Bonus Epilogue
On any normal evening, Lightning would have landed on the familiar balcony, torn off her panniers and blue uniform, and thrown herself onto the divan. This wasn’t a normal evening, a fact punctuated by the weight in her left-side pack. She flew carefully, making sure not to jostle her precious cargo, and landed with a gentleness that would have been tricky a year ago.
The balcony door was open, as always. Perking her ears, Lightning could make out the faint thrumming of a sewing machine. A new personal project, perhaps. She smiled and snuck her way into the apartment, her hooves clopping faintly on the floorboards. The place could still be described as ‘organized chaos’, but now there was more to it. Aside from the ponnequins displaying bridleway costumes, the racks of clothes, and the wall of mirrors were now posters of rock bands, a few trophies and shiny medals, and one old, folded Washouts flight suit in a display case on the wall.
Lightning tip-toed her way to one of the open doorways. She found Coco in her usual spot before the sewing machine, diligently focused on her work. The evening sun snuck dusty rays through the window next to her, highlighting her pale blue mane that swayed in a faint breeze. Lightning was tempted to stand there and watch, but she had work to do. Stepping back as quietly as she could, she made her way to the small table next to the balcony window and got to work emptying her panniers.
Two candles. Plates from the kitchen? No, too noisy to get them, and the boxes would have a certain contradictory charm Coco would appreciate. Pastas and salads in place. Paper basket of buttery rolls to one side. Plastic cutlery. A bottle of cider unopened next to two wooden mugs. Last but most important of all: a plate piled high with no less than five different flavors of cannolis. Peach included, of course.
All that was left was to turn to face the open door and call out, with a pleased grin, “Special delivery!”
The humming of the sewing machine ceased. Coco appeared a moment later, pausing at the sight of the meal set before her. Her eyes widened just a smidge as she took in the cannolis with a certain eagerness, her lips unable to resist rising at the corners. When those same lovely cyan eyes found Lightning, still in her post office uniform, the pegasus gave her a flamboyant bow and waved a wing at the table. “A certain pony appears to admire you, Miss. Postage paid in advance, of course.”
Coco’s giggle made her heart dance. “A secret admirer, is it?” The earth pony approached at a leisurely pace, hips swaying and eyes eager. “I don’t suppose this pony happens to be a pegasus mare, would it?”
Lightning stood up straight, head held high, and waved a denying hoof. “I’m only the delivery pony, ma’am.”
Humming, Coco made a show of rubbing her chin and letting her eyes roam the veiling. “I’m betting it’s a mare, with a light turquoise coat and brilliant amber mane. She sleeps on her right side, her feathers get into everything, and she’s got a distressingly aggressive sweet tooth.”
“Huh.” Lightning rubbed her mane back with a cocky grin. “That’s awfully specific for a ‘secret’ admirer.”
Pausing before her, Coco pressed a hoof to Lightning’s chest, running it along the buttons of her uniform. “I bet she works for the post office.”
Lightning chuckled. “A funny coincidence.”
“Isn’t it, though?” The sentence was punctuated by a short but sweet kiss to Lightning’s cheek and a warm nuzzle on the shoulder. Lightning wasted no time returning the motion. “Is that from the Seapony?”
“Only the best for my Coco Powder.” Lightning nipped Coco’s ear. It flicked against her muzzle in response, like a dainty lady swatting somepony over a naughty comment she secretly appreciated. “It’s an important day, after all.”
“Is it?” Coco stepped back, uncertainty washing over her features. “What day is that?”
Taking Coco’s arm in hers, Lightning led her to the table, guiding her into a chair. “It is the anniversary of the day the sweetest, kindest mare in Equestria invited me to live with her, of course.”
A little pink formed on Coco’s cheeks as the pegasus sat opposite her. “Oh, Lightning, it wasn’t that big a deal…”
“It was a big deal to me,” Lightning countered pleasantly. “I don’t think you’ll ever know how much you helped me out during that whole ‘Washouts’ fiasco, and I’ll never stop being grateful.” She rested her chin on her fetlocks and smiled across the table at her. “I don’t know where I’d be if you hadn’t been there, but I can safely say this is the better outcome by far.”
Now Coco was so pink she might have to change the coat color in her legal description. All trembling smiles and bashful eye-avoidance, she muttered, “You’re just trying to butter me up.”
Yes, yes she was. Buttering Coco up had evolved into one of Lightning’s favorite pastimes. Nothing made her feel so warm and pleasant and giddy like that timid, playful smile.
She sincerely hoped she’d be seeing it for the rest of her days.
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Ah, a nice sweet and sour pairing to sink my teeth into to relax. I do love odd pairings. Very nicely done. I enjoyed the crack-friendshipping immensely.
It's a shame you didn't make it before the deadline since I do think it still has enough romance to qualify for the contest. If not, then I think my entry would be disqualified since mine ends on the pair leaving to start a date.
A very nice story, as yours tend to be; complete with adorable moments, complex depth, and drama.
Unfortunate that this just barely missed the deadline, but I’m pretty sure you can PM Bicyclette to get it in if you want.
I don't know what to say... Lightning Dust seems to pair with just about everyone due to her ambiguous personality and her show time. Maybe it is just my opinion.
This has been an interesting read! I could really see how Lightning can potentially have anger issues, connection with a handicapped filly, and her confidence to give others a nickname based on appearance and demeanor.
Their interactions are sweet and natural feeling! Although, when Lightning and Rarity was alone in the room, I had pretty much expected that Lightning's anger would flare up and overpower her feelings when Rarity had inched Lightning's bad buttons down. I was already imagining Lightning flying off after a brief relationship interrogation.
Despite that, this is a heartwarming read. Nice work Wordsmith!
This was really good. A lot better than I expected given the shipping. Kudos.
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I didn't need to get into the contest. Getting a story that everyone seems to enjoy released is enough for me. That prize money can go to someone who probably needs it more than I do.
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As interesting as a flare up against Rarity might have been, it also would have been one more wrench in the ongoing story, and I didn't need to add one more. Would have been a nice little dramatic scene, though. Oh, well.
Glad you liked it!
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I maintain that there are no bad ships. They just need to be approached from the right direction. Admittedly, sometimes finding the right direction is really hard, but I maintain that the right person with the right skill and creativity can make it work.
Ponnequin. Gotta stay consistent
I love reading fics about underappreciated side characters, always reminds me of how much depth there is to be explored in the ones we barely see. I've never considered the potential parallels between these two, but now I'm quite endeared to their unique dynamic. And more Coco love is always fantastic. Her depiction was spot-on.
Speaking of Coco, I'd be immensely curious to have had a bit of insight as to what she gained from their whole relationship. Her initial motivation to have a chance to prove her own worth and skills makes sense, but I have to wonder at what point that developed into a genuine appreciation for Lightning's presence, and why.
I have to say, though, that Rarity scene was gold.
Thanks again for all the horse words,
~NumberFifth
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Woop! Fixed. Thanks for pointing it out.
Because this is all from Lightning's perspective, we never really get the opportunity to see when Coco recognizes potential between the two of them. However I'd say the single moment that first sparked the idea, albeit if only subconsciously, was when Lightning had that breakdown in her bedroom. Lightning's not the kind of pony to seek comfort from others, but she chose to go to Coco. Being able to see such an independent, strong-willed pony like Lightning at her weakest would have an effect on a pony like Coco, or so I imagine. But that would have just been the ignition, and a quiet one at that. The real blooming of Coco's feelings most likely would have occurred in a scene we aren't privy to because, again, Coco's perspective never comes up. This is one of the reasons I kinda-sorta wanted to show that year of them living together, but I also didn't want to write another 10,000 words to make it happen, so this is what we've got.
Glad you think so. I made sure to go back and watch the only episode to feature her in any meaningful way – Made in Manehattan – in hopes that it would help me get her right. I quickly realized she's not the shy and timid creature that I had in my head, so in some ways getting her characterization down was one of the harder parts of this story.
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I must admit, it was nice being able to write about her again.
”Are you sure you don’t have seven evil exes?”
“Does my ex-boss count?”
Brilliant work all around, both the couple and the supporting cast. I especially appreciate how imposing Rarity can be from the perspective of ponies who don’t routinely save the world from her. It might have been nice to further explore Coco’s underlying inadequacy in serving as little more than Rarity’s eastern hoof, but that’s outside the scope of “Lightning Dust crashes, burns, and finds a reason to keep going.” Mighy be interesting to explore in a possible sequel, though.
Lovely stuff in any case. Thank you for it; I’m glad I finally got around to this one.
incredibly cute crackship i never knew i needed. would easily become my otp for coco if there was more content
Crackships are often the best ships. So many possibilities to explore and new ground to tread.
Speaking as a major fan of Coco Pommel, that was incredible. You nailed her character here: she's perhaps the nicest character in the entire show, and I think only she would be willing to help out someone with as troubled a history as Lightning Dust. Maybe Fluttershy, but she has her hooves full with Discord.
I think part of the fun of crack ships is that you need to think outside the box and invent new sides of the characters involved, and you did so perfectly.
Hello! Have a review. This courtesy note is very late, for which the blame goes partly to Covid and partly to me. I think you already know I very much liked this fic, especially in its characterisation. I did note your comment in the end A/N, but nevertheless I probably had almost as good a time reading this as you did writing it. Faved!
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Why, thank you! It's nice being on the receiving end for a change.
And yes, I most certainly enjoyed writing this.
Awww
Hey if derpy can do it so can she
I loved this story! You’ve rendered such rich and compelling depictions of both Coco and Lightning that I feel this piece can rightfully be considered a character study for each of them. The framing plot of Coco being the designer for The Washouts’ uniforms was oh so clever, and while I know it wasn’t the purpose of the story, I always enjoy reading fics that fill in the gaps of what characters were up to in the moments they go unseen in the show and this work did so with such superb depth!
The dimensions to Coco you emphasized were especially brilliant. Despite her incredible competency as a designer, she so often ends up in the position of serving the needs of a stronger personality. Even Rarity, in all of her acts of support for Coco’s career, isn’t exempt from this and I really appreciated how you explored this as an element of bittersweetness in their relationship and allowed Coco to harbor resentful thoughts toward their comparative success. Her sweetness was made all the more powerful knowing she still feels disappointment and frustration, yet remains kind in spite of it.
When it comes to her dynamic with Lightning — which may appear to fit this aforementioned mold on the surface — Coco holds her own and it’s so good. She gets the rare privilege of impressing Lightning, which was just wonderful to read each time it happened. She and Lightning occupy this really exciting parallel of being ponies who both feel like they aren’t living up to what they believe they are the best at and you weaved elements of that throughout their developing relationship wonderfully. And speaking of that relationship, I like that it starts as a one-sided infatuation on Lightning’s end and resolves imperfectly. The bonus epilogue was a very adorable addition and I think it was smart to place it further in the future so the audience has room to imagine about what comes next after the sweet mundanity of Coco’s offer to just... move in together and get to know one another more authentically.
As for a few other things I have a special appreciation for, among them are: Rarity’s wonderful firm dignity being witnessed from an outside perspective; Scootaloo’s endangerment being afforded a serious investigation; and her own parallel with Lightning when it comes to their respective disabilities: Scoot’s being visible and Lightning’s being invisible, only present in her behavior.
You’ve got a keen sense of observation of your own to rival that of Rarity’s in this story and it shines through with all these excellent decisions regarding connections drawn between each of the characters! I’m so very grateful to have read this.