Part 1: https://desuarchive.org/mlp/thread/39085111/#39126944 
Part 2: https://desuarchive.org/mlp/thread/39144777/#39153402
Part 3: https://desuarchive.org/mlp/thread/39144777/#39170835
Part 4: https://desuarchive.org/mlp/thread/39217666/#39250894
Part 5: https://desuarchive.org/mlp/thread/39217666/#39266286
Part 6: https://desuarchive.org/mlp/thread/39217666/#39271315
Part 7: https://desuarchive.org/mlp/thread/39309888/#39386153
Part 8: https://desuarchive.org/mlp/thread/39309888/#39388076
Part 9: https://desuarchive.org/mlp/thread/39394666/#39398726
Part 10: https://desuarchive.org/mlp/thread/39394666/#39411170
Part 11: https://desuarchive.org/mlp/thread/39394666/#39453508
Part 12: https://desuarchive.org/mlp/thread/39457666/#39482118

>another slow slip of my cider, another sigh escaping my lips 
>thick smoke filled the bar, the quite talking broken by hard laughter time to time 
>sometimes a crash 
>looking over to my right, I can see Rainbow Dash down another cider as her hoof wrestling opponent picked himself up off the ground 
>poor table, just doing its job 
>the bartender didn't seem to notice, or more so, care 
>soldiers on leave get a pass for most things it seems and Ponyville is use to hosting those on break from the front 
>another sip, another bit 
"Thanks Cake. How much for the table?" 
>the mare looked over after pouring me another, tired eyes looking at the mess 
>"Clean it up." 
>I gave a nod, taking my cider with me over to Dash, finally done with her side show 
>the non broken table next to her was stacked with empty mugs, I'd say about 6 
>I know she has had more then that, how she has her thousand yard stare on, slightly swaying 
"Hey, Dash. Gonna clean this up then we have to get back for the night." 
>she scoffs, swinging around to look at me, her face blushed from her intoxication 
>"No." 
>I give it a few seconds 
>just two more.. 
>her defiant eyes slowly drop once, then slam down again 
>her slight sway ends as she pitches over to one side, letting gravity do its thing 
>my arm was already ready as I was sipping at my cider, keeping her from crashing to the floor 
>putting my own drink down, I set dash off to the side of the table, clearing a small spot for her to lay on while I cleaned up the broken table 
>finishing my drink, I picked up Rainbow and let her hang over my back and shoulders, drool seeping into my shirt, making my way out of Sugarcube Corner and to our bed posting 
"Every leave, eh Dash?" 
>slight snoring, more drool 
>of course 
>only a few minutes before I can get some sleep, get ready for her hangover in the morning 
>I smile
>whats a wingmate to do anyway

>I sat up, eyes wide, sweating 
>my breathing was hard, my chest was pounding 
>slowly I calmed down, my eyes adjusting to the dark 
>it was my fault 
>it was my bucking fault 
>when I was so cocky, full of ego, so much better then anypony else... 
>I bite back a sob, shaking instead 
>I remember how much he liked me 
>how hard to fought to catch up, to show he was worthy 
>I didn't know he would go so far... 
>never again, I had told myself 
>I would never let myself get so close, to allow anypony in again 
>my eyes drift, falling onto the bed near by 
>my wingmate, the strange alien who saved me 
>at the time, I was ready for my end, I was tired of my guilt 
>instead, this strange human showed up in my life, in my war, saving me 
>always watching my back 
>I don't know how long I stared at him, my thoughts speeding faster then I could every fly 
>I don't know when I let my guard down around him 
>how he seem to somehow get so close 
>looking over to my side table, a glass of water, off in the corner my wing 
>I down the water, making my way out of my bed, slowly over to his 
>my breathing is hard again, my heart is racing 
>never again I told myself 
>"I have to tell you later about him, Anon... Just not now."
>I climbed into his bed, gently finding part of the bed not covered by him 
>I snugged myself as close as I could, my one wing laying over him 
>I began to drift back to sleep, feeling as sure about this choice as anything else 
>my final thought before I passed out again, something said after we had talked about if the war would ever end
>"As far as I see it, it's never going to end. At least not in this life time." 
"Don't ever say Never, dude. Sometimes, shit just happens." 
>I smile, remembering his goofy grin as he said it

>my eyes open once, quickly closing once again, then half squint open 
>as the world began to assemble itself, I seem to notice few things 
>I am very warm, as if I have two blankets and a mix of sweat and stale cider 
>more so then I normally would smell after a night out 
>I tilt my head over to my left, my face greeted with a colorful, messy mane 
>I can see her wing draped over me 
>I'm at a loss here 
>I know I put her in her bed... 
>I tried to wiggle loose, but unable to get her to move
>the grip of her legs around what parts of me she could remained strong, her wing still draped over me
>this was new 
>this is new 
>I don't know if I should panic and wake her up, or just wait for her to get up first 
>thinking about it some more, it would be safer to just let her wake up 
>my free hand began to drift, making its way to her wing 
>I never really felt her wing before, carrying her around at times aside
>any interaction has always been with her metal wing 
>I kept my hand over her wing, my fingers twitching to feel them 
>"I won't mind..." 
>my blood runs cold for a moment, my head looking over 
>shes peaking up at me, one eye looking at me 
>she doesn't say anything else, tucking her head back into me, her wing giving a flutter 
>I began to stroke her wing as softly as I could, brushing my fingers along her feathers 
>I feel and hear a deep sigh escape her lips as she tucked herself closer to me 
>It must have been an hour or so of petting her wing, neck, almost everywhere 
>this bonding moment was more then just two wingmates, or at least its how I felt 
>this was much more, it was something that just seemed right 
>its our last day of R&R, the thought of this moment having to end striking me 
>I turn from my back onto my side, facing Rainbow Dash as she grunts awake slightly 
>I hold her close, bodies getting entangled to make sure neither could escape, legs and arms wrapped
>we drift back to sleep, a few more hours until the sun rises

>I put down my binoculars, confusion presented on my face 
>for the last few days, our lovely neighbors across no-pones land have yet to pop their heads up 
>after a few days of rushed action, their camps now seem deserted with no sign of any of them 
>my patrol rotation has me away from the major fighting, but even the fringes had something going on 
>I look up, seeing Dash make her way down to me from her vantage point 
>landing softly, she only gave me a shrug 
"Yeah, same here. Just alot of nothing going on." 
>her soft stone face gave me a slight nod, her ears twitching slightly as she turned her head back to our camp 
>at first I thought she was saying 'lets head back' 
>instead she looked up, my eyes following 
>a mare with golden like eyes, light grey and blond mane and tail was coming down for a landing 
>as she got closer, I could see her eyes seemed... off
>plowing into me as Dash side stepped the mare, I braced myself for the ground landing 
>breathing heavy, she was quickly up again, her entire being seemed to be bursting with excitement 
>"Oh! I'm sorry!" 
>I could see Dash giving her a smirk, laughing at my expense 
>this mare seemed to be wearing the Postal uniform, one of the most dangerous jobs to have in this damn war 
>Dash gave her a salute, I as well when I picked myself up 
>her smile was very beaming, almost infectious really 
>"Whats the news, Hooves." Dash asked calmly, her smirk gone and back to her neutral self 
>without another word, the beaming mare hoofed over a letter to Dash, saluting before taking off into the sky again, making her way over to the next patrol 
>today is just a day of confusion 
"So, what dose it say? New orders, are we going back to the front? More R&R?" 
>no answer, her eyes focused on the paper 
>she was shaking 
>ok what the hell 
"Dash? Whats up?" 
>I kneel down, about to put my hand on her to get her attention 
>like a spring trap, she was on me, driving me onto my back, her lips on mine 
>Dash is a fan of Shock and Awe tactics, but what just happen here?! 
>she pulls back, her eyes watering, no smirk, no stone cold face 
>joy, bliss. A smile that is forever burned into my brain 
"D-dash?" 
>she lowers herself onto me, her mouth near my ear, a chocked whisper escaping her lips 
>"It's over... Celestia made a break through, and it just kept going... She slew King Sombra. It's over." 
>I feel nothing at first, everything blank 
>I'm shaking myself now, I can feel my eyes burning 
>I cry, I can't help it 
>I feel her press herself close to me, a feather brushing against my cheek 
>I push myself up, holding onto her in a hug, both of us refusing to move 
>the back of my mind tells me to wait on this feeling, wait until we are clearly home 
>the moment of bliss is not gone, but my mind is running wild as well 
>where is home anyway...

>half a year later, and I still find myself in a melancholy
>despite being an alien when I arrived, I earned myself citizenship and a home
>time was given into seeing if I could be sent home, but it seems that isn't really going to happen
>my gut turned cold when I thought about leaving, how that thought seems too taboo
>I insisted that there was no need, but one dosent really say no to a Princess God horse, really
>Dash is a military mare, even after the war ended she's busy, always loyal to her duty
>I didn't think I'd be missing her like this
>I didn't think the thought of going back home would make me so sick
>my thoughts begin to focus on dinner as I walk through Ponyvile, once the home to soldiers on leave and home of the staple applesauce ration can
>I found myself working for Applejack, with the war over she has been deconstructing the machines that, as she put it;
>"Turned mah'Dang farm into a cold box."
>I assume it's due to having to work inside those factories instead of being outdoors
>I chuckle slightly, her rants about how to properly farm apples playing back in my head
>I go to open my door, but notice it's cracked open a little
>my heart races, my body slipping back into a familiar position
>I open the door, body ready to spring into action
>Instead, I'm paralyzed
>I'm focusing on the blue mare with a rainbow mane and tail napping on my couch
>her hair was longer then I last remember, her metal wing reflecting a sky blue tint
>her head pops up, groggy eyes looking around before focusing on me
>her smile brings me to near tears of joy, my body still paralyzed and unable to rush to her
>Instead she gets up, stretches and makes her way over to me
>she lifts herself up on her hind legs, her front hooves on my chest and he wings dropped around my back
>"Welcome home, Anon. Guess who's done serving?"
>I was hugging her, lifting her up to bring her close
>I forgot how long I was in my doorway hugging Rainbow Dash, but time has always been a silly and strange thing

>I sat up like a spring, my eyes trying desperately adjust to the dark, my heart racing
>I groggily look at the empty spot next to me in the bed
>I swear I heard something, a sound that drove a cold knife into my gut
>I stay up right, my heart going back to a calm beat
>I hear the sound again, a mix of a whimper, sniffle and groan
>I swing myself out of bed, half walking half stumbling to the door, the sound growing louder
>making my way out to the living room, the sound is now constant, coming from a form on the couch
>as my eyes began to adjust as I made my way over to the couch, the sky blue, multi color pony I've grown to love had her hoofs covering her face
>the small squeaks of sound coming from her
>she's been home for a week now, her attitude one I've always known with a sprinkle of softening
>seeing her cry was something new to me
>I made my way to the couch, taking a seat next to her, her whimpering cutting off as her body became stiff
>I don't know what's up, what may of happened but I did the only thing I could
>I put my arms around her, drawing her close
>I felt her shiver, the shivering becoming a rumble before she wrapped her hooves around me
>silent sobbing now, something more painful then any battle wound I've received 
>I may not be the brightest around but even I can connect the dots 
>I held her tight, one arm running up and down her neck, trying to sooth my wingmate, trying to ease some of her pain
>the war is over but I can't imagine what she has gone through, given I barley fought myself all things considered
>overtime, we laid down on the couch, her sounds becoming more docile, until she was lightly snoring
>I didn't sleep again that night, all I could think and do was hold her close and be there when she needed me
>I stroked her mane, staring at my ceiling as I began to think of the future
>no matter what I thought, one thing was clear to me
>come hell or the end times, I'd never stop fighting for her, with her
>I can see the sun rising now, the small glints of light shining on her
>she helped me in ways I don't think she will understand yet
>the best I can do is just be here for her, to continue being her wingmate
>she will talk to me about her post-war issues when she fits
>until then, I'll be her rock on the storm she's in
>what else can a wingmate do?

>soft, smooth fur ran across my chest, my hands sinking into a chest of the same material, fluffy, warm
>light pressure caressing my sides and up to my neck
>I can feel her warm breath on my cheek, the soft touch of her muzzle kneading into me
>my other hand ran across her back, from her wing base to her wing base stump, kneading away tension, the scar tissue receiving much wanted attention
>my hand leaves the comfort of the chest, running it's way up her neck, then down again, both hands working on her back and wings
>she lowers herself, placing her head into the crevice of my neck, laying on top of me now, her hooves still moving long my sides and up to my neck
>I continue my methodical massaging until I feel her wing fold back down, her body twisting to the side off me, hooves still holding me
>I roll over as well, my legs and arms wrapping around her as she's done to me
>I'll never get tired looking into her eyes, the pure emotions shining bright replacing the thousand yard stare glare she had always worn
>two years of healing, of loving, have let her shine, to be happy, hopeful
>to be wanted and loved
>we finally made it official tonight, neither of us knowing the other had the same idea
>she had gone all out, asking a local fashion designer, ex-stitcher who helped create our uniforms
>Rarity had to custom make mine after all so of course I was a good customer after the war
>Dash had shown up to the park, an area finally blossoming with nature again, me with my wing clip, ready to ask her the question
>her looking so... Perfect, no make up, no fancy hair style, but obviously alot of grooming went into her wing, coat and mane
>exchanging her feather and my clip, neither of us even had to ask the question
>my face rubs into her chest, the warmth and smell something I never wish to go without again
>the comfort of a Wingmate, tied together, pure loyalty
>I pull back, now face to face with her
"I love you."
>Sappy can't describe how I'm feeling
>"Ya? Well, I love you by about, 20% more."
>she grins at me, a challenge placed
>I pull her close, kissing my response
>she kissed right back, both of us not backing down for a few minutes
>finally we both slowly draw back, each of us grinning like young fools
>"Eh... Let's call that one a draw."
"How about best two out of three?"
>challenge, of course, was accepted

>it amazes me how often I'm surprised here
>another sip from my coffee, I watch on as two ponies went from snowball fights to building snowpones
>a orange filly with a purple mane was giggling while running off, a snowball clearly hitting it's mark
>Rainbow Dash was close behind, one wing extended showing her excitement, her joy
>she doesn't like to wear her metal wing during winter, not surprisingly
>she stopped, scooped some snow with her hooves before tossing it to her wing, then throwing it at Scootaloo
>she looked back in time before impact, the snowball causing her to tumble, Dash standing over her
>I couldn't help by smile as they both erupted into laughter, my focus of course on Dash
>ever since she and Scoots stumbled across one another, I've noticed how much shes began to smile, laugh, breaking her relaxed stone face 
>it had been a slow healing after the war, and this little filly managed to open her up then I've been able to do in years
>like a missing piece to a puzzle
>I smile wider as they both approach, the cold finally becoming a bother more then fun
>"Hey, Anon. Mind getting some hot cocoa going for Squirt here?"
>Scoots eyes widen in excitement, before stammering out
>"T-thats ok! I do-"
>I cut her off with a quick wave of my hand, already having some on the stovetop ready to go
"Scoots, you should know by now. My hospitality would not allow me to not offer."
>I take a step off to the side as she rushes in, something I'm more then use to
>"Heheh... She reminds me of myself when I was little. Like she can take on the world."
>Dash looks up at me, her soft smile warning the air around us
>"You made extra cocoa, right?"
>I sip my coffee and give a small nod, her smile widening as she goes in herself to pour her and Scoots a nice hot drink
>I already set up a guest bed for the little filly, knowing she wouldn't make it back 'home' before the sun fell
>I look again at the assortment of snowpones in our yard, the splatter of exploded snow on trees
>I look back inside, Dash and Scoot setting up by the fireplace
>Closing the door, I wonder if tonight is the night to ask Dash...

>Dash was stretched across my lap, one arm propping herself up as she sipped at her cider
>Scoots passed out a few hours ago, nearly the moment she finished her cocoa really
>after I put her to bed, Dash had thrown some of the hard cider onto the stovetop
>as happy as I am to have some work, I think Dash likes my job alot more due to the perks
>I must have loss track of time within my thoughts, Dash giving me a smirk as I keep staring at her, goofy smile unchanging
>"See somthen ya like?" her own smile turning into a challenging grin
>I laugh, my thoughts snapping back to me 
>I sip my own cider, hoping I wasn't about to make a mistake
"Well... You could say that."
>I pretend to sip more of my drink, but my eyes where locked with hers
>scrunched nose, squinted eyes
>I take a real drink now, not stopping until my cider is gone
>Dash on the other hand, set hers down
>I set my empty mug off to the side, the fire having my attention
>I finally look at her again, her war face on full display, calm, cool, hard like stone
"So uh... Scootaloo... What a filly, huh?"
>nothing but her stare, waiting to hear what I have to say
>I wish I had more cider...

>new mug of cider and more comfortable on the couch, I take another drink
>Dash is still waiting on what I have to say, or more so, ask
"So... I was thinking."
>she smirks before returning to her war face
"Ya, ya... Anyway. Remember when we went to that smart horse mare? Purple, horn, has a book fetish?"
>her face drops, a small nod
>still a sore memory it seems, giving me hope that I'm not overstepping
>Dash had to help me through that drunken week after, Apple Boss AJ cutting me off from my seemingly unlimited free tap
"Scoots really adores you, ya know?"
>she tilts her head at me, eyebrow raising up in question
>"Well, duh. She's like a little sister to me.same way I'm a big sister to her."
>I nod and sip
"I mean, she really looks up to you."
>same stare, just silence
"I was thinking... She doesn't have a family to look up to, just seems it's us."
>I don't even have to look over to feel her eyes digging into the side of my head
"She has fun hanging out with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell when she follows me around."
>"Anon."
>I don't answer her, instead getting up and going to a small pile of papers
>"...Anon?"
>I find what I'm looking for, bringing a few papers stapled together over
>I set them down near her, her eyes looking down to them, then back to me
>"Uhh... And this is..?"
>I softly smile, having to look away from her
"I think you'd make Aan awesome mom. She is a lot like you. She's got a good head on her. She's here alot, and we-"
>a wing covers my mouth, before turning my head to face Dash
>"Anon."
>I swallow, her face of stone becoming a soft, big grin
>she simply points to the paperwork, flipped to the final page
>the adoption forum already has one signature on it, not my own
>I keep staring at the paper, the dread of this question melting away
>I feel her lean against me, her snout pushing under my chin
>"Did you really think I didn't know what you where planning?"
>I wrap my own arms around her, half turned for an awkward hug, squeezing tight as I fight off joyful tears
>It's not official yet, still have to return the paperwork and wait
>It wouldn't be a long wait, given a war hero wanting to adopt and myself jumping through all their hoops
>I don't think I'll ever get over being surprised around here
>I can't wait to reveal this surprise to Scoots

>my hands work their way across Dash's hips, her hooves wrapped around my neck
>only the light sound of heavy breathing, escaped moans as my hands move across her, the wind outside howling time to time
>Dash and I have always enjoyed winter, just a reason to stay in when possible, reminder of moments when that's all we had to keep ourselves going 
>a light tapping at the door, the entire moment freezing in time
>Dash's hooves quickly let me go, allowing me to flip over to the side of the bead as our bedroom door opens a crack
>Scootaloo peeked her head in, slightly shaking 
>"I-I had a nightma-"
>another shriek of the wind from outside, the kind that seems to shake the place, caused Scoots to bolt onto the bed, tonight's slow paced fun becoming a bigger blessing given my boxers remained on
>she was shaking, tucked in between Dash and I
>she didn't miss a best, her wing quickly covering Scoots and tucking her close 
>her head under her wing, I could make out quite muffles, Dash making her voice as soft and gentle as possible
>only a few minutes later, the orange bolt was asleep again, face pushed into Rainbow's chest
>I don't think she will ever admit it, but I'm sure I saw her eyes water up when she smiled at me

>despite my trust in Rainbow Dash's ability, her fitness and wisdom, I still can't help but feel a cold gut when she tries out a new move
>today was no exception, only ending in a crash to drive the knife into that cold gut feeling
>Fluttershy was quick to act, all of this being second nature to her
>I was no slouch on my own reaction but hiding my worry wasn't second nature to me
>Fluttershy was nearly done, a grunting Dash wearing a face of embarrassment over one of pain, allowing me to unclench my gut
>on her seventh loop she loss control, making a dip into the edge of everfree forest
>she tried to slow down and regain control, but clipped a branch and went spiraling to the ground instead
>"Heh... Didn't mess up my wings."
>Fluttershy rolls her eyes with a smile as Dash flexes her wings, giving them a small flap before she stands and flaps them again
>"Can't say much about the face though. Ow..."
>my hand feels something cold placed into it, followed by a quick bump to my hip forcing me forward
>looking back I see Fluttershy going back to her cabin, her service apparently no longer needed
>I sit down next to Dash, placing the ice pack over her bandaged head
>she flinched slightly but sighed in relief
>"Thanks dude. That was really embarrassing... I pulled it off just fine yesterday."
>another sigh, one of defeat this time
"I don't doubt it. In a few more tries I'm sure you'll nail it. How many moves have you made again? Was it some or alot?"
>she gives a snicker, taking a seat next to me before laying across my lap, ice pack in tow
>"Alot. I might even name one after you one day."
>she spoke with a confidence and mater of fact tone, one indicating it really wasn't a might
>idle chatter as the sun set, the protest of being carried on my back, the soft snoring when I put her on my bed
>despite being able to fly home, she decided I could take care of her during her recovery
>as if her crashing at my place wasn't common enough
>I wasn't very tired myself so instead I watched the night sky, each night usually being full of new stars, color placements and patterns
>still doesn't hold a feather to watching Dash fly, but at least it's not as gut wrenching

>an orange and purple body laid sprawled across the living room floor, the filly having crashed there after her sugar binge the night before
>empty cans of soda, candy wrappers and boxes of pastries littered the floor and tables
>Rainbow Dash had gone to bed an hour or so after the new year began, once Scootaloo had passed out
>"She really ate the whole cake..." Dash had muttered as she went to bed
>I haven't slept yet, enjoying the night and the now slowly rising sun
>it seems I'm not alone
>a pegasus with a mailbag slowly made her way to my door, coming to a halt before me, eyes crossed and blond mane held back by a cap
>"Hiya Anon! I brought you a letter!"
"I thought the post office was closed today, Muffins."
>Derpy fished out an envelope and held it out for me to take, her bubbly voice answering
>"Oh, it is, but I still run my own courier service on the side."
>with that she waved with a smile and took off, looking at her list for her next stop
>I decided to go back inside and see what was sent while I warm up again, sitting at the edge of our bed as Dash lightly snored
>I recognized the name on the letter, my smile creeping wider
>Instead of opening it, I placed it on my end table, then laid down along side Rainbow
>I began rubbing her chest to slowly wake her up, finding this method the safest
>her light snoring turned into grumbling grunts, my hand moving up to her neck in return
>"WhyamIawake.."
>she began to stretch, eyes still refusing to open
"We got a letter."
>"You woke me up for a letter?" her ear twitching in annoyance
"It's from Fluttershy."
>she was up on her hooves, sleepy eyes opening as wide as they could
>I simply rolled over to the other side of the bed and grabbed the letter, showing it to her

>"She said it would be, like, another month or something!"
>her wing was extended, giving small flaps every so often
>after the war, Fluttershy went from a medic mare to opening an animal and orphanage sanctuary
>you would think mixing the two would be a terrible idea, but I guess that's just my own old world view or something
>it was by chance Dash ran into Scootaloo, discovering her friend was in charge of Scoots
"She can tame a bear. I'm not to surprised she made a bureaucrat speed up the process." I offer with a shrug. "She has pretty much lived with us for a year now anyway."
>she took a seat next to me as I opened the letter and began reading
>first the well wishes and congratulations from Flutters, then the informing us that the official copies of our paperwork still have to arrive
>although the system officially recognizes the adoption
>"Should we wake Squirt?"
"After last night? Best to let her sleep."
>Dash quickly hoped off the bed and made her way over to her wing, glancing over at me with a giddy smile, dancing on her hoof tips
>"Mind helping me get this on? I really gotta take a flight."
>my own smile was starting to hurt, but nothing I could do about that
>I got up to help my wingmate, before cleaning up after our fillies binge
>not a long process, the sleeping filly now slept without the garbage of her sins surrounding her
>by now, she curled up into a ball, one hoof stretched out
>I placed the envelope underneath it, stepping outside again to watch Rainbow dart back and forth, twirling and looping
>not bad for a new year start