//------------------------------// // The Past: Acquiescence // Story: Downfall // by Icu Zelith //------------------------------// Midnight p.o.v. It was early in the morning, as a matter of fact, it was too early. The sun wasn't completely out yet. I lay on my bed staring at the ceiling. 'I can't go back to sleep' I think to myself. I quietly stare at the ceiling for what seems to be hours, until I start to wonder. 'Has Storm woken up yet? I quietly turn on my side to check if he has awaken from his slumber. ... 'Nope, he's fast asleep' I conclude. I tend to get lost while staring at his sleeping state. 'Wow, he looks... so peaceful. And cute. What if I ask him out? Will he say yes? Probably not. Hmm, what if I lead him up to it. Yeah, I think that might work... He seems really nice. I think he might be perfect for me. I would love to be with him for the rest of my life. We would be a nice couple. I bet I would make SO many mares jealous. I could already picture it: me and Storm, heading to the movies, on our first date. Ahh, that would be sooo great! I tell myself. I start to 'fantasize' even more. Without realizing two things. One: a blush started to completely cover my cheeks. Two: during my... Daydream... he was slowly creaking open his eyelids. His stare was as surprised as mine. I started to feel more embarrassed, but yet, I couldn't look away from his captivating eyes. With every second passing by, I started to feel drawn towards him. I was about to het closer to him, but I was snapped out of my trance by him lightly clearing his throat. Unexpectedly, Storm gestures a disturbed action, and backs off while turning away from me. His eyes averted towards the wall. 'Great, look what you've done Midnight! He's definately not going to want to be with you anymore.' I started to worry then he says "Um, sleep well?" 'Is he gonna let that slide? Maybe I still got a chance.' "Yes! Uh I mean-yes." I awkwardly grin. "You want to head out so we can eat?" I continue. "Sure" Storm answers. We were just about done with breakfast. I don't usually make my own breakfast so I might of been a bit rusty. But it doesn't seem too bad. His leg was healing to the point where he could partially stand on his own. So I start to think what we should do today, I don't work, I mean, not anymore... Maybe that's not a bad thing. Still deciding what we should do, Storm says finishing his mouthful "Mmm, that was delicious. You're a great cook." "Aww, you're just saying that." I say while building up a red tint on my muzzle. "No really, it was the best thing I had eaten in a long time. That hospital food was not the best, but this, on the other hoof, doesn't compare." He flatters "Thanks, I'm glad you liked It." My heart starts to feel comfortably warm. After putting everything back, I lead him back to the living room where he slumps on the couch. "Well anyways, were do you want to go today?" He looks at me with a confused look. "What? You honestly think I can go anywhere with This dreaded leg of mine? I don't think I can." "Sure you can! I'll help you if you ever seem to struggle." I rebuddle. "Uh, I think it might be a better idea if I just stay here." He responds. With a look of unamusement, I walk over to him, and start picking him up. "W-what are you doing?" He questions shockingly. "Come on! Where's the fun if you just stay on the couch all day?" I reason. "No, I'd rather stay on the couch! It's much more comfortable anyways." "Why? You're already outside, and by the looks of it, you are completely capable of holding your own weight." I say as he stands on three hooves completely outside. The sun was shining extremely bright, and the clouds were fairly scattered. Storm accepted defeat as he turned towards the town and starts to walk towards it. I see he was limping, so I walked over to his injured side, just in case if he ever collapses, I would have a chance to catch him. "So where do you want to go?" He asks with no emotion. I start to ponder, "Hmm, how about the park? Does that sound okay?" "Sure, it does seem like a nice day out here." He answers. "Ok let's go." I signal towards the park, and we soon make our way to our destination. After a bit of walking, I conclude that this walk might take a while. I hadn't really noticed I lived this far out of town. We soon arrive at the park in the afternoon. The place was rather empty. We decided to relax at the park bench. Sitting down, I notice he looked like he had something on his mind. So I ask "Is something bothering you?" "Uh, no. I'm alright..." "Are you sure?" "Y-yeah... I'm fine..." I take notice that he hasn't changed expression, so I stay persistent. "Come on, I know something is on your mind, you can tell me." "I'm okay." He says "Please tell me, I want to help you." "I said I'm okay!!!" He growls. My heart sunk when I heard him yell. I sat quietly in the still of the awkwardness. His face turned into one of concernment as he apologizes. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to raise my voice, I don't know what went over me-" "It's okay, understand." "I lost control. Please forgive me. Can you forgive me-" "Hey, I said it's okay." I interrupt. "...You're not mad?" He questions. "No, I understand. It's something you don't want to talk about." He sits in silence while staring at the blades of grass in front if him. "..." "So, you want to go eat or something." I ask. "I mean, I know we ate a few hours ago but we can get something small, like a snack." "Alright, let's go." He gets up slowly and starts walking off. We get to a stand where they sell small servings of salads. We decide this is good enough. I order a daisy salad while Storm asks for a simple one. Almost instantly, the salemare hoofed us a small container of our food, and we sat down at the nearest table. We talked for what seemed to be hours. We noticed the mare at the stand was starting to pack up her things. We decided we should head back to the park as well. The sun was setting, but it wasn't too dark. I would describe it as a perfect time of day to watch the sun. We reached the park once again, and made out way towards the same bench we arrived at last time. We sat down and Storm started "Hey Midnight?" I grow curious to what he has to say. "Yeah?" "I just w-wanted to say, t-that I'm sorry about earlier today." "Don't worry about that. I said I it was okay." "No, I don't think you understand, I never meant to harm you in any way. I also want you to know that I kinda li-uh..." He says. ... "I uh..." He stutters. "...I kinda l-like you, a lot."