//------------------------------// // Even if it's Just a Scratch... // Story: When You Fall... // by DerpiusHoovicus2 //------------------------------// Redheart chewed her muffin, enjoying every single bite. She couldn’t quite tell what made it taste so wonderful but she just couldn’t stop eating the diminishing treat. Bite by bite the wonderful delicacy was finished off to crumbs, some of which lingered on the corners of Redheart’s lips. She quickly fixed that with a swipe of her tongue. While she waited the nurse had to find something to entertain her for roughly two hours, until lunch with Derpy. Redheart rarely was in Ponyville so she decided to explore. Upon surveying the immediate area a tall tree with windows, doors and a balcony piqued her interest, she figured she might as well ask one of the residents of the small town about the most interesting attractions. As she walked through the small town she looked at each colorful resident, tending to whatever they did on a daily basis. A few waved politely with a smile and Redheart waved back. “What a nice little town” She approached the firm wood doors of the tree and raised her hoof to knock. A voice called to her after she tapped the door lightly. “Come in!” It was strange to Redheart that whoever lived here just invited ponies in, she didn’t mind, the town seemed innocent enough. She stepped through the door and into heaven. Enormous bookshelves filled to the brim with tomes lined each wall, curving around to follow the shape of the tree. The smell of paper and fresh cut wood seemed to be consistent. She stood there with her mouth open and her head swiveling to look at the shelves of books. “Hello and welcome to the Ponyville Library, are you looking for something specific?” A slender purple mare approached her and she closed her mouth. The approaching mare had a dark purple and pink striped mane flowing softly from side to side, only parted by a horn. “Hm, I’ve never seen you before, are you new here?” The librarian asked in a soft but authoritative voice. “Pardon my manners, I’m Nurse Redheart. I work at the Canterlot Hospital and I was visiting a patient. I decided to kill some time and explore, I never would have expected to find heaven.” The mare seemed to brighten up with filly like joy at her last statement. “Nice to meet you, I’m Twilight Sparkle I guess I ‘work’ here although I don’t think of it as a job really. I grew up in Canterlot, I studied under Princess Celestia. Are you looking for anything specific? Books of course.” Twilight piped in a joy she wasn’t used to seeing in anypony interested in the library, other than the occasional school student. “I didn’t even know this was a library, so no. I want to blow some time however, do you recommend any books on arcane sciences?” Twilight smiled even brighter. “Ooh, one of my favorites! Strange for an earth pony though, nonetheless I do have a few recommendations…” Nerdy discussions and book picking later Redheart had a couple of books to study while she waited for lunch to come around. *** Derpy sat at the counter staring at nothing in particular as she waited for customers. She leaned her head on a hoof and turned to the clock. It was only 10:20 and she was getting antsy, and slightly nervous. She was anticipating the lunch since it was mentioned, and she really hoped it would lead to more. Redheart just had the kindest smile that told her she would always be safe. Shaking her head from the mushy thoughts she turned around and walked to the back room. She was going to rest back here until she heard the bell ring, she was so exhausted after all her hard work. That hard work consisting of going into the back occasionally to grab a few items to give to customers. Her eyes drifted closed as she waited patiently for time to pass. Now was as good a time as any for a small nap, no-pony would notice anyway. *** A high pitched ringing woke Derpy from her nap on the workroom floor, she grumbled lightly but stood to greet whoever it was that came in the door. She hadn’t expected it to be an angel. She was just as beautiful as always, with her light pink hair done up in a bun in the back with her bangs hanging in front of her face, but not blocking it. Her white coat shimmered in the artificial light of the sweets shop as she walked. The red cross on her flank was a nice contrast to the light colors of her coat and mane. The most striking feature to Derpy however was her blue eyes that glistened as she moved toward the counter, it was like looking directly into her, such kindness and calm projected in such a wonderful way. Derpy felt her knees waver as she looked at the stunning mare in front of her. She must've looked like she felt because Redheart giggled. “Are you ready for lunch? You’ll have to lead the way, I don’t know my way around very well.” Derpy was lost in her voice, it was so smooth and perfect. “Oh, uhm, uh, yeah. Ready, I am to go to lunch. With you.” Derpy tripped over her words so much she felt like kicking herself. Redheart smiled at the ditzy mare’s stumble. “Well come on then,” Nurse Redheart teased with a hint of excitement in her voice. “I’m starving.” Derpy nodded and came out from behind the counter. She was about to shout to PInkie to tell her she was leaving, but the Pink and fluffy mare was already behind the counter. “Have fun you two, and don’t be afraid to get frisky.” They immediately blushed at Pinkie’s lewd remark. “Please Pinkie, it’s nothing like that…” Derpy said shyly trying not to trip over her words any more than she already had. “But you wish it was!” Pinkie said way more loud than necessary. “We should get going.” Nurse Redheart butt in still blushing slightly. Derpy nodded and stepped in front of her to hold the door for her. She stepped through with an appreciative nod and was engulfed in the beautiful weather. Derpy followed quickly after and stumbled as she walked beside her new friend. “So where are we headed, is it far?” Redheart asked, curious as for what to expect. “Oh, We're headed to a smaller place, it’s called Lotus’s, and no it isn’t very far.” Derpy stumbled over a rock she swore wasn’t there a second ago. “Do you usually have this much trouble walking? I’ve noticed you stumble several times, you need me to carry you?” Redheart teased with a smirk. “No, I’m usually fine I don’t know why but I just can’t focus when you’re around.” She blushed deeply and turned her face away. Redheart nudged her side gently and smiled as Derpy turned to look at her. “No, I get it. I’ve had that problem lately as well.” they stopped and looked at each other for a moment before Derpy turned to walk again. “Anyway, we should get going I’m real hungry and this place has the best dandelion salad.” Derpy was back to her energetic self rather than her shy and fumbly sub-personality. They both moved quickly, Redheart following Derpy toward the small building. It was a cozy looking eatery, like it had a housing unit above it. It had long windows in the front showing a few groups eating their food and chatting. The inside looked quite homey and comfortable, it felt the same as they entered. “Hello Derpy, good to see you!” A stallion wearing slacks greeted. “You have a friend this time? So good not to see you alone again.” He said nudging her slightly. “Oh stop, she helped me at the hospital and wanted to come to lunch sometime. This was…” She stopped for a second to look for the right words, tilting her head slightly. “Convenient.” He looked skeptical but shrugged. “The usual table then?” Derpy nodded and he turned to lead toward the table. Both mares sat and a menu was handed to Redheart. When Derpy didn’t get one she cocked her head in confusion. “You didn’t get a menu?” She asked and Derpy shook her head with the same wonderful smile that never seemed to falter. “I know every item by heart, I come here at least once a week. I love this place, brings back good memories.” Redheart decided against questioning further at the moment and looking to her menu. The items ranged from salads to hayburgers, all of which looked delicious. She eventually came to a decision and waited for the waiter to come back. “If you don't mind my asking, you said you liked this place because of good memories. What kind?” Derpy shuffled under the table but smiled nonetheless. “Yeah my family would come here on Wednesdays, we would talk and laugh and just have a good time. It was always so nice… I really miss those days. Did you ever do anything similar with your family?” Redheart had a tear in her eye that she wiped with a foreleg. She felt so sad for Derpy, she was so nice and so kind and perfect, why did bad things have to happen to her. “It's always the cute ones” She thought. “No, my family was pretty introverted. We would have study nights together, but that isn’t really the same.” Derpy looked confused and cocked her head in the usual cute way. “Why isn’t that the same? You spent time with your family and had a good time.” “I guess I never really thought about it like that, I guess we would make jokes occasionally. I suppose we did have good times.” Redheart said, smiling softly. The waiter was returning to the table and saw the menu set down. “What would you like to order ma’ams?” Both mares said their order and the waiter left to give it to the kitchen. “How do you stay so happy all the time? Doesn’t life ever bite you in the butt?” “I would have to punch life if it ruined her butt” “Sure life can be tough, but it’s all about looking at it at the right angle! My eyes are really good at helping with that,” She giggled “But, as long as you remember the good stuff, the bad stuff doesn’t seem as, well… bad.” She was smiling her bright smile, spreading joy like a disease, a rather cute disease mind you. Redheart just looked at her with a gentle smile. It was hard to believe that Derpy could just shrug off bad stuff like it was nothing at all. Soon the food arrived at the table and each mare dug in. “Mm this is really good it’s no wonder you’re here so often.” Redheart took another bite and chewed, enjoying every bite. “Yeah this place is great!” Derpy said with a mouth full of salad, she swallowed and continued. “I know the owners, they’re old family friends.” Redheart giggled at Derpy’s shenanigans, everything she did was adorable from stumbling to talk to simply walking. She stared at the wall eyed mare as she tore away at her innocent salad. Her messy blonde mane flopped as she dug her face into the food on the plate, she looked up at Redheart and tilted her head. Her golden eyes filled with a question that would soon leave her mouth, her mouth was covered in several types of dressing as she smiled. “Whatcha lookin’ at?” It was finally Redheart’s turn to fumble, she shook her head and smiled nervously. “Oh, uhm… you have dressing on your face?” It was true but not the reason behind the stare. “So? I’ll wipe it off when I’m done so it doesn’t matter right now, right?” “I suppose you’re right, but must you eat so sloppily? It’s adorable and disturbing at the same time.” Redheart flushed when she let ‘adorable’ slip but Derpy didn’t seem to notice, or she just didn’t care. “Why not? I like to live in the moment, and this salad is taking away from spending time with friends. It must pay the price for intervening with my outing.” She finished her sentence and returned to attacking the meal in front of her. “I guess I’ll get to it then.” Redheart figured she would regret this, but decided to eat with just her face as well. Both mares were nose deep in salad devouring every last leaf and giggling like foals. Redheart felt ridiculous, but she was having the most fun she had in weeks, so she didn’t mind. After they each finished the waiter returned. “I see you enjoyed your meal,” He said pointing to his muzzle with a hoof. The diners each grabbed a napkin and wiped their face with a goofy smile. “Well here's your check, and have a nice day.” “Thank you” “Thanks” The bill was only 30 bits and Redheart set the small pouch in the table. Redheart held the front door open and Derpy thanked her on the way through. The air felt much warmer than earlier, the wind made up for it and cooled them with each gust. “I had a wonderful time Derpy, and I was wondering…” Redheart looked nervous and turned her eyes toward her hooves. Derpy lifted her head to look into her beautiful blue eyes. “Aww, come on don’t look down, you gotta carry yourself with pride. What is it?” Redheart was calmed slightly and built up her courage. “Do you want to, you know… go on a date sometime?” She was nearly trembling with fear of rejection but Derpy just smiled. Redheart looked longingly into Derpy’s eyes and waited for an answer. “Wasn’t that a date? It sure seemed like it... although I've never been on a date before, so I guess I wouldn't know." “I didn’t plan it to be, so no, I don’t count it as one. I mean a planned, and consensual on both sides, date.” Derpy smiled and accepted her answer. “That sounds great! Oh I’m so glad you asked!” She engulfed Redheart into the most amazingly warm and soft hug. Derpy smelled, unsurprisingly, like muffins while Redheart had a faint hospital smell mixed with a much stronger strawberry. The hug lasted nearly a minute before Derpy let go. They continued on their walk to Sugarcube Corner. Redheart was filled with the most mind numbingly sublime feeling of joy while Derpy leaned softly against her side as they walked. When she saw Derpy’s workplace in the distance she frowned, soon she would have to part with her new joy. Speaking of, said joy decided to speak up. “When and where should we go? For our date I mean, I’ll let you pick because I chose today’s venue.” Redheart thought hard on the question until she formulated an answer. “If you can make it there is a party tomorrow that I was invited to up in Canterlot. It starts at 19:00. Everything is handled already and I’m allowed a plus one, if you can’t make it I can always have a friend fill in.” Derpy shook her head with firmity. “Where is it? What should I wear?” Redheart brightened up. “I’ll come pick you up if that works, it’s fairly formal so a simple dress or suit would be perfect.” Derpy was still a little suspicious. “It’s not going to be packed right? I suck at huge events…” Redheart drew a leg around Derpy’s neck. “It should only be about 70 ponies, if that’s too much I understand but I would really like you to come.” Redheart turned a tiny bit sad at the thought of Derpy rejecting her offer. “Okay, as long as you don’t leave my side. You can pick me up here at 17:00 and maybe we could get dinner before we leave, my treat this time.” Redheart nodded vigorously. “Great! I can’t wait,” they arrived at the front entrance to Sugarcube Corner and Redheart was a little sad to leave her companion. “I guess I’ll see you then, Good night.” They hugged a final time and Derpy said her farewells. Depry walked into the sweets shop and a pink blur crashed into her. “How’d it go?” Pinkie nearly shouted right into Derpy’s face. “Did you get a second date?” “It was the best lunch of my life…”