>The cold has not been bad
>The lack of wind and slush-causing rain has kept everything bright and white
>It used to be so much more harsh
>Prism reseats herself on the patio
>A plain, ratty towel was perfect to protect her flank from the cold
>Due to the washing machine chewing it up, the only other fate for it was the trash
>So high above the ground, it is impossible to miss anything
>"This is what this feels like" is what she said, the first time she sat outside
>The feeling of being above others
>The feeling of being so far away from the dirt and grime of the ground
>"Incoming, think fast."
>The patio glass door slides open, then closed
>It's Sparking Shine
>She looks haggard, with her mane even less kempt than normal
"Anon running you through the ringer?"
>"Worse. That freaking boss... night two and neither of us can win."
>That's right
>She and Anon have been distracted yet again by another challenging video game
>The weekend nights are full of desperate screams, joyous cheers and angry threats
>They truly feed off of each other
>Jacky has been able to give support but it is apparent that sort of hard core challenging isn't for her
"That's a first. Usually you two are able to go further, faster than that."
>Sparking sighs and shakes her head
>The snow on the patio wood around her melts in seconds in a perfect circle
>Her mastery over her own magic is awe-inspiring
>"Well we're playing it on a harder mode. And I don't think we're supposed to tackle this part so early. So basically we get melted in two hits. Or one."
>Judging by her tone, she is defeated
>Prism smiles at this
>Her wing extends out far enough to rest over the unicorn's shoulders
"You'll figure something out. If you can, you can always try to level up more."
>Sparking sighs
>"We can try to. We can't even return to the main part of the game until we pass that part. We got locked in."
"Maybe you should take a break."
>Sparking lays down, the circle of warmth emanating from her forming an oval rather than a circle
>"I have to. Anon and Jacky are having smooch time so he's probably clearing his head too."
>Jacky...
>Prism nods with a heavy sigh
"Among other things... sometimes I still find it hard to believe she's grown. Like that, anyway."
>"What, doing things like they do?"
"Yes. It changes you. To do those sorts of things. It changed her."
>Prism's mouth flickers, fighting the urge to frown
"It changed me, too."
>"I could go for that sort of change..."
>Her grumbling is capitalized by a huff
"You could?"
>"Well yeah. Obviously. Do you see how proud and happy she is at work? Mrs. and Mr. Jacky. The kids don't even pause to call them that anymore. Everyone seems fine with it."
>Her tone turns mocking at mentioning their names
>The more the man and her little sister talk about family and relationship matters, the more apparent it is that Shine is losing her competitive edge
"Well, they may be parents sooner or later. I can't say I blame them for wanting to embrace the part."
>"I guess..."
>Sparking's horn starts to glow
>The red light focuses to the very tip, and spits out
>It is a little thrown ember, lobbed to the steel patio railing
>It hits the metal and dissipates in a hiss
>"You're worldly and crap."
"I suppose I am."
>Prism liked to consider herself as such
>She has been deeply humbled since getting used to the human world
>Getting a human job
>Realizing that even human children can tower over her

>"What's it like? To have that sort of thing. Like... we already get to hang out a lot. And no one cares if we sleep next to each other. Now that I think about it, I've been able to get away with doing a whole lot of things with him..."
>She chuckles
>It is a mischievous chuckle
>But out of the corner of Prism's eye, it's obvious that the chuckle does not include a smile
"It..."
>She doesn't recall ever mentioning certain things about her past
>At this point, does it matter?
"It was nice. I think."
>Prism swallows hard
>It feels sickening to even bring up that life
"I... do not think about that sort of thing, anymore. I'm not comfortable admitting if it was out of love, like what Jacky has. Or if it was for help. Or."
>Prism's wings retract, hugging closely to her own body
"...I don't know. It wasn't like how Jacky is."
>"Yeah. That airhead didn't even look both ways before crossing a road. And now she's..."
"Matured."
>"Yeah..."
>The air is awkward between them
>Prism's consistent nightmare has stuck with her for months now
>As much as she wants to say more things, she can't bring herself to risk the backlash
"If it means anything, you have matured fine enough under your own power. Look at what you can do with magic. And video games. And work, too."
>"I know... and I want to say "but"."
"But?"
>"Yeah. I want to complain... but I really can't. I just wish my magic could help them. Because then they can help me in return."
"They, or he?"
>"Same thing, isn't it?"
>Prism's eyes wander out to the snowy landscape
>She shrugs and closes her eyes
"I suppose so. Be careful what you ask for, is all I can say. Jacky... I don't think can go back to how things were. And I'm the picture of what happens when you're alone but still know what it was like. Which would you rather be?"
>Prism expected that to be the end of the conversation
>"Neither. I would rather be myself. And do things the way I want it to be done. And get to enjoy what I like without feeling embarrassed over it."
>That's a very appropriate answer
>It is far less pessimistic than what Prism thought of, even if it was out of reflex
"A question, if I may."
>"Go for it."
"About that... deal..."
>"Which one?"
"The one about magical conception."
>"Heh..."
>Another light focuses on the tip of Sparking's horn
>The ember grows to nearly three times the size of the first one
>Instead of it being lobbed, it compresses until it shoots out
>It goes straight up in the air like a torch
>It remains for a number of seconds before sputtering out
>"What about it?"
>Sparking has to be aware of how ironic it is that she's so envious despite having such enviable powers that never seem to have any inherent cost associated
"..."
>What is the best way to proceed?
>She has always wanted to ask about that deal
>Not just the terms but the reality of it
"If it works... and then... it works for you. How are you going to reconcile that?"
>"Well, it means that I'll have a new way to show that I'm better and then it can lead to a bigger family. Obviously."
"I never took you for one who would want a big family."
>"To be fair, I still don't know if I do or not. But... I don't want to be left out. And you hear it between them all the time if you pay attention. They have such silly, sappy goals. I can't help but feel like I should want the same thing. Besides, it..."
>Sparking trails off
>She sniffs
>"I don't know. I've asked myself if it was worth doing. If I have no pride or sense of shame, to want to latch onto even that sort of thing. But... I don't think I care about the pride. I can be prideful and feel like I kept my morality high. But who cares if I maintain that but never have a chance for anything more?"
"Indeed. What can an empress rule over, without a dynasty?"

>Prism gives a smirk
>In their D&D campaign, her character has caught the bug of ambition
>They're still one group, but she has been going out of her way to get access to higher level spells sooner
>She is still quick to use that color spray spell to surprise enemies
>But she is expertly meticulous in her schemes
>"See? You get it. I guess I'm not driven in that way like, Jacky is. But I would be missing out really bad if I couldn't have that too."
"It almost seems petty."
>"Me? Petty? Naaaaah..."
>Judging by their mutual flat tones, they are both aware of how poor this conversation on conduct is
>It is such a despicable grey area
>But it is not purely out of spite, or jealousy
>Even if the seeds remain pure in their origin
>"I guess... if I have to admit it. Being a.... you know. A wife. That would be kinda cool. But. It would be cooler to be a mom. I mean, I'm awesome. Everyone can see that."
"Of course."
>"And I never needed any of those stupid schools and books to learn how to do my voodoo. Imagine if I had a little mini-me who could learn to control it too. Except sooner, and better. I may be good now but she could be great. In a world like this, it means that she could do anything, anywhere. I made you watch those videos with those street magicians, and they suck. Imagine if we could show humans real magic. She could be a millionaire before she could even count to a million."
"Can you count to a million?"
>"No, but out of choice."
>The little poke is enough to bring some positivity into the conversation
>Not a lot
>But enough to matter
>"It just seems neat... that's all. If I'm talking to him, I can make it sound so much less silly. But some of that comes from me also offering something huge. I even spoke to Jacky about it and-"
"You spoke to Jacky about the deal?"
>She shouldn't be surprised, but she is
>"Of course I did. And Jacky doesn't seem to care. I mean, she got really mad for a while. But that's kinda because I think I teased her about it. Really didn't go at the right angle."
"She's liable to hurt you if you keep doing that."
>"Already well aware of that, thank you."
>For never having been the violent filly, Jacky has grown to be quite proud of getting physical if her place in life gets sullied or tarnished in even hypotheticals
>Prism can only be proud of such willingness to be assertive
>Possessive, even
>"Anyway, I brought it up with her and... I think, as of now? Work has done a great job at changing her mind. I brought up that she could be a mom and an aunt and... I think she likes the sound of that."
>For the first time since their socializing started, Sparking looks at Prism directly
>Her expression is neutral
>Fatigued but neutral
>"Did she always have this potential? Did you ever know she could turn out so... well?"
"Me? Of course I did."
>Prism smiles
>For the first time in a long time, she feels proud of herself
"I did my best. I tried to. So that she wouldn't have so many scars keeping her from being happy."
>"I guess you really did, huh..."
>Sparking sits up
>"I think... I'm gonna get some sleep now. I was gonna burst in there and try to cause some mayhem but... I think I'm just gonna let her have this one."
>She stretches in a variety of ways, yawning
>"Don't stay up too late. You get to choose music and if you're sleeping, I'll steal your turn."
>Prism chuckles
"You can have it. I think I'll come back in after a while."
>With that, the pegasus is left alone outside yet again
>Prism nods to herself
"She really has grown up."
>She wants to just lay down and sleep outside but she knows that she can't
>Not when it is winter
"I wish I could have had just a little more time with her before then."


>Prism was starting to enjoy working
>It helped that she only had to work for four hours
>Like Anon, she learned that one can... not quite sit on the clock, but busy themselves with menial tasks
>Perhaps he wasn't such a diligent worker, compared to the so-titled Mrs. Jacky, but he had his positive moments
>She had heard a few words between her employers that they were considering reducing his hours more to the point he would lose benefits
>All four of them would still work, so it would not put them in any dire straits
>But...
>Would it be ok still?
>He had taken such a leap of faith on Jacky's whim
>It was a positive sign of their bond
>But was it smart?
>The patio was a perfect place to think it over
>While they, and Sparking, got to enjoy themselves and live the day to day
>Prism...
>She thought
>She contemplated
>She wondered
>But
>She was also getting better at no longer being so lonesome
>She strolls into the living room, having visited the little mare's room before
>It is another movie night
>One of countless
>Anon is laying on his side
>Jacky is acting as his pillow and rotated just enough that they can share an intimate moment without warning
>And there is almost never a warning
>Sparking is laying in front of Anon, showing no shame in her connection
>Ever since that...
>Dream?
>Night terror?
>Whatever it was, Prism has come to see that maybe she shouldn't concern herself too much of what should or shouldn't be
>Knowing Sparking more, she understands the...
>Loneliness
>"Yo, gonna join us?"
>Anon has a laptop hooked up to the TV
>How did he ever survive without having one within arm's reach?
"Depends, what's on the menu?"
"True Lies. It's a sort of spy movie. But with more explosions."
>Prism's eyebrow raises
"Sounds different."
>...
>...
>...
>"Yo, wanna join us?"
>Another night after work
>Everyone is visibly tired, far so to the point antics are out of the question
>The only thing different is that while Jacky is Anon's pillow again, Sparking is draped over him like a ragdoll
>She must be half-asleep as is
"Depends, what is lined up this time?"
>"Child's Play."
"Well that... doesn't sound normal."
>"It's not, it's about a possessed doll that kills."
>Prism's eyebrow raises
"That's new."
>"So new it came out at the end of the 80s."
>...
>...
>...
>"Yo, hang out with us."
>Yet another night
>How many has it been?
>Work-socializing with humans-has made the pony's days all bleed together
>It feels like this has become the default, outside of video games
>Even Jacky has stopped mentioning the Harmony Quests
>Not due to boredom, but sheer forgetfulness
>Rather than laying on his side, Anon is laying on his back
>Both Jacky and Sparking are sharing a large blanket with a pillow in between them to act as a headrest
"I take it that it's something good?"
>"Definitely. It's about the struggle of business ownership and dealing with nutty city folk. Some of which are just dogs when push comes to shove."
"That sounds surprisingly insightful. What is it called?"
>"Ghostbusters!"
>...
>...
>...
>"Eaaaaaagle!"
>Prism watches Anon spin around in place, holding Jacky up with his arms and the bulk of her shape on his shoulders
>For some unknown reason, they've been rough housing all day since work
>It has been weeks since she first heard of the possibility of his hours getting cut
>Whether or not it happened, he seems just as fine as always
>She does too
>Maybe it is their way of getting through hard times?
>...
>...
>...
>"Alright, fella... we're... going... to bed!"
>Prism watches from an open fridgerator
>Jacky is dragging an unconscious Anon on her back
>It is just enough of him to be moved across the floor
>The weight doesn't seem to bother her but the size difference is making the move slow
>Prism cocks her head to the side and lowers it
>Sure enough, Anonymous truly is asleep
>Perhaps he has finally gotten sick?
>...
>...
>...


>"Soup... soup..."
>Prism pokes her head out from the mass of quilts that feel the best for her
>Anon is checking the pantry
>Without finesse
"Can you please slam the doors a little gently?"
>"A-ah. Sorry."
>Anon's rummaging immediately slows
>"Jackling's sick."
>How could that have ever happened?
>He sounds rather healthy now, compared to...
>How long ago was it?
>Days?
>Even with the addition of work, she has been losing track of time
"I didn't know humans could get ponies sick."
>"Neither did I. Even if that isn't the case, I can't do nothing."
>Despite his concern, Prism hears a satisfied exclamation
>"There we go, tomato and basil. Yeah, sorry to wake you."
>Prism lets her head drop and nuzzles it into the nearest source of fabric
>It brings back some sense of warmth that she has never grown out of
>Thankfully it does not also carry the sense of dread that would come from having to ferret out rodents or insects
>...
>...
>...
>Prism crawls out from under her comfortable mass of bedding
>A small glance outside shows that it is far too late to be awake
>Despite the hour, there is still plenty of sounds to pay attention to
>The laptop computer behind her is playing some sort of dull-voiced narrator explaining frame data
>Sparking Shine is probably sleeping
>She only ever puts that on when she is too tired to do anything else
>Letting her wings expand and flap so they lose their stiffness, the pegasus approaches the sleeping unicorn
>A pillow is between her lower legs, underneath her head, and there are three more over her body
>Only under her are some blankets
>She is such a hot shot, it is difficult to ever imagine her being cold again
>Of course...
>She used to shiver too
>Maybe it is her magic
>Or the fact that even without a blanket, the apartment isn't so bad
"..."
>She would like to awaken her...
>Friend
>...
>But it would be rude
>Giving a nod to the peaceful pony, Prism instead makes way to see the other half of their video game party
>In D&D terms, it would be the commander and his right hand
>She has been reading more of the books outside of their campaign
>Some of it seems to stoke some sort of fire in her chest
>It is difficult to explain
>Before she nudges open the door, she can hear something playing
>A movie, as usual
>But with someone talking over it
>Prism stands still and listens in
>It certainly isn't either Anonymous's or Jacky's voice
>The words are capped off with a chiding "ding" noise
>...
>No comments
>Or
>Other noises
>Prism ultimately decides to push the door open enough with the side of her face to peek inside
>Despite her meager hope, Jacky is not available to talk
>She is laying with her human, sharing a blanket and sleeping more peacefully than she's ever seen before entering this world
>His arm is her pillow, she is facing him with her back to the screen
>Just how long has she been ignoring the visuals?
>Despite their size difference, she is laying where they are directly face to face
>How many of these romantic gestures and thoughts...
>Where did they come from?
>Prism may have been just as... influenced, once
>Maybe
>But she never allows that sort of substance to visibly show
>Despite her responsibilities, wit, and expanded interests Prism can not stop herself from simply seeing the little filly that just refused to be left alone
>Is she a follower or is she leading whatever it is she has...?
>Prism blinks
>How long had she been watching?
>It may be rude to continue
>She slips away, her mind working
>The holidays are coming up
>Maybe she should look into what she can get everybody
>She has money now, after all
>Far too much that she would feel comfortable spending on herself


>Prism has studied the human world
>The seasons
>The people
>The cultures
>The holidays
>And with it being Christmas, she expected...
>Something different
>Instead, everyone is in Anon's room
>Again
>Anon is playing a handheld game while he and Jacky bob their heads to the music
>They are a hopeless pair
>Sparking is playing a game with a controller
>The pair of lockets she got them are sitting on the dresser
>They haven't been worn once since they got them...
>As for that little notebook...
>That vanished fairly quickly
>But she did make an effort to be thankful
>Who knows what is in that sort of thing
"Do you want me to take all of your plates?"
>Rather than a traditional Christmas dinner, it was mutually agreed that the more lazy solution was better
>Anon said that gifts were on the way
>Jacky explained that she was going to be late because she can't decide on some things
>Sparking merely shrugged and had said that she was simply going to make gift baskets for gifts
>While it doesn't sound impressive, Prism had learned that those baskets would be full of very expensive treats and drinks with personal preferences in mind
>For a while, she felt so silly for going in as much as she did
>"Mine and Anon's, sure. Keep Jacky's. She's acting like she's too good for pleb food."
>"I am not! My stomach is just kinda messin' with me."
>For being sick, she isn't acting like Anon when he is sick
>Could it be a different illness?
>"You stay like this for much longer, I'm going to have to carry you around everywhere and stick you on the welcome table at work. You'll be like one of those lazy cats that get Instagram accounts and wear little hats."
>Jacky's only reaction is to slink her head around and whisper some form of sultry meow into the man's ear
>Prism watches Anon's face contort
>"...that's the good stuff."
"...Alright. I'll grab some medicine as well. Sparking, if I may?"
>"Hold on... alright."
>The console game goes through a flurry of menus before hitting a presumed stopping point
>"I'll help out. Christmas means helping and whatever. Sometimes."
>Prism clamps down on the pair of plates, careful to keep the nice knives and forks from falling off
>It has never not been awkward to deal with human-sized kitchenware
>Sometimes she wishes she could have just a little bit of magic on her own
>Sparking follows the pegasus out of the room and into the kitchen
>Rather than having to go through the trials of reaching the sink, red magic glows around the kitchenware
>It effortlessly floats into the sink and lands with a gentle clatter
>"There we go. Did you really want to bring me out just for that?"
>Prism turns to face Sparking
>Her face is neutral, with a complex sense of force coming from the back of her throat
>"...you alright?"
>Sparking cocks an eyebrow
>She's aware that something is going on
>Prism fails to stop herself in time
"Did you use magic to allow Jacky to get pregnant already?"
>The red mare's eyes nearly pop out of her head
>"...What?"
"She has been puking up every other meal, she doesn't seem to have a fever, she's acting like normal otherwise..."
>"...No. That's not that that is."
>Sparking speaks with authority, burrowing her brow
"Are you sure? When was the last time you even saw her get sick? She doesn't even get sick of watching the same movies."
>"Why haven't any of us gotten sick? Remember what we used to have to eat?"
>Sparking shrugs
>"Maybe we're just built tougher."
"You have a point. But will you humor the thought with me for a moment?"
>Prism's voice lowers
>Going by the handheld game's volume, those two oddballs are in their own little world
>Which is almost always the case, she has learned

>Prism has studied the human world
>The seasons
>The people
>The cultures
>The holidays
>And with it being Christmas, she expected...
>Something different
>Instead, everyone is in Anon's room
>Again
>Anon is playing a handheld game while he and Jacky bob their heads to the music
>They are a hopeless pair
>Sparking is playing a game with a controller
>The pair of lockets she got them are sitting on the dresser
>They haven't been worn once since they got them...
>As for that little notebook...
>That vanished fairly quickly
>But she did make an effort to be thankful
>Who knows what is in that sort of thing
"Do you want me to take all of your plates?"
>Rather than a traditional Christmas dinner, it was mutually agreed that the more lazy solution was better
>Anon said that gifts were on the way
>Jacky explained that she was going to be late because she can't decide on some things
>Sparking merely shrugged and had said that she was simply going to make gift baskets for gifts
>While it doesn't sound impressive, Prism had learned that those baskets would be full of very expensive treats and drinks with personal preferences in mind
>For a while, she felt so silly for going in as much as she did
>"Mine and Anon's, sure. Keep Jacky's. She's acting like she's too good for pleb food."
>"I am not! My stomach is just kinda messin' with me."
>For being sick, she isn't acting like Anon when he is sick
>Could it be a different illness?
>"You stay like this for much longer, I'm going to have to carry you around everywhere and stick you on the welcome table at work. You'll be like one of those lazy cats that get Instagram accounts and wear little hats."
>Jacky's only reaction is to slink her head around and whisper some form of sultry meow into the man's ear
>Prism watches Anon's face contort
>"...that's the good stuff."
"...Alright. I'll grab some medicine as well. Sparking, if I may?"
>"Hold on... alright."
>The console game goes through a flurry of menus before hitting a presumed stopping point
>"I'll help out. Christmas means helping and whatever. Sometimes."
>Prism clamps down on the pair of plates, careful to keep the nice knives and forks from falling off
>It has never not been awkward to deal with human-sized kitchenware
>Sometimes she wishes she could have just a little bit of magic on her own
>Sparking follows the pegasus out of the room and into the kitchen
>Rather than having to go through the trials of reaching the sink, red magic glows around the kitchenware
>It effortlessly floats into the sink and lands with a gentle clatter
>"There we go. Did you really want to bring me out just for that?"
>Prism turns to face Sparking
>Her face is neutral, with a complex sense of force coming from the back of her throat
>"...you alright?"
>Sparking cocks an eyebrow
>She's aware that something is going on
>Prism fails to stop herself in time
"Did you use magic to allow Jacky to get pregnant already?"
>The red mare's eyes nearly pop out of her head
>"...What?"
"She has been puking up every other meal, she doesn't seem to have a fever, she's acting like normal otherwise..."
>"...No. That's not that that is."
>Sparking speaks with authority, furrowing her brow
"Are you sure? When was the last time you even saw her get sick? She doesn't even get sick of watching the same movies."
>"Why haven't any of us gotten sick? Remember what we used to have to eat?"
>Sparking shrugs
>"Maybe we're just built tougher."
"You have a point. But will you humor the thought with me for a moment?"
>Prism's voice lowers
>Going by the handheld game's volume, those two oddballs are in their own little world
>Which is almost always the case, she has learned

>"...well, if that's true. Then... I have no clue if I helped with that."
>Sparking purses her lips
>The look in her eyes show that she is at a complete loss
>There isn't even a hint of frustration or anger in her eye
>"I... I mean, I kinda tried some happy thoughts. And I thought about it then shook Jacky around."
"You... shook her around."
>Sparking nods with a professional's sense of confidence
>"I lifted her up and shook her like a salt shaker."
>Prism tilts her head just enough to show her complete confusion
>"Whaaaat? She said it was like learning what one of those roller coasters was like. Besides, you don't know how cathartic it was to get that out of my system."
>She smirks with a sense of knowing
>The smirk doesn't last with the growing comprehension that she may have indeed helped with their special martini
>"...oh shit."
"Do you understand what this means?"
>"...if it's true that I helped make it happen?"
>Prism was wanting to focus on the fact that it happened at all
>But from what she knew...
>That "deal"
>Was it truly a deal, or just a way to cope with her jealousy?
>As normalized as it may be to them, Prism has always been aware of her boundary pushing antics
"...that too..."
>Sparking sits down
>The more time passes, the more a growing sense of concern grows in her eyes
>Or is it a greater sense of panic?
>"What... what do we do?"
"We wait and see if this is the real thing. We get either of them all excited about it and they'll go off the deep end."
>Sparking was not sold
>"I don't think they'll go that nutty."
"Maybe. But what would happen if it isn't a false alarm?"
>"Crap... you're right, aren't you."
>The two sit in the kitchen with an extended looming blanket of silence
>"Are we ready?"
"We?"
>"Yeah. We're going to be... what, aunts?"
>The word, and the weight attached to it, hits Prism
"..."
>Aunt Faint Prism
>Her mind floods with memories of when she and Jacky were mere fillies
"...oh. I suppose so."
>Just a hint of disdain spreads on her face
"I...I don't know how well I'll be able to help with that."
>Sparking gives a bemused, sly laugh
>"What, don't want to be the cool aunt that flies her around?"
"More like I would never forgive myself if I taught her something wrong..."
>"Have you seen who the parents are going to be?"
>Sparking's smirk is powerful enough to work in defusing Prism's concerns
"...I shouldn't admit it. But... I can't say you're wrong."
>"Of course you can't."
>She stands up to stretch
>Despite her face, she shakes overly hard from the ribs down to her flank
>"...I... am gonna grab a drink. And I'm gonna pretend that Anon doesn't owe me."
"And I am going to continue to pretend that entire thing doesn't concern me."
>"Don't worry, you don't have to pret... wait. Has Jacky been drinking any? That's bad, right?"
>A jolt goes down Prism's spine
>What would happen if she unknowingly did something deleterious?!
>As quickly as it came, her eyes darted to the counter top
>The shock subsided, if only marginally
"Nevermind... whew. See the cinnamon vodka? Anon bought that before Thanksgiving. Seal is still on it."
>I smile at that safe revelation
>I-

>"...hey. Are you ok?"
>...
>...
>I
>"Prism. Hey. Psst."
>I?
"I gotta look after her. If this is real..."
>"Big "if", remember."
>I stand up
>I flex my wings out
>They are big wings, aren't they?
>They protected Jacky
>They kept her safe
>Kept her warm
>I can feel a fire stir in my chest
"I'm going to go sit with her. Thanks for the talk."
>"Sure."
>With my goal in sight, I quickly step to the bedroom
>Without a word I walk beside the mattress and plant myself near Jacky's head
>Anon has been using her flank as a pillow
>Smart move, both in the event that she's sick
>Or something else
>I lean down to nuzzle my face against hers
>Jacky, while not expecting the affection, returns the gesture
>"Well hey there, fancy meeting you here. Can you convince Anon that I'm better as a fencer? He turned me into an assassin."
>"Jackly Hack, the assassin class skills rely on daggers, same as your rogue class."
>"But what about my ability to switch between causing poison and bleed?"
>"My character has those passive skills to inflict one stack of both per attack, and the samurai class allows him to hit all enemies so it's redundant. As an assassin you can cause big de-buffs and still do sneak attacks."
>"Oh... I thought we kept that sub-class just so I could steal."
>"Nope. That's why your dagger has the mug ability, you try automatically."
>"Sweet. In that case, you don't have to convince him."
>I hug my little sister with both of my wings
"I love you, Jacky."
>"Well I love you too, Dashie. What's up?"
"Nothing. I just feel like things finally clicked into place for me."
>"Well that's awesome! What made you feel better?"
"You."