>the snow is falling now even harder, but at least the wind down here doesn't blow so fast anymore
"I gotta get you to the doctor of course."
>"What? No! No doctors, please!" she's looking you pleadingly in the eyes  with a genuinely scared expression
"You're kidding? What if it won't grow back correctly?"
>"Then it's my risk. C-c-can you try to put it back? I can't do it myself."
"Why don't you want to go to doctor?!"
>"I don't want any of the white robes to recognize me! Please just twist it back! We can harden it with some sticks."
"Forget about that, I don't like doctors either but-"
>"Then I'll do it myself!" she reaches to her leg, but wouldn't move it all the way because of the pain
>there's a tear in her eye, but she's still about to try again
"Stop doing that! You're only gonna hurt yourself more! God,.. okay I'll do it, but wait till we get home." you'd adjust her in your arms before you start running back to your house
>she wouldn't say anything the whole time from then on, only relax exhaustedly in your arms, silently watching the road
>luckily it isn't that far away, but you're still completely exhausted when you're back
>first thing you do is put her on the couch and run to the first aid kit for bandages and something to use as a splint
>soon you're back
"Are you sure you want ME to do this?"
>"Yes! There's only one bone, just snap it back."
"Okay I'll be counting to four." you kneel down next to the couch, grabbing her leg
>"And you're going to do that at "three"!?" she yells almost hystericaly
"What? No, I wasn't planning that." you look from the leg up at her face again
>"Yes you were! Why pick a four? I know that trick!"
"I was just trying to make it easier for you!"
>"But don't lie to me!"
"Then I'll do it now!" you snap it back
*a clank of bones*
>she'd look away with eyes tightly shut, clenching her teeth while a dampened squeal escapes her throat
>"Is- is it back?" she opens her eyes again
"Yes."
>"Good,.. good, thanks." she's checking it with a sigh of relief
"Now we gotta harden it." you'd put some sticks around it and start bandaging
>at this point she's just quietly watching the ceiling, trying not to think about what's happened
...
"It's done." you'd announce after few minutes
>"Phew." she checks out your work, then eyes at you "Thank you... for not taking me to the doctor."
"No problem,...but I'm sure it would have turned out better if we went there."
>"No, no this is fine, it's tight enough. I've seen it a few times..." she laughs a little painfully "......And,.. thank you so much for everything else too. Seriously.... I... should have trusted you sooner..."
"That's nothing." you're standing up with a smile, about to return the first aid kit
>but she stops you, grabbing your hand with her hoof
>"No, it's not. I cost you so much trouble already and now this. I promise I'll be gone tomorrow."
"That's like sending you to die or get caught again... Just-..." you sit down instead and lay the kit on the ground "You know what? Just stay here until it heals and you're capable of taking care of yourself, okay?"
>"But I'm already such a big bother..." she'd look guiltily away
"Maybe, maybe I'll have someone to talk to." you smirk and wave at her to make her glance at you again "Look, it won't kill, or ruin me, to let you stay some time longer. Seriously, no big deal."
>"...You know I really appreciate that. Not every human would give a damn..." she smiles at you faintly
"Don't even mention it,-"
>"-AND you have my word," she continues "that I'll be out of your life as soon as I'm capable of running, or flying."
>they way she says it sounds as if she considered herself to be a real burden to you
>but it's not how you feel
>if nothing else, past two days have been the most exciting ones in a long time
>...or maybe,.. is she just really eager to leave?
>that might be it
"...You'll have a world to explore then, eh?" you crack a smile
>"I guess. If.... If I couldn't make it back."
"Where is this "back" you're talking about though?"
>"In Equestria of course! That's my homeland." she smiles over the thought
"Equestria?" you're scratching your chin "Is that someplace over the sea? I never heard of it."
>"It's not here on your planet Anon..." she'd chuckle softly in amusement
"SO YOU'RE AN ALIEN!?" you blurt "Wooooah..... that sort of explains a lot... Where's your spaceship though? How did they capture you?"
>"I don't have one. I was dragged here trough a portal. Don't know if that counts being an alien." she grins bitterly "We ponies don't exactly travel trough space."
"I see. So, and um... do you have some clue about a way back?" you'd calm down again and sit comfortably next to her, so that you can conversate
>"I don't know. I don't remember that much. But since there was a way here, there must be a way back. And I hope to take as many of my kind with me if I find it."
"So you're planning a rebelion or something? Like in movies and games?" you chuckle over the cliché of your own thought and immediately go serious again
>"I don't know. I don't even know where to find a single one of us. It's just-... I really wish I could somehow fix this." she throws her front hoofs around helplessly
>...
"...So and what are the last things you remember about getting here?"
>"Well, my unicorn friend opened a portal here-..."
"Say what?! I though that humans invaded into YOUR world. Why did he even do that? "
>"It was she, her name is Twillight. -And sorry, I don't wanna talk about it."
"Come on, don't try to be mysterious. I thought we're past that." you chuckle  "...You didn't have any bad intentions, or did you?"
>"Of course we didn't." she looks at you shockedly, but not angrily "We had the best intentions. -Pinkie promise. But I won't answer any more."
"Okay then." you'd give up on asking, leaning into the couch next to her "..........but it's kinda funny, since you don't have a pinky finger."
>"What's a pinky finger?" she glimpses at you confusedly
"Well it's this finger." you point at your hand 
"That's why the saying about pinky promise, because you raise "the pinky" while you're swearing it... I think it means you cut it off if you break the promise?"
>"That's strange... I know it from a friend and it has a completely different meaning."
"Tell me." you'd adjust yourself on your seat with an excited smile, expecting a long story
>"Well she's pink, AND her name is Pinkie so that's where it comes from. It's probably her, swearing on her life, but other ponies sort of picked it up."
"..Huh, well, what a strange coincidence eh?"
>"Yeah..." she smiles faintly over it, then frowns, looking down on the ground, with the thought of her friends still in her head
>she looks almost the same as she did before she kicked the wall, but now the sadness isn't turning to any anger
>...it just stays
>right on her face
>...
>but before her eyes get watery, you'd start talking to distract her from that feeling creeping up on her
"If nothing else,.. at least we got a lot of time to figure how to get rid of that collar around your neck. I can imagine you'd want that off as soon as possible. What do you say we get to it now?"
>"Always gotta try finding something positive, right?" she looks up to you with a mixed feelings
>she's still holding back tears, but she's smiling as well
"Every coin has both of it's sides, good and bad..." you'd smile at her as warmly as you can, looking confidently in her eyes for a few seconds, because you mean it
>but when you do that, "it" happens again
>you can feel the sadness she feels, one that's ripping your heart out
>one that passes trough you like a cold shower on your back, making your eyes a little watery as well
>there's no use fighting it, can't even explain what is the reason, just a raw wave of emotion
>but once you've allowed it to pass, as if it dissapeared into thin air 
"I just want you to know,... there's no such thing as total darkness, till you carry your own light." you'd smile again, wiping your right eye
>she wouldn't say anything, but as if she found a courage in herself to agree, her smile somehow overpowers the tears
>for now
"...I'll just go get some of my stuff. I'll be right back, okay?" you'd then stand up
>while searching trough your tools, you're thinking about what just happened there, but you scrap all of it once you're back
"So, there must be some sort of weak spot on that thing." you'd move your hand closer to her neck "..Can I?"
>"Of course." she adjusts herself for you to have a better look at the collar
>so you'd gently grab it, inspecting how was it made, but it looks real sturdy
>pretty solid design, a fat leather, with a one piece of metal ring nailed around it
>on that metal ring is a box from some real hard and thick plastic with electronics, display and some buttons
"I suppose it's opening somehow inside that box." you tick on the box with a finger "But it's sturdy, might be even harder to break than the rest."
>"I can't even see it from here." she's trying to have a look at the collar curiously
"There." you hand her a small mirror from the toolbox "Figured you might want to have a look too."
>"Wow, thanks." she'd take it, trying to see her neck
"So, any suggestions where to start?"
>"Don't ask me. I have no idea."
"Hmmmm. I was thinking if maybe we could find some screws on it or gut the box trough the buttons. Or in the worse case, to try and either saw it, or heat it up a bit. But that's kinda risky."
>"Let's hope for the better scenario." she gives you a bit worried smile
"Yeah, let's try the buttons first." you take your plungers and grab one of the buttons "Hold steady." you'd tug with a force, but the plungers just slip
>so you hold it better this time and with a clank, the button goes out like a tooth
>but it doesn't really solve anything
>though, maybe there's some electric lock inside
>so you take a screwdriver and push it inside the box trough the hole
"Ha, there are some cables inside maybe if I- AAAAAAAH!"

>once you've torn one cable with the screwdriver, a swift electric surge goes trough your body, like getting zapped with a taser
>it makes you fall back, down on the ground with your butt
"Phew, sorry, that was dumb. Have you got shocked as well?" you're scratching your head
>but judging from her amused grin, she didn't
>"I think you might have rewired it." she laughs
"At least something." you chuckle back "But I'm not sure if this is gonna help anything... It looks like the screws are underneath it. Pressing on your neck." you slide a finger under the collar to check
>..
"Yup, there's... 4 of them. If we COULD turn it around and unscrew them, I would get inside the box and open it from there... But we can't. If only there wasn't that metal ring around. I wish they made cars as sturdy as this is."
>"...So,..what now?"
"The easiest way might be to simply saw it."
>"What?!" she widens her eyes
"I can't get to those screws and don't know about any other possibilities right now. Don't worry, it's gonna be fine." you're grabbing your saw for metal
>it's pretty sharp, you haven't been using that a lot lately
>"Oh." she gulps, watching the blade
"And it's gonna be pretty safe too. It'll probably just take a while. I don't want to rush it and cut you."
>"Take your time, please." she says, trying to sound like she's calm about it, even though she clearly isn't
>but you know what you're doing
"Okay, let's get to it." you smile "Could you bend your head down?"
>"Um, sure. Why."
"I'll have a better angle like that."
>"Okay." she carefuly lays on her belly, head resting over her front hooves 
>in the meanwhile, you get yourself a chair and put it next to her, slowly starting to work on the collar
>there's enough space for you to saw it without cutting her, but it takes time
>you're still very careful with every move, wouldn't want to hurt her even more after what she's been trough
>and after good 10 minutes,  you can feel you're finishing
>the ring is still pinned to the leather underneath, but the leather can be easily cut and then you can bend it open
"It's done."
>"Is it?"
"Not completely, I finished the sawing. But it's gonna be easy from here."
>"Nice! Can I help?" she instinctively tries to have a look over her shoulder
"Just hold still." you'd automaticaly, without full realization, pet her head, just like you would a dog
>that wasn't very appropriate
>but she probably didn't notice...
>anyway, now you're carefully cutting the leather strip to put both of your hands underneath the collar
"Now hold extra still please."
>with a loud "Hhhaaargh!" you pull the collar open, bending the ring and slide it right off her neck
>revealing that her skin underneath it, is pretty sore 
>you didn't even think about that before, but it must have been so irritating and maybe even painful to wear it all that time
"Oh. But that's-..."
>"It's gone! Yes! YES!" she rolls back, trying not to hurt her leg in the process
>and before you know it, she's spontaneously hugging you, not really giving time to react
>it comes out as a total shock, because you're not used to a lot of close physical contact
>it feels straight up weird at first, since you can't even remember the last time getting hugged by anyone
>but you'd still a little clumsily put own arms around her as well, trying to make it a little less awkward
>and it feel surprisingly.... good
>like, a real good
>her fur is mostly short, but really soft and very pleasant to touch, almost like some sort of kashmere
>but it's actualy longer at some places, for instance, you can feel a big "fluff" from her chest that's now being pressed against yours
>but the fur isn't the only soft thing about her, hew whole body feels... different than anything else you've ever touched
>closest association that you can think of, is when you're tripping on mushrooms, touching something you know that should be firm but it's still somehow "squishy" in your head
>the warming hug lasts for a few seconds, no longer than ten, but it felt a lot longer because of how strange and new sensation that was
>"I swear I will repay all of this someday." she smiles heartily with a little glitter in her eyes when letting go
"...That's fine, you don't have to. I beleive in karma." you smile back a bit dazedly
>wait, what did you say?
>"But I will. Promise." she insists, then thinks about the second thing you said "...What's karma though?"
"Yeah, I realized too late it would be a stupid thing to say." you scratch the back of your head
>"Why?"
"Because you can't possibly know what karma is."
>"Well, tell me." she smiles
"In short...It's like a universal law, that every action, good or bad, will eventualy be repayed to you in the same manner. In this life or the next one."
>"...That actualy works here?"
"I'd like to beleive it works. But there's no proof for others. Not a lot of people beleive it enough to actualy stop doing things they wouldn't want to happen to them. Of course sometimes I slip too but,.."
>"So... what made you beleive it?"
"Many things. I-.. it just makes sense to me. I got more reasons than one. But it makes me feel like there's an actual reason to do good, that we weren't put here just to hurt each other. If you know what I mean..."
>"I guess I do..." she looks down, thinking further about what you said "...But would that mean that everything bad that happens to us is... deserved?"
"Well,..... yeah. I try to think of that when I go trough hard times. Because feeling like a victim always made it all hurt more."
>"That's so harsh..." she frowns at first "...but also a bit calming... I..... don't know what to think of it."
"If it doesn't resonate with you, you don't have to think about it at all."
>"No, it's... it's okay..." she lays her head on the couch pensively
>accidentaly, she looks you in the eyes for a split second, making a shy smile, then looks awkwardly in other direction
>"...If that's true, I must have done a lot of both bad and good things in the past. Because I keep getting lucky in misfortunes." she puts her hooves together, gazing at them as if she was searching for some kind of answer there
>but after a few short seconds, she'd lay them down with a yawn
"...Are you sleepy?"
>"Maybe just a bit tired. But you must be a lot more than I am."
"No I'm actualy pretty fine." you smile "You should definitely rest with that leg. Also, your neck looks kinda painful too."
>"This?" she points the tip of her hoof at the collar mark and smiles, trying to look as carefree as possible "That's nothing. It just itches a bit now. I'm sure it's gonna be gone super soon."
"I might even have some oitment for it. ...Um and, if you get bored, I can leave you here some books too. If you want." 
>"That would be really kind of you, thanks." she smiles warmly
"No probs, I'll bring it right over. Because then I'll go shopping for some food."
>"No rush, it can wait. I'll probably go to sleep now anyway. Go buy the things first."
"Well,... in that case, see you later." you smile
>now comes the part where you'd usualy either do a bye bye handshake or something like that
>"Yeah, see you Anon." she raises hoof to do a gentle salute
>but at the same time, you'd pretty much automaticaly pet her again
>now that was really awkward
"Sorry, bad habit. I didn't mean to do that. ...My family used to have a lot of dogs, so..."
>"That's fine." she smiles and scratches her head at the spot where you've touched her softly enough to make that place itch
>so you'd smile a little more awkwardly and walk away, about to put on your clothes again
>most of it is still on you, just gotta grab a hoodie, a coat, some backpack and you're outside
>fast forward about 2 or 3 hours, you're back
>the collar is still laying on the ground where you left it and the cyan pony is sleeping
>it's about 3:30 pm, but in winter it means that it's gonna be dark in less than an hour
>maybe she'll sleep till morning
>your eyes shift back to the collar, you should do something with it
>so you fill a bucket with water and soap and throw it inside to make sure it's done for
>you can hear a bit of a buzzing as the collar short circuits
>then you pour all of it out, throw the broken collar in the bin, store all the stuff you bought and sit by the pc
"I forgot about the books." you realize while clicking on a videogame's icon "Well,.. it can wait a bit."
>you'd spend the rest of the day surfing or playing vidya and go to sleep pretty early too
>but when you're about to lay down on your bed, your eyes slide to the bookshelf
>you remember once again about what you've promised
>a few seconds of thinking whether you should leave it for tomorrow or not is ended with you, grabbing a few of your favourite books and bringing them to the living room
>oh yes, and the ointment, you remember
>you have stashed some herbal, skin healing one somewhere...
>after rustling trough some stuff in the bathroom, you've found it, so you put it next to the books
>and now it's finally time for bed
>today WAS a bit more full of action that your usual days are, so in the end, you are pretty tired
>but also glad you handled the all the situations well enough
>both the leg and the collar
>so you have a right to be glad about yourself
>thought, there's something else too
...
...
>you used to feel sort of lonely in your house, especialy during winters
>not sure what you'll do when she leaves, maybe loneliness won't be your thing anymore
...
>that's it! you gonna get yourself a puppy! A big huggable woofer
>maybe that's all you've missed, some company - of any kind
>with this warm feeling, you'd fall asleep almost instanly


Chapter Three: Something Familiar

>you awaken in the middle of your sleep
>there was something happening in your dream
>but you sure as heck cant remember what exactly was it
>something about... bicycles and stuff?
>but that's not what's on your mind right now
>your throat is dry, you gotta drink something
>but there's nothing to sate your thirst around, so you'd have to get up from the bed if you want some hydration that bad
>for a minute, you're wondering whether is it worth it or not
>maybe you'll just fall asleep again with a dry throat...?
>but on the other hand...
>aw, heck, let's go Anon
>while at it, you'd check the time
>it's 5:20, almost morning
>if you were to go to work, you would be awake by now anyway
>whatever, you'll just get some water and go back to sleep
>but opening the door to living room reveals a light from shining bedlamp, illuminating the living room
>seems that you're not the only one up
>the pony is laying in her couch and reading one of the books you left her there
>"Oh, hi Anon. Good morning." she notices you and smiles softly, but warmly enough, while closing the book
>you'd raise your hand to wave and yawn before speaking
"Good morning Dash. Although, I'm not really sure it's morning yet."
>"Sure is for me." she grins "I slept more than enough... Thanks for the books by the way."
"You're welcome. How long you're up?" you've already walked over to the sink, pouring some water into a glass
>"Not that long. I just picked a book and started reading it's first few pages."
"-And what book did you pick?" you'd take a few big gulps
>"This one. Fellowship of the ring."
"Really?" you're quickly putting the glass down back down with growing interest "How did you choose that one?"
>"I opened a random page and read a bit of it. Also, I saw this map inside and thought it was kinda neat." she picks the map up to show you
"That's my favourite book! The whole trilogy, I mean. It's genial, if you ask me." you come alive suddenly, walking few steps towards her with growing interest "At which part you are?"
>"Still in prologue. But I like it so far..." she pauses, thinking for a second "...Care to join?"
"Oh well, I really sh-...... or......maybe,.. yes." you stutter indecisively "I mean, yeah, why not!? It's quite a time since I read it." 
>she'd just smile and move to the left, making you some space on the unfolded couch
>it feels a little strange come with her under one blanket, but... you're here for the book
>so you'd lie next to her and make yourself comfortable while keeping a few centimeters of space between you
>"All set?"
"Yup."
>"Alright,.." she grins at the book and starts reading with her rapsy voice "Concerning hobbits... I already read that, mind if I skip it?"
"No problem with that. And we can switch with reading after a few pages." you'd eye at her "To keep us both awake."
>"Sounds nice." she eyes back at you friendlily, then back at the book
>"Chapter one. -Long expected party."
>and so she reads until you'd switch and so on
>troughout the reading, sometimes you're explaining backstories or details regarding some characters and places, but only when she asks you about something
>having read all of that, including silmarilion, it's so cool to talk about it with someone who's genuinely interested
>after what seems like an hour, you've somewhat forgot about keeping the personal space and you're already lazily leaning on each other
>normaly, you're a little affraid of intimacy, but with her, being covered in fur, it doesn't really feel that weird for some reason
>but when the sun starts slowly rising, it's starting to turn that sleepy, cozy atmosphere of your dark room, iluminated only by a bedlamp,.. into a usual, foggy, grey morning
>in a way, it feels like morning after not sleeping at all
>you're not tired, but it has this strange kind of atmosphere
>so you'd slide your eyes on the clock, seeing it's 8:30 am already
>woah
>that also reminds you that you're a little hungry as you usualy would be in the morning
>so you'd finish the page
"Can we have a little pause? Just to get something to eat?" you're putting the opened book down on your chest
>"Oh sure, I'll wait... Or maybe one more page?" she eyes at you
"Or how about we finish this chapter and then have a breakfast?"
>"That sounds okays." she'd grab the book from your hands, giving you a slight grin before she continues reading
>after like 10 minutes, you're finishing the chapter
...
"And that's it. How do you like it so far?" you're closing the book for her with a booknote in it
>"I love it! Can't wait to see how's it gonna continue. It's really immersive."
"Sure is. And even on second or third read, you can find something new there." you chuckle and slowly lean up from the backrest, then stretch your upper body 
"W-what-" you're try to speak but get interrupted by your own yawn "-What do you want for breakfast?"
>"Me? Oh that's fine." she supresses her own yawn and carelessly shrugs her right hoof "You don't have to bother yourself."
"Come on I said WE'll have breakfast. I wouldn't let you starve while I eat." you smirk
>"Well,.." her stomach gurgles a bit when she thinks about food "...alright then. I'll have whatever you're having."
"Cereal it is then."
>"Oh nice. I haven't had that since foalgarden."
"What? That long? -Oh wait, I see, you're like 5 years old are you? -Because you're partly a horse?... -sorry if that came out wrong."
>"Pff, what? Seriously?" she covers her mouth, trying to suppress a laugh "You thought I'm that young? If I was 5, I'd STILL be in a foalgarden."
"Sorry... So how old are you really?" you chuckle
>"I'm 25." she snickers
"Say what? You're actualy older than me? AND you've been avoiding cereal for like... 20 years?" you'd widen your eyes with a surprised laugh "I don't know what's more shocking to me right now." 
>"So you're 24? Or less?" she's nudging your shoulder with an amused grin
"Yes 23, actualy... Now that's funny. I though you would be in puberty or something." you chuckle
>"Yeah, probably should have cleared that sooner" she chuckles back, pausing for a few seconds "..... And why did you think I'm in puberty though?"
"Well,.. mostly because of your voice. I thought it's a little raspy because it's not yet, uhh... settled?" 
>"Oh well, that's my normal voice." she scratches her head with a little embarassed grin "......Though, it's not really common among my kind either. Other mares usualy have a lot... softer voices."
"But it feels pretty unique,... I think I even kinda like the tone." 
>"You're just saying that." she chuckles
"No, I really meant that..." 
>"That's nice of you to say that..." her cheeks go a bit red even underneath that skyblue fur
>....but this is starting to feel like borderline flirting, so you'd rather change the subject
>that would be like,.. real weird, right?
"No probs..." you grin "...And what about your size, do you ponies stay like that?"
>"Yeah, we don't grow any more. How big would you like us to be?" she chuckles
"But you're tiny!" you laugh
>"Get outta here!" she's laughing back "It's only cause I walk on four. If I could stand on my rear hooves all the time I'd be almost as tall as you are."
"Almost, but not quite." you grin "But speaking of standing, I bought something yesterday. Remind me about it after breakfast."
>"...What is it about?"
"I got you a proper gypsum splint. We soak it in water and roll around your leg. It's gonna be a whole lot better than these bandages and sticks."
>"You shouldn't have... I don't wanna cost you more troubles. Seriously."
"It wasn't expensive. I saw it in reduced price and decided it must be fate." you smile humbly
>"But I'm not exactly doing in return. I don't think I deserve to be cared about like that."
"Karma, remember?" you'd raise an index finger, eyeing up for a split second with a little smile "Maybe you do, but you don't remember why."
>"Welp,. I guess, but it still feels like I should be doing something. ...-I'll clean this house for you when I learn to limp effectively enough."
"If you get bored, feel free to. Just don't overlimp yourself." you'd smirk and finally stand up from the bed to get the two bowls for cereals
>in the meanwhile, she moves herself on three legs from the bed to the table, where you've just put them
"Enjoy." you're handing her a spoon, box of cereal and a box of milk
>"You too."
>when you've both had enough lööps, you'd run off to bring the splint
>and by the time you're back, she's back in the couch
>knowing what's gonna happen, she's presenting the leg for you, slighty raising it up so you can put the towel you brought under it
>wouldn't want to stain the couch with a gypsum
>given she's basically naked, this feels somewhat wrong
>you can see practicaly everything from here
>what she said about dogs wearing pants clicks trough your head when you're seeing her like that
>and logicaly she might be even right, it shouldn't feel uncomfortable, but it does
"Hey, there's one more thing..." you'd stand up, running off for a second into your room
>returning with a pair of your biggest shorts
"Please put at least something on. This feels real weird."
>"What? No way, that looks pretty damn uncomfortable to wear." she's having a look, trying to stretch them between her hooves
>she's kinda right though,... in comparison to her thighs and buttocks, they would fit her real poorly
"Then at least put them on until I finish that.... Or cover yourself with your tail."
>"Okay. I'm going for the second option." she'd throw the shorts back at you and slides her tail trough her legs, laying it on her belly while covering her ladyparts
>guess that'll do
>so you bring a chair now, starting to undo the old bandages
"...Why do you always insist on being completely naked though?" you'd eye away from the leg, up onto her face
>"Not always. I have a few pieces of clothing back home too, but I wear them only rarely. It just feels natural not to wear anything."
"But why not at least cover your "thing"?"
>"Because it's also natural... and comfortable. And our tails cover it for most of the time. Other ponies aren't so weirded out about it like you are." she says so knowledgeably and confidently, it makes you feel like you're the one who's really wrong
>nonetheless...
"I guess, it's kind of a good point.... But this is Earth, not Equestria. We have different manners." you'd end the conversation and silently get to moistening the new, gypsum covered bandages
>she's equaly queitly watching you work on it when:
>"...Are you really so angry about it?"
"What? No I'm not angry, just-... forget it. -Anyway, the splint is almost done." you'd do the last few rollings
"Now it just needs some time to harden. It might take even a whole day or more to dry completely. So don't really step on it just yet."
>"Nice." she's vieweing her leg from all angles, then smiles excitedly upon finding no flaws "Thanks Anon!"
"No probs... Do you wanna return to the book now?"
>"Of course! I can't wait! Give it here."
>so you'd hand her the book with a grin and lie next to her, just like you did before
>soon it's almost 1pm, so you whip out 2 packets of vegetarian chillin sin carne you bought yesterday, heat it in a pan, eat it together and go back to reading
>and eventualy, you'd finish the whole book before 6 pm
>it almost feels like the whole day slipped trough your fingers
>but you wouldn't want it any other way, because even though you almost didn't move from the couch, you had a tons of fun
>"The end... That was SOOOO awesome! But poor Gandalf...and Boromir. I though Gandalf would stay there trough entire series." she frowns sadly, then looks up to you with a spark in her eyes "...And what happens next? Do you have the other two books?"
"Sure I do. I can bring them, but I'm a little bit tired of reading now. You can start without me if you want to, I might join you tomorrow."
>"I think... I'd rather wait for you with that. I can read something else in the meanwhile." she smiles
"Hey, that's awfuly nice of you."
>"I was always reading alone, but it's a lot of fun with somepony else! I think it might lose it's "magic" if I started without you." she simpers humbly, then blushes a little "To be honest, I didn't read a lot of books in my life. My whole youth - not a single one. Used to think it's all for eggheads."
"So, when and what made you change your mind then?" you'd adjust yourself to see better at her
>"I think I was about 17 or 18. Was in a pony hospital with a broken wing, bored to death, and by chance, one of my friends brought me a book which I fell in love with it."
"And what was the book about?"
 >"Basicaly, it was an adventure story about a pegasus mare, exploring old ruins, solving puzzles and fighting bad guys. But guess what?!" she inhales excitedly with a little squee "Later on I found out that she's real and all of it actualy happened! It was only pretending to be a fiction!"
"Wow, for real?"
>"Yes! I wanted to be just like her and it was so awesome to actualy meet her in person! She's so amazing: once she broke her wing and couldn't fly but she still managed to escape from a collapsing temple!.." she raises her front hooves dramaticaly and smiles so widely as if she was seeing it right in front of herself ".............But I'd have to show you the book with all the details and buildup, I know it doesn't sound that awesome when I'm just telling you about it..."
"Well, it has to be something if it hooked you up on reading overall." you'd nudge her shoulder with yours "...And you said you were in a hospital with broken wing?"
>"Yeah,. funny, now that I think about it. It feels as if there was some kind of pattern in life sometimes huh? Does that ever happen to you?"
"It does, sometimes. But it's not always easy to notice."
>"Tell me about it,... I couldn't think of anything else right now, even if you threatened to kill me, but could still swear things like that keep happening." she laughs
"Yeah, exactly." you'd grin back "...But I was wondering, what is Equestria like? And what did you do there?"
>"Equestria? Well, it was SO amazing there." she's now making a circle with her hooves "I used to live in a cloudhouse above a village of Ponyville,-"
"Wait. Cloudhouse?" you stop her "Like, made of actual clouds?"
>"Yes! I know right?! Can you imagine?" her eyes sparkle with even more excitement
"Hardly, to be honest." you'd scratch your head "It sounds amazing, but how do you make a house out of clouds?"
>"We pegasi can walk on clouds. Somehow we just do it. Other ponies like earths or unicorns can't, but we can shape them, move them,... all kinds of things."
"Woah, and you're not just making fun of me right now?"
>"Of course not, is it so hard to beleive?"
"Sort of. I've never hear of something so incredible. If you really are serious..." you'd look up, trying to imagine and actualy visualize such life "...Oh that must have been SO cool."
>"Sure it was." she grins under her hoof "And I'd just fly all day. It used to be my main job at some point of life, to manipulate the weather. Then I joined an aerobatic team. But working with clouds was always my speciality."
"That's amazing. ...But do you think our clouds here work the same?"
>"I don't know. I never flew here." she raises one of her clipped wings ".......I really miss flying."
"I can imagine, it must be horrible when someone takes something this important from you....... My whole life, I've secrectly wished for being able to fly."
>"You have?"
"Of course! Just to spread my wings, flap them see the ground shrinking. All the different perspectives! Actualy soaring trought the wind like swimming in water!" you'd close your eyes and raise your hands while mimicking it, then glance at her again "...Isn't that the best thing ever?"
>"It is... I mean, maybe. I loved flying and still do, dedicated most of my life to it..." she looks a little blankly somewhere else, but then smiles while glancing back at you "But sometimes, you can have just as much fun on the ground."
"I guess..." you'd grin a bit forcefuly, because you're having a hard time beleiving it "I never did fly for real, just in my dreams, so I can't really tell."
>"Oh, but you will!" she lightens up suddenly
"What do you mean?"
>"When all my feathers grow back and my legs heals, I'll take you with me on a flight!"
"Aren't you a little too small to lift me?" you chuckle "I mean, it's really kind of you, but I'll be too heavy."
>"Nonsense, I could pick up two earth ponies and still fly. And beleive me, they are heavy. You're talking to the best flyer in Equestria." she pats her chest proudly, then smirks "...Or at least the best I know of."
"Well, in that case I accept your offer Mrs. Rainbow!" you say jokingly and raise your fist as for a fistbump
>which she understands, bumping you back with her hoof
"...Funny, I don't know almost anything about you, or your home."
>"Well I didn't think you'd honestly care." she chuckles
"Of course I do. Entirely different new planet? That sounds amazing! You gotta tell me more."
>"What else you'd like to know then?"
"I don't know where to start..." you'd look outside the window for an inspiration "...How do your cities look like, for instance?"
>she thoughtfuly puts her hoof under her chin, scratching herself a few times
>"...That's hard to categorize. Most of them look kinda unique from each other. There's Canterlot, where princesses Celestia and Luna live. And it's hanging on a mountain! Everything is so...so... fairytale and picturesque! That is the right word I think. ...But there are also cities like Manehattan,.. which now that I think of it, look a bit like human cities. It's concrete and stuff, but not as ugly as this one."
"Manehattan? There's a city called Mannhattan here. Do you think it's a coincidence?"
>"I don't know. But it's odd, isn't it?."
"Yeah. -And what about the princesses you talked about? Are those your rulers? Are they ponies too?"
>"They are alicorns! They can both fly and use magic." she's raising her wings and drawing a long horn on her forehead
"I see. And what are they like? Do they care about their people- I mean ponies?"
>"Of course. Celestia raises the sun for us, and her younger sister Luna raises the moon."
"Wait, what? How do you raise a sun or moon? Sun stands still and the planet rotates around it."
>"I don't know, I'm not a study type. But she does it! There were times when she wasn't around and it was just dark."
"What happened back then?"
>"A long story... We had numerous invasions or attempts to destroy our harmony, but we eluded all of them."
"Whoa, wait, invasions? I was thinking of how peaceful and magical the land is. So you're in a war?"
>"No, no it's just that sometimes big things happen out of nowhere. Like a demigod awakening from his stone prison and collapsing almost whole reality. Yeah, that happened... But we took care of him."
"How do you kill a demigod?"
>"We didn't kill him. We befriended him." she smiles "To be specific,.. Fluttershy, my friend did."
"And you seriously weren't just making anything of it up the whole time?"
>"Of course not! Why would I?"
"Because it all sounds like out of some fantasy book. It's so weird and awesome." you're smiling excitedly "And you really live in a place like that?"
>"Lived..." she lowers her head down "Maybe I just wasn't grateful enough when I had the chance..."
"Hey,.." you'd place your hand on her shoulder "it was you, who said there must be a way back. And I trust that if someone was to find it, it will be you. Chin up."
>she'd look at you with her big magenta colored irises and you can see how she's struggling to at least fake a smile, but her eyes are already getting all watery
>maybe she doesn't really beleive what she said back then
>right now, her mouth is pouting as if she wanted to say something
>but she wouldn't, she looks away and you can see her face scrunching and cringing before-
>"It's all my fault!" she burst into a cry, sobbing uncontrollably "I thought I was the only one until now, but you saw it yourself! Three hundred sixty nine! Ponyville is gone!" 
"Don't be so harsh on yourself. It's not your fault..." you'd shake her gently with your palm still on her shoulder, trying to calm her down
>"You have no idea." she snivels "It was me who found him and brough him to Twillight to open the portal... Because I promised HIM to get him home!"
"What are you talking about?"
>she turns back at you, eyes all red from crying and her cheeks all soaked with tears
>she's desperately trying to hold it back so that she could at least speak, but she's still sobbing between words
>"A human. In Equestria. He was wearing that green uniform and said he just wants to go home! I though he was cool and I was so stupid to trust him! But when we opened the portal to that place he told us to, he turned on us!"
>out of nowhere she buries her face in your chest and continues crying even louder and forlorn
>never had anyone spill their heart out on you like that, but you'd still silently pull her closer and embrace her in a tight hug
>that's the least you can for her now
"Shhh, easy there." you're tenderly stroking her mane with one hand "...You only wanted to help. It isn't your fault. Please,.. don't torture yourself because of it."
>"Anon," she sobs into your shirt again with a shaking voice, then pleadingly looks up, straight into your eyes and- "...you're not going to betray me, aren't you? P-please, tell me I can I trust you..."
>the look in those big, magenta eyes is so hauntingly desperate and artless...
>how could you possibly even consider doing harm to this creature?
"Of course you can always trust me." you'd hug her even tighter and close your eyes, that are now filled with tears as well "I promise... Pinkie promise."
>leaning your head onto hers at first, she actualy slides back down on your chest
>and tears, that you saw her so many times hold back, are now all slowly soaking trough your t shirt
"...I'm with you. Everything will be alright." you're gently rocking her in your arms, but there's no point in trying to make her stop
>all of this needs to be let out, for all the times she had to keep it in
>and she continues crying on and on
>it could as well be for almost half an hour
>you'd stay with her, not letting go, until her weeping turns into mere quiet snivels
>and you're gently stroking her mane until she calms down completely, so that you're only hearing her heavy breaths and a pulse of her beating heart
"...Are you ok now, Dash?" you'd ask then 
>"I...feel a little better now..."
"Good. Relax now... Can you promise me something too?" you're fondling her cheek, trying to make her look up at you
>"W-what is it?" she wipes her nose, using her hoof
"Don't ever blame yourself for things like that again. Okay?"
>"But..." her head keeps dodging you
>but you'd softly raise her chin in your direction so that she really hears what you're about to tell her, waiting for her to look you in directly the eyes
"...Things may not always go as planned. But important is, what you feel inside. You didn't want to hurt anybody, did you?"
>"I didn't..."
"Then you don't need to blame yourself for that. You wouldn't do that if you knew what was gonna happen. Wouldn't you?"
>"No..."
"See? So can you forgive yourself?"
>"...M-maybe.." she sobs "I'll try....."
"That's my girl. Come here." you'd hug her tenderly with a smile on your face
>funny, a few days ago, never would you beleive it that you'll be comforting a lonely blue alien
>one that... you, strangely enough, really care about
>not only because she needs it, but because you want to
>and despite knowing her so shortly,.. you already consider her a dear friend
>so it doesn't feel strange or awkward at all
...
>eventualy, you'd let go from the hug again, but keeping your hands on her shoulders
"Look, you're strong and I'm sure everything will turn out alright. Didn't you say there have been multiple invasions or even a demigod attack? I'm sure it wasn't easy back then too."
>"Y-You're right. And everytime we made it. Somehow..." she's still wiping her eyes
"See? There's nothing as pitch black." you're now slowly sliding your hands from her shoulders back to yourself "Only shadows. But where's shadow, there's light. And if your Princess can raise the sun, maybe she can rescue the other ponies too."
>"Thanks,.." she snivels for the last time and lets go of you completely "...for beleiving, and for being here. I really needed it..."
"Don't mention it. I think I'm just doing my part in the universe's plan."
>"Universe's plan? ...What do you mean, like the universe out there?"
"...Yeah, pretty much. I believe the whole thing is a one consciousness, fully aware of itself and all of us living in it. And wants everyone to thrive."
>"....Then why doesn't it ever do anything?"
"I think it already did. It could have been it's mercy that you've happened to escape and wound up here of all places. Some things happen so miraculously, it's hard to consider them a coincidence."
>"If you put it that way... ,but it could have warned me not let this happen, in the first place."
"...Maybe it was just bound to be?" you'd shrug your shoulders cautiously, wouldn't want to hit her soft spot with what you're saying "Some things we can't avoid, because they might be pre-dictated."
>but surprisingly enough, she remains calm about it
>"...With karma, you mean? Even if I was to accept that, then what did others do to deserve this?"
"I-... don't know. Look I'm not trying to convince you into thinking like I do. It's just... sorry if this is uncomfortable."
>"No I,.. I'd just like to have at least some sort of explanation of things I can believe. Because nothing hurts more than being so confused."
"I understand... I was too, at my lowest point when I begin to search for answers of this type.... But I think you're really wise."
>"Wise? Me of all ponies?" she laughs with pure sincerement "What makes you think that?"
"Because of how you managed to overcome all this. And look at you, all smily now." you're grinning with her "That's wisdom and a lot of inner strenght."
>and really, her eyes may be still red from all the crying and her cheeks wet from tears, but in her smile, there's freedom now
>"Maybe you just know how to work with me." she nudges you, but she's still smiling
"Maybe I played a part, but the deciding is always here." you put your hand on her chest, right on her heart, then on her forehead "And also here. -If your heart was broken for good and your mind empty, I'd be here for nothing."
>and from her expression you can tell, this may be something she'll remember
"...........But now, I imagine you must be hungry. Because sure as heck I am." you laugh when the little "moment" ends
>"You're kinda right..." 
"You know what? Let's get pizza!"
>"Pizza?" she's eyeing at you curiously
"You don't know what's pizza?"
>"No, what is it? Something special?" her curiosity rises ever further
"Sort of." you chuckle "All the people may have different ideas about literaly everything, but most of them love pizza every now and then. Lemme get my phone." you'd stand up and start dialing
>"What is it lik-"
"Hello! Can I have one spinachi and one quatro formaggi?... Yes, that's correct adress. Thank you very much miss. Bye bye."
>and you hang up the phone
"Sorry for interrupting, -it's like a... salty dough with mashed tomatoes, basil and something of your choice. You'll see in half an hour." you grin
>and truly, in half an hour, there's a knocking on your door
>you both would come closer and you're opening with a wallet in your hand
>there's a kid about 16 years old with a pizzeria logo on his winter hat, carrying two boxes
>>"Good evening sir! Here's spinachi and quatro formaggi for Mr.- hey what is that strange animal?" the pizza guy interrupts himself when he notices Rainbow Dash, standing on three legs behind you
>"Hey you I'm no animal!" she defends herself immediately and if she was able, she might have even already been after him
>>"Yikes! You talk!" 
"Yes, she's a pony." you'd step between them "And she was quite expensive. But I'd appreciate if you didn't tell anyone about her or at least not mention my adress, wouldn't want to raise a fuss. And keep the change please." and you're giving him the money
>>"I won't,..mention the adress. Thank you mister."
"You're welcome." you close the door
"Now, let's get to eating!"
>"Show me!"
>so you'd open the upper pizza box, revealing to her a tasty looking spinachi pizza
"Ta-Dah! Yea, it's just food but I never get tired of it. Have a slice."
>"It smells nice." she's taking one slice to have a bite "And tastes even better! This is great!"
"I'm glad you like it." you're sitting down with it to the table
>she sits too, while already stuffing her mouthful with another slice
>it's almost funny watching her, she was always pretty modest in front of you, as far as food goes
>maybe she didn't trust you enough before to open up like that, or she just really likes it
>who knows
>but it somewhat warms your heart anyway
>you're finishing your slice while she finishes her second
"Try the second one too." you'd open the second box with a chuckle
>"Why thank you!" 
>and so it continues, until there's only about half a pizza left
>"You want the rest?"
"Nah, I'm fine. You can have it."
>"Well, as good as it is, I may have reached my limit." she's patting her stuffed belly and accidentaly let's out a loud burp at the end of her sentence
>"...Sorry."
"I don't mind." you'd burp a little more reservedly under your hand with a laugh "It's not healthy to hold it."
>then glimpse at the rest of pizza with a little grin
"But I think I had enough as well. We can just leave it for later. It's better when it's hot, but cold one isn't bad either." 
>and you'd stand up to put the box in the fridge
>while at it, you also check the time
>it's 8:36 pm
"How the time flies eh?"
>"Why do you check it so often?"
"I don't know. A bit of a habit. It's just that I should go to sleep around 10 pm."
>"Why so specific time?"
"I'm working tomorrow. Gotta get enough sleep, because I'm supposed to be there at 6:00 am."
>"What? Why so early? It's still dark by that time."
"I know. I'm really not glad about it either."
>"And what happens if you don't go?" she twitches her left ear curiously
"Well, I either get fired or taxed."
>"But if you get fired, you can work somewhere else, no? Somewhere better?"
"I can, but I don't know where. It's not like there is no work at all. But all I've tried felt kind of... same you know? In a way. Same working times. Similiar pays. Just different things to deal with. Where I work now, it's... okay, at least. People there are pretty friendly and,..." you wouldn't finish
>"...But you don't enjoy it, do you?" she's reading you like an open book
"I don't. But I need the money to pay the bills and buy food. I still got some reserves, but can't live from those forever."
>"Sorry."
"That's fine. Most folk are like that. Maybe one day I find something I'll be passionate about..." you smile "...Did you like being an aerobat?"
>"I loved it. That's why I was surprised people would do something they don't like. Ponies do what their talent is and they naturaly enjoy it." she points at her flank
"I was curious about that picture, but I wasn't sure if it wasn't something rude to ask. What does it mean?"
>"Rude?" she laughs, banging the table "That's everypony's pride. We get our cutiemarks when we find our talent."
"Cutie marks? That sounds funny, but kind of adorable. How long are these being used?"
>"What do you mean?" she tilts her head in confused curiosity
"Well, someone invented it, no? Painting a symbols of talent on your bodies?"
>"No. It's just the way we are. It's not a paint. It appeared on my flank when I did my first sonic rainboom."
"It appears just like that? With no one intervening?"
>"Yes. That's the way it goes." she smirks
"Can I have a look?"
>"Sure."
>so you'd slide your chair closer and drag your finger across her flank back and forth, trying to have a closer look
>"That tickles!"
"Sorry."
>"Don't apologize for tickling, Anon." she laughs, on which you return her a chuckle
"So it looks like it's on your skin and fur, both? Like a pattern on a cat? Wow, that's seriously neat. And how long does it grow?"
>"It literally just appears in a moment."
"That's like magic! I mean, it probably IS magic. Not that uncommon in Equestria eh?"
>"Yup."
"And what's that sonic rainboom you mentioned?"
>"I call it like that. It happened when I flew so fast the air exploded into a giant rainbow circle!" she excitedly draws an invisible explosion "I did it couple times more since that. Twillight would have some scientific explanation on it if she was here."
"A giant rainbow circle?"
>"And it spreads all across the sky with a big boom!" she continues gesturing "That's why "Sonic Rainboom""
 "After what you said, I probably shouldn't be surprised, but that still sounds unbeleivably awesome."
>"I know right?" she squees excitedly with her hooves covering her mouth "I'll have to show you one day when my feathers grow back... If it works here too. I hope it does."
"Me too." you smile "But I won't take your word for it. I don't want you to push yourself too hard or get in trouble because of it."
>"If I can pull it off, I can fly away from all the trouble." she laughs "Don't worry about that."
"Alright, jet pilot." you laugh back
>"...What's a jet, Anon?"
"Something really fast. But also kind of.. devastating. Nevermind,.. forget that."
>"It is an animal?"
"No, it's a machine. A military one, sadly. But here on earth it's taken like a universal symbol of speed. There's even a song: Wired were the eyes of a horse on a jet pilot. One that smiled when he flew over the bay." you make an intentionaly bad impression of Serj Tankian "It would probably be better if you heard the original."
>"The original?"
"Yes, a recording from the band that wrote the song. Wait, lemme show you." you'd head to your notebook and turn on the external speakers and subwoofer
"Here it is." you'd press play, letting the song start banging pretty loudly
>she yanks, as it starts really unexpectedly
>"Woah, didn't expected that thing to be this loud." she laughs when the initial shock falls off
>so you turn it down a bit, so that you can talk
"And this is how jet looks like." you're turning the monitor in her direction and point at the image you just found on google
>"So it's all made out of metal and the human is in that small part in front? I expected something small and light. How does something so big and heavy even flies?"
"Well, I'm not exactly a jet engineer, but if you look from behind, most of it's size is just the engine and wings. I think they had to make the engine big so it can actualy lift itself, if it makes any sense."
>"Sort of... About the song, is all human music like this?" she points at the speaker still playing
"Don't like it, eh?"
>"It's not bad actualy. It just really caught me off guard how it goes from harsh to melodic in few seconds. It's... exotic?"
"This band is a slightly exotic even to me, to be honest. That's why I love them." you chuckle while the song slowly ends "But the music varies. There's so many different bands, styles and voices you couldn't even count them. I can leave you here some songs to listen for tomorrow, if you wanted to."
>"I'd love to." she smiles "But how does this even work? And where is the music stored?"
"That's... kind of a hard thing to explain where is the music stored. If it's directly in the PC, there's physical harddisk inside on which is it written." you're pointing at the notebook "But this right here is playing from the internet, so it's not in there. See that cable behind it? The blue one. Trough it goes the information."
>"I'm not a tech type but I think sort of understand the concept...a bit. I saw some electric things before, even back home, but I never cared about them at all. So if you unplug it in the middle of a song, it starts playing trough the cable?"
"Well,.. no." you giggle "Trough the cable goes just information, 1s and 0s. Like a whole lot. And from it, it decodes into this." you point at the screen 
>"Welp, I'm affraid that this is where you lost me. How do you even- Wait, don't answer. I'm sure it'd get me lost even more."
"Alright." you laugh "It must be as strange to you as your world's magic is to me."
>"Spot on." she points her hoof at you with a grin
"So I guess it would be better if I left here some CDs with music instead of trying to teach you to use a PC in a hurry."
>"If it's easier?" she smiles awkwardly
"Definitely." you whip out an old CD bag you had in a drawer under the desk, - a relic nowadays "On each of these discs, there's music."
>"Hey it's like a gramophone!"
"You have that in Equestria?"
>"Sure! And where do you put these?"
"Either PC, or that old boom box over there." you point "The second option would likely be better." and you'd stand up to bring it closer to show her
>haven't used that thing in years, it's more of a remembrance item, but you're sure it works
"You'll just put it inside. That's all. Here's volume intesity and these buttons skip tracks. And play/pause is here."
>"Nice! And how long will you be gone tomorrow?"
"I should be back around 3pm."
>"Wow... I expected it would be a bit sooner."
"Yeah..." you'd scratch your head awkwardly "...Anyway, I should probably get myself a shower and go to sleep soon. I'm exhaused. How about you?"
>"Well, I can imagine laying on a couch and falling asleep in ten minutes too. But showering might be an issue here." she knocks with her hoof on her gypsum covered leg
"Not as big of an issue as you might think." you stand up and start searching trough your kitchen shelves
>"What do you mean?"
"A-ha!" you're victoriously holding a roll of plastic foil "We can cover it with this."
>"Do humans always have gadgets for everything?" she laughs
"Yeah. I think we compensate with them a lack of magic in our world." you laugh back "But anyway, here it is. Can you roll it around by yourself?"
>"I can. But to be completely honest,.. I kind of wanted to leave the shower for tomorow. I hate sleeping with my fur wet."
"That's... actualy pretty understandable. It must be like sleeping with my hair wet. But worse."
>"Exactly." she grins "But could you leave it here? I'll shower in the morning."
"Sure thing." you'd leave it next to the couch and continue to the bathroom
"About teeth, I got one spare toothbrush here, you want it?!" you yell trough the door while brushing your teeth
>"Yes! Thank you!" she yells back
"It's on the sink, next to the paste!"
>"Alright! I'll go get it in few minutes, I'll just take a look at these discs!"
>while you're showering, you can hear the bathroom door opening as she limps inside to get the brush
>your shower glass is tinted and matte so you only see a blue smudge moving around bathroom and hear a sound of teeth being brushed
>confident in your glass, you pay no attention to her being there
>and as she shuts the door behind her, you'd open the shower and step out
>you've prepared a big towel right next to you, so you reach straight for it
>but just as you're grabbing it, the door is opening again
>in panic, you'd forcibly pull on the towel
>but it's on the hook,... which goes with it, getting ripped straight out of the wall
>with the unexpected partial loss of balance, your legs slide on the water underneath you, so you fall on the ground with the towel landing onto you, covering most of your body underneath it
>including your crotch
>"Are you ok? I was just gonna have quick wee before going to sleep." she starts apologizing
"I'm fine. Nothing happened." you're picking youself up, rolling the towel around your lower part of the body in the process 
>then you notice the hook ripped out of the wall and chuckle, then laugh loudly, realizing what happened
"Ha-ha! Jeez, that was stupid... But also funny."
>"Sorry..."
"That's nothing. I just overreacted when it comes to hiding my junk. I see why you ponies have it easier."
>"Yea..." she smirks and dissapears behind the toilet curtain
>on the way back, she'd glimpse up at your chest while you're brushing your own teeth, waist naked 
>"...You too have more fur there?... Can I touch it?"
>the question is a bit strange to you, but ponies probably aren't that shy about each other
"Well, I guess." you'd kneel down so that she can reach with her right hoof onto your hairy chest
>"...It's a bit rougher than your mane."
"How do you even feel it?"
>"Um, with my hoof?" she chuckles obviously
"I know, but isn't it solid? Like a nail?"
>"Only the circle around it. The center is pretty sensitive."
"Really?"
>"Yes." she puts it right in front of you to have a look, while somewhat tottering on the remaining two, since she can't put much weigh on her right hind leg
>so you reach for the hoof it and try pinching it with a finger while helping her keep balance as you're holding her
"Heh, that's interesting. How much do you feel that?" you circle around the soft, almost spongy center
>"That tickles, Anon!" she giggles
"Curious." you chuckle and stop, just looking at it
>"It's also the part of hoof which lets us pick up things." she sits down finally, instead of trying to balance on two
"I wasn't even gonna point that out how strange is it that you can do that." you grin "It works like a magnet too?"
>"I don't know, it just works."
"Curiouser and curiouser." you'd let go of her hoof "You are marvelous creatures... I'm glad I punched that guy."
>"Me too." she smirks amusedly and adjusts her rump onto her tail so that she isn't sitting directly on the tiles
"I know you are." you laugh and rustle trough her mane while standing up "....Could you turn around now, for a few seconds, so I can cover myself?"
>"Of course." she does so and even covers her eyes with another towel laying next to her
"Okay. I'm done." you'd announce after few short seconds, when you're finished drying and slipped into your bathrobe
>"Sometimes I wish I could dry so easily too." she chuckles when she looks back
"Yeah, but then you'd have to wear clothing all the time in winter." you smirk
>"Everything has it's positives and negatives."
"For instance, I wouldn't mind having a fur like that. I hate cold. Although, it would probably make my face look a lot different." you'd glance at yourself in the mirror above the sink, then sit down on the tiles next to her "But maybe humans were just meant to be without fur."
>"Right." she smirks
"Can I tell you something?"
>"Of course." her ears twitch curiously
"I really enjoy chatting with you like that. ...I don't usualy get along with people this well..."
>"Why so?"
"I dunno,.. They just feel real distant. I like them and wish them all the best, even if they're bad, but I hardly enjoy long conversations... What I meant was just-... thanks for being like that."
>"Like what?" she chuckles
"The way you are." you chuckle back "Whatever it is."
>she'd simper in a very strange manner, one that you probably haven't seen her or just didn't notice enough
>and maybe she's blushing a little too
"........Well, but I guess I should go to sleep now." you'd scratch your head
>"Me too." she yawns and chuckles, together leaving the bathroom
"Goodnight, Dash." you're waving at her before turning off the lights
>"Goodnight Anon!" 


Chapter three and a half: Beyond


>in your dream, there's light
>light and comfort
>you feel complete, surrounded and filled by immense love and graditude towards everything
>every piece of energy, every molecule or living organism in whole existance of all universes, across all dimensions
>and this love is giving you a feeling, that there's no boundaries of your ability
>and then you're asked
>>"Are you ready?"
>so you answer: "Why, yes. Ready for anything. I am an immortal part of the light, there's nothing that can hurt me."
>and then... darkness
>and not only that, also confusion
>as if your vivid memory of your previous state, started slipping trough your fingers
>you can only see about a meter around you
>and it seems like theres a lightsource in your chest but you can't point exactly where it comes from
„...Hello?“
>…
„Is anyone there?“
>…
>….
>no answer, nothing at all
>it feels so lonely, almost making you... sad
>such a strange, new feeling
>what are you doing here, what is this strange place?
>will someone come and save you?
>...
>...but after some time spent waiting, you realize you're all alone in this
>to avoid panicking, you'd start walking so that there's something else you can focus on
>and it's overaly better than just staying in place
>but there's still nothing
>though, when you focus, the light gets a bit brighter, so you keep walking
>and you walk some more
>your light shines around you, revealing as if you're actualy walking a road, a path, some sort of direction, but you can't see where it goes
>that alone is something, compared to nothing, but you still feel somewhat lonely inside
>then you start to see more lights, just like yours
>some as bright as yours, some are so dim you can't tell if it's light or just a outline of a walking shadow around it's figure
>some, in the big distance, shine so bright you'd be drawn to them like a moth if you were any closer, but you're walking on you own road now
>carrying on, wishing it would lead you to someone like that
>you're walking further and further, sometimes passing around other souls
>sometimes even walk small distance alongside them
>when they're bright, you'd get even brighter
>when they're dim, your light would lose on it's shine
>but each time they go their own way, you're slowly getting back to normal
>only rarely you'd keep a bit of their influence longer
>you can see pairs or even groups of light that shine together, or even group of shadows, which seem to be creating big dark spots
>why can't you ever stay with someone too?
>you feel like you want to stop walking, you had enough, this doesn't satisfy you, merely makes it bearable
"Hello?"
"Hello! Can anybody hear me? I want back home! This is terrible!"
>but nothing ever happens
>a cold shiver is creeping up your spine
>does no one hear you? Does no one care?
>so you'd stop
>your kneels feel so heavy, making you fall down on them and your eyes are starting to fill with tears
>you're alone
>the last memory of the bright place is starting to fade
>until all you know is.... "this"
>and as the salty drops start to fall down onto your chest, your light inside is getting dimmer
>like pouring water on dying fire, like a merciless loop that's designed to break you
"This is so unfair!" you're crying out and caving down like an old statue
>once standing so proudly, now merely rustling trough your own ashes
>and each second, you can feel the light fading away, but you can't stop it from happening
>the more you try the faster it goes
>until you're starting to realize,.. there's hardly anything left
>you're now completely numb
>numb to all you were
>numb to all you used to represent
>numb to yourself...
>can't remember anything at all
>who you are, why are you here, what is this road under your feet
>so for the first time, you'd step away from it
>but there's some light somewhere in the distance
>and it is gonna be YOURS!
>WHY WOULD ANYONE DESERVE TO SHINE WHEN YOU CAN'T!!!
>so you're running after it with ferocity of a wild beast, but it's not getting any closer
>so you'd run and run and run but...
>you're so close, yet so far away
"WHAT IS THIS?!!!!" you yell angrily "YOU FUCKING ASSHOLE!!! I HATE YOU!!!"
>can't tell who are you even talking to
>is it you or anyone else?
>does it matter at this point?
"WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME??!!!!"
>but as the anger only takes away the rest of your energy, you'd break down in tears again, slowly shambling down to the ground
>and you're staying there, motionless, curled up in a ball for what seems like an eternity
>you've ran away from your path, only to find a dead end
>wish you could just stop existing at all, delete yourself from this failure of a life
>but you can't
>at some point of your lament you'd notice something though
>the ground you've been on laying on all this time....
>is the same road you've attempted to leave before
>can't tell if you should laugh or cry
>is it following you, or are you following "it"?
>so you'd bang your head against the hard surface until it hurst so much it interrupts your own crooked flow of thoughts
>and then...
>you realize you can't possibly sink any lower
>this is your own rock bottom
....
......
>might....
>might as well try to get up on your feet...
>just the mere thought hurts, but what else you can do?
>you're already a slave to this existance
>you could try working with it
>so you'd push yourself off your palms and slowly stand up
>you're tired, but since you're already standing on a path, might as well follow it again
>and as much as it hurts at the start, you're slowly stabilizing
>the darkness in your chest is still there, but there's a new light being born too
>but you try to pay no attention to any of this, you'd just walk, hoping to find something, anything eventualy
>eventualy,...
>but eventualy, you're finding yourself at the exact same place you've ran away from before
>...how?
>was all of this for naught?...
>you'd almost panic, but you previous tramatic experience still in mind tells you to try and control your emotions
>calm down Anon
....
>no...
>it wasn't for naught
>you've learned one lesson
>not to stray from the path and keep cool, if you don't want life to hurt even more
>so you'd simply go on, continuing where you left off such a long time ago
>realizing,.. it isn't that bad as you pictured it for yourself before
>at least compared to where you've been
>and it's almost...
>no no, this isn't happiness
>or is it?
>NO
>...or yes?
>...
>or is it just what you make it?
>maybe this is your only choice, THE only word you have in this
>not where you should go
>but whether you suffer trough it
>with this in mind, you'd walk further 
>there must be  something at the end of your path, you know it
>you just have to keep on keeping on, because you're the only one who can save yourself
>all the others are too busy with themselves, but how could you blame them
>you already know how hard it is
>so you keep walking alone
>and over time, you're starting to realize this is actualy such a freeing thought
>you don't need anybody or anything
>you're gonna walk to the end by yourself
>and at the end...
>now you remember!
>the place of light, home!
>that's where you're walking the whole time
>how could forget?
>so you'd speed up and each second, your own light growns bigger and brighter
>with this in mind, not even the shadows you're walking around can dim your source
>and there's plenty of them as of lately
>but you don't blame them, even if they are trying to steal away your light 
>you remember being one of them
>so you pay no attention, only seeing the idea of being home again, not thinking about where you are now until...
>there's a particual figure, right in the middle of your path
>not dark, not bright, something in between
>should you just walk around or...
>no, she's there for a reason, so you'd quietly approach her
>she lifts her head and glances at you
>you should do something
>a bit hesintaly, you'd raise your hand and offer her to help her stand up
>thought she would attack and drain you, but she doesn't
>she stands up next to you and each second, her light shines brighter and brighter
>until it shines as bright as yours, if not even more, glinting with all colours of the rainbow
>and then she smiles, shining like a sun, without letting go of your hand
>maybe you should walk together now
>at least for a while
>so you'd make a first step and she follows
>suddenly, with her company, the walk feels different
>your lighs combined, you're staring to see a lot more
>there's a green grass all around around and trees!
>you never noticed before
>if you'd just look closer
>but with no pity for the past, the presence feels lovely
>your path feels so right and you don't need to think about it's end anymore, because you actualy enjoy the process of walking
>and as you walk, the darkness seems to fade whereever you go
>it might be just a sliver of shine in the eternal night, but when you look closer, you're not alone
>those bright lights in the distance you used to crave of meeting such a long time ago,..... you're actualy one of them
>and so you march proudly further, together
>till you reach a crossroad, opening wide in your common path
>your heartbeat would quicken in an unpleasant expectation
>but you'd still carry straight on
>and as you're closing by, you'd glance at the bright soul by your side and see a sad look in her eyes
>you know it and she knows it too
>this is where your paths part
"Please don't go." you whisper faintly, already knowing it's in vain
>"I have to, I'm sorry." she softly wipes a tear away from her cheek
>and you'd slowly let her hand go...
"Will I ever see you again?.."
>"Of course you will." she touches your cheek before making the first step away from you "If not here, then we'll meet at the place where there is no darkness."
"...Promise?"
>"Promise." she raises her pinky finger with a bitter smile
>and you'd longingly watch her dissapear away from you, until she's gone completely
....
>...what now?
>you feel sadness, but you know you can't give into it
>you just gotta go alone, once you did before
>but the promise is giving you strenght to go on
>to walk with such tenacity and fire, as if she was still with you
>you can do it
>maybe you never were alone in the first place
>now it all makes sense!
>so you go further and further
>until...
>another crossroad
>can go straight ahead or turn left
>the straight path seems to lead to a lovely place
>feels like, could it be...?
>...home?
>you don't need to ask yourself, deep in heart you know the answer
>this is what you've been waiting for all that time!..
>in all the excitement, you'd almost forget about the second path you can take
>but you glance that way now too and...
>there's a very familiar glimmer in it's distance
>one that you'd always recognize
>your heart would tingle at the thought of meeting her again
>it feels like there are no bad choices to go
>but it's making it even harder to decide
>you wanted to see her once again, but you're also standing in front of your goal
>she said she'll meet you there eventualy though
"Where will I go?" you'd ask yourself "I think I-"
*beeeeep* *beeeeeep* *beeeeeeeep*
>with a loud yawn, you'd turn the alarm off and stretch
>what a funny dream you've just had

Chapter four: Steady


>the image of what you've seen in your dream is slowly, but steadily slipping out of your memory
>until you can't remember anything at all, except one thing that stuck in your head: no matter which path you decide to take, you cannot choose the wrong one, for there are none
"Few roads, none wrong." you're repeating to yourself out loud to remember it later "...Wish I knew the context too."
>all that's left, is this single sentence
>and also... this unexplainable feeling of warmth and good fortune 
>well, if the context was important, you would have remembered, no?
>so you'd get up from bed, it's time to go to work
>first you get dressed in your room, prepare all your stuff and then continue to the kitchen
>you have to pass trough the living room which Rainbow is sleeping in, so you wouldn't turn on the lights on the way
>and since the kitchen is divided from the living only with hints of walls and curtains, you wouldn't turn the lights on there either
>only the one above your stove, that's faintly illuminating the kitchen desk
>it's not like you necessarily need more light to make yourself some breakfast
>you wouldn't want to wake the pony up, she deserves some rest
>when you're done with your breakfast, you'd leave her a note that she can finish the pizza for a lunch and whatever she finds in the fridge too
>and also, carefuly slide the Two Towers book under her couch
>with all that done, it's time to go
>so you'd pick up your things, walk up to the door and have a glance at her still sleeping before leaving your house
>feeling that today, will be a good day for some reason
>and it is, even at work you're doing wonderful
>nothing can throw you off your groove and all that you touch flourishes
>some time around your lunch break, you'd sit and think about it what is it that's making you so happy
>is it still the faint reminiscence of your dream?
>but maybe it's just you, being happy about yourself, no other reason
>because you're just wishing to give, spread good mood and positive vibrations to everyone
>even to that unpleasant canteen vendor, always frowning at people, you'd wish a lovely day and actualy mean it
>at the end of your shift, you're having that satisfying kind of tired, like you totally nailed today
>and at last, you're back home
>20 minutes earlier even
>opening the door, first thing you sense is Offspring playing in the background on a medium volume, but there's also something else
>the house smells different from how you remember it each day of coming back from work
>surprisingly, it feels quite pleasant, almost like a... spring?
>wait,..a fresh, spring rain and...
>maybe a very soft, hint of blooming flowers in the background?
>well,.. that's almost oddly specific, maybe you're imagining that part
>but what is it anyway?
>did Rainbow spray around some perfume or-
>...is that just her own scent, already assimiliated with your house?
>you didn't exactly attempted to have a "whiff" of her up close before, so you can't tell
>but it would make sense why it feels so familia-
>"Anon! Hi!" she suddenly notices you standing in the door and happily limps closer to you
"Hey Dash! How have you been?" you'd lay your coat down and go forth to her
>though once she's right in front of you, she's a little clumsily raising her front hooves, wanting to hug you
>reading the body language, you'd almost automaticaly kneel down to make it easier for her and before you realize it, she's hanging around your neck
>never had this kind of welcome, not even from your parents, but the warmer it feels now
>and never realised how much can a simple gesture like that mean either
>her body may be pretty skinny right now, but she's still unexplainably soft anyway, so you'd really relinquish that moment
>and while your head is somewhat partly buried in her mane, you can smell her scent brushing over you nose
>confirming she really IS what made your house smell so nice
>not sure what to think about it though...
>"I've been waiting for you! You're up for The Two Towers?" she smiles when she's letting you go
"Sure I am." you laugh, scraping off your previous thoughts "I was looking forward to that too. But aren't you hungry? Did you find the note?"
>"Sure did! Took a joghurt too, two of them actualy... Hope it's okay. And how's been the work?"
"It was surprisingly real nice. Today I woke in such a good mood, felt like I could literally give it to others. Had an awesome dream this night too."
>"What was is about?" she's slowly limping back to her couch while you keep the pace with her
"I can't remember." you laugh "It just made me feel happy, that's all I know."
>"That's funny-." she stretches her wings before sitting and leaning on them "-But it makes sense. I think dreams are more important than we might know. -Sometimes. Not sure if always.... Today I had a dream about flying! ..And you've been there too!"
"Really? What was I doing?" you're not sitting yet, just leaning on the couch with your right hand with an interested smirk on your face
>"Well you flew too of course." she chuckles "I was showing you some place on a mountain and how awesome the view is from up there  and then I woke up."
"Yeah, flying dreams are the best ones." you'd grin, sitting down next to her "And how did I fly there? Did I have wings? Do you remember the scenery?"
>"You were just like... soaring around... And I can't quite remember where it was." she wrinkles her eyesbrows "I sort of knew it wasn't here on Earth, but couldn't recognize it as Equestria either. Maybe it was just made up...... But it was still amazing! Might be the first time on this planet I remember having a nice dream like that."
"That's great! And how about the music? Did you find something you like?" you'd eye on the boom box still playing
>"Yes! A lot! I mean, there's also a lot of those I haven't heard, but I like some songs on these ones." she points her hoof on a stack of discs on the table next to her couch
"Let's see." you're grabbing them ""Sum 41 - All killer no killer", "Blur - Parklife", "Wolfmother - Wolfmother", good taste, Dash." you smirk before reading further "..."Kula Shaker - K", "System of a Down - custom mix", "Bob Marley's best of", "Gorillaz - Demon Days", "Nirvana - custom mix" and "Dead Kennedys - give me convenience or give me death"... Hey that's not bad at all. These are all golden classics."
>"Are they?"
"Yup. Or at least I like to think so. I'm sure some people would argue to death about it though." you chuckle ".... What kind of music did you listen to back home?"
>"I didn't have any recordings or way to play them. But we'd occasionaly go see some concerts or just sing about life."
"Sing about life? What do you mean? -Like, making up text as you go?"
>"Well, yeah. ...Is that so weird?"
"Not weird, more like, amazing. How do you do that?"
>"I don't know, I'd just sing my thoughts and it rhymes sometimes." she smiles "Especialy my friend Twillight does that a WHOLE lot."
"That must be interesting to see and hear."
>"Why? Don't you ever sing?"
"To be completely honest..." you shrug your shoulders "...not really."
>"Say what? Are you kidding?!"
"Well, sometimes, only when the music is loud enough so I don't hear myself. ...Or anybody else, that would be horrific." you chuckle to yourself
>"Hey I'm sure you can't be that bad at it. Plus, singing is important! Turn off the boombox, come on, I remember this one from that Bob Marley CD, cause I heard it multiple times today. Sing it with me:
- Rise up this morning, smile with the rising sun." she starts, looking at you with this challenging expression, wanting you to join her ".......You DO know these lyrics? Or should we try some other?"
"I know them, but... I'm really bad at this." you'd awkwardly scratch your head
>"You will be, if you won't even try." she laughs "Relax, it's just a song, I don't exactly have a voice of a nightingale either and I won't be judging you, so: ....Rise up this morning?"
>she waves her eyebrows up and down, waiting for you
"Smile with the rising sun?" you'd sing a little forcefuly continue with an embarassed smile
>"Three little birds! Sat by my doorstep!" she continues singing as happily as if she had the best singing duet ever
"Singing sweet songs..." you're slowly shedding some embarassement "Of melodies pure and true!"
>"Saying, This is my message to yo-o-ou!" she points her hoof at you "Sing with me!"
>seeing how she's really so cool about it, it's almost easy to "catch the vibe"
>and you're singing the chorus in one voice
>>"Singing don't worry, about a thing! Cause every little thing, is gonna be alright! Singing don't worry, about a thing! Cause every little thing, is gonna be alright!"
>"And once more!"
"Rise up this morning!" you're actualy enjoying this
>"Smile with the rising sun!" she glances you straight in the eyes, shining like that sun she's singing about
"Three little birds!" 
>"Sat by my doorstep!"
"Singing sweet songs."
>"Of melodies pure and true!"
"Saying, this is my message to yo-o-ou!"
>and you'd continue the chorus together again
>>"Singing don't worry, about a thing! Cause every little thing, is gonna be alright! Singing don't worry, about a thing! Cause every little thing, is gonna be alright!"
>"And one last time?"
>you'd nod happily, continuing to sing with her the song one more time
>this time it's completely spontaneous
>and when you're finished, she squishes your cheeks between her hoofs excitedly
>"I knew you had it in you! Everypony has... Even if you aren't exactly a pony." she giggles with a satisfied spark in her eye "Totally nailed it."
"Heh- thanks a lot." you'd laugh "I never would have thought I could sing in front of anyone."
>"Your singing voice is nothing to be ashamed of, it was fun."
"It was. But how did you do that? I mean, I'd literaly run away if someone forced me to sing."
>"Maybe they shouldn't have try to force you? You have to want it, I just showed you it can be fun." she smiles
"I guess..." you'd scratch your head and chuckle over it once more "...So, feel ready for the Two Towers??"
>"But of course!.. Can you bring it?"
"One step ahead, it's under the couch."
>"Is it?" she pokes her head over the edge, leaning front hooves on the ground, with the rest of her body still up there
"I put it there in the morning, thought you'd notice, but it wasn't very visible." you'd pick it up from there for her
>"Alright then! Let's get to it." she springs back up again, taking her place next to you like before, only this time without blanket and with no personal space between you
>"Should I start, or do you want to?" she's eagerly eyeing on the book in your hands
"Guess I'll start, since I'm already holding it. There will be a plenty of time to switch." you smirk "So, "the Departure of Boromir"."
>and except for the switches and a single pee break, you two are reading together until it's time for dinner
>that would be no specific time though, simply when you're both starting to feel hungry
>and as for the choice of food, it's spaghetti with pesto and caned pomodoro sauce
>"Can I help you anyhow?" she's watching you adding the pasta to a pot from the couch
"It's the easiest food I could pick, Dash." you laugh with a little glimpse in her direction "But if you're into cooking, we can try to make something more interesting tomorrow."
>"It's not that I specifically enjoy cooking, I'd just like to be of help."
"Well, still, if that's the case, one day I was planning on making tofu, stuffed with red pepper, coated in batter. And some mashed potatoes with spring onions. Could help me out with that if you wanted to."
>"That sounds,.. complicated. What's tofu?"
"It's made out of soya and it tastes a bit like cheese. That's all I know about it, but I like having it here and there. The smoked variant is pretty good."
>"Well, I like new things."
"You'll see. But it's mostly about how you spice it anyway. It doesn't have a lot of taste of it's own. Or we could bake some cake. How about that?" you'd sit back next to her, since now you just gotta wait till the spaghetti's finished
>"You're full of action, are you?" she grins
"Yeah. I just remembered I used to enjoy making food when I was younger." you're grinning back, about to lean back into the couch but you don't
>"And what happened?"
>instead you lean a little forward instead, frowning
"......Depressions. Then a lot of drugs and alcohol. ..That and a lot of internet too. That made it worse."
>"Oh."
>her interjection snaps you back from those memories and you'd smile again
"Though I started to get better eventualy at some point . You didn't meet me at my worst. ....But I still have some things to rediscover from times before all of that... And how was your youth?"
>"I guess it was pretty nice in overall. My parents were really supportive,.. maybe too much." she chuckles "I mean, it's not like there wasn't any struggles at all in my life... I fought a big lot in school and I... never felt too feminine. I didn't mind that at first, all I cared about was flying back then. But later on,.. I kind of.....  kind of felt a little left out of things."
"What do you mean?"
>"Well, you know." she laughs with visible embarassemet "Colts wouldn't really recognize me as a real mare... I guess having their flanks handled both fights and competitions wasn't really attractive to most of them. But I didn't knew any better and wouldn't lose on purpose. It wasn't nice, but I could just change myself for others to be into me...."
"But you got over it, didn't you?"
>"Um, yeah. Of course! Mostly..." she'd scratch her head  with a forced smile "I started pursuing my goals even further and as the time went, I forgot about it completely. There were more important things on my mind than dating."
"That's true..." you chuckle agreeably "Equestria seems to be no different from Earth in many things. Guess life really follows a certain pattern."
>"Struggles everywhere you go huh?" she smiles with a faint, but trusting smile
"Yeah, but not only that. I mean, in our core, we're all made of one."
>"What do you mean?"
"That each soul, may it be you, me, some animal or any other living organism is of the same origin."
>"I'm not sure I follow." she chuckles inquiringly
"Well,... What do you are?"
>"I'm me."
"But what is "me"?"
>"Well,.. me. I don't know how to explain." she pats her chest a little confusedly
"But if this body dies, then who will you be? You'll still exist, right?"
>"I don't know. I try not to think about that."
"I used to think about that a big lot, read too.... And it lead me to belief that what we really are, our essence, our being, is the energetic spark of life in our bodies. In a way, same for everyone, but still utterly unique."
>"That sounds... almost fancy poetic." she snickers "But what about the bad ones? I don't think we have anything in common with... for instance that guy who was supposed to keep me away? One you saved me from?"
"I beleive even someone like him is of the same creation as me or you. He's just went too far astray from the source. I'm sure there are moments when even he'd like to aspire to be someone good, someone better. But he just lacks the will, so he stays like that and tries to drown his doubts in even more sinnings."
>"...You really think that?"
"Of course. There's no such thing as a pure evil. Only corrupted good."
>"It almost sound like you're trying to make me forgive him." she chuckles
>...
"Maybe I am. After all, it's your burden when you don't. Not his."
>"..."
>...
>"...Is it?"
"Yes. Think about your feelings, what they evoke in you when you think about him."
>"Disgust? Hate, and... fear..."
"See? Forgiving him, you'll get rid of these emotions that weigh you down."
>"But it's hard... I mean, you haven't been in my place Anon."
"I know. I'm not saying it's easy. I'm just saying ...Sorry if- I probably shouldn't have brought that up when it still hurts. Sorry."
>"I know you're surely meaning it well Anon... But you're right, it still hurts. I might think about it in the future." she smiles
>and you'd smile back at her gently
>life can be strange sometimes
>"...About the spaghetti."
"Oh, right, I forgotti!" you're immediately running back to the pot to pour the boiling water out
"It's a little past aldente, sadly. But it's not ruined, still quite good." you'd then judge it after tasting one spaghet
>"What's aldente?"
"That's when it's done just enough, when it's not raw, but it's still a bit firm when you bite it."
>"I see. Well I'm not sure if I had a perfect aldente pasta ever in my life, so it's not that much of a party ruiner for me..." she laughs sincerely "I wouldn't mind it even overcooked when I'm hungry." 
"But I'll still make it up to you someday." you'd grin "One spaghetti coming right up!" putting one of the plates on the table in front of her "Bon appetit!"
>"Thank you! And bon apetit to you." she's imitating italian accent
>strange, do they have pony version of Italy in Equestria?
>you rather not ask right now, just appreciate the joke with a smirk
>after few forks of pasta, you'd glimpse at her sucking in a spaghet, just at the same time as you're doing the same
>and for some reason, that scene from Lady and Tramp flies trough your mind, making you chuckle internaly
>but wait,-why would you even think of a thing like that
>this isn't meant to be even slightly romantic, why would even-
>look Anon, you have separate plates
>and she's not even human for Christ sake, it must be the scent from earlier that's confusing you
>"What's wrong Anon? Why are you looking at me like that?" she chuckles when she notices you staring
"Um...Nothing, I just wandered too far in thoughts." you'd smile and get back to eating
>you really WERE overthinking just now
>you're just not used to a friendly company, that's all
>just a very bizzare thought, from an introverted mind..
....
>after the dinner, you'd quickly wash the plates, pot and forks, which Rainbow Dash urges to help you with, but you're way faster than her, bringing a chair to sit on since she can't stand on her rear 
>and soon after that, you're back to reading
>today was a comfy day
>and so is tomorrow
>and the following days
>you're always waking up, not with the feeling of unease about going to work,...
>....but with happiness
>and coming back from work even happier
>slowly starting to connect this with having a really good friend for once in your life
>someone sincere, who doesn't just hear you out, but listens when you talk
>someone you also enjoy listening back to
>it's so great to have a really true, true friend
>and you'd spend a big lot of time together, reading, cooking, baking, singing, listening to music recordings, sometimes watching movies and when the weather is noice (*tongue click*), you'd go for a stroll around some less crowded parts of the city too
>she's still limping because of her broken leg, but thanks to the hardened splint, she can walk around painlessly, even put pressure on it
>you both need some fresh air every now and then and some physical activities are good for overall wellbeing
>anyway, that's exactly why you've prepared a plan for this weekend
>you'll go for a trip, out of the city
>you just haven't told her yet
>that is, until now, because you're just about to
>it's friday afternoon and you're coming back from work as usual
"Yo Dash, I'm home!"
>"Hey Anon!" she's coming to hug you as always now "So, the last day of work eh?"
"Yup, last of this week." you have your head buried in her mane, eyes closed for a little while before letting her go "...And guess what?"
>"What is it?.. Did something good happen?"
"Something nice WILL happen." you can't help yourself but to boop her nuzzle with your finger, cause you're excited to tell her "You did want to see outside the city, did you?"
>"Of course!"
"In that case, we're going for a little trip tomorrow. To see the mountains!"
>"Really!? That's awesome, Anon! I can't wait!" she hugs you straight again
"I'm looking forward to it as well. It's such a long time since I've been somewhere. We'll take a bus or a train to the village underneath it, then the cable way to a very top and then..."
>"Come on, tell me!" she giggles, softly shaking with you in excitement
"We'll rent some snow sleighs and slide all the way down!" you're gesturing with your hand as dramaticaly as you can "And if that isn't enough, we can rent a snowmobile and drive it everywhere we didn't get to see!"
>"Anon! That's so great! You're the best human ever!!!!!!" she yells in her highest voice, hugging you for a third time, tighter than ever
>at the same time, her wings spread open like an automatic umbrella
>"YES! I'll finally get some action again! Thank-you-thank-you-thank-you!"
"Thank me later. We aren't there yet." you're simpering a little embarassedly, trying to remain humble "Let's look at the plan, I'll show you on the map."
>"ALRIGHT! Let's GO!" she limps to the computer faster than you're walking to turn it on
>you already taught her some very basics with the PC, such as how mouse works and how to write using a keyboard, but not much about files or internet
>opening the browser, you'd show her the paths of trains and buses on google maps, including departing times and transfers
>"So....... it'll take about 2 hours to get there anyway if I read this right? Not much of a difference between trains and buses?"
"I was hoping to take the train. It might take a bit longer because it doesn't go straight ahead, but we'll have less tranfers and I like trains better."
>"Is that because they're comfier?"
"Yes,.. that's true, but also because the railroads don't follow roads, but go trough nature a lot more. Isn't it same in Equestria? Think you mentioned a train goes alongside a mountaincliff to the Canterlot?"
>"That's right! Train it is then."
"Then,.." you scroll lower "..there are several trains and buses that go back, but the very last one should get us back around eight pm."
>"Nice! It's gonna be a whole day trip."
"Yeah, we should probably wear something warm if we plan to stay there like that."
>"Well, I'm fine like this. ...Maybe if you could lend me some scarf or a hat at most?"
"I know about a second hand store nearby, we could get you something there. I was planning to see it for myself too. You wanna go?"
>"Right now?"
"Right now."
>"Okay then! The sooner you have it, the better, and at least I'll get some fresh air today too. Let's go."
"Yup."
>and you're both heading out
>the store is only about 2 or 3 kilometres away, so you're walking there
>"It's not that cold today, isn't it?" she'd ask somewhere on the way
"Let's hope it stays until tomorrow."
>"Tell me about it. But if it won't be as cold as the day we met, we'd be fine." she smiles
"You never know, it's always different up there. Could end up being about the same temperature as it was that day."
>"Well, it was pretty late too... -Where were you even going from at the time?"
"From work." you laugh
>"And why did they keep you for so long there?"
"I had an afternoon shift. And I'll have it next week too."
>"So you'll be coming back THIS late whole next week?" she looks at you in shock, stopping for a second
"Yes, but I'll be leaving after lunch instead too."
>"I see... Well, change is life I guess..." she relaxes again ".....And which one do you like better?"
"Hard to say... Morning shifts are probably a bit better, because you finish work and you have a rest of the day free. But it's probably about the same. How was your routine as an aerobat or a wearthermare?"
>"It mostly depended on the situation. As an aerobat, there was a lot of training before shows, but then there was a lot of days off. As a weather mare, there were also days trough which I didn't have to move a wing if didn't want to. But then there were some, which I spent almost whole just working. Not too frequent, but, you get the picture."
"Yeah. ...We could use a weathermare here sometimes too." you laugh
>"Once my feathers grow back, I can clear skies over your house if you want to." she laughs back
"Wouldn't it be strange to people if there was constanly a hole in the clouds over a single house?" you'd poke her with a chuckle
>"Maybe. Do you know what would be even more strange for them?" she grins mischievously
"What?" you're already grinning as well
>"If I wrote there something. Something funny."
"Butts."
>"Come on, something clever." she giggles
"Well, how about... I don't know, I can't think of anything when I need to."
>"I was knew about something, but I just forgot it........ because of you!" she laughs, pointing her hoof accusingly
"Me? It's not my fault I can clog two brains at the same time." you're chuckling "...But, hey -look it's over there."
>you'd point at a big, grey building that just became visible from around the corner
>it's not exactly a typical second hand store, more of a warehouse, since you're still in the industrial part of the city
>guessing that this is THE big one, from which all the other, fancier looking second hands around the city get their stuff
>"That one?"
"Yes. I've been there a few times when I quickly needed something cheap. It's not as bad as it looks. Sometimes the things are even straight up new. They just never made it to costumers."
>upon heading inside, there are numbers of big baskets 2x1 meters full of clothing and people rummaging trough them
>over each basket is a sign of what kind of clothing is inside
>somewhere in the back are also hangers with clothing that seems to visibly stand out from the one in the baskets
>you'd walk past a basket full of plush toys, shorts, jeans, t-shirts, shirts,.. stopping at the sign "Hats"
"I can give you the one I have at home, or if you'll find some other I can buy it."
>"Okay, I'll have a look."
"And I'll check out the winter coats and jackets in the meanwhile. ...There are scarves right this basket, so be sure to look in there too."
>"Okay..."
>and after some time searching, you're back, holding three ski coats and a big, pink winter coverall
"So, have you found something?"
>"Yes, but can we go? Some of these people are staring at me. See that little kid over there?" she indicates a direction with a twitch of her head and whispers "She even pulled on my tail!"
"You wouldn't be scared of a 3 years old kid. Wouldn't you?" you laugh
>"No, but I don't like it here." she keeps looking around nervously "I don't usualy mind attention, but I don't like THEIR attention. And the way they're looking at me."
"But people will probably be staring at you wherever you go. They've never seen the likes of you before."
>"Maybe, but it's a tight space here with them..... Nowhere to run if any one of them wanted to try anything and I'm not in a running condition either."
"Relax, they won't. And if, I'll just say you're here with me." you'd tap on the ring on your hand "...Promise we'll go soon.- Look I got myself this one." you're showing her your new ski coat "...And I brought these three to see if one might suit you. They are for humans, but they look your size. ....Wanna try them?"
>"Oh... I'm not a clothing type. You know that..."
"I just wanna make sure you won't be cold tomorrow."
>she frowns a little uncomfortably, deciding
>"... Okay then, but very quick pls."
>so you'd lead to the changing cabin, to help her try all of them, from which the shiny pink coverall with reflective hearts pattern actualy seems to fit the most
>the inside is really pleasant to touch and when she see's herself in the mirror, you can see in her very first glance, that she smiles at it
>but when she notices you, noticing her interest...
>"It's terrible. Some places are too tight, while others too loose. And I look SO dumb."
"You don't look dumb. Look at you." you're pointing at the mirror in the cabin "It might need just a few modifications and it's good."
>"Nah, don't waste money on that thing..."
"It might come in handy once your feathers grow back too. It might still be pretty cold by then, especialy in fast speeds."
>"I know but..."
"I'm gonna buy it!" you smile "It's not gonna cost more than two pizzas anyway."
>"Pizza is better than this..." she resignedly hangs her head, it's not like she can stop you
"...And what about the scarf and hat? You found any?"
>"Yeah, actualy. I tried them on already."
"Put them on, while you still have that coverall." you grin "Let's see how it fits."
>she'd roll her eyes annoyedly, but actualy puts the hat and a scarf on
>the hat is knitted, of white and skyblue colour, with some clouds on it
>the scarf is white blue too, it all even kinda fits to the coverall
>only one thing slightly off,.. it's ganja leaves all over the scarf
"Pffff." you'd cover your mouth to hold in the chuckles when you notice that
>"I said I look dumb in all this!" she angrily throws her hat down and stomps the ground nervously
"No, no, the hat is nice, I just didn't expect you'd pick a maryjane themed scarf." you snicker
>"..What's that mean?" she's grabbing it, about to pull the scarf from her neck
"It's a... herb, used as a drug around here. If smoke it, it makes you feel high for a while."
>"So,.. I should get something else? Is the symbolism so obvious?" she'd pick up and dust off the hat she threw away before
"I dunno, but it looks pretty nice to be honest. It does fit to that hat." you've calmed down from the chuckles by now
>"So, think humans won't laugh at me because of all this? The staring is already enough."
"I think it actualy looks pretty nice. Like a...  a cute little stoner horsie." you couldn't hold your giggle again, with an imagination of dreads in her mane and a spliff in her mouth
>"That's it, I'm getting something else!" she donely rips the scarf down from her neck
>but her reaction makes it even funnier for some reason, when she's still in that big coverall, furiously limping back with it to the basket
>but even though she doesn't look very threatening right now, you still feel like you might have overdone it
>so you're following her to lean over the basket as well, quietly rummaging trough it
"...Hey, sorry for that. I was just playing around." you'd gently nudge her after a while "...You know I didn't mean it that way, do you?"
>"...Maybe,... And maybe I'm just ridiculous to begin with." she grabs some different scarf without really looking at you and heads to the cashier with you
>without a word, you'd pay for all you picked before and you're out
>"That was... way worse than I expected." she has a deep breath of cold air and sighs, leaning on the building, right next to the door
"Come on Dash,.. I said I'm sorry... Should I say it again? Look, I'm really, REALLY sorry for calling you-"
>"That's not it." she stops you and frowns neutraly, while slowly sliding the coverall down from herself "I thought I would be over this,.. but I guess I wasn't....."
"...Did something happen in the past?"
>"Look, Anon just-...forget about about, okay?"
"I just want to help somehow."
>"That's okay...." she throws the coverall on her back, slowly walking back the direction you came here before
>and you would quietly follow her
....
.....
....
"Just wanted to say I meant it when I said it looks cute."
>"In what way?" she frowns at you
"I don't know. Just... cute in a..... cute way I guess." you shrugh
>"Like a dumb cute?"
"No, just-,. like-,. in a-...in a good,.. errr aesthetic way.... Pl-pleasant to look at?" you stutter, having a hard time finding right words
>"..."
>she wouldn't say anything, but her expression eases up a little, seeing you really mean it well
>and it doesn't take her too long to express what she really wanted to say
>"......You know I'm kinda sorry too....."
"What for?"
>"Because you really didn't know... I didn't expect my reaction either. It's just that,......... since I was a filly, I always wanted to be "cool" and "awesome"and "tough" because... I was affraid to be anything else. This way ponies wouldn't poke fun of me for the way I really was."
"......You mean not being girly enough..? Standing out?"
>she wouldn't answer, just nod very gently, without ungluing her eyes from the ground she's walking
"Screw that Dash, if that's the core of the problem." you'd suddenly stop, making her stop as well
>"What?"
"Who are "they" to tell you how you should feel or act?! You're you, so you should act like yourself!"
>"Anon I,-"
"So what if you don't live up to expectations of others? So what if you're a little different?! You don't need approval of anyone or anypony else. You're good enough for yourself and that's all that matters." you crouch to look at her up close
>"...You really think so...?" she asks a little hesitanly
"I know so. You could wear anything, or act the complete opposite of what anyone expects and you'd still be totally amazing, as long as it's your own choice. Because you're always amazing on the inside." you'd poke her chest, piercing her with your eyes all serious, before you ease up a little "Remember that."
>"I,..I-.. Thanks for saying that Anon..." she'd look a little shyly away now, smiling to herself, then glance back at you with growing confidence "I never really told anypony before. It does feel good to get it off my chest."
>you'd just smirk back, softly brushing your palm over her shoulder before standing up and slowly getting back to walk
>not sure where all this came from, but you're glad you said it
>remember vividly enough how it feels to care too much about what others think of you...
>"And Anon,...." she adds after a few steps "...I lied when I said the coverall is terrible and useless. It may not be totaly rad, but it's warm and........ I'm glad you bought it for me..."
"Well,.. after I saw how happy you were about that trip, the last thing I'd want to see is you, having it ruined because of cold. Didn't want to take any chances..."
>"Thanks...."
"That's nothing." you'd smile
>to which she smiles warmly back
>and for a while, there's silence behind your steps
>but not the uneasy kind
>the other way around...
>a comforting one, knowing that everything is okay
>so you'd immerse yourself in that feel,... until you stray back into the topic with your thoughts
>and a funny thing comes up to you
"...You know, I was thinking, if it was horrible for you to wear something uncool. Isn't it a similiar situation of human going outside naked? Because I would probably be scared to death if I should."
>"I'm not sure if it's a good comparison..." she chuckles "If I get it right, nudity is really offending for humans, while my clothing aversion is just a personal problem."
"Oh yeah, but both of these are just a stigmas too. Social or personal. One that I shouldn't be so affraid of either."
>"So are you going to set out into the streets butt naked? Is that the real you?" she snickers amusedly "Didn't know you had that in you."
"I don't know if I do, I never even considered to try it." you laugh "But seriously, I was thinking of visiting a nudist beach this summer or something like that. To conquer my fear too."
>"Well, you definitely gotta tell me about it then!" she grins at first, but then her smile drops a little "..If we'll be still seeing each other by the summer season..."
"..Why wouldn't we?"
>"I did promise you to get out of your life as soon my leg heals..."
"And I said I understand you'll probably want to explore some more interesting places than this ugly city, or find your own home, true. But you'll be always welcome at my door, Dash. Thought you'd know ...You're my best friend."
>"You're really meaning that?"
"Of course. ...I may not know you a very long time, but I feel like I've met you before. Haven't got this close so easily with anyone as-.... as far I can remember actualy. This friendship means a lot to me."
>"It means a lot to me too Anon!" she blurts happily, but then a little forcibly quiets down "...but I-....."
"...What is it?.. I won't be upset if you say that you have better friends at home. It's not a contest for me." you smile
>"No, that's not what I wanted to say at all...! Actualy, I-....uhh, forget it please."
"Really?" you smirk
>"Y-yeah, it was nothing. Nothing important..."
"Ok then, I won't force you." you'd go on with a gentle smile
>can't force her and she would have told you if it was really important
>or she will just tell you later
>back home, you'd go straight into modifying the coverall with her, so that she can wear it comfortably tomorrow
>you'd cut, shorten and tighten it at some places, making a holes in the back for her wings and tail too
>you aren't exactly a tailor, so it's not a professional's work, but it's not too noticable it was meddled with either
>it fits and holds together nicely, almost as if it was made for her
"So, how are you feeling in it?"
>"It's even comfier than before. Thanks Anon." she's looking at herself from all angles in front of a mirror "And I don't look like a pink bag of potatoes in it anymore!"
"You're welcome. Wouldn't want you to look out style tomorrow." you'd chuckle, running fingers trough her mane
>she chuckles back, without really commenting it any further, even though she initialy wanted
>"...So, what now? Do you want help with the dinner?" she says instead
"Why not? How hungry are you? Do we make something very quick or...less quick?"
>"Not that hungry. You?"
"Well, I was thinking about that battered tofu we talked about a few days ago, but didn't make. ...I already bought tofu for it."
>"Oh, I remember." she grins while slipping herself out of the coverall "Sounds okay."
"Then let's get cooking!" you'd help her undo the coverall from the leg covered in gypsum and then head to the fridge to get tofu, milk, spring onions and peppers
>meanwhile, Dash is bringing potatoes and flour in her mouth
>and filling a pot with water
>soon, the taters are boiling and you have made a batter of just the right thickness
"Now for some spices. Any fave seasonings?"
>"I'm not that experienced at cooking to actualy HAVE any favourite seasonings..." she laughs
"Then smell some of these and tell me which ones you like." you'd smile and hand her a box with every spice your have "There are some premade mixtures too, feel free to experiment."
>and while she's choosing, you're finishing the batter, adding a bit of chilli powder, salt and a cummin seed too
"Found something you like?"
>"Yup, let's try these!"
>It's some exotic indian masala spice, spice for grilled fish, and čubrica spice
>so you add a reasonable pinch from each of these as well
>now for the tofu, you'd cut the two blocks in halves and make few incisions in each of them
>fill the incisions with slices of pepper and you roll them around in the flour and batter
>"So,.. now to peel those?" Dash is checking the potatoes that look about done boiling by now 
"But of course... not! These are young and fresh, keep the peels. It'll taste better!"
>"What..? Sure about that?"
"Totally! Mash 'em like that." you're assuring her with a grin while cutting spring onions
>and so she trusts you, mashing it with her hoof
>once you're done with the onions, you'd add them to the mash, finishing it with some milk and butter too, for smoothness
>then fry the four pieces of tofu.... and it's done!
>it didn't take even 45 minutes
"Good team." you'd cheerfuly hoofbump her with your fist
>"The best!" she laughs "And it wasn't even as complicated as it seemed."
"I know right?" you're already serving it on the table with a satisfied grin on your face "Bon appetit."
>"Bonnest of apeteets." she grins back before digging in for the first taste
>and...
>"Oh, the crust is spiciee! I didn't know you put chilli there." 
"Too much?" you'd look up at her
>"Just about right. I love it." she smiles, having another forkful
"Me too. I think it HAS to taste good if you had fun while making it."
>"Because it would be dissapointing if it didn't?" she chuckles
"Yes," you grin "but also because of the positive energy you're putting in it. ...Ever heard of water changing it's structure depending of how you talk to it?"
>"Like changing shapes?" she'd ask while still chewing "How?"
"No, I mean on the molecular level." you're shamessly replying with your mouthful as well
>"What's a molecular?"
>this time you'd actualy swallow the food in your mouth to speak clealer
"Those are like, the shapes of energy which is water made out of. If that makes sense. Everything is pretty much just waves and energy, if you break down the particles far enough."
>she'd finish her morsel in the meanwhile as well
>"I might have heard Twillight speak about something like that... But I don't usualy listen to her about this kind of stuff because she's like a talking schoolbook when it comes to explaining... So you're saying the water reacts to you, talking to it?"
"Yeah, there even have been experiements to prove it, it's pretty interesting. I think if water can do that, so can other substances, since there's water in almost everything... Like a positive charge, you know?"
>"That would be really cool. Wish there was a chance to actualy try it out."
"Aren't we just now?" you'd grin "...But who's Twillight by the way? I mean, you did mention her being an egghead a few times before, but that's all I know about her."
>"Well, that's becasus she IS the nerdiest pony in all of Equestria." Dash laughs amusedly "But she's really smart, no joke. And one of my five best friends back home. And the most recent one too. She moved to Ponyville from Canterlot on command of Princess Celestia to make friends."
"Princess gave her a command to move and make friends? Really?" you have another forkful with a grin, waiting for her to finish hers
>"...Yeah. You should have seen how awkward she used to be around other ponies! ...But she mostly got over that and now she's a princess of friendship."
"Hah,.. uh, what?"  you chuckle confusedly
>"Yes, she grew wings and became an alicorn."
"I'm surprised I can get surprised even after what you told me before, but I am. Jeez, magic. Wish I could grow wings too." you laugh "So and... you're friends with a real princess?"
>"It sounds way different, when you're putting it like that, but yes." she smiles
"Wew lass." you grin in amusement "Is there something else you didn't tell me about yourself?"
>"Well,.. sorta, I'm also a bearer of the element of loyalty."
"What's that mean?"
>"Oh well, that's a long story. But basically me and my friends are there to keep harmony,.." she smiles for brief second, but it's slowly fading away ".....Unless the element found a new bearer... There were elements of harmony before I was born.... and will be even after I die too."
"That's-...  why didn't you say you're that important before? I'm sure they must be looking for you!"
>"Well,.. They probably are..." she sticks her fork into a piece of tofu, watching it tumble down with it's weight ".....But I said the element can probably change it's bearer. And... I don't think I can sense it's power on me here."
"You mean...?"
>"I must have got replaced..." she pokes the fork around her plate
"That's silly. Can you imagine how ironic would it be? To leave "loyalty" behind? If those elements really stand for something, then your fate literaly won't allow you stay here."
>"You think?"
"Yes!"
>she smiles at first, but then pierces her stare into her plate ever harder with a confused frown on her face
"...What's wrong?"
>"Nothing, just... I was real happy back home, but I realized-..."
"What is it Dash?"
>...
>"I'll probably never see you again then..." she glimpses at you and you can see a single tear dropping from her left eye
>one that she very quickly wipes away, hoping you didn't notice
"Oh, Dash... Don't be sad about leaving me..." you're trying to sound composed
>but you know you'll really miss her too
>no longer you think that her company can be so easily replaced by a puppy
>so... you'd tell her the same thing that you're telling yourself now too
>a thought that helps you get over all the losses in your life
"....... One day we'll surely meet at the place we all came from."
>"...You're meaning after death?"
"Yes......." you'd lower your eyesight on the table, then back at her "Should it be White shores, Lands of undying, Heaven, Nirvana, or simply a place of light."
>"Even if I beleived that too, that's a pretty long time to wait for death to meet somepony again... isn't that pretty,... sad?"
"It isn't. Death doesn't need to be a salvation or something to necessarily wait for. More like a promise that,..." you're searching for the right words "that nothing and no one is ever really lost."
>she'd smile a little for herself, probably a little more satisfied with this kind of answer
>then she very softly bites her lip before glancing back at you again
>".....So, promise to meet you there?"
"Promise." you're raising your pinky finger with a smile, looking her straight in the eyes again
>it's another one of those moments when something strange is happening between the two of you
>as if you were able to share raw emotions this way and have no idea why, but you can feel your smile widen for a few seconds
>until you both break the eye contact, because as strangely nice it feels, it's getting a little awkwardly long 
>so you'd just smirk for a last time and both would return to the food again
>better finish it before it's cold completely
....
...
>after dinner, you'd roll a plastic foil around Dash's leg and she'd go take a shower so that she has enough time to dry before bedtime
>you'll be departing early and there will be no time for morning showers
>meanwhile, you're surfing the internet
>until she's back, with a towel in her mouth
>her fur and tail still wet, but not completely soaked with water
>dried just about enough as a towel allows, using her hooves
>then she puts the towel on her couch to sit on it while taking off the plastic foil from her splint
>you'd turn around from the computer
"You want a blowdrier for your tail? I never realized there's all this trouble around it."
>"That's fine, Anon, I kinda got used to it." she smiles "I mean, I had it like this my whole life... And I don't really like blowdriers because my tail gets rough after drying it with heat. I usualy let it dry naturaly if I can, or with a flight, buuuut, that's out of the question right now."
"And how long does it usualy take?.. Without flying?"
>"Less time than my mane, actualy. I discovered it dries faster when I wave it around a little." she'd automaticaly demonstrate, even though she's still sitting on it right now 
"Wait, you can move it at will like that?"
>"Of course." she laughs "Why wouldn't I?"
"I don't know. Not having a tail, I never though of it. I though it only moves on it's own." you shrug "...Like, depending on your emotions or just like automatic body language..? No?" 
>"That's silly." she giggles "I mean, sometimes I do have an urge to waggle it when I get excited, but it's not like I can't control it."
"Heyyyy, I've never seen you do that though."
>"That's because I'm mostly supressing it."
"Why?"
>"I guess it feels a little dumb. Most ponies don't do that."
"But, it's expressive. And that's good no?"
>"I never really though about that too much."
"I bet it looks hella cute too though." you chuckle "Does your body do more of these things?"
>"Well,.. when I get like super excited, my wings would spread out like: "POOF"." she's opening her clipped wings as fast as she can "I can control that too, if I wanted. But it's somewhat accepted response between pegasi."
"Oh, I remember that happening today." you grin "...Did you ever hit anyone with a wing when it happened? I remember they sprang out even faster when it happened naturaly."
>"Yes actualy." she snorts pretty loudly "More than once even. But that's nothing compared to when I was once I was laying on my back in bed."
"No way! Did you really accidentaly cataput yourself?" you laugh
>"Right off the bed!" she wheezes "Wish you could see it!"
"Oh I wish too." you're giggling real silly while imagining it happen "..............But there must be a whole lotta strenght in those wings if you can do that."
>"You bet..." she turns her head behind to look at her right wing, opening it and stretching for herself "...But they will probably need a little time to get back in shape though."
>then she retracts it again and turns her head back at you with a confident smile
>"...And they will. Just gotta be patient."
"True that. And I have a feeling you might be using them even sooner than your leg."
>"Maybe, never had them clipped before, along with a broken bone to compare." she smirks "You know, this is actualy the longest time I'm without them. I'm kinda starting to understand how does an earth pony feel like."
"I guess it must kind of suck to live in a world where everyone flies or does magic, but having none of that?"
>"I never though of it really. And I didn't even hear a lot earth ponies complaining. They have different qualities. Like Applejack, she's the strongest pony I know. I always competed with her in all sorts of things, but she's just better because she stays on the ground. And she can swing a lasso with her mouth! Who else can do that if not an earth pony." she chuckles "And then there's Pinkie. She's a long story."
"We got time. You didn't really spoke a lot about your friends."
>"In that case..." she smirks "Well, Pinkie is completely nuts, but the best kind of it. And sometimes she does things nobody understands..."
"Like what?" you'd raise one eyebrow inquiringly
>"She just defies all kinds of logic, literally. Like randomly appearing somewhere or just straight up dissapearing, walking on air, stretching parts of her body or changing shapes, predicting impossible odds... and all of that so casualy nobody even finds that strange anymore."
"Maybe she's secretly a unicorn?"
>"Yes, but not even unicorn could do some of these things. Once she outrun me when I was trying to fly away from her. Me! Like, how did she do that? She's not even an athlete like Applejack! But it's all so random, like she just does is impulsively you know? I don't think she controls it, it just happens."
"Now that's... wow, I'd like to see her in action" you chuckle "Must be a lot of fun around her."
>"Oh yeah, that is." she grins, but then frowns again with a little blank stare ".........I hope she didn't pay for my mistake too."
"Dash,..." you'd gently knock on the table to get her attention "Please don't let your demons feast on your thoughts."
>to which she forcibly raises her chin in an unbending expression
>but then she softens again
>"...I won't. I promised." she puts a hoof on her heart and closes eyes for few seconds, smiling "...I know she's safe. I can feel it here."
>seeming she actualy might be over it...
>and that's something that makes you incredibly happy for her inside
>if you weren't on the other side of the table you'd probably at least proudly put a hand on her shoulder
>but now you're just smiling at her somewhat dumbly
>yet, somehow you know she can still read what you're feeling
>"Oh Anon..."
"What is it?" you grin
>"...I don't know, nothing actualy. I feel a lot better now. I almost fell into it again, but I didn't... I probably shouldn't worry about things I can't change right now and let them sort themselves. I just needed a reassurance and I actualy got it. Don't know how, but I did."
"I'm glad. You'll come back home stronger than you've been."
>"Yes... I think I will." she smiles
>after this conversation, you decide to spend the rest of the evening with reading
>you still haven't finished Two Towers, as you've been combining a lot of other activities besides reading this week
>but at least you'll have a longer journey troughout the book
>that day, both of you would go to sleep pretty early 
>...so you're ready for tomorrow's BIG adventure!



Chapter five: Colossal


>>fast forward into the morning
*beeeeep* *beeeep* *beeeeeep*
>you're reaching for your alarm to turn it off and standing up from the bed at the same time to make sure you won't close your eyes again
>for a few seconds, you'd just squint in the dark in front of yourself
>at first, this morning seems little to no different from the ones when you're going to work
>but you already know this day is meant to completely different
>so you have a little stretch and put your pants on
>yesterday, you've set your alarm to 7:40, promising Dash you'll wake her after you do
>but guess you could make some breakfast before waking her, she can have some extra sleep and it's not like you necessarily need her to help you
>so you'd slowly open the door to a living room...
>but what a sight opens up to you!
>she's already awake, making a breakfast
>waaay ahead of you
>"Good morning Anon!" she turns around with a sincere smile on her face
"Good morning Dash." you're squinting your eyes again, this time over the blinding light of the illuminated room "I see you really can't wait, eh?"
>"I woke up at 7:15, completely fresh!" she's chirping while taking cups of tea to the table, one by one "It would be useless to try and go to sleep again for those few minutes. -Do you want a herbal or peppermint tea?"
 "Which one do you like?"
>"I like both." she smiles
"Then, I'll go with a peppermint one, haven't had that in a long time. Thank you." you smile back
>"You're welcome." she slides the cup closer to you, along with a jar of honey and a spoon
>then brings one big plate with peanut butter fruit jam sandwiches
>and two smaller plates, for each of you
"Hey, neat. ...You like peanut butter sandwiches?"
>"This here used to be my favourite food... except with a different jam." she chuckles and grins "And also,.. about the maximum capability of my cooking skills."
"Well it's the effort that's appreciated." you're grabbing one as well and gently raise it towards her as a sign of appreciation before having a bite "...Is this all because of the upcoming trip?"
>"Partly. I'm in a good mood too." she chuckles in between the bites and glances you in the eyes for a split second with a smile still on her face
>you'd smirk friendly back, without really saying anything, and continue eating
>..
>she couldn't wait for today, that's clear
>and you'll try your best to make it live up to her expectations
>after breakfast, you'd do your morning hygiene, enjoy a few minutes of spare time, get dressed and head out
>Dash wears her scarf and a hat for now, while you're still carrying the coverall in your backpack
>it may be cold in the morning outside, but once she'll be in a bus or the train, she'd be just sweating in it, so you've both agreed to put it on once you're actualy there
>the bus stop that takes you to the train station isn't very far away
>and on the way there, she'll generate some heat from walking
>about you, you're pretty warmly clothed already, so you don't mind the freezing cold outside either
>but after arriving at the stop, a few minutes earlier before the bus, she's quickly and visibly getting cold again
"You're sure you don't want that now?" you eye down on her, shivering
>"That's f-fine Anon. It's not worth putting it on for a minute or t-two." she's trotting in place, trying to get warmer
>after a second or two thinking, you'd crouch next to her to wrap your arms around her, warming her with your coat and shielding her from cold wind
>when you do that, she curls up like a little ball and quietly presses herself onto you
>then you hear a muffled "...This will do. Thanks." 
>after a few short minutes, the bus arrives, meaning you can let go and step inside
>there are some kids on the bus with their parents and a black guy with headphones, gazing blanky out of the window
>you'd pay an old bus driver for two seats and continue to the back of the bus
>while walking around, the kids are staring at Rainbow Dash with opened mouths...
>but the guy would merely give her a bored glance before returning to his music immersion 
>Dash would pretend not to see any of them the whole time, looking in front of herself the whole time, until she actualy sits next to you
>"It's nicely warm in the bus huh?" she'd then say then to break the silence
"Sure is." you're unzipping your coat with a chuckle "...Saw those kids though? They were watching you in such awe as if you were a God to them. That's a good thing no?"
>"I wasn't looking. I was trying to avoid eye contact."
"Well, you should have looked. Maybe give them a little blessing too." you giggle
>"Maaaybe next time." she smirks "...Do you think we'll have the coupe for ourselves?"
"I'd sure like to hope so, but it's not like there's anything for granted."
>"I know. But still..."
"You could make some new friends here." you nudge her with a chuckle
>"I'm okay with those I already have right now." she laughs softly "...But I guess I'd live trough it too if we had to share the coupe. I'm sure as hay not gonna let this day get ruined by anything." and she simpers at you before shifting focus out of the window behind you
>"...I see rails on the left already! Are we close?"
"Yup, pretty close. We'll go alongside them for one more stop and we're there."
>"Great!"
>the bus stops at the mentioned stop and a guy with a snowboard enters, looking for an isolated seat
>and while walking trough the aisles, he'd cross eyesight with Rainbow, sitting next to you
>she actualy does her best to give him at least a forced smile, but she's met with a little disdained or confused stare before he sits down
>after that dissapointment, she hangs her head a little
>seeing all that happen, you wanted to say or do something for her to make her feel better,..
>but you're a little indecisive whether to put you arm around her or which words would be right to say
>so you end up remaining silent until it's a little too late to say anything
>soon the bus stops at the railway station, letting both of you out
>Rainbow is following you trough small mobs of people to the cashier, which you'd greet, asking for two tickets to your destination
>..
>>"Good day mister, you can buy the pet ticket for your... tiny horse..?" the female cashier eyes over her counter at the skyblue pone "It's meant mostly for dogs, but it should be okay. As long as it won't defecate on the floor. But you still might wanna keep it on a leash."
>"Defecate on the floor? Who do you take me for? The nerve of that human woman...!" Dash is mumbling to herself while you're receiving the tickets
>>"..Did it just talk?"
>now's your colorful companion getting a deep inhale, about to bombard the cashier with the worst kind of sass she's able to produce, but before that happens, you'd push her away to step in between them 
"-Yes actualy, she did. And she didn't take it too kindly. But mistakes happen, right?" you're eyeing back at her with an awkward smile, then back at the cashier "Anyway, she's cleaner than I am and certainly won't be needing a leash, trust me. Thank you, bye bye." 
>and you're leaving, with Dash turning around to give the cashier one last evil look
>"You should have let me handle that..." she then turns her judging gaze at you
"I'm sorry, I probably should have..."
>"Well I-... !... !" she frowns "...It's like... hard to be mad at you, you know?!"
"I'm flattered, but it's okay." you chuckle "Send me to 9th circle of hell, I won't take it personaly."
>"I don't really want to,... I know you mean it well. You always do... It was just a bit demeaning." she hangs her head and calms down
"I know, that's why I'm sorry... I didn't want you to get in fight over something so trivial, but it was too late I realized it's your choice..."
>"...."
>"It's... It's not like anything serious happened." she chuckles softly, nudging your thigh with her shoulder
"...You should have seen her face though."
>"I did, and now that I think about it, it was pretty satisfying." she laughs
now "Dumb goose."
"Well,.. people get shocked to see you talk. I know I did too back then." you grin a bit awkwardly over her remaining hostility towards the clueless cashier "Even if someone actualy read those articles, nobody explained you ponies were smart like that."
>"That's a tiny detail, making a big difference between house pet and a slave Anon."
.....
"...Can't argue about that........ But I bet a lot of nasty things are waiting to happen to people who are responsible for it."
>"That would only be fair... Have there been any other news since those few articles you showed me?"
"Nope, it's been quiet since that. ....Maybe it's cancelled? Maybe they just teased for something that isn't done yet? Or won't happen at all?"
>"That would be nice news... I just wish everypony is safe."
"You said you felt that Pinkie is okay,..  the others may be too..."
>"Right,.... But enough of that, which platform are we going to?" she's looking around as soon as you emerge from the stairs heading to rails
"The one uh-... over there! The train is even already here." you'd point the direction
>"Let's get inside then, I'm starting to get a bit cold again." she smiles a lot warmer than before 
>you're there early, so it's easy to find yourselves an empty coupe
>you'd put your coat aside upon sitting, and your backpack on top of it while Dash lays herself over all of the seats opposite of you
>"...Can I have that coverall?"
"Sure. What for?" you're opening your bag to hand it to her
>without a word, she'd put it under her head as a pillow and give you a smug look
>"Perfect."
>having the backpack still open, you'd whip out a small bottle of water and have a sip
>"You've got water? Can I have some too?"
"Of course." you hand it to her "I also brough some candy." opening a bag of small chocolates to eat one, offering her as well
>"Um, I'm not a candy type... Thanks though."
>you smile at her and quietly have one more, while she's watching you unpacking it
>"...But on the other hoof... Do you think I could-...?"
>with an amused grin on your face, you'd now put the bag on a little desk between the two of you and slide it closer to her
>"Thanks." she takes two as well
>then lays down again, yawning before closing her eyes
"You're welcome. ...Sleepy?"
>"Nah, just relaxing. ...I'm listening, if you wanna talk."
"That's fine. Don't know if it's the winter outside or just you napping aura spreading onto me, but I think I'll close my eyes as well. At least until the train departs."
>so just like her, you'd put your jacket under your head
>and even though you don't exactly fit on the bench whole, you just got pretty comfy
....
>after a few minutes of uninterrupted peace, you can hear the coupe door opening, so you'd squint one eye to see if it's a conductor already
>but it's just some guy searching for an empty coupe who closes the door immediately upon seeing you, laying there all over the seats
>not long after that, you can hear the train starting to move
"Oh well." you raise your head and pick yourself up to a sitting position
>feeling a bit more fresh than you were
>then shift your focus on Rainbow Dash
>it seems as if she's actualy... sleeping?
>gives you an idea
"Dash? We're there..." you nudge her gently
>".....Uh, huh? ...Wat?"
"We're at the destination!"
>"What?! I slept trough the whole journey?!" she flinches
"Nah, I'm just joking." you giggle, sitting back on your seat "We've only just departed."
>"Well you got me there for a second." she yawns mid a sleepy chuckle
>then she sits up, looking around and yawning once more
"...Are you tired? Should I let you sleep?"
>"That's fine. Not anymore." she stretches herself while staring into the white snow behind the window "..-Oh look! We're almost leaving the city!"
"Yup, this railway goes straight out."
>"Nice. I'll finally see a REAL sample of this planet."
"It's gonna take a bit more time to get trough the crop fields."
>"How big can it be? If it's just some crop?"
"You'll see."
>and after a minute, a view ouside of the city opens up to you whole
>but it's really only acres and acres of endless, snow covered plains...
>"Wow, that's actualy sort of... dissapointing. How many people live in the city here? Do they really need that much space for crop? I mean, how do you even consume so much of it?"
"They don't. Most of it is for animals bred for meat or goes straight into the biogas power stations to decompose... Only very little from this area is for food."
>"How is it even- Oh, wait don't answer...."
"Yeah..." you'd put a hand under your chin and look out of the window trying to find something interesting to talk about
>but there's still pretty much nothing around here right now
".....It doesn't look that bad in summer,.." some large fields can look actualy pretty beautiful. Everyone may hate when they're planting oilseed rape flowers, but I kinda like the look at least... Neverending seas of yellow..."
>she opens her mouth, about to reply something, but at the same time the door opens and a conductor with a brown mustache is standing there
>>"Hello sir, can I see your ticket please?"
>you'd give him both of them to stamp it for Dash too
>>"That's such a cute animal you got here, would you mind if I pet it?" he asks you while returning the tickets
"If she lets you..." you'd turn your head at her with smile
>she first glances at you, then at the conductor, then back at you, and back at the conductor
>ending up rolling eyes, sighing a very quiet "Okay..." under her breath
>>"That's funny, the creature's face looks SO intelligent, I could almost swear it just talked, eh?" laughs the conductor when patting her mane "There there."
"Oh you wouldn't beleive." you grin
>>"Well, have a nice trip both of you. Bye." he leaves with a smile
"I was expecting you'd say something more."
>"Nah, I don't really care. I mean he's not gonna be the last one. It's always gonna be the same...: "Oh wow, you talk?" she's gesturing quotation marks with her hoofs, making ridiculing voices "Why yes I talk, what about that?", "Nothing I was just thinking.", "Well you though wrong!" Blah blah blah...... And he might have actualy wanted a full ticket from me too if I said something."
"Come on, it's not gonna be forever like that." you laugh at her sarcastic performance "...He really liked you."
>"I guess he did... That's why I let him touch me, or I'd bite his finger off.... It's just.... ......I really don't like humans, Anon."
"I'm a human too...."
>"But it's not about you Anon, I'd hardly even consider you one of them. You were only ever kind to me..."
"But there might be others who would too... I know you have a big heart, since you've opened it towards me. It's such a shame to see it closed towards the rest of the world... I'd be so happy if you could forgive. Not for them, but for yourself."
>"Maybe one day Anon... It's not as easy as it sounds. But.......... I'll try."
"...You're right, it isn't easy..." you smile "...I'm sorry for lecturing you like that.. again. I know it's not my place to force you, but it still,.. hurts me to see you hurting yourself the same way I used to. While I'm forgetting about how long it took ME to stop."
>"What do you mean?"
"I used to hate people too. With all my existance and passion." you chuckle
>"I wouldn't guess that from you. With the way you are now." 
"It used to be true." you laugh "But of all humans, I hated myself the most because I knew I was no different. Weak, fearful, narcissistic....  I used to think that this is our only nature. Wicked and pitiful sons of Cain... And so I acted that way."
>"...What happened then?"
"I realized that I have a choice to be better than that." you'd smile now "And what's more important, that I alone have the power to change our society from inside if I change my own ways. Even if that change was a single drop in the sea, then what is sea made out of?"
>"That's very optimistic Anon." she grins "Almost naive."
"It doesn't hurt to be a little naive." you grin back "Just like I saw a better side of me, I started to see a better side of other people too. And realized that we all, not just humans, but every living thing, has a potentional to grow and shouldn't be defined by a state it's currently in. You wouldn't like me either back then."
>"But that's still just you Anon. What if others will never change, until they die?"
"Then they'll have infinite more tries trough the next lives. It's only a matter of time."
>"Oh, Anon..."
"-I know, I know. Sorry, I talk too much. Even when I promised not to. I'll just shut up from now on." you grin
>"No, it's just that I-... I like to listen. But all this comes out so strange to me you know? I may even genuinely like some parts of it, but I can't take it as my own."
"You don't have to. What's really ours will find us eventualy. What isn't, won't. But you may have not noticed, but you've already changed since we met."
>"Have I...?"
"Yes, for the better I think. But that's not all. You've managed to change me for the better while turning my life upside down." you laugh "Not many "people" managed to do that and I really value you for it...... -Have you heard that song?: Oo-ooh, you're a miracle worker..." you're singing
>"No, I haven't." she smiles a little embarassedly "....How does it continue?"
"Oo-ooh I can't wait to fix me up. And I promise I'll be back again if you work a miracle on me." you'd sing the rest of the chorus, sounding actualy pretty good "...It's from Bob Marley's son, Damian. ...We can look it up whole together one day."
>"That would be nice." she simpers at you a little sheepishly
"...Oh, and look! There's the forest! We're finally getting to the rural parts."
>that makes her quickly turn her head onto the window to see
>behind the glass, there are first mobs of trees appearing
"Not far from here, the land gets even more interesting. I think the railway goes around some big hill soon and from there, in the distance, we'll see the very mountains we're going to."
>"I can't wait to see!" she's mesmerisedly watching out of the window in silent awe
>then, after some time, she gently turns her head in your direction, watching you, while still eyeing outside with a corner of her eye
>"In my life, never thought I'd be excited to see common flora again... Always thought: It's just trees and grass, nothing special about it, it's everywhere. But I guess I've been taking it for granted when it wasn't."
"It's always the darker time that make us appreciate simple life. Isn't it?"
>she smiles approvingly, then pierces her gaze trough the window again
>"...Do you think there are shepherds of trees? Like in the book?"
"I wish there were. If trees moved, people would likely treat them different. But there probably aren't... At least not on Earth. -What about Equestria? Have you ever seen trees moving there?"
>"No... but I haven't seen all of Equestria." she laughs "Maybe there are... Speaking of which, do you have any favourite kind of tree?"
"I'm not sure."
>"Why?" she'd questioningly look away from the window, back at you
"Each is unique in it's own way. It's hard to pick." you shrug "I used to prefer leafy trees over evergreens... but without the spruces and pines, the winter would be, you know,.. incomplete."
>"True.... but I think I still like maples the most. I just recalled a memory from one particual fall, when I was still a filly and... the world still felt new to me. The ground was covered with maple leaves while still a lot of them stayed up there with all kinds of different colours. It was... actualy really beautiful for me back then..."
...
"In that case,.. I really like willows."
>"And what's your memory then?" she smiles, with a genuine interest
"Well,. ...It was in the days I was still a junkie. I'd smoke or snort anything back then... Was looking for a nice place to light a joint and have a line,.. and I found a park with a nice little pond." you're smiling over a vivid memory of the scenery "The sun was shining like a golden plate and the water was reflecting everything to the tiniest detail, like a gate to a another world. Next to it, was standing a giant willow, leaning over the pond's surface. -Almost touching it, but not quite. The light from the sun was so intense and under such a perfect angle, it literaly light up the tree from below, as if was glowing with some kind of otherworldly light. It looked so holy to me, I-... it's hard to explain. I remember just sitting under the tree for half an hour just taking in the atmosphere. It felt so serene... I didn't even do any drugs there, it would feel like a desecration."
>"That's pretty vivid moment. Must have been important in a way." 
"It is. I think it's one of mine very first times to even realize such a simple thing, that you can feel happy even while completely sober." you smile, then look down blanky, holding your chin "But it was still such a long way from there. Many bad things happened anyway, things I couldn't avoid because they probably had to happen..."
>"...You're okay Anon?"
"I'm fine. Just wandered a little too far." you raise your head again and smile
>then move over from your side to sit next to her with a grin on your face
>"What is it?" she chuckles in expectation of what are you about to do
"Nothing much..." you chuckle "I just wanted to tell you, I'm... really grateful to you, for accompanying me right now... Would you-, -would you mind if hug you?"
>not exactly sure where this came from, but you really want to hug someone
>and not just anyone, but her specificaly
>"-Of course! I mean- of course I don't mind." she stutters a little, opening her hooves for you
>you'd then pull her closer and tightly wrap your arms around her
>she might just be a little suprised too, because it was always her, hugging you first
>not the other way around
>unless you count your automatic reaction to comfort her when she was crying before
>"I'm grateful too..." she's smiling, even though you can't see her smile
>....she might have already noticed your caution about physical contact too
>can't say where this issue originates, probably from a lack of physical contact in your life overall
>but you can feel it slowly dissolving by her side
>and the hug would last for particualy long time
>could say over half a minute and it's still not getting awkward for either of you
>eventualy you have to let go, but something feels a little different, as if you were both "energized" somehow
>without a word needed to be said, you'd just smile at each other and then turn your gazes towards the window together
>talking only while picking out interesting spots for each other
>may it be an animal, a pretty looking tree, or a weird shaped rock
>you're feeling like two little kids on an adventure, away from your parents, away from all the adults who could try to take away your pure, uncorrupted happiness
>just the the of you, being there just by yourselves and for yourselves
>there's something truly magical in it
>when the majestic view on the mountains suddenly opens up, her chest raises in her quiet gasp and her wings twitch softly while she instictively moves her hoof closer to your hand
>as if she wanted to hold you, but stopped herself from it
>and you did notice that, feeling the same urge for some reason
>but not having enough confidence to do that, you'd at least very softly slide your hand closer to her too
>until you can at least feel her short fur from her hoof, gently tickling on your wrist
>but then she moves her hoof even a little further, enough to actualy feel a little physical contact from her
>and it might just be all you wanted
>not to actualy hold her hoof,... that might still feel a little awkward
>but it's okay this way for you
>no awkwardness, no romance, just innocent feeling of content between two good friends
>while a slow, wordless melody is playing in your head
>in moments like this, you're actualy feeling almost complete...
>...
>almost
....
>and the moment lasts all the way, until the train actualy starts slowing down at some point and the railway is leading you around the first human buildings in a while again
"I think this will be our transfer." you'd announce softly without looking away from the windown, while moving your hand away again
>"...Is it?" she asks suprisedly as if she just woke from a dream
"Yup..." you now a little hesitanly shift your eyes onto her with a smile
>"Guess we should prepare, eh?" she then chuckles, slowly stands up and throwing the coverall on her back to carry it
>so you'd just nod and too, slowly start packing your things
>the train stops about the same time you're done packing your things and you're both making your way outside
 >you've found yourselves in a small city, not far from the village you're heading to
>and it's snowing here, but it's not as cold as it was in the morning
>your transfer train is already here, so you're heading straight to it
>there's no coupes inside, only benches, and quite a lot of people too
>so you'd at least find yourselves two isolated seats at the rear and sit there
>though, Dash seems to be pretty relaxed now, doesn't even care about anyone staring at her
>it could be the ride here that improved her mood so much, but who knows
>soon the train departs towards your destination
>"While still in the city, I though the rest of your Earth would be the same deformed... How foolish of me." she says when the view on the mountains opens up again
"That's... actualy quite poetic of you, though." you chuckle "Almost out of your character."
>"...Oh yeah." she looks back at you with her usual grin "I felt pretty dang poetic while saying that too."
"Maybe there's an inner artist inside of you." you smirk 
>"Aw, shush. Athlete is enough." she laughs "...Does the mountain have a name though?"
"It does, but I won't tell."
>"Why?" she snickers
"Because it might take away the magic. Let's give it our own name?"
>"Good idea. How about..." she squints eyes at it "...Droplet? What do you think?"
"I was thinking Steve."
>"Then how about Droplet Steve?"
"That sounds magical enough." you laugh "Droplet Steve it is."
>for the rest of the ride, you're hypying each other about whether it's gonna snow there and all kinds of things for shits and giggles
>this train actualy took only about 20 minutes to it's destination, since you've traveled most of the way via the first train and now you're only closing in
>...
>"And we're here, are we?"
"Yup! And it isn't even snowing here, you were right."
>"Well, I'm a weathermare after all." she laughs
>stepping outside, you'd stop and glance at the mountain
>"Hello, Droplet Steve!" Rainbow Dash waves at it excitedly
"Hey, big guy." you're waving as well, with a grin on your face
>the area around is pretty crowded with people headed here for the same reason as you
>you're far from being the only tourists here
>and it seems to be one of the more popular traveling destinations,.. not suprising though, these mountains are majestic
>"There's a lot of people for such a small village huh?"
"I was kind of just thinking about it. A lot of skiers and snowboarders around here."
>"Can you ride any of that?" Dash asks after few seconds of watching people carry their winter equipment
"I could, pretty good even. But I haven't for many winters. ...Do you have those back home?"
>"Yes, actualy." she smiles "I'd probably know how to use it too, but it's been some time. And also this." she knocks on her splint mid walk
"Don't wanna make promises about next winter, but..."
>"Yeah, maybe next winter." she laughs "So,.. do we go straight up?"
"Well, I'm kind of hungry. Aren't you too?"
>"Yes, but I'm also really hyped."
"I was thinking of buying pizza first."
>"Well in THAT case. A bit more waiting won't hurt." she grins
>there are plenty of pizzerias around, so you'd find one that seems nice to both of you and enter
>it's name is "For you"
>just as in every other restaurant, there are some people ahead of you waiting
>so while standing in the line, you're looking at the selection that's hanging above the cashier
"Which one will you pick?"
>"Thought you'd pick one for us."
"Judging by the cover." you eye on the person in front of you, receiving his pizza "They are probably gonna be pretty small. We could pick two different ones and share them. I mean, there's probably not gonna be that big selection of meatless ones to choose from but,.. you know."
>"Well in that case. I'd go with the vegetariana, haven't had that one yet."
"Okay, and I'll pick...uhh" you're scratching your chin while staring at the menu again "...I don't know. Gimme a bit more time."
>when it's your turn, you'd finally look down from the menu at the cashier behind the counter, a guy just a little younger than you
"Can I have one vegetariana and quatro formaggi, with some pineapples and sprinkle chilli on top of it?"
>>"Sure, but it'll cost a bit more sir."
"No problem with that. Thank you." you're handing him the money, along with a little tip to round up the sum
>"A pineapple?" Dash asks you on the way to the table
"Yes. The sinful taboo." you gesture with your hands spookily "...Not my usual choice, but we can just throw it away if it's bad."
>"It can't be that bad. And if, then I'd rather just eat it separately."
"True." you chuckle
>soon, they're bringing you two steaming boxes
"Nice, it's here!" you open both of them "So which will we try first?"
>"Let's try yours, it can't be that bad."
"Enjoy then." you're grabbing one while closing the other box
>"You too, thanks." she replies, already a mouthful of pizza 
>..
"....My my, it's hot and sweet at the same time." she's then breathing with mouth open after finishing the slice to cool herself
"I know right?" you're grinning as soon as you're done with yours "But you must not stop eating or it'll get even hotter."
>"Don't say twice." she chuckles, munching on another one
>you're just smiling at each other painfuly here and there troughout your first pizza, trying to keep the spiciniess bearable by not talking
>and it feels like a first class gluttony, but it's somehow fun
>it's also a little unspoken dare about who's gonna take the burning better
>so you wouldn't stop until it's gone completely
>"Well they certainly didn't skimp with the chilli there." she chuckles relievedly with a little tear in her eye after gulping down her last piece
"True that, my whole face is sweating. But it was great." you're grinning
>"Yup." she grins forcibly back inhales deeply with her tongue poking out of her open mouth like a dog, in attempts to numb the burning sensation "...But oh my gosh it's still burning so badddd."
"Are you okay?"
>"I am. Just soaking it up." she chuckles, trying to compose herself "...Do we continue with the second one?"
"Abso-hecking-lutely." you'd open the second box again and grab a first slice
>she inhales and exhales like that a few more times, before grabbing one too
>but the second pizza feels like heaven after hell, sweet with corn and the dough is taking away the heat while chewing
>your tastebuds may be a little numbed, but it's still intense enough to feel the taste
>you're taking this one a lot slower, enjoying the moment and watching mobs of people behind the window, walking around in ski or snowboard boots 
>life can be pain sometimes, but if you can enjoy it in it's worst, the good parts feel even better
>after finishing the second pizza, you'd refresh yourself with the water from your bottle, offering it to Rainbow as well
"Thirtsy?"
>"As a walrus." she chuckles, takes the bottle and finishes the other half "Thank you."
"No problem. I might go refill it with tap water on the toilets, don't wanna waste more plastic with buying a new one."
>"In that case, I'll be visiting mare's room in the meanwhile as well. Meet you in front of the pizzeria?"
 "Sure." you smile while standing up
>you'd go together the direction to the toilet rooms and split in front of them
>while being there, you have a quick pee as well and then head outside
>actualy finding youself being done with your bussiness sooner than her
"That's one thing all females have in common." you chuckle to yourself
>though, it only takes her a few seconds more, because you soon spot her trough the glass
>so you'd wave at her with a smile, to make her spot you better
>you're glad to see her again for some reason, even though it's only been a minute or two
>"Now we go up?" she's grinning in anticipation while limping to you
"Almost, we gotta have something to ride down, don't we?"
>"Then let's hurry! I can't wait!" she laughs, jokingly pushing you to go
"Alright, alright. I think it's this way." you chuckle on your way to the sleigh rental
>inside, they have regular sleighs and the ones with turnable handlebars and brakes too
>it's one of the things you actualy looked up in front, because the second ones are easily operatable even for her, with her splint and hooves
>so you'd quickly rent two of them and head to the cableway together 
>it's the kind with a closed cabin like a very tiny room for 4 or 6 people, and it goes up to the half of a mountain
>from there goes a same looking one, up to the very top because the mountain is too big for a single cableway
>the waiting line there is pretty large, but it goes suprisingly quickly and soon it's your turn
>and even though it's up for 6 passangers, they'd let you inside just the two of you
>the supervisor is merely staring at the limpy, colorful pone but doesn't say a thing
>and you're taking off!
>Rainbow Dash is excitedly squeezing her face onto the window while the cabin starts rapidly accelerating up
>and with the take off, her wings poof out like an umbrella again, throwing the coverall she carried on her back to the other side of the cabin, missing your face by milimetres
>makes you laugh when she turns around for a second to quickly see if she didn't hit you and then turns right back
>"Gosh, this is SO awesome! On a scale of 0 to best winter trip you could pick, this is definitely the the best winter trip you could pick! I missed heights so much!" she's chirping excitedly and flapping her wings as if she was flying
>and when she had enough to unglue herself from the view and sit normally, she's still watching it over your shoulder
"I'm glad you're happy." you giggle, handing her back the coverall
>"Happy? I'm bursting with happiness!" she suddenly hugs you and grabs the coveral back with an excited grin "I love you for this!"
"It's alright...." you're simpering when she lets go of you and proceeds to clumsy attempts of putting the coveral on by herself in a tight space "..You need any help with that?"
>"...Maybe if you could help me get my wings trough those holes in the back? Just with the direction? I could do it myself but it'll be quicker this way." she'd stand on two, leaning onto the window with front hooves and lower part already on
"Sure thing." you gently grab her wings and position it one by one
>then she can put her front hooves in the sleeves and pull the zipper up
>"There! Thanks." she sits again, but then stands right up "Oh wait.. I forgot about my tail. Could you pull it out for me?" she's pointing her rump at you
"I err.... uhh. Do I have to?"
>"I can't reach there properly now and we're almost up!"
"Can't we-"
>"Come on if you can grab it like a hoof away from it's root, that's where the spine ends." she waggles the tail under the coveral
"Well... alright then." you grin forcibly, trying to hide your embrarassement
>and you'd stick your hand trough the hole in the rear of her coverall and go straight for the tail
>and it's.... actualy easy bussiness
>you've managed to grab the tail on your first try and you're pulling it out without accidentaly touching any of her private parts
>phew
>"Hah, thanks." she waggles it again, this time freely
"No problem." you chuckle with a relief, even though it felt like a problem to you
>man why you're so awkward?
>which one of you really the weird one?
>anyway,.. by now you're almost there, so you're slowly preparing yourselves to step outside the cabin
>you'd grab your sleigh first and then reach for hers, but she's already holding it with her white teeth, tugging it by it's leash trough the door to a next waiting line
>"Iffs coudfer uf here." she announces before putting the sleigh down and sitting on it
"It is. Windier too."
>"Yeah, I'm actualy pretty glad I have this." she pats her pink piece of clothing, then her hat  "And this."
"Can't regret buying myself a new coat too. It holds heat nicely. But the true test will be when we'll be speeding down."
>"I can't wait!" she laughs
>just as before, they'd let you in a cabin just the two of you and you're going even further up
>it may not be snowing, but the clouds are pretty low today
>and eventualy, you'd get to the point where you can't see anything besides white fog, because you're going straight trough them
>and then...
>you rise above the very clouds!
>the warm, golden sunshine on the light blue sky hits your eyes with it's sudden brightness, so you'd shield them for a second, but you're still trying to see trough your fingers
>"That... that's so beautiful..." Rainbow's staring mesmerisedly straight into the sun while you're struggling to see
>how doesn't she go blind with big eyes like that?
>"...I haven't seen a sight like this in such, such a long time..." a tear of joy is rolling down her cheek "...this is how freedom used to feel like."
>at this point your eyes would accustom to the light, so you can enjoy the scenery with her and see what she's seeing
>the clouds are resembling oceans of milk, spilled upon the lands of Earth, with the tips of all the other mountains floating in it like tiny islands...
>...and she's right, it's absolutely breathtaking
>"Anon!" Dash suddenly hugs you out of nowhere, burying her mane into your chest "Thank you so much for taking me here."
"Hey, that's nothing." you chuckle upon letting go, when she's sitting down next to you so that you can watch together "We both needed that."
>don't think you ever saw her so genuinely happy before, with those big sparkly eyes relflecting the sun and such a sincere smile on her face
>she'd actualy fondly lean herself onto your shoulder while immersing herself in the scenery too
>not sure whether she even knows about it
>but you wouldn't point that out
>and after a little while, as if you're starting to feel the same kind of hapiness she feels, it's spreading onto you
>feels almost like being high, but better, natural
>can't help yourself but to smile from ear to ear until you're all the way up
...
....
>you flinch when you realize you should be exiting, because the door are automaticaly starting to open next to you 
"Quick!" you suddenly reach for your things, including her sleigh and jump out
>"...!"
>"...Hey, we almost enjoyed the scenery twice." she's giggling after she's jumped out as well, both standing on the landing platform now
"You wouldn't even mind, would you?" you laugh
>"Maybe,.." she grins "but now that I'm here, I'm going to enjoy this to the fullest!"
"So shall we?"
>"ABSOLUTELY!" and before you know it, she's already bouncing from her healthy leg on her sleigh and she's speeding down via one of the tracks
"Wait for me!!" you're right after her and soon you're catching up
>"Woohooo!" she'd let go of the handlebars, raising her hooves up in the air from excitement
"So which way will we go? We didn't even check the tracks."
>"Let's take a random one!"
"And that is?" you're pointing at the crossroad in front of you, inevitably closing in
>"Eeny,meeny,miny,moe-Idon'tevenknow! LEFT!" she suddenly turns her sleigh to left, forcing yours to turn there as well "Eeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Yes we did it!"
>she may have just almost tumble you both over, but you catch yourself laughing as well, not caring about what could have been
>cause this is way too much fun!
>you're totally on the same flow now
>and after a few more meters you'd spot a few jumps up ahead, so you'd glance at her
>"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?!"
"...You're sure with that leg though?" you think twice this time
>though
>"Yes!" and she's heading straight onto the first jump
>the sleigh are made of metal, nicely balanced even for jumps and should be able to withstand them easily
>and even though you never jumped on that thing before, you feel you can make it
>and off you go!
>she's right in front of you, leaping from the snow's edge and while she's in the air, she'd open her wings in an attempt to glide even further
>you can only watch her in awe, when your sleigh already hit the ground under her and she's still soaring for a second or two, farther than you
>"Yeaaaaa!" she yells exhilaratedly upon landing, then brakes just a little for you to catch up
"Wow! Talk about clipped wings!" you laugh
>"I wasn't sure if it'll work either." she giggles back "But I had to try it."
>then there are two more jumps ahead of similiar size
>"Come here, you delicious!" she'd lick her lips delightedly before getting sent flying trough the air 
>and you're following right behind her, making it just like before
>not so elegantly, but making it
>but the third one actualy seems slightly bigger
>which is good for her, since she can glide a little and her landings are always pretty smooth
>you though,..
>up in the air, you're already realizing you might have underestimated this one
>and when you see the ground getting closer,  you're already preparing yourself for the crash-
>the handle bars are forcing your hands from right to left, and you're about to bite the snow when your automatic survive-reflex kicks in and you straighten the path, braking immediately after you feel you're safe
"Phew... almost like on a bike." you chuckle relievedly, with a cold sweat still on your back
>in the meanwhile, Dash is waiting for your a few meters lower, so you catch up
>"What happened back there?"
"Nothing in the end. But it was close." you're grinning "I flew a bit higher than I expected."
>"And are you ok? You look a bit shaken."
"I almost saw myself crash. Very vividly." you laugh "But I'm fine nothing happened. I'll just be more careful around the kickers."
>"Glad to hear." she smirks and lets go of the brakes
>you'd do the same and slowly start gaining on speed again
>the path you've chosen has one more crossroad up ahead
>one track seems relatively laid back while the other seems to go trough some woods and some serpentines
>"Up for the woods?"
"Definitely." you grin, having your confidence back already
>and before you know it, she's up ahead, giggling on the way
>the path shrinks there quite a bit, so it's safer to let her go in front of you
>and even though you can't go always full speed, the amount of curves makes up for it on a scale of adrenaline
>some time later you emerge out of the forest, seeing a straight line heading down to the cableway
>you'd merely glance at each other, not having to say anything more
>first one to get there wins!
>and so you're racing down, but you're both about the same speed
>not sure whether she isn't using her wings to gain advantage on purpose, or- ohhh okay never mind
>when she's about to lose, she pushes herself with a flap or two a few centimeters in front of you
>but only for a split second, because you both have to stomp the brakes
now, so it might not even count
>there's a crowd of people in front of you, waiting in the line and you aren't hitting them by no more than a meter
>but it was totally calculated
>"Ha! That was A.W.E.S.O.M.E., awesome! Wheeee!" she stops right next to you, doing a little celebratory dance with the upper part of her body, then bumping her hoof with you
"Oh yeaaaaah! That was amazing!"
>"-Do we continue down or do that again?!"
"Let's do that again, take a different path and then go all the way down!"
>"And then all the way down, AGAIN!"
"Yooooo!"
>"Eeee! I can't wait!" she giggles excitedly "This is the BEST DAY EVER!"
>you're hugging each other out of pure excitement in the waiting line and giggling silly
>don't even care at all that people are staring and some laughing too
>it's so much fun to ride this thing here and twice the fun when you're riding together
>soon, it's your turn on the cable cableway and it's taking you up once again
>this time you'd turn right on the crossroad and it's leading you around the mountain, not as steep, but with a lot more view on the sceneries and elegant, long curves
>at first, you both of you'd just sit back and enjoy the warm sun reflecting on the snow
>then, when you slip under the clouds again, you're starting to look for a more offroad path
>eventualy, there's a passage trough the forest again, but this one even tighter, that only one person could fit there
"This way??"
>"But of course!"
>this time, you're going first
>it seems to be as if it wasn't even official path, just one made up by some reckless skiers
>but the more fun it is
>the curves are tighter, sometimes you're almost hitting a tree, sometimes you'd have to hit the brakes really hard to make it but you're still in control
>she's right behind you and since there isn't too much space for her wings, you're almost faster than her at some point
>not for long though, soon she's gaining up on you again
>and eventualy, you'd reappear above the waiting line again, except more the right than before
>but this time you continue around it anyway, heading straight down
>the hill is soon dividing into two big ski slopes, with a downhill course under cableway in the middle of them
>"Which way you wanna go?" she slows down so that you can talk
"Certainly not under the cableway. Maybe if I had ski, but not on this." you laugh
>"I sort have the same feeling. ...Or we would have to go very slow."
"Maybe... maybe next time."
>"Yeap. So,...left?" she points
"As good as choice as any. Lead the way." 
>"Count on it!"
>she wouldn't go straight down, rather drifting from side to side, looking for some trees to dodge between or jumps to not miss
>eventualy finding what she's been looking for, taking all the challges head on
>you're right after her, but you'd avoid some of the kicker jumps after your previous experience
>and..
>"Oh-yeaaah!" she's just finished jumping the last one, stopping a second for you to catch up
"Okay, that was fun." you grin, stopping with a drift next to her
>"Yup, there was plenty of 'em." she points at the last jump with a same grin "I almost feel like I had enough flying for some time."
"Won't argue, I didn't went on half of them and already feel the same."
>she snickers over the memory of glancing at you before, how you're always landing as roughly like a rally car but you're still going 
>"Oh yeah... We're almost down, do we take only the upper part of the moutain again?"
"I have an idea, I'll tell you when we get down."
>"Tell me now!" she giggles
"Nah, you gotta catch me first!" you let go of the brakes and start speeding down the hill
>"Oh it's on!"
>and she's after you, flapping her wings to go faster
>like that, she catches up soon and while still giggling, she eventualy overtakes you before stopping by the waiting line again
>"Don'chu try to outspeed me." she's nudging you amusedly "Now, what was the idea?"
"Okay, okay." you put your hands up with a laugh "You win, just lemme recharge our tickets and I'll tell you in the meanwhile... Saw that snackbar or whatever was there at the top?" you're standing up, heading to a nearby recharging automat "We could sit on the benches for a little while and get something warm there."
>"That sounds great! I could use a little rest, but,.. places like that will probably be pretty expensive. You know what they say about prices and altitudes...." 
"Oh come on, we're having fun today." you smirk  "These moments are priceless. Forget about the money."
>she's about to say something, so you just put a finger in front of her mouth and smirk
>she stops, closes her mouth and amusedly raises her eyebrow with a chuckle
>"Well,.. okay then."
*fast forward one more ride in the cabins*
>up at the top, you'd head to the snackbar window to see what do they have there
>it's a bit too high for Dash, but she's stretching her neck to see inside anyways
>and she looks pretty funny while doing so, but you rather wouldn't point that out
>...pretty cute too 
>seeing the typical ski resort menu, you already know what to pick
"Hello! Can we have two bombardinos? Yeah and uhh,.. oh! -you have hungarian langoshes? We'll have two of those as well. Thank you!"
>"What are those things you just ordered?" Dash tugs on your winter coat
"You'll see..." you grin down on her "Do you mind a bit of alcohol though?"
>"Like in the beer? ...Is it gonna be bitter too?"
"Nah, this is gonna be sweet and hot, you'll see. And the other thing is a tiny bit like... a budget pizza?.... That isn't really a good definition though." you laugh  "But I like it, hope you'll too. If not, I'll get you something else."
>"It can't be that bad." she smirks
"Hopefuly, let's sit." 
>so you'd find a bench, from which you can see the sun and a whole panorama above the clouds as clearly as possible, and sit there, leaning with your backs against the table behind you
>".....I just remembered. This here feels a lot like from that dream... You know, the very first one I told you about? Where we flew up the mountain?"
"I remember... You said it wasn't on Earth though?"
>"It does feel otherworldly here, doesn't it?." she smiles at you "...I also said we flew there, can't take it too literaly..."
"Maybe the flying was a metaphor too?"
>"Maybe... It's true, I do feel as free as if I was flying." she closes her eyes, just absorbing the sun with a gentle, content smile ".........But I wish there was a way to repay all of this to you, Anon."
"Hey that's fine, don't mention it. I'm enjoying today as much as you do... -That alone is my reward." you smirk and close your eyes too, sunbathing your face "I'm glad I could take you here."
>when suddenly
>you can feel a very soft kiss your cheek
>so you'd open one eye to glance at her
>"...Sorry, I just-... felt like I had to do that."
"That's fine. In Russia, they do that all the time. Even men." you chuckle
>you've received a kiss like that from a female friend before
>you know well enough they don't mean anything by it, so you don't bother yourself with it
>girls are just... more impulsive as far the emotions go, may them be human girls or... tiny, winged mares
>"Yeah......" she smiles very awkwardly, then again with growing confidence "...best buds?"
"Bestest buds..." you grin back, bump your fist with her and close your eyes again
>...
>>"Uh, sir? Your order is ready." the vendor is calling at you when you're so relaxed it almost feels like you're falling asleep
"Oh, thank you. I'll be right there."
>you'd stand up and rush to bring back a plate with all the stuff you've ordered
"One bombardino and langoš, coming at'cha." you're laying it on the table
>"Already?" Dash opens her eyes to see, probably sleeping again "-Whoa that looks so good!"
>and she's sniffing it curiously too
>"Oh I can already tell, this is tasty."
>haven't seen many people sniff their food like that, even though it makes sense, now that you're thinking about it
"You bet." you grin, actualy having a whiff of the food too before your first bite of langosh
>and right after swallowing it, a sip of that hot bombardino
>while Dash would try the bombardino first
>"Oh I almost forgot."
"What about?"
>she'd raise her glass, to clank it with yours
"Oh, true that." you smile "Cheers."
>"Cheers."
"Didn't know you had this custom at home." you say after another sip
>"I think it's just universal, isn't it?" she wipes a bit of whipped cream off her face
"Yeah, but mostly with alcoholic beverages."
>"I do that with anything I like." she chuckles and has bite of langoš "...And we don't have a lot of alcoholic beverages to start with."
"So that means you DO have some in Equestria?"
>"Yes... But it's not as common as here. I only had it a very few times, if I count your beer as well."
"I see. Well, you aren't really missing out that much. In the end, it's just a distraction from real life."
>"I guess. But as far as the taste goes, this thing is delicious." she sips again with a grin
"Yeah, that's why I ordered it." you chuckle "But I don't know your tolerance, hope it's not gonna be too much for you..."
>"Is it strong?"
"Not really. Probably less than one beer, but still."
>"Then I guess I should be okay." she smiles
>and soon she's almost finished with it
>"-Talking about beverages, I just remembered my friend Applejack makes the best cider ever! I mean, it's a bit unrelated and sorta off the topic since we can't get it but uhhh,.. you get the idea." she's grinning at you widely, and with the same grin still stuck on her face, she into bites her langoš, followed by another sip of bombardino
>you'd swallow the morsel in your mouth and glance at her with an amused smirk
>"What is it?"
"You're drunk." you laugh
>"What? No, get outta here!" she laughs, pushes you jokingly and finishes her drink "...Or am I? How do I tell?"
"Oh I can tell for you." you giggle "If nothing else, the tone of your voice gives it away you're a little tipsy."
>"Oh snap. But the taste was worth it." she licks the bits of whipped cream off her mouth
"I can see that." you giggle again and have a last sip of yours too while she's already hungrily munching on the rest of her langoš
>note though, no more alcohol for ponies
>after you're both finished with your meals, you'd stand up to return the plate
>and Dash stands up as well
>"Oh my.-"
"Dizzy?" you turn around to see
>"Just a little." she keeps on grinning goofily
"We'll go a bit slower this time."
>"That would be a good idea."
>so you'd sit on your sleighs again and ride down, taking the longest and least steep path
>on the way, you're waving randomly from side to side for, sometimes almost crashing into each other for fun
>and the path actualy takes you via circle, around the whole mountaintop, down to the second cableway
"How do you feel?" you'd ask while you're closing in to the waiting line
>"I think it mostly wore off by now... Odd, feeling though. Like I had less control over myself."
"Yeah, that's alcohol for ya." 
>"It was fun though. But just about enough for me. Could be scary in big portions."
 "You have no idea how scary." you smirk "...So which way do we go now?"
>"Do you remember saying "Maybe next time" about the path under the cableway?"
"I remember saying something like that." you laugh
>"So...?" she waves her eyebrows up and down with a daring grin
"...But let's not push it too much okay?"
>"As slow as we can get!" she laughs then and continues that way
>you both would stop before the edge
>it's pretty steep and full of serpentines and jumps
>"Hah, it looks nice from up here, eh?"
"It would look better from down there, without snow and sitting on a cross motorbike for me actualy." you chuckle "I prefer climbing."
>"We can try that in summer." she laughs and goes first without any more hesitation
>at the first curve, she sort of drifts it trough, stopping after it and checking whether you're following her
"Oh well..."
>no turning back now, so you'd continue behind her in the same manner
>"It's not that bad, isn't it?" she laughs excitedly when you stop next to her
"It isn't, actualy. ..As long as we don't go any faster."
>"Yeah, let's go!"
>and she's off again
>it's going smooth enough for the most parts of it, until you're past the first half
>it may be even a little less steep from here, but Rainbow's rising confidence is making her go faster
>until there's a curve around a pile of snow, which she procees to drift around again
>but she's going too fast for that and while her sleigh drifts sideways, it's ski bites into the snow, flinging her head first like a slingshot, straight into the snowpile
>only her legs and tail are sticking out
>but she isn't moving...
"Dash!" you're hurrying up to her, grabbing her healthy leg and pulling her out
>by now you can feel her body trying to help you pull her out
"Dash, are you ok?! Can you hear me?! PLEASE BE OKAY..."
>but when her head finally comes out as well, she may not have her hat and her mane is full of snow, but she's literaly wheezing in laughter
>"Have,-have you seen that?!" she's giggling uncontrolalbly "Just like krrchs and whoosh!"
>seeing she's okay, your worry immediately dissapears and her contagious laugher is spreading onto you too
"You got me scared there for a second..." you're chucking relievedly "Knowing you'd be fine, it would have been really funny from the start........" then snicker "I mean, the way you literaly dissapeared in there."
>"I know!" she wheezes again "I was making that sweet turn when suddenly: dark! For a second didn't even realize what happened or where am I! Like,- maybe this is what you see when you die!" she's laughing loudly "Then you start pulling me out and it hits me like: Oooooh I still have a legs!.. Totally worth it."
"Yup, and it only cost you your hat." you grin
>she'd put a hoof on her head to check, starting the laughter all over again
>"I didn't even realize that. I thought I still have it!" she's giggling while dusting the snow from her mane
>then she reaches back into the pile to search for the hat
"Hey that's fine, I can-"
>"Got it!" she's out, her mane full of snow once again
"Great." you chuckle, this time rustling your fingers trough her mane for her "Ready to continue?"
>"Sure thing! Let's gooo!" she grins, pushing herself forward
>you'd continue the rest a little more careful, and eventualy finish safely at the waiting line by the cableway
>"Ha! That was so much fun!"
"Not gonna lie, it was."
>"But I feel a bit tired, how about you?"
"Me too actualy... I was thinking about spending our credits with one more ride all the way up. And if we make it down in..." you'd check your watch before finishing the sentence "...about 55 minutes, we could catch the same train back."
>"Great! ...I think I had plenty adrenaline for today even without snowmobile anyway." she smiles 
"Yeah, me too." you smile back
>and so you'd ride all the way up again, sitting on the benches to see the sun from there for one last last time
>it's almost setting
>one or two hours and it's probably gonna be dark completely
>so you're just sitting there silently next to each other, gazing at the fiery globe
>it's light is slowly shifting from white to orange, but there's still plenty of time before it goes red and dissapears
>such peaceful and comforting scenery... you're really glad to be there to see it
>with someone dear
>with her
>...
>and when it's about time to go, you'd alert her and both of you're slowly picking yourselves up
>you can feel your muscles alright by now, and you're sure she does too, so you're sliding your last ride pretty laid back
>it may not seem like a big workout, but you've been there for over 4 hours
>over 4 hours of balacing to all directions, speeding and braking....
>now you're just relaxing on the way, giving each other a reassuring look or a smile here and there, sometimes arguing about which way, but overaly, you're just quietly enjoying the lazy ride
>down under the mountain, you'd return the sleighs and head straight to the train, which is already waiting by the station with it's engine on
>inside, you'd find two empty seats and sit, leaning on each other gently with your shoulders
>soon the train departs and you're on your way home
>you feel that your head is almost falling to lean on hers, but you're both keeping yourself up because it won't take long 
>and at the transfer, you'd quickly slip into your transfer train to find yourselves an empty, cozy coupe
>you'd finally put your coat down there, instead of just unzipping it like in the previous train
>Rainbow still has her coverall too, but now she's about to slip out of it as well
>"Yuck, didn't realize I'm this sweaty under that thing. Ew." she throws her clothing on the other side of the coupe, about to sit down next to you, but then hesitanly stands up
"What is it?" 
>"I should probably go sit on the other bench." she chuckles 
"Hey come on." you laugh, patting the place next to you "That's fine, I can't even smell anything."
>"Well okay then,.. but you had your choice." she grins, happily making herself comfortable
"Sure thing." you'd grin back and lean into the backrest
>after less than a minute, you can see her closing her eyes and dozing off, with her head slowly falling down onto your shoulder
"You really do fall asleep easily..." you chuckle very quietly when she's already leaning onto you with all of her weight
>her, still sweaty, body is all relaxed by now and- ...she doesn't really smell as bad as she thinks
 >it's a little different from her otherwise very pleasant scent, now it's just... a little heavier and less ignorable
>but you don't really mind, it's kinda okay
>and even though you didn't break as much sweat at her today, you probably don't smell any better
>being comfy as you are, you'd soon close your eyes too, feeling your face falling convinietly into her silky soft mane
>you're too tired to resist it, so you let it happen, slowly dozing off too
>and it feels somehow unexplainably good and new
>like something you dreamed about in your childhood, except with a girl
>well... she is a girl,... just not the kind you should have any kind of romantic of fantasies about
>and soon she'll be gone anyway...


>...it kinda hurts to think about it
>so you'd try to throw all of those thoughts away, cleansing your mind with a better thought:
>you've just had an awesome day with your best friend, what's not to like?
>you smile in silent content
>this is the thought you want to fall asleep with
>but still, the very last thing that clicks trough your mind is an image of those two old people sitting together, that you saw in a bus when you met Dash for the first time
>it feels so good to be with someone...
>and then you fully drift off into sleep, your consciousness completely fading away...
>...
>...
>...
>until you get rudely awaken by the loud announcement "FINAL STATION. THANK YOU FOR USING OUR COMPANY. PLEASE EXIT THE  VEHICLE."
"Huh, what? We're here?" you flinch
>Dash raises her head from you and yawns loudly
>"Oh I just had such a nice dream,... but I can't remember what was it-" she stretches her front hooves mid sentence and yawns again "-even about anymore."
"Me neither, can't even remember how I fell asleep." you're yawning right back "Guess we should go, our bus will be here soon."
>"Yup, let's go." Dash reaches for her coverall, but only puts on her hat a scarf, carrying the big pink piece of clothing on her back again
>probably thinking she'll be fine like that...
>you're slowly making your way trough the door, while she's limping right behind you
>..
>outside of the train, you'd find yourselves at almost empty station, far from being as crowded as it was in the morning
>by now, the sun has long set in the meanwhile and it's freezing cold
>especialy, compared to the cozy coupe
>but thankfuly, you'll be soon back home
>seeing Dash though, she's underestimated the situation again, just like in the morning
>her teeth are chattering, even if she's trying to look like she's fine
>but you wouldn't bring up putting the coverall again, because it's a lenghty process, so instead, you'd crouch down to her, just like you did before
>and when you've wrapped your arms around her, she smiles appreciatively, curling up in your embrace to hold in the heat
>while holding her like that, you'd look up at the sky full of stars, then glance down on the almost empty city street
>it's not even that late, but in this time of year, it feels like it's a deep night already
>such are winter times...
>it's not like you really mind though
>you used to hate it, but now you're okay with it
>there's something about this atmosphere too
>especialy now, when it's freezing like this, the stars seem exceptionaly visible
>so you'd gaze at them, trying to spot some constellations
>it's easy to find Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, but that's about where your knowledge ends
>wonder how far they really are...
>how does all of that looks from different angles
>how would it feel to travel trough such distances in a single moment...
>at some point Dash raises her head from her curled up mode and glances the same way you're looking
>she has got warm enough by now that her teeth stopped chattering
"....It's fascinating isn't it?" you exhale, still watching the sky
>"I don't know if fascinating,... but it's really pretty."
"So pretty, it's fascinating." you grin "I mean, just how incomprehensible is the size of this all. Or is it we, that are just too small?"
>".....Maybe both." she grins 
"Guess you're right." you chuckle "...Who really knows all the answers? We know almost nothing about the universe. I don't know if it's a bliss or a curse. Or neither...."
>"......."
>you chuckle, it's not like you expected an answer from her, but then notice lighs at the end of the street approaching  "-....And look, there goes our bus!"
>and trully, it is the bus you've been waiting for
>so you'd slowly let go of her as it closes in and ready up your wallet
>inside, you greet the driver, buy two tickets and find two empty seats
>once sitting, you'd glance one more time at the stars before the bus departs
"So I guess this is pretty much it for today huh? Will we go straight to beds?"
>"Well, I'll take a shower if you don't mind."
"Oh, I will too." you snicker "I meant, if you don't plan any other activities, like reading." 
>"Tired even for that." she smirks "...Were you planning to?"
"Nah, just asking to be sure." you yawn "...What a day today."
>"The best one in a long, long time."
"Same for me. And everything turned out completely perfect."
>"I can't even think of a single thing that didn't." 
"Me neither." you smile "...I'm still kinda enjoying it."
>Dash would just simper at you agreeably, sliding just a few milimetres closer to you
>something tells you she'd probably like to lean onto you again, but she isn't sure whether you're okay with it
>but then again, you won't say anything either, because you aren't sure if you ain't just making that up
>maybe you don't read her as good as you think...
>soon you're at your stop anyway, so you'd stand up and continue by foot
>or hoof, in her case
>and after a few short minutes of walking, you're finally stepping inside your house
"You wanna go first?" you point on the bathroom door "Because of your fur...?"
>"How thoughtful, thanks." she grins
>in the meanwhile, when she's showering herself behind the smoked glass, you enter the bathroom to brush your teeth and use a toilet
>and you're just about to go when she opens the shower door, so you'd instictively stop and turn away
>...you can hear her snickering behind you
"Oh right,.. I forgot you're always naked."
>"Yup,.. and you can go right in if you want to, I won't look." she turns around with a towel rolled around her torso like a skirt and a hoof, covering her eyes
"Well,...okay." you'd quickly undress yourself, jumping into the shower and close the glass door behind you
>"I was thinking if I could borrow the hairdrier, just for today, for my tail?" she asks after she's finished brushing her teeth
"Sure thing Dash! Borrow it all you want." you're yelling from behind the glass while covering yourself in soap
>"Thanks."
>and in a few seconds, you can hear the drier's whirr
>she's done before you are with your shower, so you'd have enough privacy to dry yourself, put on pants and then follow her to the living room
>she's already laying on her couch with a blanket over herself and eyes closed, but the main lights are still on
"Good night..." you'd stop by the lightswitch, glancing at her one last time
>"Good night Anon." she actualy opens her eyes to give you a warm smile before it goes dark "...And sweet dreams."
"You too, Dash." you're smiling on your way to your room "The sweetest ones..."



Chapter 6: Intermezzo



>you've had some sleep on the train yesterday and went to bed pretty early too, so it's no surprise you're awake pretty early in the morning
>but you'd still stay in your bed for some time more, rolling around lazily, relaxing and thinking about your dream, before you even open your eyes
"Aah-uh!" you stretch yourself while still in your bed
>can feel your muscles a little from yesterday
>no regrets though
>wonder if Dash is already up...
>so you'd put some clothes on and you're opening the door to check...
>...she's still on her couch and looks as if asleep
>but when your door softly screeches, she gets alerted of your presence, opening her shiny eyes
>her muzzle is still hidden under the blankets, but you can see how she's smiling under the covers
>such a cute creature
>cute enough to conjure a big smile on your face right in the morning
"Good morning Dash." you're greeting her, already in a good mood
>"Yo, good morning Anon!" her voice is slightly dimmed over the blanket "How did you sleep?"
"Like a log." you laugh "How about you?"
>"To the total satisfactory. And even further now." she grins and raises her head a bit, slowly pulling the blanket off her muzzle "I couldn't bring myself to actualy get up."
"Yeah, I know that feeling..." you chuckle "What would you like for breakfast?"
>"That's fine Anon, don't." she smirks at you 
"Come on, you made breakfast yesterday, I can make it today. What shall it be?"
>"Okay,... sounds fair..." she chuckles and lays her head down again, playfuly piercing you with her glimmering eyes before making her mind up ".....But it's you who's choosing. I did that yesterday." 
"In that case,.. a rye bread with butter honey it is."
>and so you're heading over to kitchen counter to slice some bread and fill a heating kettle with water 
>in a small bowl, you'd mix butter and honey into a thick spread and prepare two cups with black tea
"...Do you like english tea?"
>"Sure. I don't know what it is, but sure I do." she giggles
"I'll be glad to show you." you grin back
>and when you've got everything ready, you'd bring it all to the dining table
>in the meanwhile, she slowly stands up from her couch, stretches herself like a cat and limps to the table as well
"Enjoy." you smile upon sitting
>"Thanks Anon, you too." she'd bite into her bread, smiling back
>when you're about halfway done, you'd put away the teabag from your cup and add milk with honey
>"......So that's an english tea? A tea with milk?" she asks curiously while chewing
"Pretty much. Really haven't had that before?"
>"Nope, but I'm about to." she gulps her morsel and quickly does the same with her cup, stirring it with a spoon before tasting it
.....
>"....It doesn't really taste like tea anymore." she then snickers amusedly "It's not too bad though." 
>you have a sip and chuckle agreeably before continuing with your bread while she downs her cup in less than a minute
"...So,.. any plans for today?"
>"Me?.. I'm not a kind to make too many plans." she grins "Especialy today, I feel lazy like never before."
>you'd glance out of the window, it's snowing outside like in an american christmas movie
"Even the weather is the kind of stay at home kind... How about we watch some movie for a start and then decide?"
>"If it's good?"
"Yeah, I know about a few good ones." you smile
>so after the breakfast, you'd bring your laptop to the couch and show her a selection of movies
"Now it's you choosing. Which one?"
>"What are they about?"
"I won't tell." you laugh "Just pick a title from this folder."
>"Oh, okay." she grins, searching trough the movie names with her irises ".....In that case....no... no.... This one! Howl's moving Castle!"
"Really?"
>"Yes! I like the name "Howl". It sound cool."
"Alright, let's see that one." you grin, pressing play and comfortably seating yourself next to her in the couch
>Dash would even take her blanket to cover both of you underneath it, making it even cozier
>and it's beggining!
>at first, you're bombarded with a ton of questions and comment, but soon she's completely dragged into the story
>watching in almost utter silence until the end...
>"That was so cool! A lot different from what I expected, but still cool!"
"I felt the same when I saw it for the first time you." you laugh "Miazaki's imagination is something else."
>"Is that the guy who made that?"
"Yup.... But hey, I just remembered another real nice movie, do you feel like watching one more?"
>"I'm exactly in a mood for that." she nudges your shoulder with hers and puts her hooves behind her head like a pillow "Is it from the same guy?"
"Not exactly, it's something a little different, but-... you'll see. I'll just get us something to snack on." you'd quickly stand up to bring the bag of chocolates from yesterday, putting it into Dash's lap
>then move over to the laptop again to find the movie in your folder
"What dreams may come"... It's actualy made by the book." you're sitting next to her again, closing the space in between you
>"Is it?"
"Yup. And it holds a special place in my heart. ... helped me overcome difficult times once."
>"Well, then it better be good." she grins
"It is, it just isn't packed with too much action. It's actualy.... well, it's not a exactly a romantic movie, but there's some romance. It's not the point of it though."
>"Aww, Anon you really want me watch a romantic movie?" she pulls a little forced dissapointed face
"Well,.. we can pick something else then...?"
>"No, no, that's fine. Play this one."
"You're sure?"
>"Yup. ...But ONLY because you said it's important for you."
"Right..." you grin and press play, laying yourself beside her, adjusting the blanket from before
>the story really starts out romantic and sweet, trough which Dash does her best to make herself look like she's suffering trough it whenever you'd eye at her
>....but you can see trough her act that she might lowkey like it
>though, it doesn't take too long until the things get pretty depressing
>at this point, Dash looks up to you with a questioning look
>"That's actualy a little dark, Anon...."
"It isn't, that's the point. Keep watching!" you reassure her with a grin
>and so she would, soon seeing what you had in mind, when the whole new realm of imagination opens up
"So,.. how did you like it?" you'd ask at the very end
>"Well,.. I get why you wanted me to see it and..." she smiles very carefuly, avoiding to show too much enthusiasm "it does feel real good to think for a minute this could be real." 
"A place where we all have to go can't be bad, can it?" you quote a sentence from the movie stuck in your head, then chuckle "Anyway,... You're hungry by now?"
>"Just a little, not too much. Why for?" she smirks "Feel like cooking something again? Wanna help?"
"I was actualy thinking of visiting some restaurant."
>"Wasn't yesterday expensive enough for you?" she softly punches your shoulder with a chuckle
"Now that we're spending, why not continue??" you grin "But really, I'm not THAT broke. Still got enough reserves."
>"I'd just like to pay it back one day, but my debt here keeps on pilling up." she chukles again, this time more nervously
"Trust me, it's fine. I will never want anything back from you."
>"...I know Anon that you won't." she hangs her head "That's the worst about it. I feel like I'm freeloading here. A lot."
"Hey, look Dash, I know you're not the kind to take and never give back. I'm sure you'll get a chance to prove it one day to yourself by helping me or someone else too... But until then,... don't you worry about it."
>"Well,.................      .....okay then...I won't." she smiles faintly at first, but then her smile turns more sincere "......So and what did you have in mind?"
"There's an indian restaurant, towards the city center. Lovely people work there and it has beautiful, spiritual atmosphere. We could walk there and go back via bus."
>"How about the other way around? Get something warm and burn the energy on our way back?"
"Yeah, and we won't even have to worry about catching a bus back. Good thinking."
>"Yup. Totally part of my plan...." she laughs
>you'd give her an amused grin before checking outside of the window
"And it's still snowing, so it's probably not even freezing too much. ...If you don't mind snow in your face."
>"Do you??" she smirks and waves her eyebrows up and down
>..
>it takes you a second to realize what she means
>A SNOWBALL FIGHT
"...-Ahh, I get it!" you laugh "On the way back, it's ON!"
>"Let's go then, I can't wait to beat you." she laughs as well, already putting her hat and scarf on
"I gotta fetch me some pants that aren't track pants, first. I can't go out like this. ...I mean, I could but it's not my first choice." you chuckle
>"Go get em' cowboy!" she laughs while you're dissapearing in your room
>and soon you're back, dressed and ready to go
>outside, there's like a foot or two of fresh snow
>"Wow! Look at it! Even the city looks better this way."
"There's just something about it, isn't it?"
>"It's hard to put a hoof on it."
"....Or a finger."
>"What?"
"Nothing." you chuckle
>"What's funny?" she grins
"The way you speak sometimes. It shouldn't be funny, but it catches me off guard sometimes." you snicker
>"...Wanna switch it around then?"
"You mean like-" you'd stop for a second to process what she meant by it
>she just nods, grinning proudly over her idea
"Ha! I love it! Let's do just that."
>"Alright!" she laughs "...But I can't think of any sentence to use it in, right now."
"Yeah, me neither. .....Though, we'll have a plenty of time on our hooves later on."
>"Let's be careful not to let that time slip trough our fingers by wasting it like that." she grins "......Okay, this is getting old quickly."
"Let's just stop." you chuckle "It was a good run."
>"Sure was."
>by this time, you've arrived on the bus stop and just in time to catch a bus
>>"That's fine young man, I only collect tickets for humans and luggage." the driver laughs when you're offering him money for the two of you
"That's very nice of you, not everypony would do that." you'd thank him and casualy continue to the seats while Dash behind you is holding her chuckles
>"I didn't expect that of you." she snickers when you sit "He looked pretty confused too."
"Well, I felt like I had to." you grin
>"How about a dare? We talk this way until one of us messes it up."
"I'm not into dares. What's out of it?"
>"Nothing! Apart from sweet victory..."
"Well alright then." you smirk and bump her hoof to confirm it
>you'd chat until it's time to step off the bus
>where you are now, there's a lot more people walking around, than in your lonely district, since you're almost in the centre
>it's not *literaly* crowded here, but there's still humans everywhere you look
>"So, which way it is?"
"We gotta go back, this stop got us too far. -But before you say anything, it's still closer than from the previous one." you smirk "This way."
>and so you walk a few blocks back the way you came, soon finding yourself at the place
>from the outside, it doesn't look anything special
>just a door with a sign above it in indical style and some sanskrit
>but inside, it's a bit more interesting
>first thing that hits your nose is a warm and sweet air, smelling of incense sticks
>as for the looks, it's not a typical restaurant, more of a colorful canteen
>walls filled with rugs, pictures, mandalas and hindi decorations...
>books on every table, free for reading...
>it feels very laid back here and every object there seems to have at least some kind of human touch
>and behind the counter stands a bald, smiling man in loose, monk-like clothing, looking about 50 years old
>>"Hey there. I'm sure I've seen you here before. ..Anon, is that right?"
"Hello, it's been some time, but yes, been here a few times. -Good memory." you chuckle "...This is Rainbow Dash."
>"Hello..." she cautiously pulls herself up to the counter with her front hooves to see better and utters hesitanly: "...Got a cool place here."
>>"Oh.." the man glances at her surprisedly, but then smiles as if nothing and continues calmly "Very nice to meet you Rainbow Dash, I try to remember everyone who comes here, but I'm sure I'll remember you even if I didn't." he says while studying her curiously "...Truly an interesting sight. -Do you come from afar?"
>"Yes, actualy. Very far."
>>"I see. You emit very different energy from people living here. It's astonishing. Almost as if you weren't even from this plane of existance."
>"And you aren't weirded out at all?"
>>"I already know that Krishna's creation has no limits." he smiles yet again "...But I bother you no more, surely you must be hungry, I can see it all the way from here."
"Yup, can we have twice todays menu?"
>>"But of course!"
>he starts filling two metal trays with rice, a bit of what seems to look like indical salsa, pieces of vegetables in thick oriental sauce, salad, a few pieces of sweets, made of ghee with nuts, and a bowl of watery soup
>it's quite a big portion in total for it's price
>you'd both thank him and bring your trays over to one of the tables
>"That was really interesting...... Can't believe I'm saying it, but I think I actualy like the guy."
"Yeah, me too, he's so....  so open to everyone?"
>"But what did he mean that I emit different energy?"
"Well,.. once when I chatted with him, he said he can see auras around creatures." 
>"Does he?.. And what is that?"
"Yes, it's like a.... an energy that you emit, as a being. It holds your emotions, vibrations, feelings...."
>"Huh, that's a thing, really?"
"Crazy right? A lot of people didn't believe these things, but nowadays there even are machines that can accurately read it for you. Gotta love science sometimes."
>"That's neat. I wish I could see it too. That would be sooo trippy."
"I've been thinking about it before. Maybe you can't see it, but all of us can surely sense it in a way. I think it's a bit like... you know that feel when someone is in your personal space and you feel either uncomfortable or... the other way around,.. it might feel kinda nice?"
>"You think it means he's stepping in your "aura?" she laughs a little mockingly
"Yup, and he's mixing his energy with yours. It's either complimenting you or not." you sit closer to her, so that your bodies are almost touching "....Do you feel a tiny bit different?"
>she chuckles when you do that, trying to concentrate but she cannot clear her mind in an instant
>so she closes eyes for a few seconds, in order to clear out other things
>...
>......
>"...Well,.. I feel... I always feel comfortable when I'm around you...  but do you really think that's because of it?" she blushes very softly before opening her eyes again and seeing your face right next to hers
"It's enough of a reason for me." you chuckle and sit back to your tray again "Of course, scents have something to do with it too, but I believe that this is even above it. I mean, this selection works with people who can't smell too."
>"....And what does all of this mean for me though?" she chuckles a little awkwardly, blushing once more
"That we are totally on a same flow." you softly punch her shoulder in a friendly manner, grinning  "But let's eat now before it gets cold."
>first you start with the soup, it's mostly watery with pieces of vegetables, but with very exotic taste
>then rice with vegetables, sauce, salad and salsa
>you'd mix it all together and it's balanced to taste simply amazing
>last thing is a tiny sweet block of soft, but thick consistency, ghee dessert
>it's only about two or three small bites, but a tasty dot at the end
"Jeez, I'm full." you're patting your belly
>"Me too. But it's not too heavy for a stomach at the same time.... I actualy feel pretty good, considering how much I ate." she laughs surprisedly
"Yup, that's ayurvedic cooking for ya."
>"Ayuwhat?"
"Ayurveda. That's an ancient teaching about how to take care of the body and mind. Cooking recipes, techniques for healing, stretching, fasting, meditation etc... It's amazing, really, and most of all, it works. But there isn't a lot of it in the west."
>"Why?"
"A different lifestyles rule here. Look at the city." you'd eye outside the window, on a busy street "It's a reflection of it's society. Ugly, sick, stressed and depressed."
>"I know, but why? When did it go wrong?"
"More like, when was it ever right? Not in my lifetime at least....." you're scratching softly with your fork for over an empty metal tray "You could blame the rich banker elite that pulls the strings for centuries. But it's the people's fault, for giving away their inner power. Then on the other hand, it's hard to blame them, when it's all they know... It's like a vicious circle of pointless suffering. Be born clueless, bear clueless children, die clueless."
>".....So is there a way out?"
"I... don't know honestly. Maybe for some of us, but I can hardly imagine all the people suddenly waking up from this mass hypnosis. It feels too utopic even for.... even for a fool like me I-..... don't know if my planet can be saved anymore...." you put your head in your hands, staring into the pattern on a colorful tablecloth "- But I'm just rambling right now, sorry. ...And I just realized I lost the game too."
>"True you did. But it's not like you've lost anything, remember?" she smiles "And these long faces, that you're making, are so un-you."
"Are they?.. There used to be a time you could hardly see me smile at all." you smirk sourly
>"Maybe, but I already know you differently." she punches your shoulder hard enough to make you look at her and smirks back, glancing in your eyes
>and she's right
>you're someone else now
>someone who won't bother himself with the rest of the world
>you've got no reason for sadness now
>with the glimpse into her eyes, you can feel it's suddenly easier to fight your demons
"Heh...." you grin and chuckle in a little relieve "You're right... Life is just a game anyway, shouldn't take it too seriously. Just enjoy the ride, right?"
>"And the ride has been fun lately." she nudges you happily that she succeeded in cheering you up
"Then let's keep it fun even in the future." you raise your glass of water
>"Yes!" she clanks her's with you, grinning "You better keep that smile on your face buddy."
>after finishing your bussiness at the table, you'd go back to the counter to pay and also buy few of their dough pockets stuffed with spinach for later
>say bye bye together to the man and make your way outside
>a bright snow suddenly hits your eyes while opening the door from a dimmed room, so you'd shield them
>but Dash walks as if nothing again
>seems that her irises just work... better than yours
>so you're just motionlessly squinting your eyes for a few seconds, outside the door
>"What's wrong Anon?" she turns around when she notices you've stopped
"Nothing....." you smirk, reaching down to pick up a bit of snow "...Just giving you some distance... to dodge!"
>and you throw the snowball you've just made, hitting her shoulder
>"Hey! Not fair!" she laughs, quickly making a snowball as well, hitting you in the head while you're making your next one
"Good shot, but what about this!" you're throwing it at her sides
>but she raises her wing to shield herself from it, while the soft snow just shatters over it
"Not bad!"
>"Feel the power of thousand roars!" she giggles, dramaticaly throwing one right back
>but this time you've managed to dodge it with a sloppy piruette like a drunk ballerina
>"Ha, didn't think you had these moves in you!"
"Me neither, but let's dance!" you'd throw another one, one which she dodges by ducking her head
>"One cannonball coming right up!" she's throwing another snowball, which you manage to kick right out of the sky when it's flying at you
>"Hey that's neat, but what about this?" she follows with a quick one more
>managing to hit your buttcheek while you're feebly attempting to dodge
>both of you might be laughing, but you're already forming a next snowball with a vengeful grin
"Well in that case!" you're aiming at her butt as well
>and you've hit her right between her haunches! Score!
>"Eeep! Cold, cold!" she squeak, giggling and positioning herself better "Just you wait!"
>and you'd continue this way trough the street, slowly making your way back home while bombarding each other with snow and moving from cover to cover
>not even caring about the looks of people around
>you aren't going too hard on each other, only to the point to make it fun and a little competitive
>but it's not like any of you have too much mercy each other
>at some points, there's a bigger distance between you, then a smaller one when you're stepping forth for a better aim
>right now, you've just dodged a throw that has been thrown at you from like two metres
>what a covardly distance! You'll show her, just when you pick up some more snow and-
>but before you even make a snowball, she pounces right at you, both falling over into a pile of snow behind you
"I surrender, I surrender!" you're wheezing "You got me!"
>"Damn right I got you!" she's laughing "And now I'm gonna bury you here!"
"Noooooo!" you wrestle with her, wallowing in the snow until you fall out of the pile onto the ground
>"Gotta admit, that was fun." she's still chuckling while slowly picking herself up
"It was, but you'd be deadly opponent without that splint." you're standing up as well and dusting the snow of your coat with a grin on your face
>"You let me hit you sometimes, I saw that." she smirks, nudging your thigh
"Well,... you did the same, didn't you?" you smirk back "We're both nothing but filthy cheaters."
>"The best ones though."
"...Best at getting hit?"
>"With style points." she grins
"True that." you grin back, fondly rustling trough her mane when your eyes meet "Oh Dash..."
>she simpers at you with this beautiful smile, her face as if was shining like an angelic halo with it's carefree bliss
>and you're smiling at her too, feeling a very similiar feeling of rapture
>while you're gazing into her in the eyes, as if you wanted- no,.. NEEDED to say something more, something very true...
>and...
>you've almost did, except....
>...you didn't, because you've supressed it
>and it hurt to do so
>but it wouldn't be right...
>when the moment passes over, you'd just pat her shoulder and move on
>....
>it's so hard to say it
>don't friends say it so often?
>except you know that if you would have said what you wanted,...
>it would a lot more than just casual, friendly "Love you.."
>that's why you didn't say it
>you should stay friends, it would be wrong to romanticize a different specie
>and what a strange relationship you have
>a true, true friend...
>....that you know will have to leave you one day
>...
>but then again, you should enjoy each others presence while you can and don't bother yourself with anything that isn't happening yet or already happened
>isn't that what is life all about?
>make the best of time you have?
>...at least something, you and your mind can agree on
>because right now, everything is fine
>so you'd smile again, leaving all of those thoughts behind you
"...Hey see that bird over there?" you start some topic to break the silence again, so you could hear her raspy voice saying something
>and before you know it, you're back home again
>you've left the last book of Lord of the Rings trilogy untouched till now, and it's the perfect thing to fill the rest of the day with
>before nighttime, as usual, you'd take a shower while she's gonna leave it for the morning, brush your teeth and wish each other goodnight before going to bed 
>and since this week you're having afternoon shifts, you're waking together too, spending forenoon side by side
>it quickly became a habit of making breakfast for each other, switching each day
>as for lunch, you'd usualy make something quick together or order something from the internet, there's plenty of choices
>and some time after lunch, you're waving your "byes byes" and heading to work
>stangely enough, can't recall ever being genuinely happier about your life before
>upon returning  from work at night, she'd often even have some simple dinner ready for you
>even though you told her that she doesn't need to bother herself,..
>but she says it's the least she can do
>and you're finding yourself remembering a lot of dreams too, as of lately
>you'd always consult them together for fun whenever one of you remembers it vividly enough
>and there hasn't been a single time you went to sleep, feeling that void in your heart, like you used to
>instead, there's warmness and light
>and so it goes, day by day
>week by week, changing shifts
>same routine, yet each day so different
>until one particual friday,....




Chapter 7: Magic theatre



>it's a 13th of march and the winter is very slowly starting to fade again, making a room for the upcoming spring
>the nights are still cold, dark and long - and there's snow, but there's also a promise in the air, that it won't take too long now...
>you're just returning from work when you're greeted by an excited Rainbow, right in the door
>"Anon, you're finally back! I've got a surprise for you!"
"...What is it Dash?" you're asking with a little confused chuckle, putting your bag inside the house
>"Just go back outside the door and close your eyes!"
"Okay,..." you'd do so, grinning in anticipation "..what now, do I turn around again?"
>"Nope, just raise your arms up."
"Like this?" you raise your arms above your shoulders "Oh wait does this lead where I thi-"
>before you manage to finish your sentence, she's grabbing you from behind and she's flying up with you, high up to the sky
"JESUS, DASH HOLY MOLY."
>"WE'RE FLYING!" she's flapping furiously, because you're pretty heavy for her longtime-untrained wings
"OH YES WE ARE, I CAN'T BELEIVE IT!" you yell as your house is starting to look like a little square in a maze of roads
>"AND THAT'S JUST A START! PREPARE FOR A REAL FLIGHT!"
>and upon saying that, she stops flapping for a little moment, letting both of you just fall, gaining speed
>but then suddenly opens her wings again, making you glide around the city in a circle
>it's a bit scary, since you have no control about it whatsoever, but absolutely freaking beautiful and liberating at the same time
>to be breaking trough the fresh wind and seeing the land pass by as if you were carried by a bird...
>you must be speeding at least-... you can't really tell how much, but it's fast as hell
"THIS IS AMAZING! YOU'RE SURE YOU CAN HOLD ME LIKE THAT?"
>"ACTUALY, MY HOOVES ARE GETTING A BIT TIRED TO BE HONEST."
"THEN DON'T OVERDO YOURSELF!"
>"SCARED OF SLIPPING?" she laughs
"I WASN'T UNTIL NOW. ...SHOULD I BE?!"
>"NOT YET." she snorts, making one more circle around the block
>it's crazy how big the city actualy is from this view, you would have to be a lot higher to see it merely as a tiny scar on Earth's surface
>then she slowly starts heading down, towards your house
>"But it's very likely you might slip now." she grins when you're only about a meter from the ground, right before she drops you
>you'd land on your feet, to the squat, and then sit down at your doorstep
>she lands just next to you, sitting on the porch and laughs exhaustedly
>"Oh wow. My hooves hurt." she's stretching them "...I really though I'd almost drop you towards the very end." she'd add with a giggle
"Well I'm glad you didn't." you laugh as well "But you shouldn't push yourself too much."
>"I promised you a proper flight." she keeps on smiling proudly
"And it was THE properest flight I have ever witnessed." you tousle her mane and hug her gratefuly
>"I would have done even better." she blushes in your arms, but she's in no hurry to let go "...But I'm out of practice."
>knowing each other this long, you're no longer so scared of physical contact
>one of many things she helped you overcome
"Seriously, my mind struggles to take in that you actualy managed to pick me up and fly like that... Where did this much strenght appear in you? Is it here?" you'd jokingly put an ear to her chest
>"Why yes! It's the strenght of my loyal heart!!" she laughs, posing flamboyantly "...But really, it'll get a lot better when I start flying regulary."
"I can imagine. Guess from now on, a part of your freedom is back, eh?"
>"Sort of. But over that time, I realized that true freedom is what I'm carrying inside." she leans on the door behind her, then grins widely "...Not saying that I'm not gonna grind these wings like crazy from now on... but I feel I'm not so emotionaly dependant on it as I used to be."
"That's deep, actualy. You've grown wise." you grin, poking her playfuly
>"Don't say that, I might grow a long and bushy beard." she giggles
"And a big cone hat! ...-And call yourself Gandalf the colourful!"
>"Ha! So, you wanna go for an adventure then?!" she punches your shoulder
"With you, anytime." you punch her back, smiling from ear to ear
>"Oh Anon... Life is gonna be different now, isn't it." she'd now lean onto you, gazing up into the sky with a smile still lingering on her face, but very faintly fading away
"I suppose... the world is suddenly a lot smaller to you now, eh?" you'd eye onto her
>"Yeah, but... this whole exploring thing. I should probably start searching for my kind around here and try to help. Do something, now that I finally can, but I don't know where to start... As if a vacation just ended."
"It's not like you have to flip out and go to some kind of war." you smirk "I think if you start flying for fun again and let your intuition guide where to, you'll find some way to start. ..If that's what you really want."
>"I do,... but I don't at the same time. I feel like there's some sort of challenge awaiting me, but I got too comfy over time..."
"Don't worry about that. When the time comes, you'll be ready."
>she pierces the ground she's sitting on with her eyes, a slight frown on her face
>then glimpses up to the sky again for a few seconds as if she was finding some new kind of courage there
>"....Guess you're right." she'd smile at you then "I'm worrying about something than hasn't happened yet, only because I don't know what will it be... Sounds pretty dumb when I say it out loud."
"Yet so common nowadays."
>"Yeah... another reason not be "a common." she smirks "....Would you mind if I had a few more circles?"
"Those are your wings, you don't need to ask me." you laugh "I'll sit on my butt here and watch you do the wonders."
>"Okay then." she stands up amusedly "Just... well I guess I should fly somewhere where people won't really see. Think I might have attracted some eyes already."
"True that. Maybe above the clouds? You wanted to try how they react to you didn't you?"
>"Yup. Think I'll do just that."
"Alrighty then, I'll leave the door open for you." you smile
>"See you in few minutes then." she grins, flaps her wings and takes off straight up to the clouds above
>and for a short time, you're watching the sky, but you can't see a lot from down there
>welp, guess it's time to go inside and change clothes
>so you'd do just that, then grab an apple, munching on it while gazing out of the window, still trying to spot her
>all you notice is a sudden tear in the clouds above, but that's all
>so take your notebook and bring it over to the couch in the meanwhile
>soon she's back, smiling from ear to ear
"Hey, you're back, so how was it like to fly unhindered now?? A proper first flight, yo!" you'd put the laptop away, immediately noticing her chirpy expression 
>"Do you really need words?" she laughs, her face still shining with glee, but as she walks towards the couch to sit next to you, you'd notice she's almost dragging her front hooves, barely lifting them "...But to be honest, this isn't the VERY first flight. It's like three days since I realized my feathers grew enough for flying again. I'd practise a bit while you were gone, so that I could lift you up and wouldn't bother you with a sight of me struggling."
"Aww, that's nice of you, but... I sort of hoped to see you when you manage to lift yourself up for the very first time. It was priceless to see how happy you were back at that cableway." you chuckle to yourself "....Was it at least that exciting for you?"
>"It was." she giggles, adjusting her rump on the pillow "I remember I used to check every day how much, if at least a bit, my feathers grew back. Then I sort of stopped paying attention to it, until the last thurday when you pointed out that they look a lot bigger than they were. I started checking again and sometimes even trying to fly. It was... sloppy at first." she chuckles to herself "...But it got better over time, and three days ago, I had my first controlled flight... It's hard to describe how I felt when I knew I finally had a grip over it again... Sorry I didn't tell you, it was meant to be a surprise."
"That's alright, Dash." you smile, fondly touching her shoulder "I'm just so happy for you."
>"Thanks... You know,.... thinking of it, the way you looked when you realized you're up in the sky was pretty priceless too." she chuckles and then laughs "The very first second, you were as white as a wall!" 
"Well I wasn't expecting it!" you're quickly laughing back
>"That was the point." she grins, poking you "I wanted it to be your moment."
"Well, it was absolutely incredible. I mean, in plane there's just a window and all you do is look trough it, but like this... It's just a whole body sensation. Like- WOW, you know?"
>"Yeah, I know. I felt similiar the very first time I flew... I'll never forget the feeling. The freedom. It was what driven me all the time in flight school and later on....... I can take you with me like this more often in the future."
"I don't want you to push yourself too hard. That's fine Dash." you smile
>"No, that's okay. I mean, my feathers will grow a little bit more over time and if I just practise daily, it won't be that hard for me."
"Yeah, but it's not just about wings... You did say your hooves hurt from carrying me and you were still dragging them like a zombie just now."
>"That?" she attempts to raise her front hooves, pretending they don't ache at all "Aw, that's nothing. Like coming back from a gym when you've overdone yourself. I'm a one tough mare you know?"
>you already know 
"Of course you are." you grin "And I was gonna offer you at least a little relief massage in return, but if it's really nothing....?" 
>"A massage? ..You can do that?" she perks her ears curiously, twitching them to make sure she heard right
"A very basic kind." you shrug your shoulders "It can't be that different from massaging a human arm or a leg."
>"Oh well, I uhhh... it does actualy ache pretty bad." she squee's a little embarassedly, revealing her true colors 
"In that case,... can I?" you'd take her left front hoof in your palms
>"Right now?"
"Of course." you smile 
>"Cool! I haven't had a massage in ages!" she's grinning in anticipation "Should I like... lie down on the couch?"
"Yup, make yourself comfortable."
>and so she lays on her back with a pillow under her head, while you sit in "seiza sit" right next to her, so you can reach comfortably
>first you attempt to decompress the joints, it never hurst
>after a bit of gentle pulling and a few pops, you're done
>now for the muscles
>you'd gently rub your fingers along the whole limb, trying to make her muscles relax and finding a feel for the individual ones
>then begin working on them, starting with the largest
>firstly, it's a circular motion with your thumbs from side to side, along the whole muscle
>then use palms too and go a tiny bit rougher
>Dash has her eyes closed, head tilted back over the pillow and she's visibly enjoying herself, judging by the faces she's making
>from tense to relaxed, depending on what you do, but she's constanly smiling in anticipation of what kind of sensation is she going to experience next
>since she doesn't have fingers or wrist, most of your work concentrates on the bigger muscles, especialy those she overworked by lifting you
>but you'd still spend a lot of time on the folding of the hoof itself and while doing so, you're studying how exactly it moves in all it's directions
>in between your work, you'd also sometimes gently stretch the whole leg for her to keep it relaxed and make sure nothing hurts
>and after some time spent massaging, stretching and caressing, you feel like you're almost finished
>you'd do a last gentle rub along the whole limb and let go
"Alright, that'll be it. May I have the second one?"
>hearing that, she opens her eyes and raises her head
>"Oh, wow. That was so nice." she's still simpering while moving herself around, so that you can reach "...I think it actualy hurts less now."
"Glad it works." you smirk "I was a tiny bit unsure if I'm doing it right, but it might even be a bit easier than a human hand." 
>"Oh, but those hands of yours work wonders." she giggles "It's such a strange sensation... Especialy the finger work!... Sent shivers down my spine a few times."
"At least one thing at which is human body superior." you chuckle while gently lifting up her other limb, about to start over
>you're using pretty much the same technique you did before, now just with a bit more confidence
>and getting similiar results, judging by her delighted expressions
>...
>"...Remember how you narrated me the the scene on the bus?" she'd suddenly open her eyes in the middle of your work
"-The first night we met?" you wouldn't stop, just slow down
>"Yeah... It just sorf of came up to me, how you talked about the day I'd fly again. It's as if the points in time just connected to each other in my head,.. if that makes any sense. Like,... a dream becoming real, right in front of you... I almost can't believe it."
"Does it feel like ages passed, but also, as if it was just a moment ago?"
>"Exactly! The time feels suddenly so... "relative", if that's the word? ...Almost like it doesn't even matter at all."  
"I'd say you've learned enjoying simple life in the present." you smile
>she lays her head down again and closes eyes, concentrating on your touch "...But can life always remain simple?"
"I think life was always meant to be simple, we just made it difficult for ourselves. ....It doesn't have to stay that way forever though."
>she's thinking it over for a few seconds, then something else flows trough her mind
>".........You know... If I return home, I'll probably be a lot different from what I used to be."
"And yet the same." you laugh "Or do you feel like somepony else?"
>"I do and I don't at the same time." she grins without opening her eyes
"I think it's called "thrive." you smile
>"Thrive...." she's repeating for herself to hear if she likes the word 
...
>"Fair enough..." she smiles then, going silent for some time, letting herself immerse in the vortex of her own imagination and thoughs, combined with a material pleasure on her body
>at some point, while you're using a bit more pressure, you notice how she's biting her lip
"...Sorry was I too harsh here?" you break the silence to make sure it's not hurting her
>"W-what?" she blushes, opening her eyes as if she just awoke from a very vivid dream
"I-um, just wanted to make sure it doesn't hurt."
>"O-of course not!" she smiles with clear embarassement "I was just-, nevermind, please, continue."
"Alright..." you grin, returning to your work
>and when you feel like you've finished, you'd lay her leg down and stand up, having a little stretch of your back while doing so
>she opens her eyes again when she hears your back popping 
>"Oh, -it's finished..." she raises the hoof to look and try moving it around "...Thank you Anon. That was so great!" she then looks up at you, as you're standing there above her
"You're welcome Dash. Glad to help." you'd sit back down while she's slowly sitting up from her lying position
>"Where did you even learn that? Or do they teach you in school?"
"Oh, I wish they were." you laugh "Actualy, I learned it from the internet tutorials one morning, while... well, we uhm,........me and my friends were kind of high on..... meth... After a night spent running and climbing like animals, it popped up as a good idea."
>"What's "meth"?" she looks at you curiously with her head tilted to the right
"A drug. Not exactly the most pleasant one, I mean no drug is really a pleasant thing once the initial high ends, but back in the days I'd do literaly anything to escape reality."
>"I see. ..Well at least some good things came out of it." she smiles
"Yeah... actualy the best thing I learned from the drugs is that no matter how hard you try, you can't substitute real happiness with chemical induced one. It just catches up eventualy.... But knowing how to massage is a pretty good thing too." you smirk "Guess all serves it's purpose in the end."
>"Hah, yeah." she nods amusedly "... and what about your friends from that time?"
"Most are gone now. Some weren't real friends to begin with, some ended up badly, others just... parted their ways troughout the time. I could still contact few of them and with some, I still chat here and there. But we don't see each other a lot."
>"...Do you ever miss them?"
>you pierce your gaze into your carpet on the ground, thinking
"To be completely honest... I really don't... Sometimes I did, but not anymore."
>"Really?"
"Yes. I don't hold any negative feelings towards any of them, not even those who done me wrong, but.... I just.... know it will never be the same. The things that held us together are gone and... I needed something new, but I couldn't find it, so I ended up alone for so many years...."
>"...And was it hard?... To live like that?"
>you'd lean back with your hands behind your head now
"That's hard to say. One moment you're glad you don't have to follow anyone and just be the way you are, but another moment you long for a kindred soul. It was always tricky for me to find a close friend, because I was..... different. Everywhere I went I felt like an alien. When I tried to fit in, it hurt and I wasn't just fooling just others, but myself too. So I was probably better off alone.... "
....
>after a sew seconds of heavy silence between you, you'd sit up straight again, so you can glance straight into her mermerizing magenta eyes "....you know, even if you're going to return home one day for sure,... I'm still incredibly happy and grateful that I could meet you in this lifetime."
>"Anon you jerk, why you have to bring that up now of all times..." she breaks the eye contact, looking away
"Sorry,... you're right. I'm just rambling, should concentrate on the present..." you make an effort to force a smile "To think... we could go somewhere outta town again tomorrow."
>upon turning her head back at you, you can see a tear, still stuck in the corner of her eye, but an excited smile is forming on her face at the same time
>"And this time, we could fly there!" she now completely throws away the sad face, excitedly raising her hoof up
"But you shouldn't attempt to lift me again. At least not until the pain goes away completely, Dasher-girl." you chuckle "We can just take a bus."
>"Nah, we can work it out somehow. Now that I can fly, it opens a new realm of possibilities! I probably couldn't grab you with my rear legs, but... if you'd grab onto them yourself? Or maybe tie some rope to me?"
"I don't want to hurt you. Especialy with that splint still there." you'd knock on her leg
>"Oh I think the bone must be almost fine by now. How long can it take to heal?"
"I don't know for sure... Can check the internet if you want to."
>"Do so, Anon! Quick!" she's almost pushing you to the PC
"Alright, alright." you laugh while typing "Let's see here. "how long does the bone take to heal"..."
"...They say, 6 or 10 weeks if that's true?"
>"It's like 8 weeks now, isn't it!?" an excited sparkle shines in her eyes
"I think so..."
>"So let's get it off!"
"What, right now?"
>"YES! Even if it was too weak to lift you, at least I could move it without restrains again!"
"Oh well, guess you got me convinced. You should know best when the leg is fine."
>she grins victoriously, but then frowns in the realization
>"...But how do we break it though?"
"As far as I know, in hospitals they have an electric saw for it. We don't exactly have anything simliar here..."
>"You mean we should go to hospital?" she widens her eyes in shock, even though it's exactly what she expected from you to say
"Well it would likely be a safest option..." you say very gingerly, trying not to make her upset "...I don't like hospitals and white robes either, but in this case..."
>she frowns even more, nervously tapping her front hoof onto the table
>"...Let's say we don't have any other option... or do we?" she would starts murmuring to herself "Using a normal straight saw would probably not work... maybe trying to smash it? -No, that's stupid. Or just somehow...Aaargh!.. Okay." she looks back at you "We probably should go to the hospital with it." 
"...For real? You actualy agree with me?" you stare at her in disbelief, after the drama she made two months ago over going to the hospital
>"Yes, I mean, I probably could try to break it off piece by piece with... something. But... I want to rise above that fear."
"That's so..... wow, actualy really brave of you."
>she'd give you a little shy, uncertain smile about her decision, but you know she's already decided
"So and... I know you didn't want to talk about it before, but... what exactly happened to you in a hospital?"
>"Yeah,.. to be completely honest, I don't know if it was really a hospital in the first place. But there were white robes everywhere so I connected it together and,.. it's mostly the men in white that give me chills..... I've spent such a long time, locked in a small cage in their facility,.... that's actualy the first thing I remember from Earth." she frowns as if she was very vividly re-living all the painful memories in her mind "They were... putting me under all kinds of tests, inspecting me every day, every piece of my body and... sticking their devices into my ears, mouth, nose, even-.. everywhere. Taking samples of my blood, fur, mane, skin and.... flesh... I-.... "
"....You don't have to continue, Dash..." you'd put a hand on her shoulder, seeing how she's struggling
>"But I want to Anon. Please, I kept it inside so long..."
"I'm all ears then." you smile encouragingly
 >"Alright,.." she smiles back, taking a deep inhale "I remember I was so scared back then, nobody would tell me anything, they only kept on scribbling something into their notebooks. I even pleaded to them so they would just talk to me or tell me what they want, but they just wouldn't care about me at all.- As if I was some kind of object, like I don't matter as a being.... And I felt-....f-f-felt...I felt so alone I wanted to die... But I couldn't kill myself. I just couldn't...."
>when she's finished, there are visible tears in her eyes, which she quickly wipes away
"Dash, that's..."
>"That's in the past, Anon." she resolutely forces a smile "...But please, could-... could you hold me,-for a little while?"
"Of course-" you're raising your arms, about to hug her, but she has her head buried in your chest before you even make a move
".....You're right Dash, that's in the past." you'd embrace her and patiently caress her like she's the most precious being in the whole world "And the future will be ever so bright, I know it...."
>and even though she isn't in full cry mode, merely weeping so quietly you can barely hear her sobs, there's a lot of emotions flowing trough her
>she's clenching you as if there was a storm outside and you were her only shelter
>but as intense it is for her, it only takes her a few short minutes to go calm again
>not like back then, when she cried for almost half an hour to get everything out
>upon letting go of you, her eyes are still all red, but she's smiling
>"Thanks Anon... I....... didn't have that processed yet."
"I'm glad you do now." you smile, still holding her left hoof with both of your hands 
>"And I feel a lot better too. Like throwing away a stone from my back." she chuckles relievedly
"Accepting the past can be a hard task, but it's rewarding." you'd stroke her mane, while letting go of her hoof with one of your hands "......I know I said that before, but you really did bloom."
>"Have I really though?" she chuckles amusedly, wiping her watery eyes
"Yup. Like the most glamorous cherry tree." you smile warmly
>"Thanks Anon,... for thinking that way of me." she smiles back, gazing into your eyes for a few seconds, in which you can literaly feel the newfound positivity emanating from her
>then knocks on her splint, her voice a little raspier than usual "...So, do we go and get rid of this thing?"
"Absolutely, ready when you are."
>"Then let's go right now!"
>...
>you'd take a bus together, heading to the nearest hospital and upon entering the waiting room, there's a window with a fat nurse with glasses on
"Hello-"
>"Hello, can we have a quick appointment to get this thing off?" Dash speaks with her regained confindence before you even form your own sentence
>the nurse would widen her eyes at the colorful pony with a splint, then blink few times, cleaning her glasses
>>"Very funny mister ventriloquist." she looks at you instead "But this is a hospital and I am not amused with your stupid camera jokes. Take that muppet, or an animal or whatever it is, somewhere else."
"I'm not a ve-"
>"HEY! I was talking to you..! I need that splint off." Dash steps even further to get her attention
>>"I don't know what you are, but this isn't a veterinary..." the nurse scornfully glances at her
"Come on miss, we just need to use the saw thingy." you friendlily lean closer to the nurse "A little bzoom-bzoom and we're out. The waiting room is empty anyway."
>"Exactly, there's not even anyone else."
>but the nurse just frowns
>>"Go away... Both of you."
"Well, this certainly isn't what I imagined. Let's knock at one of the doctors." you glance at Dash and leave the window, heading straight to doctor's offices
>>"Hey, you can't do that!"
>Rainbow would just poke out her bright orange tongue at her before leaving and she's right behind you
>in the worst case, you really can just break the splint piece by piece or try another hospital, or the mentioned veterinary...
>you'd knock on a first door and you're being greeted by a confused looking man in a snow white robe
>>>"Uhm, good day? Is there a... problem?"
"Hello."
>Dash would cringe at first, but then swallows her fear and speaks
>"Hello mister doctor man. The nurse couldn't help us with an appointment, but all I need is to get rid of this splint, pretty please?" she even smiles as sweetly as she can, raising her rear leg to show him
>>>"Oh that's surely an interesting... uhh, happening to happen today." he smiles very awkwardly, trying to hide his surprise and eyes behind you to the waiting room "...Oh well, but there's nobody there, so I can give you a few minutes."
>>"But doctor!" protests the nurse, but the door is already closing behind you
"We're deeply sorry for the inconvenience."
>>>"That's fine, actualy. This is an interesting case for me... Lay here please." he looks over from you at Rainbow Dash, showing her the examination bed
>she does what she's told to and the doctor gets to inspecting her before the removement
>>>"Do you have medical examination from when it happened?"
>"We weren't with it in hospital yet. But it's been over two months."
>the doctor frowns at the splint
>>>"Well, this would likely be off the record anyway. Why am I not surprised. ...Let's get it off then." he prepares the saw and turns it on without further due
>when Dash sees the small, razor sharp circle closing in to her leg, she gulps down her saliva and flinches a bit
>you'd gently grab the leg for her so that she won't yank it again and give her a reassuring look
>"Sorry, I just,-.. nevermind."
>and when the doctor starts sawing the splint, she closes her eyes,clenching her face muscles
>but couldn't help her curiosity to look when he's about halfway done
>he wouldn't actualy saw it completely trough, rather leaves about half a milimetre of gypsum there, so that he can finish it with some big scissors
>"Phew." Rainbow exhales
*crack*
>and it's off!
>doc throws the splint into a bin, checking the leg and trying whether she can move it
>"Ow! That hurts!"
>>>"It's just a tendon stiffness. You should gently flex it to it's full extent and back. It should go away very soon. ....The bone seems to be surprisingly fine."
>"Oh, thank you doc!"
>>>"You're welcome. I enjoy breaking the routine sometimes. ...And I enjoy getting on our nurse's nerves too." he chuckles to himself
"How much do we owe you?"
>>"It only took me like 4 minutes, so that's nothing. And since it's off the record, it couldn't even be taxed anyway." the doctor grins at his joke, then eyes at Rainbow Dash "...But I'd like to know what exactly are you? If someone told me I'll meet a talking, colorful crossbreed of a human and a horse today, I'd laugh. I don't think any of my studies can explain a creature like you even existing."
>"Guess you could say you've met an alien today." she grins back
>he doesn't seem to be very satisfied with the answer, but shrugs it off when he sees she won't tell him any more
>upon leaving, saying thanks and goodbye, you'd slide him in the chest pocket at least a bit of money for the willingness and for not asking too many questions and close the door before he can protest
"That actualy went pretty smooth."
>"Sure did. Almost surprisingly." giggles Dash
"Bye bye!" you quickly wave at the nurse while leaving the main door
>and Rainbow would give her the best victorious shiteating grin she can make
"...-Anyway, what I wanted to say is, that doctors like this aren't too common." you'd continue the conversation outside "Fate is leading us to a right direction, again... and you were pretty impressively confident around the white robes too."
>"Yup, it felt really good to speak for myself." she giggles, stops and stretches herself, just because she can, making a little pose "Today, I'm like reborn."
"Oh yeah, a healthy poner again, - ready to take on the world?" you grin
>"Ready for whatever future brings." she smirks, fondly touching your thigh with her right hoof "But I couldn't be here without you Anon. I'll never ever forget that."
"And I'll never even forget you." you smile and crouch a little to pet her mane fondly "But it's too soon for that, isn't it?"
>"Yeah. I just wanted you to know." she smiles back and starts walking again "...By the way, do you feel cold?"
"Nah, should I?"
>"I was just thinking we could walk back home."
"Oh really?" you laugh "Why not! And let's stop for some noodles, how about that?"
>"Yooo!" she points a hoof at you
"Ayyy!"  you point back as well, then put your hand on your heart, saying as humbly as it gets "...I love me some junk food."
>"Yeah, me too." she grins "You know about an asian restaurant around though?"
"I think I do. It should be around halfway home. This way." you slightly change the direction
>"Great!" she's trotting happily right next to you "Oh, and remember when we walked back from that indian restaurant?"
"The very first time we were there?"
>"Yes! And remember how you said I'd be a deadly opponent without that splint?" she's already grinning mischievously
>and you're grinning as well, picking up a bit of snow, because you already know what TF is going on
"Let's settle the score then!" you lick your lips and throw the first snowball
>she dodges it with a laugh and flies up to throw one back at you
"Ha!" you've stepped aside as it flies right next to you and pick up some more snow "What'cha gonna do now?"
>she has to land to grab some snow as well, so you throw your snowball at her, but she's very quick
>goes straight into a tumble, grabbing enough for another ball and she's back up in the air, circling around you like an eagle, watching it's prey
>you'd stand there, grinning from ear to ear, ready to start dodging
>and when she throws, you tumble as well!..., yet it still hits you in the back while you do that
"Good predictions! But catch this!" you're laughing, throwing one back and almost hitting her right leg, but that's not all you've got "...And this!"
>the second one flies in her face exactly in the moment she's trying to pick up some snow from a snowpile mid air, throwing her off balance
>and instead of flying up, she dives straight into the pile!
"Dash! Are you alright?!" you run up to her "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to!"
>but you can already hear her laughing inside the pile while you're pulling her out by the legs
>"A second time!" she wheezes when she gets her head out "The second damn time this happens, it's an omen!"
"Sorry..." you grin while dusting her off
>"Nothing happened. And surprisingly enough, you won this time." she giggles "...Maybe the wings served as disantage in the end or maybe I just have a thing for snowpiles."
>can't help yourself but to chuckle
"But it won't be your new signature move now, won't it?"
>"Well, they used to call me Rainbow Crash, it could be." she wipes a tear of laughter from her eye "...It's SO great to move freely again!"
"And you're pretty agile now too. Seriously, some of those moves were incredible."
>"Just benefits of four legs and wings." she grins, standing up and slowly starts walking again "But I still don't have your nimble fingers though."
"We gotta switch bodies sometimes." you say jokingly
>"Why not? But I think we might struggle even with a simple walking. At least I know I would, just with two legs." 
"How does it even feel to have a third pair of limbs?"
>"That's like asking you how does it feel to have only two." she chuckles
"That's easy, like an amputee pegasus or an earth pony, you pick." you laugh "...Maybe in next life we'll have it the other way around."
>"Oh it's possible in this one as well! Unicorn magic can do that for a brief period. If I find one here and free him or her, it's quite possible." she smirks
"Wew, really?" you look at her
>"Yes, except..." she breaks the eye contact "...there probably won't be a lot of time for fun if I find somepony else... I should probably start looking for a different place to stay if there will be more of us."
"...So you were kind of serious about a rebelion and a secret hideout?" you poke her
>"Well,.. I mean if I found more ponies, I wouldn't dare to try hiding them in your home. I'll have to find some building to squat in... ......But you wouldn't mind me coming for visits? Like....... often?"
"I told you that my door will be always opened for you." you smile when she glances you in the eyes "Anytime,...even if you needed a place to stay for your friends. I could fit them somewhere in the house."
>"I couldn't ask that of you Anon. You've already did so much to help me... but it's time I stood up for myself now."
"I guess you're right... Not that fragile anymore, are ya?" you chuckle and push her friendlily
>"Yup. Could even start working somewhere, illegaly of course." she chuckles as well "It would be nice to have some reserves of my own. AND I could pay you back at least a bit of what you had to invest in me."
"That's okay Dash, I told you I don't need money. ...Maybe you'll help me go trough some hard times in the future as well." you laugh
>"Well, when they come, you can count on me." she smiles sincerely
>and soon you find yourselves in front of the restaurant you were heading to
>it's more of a fast food counter, inside a big shopping centre, than a restaurant
>you'd order there two fried noodles with vegetables and hot soya sauce
>and while waiting, you sit together by one of many tables and look around
>a lot of people are eating there, even more walk around with shopping baskets and carts
>so you're just sitting and watching together the everyday happening around you
>"Wow, look at that fat lady with that full cart. Do you think she has that big family to feed or just a big appetite?"
"Maybe a big family with a big apetite." you grin "Or that guy eating over there? Look at his beard. How hard must it be to not spill anything over it?"
>"Maybe he just doesn't care about it. Who knows what kind of treasures that beard holds!"
>right when she says it, a few noodles fall out of his fork straight into his beard, one likely never to be found again
>Dash turns around, covering her mouth with her hoof so that she won't burst into loud laugh
>"Told ya." she snickers
"Unbeleivable." you're snickering back "...I used to have a beard too though."
>"Say what? Like a long one? More than that little toothbrush of a goatee you got now?"
"Just a short one. You'll never know the joy of stroking it under your chin and feeling wise like an old sage." you giggle
>"Maybe I won't, but I can make myself a mustache from my mane!" she demonstrates right away "A long and bushy one!"
"Hah, that's rich! Wait I'll take a photo." you laugh while you're opening your phone to take a quick one
"...There! Not sure if that's a pirate, or a viking." you'd show it to her
>"Come on, that's clearly an indie artist." she chuckles, being already versed in pieces of human culture thanks to almost three months of living with you
"You're right,... how did I not see that?!" you chuckle back ".....Come to think, this is actualy the very first photo of you that I have."
>"...Is that so strange?"
"Well, probably not. Or maybe it is, for this world's standards. But I'm glad I have at least this one." 
>"Hey, can we take one together?"
"Good idea! Come here." you've almost hidden your phone again, but now you whip it back out
>>"HEY YU! THE NOODLE READY. COME, TAKE!" yells the cashier suddenly from his stand
"Oh wait a sec, I'll be right back."
>"Sure.." she's still grinning
>very quickly, you'd grab the food, bring it right over and sit next to Dash to pose for a photo
>she actualy slides even closer to you, throwing one hoof around your neck and raising her wing over the rest of the frame, covering the people eating behind you
>being at it, you'd wrap your arm around her too, making sure there's no space left between you and click the photo button
"Smile!"
>you've actualy pressed it several times, taking photos even while adjusting the pose, to capture the true moment
>"Yo, let me see!" Dash is impatiently reaching her head to the phone to see, so you'd adjust it for her
>on the first one, you caugh both of you mid talking, so you have your mouths half opened and she's even mid blink
>on the second one, it was when you pulled her even closer so you're grinning silly into the camera while she's caught with a surprised expression, her head turned at you
>the third one was when you were saying "Smile" so you already have this nice smile already while Dash still hasn't looked directly in the camera yet, - eyeing at you with somewhat coquettish grin
>and the fourth one is when you were both set and ready, so you're both smiling at the camera, looking pretty natural
>but you're saving all of those
>"Hah, this one's funny, the first one! You're like "uhhh" and I'm like "Whaaa.?" she's imitating the faces with a laugh
"Oh yeah, and what this one?" you're showing her the third one with a snicker "You look there as if you wanted me for a dinner instead of those noodles."
>"Oh, shut up..." she blushes heavily with a grin "But let's get to eating, it smells amazing!"
"That's true. Enjoy then." you smell the noodles with a relish, grabbing a fork and sit back to your side of the table
>"Bono appettito." she smirks before she starts stuffing herself with the noodles
>the brown sauce is still more sweet than hot, but it's still quite delicious
>and when you're finished, you'd return the forks and plates, continuing outside again
>on the way back home you'd snowball each other a bit more, then talk, and in the short final stage, you're just walking silently with tired but content smiles on your faces
>until she breaks the silence
>"Look over there, the sun has almost set! How red is that thing! Isn't it awesome?" she's pointing behind you, to the right
"Oh, yeah." you'd stop to face the sun's direction "...Wanna watch it?"
>"I wasn't gonna, but why not? We're not hurrying anywhere, are we?"
>so you sit together on a relatively clean pile of snow on a side of the road, watching the burning globe slowly dissapear over the horizon
>"Do you know why is it so red when it's setting?"
"No idea. But it's really pretty."
>".......Sure is." she smiles, casualy leaning on your shoulder
>it only takes a few minutes before it's gone completely, and when the last bit of red shine is gone, you'd nod at each other to continue
>at this point, you're almost home
>it was quite a walk, so you're kind of tired when you're opening the door and start undressing
"It's funny, they said there should be a big storm today, but it was such a nice weather. I mean, there was this big black cloud somewhere in the distance but it didn't look as if it went our way."
>"You mean that barrage coming from the east?"
"Yeah, you remember?"
>"Sure, I was watching it while we were heading back. We were going straight that direction, actualy. Luckily there wasn't enough of wind to push it toward us."
>just when she says it, the wind starts howling loudly outside
>"Oh wow." she runs up to the window
"Speak of the devil eh?"
>"Wat?" she'd glance at you confusedly
"That's just human saying about what just happened."
>"The wind rising...?" she raises her brow, not understanding
"Almost." you chuckle "It's like, talking about something, not knowing it's just around the corner."
>"Well, we must have been talking a lot about him, because that wind's really something." she grins and faces the window again "Wow! Look at that streetlamp moving! Over there at the end of the street!"
"It actualy does move quite a lot. ....Almost unsettingly, eh?" you smirk and stand next to her, watching as well
>"Unsettingly? Didn't you mean to say "awesome"? I'd love to see the wind rip it out of the ground! That would be sooo exciting!"
"I guess you're right, I'd kinda like to see that too." you laugh "...But imagine flying in this though."
>"Oh I'd rather not." she chuckles, glancing over at you while gesturing "It would either smack me on the first thing in the way or send me flying to space!"
"Yeah... We were pretty lucky to get home just before it all started."
>"Just in time. Is it that good karma you're always talking about?" she smirks, nudging you
"Maybe. I told you it's real." you grin and both of you would turn your faces back out of the window again "And here goes the raincloud!"
>"So we'll have a little storm after all."
"Maybe a big one."
>"Maybe a big one." she laughs softly "I like storms. Especialy if I can watch them from behind a window." when-
*KRRRRACH!!!!*
>a thunder strikes loudly in a direction behind your house, so loud that both of you'd yank closer to each other in a sudden shock
>then start snickering and chuckling when the shock falls off 
>"Wow that was actualy pretty close to us, huh?"
"It was, pretty loud too! A real proper one." you wheeze
>then the wind rises even more, bringing with it a strong rain
"....Come to think, we might have had our last snowball fight. This thing is gonna destroy the rest of the snow there still was."
>"No regrets though." she smiles, glancing at you with a simper on her face "I really look forward to see green again."
"Oh, me too... I can't wait for spring."
>"It's even better after rough winters like these."
"And this one was particualy cold,.. but it was a best one in years " you smile, but then the corner of your eye slips back to the window  "Oh, hey check out that lamp again!"
>"Ooooh, it's gonna fall!" she presses her face onto the glass like a starfish
>and really, in a few short seconds after that, the wind blows so hard it's tipping the old lamp over, almost ripping it out of the ground if it wasn't for cables
>and it's quickly falling..
>falling straight into a nearby powerline that's supplying the whole street!!!
>with a lot of sparks and electric shock, it all goes black, including your house
......
>upon realization that you're both suddenly enveloped by almost utter darkness, if not for the occasional lighting, both of you'd go silent
>...
>then burst into a massive laugh
"Jesus, that was stupendous!"
>"A wish coming true!"
"I know right?!"
>"Totally coolest thing to happen today!!"
"Yeah... well, except we don't have the power now." you chuckle
>"Who needs that?" she grins
"Not me..! We'll have dark hours!"
>"YES! Let's light up some candles!" she raises her hoof like a war commander ".....We do have candles, right?"
"Sure we do." you smirk "Finally I'll put those pink salt lamps to use!"
>"I'll bring a lighter!" she excitedly runs off into the dark room behind you
>while you're blindly searching for a pack of tea candles
>and when Dash finds the lighter too, you'd start lighting them
>there's only about 5 different candle holders around your house, so the rest has to stay just like that, but who cares, right?
>you and Dash would place the lit cadles all around the house so that you can walk around without stumbling over something
>aaaaand, you're done!
>"There! Awesome! What now?"
"I don't know to be honest. ...We could watch the storm some more?"
>"And watch them if they'll come to repair it!" she brings two chairs from the table for each of you
"Yeah, they should be here anytime soon if they localized it already.-Thanks by the way." you sit on the one she brought for you
>"...Wouldn't want to work there to be honest." she sits as well, leaning her front hooves on the window frame
"Me neither. Such brave men." you chuckle
>"......If they actualy even come in this weather....?"
"If I was them, I'd honestly leave it for tomorrow."
>"But maybe, they are braver than we think." she grins
"Maybee." you grin back "As time unfolds, we will know."
>"But if they won't come, then what?.."
"Well,.. we'll likely just watch the storm." you shrug your shoulders
>"I'm not saying we couldn't do that for sometime..... I meant after that. Cause I was thinking, when we get bored of it, we could sit on the couch and chat there a little...... S-since we have that room full of candles and it's all, glowy and... stuff..." she smiles a little embarassedly
"That's true. There's something magical about it, isn't it? When I was a kid, I used to love when electricity went out and everyone was forced to stop doing whatever they were doing and just... assembled all together?"
>"Yes, exactly! But let's watch the storm for now."
"Until we get bored of it?" you smirk
>"Until we get bored of it." she grins, turning her gaze trough the window
>and lightnings are criss-crossing the darkness, one after another, as if the sky was mercilessly whipping the earth with fiery whips of destruction
>the thunder is bursting in the distance, like nuclear bombs, predicting an end of the world soon to come
>a rain is falling like buckets over the rooftops, filling the streets with streams of water that drains are failing to take all in, leaving wide, deep puddles everywhere 
>and the wind is howling like a feral beast, violently shaking with street signs and throwing around everything light enough to be picked up by it
>it sure does feel, almost like an end of the world at a first sight
>but in the middle of that raw violence and rage, nature proving it's point to a humanity, you're both filled with unexplainable peace and calmness
>and as you sit right next to each other, your hand gently brushes over her hoof, bringing a similiar feeling like on that train back then
>when she notices, she looks away from the window to glance at you for a second
>and in that very second, a lightning strikes
>so bright, you can see her face smiling a little shyly, vividly clear
>you wouldn't say anything, but you really want to hold her hoof for some reason
>that's one thing you haven't really got intimate enough to do too casualy by this time
>but now you'd slide your chairs together, leaning shoulder to shoulder and you carefuly pick her hoof up in your hand
>holding her softly and tenderly, opposed to the wrath and chaos that's outside
>...when the thunder strikes loud enough, you can feel her clenching your hand excitedly, lost in the amazement
>and suddenly you're realizing,.. just how happy you are in this moment
>so happy, you want this to last forever
>as if God made all of this fearsome, yet beautiful and elegant show just for the two of you to enjoy together
>and strangely enough, you feel like that you would never feel this much complete, if there was literaly anyone else by your side, other than this colorful, chirpy creature
>one who brought new purpose into your life
>one that filled the void...
>so you're sitting and gazing in a silent awe, when a question clicks trough your mind
>what if this is really meant to be..?
>....have you ever even really loved until now?...
.....
>"Anon, I-...." she nervously holds her breath
"...What is it Dash?"
>"It's just that..... Is it just me, or c-can you feel it too?" you're starting to feel a tension in the grip of her hoof you're still holding
>and your beartbeat quickens too
>"because... there's something I-..I-...." she squeaks so quietly you can barely hear her over the storm "nevermind..."
>and her gaze turns out of the window again,
>but you've noticed a little tear of dissapointment, running down her cheek, because of something she didn't have the confidence to say
".....Rainbow, can I tell you a secret?"
>her ears perk up and she hesitanly locks eyes with you
>even though you can barely see her, you can literaly feel from her how tense she is, half excited, half frightened and she's even shivering a little
"Meeting you was the single best thing in my life to ever happen and I-....I wanted to tell you that-...that I-..." suddenly you stutter and it feels so hard to continue, even though you really want to
>it's just now that you're realizing how scared you are of admitting your feelings, just like she is
>your hearts are racing, you're sweating and it feels like you're going to jump out of your skin any second if you don't say something, anything
>when a lightning strikes, one so bright it illuminates the whole street as it was daylight and for a second, you can see her face clearly
>...and she's beautiful
>so gorgeously beautiful 
>giving you a sudden confidence to act
>you're no longer affraid to admit it to yourself
>she's the only one you'd be ever willing to give your heart to
>a big heart which could everyone see you carry, but never let anyone too close
>but now you're sure...
>that you'll gladly give it to her whole
>it was decided from the moment you've met
>so you reach your shaking hand towards her face, softly touching her cheek and moving away a strand of her silky mane from her eyes
"I love you Rainbow..."
>and you can feel a few of her wet tears on your fingers when she musters enough courage
>another lightning crosses the sky, iluminating your faces, followed by a loud thunder,..
>"I love you too Anon..."
>and you inhale deeply as you're both slowly starting to gravitate towards each other
>with an uncertainty of a scared dog and a steel resolute of a soldier fighting for his own life, both at the same time
>like a wortex that's pulling you both in, you're moving bit by bit until your noses softly bump into each other, at which you stop
>not from the uncertainty though, not from a cowardness
>at this point, all of the uncertainty is gone and all you see are her eyes,... -so close to yours, as if they were portals to a new dimension
>grasping you in, like a black hole with it's unmessurable force, you couldn't resist her, just like she couldn't possibly move away from you either
>her hot breaths on your lips,.. running straight into your lungs when you open your mouth a little more to exchange the warm air
>her scent,.. now so incredibly sweet and seductive is making your head spin as if you were to faint any second
>....your ears are ringing too and if you weren't sworn to finish this, you might have fainted under all this pressuse, begging for a release
>can't even keep your eyes open anymore
>and the next moment, your lips finally softly touch
>ever so gently at first, you're barely feeling it, barely taste her 
>you actualy stop there for a little while to relish the moment, no longer than a second
>yet, the second feels like a whole lifetime
>and when it passes, you fully meet in a tender kiss
....
>in that very moment, all the pressure is gone
>all you feel are her lips, soft, wet and... wanting
>and your heart, beating heavily, but steadily now
>very slowly you would kiss her,.. softly as a breeze, as if you could have hurt her by being too hungry for her
>you wouldn't dare to take this any faster to ruin the moment
>you're still exchanging breaths and it feels as if you were "calibrating" onto one frequency
>suddenly you feel your own hand, gripping around her warm, soft and no longer shaking body to pull her onto yours, seating her onto your lap
>and just like the momentarily peace reigned, you feel it slipping away now, making the room for your shared passion
>her exhales are getting heavier in excitement, just like yours, and you're slowly shedding all the barriers around you
>you both know what you want
>each other, that is...
>and you want to taste more so badly, so you make a first move of reaching your tongue to very softly drag it along her lower lip while she's very gently nibbling onto your upper one
>like an invitation being accepted, she pokes out her tongue as well, meeting the tip of yours somewhere on the neutral area between your mouths, gently pressed on each other
>it's wet, a lot wetter than the lips she nervously licked before
>and she's salivating with hunger for you,.. 
>... the first contact and touches are.... sloppy though
>it feels like stepping on a completely different, new kind of ground, so you're basicaly just moving around, getting to know each other from this angle
>but it doesn't take long till you let the passion take you further, letting your tongues reach fully into the depths of your mouths in a wild dance
>you feel that you're automaticaly gripping her body tighter and tighter with rising urgency as the tempo and lust for each other grows!... but then when it peaks-
>it's replaced by a familiar calmness again...
>you wouldn't stop or let go, merely slow down, take the time to actualy learn and explore her temple and it's guardian
>and her soft, bright orange tongue is.... bigger and longer than yours
>you knew this, you've seen it poked out before, but it's a completely new perspective to have it deep inside your own mouth
>she might even choke you with it if she wanted, but she's as graceful and loving as a master painter, working on her life's work 
>the inside of her mouth is the same soft, rich with her sticky saliva that tastes... pretty much the way she smells
>can't give it any describable flavour, other than wonderful and fresh
>and it occasionaly slides down your throat already plentyfuly mixed with yours that she's accepting with same gratefulness as you are
>it's making you want to dive straight into this harmony of spiritual fondness and material pleasure, a new road to walk together
>until you don't feel just a mere lust, and not even the purest of loving emotions, but a balance of both
>you could let go and nothing would change, you'd still be doing the same thing
>and you could tie your lust into a cage, but you'd be still doing the same either
>as if you were losing your mind, only to find it again the next second, knowing only that in the center of all this chaos and peace, it's still you and her 
>can't even possibly find a right word to describe how all of that feels, like the dirtiest sin of all, but purest kind of holy grace at the same time
>like the very existance of life itself
>and so, at the highest point chaos, you realize you're both returning to the soft and gentle rhytms trough which it all started until you're barely playing with each other again
>and eventualy, your lips part once more...
>...
>at this part, you'd open your eyes again, breathing heavily and gazing at each other with breathtaking awe
>almost as if you lost a concept of sight completely troughnout the kiss, seeing her again now for the very first time in your life with a whole new, and completely different set of eyes than you had before
>you may only see her faint silloutte, but it's still the most gorgeous sight in your life
>and when the lighting strikes, illuminating both of you trough the window, you can see her delightful fairness in all it's glory, like glancing at an angel
>yet, it the eyes where the realy magic happens, those wonderful magenta eyes...
>her sparkling irises, like two burning suns, eclipsed by the depths of her pitch black pupils that are swallowing you whole and leading you straight to her innocent and noble soul's hideout
>just like it did a few times before, when you could share emotions together just trough a mere look, now you can gaze a lot father and see the truest essence of beauty that's resting inside each of you
>you're still holding her body close to yours and even though the flash of the lightning is long gone, you don't ever wanna look away
>because you can still "see"
>and you don't see just her own soul in her eyes, but also a reflection of yourself, one so virtuous and lovable you would have never thought exists
>it's you, the real you who is she seeing all along, the you that you couldn't even see yourself
>but it's there
>and the bliss is so strong it's making you shed a few tears of joy
>you'd forget about the storm, raging outside
>you'd forget about the world, not waiting for anyone and rushing further and further
>you'd forget about literaly anything else this life has to offer, only so you could stand together while the creation is unfolding in front you
>because at last, you've found your long lost half
>one who was in your heart from the beggining of time, but physicaly and emotionaly parted
>how many lifetimes have you spent alone...?
>how much have you gone trough just to get to this very moment...?
>as if all your previous lives spent searching briefly flashed in front of you
>all the hardship, all the loneliness, all the pain
>so is this finally the "grand rejoice"?
>you could die in this very instant and wouldn't even notice over the intesity of this moment
>this much joy means more than a whole world
>as if it went even beyond it, beyond death
>a place where it all began, place without end
>you can almost see it...
>yet,... it's just a brief flash, before you're back on Earth suddenly
>...
>one day...
>...
>you'd close your eyes and quietly lean forehead to forehead, still somewhat "synchronized"
>all you can focus on is her heartbeat, descending from raging rataplans, again to slow, rhytmic, strong pounds which soothe you to a point when you feel as calm as a meditating monk
>"...What just happened Anon? Y-you did see all of that too, did you?" she whispers "Please, tell me you did..."
"I did...." you exhale "And I've never felt anything like this before..."
>"Me neither.... was it,.... was it "us"...? T-together?"
"I..... I think so." you smile, hugging her tightly again, resting your head on her shoulder, just like she does on yours
>your chests, with your hearts beating simoultaneously pressed against each other
>her body is as warm as a sunbeam and she feels as fragile in your arms as a drop of morning dew on soft, lotus flower
>but at the same time, as resilient as an iron wall, shielding little creatures from harm
>and your mind is full of words
>gorgeous, beautiful, stunning, exquisite, superb, wonderful, delicate, fantastic
>yet, if you had to, you'd choose one specific word to describe her
>....."fair"
>a humble expression, but you feel like it's the most fitting word for your limitless awe
>beautiful in it's natural, purest form, uncorrupted, like a white lilly - that's what she is to you on the inside
"I love you.... " you whisper softly in her ear
>"And I love you." she whispers back, smiling
>and you'd gently rock each other, still taking in what exactly just happened between the two of you
>until it feels like it's time to say something, now that you're somehow "back" from this high
"Dash..?"
>"...Yes?" her ear, right next to your head, perks up
"....Where is all this going to lead us? What did we do?"
>"....Guess we'll have to find out." she grins happily while affectionately rubbing her cheek over the side of your head, a little like cats do
"...It sure seems that way..."
>you wish you could share her enthusiasm, but there's a dark feeling in the back of your mind that fully didn't go away yet
>one that made it so hard to speak out your feelings before
>one that you forgot about, for a short time, but now it's back and-..
>-you hear her soft, girly giggle right next to your ear
>"...I know of a certain "place"~ that it will lead us to, sooner or later...."
>that somehow "snaps" you out of your dim thoughts
"Jeez, Dash, we had a spiritual moment here." you snicker while slowly letting go of the hug so that you can see each other again 
>"Don't we still have?" she smirks at you, coquettishly biting her lip for a splitsecond "Plus, how can you blame me, when you knew exacty what I had in mind?"
"Well,.. we're still somewhat connected." you grin, blushing a little over the thought of what you both meant
>but not now
>not only this experience left you a little exhausted, but somehow "filled" too
>basicaly, it feels like you've had your portion of intensive joy you're physicaly able to take today
>"Anon and what was the thing that was troubling you just a few seconds ago...?"
"I uhhh, nothing important."
>"Really?"
"Sure." you're slowly forgetting about it upon glancing into her eyes "Nothing to worry about now."
>"Alright..." she smiles ".....You remember how we said we could take it to the couch before when we get bored of the storm?"
"Bored already?"
>"No,... but I'm a little tired and it would be wayyyyy comfier to lie on the couch than sitting here." a simper forms on her face as she continues in a way more timid voice "P-plus, we could c-cuddle for a bit?"
>you know her long enough to know that she isn't exactly the kind to ask for cuddles or even openly admit it
>but while she may act all tough most of the time, you definitely know by now that she absolutely loves each touch of affection
"I'd absolutely love to." you grin, fondly running your fingers trough her mane "So let's go right now?"
>"...Sure!" she giggles with a victorious relief, letting go of your hand and starting to pick herself up from the chairs
>...
>on your way to the couch, you'd pick one of the candles nearby, seeing it's over halfway burned out
"...Just how long have we been here?"
>"Longer than it felt, ...but shorter too." she chuckles behind you "...by the way, could you take that light to the bathroom?"
"Oh, you're right. I'd almost forget about toothbrushing today."
>"I kinda meant to go there because I needed to pee, but yeah totally.~"  she snickers already halfway to the pitch black room "Let's brush out teeth too."
>so you'd bring the candle with you to illuminate it there at least a tiny bit and grab a paste while Dash dissapears again behind a toilet curtain
>very soon she's back and nudging you gently to get your attention
>"Some paste please?"
>you're still holding the tube in your hand
"Sure-y, where to? I can't see you too good." you chuckle
>"Right here." she laughs, moving her brush closer to the tiny fire "...Thanks."
"Welcome."
 >when you're done, you take a leak in the toilet as well so that you won't have to later, leaving the candle there and continue to a couch that's partly illuminated by the remaining ones
>Dash is there before you of course, happily and chaoticaly wallowing around in the soft blankets that she messily left there
>a little like dogs do occasionaly, but...... yeah humans do that too
>you know first hand, cause you remember doing it
>it's only when you're joining her that she calms down, rolls closer to you and shortly kisses your lips while throwing one of the blankets over both of you
>"You totally taste like toothpaste." she grins
"Well you do too." you laugh "I'd say we're pretty even."
>"Point taken." she giggles "...But I look forward to kissing you next time without the spearmint."
"...So you won't kiss me like this again?"
>"That depends." she smirks and leans in for another quick one
>...
>"So,.. how was it?"
"I'm not sure, lemme try that one more time." you gently pull her by her waist closer to you and put your lips on hers again
>you can feel how she's still smiling and dimmedly giggling even while kissing you, but it doesn't stop her from doing it properly
"...Yup, definitely a spearmint." 
>her grin wouldn't leave her face even now, when she rests her hoof on your chest, gently fondling your body "...Never thought that me of all ponies would end up giggling over smooches."
"Is that a bad thing?"
>"I used to think all of this is really lame and a pose." she smirks "Buuuut, I kinda get it now."
>and your eyes lock for a few seconds without speaking
>...
"...Can I tell you something?" you break the silence
>"Sure, what is it?" she attentively twitches her ear, one that she isn't laying on
"Your tongue is like, really long..."
>"Um, thanks? I was expecting you to say something a little bit different, but thanks." she laughs amusedly
"Seriously, you could choke me with that thing!" you continue while snickering with her "I was like really shocked when I realized what's in your mouth but it's-.. well it IS kinda sexy when I think back about it."
>"Is it huh?" she grins at you impishly
"Sure is...." you grin back 
>"Then I'm gonna make sure to use it to my advantage one day." her grin gets even wider 
"Right right, so..." you chuckle a little nervously 
>"Not now though..." she kisses you quickly 
"Uhm, sure. It's not like I was getting any ideas just now." you chuckle "But I was wondering,.. do you ever groom your feathers with it too?"
>"Well, um......." she's hesitating shortly with her answer "...y-yeah? Why?"
"That's adorable!"
>"Shut up!" she laughs, covering your face with her her hooves to make you stop snickering
"No I won't!" you'd wrestle with her playfuly "I totally wanna see you do that one day."
>"What kind of twisted pleasure will it bring you?" she's fighting back with a laugh, still trying to get her hooves on your face
"Oh the most twisted one of all!" you'd grab her around her waist and roll her over on her back, using your weight to your advantage to kiss her again "....I get to see you do cute stuff."
>"Alright, you win." she chuckles ".....You know,...I kind of imagined scenarios like these a few times before."
"Me, pinning you on your back?" you'd grin
>"Not that!" she's as red as a ruby "....B-but to get intimate like this........"
"...Come here." you'd let her go with a little chuckle ".....I did too, you know?"
>she wouldn't answer, but she lays herself tightly close to you, leaning her head onto your chest with a satisfied simper on her face
>your are legs somewhat entangled together, with her silky tail as well
>and it feels incredibly comfy, as if you were two fitting pieces of puzzle being put together
>with your eyes still open, you're silently gazing into the tiny flickering flames around, enjoying the mere fact you can be here like this together
"....You know, there is also one thing I kinda wanted to tell you but never did."
>she would eye up at you curiously
>"...What was it?" 
"...You smell real nice."
>"Really?" she snickers, snorting in amusement
>but you're serious about this one
"Yes. It reminds me of when the rain falls in the spring and the air is suddenly so fresh... I can almost see the green meadow, still wet with raindrops, with a white, blooming tree in the middle of it."
>"That's way too sugary of you." she embarassedly looks away, drawing invisible circles with her hoof on your chest
"It's just the way it is." you grin, reaching your hand to scratch her neck
"...And it was really confusing for me in times when I was in denial."
>"......Well I hope I won't dissapoint you when I tell you that I don't see pictures from your scent." she grins "...But it's really calming me in way, that.... I could just stop and relax when you're around. As if everything's suddenly fine...."
"Hey, that's really sweet too..." you're now slowly massaging her cheek in your hand
>she would close her eyes for a few seconds, just indulging to the feel before another thought comes up 
>"And since we're in this topic, - I love to feel your skin too." her eyes open once more
"My skin?" you laugh "Your fur is a lot softer than that."
>"But this is different..." she slides the spongy, feely part of her hoof over the inner part of your elbow "Especialy here." then slides her hoof to your side, around the height of your waist "And here.... And sometimes, when you shave, then here." she finally touches your cheek with a little giggle
"Oh,.. so should I shave more often?" you grin
>"Nah. Then it would lose it's magic when you do." she buries her muzzle in your chest hair while playfuly eyeying up at you
"Alright then." you smirk back, placing your hand on her back "...And I especialy like this particual spot right here." you softly grab the root of her wings, massing her wingpit with your thumb. "It's so fuzzy."
>"Well,.. you're liking it now, but you don't wanna know how sweaty I can get there after flying..." she grins amusedly, glancing up at you again "....I also like the shape of your muzzle. It's really weird looking but.... that's why I like it."
"That's the nicest way someone ever complimented my face." you laugh sincerely, moving your hand on her chest "Oh and by the way, I absolutely love that bit of fluff on your chest. I meant to tell you a long time ago."
>"Well, I almost figured that on my own, with the way you're paying attention to it." she giggles "I like yours too, though. Even though it's a little girly and not as soft as mine.... But it's good for scrathes."
"Okayyy?" you chuckle "It's usualy considered manly among humans."
>"Should have found a human girl then." she grins widely, making you snicker
"....Fair point."
>for a second, you're just gazing at each in the dim light of the surrounding candles, as if you were seeing each other for the first time
>in a way, it IS a first time
>first time you're openly admitting to yourself that you're looking at an absolute masterpiece of nature's work
".....Do most ponies have this many colors are you special even back home? I never asked before." you break the silence once more
>"I'm special everythere I go." she grins smugly "You should know that by now."
"Well I know you're definitely special here." you'd grin back "....I really wish human hair wasn't so boring though. Just a plain, simple color...."
>"So you'd like a to have a glorious, multicolored mane like us ponies, huh?" her hoof pokes your chest
"Well,... mayyybe."
>"Ha! But don't worry, I don't mind your mane inferiority. The rest of you makes up for that." the grin wouldn't leave her face until it's replaced by a thinking neutral frown "......Maybe it's because of your world?"
"What do you mean?" you'd stop stroking her body for a second
>"If you lived in more colorful places, then maybe there would be humans with more colorful hair?"
"That's an interesting idea." you grin amusedly, continuing to caress her ears now "...I mean, I wasn't taugh anything like that in school, but according to quantum physics, everything is possible as long as you can imagine it."
>"I don't know quantum physics, but it sure sounds more fun than school." she pokes you
"Guess I'll go with it...." you chuckle
>at this point, the first candles are slowly starting to burn out and it's just now that one of them goes black right in front of you
>"Look." Dash notices it first
"Yeah,.. which one do you think will be next?"
>"I think that one over there." she points her hoof
"I think..., the one we left in the bathroom."
>"Wanna bet?" you're met with a daring grin
"What do we bet on?"
>"Well,-..something?"
"The bet it is then!" you laugh, offering her a hand 
>"Okay, the winner receives "something." she shakes your hand amusedly
>and you're watching the candles, cuddled up together
>but it doesn't take too long till another candle goes out
>yet,... it's neither of those a bet was placed on
"And here I was looking forward to having "something"."
>but a mere few seconds after, the Dash's candle goes out
>"Oh welp,.. does this count?"
"Sure it does. Here's your something." you'd boop her nose with a finger
>"Thanks, I'll totally treasure it." she giggles
"You're quite welcome." you chuckle, burying your fingers deep in her chest fluff and scratching her very thorougly now
>"Ooh, you keep doing that with your hands." she grins and adjusts herself for you to reach better, completely opening up to you
"Trust me I enjoy it as much as you do." you're adding your second hand to the action
>her body is so nice to touch and feel, so warm and even soften than ever before
>especialy now, that she put on some weight too after those two months of staying at home
>she was pretty skinny before, now she's.... not EXACTLY chubby, but not completely athletic either
>something in between
>thought, it's all on the right places, making her thighs a bit wider, along with her rump being dangerously appealing and her tummy.... just a slightly more noticeable, but now so incredibly soft to touch
>you've avoided to think of her that way before, but man-, she's got some serious curves to offer, maybe-...
>maybe even better than a human girl would
>and for some time you'd just lay there in silence, tenderly caressing her body and watching the candles go out one after another
>you're giving a lot of attention to her neck, ears, front hooves, mane, occasionaly thighs and of course the chest
>though, it feels just a little strange, in a way, to have both of your hands buried in her fluff
>almost.... lewd, since you're used to human girls having their breast there
>of course, she's completely flat there, but still...
>does that mean she has her nipples somewhere lower or..?
>you could ask, or you could just try to sneakily discover yourself
>so you'd progressively slide your hands a little lower, fondling her tummy and-
>yup, there's her bellybutton
>that actualy sparks your interest enough to stop there for a while, circling around it with your finger while she's softly squirming under your touch
>"That tickles Anon!" she giggles eventualy when you can't seem to get enough
"Sorry,.." you grin
>"What's so interesting about my bellybutton?" she chuckles, since you've been stuck there for a past minute or so
"You tell me." you'd let go to put your hands back on her waist "I was actualy trying to figure out where your nipples are."
>"M-my nipples?" she snickers embarassedly
"Well your body feels a little like a human one on certain parts, but humans have breast on our chests, so I figured they must be lower..."
>"Well, y-yeah, b-but..." she chuckles
"Too lewd?"
>"A little lewd."
"Oh, sorry."
>"That's alright." she smiles, yawning "But I'm getting dangerously sleepy right now..... Will you stay with me here for the night?"
"...As long as you want me here?"
>"I do."
>so you pull her closer to you so that she's leaning her chest onto right side of yours and you reach to wrap your arm around her, holding her hoof with the second one
>you'd still, very softly stroke her where your hands lay but you're feeling that the sleepiness is slowly taking over both of you and your eyes are almost closing
>after all, most of the candles are already out and even the storm is getting calmer outside
>"That was the last one." Dash yawns when it definitely burns out and you find yourselves in utter darkness, accompanied only by soft rain, whispering you gentle lullabies
"...I just hope they won't fix the electricity in the middle of a night. ...Because I left all the lights on."
>"Hopefuly not, can you imagine stading up now?" she laughs very quietly
"Too comfy to even think about that." you chuckle "But do you know what I could imagine easily now?"
>"Closing eyes and falling asleep in a matter of two minutes?" she has her eyes already closed, but you can't see that in the darkness
"You read my mind." you smile
>"I know I do." she kisses your chest because that's about where she can reach without having to move "...Goodnight Anon."
"Good night Dashie." you'd kiss her back, on her hoof that's resting not far from your face, closing your eyes as well
>and very soon, you're not even knowing about yourself
>today was a particualy good day
....



CHAPTER 7.5: Mind Riot




"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
>you're opening your eyes, cold sweat in the middle of a night, waking up  from a terrifying nightmare
>not the kind where you fight for your life though, something far more psychological
>and even though you're awake now, your heart still aches as if it's been pierced by a knife of guilt
>as if the dream still continued...
>because what you've been dreaming about, roots from the real fears which you've been pushing away into your subconscious
>....
>...........
>outside it's still dark and it's not looking like the sunrise is going to take place any time soon
>but the pale moon is shining it's ghostly reflection trough your window, illuminating the room with faint light
>and one of the very first things that your eyes register is Rainbow's face
>resting in a peaceful slumbler
>she's softly breathing and smiling in her sleep like a blossom, ready to bloom with the sun, as soon as it arrives to shine light into the world of darkness
>and to you, she's dazzling just with the way she exist, it's hard to express the wonderment trough mere words
>but it makes your heart hurt even more, because the thought that has been terrorizing your mind is connected to this adorable creature
>fueled by the dream you've had, you're slowly realizing you're about to drown in the haunting feeling, 
>you'd try to go back to sleep and forget about it, but it's keeping you awake, without knowing how to help yourself out of the muddy waters of your own mind
>can't find comfort in Rainbow's calmness anymore
>until you can't take it and need to get up
>so you carefuly let go of her embrace and sneak out to sit by the window onto one of the chairs from yesterday
>glad you didn't wake her up
>in the meanwhile you were sleeping, the sky has almost cleared out from the storm, letting the moon shine trough the tears in black clouds, -some of which still rain light drops of water in the distance
>and you're staring blankly into the dark sky, wondering in silence and hoping to find your answer there
>that is, until you hear a soft rustle behind you
>looks like she did notice that you left the warmness of her nest, after all
>you'd turn your head around to glance at her
>"Good almost-morning, Anon." she greets you warmly with a sleepy smile
"Hey..." you'd attempt to smile back as if everything's okay
>but she can easily see trough you on her first look
>"What's wrong?" she tilts her disheveled head in confusion "I've never seen you so... hollow? Are you okay?... Had a bad dream?"
"No Dash... I mean, yeah I had, but it's not it. It's just that........ I'm so very sorry."
>"What for?" she relaxedly stands up from the couch to come closer, putting her head into your lap and looking up at you with those gorgeous magenta eyes of hers
"...I've hurt you Dash. And in such a foolish way..."
>"Come on, what are you talking about?" she nudges you with her muzzle "Yesterday was so amazing, wasn't it?"
"It was, and that is the problem. I've thrown an emotional chain over us, even though I knew that it will cause you so much pain one day. -Because you'll eventualy return home and yesterday will only make it so much harder..."
>"Oh Anon..." she frowns
"I know. I'm stupid, how COULD it work out? There was so many hints. You have your own life, own friends, important duties,... hell, you're even a completely different specie. And none of that stopped me from invading your life,.. I'm such a monster."
>"Anon!!" she stands on her rear and half angrily shakes with you, trying to snap you out of it ".............You're forgetting it was my choice as well..."
>it makes you glance into her eyes again, reflecting the cold moonlight from behind the window
>and you know she's right, but...
"...Then where does that choice lead us?.." the same unanswered question from yesterday hangs in the air
>for a first time in years, you're affraid of the future,... but not yours
"....I don't want you having to choose between me and your old life. And I know it's soon to say that now, but it's better to realize it before anything else, that..." you hang your head, admitting the root of your fears "...I can't even give you children, Dash..."
>you can sense that what you've said moved her a little, she hasn't even thought about it until now
>but she composes herself quicker than you expected, smiling with lighthearted resolution while she leans closer to your ear, whispering
>"...I'd rather end my bloodline with you by my side, than live the rest of my life, knowing what I missed out ..... Question is, would you?"
>you'd look up from the ground to faintly smile at her
"I've made my peace with being the one to bury my family's legacy a long time ago . ...I just don't want to become a burden to you..."
>"... Do you remember then, when you said that just "this" much is enough for you in the whole world?"
"I didn't say that out loud, I though it in my head when-"
>"-Well I did too." she interrupts you with a smile, glancing you straight in the eyes 
>and her gaze, as if was reflecting fragments of yesterday, it-...
>it's making you remember
>how intense it was, how undeniably true was the feeling that you belong together, no matter what
>stronger than anything that belongs to material world, stronger than fears and feelings of unworthiness
>and you can see yourself smiling in her eyes again
"Thank you..." you hug her tightly "For reminding this to me..."
>"That's okay Anon..." she embraces you back, standing on on the tips of her rear hooves
"No, it isn't. I thought it's selfish to love you but the most selfish thing of me was to think so narrowly of love... Will you forgive me?"
>"What for? That you ain't perfect..? I'll tell you a secret, but don't tell a single soul." she grins and whispers secretively "......Me neither."
>a sincere snicker escapes your nose
"Dash, you're amazing, you know that?" you chuckle "A total class."
>"Of course I am, that's why you fell for me." she laughs amusedly, then glances you right in the eyes with an absolutely carefree smile "... But if anyone's worthy of me giving a damn,.. maybe even two or three, it's you."
>and you must be simpering like an idiot right now, but you don't care
>this is exactly what you needed to hear and she knows it
>so you hug her, pulling her warm body onto yours, whispering "Thanks Dash, I love you." into her ear
>"You know it's bothsided." she grins once you let her go to see her face
>she's blushing a little, totally proud of herself, but there's also wisdom in her eyes
>not the old, thinking and pondering one, but one that's spontaneous and easy, like the life itself
>"...So, do you wanna go back to bed and have a proper wake up later?"
"That sounds lovely." you smile, standing up
>back on the couch, you'd find a comfy position,- this time you're leaning forehead to forehead so that you can smile at each other before closing your eyes 
>and as if nothing ever happened, you're both contentedly falling asleep within minutes
>and boy, you even have a sweet a dream this time
>a proper one, 
>in it, you see trees at first, -woods filled with light that's slipping trough the treetops up high
>and a path, leading to a golden sunlit meadow with a fresh green grass covering it like a bushy rug
>when you step out of the forest, a light blue sky without a single cloud opens up above you
>and under you, all kinds of hills, forests, fields and little villages hidden in the lowlands
>you must be somewhere high up in the mountains, but there's still a long way to the very top
>there's also a path leading down to one of the villages and you could even walk there if you wanted to
>but you don't, you feel just fine where you are
>then a smidge of rainbow appears on the sky
>... as if Dash just flew around
>so you glance the way she flew
>and there's a small old house on your right, with a quaint porch directed straight onto a view under the mountains
>it looks inviting, so you're going further
>and the door even open themselves for you
>there's a colorful tail sticking out from around the corner, waiting for you inside
>seeing that, you take a first step onto the porch with a happy smile on your face..
>about to call on her:
"Honey, I'm home!"
>when you suddenly wake up, realizing it was all in your head
>well, not "all" though....


Chapter 8: Take you to the sun



>you're slightly raising your head from the pillow, while the sun is already shining in it's full glory outside
>and the first thing you see upon opening your eyes, is Rainbow's disheveled mane and her cyan muzzle sticking out of the colorful hair
>such a cheerful view
>you'd blink again just to make sure you didn't merely wake up to another dream
>....because you're itsy-titsy bit confused, at least for the two very first seconds
>but you're immediately remembering very vivid memories about yesterday
>so you smile and happily lean your head down on the pillow again
>and how you woke before morning is somewhat coming back too
>...or was that particual part just a dream?
>was what she told you true?... did she really read your exact thoughs yesterday?
>...did you read hers?
>or were you sharing the same ones without realizing it?
>when your thinking is interrupted by an unusualy soft moan of her otherwise raspy voice, followed by a sleepy yawn
>"Good morning Anon." she whispers tenderly without bothering to move at all
"Good morning Dash." you'd whisper back, gently fondling her hoof which she has on your waist "...slept well?"
>"Slept amazing. Dreamt amazing." 
>and you notice she's smiling trough her mane, that's still completely covering her face 
>"...How about you?"
"Had an amazing dream too just now. ...I remember a house on a meadow. Up, in the mountains. And you were guiding me there."
>"Well, mountains are a frequent topic since I'm with you, aren't they?" she snickers "We're visiting them, they're appearing in dreams,..."
"Yup, maybe comes a time when we move there as well." you grin
>"Quantum physics." she slightly adjusts her head in your direction and finally opens her eyes, which are just barely visible under the orange and yellow strands of her mane
"What about them? -Oh, you mean-"
>"That everything is possible if you can imagine it." she waves her brows at you with a little smirk
"I almost forgot I said it yesterday..."
>"Well I didn't forget, because I like that sentence." she smiles and buries her muzzle in your chest again, her voice a bit muted "And I'd like to beleive it,.. whatever that means."
"Wish I could reprogram my mindset this way too." you grin "... But hey, what kind of amazing dreams you had tonight?" 
>"Oh well, I wish I could tell you!..., but I don't remember. Only that they were amazing." she lazily moves her head lower to scratch her cheek with your chest hair
"What else is needed to know in the end, huh?"
>"Especialy when reality just as good, or even better." she smiles, fondly drawind a little circle on your chest, watching her own hoof move "...I also like to listen to your heart. -That's what I wanted to say yesterday, but forgot about it."
>she goes a little red, but still leans closer, closing her eyes for a few seconds
>...
>"...They're synchronized now!" she moves herself higher and presses her chest tightly on yours "...Can you feel?"
>....and really, when you concentrate, you can feel her heart beating right next to yours in the same rhytm
"...Oh, yeah." you smile "I'd call it strange, but that would probably be a lie."
>"Then how would you really call it?" she snickers and playfully mounts on top of you, leaning her front hooves on your shoulders to keep herself up
"...Either amazing or completely natural." you're grinning at her face right above yours "Maybe both of these."
>"Guess that works better." her face turns into a grin as well
"Sometimes the most common things are the most wondrous, aren't they?"
>"But sometimes the most wondrous things are perfectly common.." she'd now let go of your shoulders, and make herself comfortable lying on top of you, with the tip of her nose almost touching your face
"....Just like love." you lean closer to kiss her muzzle "I used to think that I know what love is."
>"Do you know better now?" her eyes are curiously following yours
"Frankly,.. I have no idea." you laugh "I don't think it's even possible to grasp it somehow. But it can be felt."
>"Oh, I feel it alright." she smirks "But I hoped you could come up with one of your fancy definitons."
"I'm gonna have to let you down here then. All I know is that you're my dainty, four-legged, alien girl. One of a kind. And I love you."
>she's smiling at you for a second, trying to keep a relatively straight face, but then bursts to laugh "Why do you gotta make that sounds so weird?"
"Because YOU'RE so weird to me, and I'm absolutely loving that." you laugh with her
>"In that case, you're the weirdest person I've met." she smiles at you coquetishly and leans a bit closer as if she was to kiss you, but stops when your noses bump and looks you in the eyes instead "...And I'm SO glad I've met you."
>it would have felt like you should say something back if she was literaly anyone else
>but with her, there's no need for words
>because of something that's only between the two of you, making this moment so special and unique
>each of these moments
>and it would last for a while, till the time comes...
>...to finish the kiss she almost started a while ago
>the tips of your noses are still touching, so you'd first nuzzle her, making your way closer towards her fuzzy lips
>this time you're keeping your eyes open to see her troughout the whole kiss and it's feeling.... different
>a little harder to concentrate on the kiss itself, because her gaze is so mesmerising
>and you're seeing each of the slightest emotion going trough her, - the way she longs for you right now
>but when it feels like you could put your tongue to action as well, it's suddenly so hard to keep your lips relaxed
>and there's a grin forming on your face instead, just as well as on her's
>"What is it? What's funny?" she snickers, without moving away from your face
"You tell me. Why are you chuckling like that?" you'd poke a side of her belly that's pressing onto yours
>"I don't know..." she's about to softly kiss you again, closing her eyes "What are you gonna do about it?"
>but you wouldn't answer
>because you're both already too immersed in the grace of each other to finish that conversation
>there are colours springing trough your brain, like fireworks on a night sky on a new year
>and your heart is celebrating
>just the simple fact that you can be together
>it's a new, but also familiar sensation
>as if you were falling in love over and over again
>and when you slowly open your eyes and let go,..
>it's like waking up from a trance or a dream, like the reality just reset in front of you
>she's the first thing you've glanced at after being reborn right now
>and she's.... gorgeous
>so you hug her tighter...
>and roll to the side!
>you would play around, trying to get kiss and get on top of each other
>cuddle and relish the feel of your bodies brushing over each other until you're exhausted enough to stop and just comfily lay there
".....You know, I'm really enjoying this. A big lot." you smile at her, gently caressing her cheek
>"Which part?" a smirk appears on her face
"All of it!" you grin "Just lying here naked and not feeling weird around you. So I can just... be myself without being alone."
>"...So you're being yourself when you're naked?" she snorts "That's new."
"You know I didn't mean it this way. Like uh,.. dropping all defenses kind of way, you know?"
>"Well you haven't dropped those shorts off yet. If that counts as a defense...." she's teasingly poking your chest and pointing down "Are you still shy in front of me?"
"Why would I be?" you'd poke her back
>"So why don't you prove it?"  
"...You want me to take them off? Right now?"
>"Well, you don't have to now,.. I'll give you a minute or two to get up...."
".....You just want to have a look, is that it?" you grin at her
>"Maybe...?" she chuckles with a completely shameless smirk "It's not MY fault you always keep it always hidden like it's some kind secret... And naturaly, that only makes me want to know."
"Okay then." you laugh "Fair enough. Just don't expect me to run around the house naked from now on, like you do. ...At least not when it's still this cold outside."
>"Fair enough." she grins and cuddles up to you closer for the last few seconds "...But regardless of this, we could get up anytime soon."
"Yeah... it does kinda feel like we'll be overstaying our welcome in bed."
>"Alright, let's git up then." she lets go of you and emerges like a spring "...I'm hungry."
"As far as I remember, it's also your turn to choose breakfast, so what will it be?" you sit up next to her
>"Surprise me." she grins and stretches herself "Anything goes."
"Okay then,.. I'll make up something."
>but when you stand up and bend over to pick your shirt up from the ground, she slaps your buttcheek
"Hey!" you're starledly turning around on your heel, chuckling over her sudden boldness
>which only makes her snort in amusement and almost fall over on her back in laughter
>"Sorry, I had to."
".....That's what I should be doing to you." you snicker
>"Who says guys should have all the fun? Besides, you'll have plenty of chances to catch me off guard in the future."
"Just you wait then." you grin, about to turn around again
>but she stops you
>"Whoa there, did you I think I'd forget?" she smirks, smugly waving her eyebrows "... Shorts off."
"Okay,.. promise is a promise." you chuckle and hesitanly pull them down, revealing your somewhat half-hard tools
>she first grins at you victoriously, but then shifts her focus down to your crotch
>"...It's way different how I imagined it." she then announces with a curious chuckle, leaning a bit closer to see better
>...also having sneaky whiff
>but when she's like that, it's hard to keep your blood from flowing to the lower part of your body
>and as embarrassing it is, she's just witnessing your erection rise a few inches from her face
>it makes her slightly ajar her mouth in surpise for a second, then bite her lip, gulp and glance back up at your face
>"You're still shy, aren't you?" she chuckles, trying to keep a smug face, but she can't exactly hide her cheeks getting red underneath the blue fur too
"Well wouldn't you be if I was inspecting you like that?" you forcefuly chuckle and shrug
>"Feel free to." she suddenly smirks and turns around, lifting her tail to the right so that you're getting a full blown view on what's making her a mare
>her swift reaction caught you so off guard, so you're instinctively looking away because of lifelong taugh decency
>but the next second, you're crouching to see better with growing interest
>even though you've seen those parts few times before, now you actualy have a first detailed, intentional look
>and she's... way different from a human girl
>though, the differences can be exciting
>not used to seeing ladyparts so... puffy?
>and the more you're looking, the more you're liking the view
>almost making you want to touch her...
>but before that, you have a little whiff out of curiosity too
>and...
>she's way muskier there, compared to her soft, fresh scent you already know so intimately, but-...
>it's making your headspin and doing things to your mind
....
>for a few seconds, you're just staring
>...would it be wrong if you just had a little-... lick?
>"Hey Anon." Dash is looking over her back at you, with a giggle "..Found something you like or what?"
>you have to blink a few times to make your eyes focus on her face
"I uhh-.... Yeah, s-sorry got carried away." you stutter
>which only makes her laugh harder, softly slapping your face with her tail before turning around
>she's playing all smug, but she's clearly a little embarassed too
"...Is this like a pony custom in Equestria when the two ponies like get together?"
>"No,.. I just like to pull your strings." she does her trademark grin, but then smiles a way softer "......Sorry for teasing you this way Anon, I'm not usualy like that at all,... but I was curious."
"It's not like any harm was done." you chuckle "......Still hungry though?"
>"Anon I-..... oh you mean the breakfast."
"What the hell Dash." you burst into laugh, standing up and pulling your shorts on as well
>"I was just- nevermind." she snickers, laughing as well "....... I'll go make some tea."
>and she's trotting off with a grin still on her face to put the water on a gas stove to boil
>when she's finished with that, she's joining you by the kitchen counter, pulling herself up to see better over your shoulder on what you're doing there
>"....-So, what will it be?"
"....I'm out of imagination today." you chuckle "Will bread with-.. "something" suffice?"
>"Sure thing dude." she bumps her thigh over yours "Put some butter on it though."
"Yes ma'am. What next?"
>"Hmm,... I dunno."
"Sweet or salty?" you'd turn from the counter to pick up her front hooves in your hands, inviting her into a brainstorm
>"Sweet! No wait salty.... or maybe-... rather sweet?"
"Um,.. how about a peanut butter?"
>"Bingo!" 
"A big layer?"
>"One that chokes you in the throat!" 
"Yes! And an equaly big layer of jam!"
>"You're my pony- I mean man! ...That's a deal." Dash laughs upon letting go of you, since the water is starting to boil now
>and the next second...
>"...Fruit or black?!" she's yelling a little too loudly, considering she's only on the other side of the kitchen
"How about something herbal?"
>which sends her into a thinking mode, tilting her head and twitching ears a few times before a conclusion
>"...I think I'll have that one as well!" she smiles finally "It's almost spring after all."
"It's always spring with you around."
>"...Wasn't it "rain" the last time?" a wing's tip pokes your side
"The summer rain, to be specific. 
>"And a blooming flower or a tree in the background. Right?"
"Yup." you chuckle 
>being close enough to reach with her feathers, she makes a few more steps towards you to also smell the shirt you're wearing
>"And you smell like,... coconut..? What the hay?"
"It must be the fabric softener. Don't get used to it." you chuckle "-By the way, the breakfast is ready."
>"Nice."
>and there's both of the plates you made, between her teeth already, as she's carrying them to the table while you're taking the cups 
"Enjoy." you'd smile at her while taking your seat
>noticing there's a bit of saliva on the side of your plate, making you chuckle but you wouldn't comment it any further
>Dash has already a mouthful, but she's still smiling back to reply a muffled: "Thanks. You too."
>when halfway finished with the bread, you'd gulp down your morsel and put a few spoons of honey in your cup
".....How sweet you like it?" you're then moving on to hers
>"I dunno, I just keep dumping more until I like it." she grins "....But that fine, you didn't have to."
"That's okay. I mean, it's easier for me with fingers, so why not?" you've already put some honey in her cup as well, keeping the spoon there if she wanted more
>"Don't you be suprised. I'm not so clumsy with my hooves either." Dash laughs, stiring the tea and tasting whether it's okay "...But I'm still a lot more precise with my mouth though."
"So where is the line between what you're gonna use when you need to pick something up or I dunno... hammer a nail?"
>"I guess it depends on the situation. I can even use my wings sometimes."
"I've never seen you do that though." you smirk
>"I said "sometimes"." she chuckles "-And I didn't even have proper feathers for a long time."
"So I can expect to see some serious wing action upcoming weeks?"
>"You're gonna see so much wing action you'll get bored of it. ...But it's probably gonna be mostly flying." a snicker escapes her nostrils before having another sip of the tea "It's not easy to pick things up with feathers." 
"Flying will do. You, being a stunt mare, is already a pretty cool sight to look at." you're smiling and have a sip of yours as well "...So and uhh, now that we're up, do we have any specific plans for today?"
>"About that, I though we could look somewhere out of the city. ...Like we talked about yesterday?"
"That sounds good. The weather looks pretty okay too, ....at least compared to yesterday's end of the world." you'd look out of the window, seeing it's somewhat gloomy "I'll just check the internet, which bus can we take and-... oh wait."
>"Ringa-ding, -the electricity!" Dash laughs and leans elbows on the table, giving you a smug look "But I already said I can take us there. What more,- I'd prefer to."
"You're really sure about that?" 
>"Yup, I was thinking, if you could tie a rope between my rear legs and hold onto it,.. maybe that could work?" she's still chewing on her bite of bread as she talks
"Maybe... but very sloppily."
>"Yeah, but I really wanna-" now she finally gulps the morsel "-find some way to take you with me. What I mean is, buses are okay and all, but now that we can fly..."
"Well, YOU can fly.." 
>"We're one team Anon. You and me." you're met with her resolutely loyal eyes
"Yeah,.. but it doesn't give me wings Dash." you chuckle, flattered she thinks of you this way but "It's just,.. I don't want you to overdo yourself like you did before, because of me."
>"It wasn't that much big of a deal. And thanks to that massage, I almost don't even feel it anymore." she smiles with genuine warmness "...I really want this to work Anon."
"But how..?"
>"..If you could somehow grab onto me, so that I wouldn't have to hold you, it would be a lot easier for me."
"Hmm... alright then. We can try it. ...Any ideas?"
>"Well I had one with the ropes, ...do you have a rope?"
"I think I do, I'll just finish the breakfast and go look for it."
>"Take your time. No rush." she's chuckling, about to bite into her bread again
>and just like you've promised, after the morning meal, you're heading into your "tools/things-from-the-past" cabinet to search for a rope
>and...
"A-ha!" you've found an old climbing rope, two of them actualy
>one long and one shorter
>"That will do. The longer one." she smiles while you're showing her "Try tying the ends onto my legs. ..Above the joint so that it sits and doesn't slide down."
"Wait, just one more thing." you'd run to your room, soon to be back with two thick pieces of fabric "Gotta at least cushion it a little for you."
>"That's thoughful of you, thanks." she's giving you a last smile before you kneel behind her, about to start tying
"It would be crime not to do so. Wouldn't want to hurt these lovely legs of yours." you'd grin, fondly sliding your hand up and down the whole appendage 
>"...You like my legs?"
>you can't see her face from there, but her voice just sounded unusualy girly
"...I like everything about you." and to emphasize on that, you'd softly pick up her rear hoof, about to fondle it's frog
>..never actualy got to touch her there until n-
>"Eeep!"
"What is it?"
>"N-nothing." she chuckles forcibly "I uhh,..."
"Did that hurt?"
>"It didn't... But I'm a *little* sensitive at this spot."
"....Are all ponies? ...How do you run if-"
>"This part doesn't touch the ground... And I don't know if others, but I am."
>behind that quick and vague answer lies some emotion she's hiding
>but you can see trough her
"Why would you be embarassed about that?" 
>"I'm not...!" she puffs up her cheeks, finally looking over her shoulder at you, but when you eyes meet, she exhales again ".....It's just a little weird, okay?"
"Didn't we just agreed that "weird" is great sometimes?" you smirk, still holding her hoof in your hands, massaging around, but not directly her spongy part "Tell me what isn't weird about the two of us."
>"Y-yeah..." her cheeks would get a little rosy as her expression turns into a simper "B-but anyway, let's finish that."
"Right." you'd give her a smile before she hesitanly turns her head away from you
>....better remember this later on
>soon you're finished with the tying, so you'd stand up, sofly patting her flank
"It's done."
>"Let's try it then!" Dash enthusiasticaly rears up for a few seconds, even flapping her wings in her eagerness
>but as majestic as she looks right now, the wind from the wings blew away a blanket from the couch behind her, and also a few things fell off the tiny table, sitting next to it
>"Sorry..."
"That's fine. We can take care of that later." you grin and go open the door for her while she's following you, trying not to stumble over the ropes between her legs
"So, do I grab it now or wait till you're in the air?"
>"Grab it now, but hold on tightly."
"Will do captain." you'd salute before doing what she's told you
>...you're quickly rewarded with one last grin over her shoulder before she takes off
>and you're flying up!
>it wasn't a jet start, she was trying to make it as steady as possible, but it's still fast enough to yank with you
>"YOU'RE HOLDING ON?!"
"YEAH, IT'S LIKE BEING ON ALIVE ROGALO. HOW ABOUT YOU?"
>"IT'S STRANGE TO HAVE A GRAVITY CENTER LIKE THAT, BUT I'LL GET USED!" she's making a few circles around your house, doing some subtle manevuers as well to try out how much she's able to control her flight
>and then she's heading back down on the ground
>your feet would touch the ground first, hanging from under her, so you have enough time to let go and...
>when she's about to land as well, you'd snatch her from the air and catch her body into your arms instead
"What'cha gonna do now?" you chuckle, holding her not too tightly so that she could escape you if she really wanted to
>"Guess I might bribe you?" a simper appears on her face, giving you a quick kiss on your cheek
>but you're adamant like an English royal guard
"I'm sorry miss, but that just won't do."
>it makes her go a little red, eyeing around the neighborhood
>".....You're sure your neighbors aren't watching though?"
"I don't see anyone outside. -And if they were, so what?" you smile
>encouraged like that, she grins at you and goes straight for the kiss
>one that's as sweet as the honey in her tea
>and when you're finished, you'd gently lay her down
>".....Okay," Dash clears her throat, still simpering a little "...as I was gonna say, looks like it's going to work as intended. Not for a recreational flying, but good for getting from A to B."
"Yeah, but I can imagine it must be like being a car that's dragging another car on the rope. Isn't it."
>"...Well,... I've never been a car before, so I can't tell." 
"Me neither. If you put it that way." you laugh
>"Gotta have a longer conversation about cars sometime." she chuckles
"For sure, gonna tell you all about them." you're grinning "But let's go inside now, it's a bit too cold here for just tshirt and shorts. My testicles are freezing." 
>and before your sweet pone girlfriend even has anything to say, you'd slip inside the house again 
>but she's following right behind you with a little amused laugh
>"So, do you just get dressed and we'll go?"
"Right now?"
>"We had a nice breakfast, I'd say we're ready. It won't be a whole day trip."
"Okay then let's go!" you'd pick up your trousers from yesterday and start putting them on, while she'd bring you your jacket and then quickly pick up all the stuff from the table too
"Thanks. Guess we got everything we need." you're checking your pockets for some spare coins, just in case, while Dash gulps the rest of her tea sitting at the bottom of the cup and...
>"Let's fly!" she's jumping out of the house, because it's easier than walking with tied legs
>but it makes her look pretty funny, especialy with how joyfully she does that
>you'd lock the door behind you, following her to grab onto the rope
"So, do you even know where we-"
>"YES!" she's already happily flapping her wings and soaring up with you
>and when you're high enough to see a green spot somewhere at the other side of the city, she starts gliding that way
>there's a little hill with a small forest in the middle of the "civilisation", likely made into a big park dedicated for this part of town
>the flight is not gonna take too long, a few minutes at most, so you should be able to hold on with your hands until you get there
>but a fact that you're so high, you'd likely fall long enough to eventualy reach your maximum fall speed,... it's making you a bit uneasy
>you gulp the little saliva in your mouth, trying NOT to think about what would happen if you let go
>so instead of looking down, you're trying to concentrate on
 on where you're heading
>"YOU STILL OKAY ANON?" Dash glances down onto you
"Uhh, YES,..! I think."
>"WE'RE ALMOST THERE!"
>she wouldn't head on top of the hill, but rather at one of the edges of the park
>the most solitary place
"Oh wow. My face is freezing from the wind." you laugh upon landing, massaging your cheeks to make the blood flow "Even though it's beautiful up there, I'm so glad to be on the ground."
>"I was watching. You looked pretty pale a few times." Dash softly punches your thigh with an amused grin
"Yeah, that was when I realized how long would I likely fall if I let go." you snicker back "...Not a pretty thing to think about."
>"Maybe we should find some better way to fix you on the ropes."
"That might be a good thing but I have no idea how,.. at least not yet."
>"Yeah..... But you CAN make the way back the same way, right?"
"'Course. It's not that bad." you smile "And what about you? ...Did the cushion do anything at all or..?"
>"It did! I mean, there was a pressure on that spot, but it was totally bearable. Can imagine it could be straight up painful without it."
"Glad it works then." you'd fondly run your fingers trough her mane before crouching down behind her to start untying the ropes so that she can walk freely
>and in a minute...
"Oookay, it's done."
>upon standing up, you're automaticaly coiling the rope around your shoulder, putting the pieces of fabric in your pockets
>"Hey, thanks."
"No problem..." 
>from looking around, you're only a few hundered metres behind one of the entrances to the park, on a road that's leading straight into the forest 
>and trough there, likely up to the very top of the hill
>the snow is mostly gone and it's all muddy around the gravel road, so it's better to follow it
>at least if you wanna stay clean...
"Do we go that way up..?"
>a cold air is blowing from the forest and it's a lot darker in there because of all the trees, blocking the little sunlight that makes it's way trough the thick clouds
>"Yup,... unless you want me to clear some skies for us first." Dash chuckles jokingly
>...but you feel, that she would totally go for it if you said yes
"....Let's leave it like that, even an atmosphere like this has it's magic." you'd just return the chuckle and step first foot into the forest
>she's almost dancingly trotting right next to you with a big smile on her face
>and you're amusedly watching her, feeling glad you get to see her like that
>as if there was some kind of glow of glee around her, with the way she's so expressive about her good mood
>most people you know aren't so spontaneous to show emotions so openly
>that's one of many things that are making her special to you, even if it might be a common trait to her kind
>she'll always be unique, even in the whole crowd of ponies
....
>"...What?" the chirpy pone eventualy notices how you won't take your eyes off her, , simpering about what you have to say
"Nothing." you chuckle "....I just like the look of you."
>she just smirks and carries on as if she never was interrupted
>you didn't have to say more, for her to know to know what you truly think
>and as you walk progressively further, you're also watching the trees all around you
...
"...I wonder how to recognize them, now when they don't have leaves."
>"Well I can spot a birch over there!" Dash points victoriously without any hesitation
"Yea, but other than that?" you laugh "Look at this one."
>you'd come closer to one of the trees nearby, having to step lightly into the mud, carefully, not to soak your boots
>it's one of the bigger and noticeably older trees around, with trunk at least two times wider than your arms
>"Well I think it's a beech. Because of the smooth surface." Dash slides her hoof over it's bark
"You're probably right... I'll call him Tony."
>"Tony?" she grins
>you'd nod at her before hugging the tree "Hey Tony."
>Dash is standing around a little awkwardly, sort of deciding whether she should do the same just because you are doing it or not
>in the end,.. she doesn't
>and after a minute or so, you're letting go anyway
"Tony said he likes us."
>"You can talk to the trees?" you're given a questioning smirk
"...Nah." you grin "...But you can feel them. -The positive energy they emit towards you, you know?"
>"Really?"
"Of course. Try it."
>she'd hesitate for a while, whether you're serious and whether she should even try it
>but it's not as if she's going to lose anything..
>so after a few seconds of eye contact and awkward smiles, she rears up next to the tree and wraps her front hooves as wide around him as she can
>"...Like that?"
"Try closing your eyes." you'd gesture on her "Can you feel anything?"
>she's hugging the tree for some time, trying to feel something
>....but without any luck
>"I don't think I'm the kind for that..." Dash eventualy stops trying and just leans on the tree boredly with eyes still closed
>....
>until she surprisedly lifts her brow and opens her eyes
>"I think I felt something now.... I'm just not sure if I didn't made that up though."
"I think you didn't." you smile "Was it like,.. realizing there's some very gentle sort of... "presence"? -But like very, very subtle?"
>"Yes! Something like that!"
"That's amazing Dash." you chuckle "...You're a nutjob, just like me."
>"...I didn't really ever think of them to be alive before... I mean the same way we are."
"For a long time, I didn't neither. But I really love them now. They're so,.. peaceful and kind. They just,... don't hate,.. like humans can."
>"...You know, there was a mare who was telling other ponies about this kind of thing,.. but I never really listened to her."
"Really? What was her name?"
>"...Treehugger."
>hearing that makes you snort loudly and send you into bursts of laugh
"Now that's just straight up gold!" you wheeze "I don't know why it came out so funny to me..."
>"...It kinda is." your amusement is starting to spread onto her as well
"I mean,.. I know coincidences don't happen, but this is just the peak of life's comedy,..." you'd eventualy grin for the last time after more than two minutes
>"Yeah..."
"Yeah... Sorry I ruined the spiritual moment for you."
>"Nah that's fine. It was a part of the moment." she snickers, softly bumping into your thigh with her shoulder, about to continue in the walk
>but it doesn't take long till you're stopping again, finding a ripped out spruce, from yesterday's storm
"Oh would you look at that..."
>"And he also crushed those smaller ones underneath!" Dash frowns "...Do you think the other trees know what happened?"
"I'm sure they do. But I wonder, if they mourn for them too.., or if they take it as a natural thing?"
>"Guess one would have to be a tree to know."
"Maybe we were. In past lives, but we don't remember." you nudge her
>she'd open her mouth about to say something, but stops in the middle of it and frowns, thinking
 >"...But what would then be a point of living if we can't remember it? Will we remember this one?"
"I guess we just gotta live for the present..."
>".....So you think all these moments we had together will be lost forever eventualy...?" you're given a worried look
"Well,.. I'm sure none of it is really forgotten. I think we just don't need to remember it all now for this particual life." you scratch your chin "It would make sense to me it's just stored in some higher mind to which we don't have access right now."
>"But it would still be so cool to know all that, wouldn't it?"
"Won't deny it would." you chuckle and step closer to the fallen tree, putting a right hand on it "Well, wish you a happy next life, fella."
>"Yeah,... all of you." she speaks to the three tiny trees that have been crushed
>you'd smile at each other faintly and continue walking
>"...I'm glad I'm not a tree." she says after a longer pause "Fluttershy said she wouldn't mind that, but can you imagine staying in one place for the whole life?"
"If it was everything you knew..? Maybe that's why we forget, so we can be spared the pain of knowing anything different?"
>"Maybe... Sometimes all of it somehow fits together to make sense. ....But sometimes I intentionaly try to find something cruel about life. Even in places I know there isn't......... Why am I doing that?"
"I used to do that a lot too. ....Still do, when I'm down. I think you're just searching for answers."
>"..Do we ever get them all?" Dash chuckles with a bitter intonation
"I think we already did." you smile "We might just enjoy forgetting them."
>"Huh,..?" she stops for a second, looking almost offended "Well I don't anymore. I'd like to know why we're here."
"Then you're on your way to find out." you smirk
>which makes her chuckle again after a short, silent pause, this time amusedly
>"...I hope you're right."
"Yeah,... me too." you laugh
>but after a few metres, you'd stop and squat down in front of her
>Dash stops as well to see what you're gonna do
>and what you do is: you hug her around her neck, without saying anything, burying your face in her mane 
>and while letting go, you'd give her a quick kiss on a random place of her face, which just happened to be a transition between her cheek and a snout
"...I just had to do that, sorry."
>"That's alright, I slap butts, you do random hugs. Each to their own." a wide grin decorates her face
"I guess,.." you chuckle "...But I was thinking, -I mean,.. I constanly have this urge to hold you by the hand while walking,.. only to realize you don't have one. "
>"..Really?" she chuckles
"Yes, humans do that a lot... Don't you ponies have like an equivalent of anything like that?"
>"Well,.. we'd just walk very close to each other,.. or I could do this." she raises her wing like a big hand and pulls you closer to her with a grin on her face
"That's strange, but hey, not bad." you snicker, putting put your hand on her back and wing as if it was her waist
>couples like you two have to make do
>and you'd slowly continue further for some time, only occasionaly stopping when you notice something interesting to inspect it
>on your way, you've only met a single human, which is an old man, walking his dog
>....since it's not exactly the nicest weather, most folk must be staying home
>but then the road sharply transitions from gravel to mud, as you're getting closer to the hill in the middle of a park that you've been circling around the whole time
>"Nice... So I'll get my hooves dirty after all." she'd retract her wing from you, making a sour face at the road in front of her
"It's just mud isn't it?"
>"....Easy to say for you with boots."
"Well, I'll take them off then! We'll be equal."
>which creates a strangely humble smirk on her face
>"...You don't have to do that just to make me feel better."
"What if I want to?" you're already untiyng them "...There we go."
>"That's just silly, Anon."
"That's a good thing I hope?" you grin "What would life be without "silly"?"
>..
>"........Probably an old morose." she eventualy grins agreeably back
"Then let's get silly!" and you're already running up front, only to slide barefoot trough the mud, splashing it on your legs 
>"Wait for me!" she's laughing, right behind you
>you'd continue sliding forward until it gets too steep for that and then you're left with just walking, but you're still smiling about it for some time
>when Dash notices a stream of water running alonside the road in a tiny creek
>"Where do you think this comes from? There must be some source, up there." she's following it with her eyes up the hill
>it's pretty dirty, because it's making it's way trough the mud
"Well, I have never been here before. But you must be right. Unless it's just melting snow, but it doesn't look like that way."
>"We'll see. I was just starting to get a little thirsty. Hope it's clean up there."
"Yeah, and I might as well wash my feet when we get there so I can put on my boots again..."
>it takes only a short time of walking and you've actualy found yourselves at the very top
>from the spot, you can see a big part of the city in front of you, but not behind you, because there are trees in that direction
>also, there are a few benches pointed at the "grand view"
>and in the middle of them,...... there's water springing from a decorated tube in the ground
>even with a little sign that it's probably safe for drinking, but you should still drink at your own risk
>the first few metres of it's trail are stone lined, to lead the water away from the road and likely for aesthetic purposes as well
"Ha, look!"
>"Yea, bingo." you'd both walk up to it
>first Dash takes a few sips, then you, and then you wash your feet
"I was just starting to get a little cold." you're grinning while slipping into your shoes again
>"Told ya, you didn't have to take them off." Dash sits on one of the benches with a chuckle
"No regrets though." you'd smirk, sitting right next to her
>"...It's wet, by the way." she grins at you "...The bench."
"Yeah, my butt is soaked." you laugh back "But whoever cares?"
>it makes her chuckle in amusement when she glances in your eyes
>sliding herself closer, her head's leaning on your shoulder as she exhales
>"...I love you. You know that?"
"Yup, cause I love you just as much." you'd wrap your hand around her to pull her even tighter to you and kiss the top of her head
>.....she's a bit too low for you to reach on her lips right now
>and she smirks, wrapping one of her wings around you as if it was a hand as well
>just a little gesture of "I'm yours, you're mine."
>there's nothing else needed to be said between you right now
>you're watching the gray city together, but it doesn't matter, it still feels magical, even with a dull view like this
>when suddenly, a sun shines it's rays trough a tear in the clouds for a first time today, shining in your eyes like a revelation and painting gold the whole top of the hill you're sitting on together
>it's reflecting on your faces, bringing warm and a sudden feeling of ease....
>....but even though the sun is beautiful to look at, you can't take your eyes off your companion right now
>Dash's fur is wet from the humidity in the air, her mane all ruffled up and there's even a long splash of mud on her neck, going all the way up to her cheek
>yet... she's still so impossibly beautiful, with that hearty smile on her face and that golden spark in her irises
>could this be the right time to kiss her?
>...
>it might as well be the best time
>and as if she was a fragile rosebud, you'd very softly put your hand under her chin, having a last glance into her eyes before closing yours
>then you move the hand onto her cheek and connect your lips together into a gentle kiss that's about to progresses into a french one,... but it never does
>you're just caressing, nibbling on and massaging each other
>she'd at least climb with her soaked thighs on your lap to be at better height while the sun's warm embrace from the side only completes the intimate and cozy atmosphere, letting you relish the innocent moment
>.....but even though you didn't even use tongues, your pants are already bulging
>come on dick, give it a rest!
>and she does notice it poking her leg upon letting go and opening her eyes
>"Hah..."
"Yeah,... sorry."
>"...What for though? I'm glad I do excite you." she smirks, brushing over your reddish cheek with one of her feathers from the wing she's still tightly wrapping around you
"Well,... it's not the right moment. Isn't it."
>"Maybe it isn't,... but maybe it is?"
"Are you being serious right now?" you chuckle
>"Let me think first..." she's grinning, nuzzling your face ".....I just wanted you to know, I keep thinking about you this way too..."
"...Do you now?" you're innocently caressing her furry cheek in your hand
>"Yeah...." Dash chuckles as girly as her voice allows it "....But I guess there will really be a better time than this."
"And a better place. Someplace cozier."
>"Definitely." she grins, biting her lip "....You know when will the right time be?"
"When?"
>"When I can't keep my legs from shaking around you..." she'd whisper into your ear
"By that time I'll be crawling on four at your scent though..." you're whispering back
>but upon glancing at each other, your lewd grins start turning into snickers
>until you eventualy both burst into laugh
"God, that's so perverse." you're chuckling
>"...You know what would Treehugger say?"
"Tell me."
>"Righteous perverse..." she snorts loudly and even wheezes over her own joke
>that alone would make you laugh as well, even if what she said wasn't funny
"I don't know her, but it still feels like something a pony who hugs trees would say." you snicker
>"Because it's true!" Dash snorts yet again "And we're totally "righteous" right now."
"Oh yeah, even the universe thinks so." you're grinning "Why else would it prepare all these wonderful moments just for the two of us here....?"
>with a simper, you'd finish your chuckles before you both eye up at the sun that's still shining trough a tear in the clouds, solely onto the top of your hill
>......
......
"......Isn't this a miracle?"
>"...Guess there really was a reason not to intervene with the clouds." she smirks, leaning her head down calmly onto yours, since she's still sitting on your lap to be high enough "...It really feels a lot more magical when it happens on it's own......"
>so you're just sitting there, staring into the sun together with gentle smiles on your faces
>and you're holding her hoof too, which is still messy from the mud, but you don't care at all
>even if she was covered whole in dirt, you'd still want to touch her and keep her close
>...there's a tender, steady stream of happiness running trough your body and mind when you're just being together like that
>what more could you possibly want from life...?
>as if you were connected with the whole universe trough this soft, yet mighty energy called so commonly "love"
>a single thing on which life's able to operate on it's own
>and it's as if you were a part of everything when you feel it
>being everywhere, while still remaining in this single spot together
>knowing you're exactly where you should be
"......Is this what you meant when you said that best moments happen on the ground?" 
>"I didn't really know what I was saying back then,.. but I guess I do now." she smiles, without turning her gaze away from the sun
>it's only when it dissapears behind a big cloud in an upcoming minute that you "return" back
>while a few new holes tear in different places, shining two more rays of light somewhere else, like alien spaceships 
"....Well, looks like our time is up here, eh?."
>"Doesn't mean we're being thrown out." she smirks at you
"That's true. ...You wanna stay and sit a little longer?"
>"Just a tiny bit, maybe." she slides down from your lap with her butt, only to lay her body on the bench, using your thigh as a pilow for her head, slowly closing her eyes
>you'd wipe your hands from all the mud into your jacket before putting them onto her, softly stroking her mane
>it feels like it's such a privilege to have her surrendered to you this way
>and you're so delighted just to be there to share these moments of affection
>your hands are somewhat working on their own right now, as you're occasionaly fondling her cheeks, stroking her dainty neck or lovingly going trough her mane
>but it's just a few minutes in, when you notice a tattooed number, hidden just behind her ear, underneath the colourful locks
>369 T.L. ...
>the same number that's written on the ring you took from the crook
>it's even on your finger, right now in this very moment
>you'd raise your hand and put it next to the tattoo to compare the relatively big font
>it looks completely the same, except the strange initials
>does she even know about it....?
>...likely not ...
>and there's not really a reason to bring that up now, of all times
>so you'd carry on
>but for that little moment, a feeling of unease went trough you
>one reminding you, that she still might have some unpleasant moments in front of her
>and even though you quickly regained your previous calmness, she definitely "sensed" the unease from you
>"...What just happened Anon?"
"What do you mean?"
>"That sudden... moment of tense... and you stopped as well. Is everything okay?"
"It is now." you smile, cuddling her again
>"Okay." the comfy pone smiles eventualy, yawning "...It's so calm here, I could fall asleep if it wasn't so cold."
"And wet."
>"AND wet..." she's repeating with a chuckle "I think it actualy might be time to go. We really overstayed our welcome." 
"Yeah, you're probably right." you'd glimpse at the thinner trees, already bending with a quickly rising wind
>"I'm glad we stayed this long though." Dash lifts her head from your lap and stands up on the ground
"Won't the wind be a problem?"
>"Nah, this is still weak for me." she's now turning around and raising one of her rear hoofs in your direction, for you to tie a rope
"Best flier in Ponyville, right?" you grin, while uncoiling it so you could get to tying
>it's not like you actualy need a reply, other than the way she smiles at you over her shoulder, knowing her own worth well enough
>soon you're done, the very same way you did it before
>"So, you're ready to hold on?"
"Ready as a bucket."
>"I'm not sure buckets are a good metaphor." she snickers "But whatever floats your boat."
"Have you ever seen a bucket "not being ready"? That's.... debatable I guess." you laugh
>"We can have a long and very intense discussion about it later." you're receiving one last amused laugh "But let's fly now!"
"Ay!"
>and with a few quick and strong flaps of her wings, Dash lifts herself up from the ground with you hanging onto her and she's heading back towards your house
>upon getting higher, the wind starts howling a little more, but her wings are strong and experienced enough to keep her flight relatively steady
>"WE MIGHT EXPERIENCE MINOR TURBULENCES."
"EH? AREN'T WE ALREADY EXPERIENCING THEM RIGHT NOW?"
>"THAT'S WHY I'M SAYING THAT." she laughs while balancing the flight to keep the course "HOLD ON."
"I AM!"
>...as scary as it might look for you, your amazing pilot has it under her control
>and after a few minutes, you're finding yourself back at your house's door
"Now that's a lot quicker than a bus. ...Or any kind of wheel transportation." you laugh when your feet finally touch the ground
>"Yup, can be practical to have em'." Dash grins, fondly glancing back at her own wings "Imagine having to wait any longer to get into warm." 
"Oh I'd rather not to, now that I'm here." you're chuckling while pushing the key into the door lock
>and about the time you're entering, having already untied the ropes too, it's starting to faintly rain outside
"I'd say home sweet home, if I could consider this house my final destination."
>"Come on, don't you rob yourself of the moment." she nudges you, still grinning
"Sweet temporary home then." you grin back at her, then look down on her dirty hooves "Come to think... might wanna floorcloth?"
>"That would come in "handy"." she says with a smirk "...Or, I could go straight to the shower if you won't mind."
"I certainly don't, but, err..." you'd look out of the window in the direction of a fallen streetlamp and flicker lightswitch, just to be sure
>"Oh, right... no hot water. Brrr. I didn't think of that."
"...We might not be the only ones who need it fixed. Guess we are in the waiting line."
>"Well,.." she raises her chin up determinely "It won't stop me from having a shower... The radiators still work?"
"Yup, God bless for that."
>"Alright then, see you in a few minutes." Dash winks at you and she's heading into the bathroom, stepping lightly not to leave too much dirt on the ground behind her
>in the meanwhile, you'd put all your wet clothing onto the radiators in your room, throw away the dirty ones into designated a basket and put on your warmest bathrobe as well as your thickest socks
>you also make sure the heating is on 100%, then bring an older matress you aren't using anymore to a big radiator in the living room
>to make your warming up nest perfect, you'd decorate it with some spare pillows and a few blankets, making it neat and comfy
>Dash is back very soon after that, teeth chattering and a towel still over her back
>cold, but as clean as a snowdrop
"Ah! Young miss is here! Please, take a seat." you'd point her to the radiator you've prepared, like a posh restaurant's serviceman
>"How kind of you Anon!" she giggles, taking your hand while she's sitting down and playing along "Thank you, kind sir."
"Much obliged." you smile "....Think I'll have a shower as well in the meanwhile."
>"Oh will you?" the blue mare smirks now, curling up to the warmth of the radiator instead of you "Enjoy the cold then, I'll be waiting here for you."
"I'll try to...." you're chuckling before leaving her
>in the shower, you'd first cautiously pour a bit of water onto your feet to try it
>it really IS cold, but what else to expect
>so you take a deep breath and open the water on a full volume
>once there's some moisture on your body, you'd soap yourself up as you usualy do and then start washing yourself, as hastily as possible
>while doing so, you're jumping around the small space inside the shower corner, probably looking like some african shaman, dancing a dance of rain
>but it does keep you at least a little comfort in the freezing water, pouring over your bare skin
>when you're done, you're slipping back into the bathrobe and socks, slowly regaining bits of your original temperature
>upon opening the door to the living room, you'd also register that in the meanwhile you were gone, Dash has put some water to boil on the gas stove and prepared two cups next to it again
>the tea really DOES seem to be her thing as of lately
>you're already smiling at her from the distance while making your way closer, to take your place next to her in front of the radiator
>and when you're there, she nuzzles herself closer to you, happily sighing
"...Yeah, couldn't have said it better." you smirk and throw an additonal blanket over both of you
>and you're given a silent, but very heartfelt grin from underneath the fabric, that's partly covering her face and most of her mane
>"...The water's pretty cold eh?" she pokes your side playfuly
"Yeah, my nipples can only get so erect."
>"...I was gonna say something about being cold too, but I don't think I can beat that statement." her laughs are joining yours now
 "That's a human ultimate defense power against cold, it's not funny." you're amusedly poking her back
>"And what defense you got against heat?"
"...We smell like an old sock."
>"That's no special, I can do that too." she grins and raises her hooves from underneath the blanket "...But speaking of socks, I borrowed some if you don't mind."
>she picked those knee high, red and white decorated ones you haven't really had the pleasure of using, since it always felt a little impractical
>but this might be their best use so far
"You can even keep those if you wanted." you chuckle, reaching for one of her hooves to caress it in your hand and have a closer look "....They really fit you."
>"....Thanks." is all she says with an impish grin decorating her face
>since she knows that by "They really fit you." you actualy meant she looks fricking amazing
>not as if her bare hooves weren't beautiful on their own, but something about her, wearing a very few clothes, make her look even more ravishing

>but before you really finish the thought, you'd just impulsively hug her, pressing her tightly onto your bathrobe "Come here you precious."
>"Careful with the words. That's where it starts. Don't wanna end up like Smeagol...." she chuckles and closes her eyes while resting in your arms, face buried in the soft fabric "Mmmmm. This is so great."
"...You want a bathrobe as well?"
>"I don't mean the bathrobe." Dash laughs "I mean "this", like,.. overaly."
"I know, but I can still get you a bathrobe if you wanted to." you chuckle
>"I'll pass, but thank you." she grins "Yours is good enough."
>about that time, you can hear the water already boiling
"I'll go. You keep yourself warm." you'd pat her head and stand up slowly to give her enough space to let go
>the otherwise loquacious pony would only give you an agreeing smirk this time
".......I see you even picked the tea eh?" you're checking into the prepared cups
>"Can you guess it?" she's playfully watching you over a pillow she's hugging, wagging her tail
>so you'd sniff the double teabag
"Oh I know this... Ginger?"
>"Yup, can't be a better oppoturnity for something spicy and hot."
"Agree, but it won't do without a lemon!" you smirk, picking one up to slice it to halves
>then you'd take the tea, along with honey, spoon and lemons -all on a serving plate, to place it in front of the two of matress
>far enough not to accidentaly spill it
>and cover yourselves under the blanket again, getting as cozy as possible next to each other
>"...I never really was into this, but these two days are the most romantic experience I've ever had.... And I'm loving it. Just saying." 
>a little embrassed simper decorates her after saying that
"And it will be even more romantic when it goes dark and we'll have to light up the candles again." you smirk, waving your eyebrows
>Dash chuckles when you say that
>"I'd almost say I can't wait for that... But I reckon it's gonna be pretty soon anyway. Just an hour or less... and we're set."
"Set for...?"
>"Just set." she grins "....Just like a bucket is always ready."
"Okay then,.." you snicker "...I think the tea might be ready for honey and lemon by now, by the way."
>"Why would you always add it later though?"
"Because when it's too hot, all the vitamins get burned. If you can safely drink it, then it should be fine... - I have NO real evidence of that, before you ask. I just read it somewhere and made it a habit."
>"Okay then, at least you're honest." she chuckles while you're putting the honey into your tea
"I'm always honest." you grin and move over to sweeten her tea as well
>but when you're about to squeeze the lemon in there too-
>"Lemme do that myself." she'd snatch the half a lemon from your hands with a grin
"Wanna have lemon scented hooves or what?"
>"What if I do?" she keeps on grinning, biting her lip while she's thoroughly working the juice out from her lemon, neatly enough not to soak the socks she's still wearing
>for some reason it looks a little lewd, but it might just be you
>....
".......You know, that kinda reminds me of one guy in high school who loved tangerines."
>"....What about him?"
"Everytime he ate one, he put the peels in his pockets and kept them there until they got dry. Whenever he used his hands for something, you could smell tangerines."
>"That's actualy a nice habit. I mean, tangerines do smell nice. All citrus fruit does."
"Yeah, I think so too." you smirk, squeezing your half of lemon into your tea "....But it isn't cute when a two meters tall guy does that. ...You are."
>"Tsk.." she chuckles with an embarassed grin
>as if she wanted to tell you to shut up, but lowkey likes being adorable to you
...
>when you're both finished with the lemons, you'd raise your cup towards hers
"Cheers." 
>"Ye, cheers." Dash simpers before taking a first sip
>and you're chatting further about all kinds of things, occasionaly cuddling and slowly sipping the tea until what's left in your cups get lukewarm and it's really getting dark outside
>"...Looks like the time for candles has come." she's just finished her drink
"So let's get to it?"
>"I'll light them and you spread them around the house!"
"Okay." you'd bump a fist with her hoof and let her stand up first so that she has a little headstart
>this time it's 18 of them - the candles
>been counting
>you'd put two in bathroom, four in kitchen and eight around the living room you're in
>three of them around your pillow nest, two on the table next to the couch and three on the random places around a room because you ran out of strategic spots
>then you're both returning to the radiator
"..Do we still need the blanket?" you'd stop before sitting down
>"I guess not, I'm more than warm at this point."
"Okay." and with a smirk, you're spreading it over the matress, before you'll lay on it, alongside the radiator
>Dash would take her place right next to you, leaning her head onto your shoulder while you're wrapping your arm around her waist to keep her close
>"So,.. where did we stop?"
"...I think I was trying to explain to you how cars work."
>"Yeah but that's a closed case. I'm a car expert now." she grins "...It stopped raining outside, do you think there will be stars tonight?"
"Well there could be already." you're trying to eye out of the window without actualy having to move your body "...Do you wanna watch?"
>"Maybe later." she smiles, closing her eyes and just resting her head
>and since it's all so comfy, you'd close your eyes as well
>for some time, you're just laying there quietly and relax, trying to imagine an aura around you
>it's flow, like water or wind and all the shiny colours....
>you can almost see it pretty vividly,.. and it's pretty
>....wish it wasn't just an imagination, but an actual projection
>but then the aura you imagined somehow flickers, changing color on it's own
>right before Dash opens her eyes and asks curiously
>".........What was it that upset you just before?"
>you'd open yours as well and forget about the mind stuff
"....Do you mean, right before we flew back?"
>"Yup."
"Oh well, since you asked..... I noticed there's that number tattooed behind your ear. ..Did you know that?"
>"I didn't." she frowns "...Really?"
"Yes. 369 T.L.,.. any idea what it means?"
>"No..."
>she's silent for half a minute, thinking
....
>"...Do you think it's possible to get it away?"
"Maybe,.. with a lazer."
>"Lazer? That sounds painful."
"Not as much as breaking a leg though." you chuckle "But it's just a number. And it's not too visible either."
>"That's true I guess.... But it reminds me of others, who ended up who knows where....."
"Only you can give that symbol enough the power to influence you like that. What happened, happened. ...Can only change future."
>"I know......" her pondering gaze pierces her own hoof, still wearing the sock ".......You do still have that ring, right?"
"I have it right here." you'd show her your hand "...Should I stop wearing it? Does it make you uncomfortable?"
>"No,... I'm really glad you kept it." she smiles eventualy "Because I can connect this number with you, instead of anything else."
"That's so sweet."
>"Better than being sour about it." she grins, leaning closer to your face "...Guess we're connected now."
"Weren't we before?" you'd move even closer
>"Yeah. Now we're more." her grin gets even wider as she's almost bumping her nose into yours
"Alright then, Cupcake."  
>"Oh, that's the worst sweet calling you could pick." she pulls away in laughter
"What, why?" you're chuckling confusedly
>"I dunno, it just doesn't work." she shrughs, still amused
"...um, how about.... Sunshine?"
>"Let's just stay with names, "Nonny"." a smug smile decorates her face, right before giving you a little kiss on your lips
"Guess it's the best choice, it did feel a little off, "Dashie"." you grin, kissing her shortly back "...Is there a diminutive for "Rainbow" though?"
>"I don't think so."
"....Bowie?"
>"Stop Anon, it's "Dash", not "David"." she's merely pretending her annoyement while she's pushing you away with her hoof
"Then how about something original?" you're immediately pulling yourself closer again
>"I'm almost affraid to ask for an example..." she rolls her eyes, but she's grinning
"Lemme think,.. uhh,." you'd glance at her face, not far from yours "..Empress of the summerside,.. the third!"
>"How in the hay did you come up with that?" she shockedly springs up above you with the front part of her body
"I looked at you and it popped into my head. You look exactly like that!" you're laughing
>"No I don't!" she's pressing your cheeks together intimidatingly, snickering "Take that back you big meanie!"
"Okay okay I take it back." you wheeze "....Just don't hurt me Empress."
>"Oh, YOU!" 
>and she straight up pounces onto you, rolling from side to side while you're trying to get on top of each other in a pretended wrestle full of giggles
>until it actualy gets exhausting and you'd end up on your back, with Rainbow laying on top you, both panting with heartfelt smiles on your faces
>"But I love you though Anon." she reaches closer to savourly kiss your lips
"And I love you too,... even if it should kill me." you chuckle
>"You'll get to live as long as you never call me "an Empress" again." she's grinning "Seriously, when you say that, I see an old, wrinkled mare with grey mane and a posh dress."
"But you're MY empress, one that's young, bold and amazing!" you're caressing her cheeks in your hands, nuzzling her snoot with your nose 
>"Dummy..." she giggles eventualy and stretches herself on top of you like an animal rug
>her head is laying on the upper part of your chest, so that if you raise your head, her muzzle is directly in front of your nose and you're looking her straight in the eyes
>there's that cute little half smile on her face, she occasionaly does, and a cheery spark in her wide, black pupils, which are highlighted with currently thin, but shiny magenta irises
>something about that sight just never gets old to look at
>you'd reach for a pillow to put under your head to keep it raised and mantain the eye contact
>and you're just silently gazing at each other, waiting until someone does or says something
"...Is this a stare contest now?" you eventualy break the silence
>"....Would you like it to be?" she grins softly, right before receiving a little kiss on her nose from you, since you don't have to reach far
"...Nah." your fingers are crawling their way along her neck to fondle her ears
>"Chicken human..." she boops your nose back with her muzzle
>makes you grin, moving your hands under her wings to give her a few rubs there
>".... Oh I think you found my new favourite scratching spot." she softly squirms in pleasure with a satisfied grin on her face
"Reeeally?" you'd add on intesity
>"Oooh, yes." she laughs "....Feel free to never stop."
"I'm a loyal servant, empress." you snicker, watching her wriggle on top of you and even ignoring the word-poke over a bliss of your touch
>but you'd slow the movements down over time, till you're merely laying your hands under her wings, just gently, but intensely massaging the roots of the appendages with your fingers
>"...........I'm glad you have hands. Never had a personal masseur before." she satisfiedly smiles and adjusts herself a bit lower
>you think about replying "Never been an empress before either." but you'd rather swallow that sentense, since your hands are too tired to fight back
>...
>"............Though, judging by what I've just felt underneath me, you're enjoying it just as much. Aren't you?"
"I uhh-..." your cheeks would go red
>"Come on, we talked about it, relax." she chuckles, sliding her thighs over the bulge on your bathrobe "....Maybe this could be the opportunity we talked about?"
"Well, it's warm and cozy here..." you'd before reaching closer to shortly kiss her
>and upon parting your lips, you're stuck in each others eyes, just closely exchanging lemon scented breaths
>somehow it feels feel like you don't even want to progress any further
>just to keep relishing these innocent moments
>that this is enough to keep you happy
>....but it's been decided already
>and merely the soft, playful way she's biting on her lower lip now, is enough to spark a wave of desire towards this gorgeously cute and alluring creature, laying on top of you
>making you slide your hands from her wings lower, around her delicate waist and feel all those feminine curves
>touching her softly, but with all your palm's surface to explore as much of her body with each stroke
>in reward of your delight for her body, she'd press her lips onto yours, giving you a few passionate smooches before she's sliding her tongue into your mouth while you're continuing to caress her
>that elegant back, decorated with a magnificet set of angelic wings
>the flat, but still lovely chest that's covered with a big fluff,... better than any kind of human breasts when you think about it
>her neck, so gracefuly carrying her round head with soft, furry cheeks
>you could fondle them in your hands for hours
>then there's that dainty muzzle, right now too busy with your lips to be bothered, but you still can't help yourself but to trace the lines of her face because you're so amazed right now
>moving around the sides of her head, you're feeling those silky ears in your hand
>ones you know the touch of for such a long time, long before you first even kissed her
>yet you'll never stop loving to fondle them in your hands for her
>and of course, her lush, bushy mane
>hard to even comprehend how nature creates such a stunning display of beautiful and natural hair
>only to be right at your fingertips to adore and admire
>but there's so much more of her body left to explore
>you'd run your hands down the same way you've slowly worked them up all the way to her face
>to finally get a feel of those amazing and wide hips of hers
>it's incredible, how such a thin waist can progress into such juicy thighs
>never properly touched them before, but you're going to make up for it right now
>first just gently feeling the firm, perfectly round surface, only to later hungrily bury your fingers into those bubbly haunches, playing with them and even pulling them apart occasionaly
>it's almost absurd how sexy and lewd all this feels, while still remaining tender and loving
>Dash is even softly moaning in the bliss of being fondled with such awe, desire, but as well as deep respect
>she knows she's a holy grail to you right now and she's enjoying every little bit of your loving attention
>her kisses are filled burning passion, but none the less affectionate than yours, devoted only to each other
>you're two courteous dancers, bowing in front of each other and sensualy waving around the parquet that's inside of your joined mouths 
>as well as two beasts figthing to death in a merciless battle
>sometimes you have to gasp for air and each of these short pauses are like dying and being born again before you coalesce in the dance once more
>her body is warm, almost burning hot on top of yours and while she can't really use her hooves to touch you back, she's at least wrapping them around head
>her wings are opened, freely laid down and the soft feathers are tickling your sides each time she wantingly wriggles herself under your touches
>....can't think of lovelier place to be right now
>your hands are still working around her buttocks, but you aren't making your way towards her precious flower just yet
>even though you're occasionaly circling relatively close
>your left palm is still fondling her rump while the other is exploring the root of her tail, growing from her back
>and while at it, you can't help but to closely inspect the appendage's dock, so lovely seated between those round cheeks
>you'd slide your finger directly under her tail, in the tight space between her tail and the puffy ponut of butthole she has
>and even though you already noticed how she's sweating all over her body in the heat of action, right in this place you could almost pick up a whole drop on your finger
>making you want to slide your hungry fingers even lower to a place that's so wet you can hear it shlick each time she moves her hips
>but before that...
>you both have to let go of the kiss to let fresh oxygen into your lungs
>and as you do, there's still a web of thick saliva connecting between your mouths while you're panting for air 
>it's visible as a white stream of reflected light from a nearby candle, one that also illuminates Dash's face in the otherwise utter darkness
>her cheeks are rosy red and the shadows make her eyelashes look longer than usual, as if she was put trough a beauty filter, making her contours shine even more significantly
>but she's still so adorable, even with such lewd gaze she's watching you with 
>it's making your heart tingle, as well as your crotch at the same time
>instead of losing yourselves to pleasure, you're finding yourself trough it
>and it hasn't even fully started yet
>so you connect your lips again, without any words, knowing you're on a right path, continuing in the graceful tongue wrestle
>in the meanwhile, your hands would slide back on her thighs, but this time you're fondling their inner parts
>so warm and perspiring under your touch, you could use her sweat as a lubricant for a massage if you wanted
>wouldn't even find it gross, you're being excited by everything about her with no shame at all
>the thought throws you back to that time on the cableway you wouldn't want to get your hands too close to her haunches, in fear of liking them
>but now you can't get enough of her
>you're slowly progressing along her inner thighs closer and closer to her sweet spot between her legs, but you'd stop for a second when you can feel the wet moisture on the tips of your fingers
>you need to somehow relish this moment, making a little pause before you finally get to touch her there
>first to pull her buttcheeks sofly apart from the inside, already hearing a soft shlicking noise of her nectar when they slap back together
>god, can't possibly stress this any longer or you'll burst like a grenade from all this arousement
>and then you finally lay your fingers on that soft, puffy peach of hers, covered generously in her slimy love-juices
>it's almost as if she was melting there, how warm and jellylike she is right now
>her internal moans would get even more excited when she can finally feel your touch on her outer walls
>but what's catching you off guard is, that as if her vulva just moved on it's own under your fingers
>like a clench or a minispasm
>so you'd let your hand sit still for a second, waiting for the next one to confirm whether it wasn't your imagination just now
>and then you're sensing the movement again, as if she just brushed over you on her own
>does this happen when she's aroused like that?
>holy mother Mary
>you absolutely weren't ready for this
>this might just be the hottest thing ever
>it's actualy a been really long time since you've "touched" a female the last time and it was never this amazing
>your heart is racing like a nascar track and your ears are ringing from all this excitement
>but from her chest that's tightly pressing on yours, you can feel you're not the only one who's hearbeat quickened rapidly
>actualy,.. you're synchronized again
>even in a chaotic moment like this


>...for a while you thought you're the only one that's almost freaking out
>but without any further due, you're getting back to her, starting to gently massage her outer walls, covered in the sticky lube emanating from inside of her
>the tongue action would slow down at this point, as it isn't a main topic of your common attention, but it's still too important to stop
>well, actualy.. you'd let go of the kiss for a short while just to glance into her eyes for a few seconds
>and you're met with the most lewd espression you ever seen on her face as she's softly moaning in pleasure
>only for a while though, because the next moment you HAVE to kiss her again
>your hearts are still pounding heavily like the great tibetan gongs while you're lovingly rubbing her soft, dripping vulva
>in the meanwhile, only her tail and her right knee is occasionaly brushing over your bare erection that's now poking from under the bathrobe
>but given your excitement, if you were gifted with any more stimulation from her right now, you'd definitely lose it prematurely
>instead, you're concentration on pleasuring her
>....realizing that with each of her winks, there's a little "something" from the inside presenting itself to you
>so you curiously reach your fingers there to examine the new finding by gently squeezing the swollen spot
>and to your amazement, from that alone, you're receiving an unexpected reaction of her whole body tensing up and clenching your hand lightly between her thighs as a surprised moan escapes her mouth even trough the kiss
>yup, you've definitely found her clit just now
>she's having a hard time concentrating on the kisses now, so you'd take over the lead and just let her enjoy herself, adding a bit on intensity of rubbing her sensitive spot
>but it doesn't take long till she's unable to even kiss you back and is just whimpering muted, high pitched squeals


>you'd open your eyes to see her face redder than ever, with eyes tensely shut, as if she was desperately holding onto something she can't possibly bear any further
>and the next second-
>"Aaaaah!" you're being yelped right in your face as her body tenses even further and her legs clamp your right hand tightly between them
>your left hand remained free, so you'd use it to tightly pull her closer to you while you're still trying to stimulate her with the other
>and about the same time, your underbelly is being splashed by a pool of sticky liquid shooting out of her marehood
>in three main, massive clenches of her whole body it's all out, slowly pouring down on your underbelly, crotch and some even down on the blanket underneath you
>when she's calm enough to at least let your hand go, you'd curiously raise it above her butt, beside her head from your perspective
>....there are multiple webs of her juices between your fingers when you spread them
>so this is how a maregasm looks like...
>when she's slowly opening her eyes again, you'd glance back at her face, donning your best shiteating grin
>but you're met with just a very tired and confused "....uuh?"
"....Didn't know you were such a squirter.... Are all ponies?"
>which seems to snap her back, instanly going completely red
>"I- uh..." she's grinning embarassedly "Didn't think that-"
"This is the single hottest thing I've ever witnessed, okay?" you chuckle
>"I-is it?" a few unusualy girly giggles escape her mouth
"Yeah, you're adorable." you'd kiss the tip of her snoot in front of your face "...And I love you."
>she wouldn't really reply, other than simpering at you silly for a few seconds
>".....But, what now,.? Did you-?"
"Nah..." you snicker
>"...So there still more fun to come huh?" a newfound grin is forming on her face now while she's biting her lip
"Might as well say that." you're grinning back, softly slapping her butt
>to which she blindly gropes down to your crotch with her rear hoof to at least vaguely locate where exactly is your phallus right now and in what state
>and her findings would make her grin even wider
>she could just slide her body about a hands's lenght lower and she'd already be poked by it
>which is exactly what she slowly does, without breaking the eye contact
>you would have to really bend your neck now if you wanted to kiss her, so you'll probably have to do without it for a while
>and when she's pretty much positioned, you'd pick your thing in your hand to lube it up, using the fluids from her orgasm, softly brushing over the surface of her quivering, blue peach
>with your tip, you can feel in complete detail each of her winks down there, as her clit occasionaly rubs over you
>don't really have to see visualy, to know what's happening
>and for a little time, you're just sliding up and down her outer walls, merely softly poking inside
>yet it's enough to channel the excitement in her, already softly moaning and breathing in deeply as if something more was happening
>needles to say, you heart is racing as well, but you're surprisingly calmer than you'd expect to be
>you aren't even tiny bit affraid anything might go wrong
>there's only trust
>trust in her, trust in yourself, trust in fate that this will be amazing
>then your gazes meet on a level that's higher than just physical and you're feeling as if you could directly read her thoughts again
>and a single thought is all it takes for you to agree on taking the next step
>without breaking the eye contact for a second, you're slowly starting to make your way inside of her
>thanks to how wet and excited she is, her inner walls would easily stretch and wrap around your "head", but then she's tightening again, not letting you go in without having to push a little 
>can't possibly imagine there would be anything hotter than just watching her subtle expressions moving on her face while you're progressing further
>she's biting on her lip now a little too hard, feeling the tension before her peach allows you to slide in and-
>"Hnngh..!" she moans, her face muscles on her forehead wrinkling in sudden feeling
>as for you, there's a tingle in your penis, for a second thinking you might be just about to orgasm just from the subtle movement and her tightness, but with a few seconds of stillness, your limits seems to go higher
>enough to continue very slowly pushing further
>but first you have to take your, relatively clean, left hand to at least touch her cheek if you can't kiss her
>you'd give her a whole world if you could and not just for the pleasure
...
>....she's taking over now, slowly pushing her rump lower down, impaling herself on your swollen member more and more until she's about halfway in, where she stops
>it's a little too much for her at this point, with a soft squeal unwillingly escaping her mouth, she's just "hovering" and doing her best to keep her eyes opened
>needles to say, your body isn't exactly numb to what's happening either and you're probably aren't looking any better in your expression
>it's just that you're ventilating the pleasure trough deep breaths instead of souds and moans
>with your chest, strongly raising up and down, it's actualy softly moving her as well, providing a stimulation between the two of you
>a little more than she wanted at the moment
>but at the same, making her want even more
>so as much as she looks like she's at her limit, she pushes herself even lower with almost a desperate yelp, panicked inhale and relieved exhale of the steaming hot breath down onto your chest
>since she can't reach comfortably to your own mouth to kiss you, she'd at least help herself by poking her tongue out to wrap it around a thumb of your hand that's still on her cheek and pull the finger into her mouth to fondly nibble on it, covering it with her almost drooling saliva
>and while she might not be doing it just for show, but because of affection, the show she's putting with it is making your head spin
>since you no longer need to hold your own penis for her, your other hand is on her soft rump now, tightly gripping that bubbly buttcheek with your fingers buried in the layer of her fat
>it's gonna take a little time before you'll be able to comfortably push all the way in
>but before that, you're very gently starting to move your hips and rock her on top of you
>the movement might be less than a few centimetres, but it's more than enough to keep the stimulation at bearly unendurable level
>Dash's occasional moans, having your thumb in her mouth, are sounding a little silly now, but she's still an absolute goddess of fertilty in your eyes and with the way she's still watching your eyes, only occasionaly blinking, it feels like you might be soon peaking just from the sight of her alone
>but at the same time, her wanting gaze won't allow you to quit just yet
>and in a single moment, as if you agreed on the next step, you push yourself all the way inside while she slides her body even lower to emphasize on that
>making sure the connection is as deep as it allows, stopping right there
>"Aaaaaaaaaaaah!"
>at this point, none of you are really able to keep your eye open
>you're literaly seeing stars in the darkness of your shut eyelids and it feels as it you moved merely an inch, you couldn't stop yourself from ejaculating
>but it almost feels as if you were going trough an orgasm already
>every cell in your body is begging for a release, but you're still not going to do that just now
"Haaah!" you're exhaling upon opening your eyes again, about the right time to meet hers once more
>she looks so tired and devastated in her face, laying on your chest, but she's still donning an enthusiastic expression, willing to continue
>but you need at least a few more seconds to rest before you do
>it's just now you're realizing there are bite marks on your thumb, of which she let go by now, laying freely next to her muzzle
>pretty visible ones even, that are starting to hurt a little when you watch them, but no blood
>she could have bitten it off and you probably wouldn't even notice until now
>makes you chuckle for some reason and spawning an amused grin on her face as well when you're met with her eyes
>you're thinking about some vegetarian cannibal joke right now, but it doesn't really feel like a fitting time to speak
>as if it should broke the "telepathic" connection you're having
>and judging by her little snicker, she just heard your thoughts anyway
>that little laugh you're having together is enough to fill the pause of your bodies resting and preparing to push your limits a little further
>that is, to start gently rocking her up and down again
>it's immediately snapping you both out of the amusement, back to the waves of merciless pleasure running trough your vessels
>but it feels somewhat easier to take, though none the less intense
>at least easier for you, since Dash seems to be melting down on top of you, surrendering to it completely and letting you do all the work for now
>can't possibly blame her
>you want her to feel good, if you could, even better than you
>so you're moving both of your hands down to her haunches, using them to help yourself push her down onto your phallus with each of your pumps
>slow, but rhytmic and progressively faster movements that are making her moan more and more often, letting out uncontrolled cute little voices
>up to a point her tongue somewhat plops down onto your chest, drooling a little puddle of saliva as her mouth pretty much stays open in nonstopping sounds of pleasure
>all the while she wouldn't take her eyes off you, even when her irises are wanting to travel up and hide under her eyelids
>even in her "worst", she's still so devoted
>and you're so in love with this mare, you're almost forgetting about yourself and all the pleasure your body needs to withstand to keep this up
>but it's slowly coming back to you now, you can feel it
>she can feel it from you as well
>and she's "this" close to her own peak too
>maybe this really is a right time to let go
>so you'd bend your neck as hard as you can, reaching closer to finally give her that kiss you wanted to do along time ago
>and regardless of that she looked like she was almost fainting a second ago, she's now hungrily reaching towards you as well, as if it was a heavenly salvation
>even with her lips pressed tightly onto yours and your tongues entwined, there are soft noises escaping out of her internally while she's keeping her mind from falling apart in front of her, just like you are
>but you're finding pillars in each other, the energy you're exchanging on both physical and mental level
>every second, the pleasure is getting more and more "unbearable" till you're positive you can't possibly last any longer, when her body tenses up again like she just turned from an utter jelly to a stone statue
>her hooves, before freely laid around you, suddenly grip you with almost crushing strenght you never thought she had and her wing spring open like an umbrella
>your tongues would slip back into your own mouths for this moment, just tightly pressing your lips against each other as it's getting impossible to concentrate on them
>but then she lets go even from the kiss because-
>Anooooooooooon!" she's crying out, before biting right into your biceps, being the closest thing nearby
>and it feels almost as if she was crushing your phallus from all sides with her massive clench, not letting you even slightly move
>under pressure like that, you're actualy unable to do those few more pumps to draw out your own climax, since she's basicaly not letting you ejaculate while keeping you on a constant edge throughout the whole time of her fiery orgasm
>...
>it's lasting a few incredibly long seconds for both of you, until her body starts softening again with an exhausted throat moan escaping her mouth when she stops biting your arm
>and right now, if you moved a tiniest bit, you'd probably follow with the orgasm right after her, but with the little of your mind left, you're realizing it might be wiser, not to do so
>and profit from you situation instead
>so you clench your kegel muscles with all of your force, to keep yourself from ejaculating until you can safely pull out
>and when you open your eyes again, you're seeing the almost unconscious blue mare, laying exhaustedly onto your chest, only occasionaly twitching herself
>so you're watching her with a fond smile on your face, the way she's slowly regaining her senses from her second orgasm today and how she's opening those adorable, ever dazzling eyes
>first thing she'd smile at you faintly and tiredly, about to say something surely sweet as if this was the end of your first romantic encounter
>but then she realizes your erection, entwined by her colorful tail, is still poking her rump 
>can't say you aren't proud of yourself right now, donning your best shiteating grin in return of her shocked expression
>"W-what are you humans made of Anon?" she stutters and her hind leg twitches one last time as a remainder of what was happening just a minute ago
>and you really wish you could answer something witty or clever now but instead you'd just blurt out 
"Carbon and water..."
>Dash is staring at you a few good seconds, not quite sure how to feel, but then she bursts into a massive laugh
>making you chuckle with her, even though you can't say for sure you know what's so funny right now
>"This is the worst possible time to let out your inner nerd Anon." she wheezes eventualy, but she reaches to smooch you right after it "But I love you SO much!"
>didn't think it would be possible at this time, but you're getting a little red in your face now
"I love you too, Dash." you chuckle eventualy
>"....So and uhh, does this also mean we're still continuing?" she's a little shadily looking around, as if she was about to break a law
"Depends,.. on you?"
>"Well, you haven't been "there", yet..? Have you?"
"Just a very close..."
>"How selfish would it then be of me to leave you like that?" she chuckles, lifting herself up with her front hooves to somewhat mount you, sitting on your belly "....Hope you won't mind me taking over now."
>this time she really looks somewhat "powerful" in a way that she isn't exactly the same fragile mare she was a few minutes back
>she got herself really easily into her new role she's gonna be playing for you
>"Now,.. close your eyes." the blue mare's grinning with a coquettish spark in her irises "...Because I'm gonna repay you the same way."
>ok, for some reason you're almost getting worried now, because you don't exactly know this side of her
"Dash I-"
>"Just for a second, please?" she cuts you off, snapping back to her natural, sincere smile
"Okay..." you'd eventualy do surrender yourself to her, just like she did to you before
>....wonder if she felt the same when you were "leading"
>with eyes closed, very first thing you feel from her is a wet tongue, slowly sliding across your neck where she stops to softly kiss you a few times
>funny, you expected something a lot more harsh from the way she was looking at you before
>then she's dragging the appendage up around your jaw, towards your lips, which she just licks once at first
>and before you realize what's happening, she's forced her tongue into your mouth with a lusty moan
>almost as if you were kissed by a feral animal, you can almost feel all her deepest desires from the way she's twirling in your mouth
>but you aren't scared of this ferocity, you're accepting it with love, because it's all a part of her
>the next second though, you're realizing there's so much of her tongue in your mouth and so deep you're literaly being you're literaly being choked
>...just like you joked about back then
>but you're still trusting her in what she's doing
>eventualy, when your head almost starts spinning from the lack of oxygen, she lets go of you, merely gently nibbling onto your lips
>you're about to open your eyes and ask whether it was intentional or not, but she'd put her hoof over your eyelids to indicate she still wants you to keep them shut
>"....I wouldn't hurt you Anon." she's still softly kissing you "I love you..."
>and though you're a little shook right now,.. you gotta admit that was pretty hot
>"From now on, I'll only be nice..." her caressing, soft licking and fondling of your face would withdraw and you can feel her body sliding lower
>until she's sitting right on top of your rock hard phallus, slowly grinding herself over you before the insertion
>when she suddenly stops
.....
>you're somewhat expecting something real harsh to happen right now, but when she's not doing anything, just being completely silent for a few seconds,... you'd open your eyes
>"....This feels wrong, doesn't it?" her dominant, lusty expression is suddenly gone
"What are you talking about?"
>"I really did almost choke you there, didn't I?..."
"Maybee you did..."
>"I shouldn't have done that,.. that was too much."
"Hey-hey, that's alright Dash. I do trust you."
>"But you shouldn't have, this isn't what I meant it to be... I really want it to be tender again...." her muzzle scrunches guiltly "Can we-... can start again?"
"Aren't we doing that just now?" you'd smile, glancing right into her eyes and reaching for one of her hooves to hold in your hand
>eventualy, she gives you both of them so that you're "supporting" each other and it almost feels as if you could move as a single being
>with a dexterous movement of her hips, she somewhat picks up your erection, without you having to hold it up for her
>and she's slowly impaling herself down onto you while you're gently helping her with rhytmic thrusts
>a waves of exstasic pleasure are running trough your bodies as you're progressing bit by bit all the way inside of her, until you're finally as far as you can go
>Dash's watching you with a frisky smile, one that's free of all troubles and full of affection while she's wriggling her butt on top of you, knowing you're feeling just as good as her right now
>the way you're holding her hooves is firm, but gentle and when you both start softly rocking each other, it's almost as if you were dancing
>she's riding you with elegant and passionate movings of her pelvis and hips, so synchronized with your own thrusts
>you'd be absolutely happy with this dance, even if it wasn't accompanied by an intense sensations that are running trough both of you like in a circle
>but it is, making this something you've never really experienced before
>even though the pleasure is so great your mind could burst any second, it's so easy to coordinate and focus at the same time, letting you relish it as long as you might want
>your breaths are deep, rhytmic and synchronized, just as your heart pulses right now
>yes, you can indirectly feel her pulse right now, in a form of waves or intuition
>and it's like your sense of time was completely gone, reduced to a neverending "now", - both stillness and wild rush that existed before the beings fell into chronos, like two sides of a single vibration
>it goes on and on, that you almost aren't realizing your movements are slowly getting faster, just like the pleasure is getting greater and greater
>rising from a little drop in the ocean of impulse going trough your bodies, - to a massive tsunami that's about to inevitably overcome both of you
>you can literaly watch and taste how it's slowly sweeping everything else from your minds, piece by piece, but you're both peacefuly letting it  happen, relishing the fluid onset of chaos
>until you're realizing you're trully at a point of no return
>there's so much joy in her face right now, as you're both preparing for the big moment
>and then it's here
>like two riptides crushing into each other, as if your beings were ripped apart to slightest molecules with unmerciful ferocity and unconditial kindness being taken back together
>you can't see anymore, even though your eyes are open
>can't hear her delighted cry, or your own breaths
>or even know about your own body
>but at the same time, you're feeling all of that, and not only that
>as if you were both of you
>there's a shining image of two lovers and you can't exactly tell which one is who, because it's as if your very souls were melting into each other, unclear where is the line between "me" and "you", while being it so obvious at the same time
>and after the most intense eternity spent in a single second, it's slowly going away, returning you back to your earthly senses that are slowly coming back together, accompanied by a ringing in your ears and head spinning like stepping out of a tornado
>your body feels numb and your eyes are now only faintly recognizing familiar colors
>but even trough this confusion, your arms automaticaly reach towards Dash to catch her exhasuted body from falling over, to gently lay her on your chest that's lifting her up and down, with each of your breaths
....
>....
>it would take you both a little more time before any of you feels like moving or speaking
>all you do is check on each other with a tired smile, only to close your eyes again upon reassurance
>you're feeling... safe, with her
>safe to rest
>this bliss left your body vulnerable and exhausted
>but in the most comfortable way and circumstances
>your arms are wrapped around the faithful mare's body and you can hear her soft breaths in your ear
>by now, you could move if you wanted
>but it feels like there isn't a single reason to change what is happening right now
>everything is as it should be and you're completely surrendered
>so you're savouring the unique feeling, savouring the intimacy, savouring your hearts beating as one in a peaceful rhytm, savouring the sense of belonging, savouring the peace and most of all... the incredible lightness of being
>and after some time, the very first thing to disturb the still peace, is Dash's snoot nuzzling lazily into your cheek before she whispers in a voice that's way softer than her usual
>"I've seen you and me, high in a heaven...."
>it's a actualy a lyric of some song you heard her playing when there was still electricity
>funny to remember it now, of all times
>because it might just be what happened
>was this a taste of heaven?
>but your mind is not going to ponder over this question
>instead, it's getting filled with a melody
>not sure if made up, or the one belonging to the song
>but it's calming and sweet
>so sweet it's soothing you into a sleep
>the fair being in your arms has drifted away by now
>you might as well too....
......
............
.................



Chapter 9: Somedays




>your dreams that night are filled with colours, free of all material limitations
>a world existing in an instant, being made by your opened mind
>but when the time comes, it's starting to fade again
>knowing you'll have to take a leap into the material reality again, like stepping into a worm hole that consumes you whole only to spit you out elsewhere
>but you're doing so without any kind of fear
>after all, - even though this reality might not be so easy to live in, the life there is the same sweet when you're sharing it with someone dear to you
>and the second when you're starting to feel your own body again, all of the dream's journey slips away from your mind, almost in an instant
>then your eyes open, watching Dash waking up at the very same time
>smiling at the first sight of you, filling your heart with warm feeling right from the start of the day
"Hello, beautiful..." you'd whisper, not taking your eyes off her
>"Hey there Nonny...."
>your smiles are just queitly getting bigger upon glancing at each other, recalling yesterday
>just seeing her breathe is filling you with joy...
>but you've been silent for quite a while now
>"....Is it just me or is it still quite dark outside?" she eventualy breaks the stillness with a whisper
"It must be early... looks like we haven't slept really long. Or went to sleep pretty soon."
>"Yeah,.. wanna stay in bed? At least till sunrise..."
"I wouldn't dare,... suggesting not to." you grin, nuzzling her face 
>by "bed" was of course meant the matress next to radiator from which you didn't move since yesterday
>hardly moved at all since you fell asleep, there's still a sock on one of Dash's hooves, you're also holding each other the very same way and-...
>"...
>"Anon? I can still feel you inside me right now... kinda like a plug." the mare in your arms giggles
"I... didn't realize that uptil now..." you chuckle
>"Neither did I."
"Yeah that's kinda uh,...."
>"...nice?"
>an amused snicker unwillingly escapes your nostrils
"So... Ready to do that again?"
>"Absolutely, come on." she smirks, wriggling her butt softly
"I was joking here though." you're still chuckling over her serious expression "....I mean,.. you aren't really serious right now, are you?"
>"Am I? I can't really tell myself, but- oh my!.."
>in the meanwhile your body has already sent an impulse to direct blood to it's lower part again, making you regain your erection that's slowly expanding inside of her 
"Sorry.." you're grinning very awkwardly, about to pull out
>"Hey-hey, looks like it's been decided, doesn't it?" Dash chuckles, softly lowering her hips to penetrate herself a little more onto you instead
"...You're a one horny devil, you know that? And here I thought I got myself an angel."
>"I can do both." she's biting her lip while you're softly pushing against her, till you're all the way in "Oh!"
>seeing her enjoy herself like that is enough of a reason to continue, even if there wasn't a feeling of pleasure accompanying that sight
>though... it's nowhere comparable to yesterday
>maybe it was the atmosphere, the candles, the foreplay....
>the things around that made it so grand,...- the romance
>but it isn't a reason to quit right now
>it may be a lesser experience in comparison, but you'll at least try to enjoy it to the maximum of it's potential
>and of course, to make it fun for Rainbow
>"....What are you thinking about?" she suddenly asks you in the middle of it, making you slow down
>she did notice you "not really being there" for a few seconds, having your face still right in front of her's
"....I was just thinking-"
>"It isn't the same is it?" she cuts you off, finishing what you'd be struggling to say "I noticed it too."
"...Yeah.. "
>for a few seconds, you're both quiet, even completely stopped with the thrusts
>until you smile and reach towards her, bending your neck to kiss her snoot
"...Does it matter though?"
>"..I guess not." Dash smirks humbly "...I love you, you know that?"
"I love you too... Wanted to tell you before we fell asleep, but I forgot."
>"Well it's good to be reminded now." she grins amusedly "So we're finishing this?"
"'Course we are." you laugh, hugging her body and kissing her once more before  you'll start pumping again
>it's just lips on lips, but it feels righteous enough for this situation
>maybe even more fitting than using tongues right now
>and it might have been the kiss or that short talk you had, but it's starting to feel a little closer to yesterday's high
>not literaly, but...
>your mental connection, or tuning might have been one of the missing elements
>but hey,.. you're pretty tuned on each other right now
>there's an exstasy, coming in waves trough your bodies, circling trough both of you with each thrust, each movement
>Dash is still mostly laying on top of you, but she's helping you with her pelvis, while your hands are fondling her body, running up her back and down her buttocks - occasionaly pushing her down for a deeper penetration
>funnily though, she seems to have lesser stamina than a human, since it might be less than 15 minutes and she's already getting restless in an upcoming orgasm
>you can see "that expression" in her face, saw it three times before
>her forehead is softly wrinkling in tension of her more and more unstable bliss
>and her otherwise occasional moans are getting more often and are coming in girlier tones
>oh and you love to see her like this
>though, she might not be the only one, reaching her limit
>you could have a little rest or something, but this is meant to be a quickie
>had a plentyyy of fun yesterday
>so you'd give into the slowly upcoming eruption of energy in your body
>and when the colorful creature in your arms tenses up, yelping a desperate cry of pleasure she can't hold onto any longer...
>you're right in the same position, feeling the sensation so hard it's making your hands push her rump all the way down as your seed is making it's way trough her cervix, filling her uterus even further..!
...
>and then stillness
>with a deep inhale, that you're both keeping in for a few seconds, the riptide of colliding energies is getting calmer again
>and with an exhausted exhale, you're "back" into the world
>gazing at her simpering face, into those lively eyes
>"...That sure was fun." Dash reaches closer to shortly kiss you
"A  good way to start the day off..." you chuckle, kissing her back
>and for a few seconds, you're just gazing at each other with smiles on your faces
>never thought that just watching someone up close like that can be so mesmerizing
>....and not awkward at all, if that "someone" is the same fascinated with you
>is this what love does?
>the thought makes you snicker for some reason
>"...Come on, what's funny?" Dash grins 
"Can't you tell?" you'd grin even wider
>"Yeah... I know, if somepony saw us just now, they'd probably laugh."
"Isn't that great though?"
>this time it's her, letting out an amused snicker
>"I guess it is...."
>and as she softly raises her head, her colourful mane gets illuminated a faint ray of the rising sun
>didn't even notice your room has been progressively getting brighter and brigther past few minutes
>and it's about now that you've remembered what you've told each other about staying in bed
"...So,... we said till the sunrise. But do you feel like getting up yet?"
>"I don't,.. but I will. Cuz I really gotta pee,.. and I should definitely clean myself up from the mess we made." she grins pervily and indicates that she'd stand up
"Fair enough..." you're grinning back and let go of her with your hands, tugging away the blanket
>and after you pull out, Dash's hoof springs towards her crotch, to cover it and prevent anything from spilling out of her as she's on her way to the bathroom
>she looks pretty funny, doing her best to keep a dignified face while stumbling on three, away from the pillow nest
>"....What?" Dash notices you snickering
"I didn't say anything. Do go on." you chuckle
>you'd receive a proud head toss, which makes it even funnier, but you're doing your best not to laugh until she's all the way in the bathroom
>...
>when she's behind the door, you'd stand up as well and glance at your boxers, wondering whether you should put them on or just go naked
....
>.......know what though?
>we ain't wearing shorts from now on
>we're adopting pony customs
>......at home that is,.... it's not like you'll walk outside naked
>but it's about time you faced your fear of nudity
>so you're following right after her, just the way you are
>upon entering the bathroom, you can hear her peeing on the toilet behind a curtain, so you'd start brushing your teeth in the meanwhile
>very soon though, you hear a flushing sound and she's stepping out again
>it still feels a little funny, standing there naked, given the only time she saw you like this was yesterday's morning
>...even while making love, you've only seen each other's faces, not your genitals
>but she isn't mentioning it
>all she does is to instinctively glance at you bare crotch, before casualy shifting her focus back up on your face
>"...I was thinking,... how about we have a completely NON-sexual shower session together?" she smiles innocently
>you'd quickly spit out the toothpaste in the sink before replying
"Hey, that sounds interesting..." a chuckle escapes your nostrils "How did you come up with that?"
>"I dunno, I was just thinking I never showered with you."
"Well there's a first time to everything. I'd love to." you're grinning "......Just gotta pee before that. " 
>"Cool!" her wings twitch very softly "I'll wait here. ...brush my teeth as well."
>with a last smile given to each other, you'd switch your places, her heading to the sink and you behind the curtain to do your thing
>and while you're waiting for your bladder to empty, your mind's wandering
>you've been just a little scared of being casualy naked around her, but you're quickly starting to like it
>in a way that you have nothing to hide in front of each other, it feels even more intimate
>almost magicaly
>and when you're done peeing, you'd step out again, just about the time Dash's finished with the teethbrushing
>only a second before she's spitting out toothpaste, giving you little simper
>"Ready?"
"Yup, let's go." you're grabbing some towels to hang them onto a hook, next to the shower
>one that you've accidentaly ripped out and then fixed later on
>...funny memories
>"Think it'll fit for us both though?" the mare chuckles in front of the glass box you're about to enter
"Of course, it's bigger from the inside..! ...Except it isn't... But it does look smaller from the outside, if that helps." you're grinning back
>"We'll see, in the worst scenario I'll just kick you out." she smirks teasingly before stepping inside first
>with you, right after her
....
"...Oh well, what do you know? It is a little pent up here..." you're turning around, trying not to flash your testicles right in her face "...want me out?"
>"No way, the close contact was the point of this." she laughs, sitting down and patting the place next to her
"Was it huh?" you'd sit, leaning your back on the wall 
>"Yea... It's cozy." she's playfuly biting on her lip for a second, before she reaches up turn to the water on, letting the shower rain over both of you
>oh fuck, the electricity
"Wait!! It's- ...It's warm?"
>"Do you think I wouldn't check before a proposition like this?" Dash grins
"Oh yeah... Well I completely forgot about the electricity uptil now..."
>"That's because you're a dummy human." she giggles "But to tell you the truth,.... I forgot too. It was a lucky coincidence they fixed it in the meanwhile."
"...You know coincidences don't happen?"
>"Maybe, but shut up now and relax." Dash's grinning, leaning her head onto your shoulder and closing her eyes with a tender smile
"Can't you say it nicely?" you're amusedly wrapping your arm around her, leaning your own head onto her's before closing your eyes as well
>can hear her snicker
>"Okay... I love you,.. but shut up."
"Good enough..." you'd cuddle her body a little closer to you, snickering amusedly back
>and for a moment, you're sitting there with eyes closed, just taking in the warm moisture from the water, raining softly all over you
>until...
"....Dash, you know what?" you'd speak without opening your eyes
>"What is it?" she wouldn't move an inch either
"I'm gonna sell this house."
>"What, because the small shower corner is too small?" a sincere snort escapes her nostrils 
"No... Not because of the shower." you're laughing shortly with her "...But I had enough of the city. I want to move on from it's gray chapter..... I want to see trees and grass when I look out of the window!... Not a dead end street....
 >"So.... you'll be moving out?" her head raises up from your shoulder, searching in your eyes whether you're serious right now
"We both will be...." you'd nuzzle her muzzle, then smile a little awkwardly "........That is, if you're willing to go with me of course... I mean, if you still wanted to find your own place, I couldn't possibly force you to-"
>"Of course I'll go with you Anon! This is amazing, I love you!" she smiles excitedly, cutting you off "...Do you have something in mind already?"
"Nothing solid." you chuckle relievedly "I've literaly decided just now. But as I said: I'd like something close to nature. It'll probably be a bit more modest than this house... If I wanna fit the budget, it's gotta be something older, with things to repair etc..."
>"That's no problem! I'll help you with repairing! I can't wait!"
"Me too!" you'd softly squeeze her in your arms in excitement "...I think I might even go and put this house for sale right after we're finished showering. ...What do you say?"
>"Awesome! And I'll take some photos for you from the air!"
"That would be great." you chuckle, petting her soaked mane, still smiling "Just wait to be a little dry for it, wouldn't want you to catch a cold."
>"I'm made of stone, Anon." she laughs, flexing a pose and donning her trademark grin "No cold can take on me!"
"No doubt about that!" you'd laugh with her and reach for the shower gel and shampoo "...But we gotta get to the actual showering before it."
>"Sure thing! Do you want me to wash your mane as well?"
"Only if I get to wash yours..." you're smirking, about to pour some shampoo into her opened hoof as well as in your hand
>"Alright! Let's get to it!"
>soon your limbs are entwined as you're simoultaneously trying to reach towards each others head
 >and there's also a foam in your eyes, so you're even blind while doing your work
>but being it easy isn't the point of it
>the point is to make it fun
>and fun you're having
"Ouch, that's my eye!" you're laughing when she accidentaly poked you
>"Well I didn't complain when you've stuck a finger in my ear either. You can take it!" Dash's chuckling back
"That was because you pushed my hand!"
>...but eventualy, you'd find a rhytm under which you can work
>wouldn't be the two of you if you didn't
>"...Okay. I think it's good now." Dash grins "Can we have some water here?"
"Already working on it." you're blindly reaching towards the shower tap
>and the next second, the foam is getting washed away from your faces, letting you open your eyes to glance at each other once again
"Do we continue with the rest this way?"
>"Do you need to ask?" she grins with a bottle of shower gel already between her teeth, squeezing some of it in her opened hoofs
"Hell naw you don't." you laugh as you're about to start working on her chest fluff
>then her shoulders and belly, while Dash's doing the same to you
>by now you're pretty tuned and synchronized that your limbs aren't getting in each other's way too
>the fact you can see this time might be helping, but it's still going surprisingly smoothly
>you're occasionaly met with her eyes, exchanging quiet grins before you'll concentrate on her body again
>to wash each other's back, you have to turn around of course, one by one
>she has an easy job with you, since you don't have wings, but it would take you some time to provide for her
>though, you're enjoying gently going trough her beautiful feathers, so you can study their growing pattern, softly rinsing them with water afterwards and getting rid of the old ones
>"....You know I can't remember the last time I had somepony else to preen my feathers.." Dash's glancing over her shoulder with a coy simper
"Do ponies do that to each other?"
>"Only when they're really close..."
"So who was the last lucky pony..?"
>"...My mom." she chuckles "It's been years..."
"...Never let a stallion too close to you?" you'd chuckle back
>"Oh, I'd rather not talk about this...." she smirks "...You know I'm not good with colts."
"You're good with me."
>"You aren't a colt though."
"But I can be your stallion."
>".....Well you definitely were yesterday."
"Aren't I now?"
>"Tsk, okay." she chuckles amusedly "You're my stallion anytime."
"Nice." you laugh, leaving a simper on your face as you thoroughly go on with preening and cleaning her feathers
>when you're done, she'd turn around and it's time to wash the lower parts of your bodies
"....So, we're doing this too?"
>"Of course! Isn't this where we both need it the most?"
"Yeah,.. was just thinking about how you mentioned a non sexual shower though..."
>"It will be, as long as you won't turn it into one. That's what you get from walking clothed all the time."
"Fair point I guess. Let's get to it then."
>and you'd reach your hand towards her
>but she pushes it away to the side
>"Me first."
"That's what I was trying to do."
>"No I mean-.. you know well how I mean it, don't try to confuse me." Dash's smirking "...Lean back and gimme some space."
"Okay..." you chuckle, doing what she's told you
>soon there are soap covered hoofs all around your crotch and legs, rubbing bubbles over your skin...
>and you're struggling to keep the dirty thoughts away
>failing miserably, of course, letting Dash witness your raising erection
>and as much as you're trying to justify it in your mind that this is "normal", it still is embarassing, making your cheeks go red
>but she'd just chuckle, continuing almost as if nothing
>though, before she's finished, her hooves run up and down your member, giving you a few intentional strokes with a rising grin on her face
>"Okay! Your turn." the mare has let go of you now, just about when it was starting to feel good
>you're somewhat snapped from what was happening just now, taking you a few seconds before taking the iniciative
>why is she such a tease out of nothing?
"...Ya, on it." you'd grin, already devising a revenge plan "...Could you stand up though? How am I supposed to wash your butt when you're sitting on it?"
>"Sure..." she smirks, turning herself around and flashing her rump directly in your face
>so you squeeze some shampoo in your hands and put them on her flanks, massaging it in with circular motions
>God, this is impossible to keep it non-lewd when you're basicaly squishing her buttcheeks together
>but it gets a little easier when you move over to her legs, sliding all the way down to her hoofs...
>oh wait, -you just remembered something
>you'd pick one of her legs up, pretending you're only gonna soap it up
>but then move your fingers over to her frog, massaging it with both of your thumbs
>it takes less than two seconds before her leg starts twitching in your hands
>"A-Anon, what are you doing? Stop..!"
"Why? I'm just washing your legs, aren't I?"
>"B-but I told you that I'm -hnng!"
>it's when her leg twitches hard enough to slip from your fingers, almost kicking your chest
"Whoa, okay..." you laugh as she's suddenly panting like she's just ran a marathon or went trouch some shock
>"..Do not, do that, okay?"
"Come on, I thought we're past anything embarassing..?"
>"We are... but I'm really really ashamed of this and I don't like it."
"Ashamed?"
>"It's so perverted....
"Well maybe a little..." your hands start wrapping around her leg again
>"Anon you have no idea how annoying can this be in the most inappropriatte of situations. I absolutely HATE my rear hooves for this, understand?"
"I-.... I guess I do understand. Sorry Dash." you'd completely let go of her, somewhat losing your smile
>....
>"...I'm not upset with you Anon though,... I didn't mean it that way."
"I know. But,. even though I understand why, it just saddens me a little, to think you'd still hate a part of yourself. ..... Because I love you, with everything that comes with it. ...I wish you could too."
>that must have struck her a little, since she's left speechless for a good 20 seconds
>okay, now this moment feels completely non-lewd, even though your face is at max forearm's lenght away from her delicate parts
>"I-... I'll try..." she sniffles eventualy
>and when she looks over her shoulder at you, her eyes are even a little watery, not as if she was crying, but there was definitely a strong emotion
>so you'd lovingly hug her leg and lean your head into her flank while smiling back at her
>"...I know Anon I can be annoying sometimes or even bossy, but I really love you... you know that, do you..."
"Of course I do." you're still smiling
.....
>and you're queit for some time, just taking in the moment
>until it feels like it's time to move on
"So, shall we finish this? The washing I mean."
>"Um, sure!" Dash's grinning now again, as you're about to start working on her second leg
>this time you're avoiding to touch her frog there, because you respect her decision in this
>and hope she'll find her peace eventualy
>but then there's one last place you haven't paid attention to yet
>none other than her peach and butthole, even though partly covered in bubbles from her already washed tail,.. you're still gonna give her a good scrubbing there
>and you aren't seeing her face while you're rubbing your hand over the surface of her labia, or her ponut, but you don't need it to know that she's now feeling pretty much the same as you did when she teased you like that
>of course, your slippery hand would also make it's way to her small teats, fondling her there thorougly
>but when you hear her breath getting a little heavier..
"Okay! Guess I'm done here too!... Ready for the water?"
>"Uh? I mean, yup! Totally! Rain it down." Dash grins as you're both sitting back to the wall where the shower sprays over both of you
"I gotta say, it was a pretty good idea to try this together. It was fun,.. and not just because of the last part."
>"I'm full of good ideas." she chuckles before leaning in a little closer to shortly kiss you "...Wanna do that again sometime?"
"At least once a month." you're smirking back
>"Sounds good to me..."
>and you're about to kiss again..-
>but you're interrupted by your stomach gurgling
>and Dash's too, shortly after
"......"
>"...."
"Guess we should get some breakfast huh?"
>"Yeah..." the mare chuckles "I mean,... we haven't eaten anything since,..."
"Since yesterday breakfast. If you don't count that ginger tea and those few biscuts with it."
>"Wow,.. It didn't even feel that long."
"I know. But what do you know? Heard occasional fasting is really healthy."
>"That's true! But speaking of food, I can't wait to munch on something right now."
"Let's go then." you smirk before getting yourself up to turn the water off
>outside of the glass box, you'd quickly dry yourself, then help her too, and you're both on your way to the kitchen
"So what will it be today?"
>"I dunno, it's your turn to choose, remember?" Dash's slapping your bare butt with her wing before trotting away to her new favourite kitchen spot, which is a heating kettle "...What kind of tea you want?"
"Uhh, green?"
>"Oops, we ran out." 
"Then something herbal? Anything goes, just not the ginger one again."
>"Ginger one is only for special occasions like yesterday, duh." she snickers "How about.... ooooh, a nettle one! That's pretty green too."
"Perfect." you'd look away from the fridge you're rummaging trough, to give the mare a grin
>"So and did you pick us the breakfast too?"
"I'm trying...... How about... I dunno, a sandwich? I can't think of anything creative right now."
>"A sandwich will do."
"Cool. I've bought this chilli spread, we can spice it up with it."
>"Do you really need to have everything spicy?" Dash's chuckling while the water is slowly getting to boil
"Well,.. I don't HAVE to,. I just-"
>"I'm just messing with you, let's dump that chilli in there!" she interrupts your defense with a grin, switching the place in front of the fridge as you're walking away with the chilli cheese spread, bread and cucumber to the kitchen counter
>"Forgot about tomatoes!"
"Wha-"
>upon turning around, there's a tomato flying straight at you, bouncing off your chest, luckily to be caugh in your hands
>and another one
>one that you've managed to catch before it even hit you
"Okay then." you laugh, putting the veggies next to the cucumber to slice it later "Anything else I should watch out for?"
>"Nah,.. or maybe a bell pepper?"
"Throw it here."
>with a smirk on her face, it's already flying your way
"Thanks."
>"You're quite welcome."
>then Dash proceeds to pour the water into the cups and join you by the kitchen counter
>you're still slicing the veggies, so she'd spread the cheese on the bread in the meanwhile
>and before you know it, there's a handful of tasty looking sandwiches in front of you
>ones you've brought to the table and sat there together
>"Enjoy Nonny." Dash's smirking, not exactly letting you know from her expression whether she meant the diminutive of your name as a tease-mockery or if she's honestly so fond of you right now
>probably a mixture of both
"Enjoy Rainbow." you'd smirk back and have a first bite "....Or could it be just...'Bow?"
>her look raises from her plate at you again, snickering amusedly
>"No."
"How about "Rainie? That sounds cute, doesn't it?" a grin is forming on your face already
>"If you absolutely have to, you can call me Dashie, alright? Nopony ever tried to call me Rainie."
"Good thing I'm not a pony."
>"...Didn't you said you were my stallion just before?" her own grin has now become about 200% more shiteating than yours just a while ago 
>you'd raise a finger, about to say something to make a point
...
>but then fold your hand back again
"....Okay, good one. You got me here."
>which merely makes her victoriously chuckle
>at first, that is
>"....Honestly, call me however you want Anon, as long as it makes you happy." she's snickering "I love you, you fool."
"Alright, Em-"
>"BUT NOT EMPRESS OKAY."
>that actualy made you snicker so hard, a bit of food almost flew trough your nostrils back out
"Okay..." you're wheezing helplessly while Dash's serious face is easing up back into a laugh
>and for half a minute or so, you're just exchanging amused looks and grins, riding on a chuckle train before you're calm enough to start eating again
>...
....
>"....So and uhh, should I take the photos of the house with your phone?" Dash asks when she's almost finished her breakfast, sipping her tea
"Yup. I don't really have anything else to photograph it with anyway." you'd have a sip as well ".....Can you do that with your hooves though?" 
>"You're supposed to just touch it, aren't you?"
"Yes, the circle in the middle, specificaly."
>"Then it's easy." a bold expression is decorating her face, before she stuffs her cheeks with the last bite of a sandwich, speaking with a mouthful "But to make it appear on your computer, - that I'll leave up to you."
"That's easy too, -like when I was showing you how the folders work, it's basicaly the same. You'll just grab it and put it somewhere else." you're following with the rest of your breakfast too
>"...Really?" Dash has gulped the morsel my now
"Of course." you'd quickly do the same, so that you can speak clearly "I'll let you try that on your own. But I'll be watching if you get stuck."
>"Ha! I'm sure I can do it even with my eyes closed then!" she's grinning , up to the challenge
>since you're pretty much finished with the breakfast, just a little tea standing at the bottom of your cups, you're off to bring your phone and open the camera
>first taking a few quick photos of the inside before you'll be giving it to her
>it's pretty tidy in here, except the matress from yesterday, but you can quickly dispose of that
>and you're checking the photos, which all look pretty professional, except on one there's a a bit of Dash's colourful tail and her hoof sticking out of the side
>but that's okay, you won't be taking the photo again just because of that
>now it's time to show the phone to her
"You'll just touch this circle and it's done. If you want to change what it focuses on, then touch the thing on the screen."
>Dash would sit on her rump, taking the piece of electronic in her front hooves and pointing it at you
>*click* *click* *click* *click* *click* 
>"Like this?"
"Lemme see."
>there are 5 photos of you, grinning at her silly
"Yeah, exactly like this." you're laughing as you're going trough them "You just don't have to hold it this long, it starts a sequence. ...Or actualy,.... it doesn't really matter at least we'll have more photos to work with."
>"Okay, I'm on it!" she dons her trademark grin, posing shortly for you before she rushes out the front door
>she's not completely dry by now though, like 75% percent, but you didn't exactly had time to tell her
>it's not as if she'd really listen to you anyway 
>and while she's gone, you'd boot the notebook, glancing from the desk, out a window in the direction of a fallen lamp
>it's still laying on the ground, but the powerlines are fixed
>guess the thing will stay there another month until someone fixes that too
>not as if you'd care, it's just making you chuckle
>anyway, it's time to find some house selling websites, bazaars, agencies or basicaly anything that can help you with your moving quest
>and soon, Dash is bacl with your phone in the mouth
"Hey, how did it go?" you're taking it from her
>there's a bit of her saliva on the screen, so you'd wipe it into curtains nearby since you're still naked
>"I m-might have overerestimated my d-d-dryness." the pone sits on the ground, rubbing her hooves together to get some heat and clenching them to her chest
"Just a moment then."
>before she realizes, you've grabbed a blanket and threw it over her
>and when her head confusedly pokes out of it, you're rolling the rest around her body, picking her up like a giant, tucked baby
>"WHoa!"
"Said you were cold, didn't you?" you're smirking while walking with her in your arms to the desk with your notebook
>"I was but-"
"Then let your stallion warm you up!"
>"Okay..." she laughs, switching to her cuddly mode in a matter of seconds
>and you're grateful to have the priviledge of being able experience this softer, girlier side of her
>so much you'd sneakily take a quick selfie with her on your lap, while she's busy trying to stick her hoof out of her cocoon to reach for the mouse
>soon you're comfy and set for computer magicks
"Anyway,.. let's start with opening "My computer" as usual."
>it takes a little time, even with her eyes open -opposed to her claim, to get it done, but it's not as if you are in a hurry
>you're extremely patient with her and you're even enjoying it
>it's fun, seeing her learn about technology
>and once all the photos from your phone are moved to your computer's storage, you can go trough them
>there's a plenty of the airborne ones Dash took, so you'd pick only a handful of good ones, then those of interior and delete the rest
>but you're definitely keeping ALL the photos of each other though
>there are four from the noodle stop, the five she took of you just now, and then you'd finally open to see the very last one, that you haven't even seen yet
 "Look here!" you're laughing "A big, pony burrito. And that comfy expression!"
>"Aww, this is terrible, is this how I look right now?" she's cringing at the sight of it "...When in the hay did you take it? I didn't see you."
"Because I knew you wouldn't let me. But you're so cute right here!"
>"Come on Anon, delete it." Dash pouts, making herself look even cuter
>funny, you expected a threat instead
"Sorry Dashie, but this only geting deleted over my dead body." you chuckle
>"But you can count on your body being dead, if you show it to anyone. Understand?" she grins
"Deal." you'd snort, bumping your fist with her "... But anyway, let's get to sellin' houses!"
>so first, you'd read together some tips regarding the topic of selling houses, register at few agencies, then write together a text with selling info and paste it all along with the pictures on every e-bazaar you know
>being at the internet, you'd sometimes have a little pause from work to check some funny or curious videos together in between posting and writing
>and that is how you've spent the whole morning and forenoon
>the time flies quicky
>and you've also found an idea for today's lunch
>baked sliced potatoes with onion, garlic, tofu and cheese in caserolle, with basil dough poured over it
>and it tasted great, was really quick to make AND there's so much of it, you can have tomorrow as well
>after lunch, you'd go for a little stroll to buy some stuff in the nearest supermarket and more importanly, to catch some oxygen
......
>"....So, how long do think it will take until it sells?" Dash's asking you just outside the house, after a short moment of silence
"I have no idea, frankly. We could be lucky and have a serious buyer tomorrow,... or it could be half a year."
>"We'll see I guess."
"Yeah. ...But we could start looking for a new house already." you smile 
>"So and do you have any idea where to start with?"
"I really wouldn't mind something near the mountains back there. ...But not too close to Droplet Steve, because he's a tourist attraction, there are many less crowded places in that area."
>"I'd like that too... Far away from all of this." she smiles, shortly stretching her wings, then glancing up into the sky hopefuly
".....Well, as much as I hate to say, it shouldn't be TOO far away from some city. I gotta work somewhere. And we need someplace to buy food too."
>"Aw, hay, I forgot about that. I mean,.. I could fly with food from somewhere. Or even fly you to work..."
"That could be possible in summer, but it would be insane in winter. Especialy up there where it's even colder."
>"Yeah, you're right..." Dash frowns, thinking "...But if it'll be somewhere close to some village or a tiny city, I could start working there too! Maybe help out on a farm of some kind! ....Or maybe rather something that would put my wings to use, I dunno,.. how about being a courier!?"
"As long as you can imagine it..."
>"...then it's possible." she grins "...I could use having some actual work."
"Courier would be a great job for you. Maybe there's some small, local service that won't ask too many questions about you."
>"Or they could hire YOU while I'd be the one doing it."
"We might as well end up working together if we're lucky." you laugh
>"Yeah, that would be the best!"
"...But let's not get too far ahead. Could be something completely different."
>"As long as we'll be happy, anything goes.." she smiles, but then as if she got a little lost in her thoughts, staring blankly into the ground she's walking "...........I just kind of wonder if-......."
"...What is it? Something's troubling you?"
>"I don't know,.. But I almost forgot I should be looking for other ponies here. And if I actualy found them, it would twist all our plans upside down. A lot of things could change,..." Dash frowns now
>....oh yeah, almost forgot about that too, over the high you're in for last two days
>but before you'd say anything-
>"...though, even if things really changed, we wouldn't let it separate us,... right?"
"Of course." you smile "Not as long as you or me have anything to say about it..."
.....
>soon you're arriving to a local supermarket, entering the crowded building
>"So, what do we need?"
"Definitely some fruit. All we have left, is like three apples and some lemons."
>"I'll pick something." Dash snatches the shopping cart from you with a grin on her face and she's pushing it herself
"How about the pineapple you mentioned yesterday? Oh! Or a coconut! Haven't had that in a long time." you're yelling at the crazy mare, you're so in love with, before she vanishes in the fruit aisle up ahead
>"On it!"
>and she's gone, for a while
>in the meanwhile, you're picking some vegetables: a few more tomatoes, cucumber, salad, onions, garlic,.. wait not garlic you have enough of that
>then you're following her to the fruit aisle
>but as you're about to turn around the corner with your hasty steps-
"Ooof."
>there's a Rainbow's shopping cart crashing directly into you
>making you drop all the vegetables, straight into it
>"Ha! There you are! Sorry, though..." she chuckles "You okay?"
"Sure, totally meant to do that." you're grinning, checking what did she pick in the meanwhile
>there's the pineapple, one coconut, a few tangerines and some seedless grapes
"Tangerines eh?" your grin gets a little wider
>"Yup." she's grinning back, turning the cart around "What next?"
"We used up all tofu, so maybe some of that. ..Some seitan as well?"
>"Okay let's gooo." Dash points onwards, pushing the cart like a warmachine into a clash
>along the way, you'd notice tortila wraps in a discounted price, so you're grabbing them
>"What's it gonna be?" Dash's eager to know your plans "Will we be having tortilas tomorrow?"
"Close." you're adding a can of black beans into the cart, smirking "Burritos."
>"....Is that because-?"
"Yes it's exactly because of that photo earlier." you laugh "And I'll go to work right after lunch, so we won't be farting in front of each other."
>"Hey, that's actualy pretty clever..." Dash laughs back with sincere amusement before she teasingly pokes you "But you can't escape it forever though. Even girls fart."
"I know, it's one of the grim facts of this reality." you're chuckling "But I'm willing to get used one day. Already said I love you with everything that comes with it."
>to which you're returned a very sincere snicker
>but as you're passing along a refridgerated meat section, her giggles would quiet with a look on the dead animal parts and products behind the glass
>she still isn't taking these sights really well uptill now...
>...
>then there are milk products
"So, do you remember if we have any joghurts?" you'd attempt to lift her thoughts a different direction
>"...I dunno, like one,.... maybe?"
"I'll go get some more then. Could you grab some tofu and seitan?"
>"I don't know where is it though... Is it somewhere around here?"
"Yup, right over there." you'd point a bit farther
>"On it!" she's already enthusticaly pushing the cart it's direction with a new objective on her mind
>good job Anon
>in the meanwhile, you'd pick 4 more joghurts, each different kind for a variety and soon she's back with three tofus - two smoked, one with basil and two packages of seitan
>"This enough?"
"Enough for the whole week!" you laugh "Guess it's pretty much all we need now. We still have sliced cheese, all kinds of spreads, butter... Do you want anything?"
>"Me? Nah, I'm fine."
"You're sure? Not even something small for the way home?"
>"You're sweet enough for me Anon." Dash grins in one of her softer moments, immediately getting a little embarassed over what she just said "...B-but maybe, a donut or something wouldn't hurt."
"Then I'll have myself one too." you'd give her a grin, while you're already turning your steps towards the pastry aisle "And I think I'll have this banana one. What about you?"
>"I'll have... this one!" she's pointing at a pink one with sprinkles
"Trully a classic choice." you smirk
>"I wanna compare it with those from Ponyville."
"Will that even be a challenge? How could a hoofmade ponyville donut even compare to a supermarket defrozen semifinishes?" you laugh 
>"I know, I know." Dash laughs as well "...I guess it's just a reason for a little reminiscence...."
"In that case,.. I think I'll get us four, instead of two..." you smile, on your way to the cashier
>once there, you'd queitly start putting all the stuff on a moving counter
>there's some lady in front of you in the line though, and she keeps eyeing behind herself on Rainbow Dash that's helping you with the things
>until she curiously asks
>>"...Excuse me, but.. how did you teach it to help you like that? That's amazing."
>your eyes would meet those of a lady asking you, but before you make up a sentence to explain it's not like that at all, Dash is taking the iniciative in your stead
>"He actualy learned all of that on his own! Isn't he amazing?" the mare possessively slaps your butt from behind with a laugh
>which makes the lady stare at both of you for a little while, either totally buying it or just being in shock over a talking pony
>until she turns back around with an awkward, forced smile
>>"Oh! I'm sorry I-... nevermind."
>at this point, you can't hold your snickers any longer, glancing over at Rainbow
"So, I'm amazing, huh?" you'd burst into laugh 
>"Oh of course you are!" she rears up to nuzzle your face, laughing as well "Who's a good human?"
"That would be me please, thank you for asking." you snicker amusedly "Is there anything else my pony empress might require?"
>"Nah, you're free from service for today." Dash chuckles back, letting her front hooves clop back down on the tiled ground 
>......
>"....I didn't go too far with this one didn't I...?" she adds with a little more timid tone a few seconds later
"What? Of course not. You saw me laughing, didn't you?" you'd grin back at her
>"Yeah, I just thought... nevermind."
".......But to put a crown on it, you could pay at the cashier too."
>"Me?.. But I-"
"Here's the money. I'll stuff the things in my bag in a meanwhile."
>"Uhhh, alrighty then." Rainbow chuckles, taking the wallet you're offering her
>and it's about time, since it's your turn at the cash register just now
>since the cashier probably saw you two scheming and laughing on your way to her, she isn't as shocked as the lady before
>but she's still giving you two funny looks while you're doing your thing
>everything goes smoothly though, and soon you're out of the supermarket with a full bag on your back
>......
>".....Isn't it heavy?" Dash's glancing at the weight you're carrying
"Nothing I couldn't handle."
>"...We still might switch halfway though."
"Come on, let me be the stallion in this relationship!" you laugh "It's the least I can do."
>"You don't need to prove your masculity to me." she's grinning back, trotting alonside you "...Lemme do some work too."
"...How about we switch halfway home then?" you'd smirk at her
>"Alright, halfway it is."
>...
....
"Oh And I almost forgot." you stop now, putting the bag down to out a paperbag with the donuts, about to hand her the pink one 
>but before you do, she has already chomped on it, snatching it straight from your fingers
>"Fankf."
"My pleasure." you chuckle before having a bite of yours, the banana one "....So, IS it like from Ponyville?"
>"Ifs surfisingly notf tfhat bad, ...Honeftly, I donf fhink it's very harf to make a doufnut." she's grinning with the rest of a donut hanging in her mouth "Buf fhere ifn't any pafsion in it."
"So, Pinkie was quite passionate about baking, huh?"
>"Of courfe! Anf sfhe ftill ifh!.." Dash swallows her last bite so that she can speak clearer "But she's even more passionate about eating the sweets.... She can eat a cake that's half of her size in a matter of seconds. And it just dissapears. As if there was a black hole inside of her."
"....Doesn't she even get any fat with an appetite like this?"
>"Not a bit." the blue coated mare chuckles for a last time "I told you: Pinkie's a mystery that cannot be solved. Don't even try." 
"Alright then, I won't." you chuckle while reaching for the other two donuts
>this time she waits for you to hand it to her closer before grabbing it
>"Thankf agfain."
>you'd just nod with a smile and have a bite of yours
>and since the supermarket isn't that much far from your house, soon you're finding yourself about halfway home
.....
>..
>"It's time to switch, my stallion." Dash chuckles after a minute or two of silence
"You still want to carry it huh? thought you'd forget by now."
>"No way I'm gonna watch you crumble under this the whole way." she's donning her trademark grin again "Come on, give it here."
"...Alright then." you'd grin back
>but before you'll give it to her, you gotta adjust the straps to fit her body better
"Do ponies wear bags like this?" you're asking her while helping her put it on
>"We usualy wear bags that hang onto sides, so we can reach them better."
"That makes sense. Well,.. if it's uncomfortable for you, just lemme take it again."
>"Nope, it's fine." she smiles "But come to think, I could fly it back to the house and return to you."
"If it's better this way for you..?"
>"Well... It's not that far away by now, I'll carry it."
"Okay... But do tell me if it's too heavy."
>"Suure." she grins, walking on
>don't know a lot of girls that would be so persistent on helping
>....don't know a lot of girls overall though
>but then again, she's one of a kind
>and she'd carry it all the way back home!
...
>once there, you get to stuffing everything into a fridge and then return back to your laptop, about to look for some new houses
"So, let's see." you're opening some websites again
>"Look, this one seems pretty good." Dash immediately finds one that catches her eye
"Yeah, it just might be a little bit outta budget." you'd check the price "...Oh well, the price seems pretty okay too. Just let's see where it lies..."
>and upcoming half an hour, you're searching trough the area to find more potentional new homes that fit both the criteria and the budget you're expecting to have
"Hey, that's a lot of houses to choose from. Maybe we should check some tips on what to look for, or avoid?"
>"If that's a thing?"
"Sure it is, just lemme find some article here..."
>and you're quickly opening some news webpages, scrolling trough the text when-
>"Oh, wait Anon, put it back..!" Dash stops you with sudden urgence in her voice
"What is it?" you laugh "Did we make some serious mistake, according to this?"
>"No, on the right? Look, click it!"
>on the right, there's a list of other articles on this page
>and it only takes you a second to realize what she meant
"-Oh...."
>the headline says "New stage of house pets, soon to begin.", with a photo of a living equestrian pony right under it
>opening it, you find out the article is only a few days old and there's even a concrete date of when the production officialy starts 
>"There will be an announcement speech in front of the main building from a head of development..." Dash's reading one of the lines out loud for herself "...How far is that place from here?"
"Far... Very far actualy. Via bus it would take like... at least four or five days of traveling to get to that town."
>"I gotta get there Anon..." she glances straight into your eyes with a steel resolution
"....Are you sure about it? What can you even do there all by yourself?"
>"I don't know!" her hoof stomps the ground in an overflow of emotions "I don't expect you to understand Anon, I just have this feeling in my guts that-"
"I- understand, Dash." your hand softly lands on her shoulder, fondly massaging her, but your smile is mixed with bitter, sad feeling
>you don't want to part with her at all, not now
>but you've promised, that you won't stand in her way, to let pursue her own destiny
>".......You do?" the mare's expression calms down surprisedly
"Of course." you'd chin up, glipsing into her eyes "You're right, this is the part where I gotta prove that I won't be your burden."
>"...I'll come back Anon. This isn't a goodbye or anything like that, I swear."  she climbs with her front hooves on your lap to be closer to your face "It's just...I feel there's something important waiting for me."
"I know." you're smiling on the outside, unsure what exactly you're feeling right now, but you need to touch her, to at least gently stroke her sides "....For you, it's the part to prove that you DO care. Just....... please do be careful too.... I couldn't forgive myself if anything happened to you.."
>"I promise I will..."
".....I'll pray for you to stay safe." you'd slowly start letting go of her as she's sliding down from your lap, back on all four "...And to fulfill, what you're supposed to fulfill there."
>"Thank you Anon,.. for beleiving in me." 
"It's the least I can do." you smile a lot warmer now, and touch her cheeks with your palms, glancing into her eyes "...I know you're strong enough to take on whatever your fate throws at you." 
>".....I just didn't think the time would come so soon..." her eyes would get a little watery
>you can tell that she, THE Rainbow Dash, an element of loyalty, Ponyville's greatests flier and asskicker,... is now scared to venture out there and leave your side
>but at the same time, there's nothing that can stop her from going
"Me neither. ...But I guess it's life's way to keep us from stalling." you smile as positively as you can
>"Yeah..."
>you're returned more of a faint smile, with a few long seconds of silence before she dons a little more courageous expression, fitting to her brave personality she likes to flash so much
>"...... Can you direct me there somehow,.. or show me on the map?"
"I can give you my phone with a GPS. It should be the straightest and most accurate way. Also, I can prepare some food for you or something to sleep on maybe?"
>"I think I should travel as lightly as possible..."
"Well, I can give you some money to buy food instead. But you should have at least a sleeping bag, it's still cold outside at night... and it's not too heavy."
>"But,-... well you're probably right about that. A little extra weight is worth in exchange of having where to sleep."
"Yeah, and I think it's even waterproof from outside." you'd stand up now, about to go and search for it, but you stop  "...But wait, first I gotta calculate how long should it take for you to get there if you fly."
>"Right..."
>so you'd sit back down to the computer
>quickly finding on e-maps how far it actualy is and divide it by approximate speed at which can Dash fly longer distances
>you have to guess that from your experiences and from what she tells you, but you hope it'll be at least half accurate
"So,...if you flew straight, at a normal pace, slept 8 hours at night and had about 2 or 3 hours of stops,.... you could get there easily and even with a time reserve, even if you departed.......... tomorrow afternoon."
>"That's lucky... Looks like we'll be having burritos after all." she smiles, trying to look all carefree and enthusiastic, but you can tell it's still worrying her a little 
"Seems that way." you'd smile back encouragingly "I'm really glad we get to spend a few hours more."
>"Me too...... But if I manage to free some ponies there, I'm just not sure how long the way back will take. -And where will we hide.... Maybe I should keep them hidden somewhere safe and just return here alone."
"You'll know what to do when the time comes. It's too soon for decisions like that now.... I'll be waiting for as long as you need to take. .....And I can call you occasionaly from some phonebooth..............If you wanted to, that is."
>"That would be great...." she smiles again, a little more confident now "Thank you Anon."
>you really wish this was it
>that you've both made your peace and the challenge was over
>but this is just the begginning
"...Don't mention it."
>"No Anon, I don't mean, just this one thing. -If it weren't for you, I'd likely still be in a cage with a shock collar around my neck or... maybe I'd took my own life just to escape it... I wouldn't be even thinking about looking for others."
"Don't think about what could have been, it was supposed to be exactly like this... And I'm glad I could be there for you." and your hands reach towards her to lift her closer to your body, hugging her
>this time you softly kiss her head, as she's leaning with her chin on your shoulder
>"it's not a goodbye kiss yet" flies trough your head
>when it will be, it'll be a happy one, because there's nothing like permanent goodbyes
>can't see directly into her face, but you can feel she's smiling now, happy
>the way she's meant to be
>maybe she just thought of the same thing
>but you don't need to talk any more about the departure now, most of it is set and ready
>you're going to have one last peaceful evening together
>free of all troubles...