Cloud banged his head against the dungeon wall while repeatedly muttering,
"I hate my job, I hate my job, I hate this frickin job."
Work was always boring before, but now he was excited to get home. Tonight was date night. He and Pandora had rented a projector along with one of the newest action movies and were planning pn having a nice dinner before watching the movie. But what Cloud was really excited for, was what was happening tomorrow. Tomorrow was the start of a week long vacation for all but the commanding officers of the guard. The Canterlot Public Middle School had a trip planned to the castle where all the foals would spend a week in the guards horseshoes. Je and Pandora had been dating for a little more than a week now, and Cloud was looking forward to their trip to Horseshoe Bay. One thing kept nagging at Cloud though, and that was his trepidation at finding the perfect moment for their first kiss.
"It's got to be perfect, I mean, that basically could set the mood for the rest of the relationship. But what if I wait too long? What if she gets bored of me? Or what if I'm a terrible kisser? I've never kissed anypony before so I have a definite chance of screwing it up. Do I use my tongue? I've heard of Prench kissing but what if she thinks thats gross...."
Cloud was so engrossed in his thoughts of self doubt, he didn't even register the mare walk by that casually brushed her flank across his chest. Behind the now disappointed cluster of mares, two stallions sat watching the goings on.
"Dude, I'm telling you, he totally just trains himself to keep a blank face. He doesn't even need to go to a club to have mares flashing their flanks at him. He obviously has the system beat."
"Naw man, I'm telling you! He's a colt-cuddler. He was starring at my flank for like ten minutes at lunch yesterday."
"He always has that vacant stare! You just want to believe somepony's attracted to you, even if it is corpse face."
"Woh! Check out Silver! She is looking hot! If she gave me that attention, even just to win a bet, I could die a happy stallion."
"Mhm, dat ass though, I'm telling you, if she pulled what she did to Cloud on me, ooh. I don't think Id be able to keep a straight face."
"Wait, what did she do?"
"One word, socks."
The other guard looked thoughtful for a second before getting a blush on his face.
"I would literally pay to say that."
Suddenly the bell for end of watch rang, and Cloud immediately left.
"Huh, where's the fire?"
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As Cloud entered the door, he failed to notice the changeling hidden on the wall. After he set their dinner down, the changeling pounced onto his back, pinning him beneath her.
"Wait! N-no don't!"
He stammered before she grabbed his neck and carefully rubbed her snout against the back of his ear.
"No, agh, st-stop, that- that... oh Celestia that feels good."
He moaned as she continued her assault.
"Foolish pony, I know your weakness, and you have no hope of stopping me!"
"Oh no you don't, you... agh... can you do that again, now my ear is gonna feel weird without you rubbing it."
"I don't think I will, I have something much worse prepared for you."
Cloud's eyes widened as he realized what her plans were.
"Pandora no! You remember last time!"
But it was too late, she quickly darted forward and started nibbling the edge of his ear. He convulsed before his wings suddenly popped open, prompting Pandora to laugh and Cloud to groan,
"Not again."
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Cloud was trying to sit still, but it was pretty hard given the circumstances. After bringing spaghetti home for both of them, Cloud had started the movie. Halfway through it got too intense for Pandora which was why she was currently a gryphon, and why she was holding him like a teddy bear.
"Must... resist... urge... to cuddle."
Given how soft and warm her newfound feathers were, Cloud had stopped paying much attention to the movie amd was now more concerned with his marefriend. She was staring wide eye'd and occasionally jolting due to the sound effects. Finally, after she squeezed him a little tighter Cloud snapped.
"I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!"
Pandora started before laughing as he buried his head in her chest feathers.
"You're too dang soft, it's like sitting beside a dog and trying not to pet it, no matter how much you want to."
Pandora smirked,
"Should I be a gryphon more often then? If you want I could."
Cloud shot her a deadpan look.
"You know I find you you way more attractive right?"
Pandora rolled her eyes,
"And I'm telling you, you obviously have some sort of fang fetish. Why else would you find them so "cute". They're fangs, they're not supposed to be cute."
Cloud glared at her before shifting to an excited smile,
"Are you excited for the beach?"
"You bet I am, I'm also excited for the train ride. I've never been on one before and I bet it'll be awesome!"
--------------------------------
(The next afternoon)
"Sweet Celestia how much longer is this going to take?"
"It's an over night trip, we'll get there tomorrow morning."
"Ugh, I wish there was more to do."
"Well look on the bright side, we have a private compartment so you don't have to wear a disguise the entire time. If somepony gets too close you just quickly disguise. And, it's got a bed, so we don't have to sleep on the bench."
With a groan, Pandora slumped against the window and watched the scenery go by.
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Evening had fallen, and despite how tired they both were, neither Cloud nor Pandora could sleep. Pandora was deep in thought after sensing how conflicted Cloud felt when he looked at her.
"Cloud?"
Cloud started but snapped to attention, looking directly at the changeling in front of him. He couldn't help but admire how stunning she looked in the moonlight.
"Yeah, what do you need?"
"*sigh* I can tell something's bothering you, and it only happens when you look at me for too long, or on our dates. It's just... you don't have to do this, date me I mean. I know I'm definitely not attractive, you're just too nice to say it. So... you should know I... I understand. I wouldn't want to kiss a monster if I was a pony either."
Cloud looked aghast, before grabbing Pandora's face in his hooves and turning her towards him. She tilted her head,
"Cloud what are yo-!"
She was cut off as Cloud pressed his lips into hers. She hesitated, before relaxing and returning the kiss. After a couple seconds two broke apart.
"Pandora, never talk about yourself like that, please. I don't care if you don't think so, but to me, you're the most beautiful mare in the world. I just want to-."
"Shut up Cloud!"
Pandora gasped before tackling him onto the bed. The two engaged in a passionate kiss before they had to breath. They stared, blushing at each other before sharing a slower, less needy kiss that was just as passionate as the others before. Cloud drew her close as the train sped towards their destination.