Hey, I need some help. Are you available today?
PaintDrop
Um, sure. What happened? Is everything okay?
Short&Hoofy
It's really complicated. Before I say anything, are you alone? I don't want anypony to learn about this, especially RRBB.
PaintDrop
I'm actually at her place right now waiting for her to get ready for school.
Short&Hoofy
Ah, right. She used to spend almost an hour getting her mane and fur groomed before. With you around I bet it's more. I'm surprised you're not with her now, "Squishy".
PaintDrop
Will you stop that? And no, she doesn't want me to be there when she's getting "beautified". I never knew how much she wanted to impress everypony. Right now she's doing the same to me. It's gotten a bit better, though, but... Anyway, what did you need me for?
Short&Hoofy
Find an excuse to skip class sometime then write to me. And don't let her know, okay?
PaintDrop
That sounds scary. You're never like this. Even when you were upset with her you never kept secrets.
Short&Hoofy
I kept your secret from her, or have you forgotten? I'll be waiting for your PM. Don't talk to me about it at school.
PaintDrop
Okay.
Short&Hoofy
I'm here. I'm not sure she doesn't suspect something. I feel like you'll ask me to do something terribly wrong.
Short&Hoofy
Sort of. Before you freak out it's perfectly safe and nopony will blame you. I want to see someone and need you to cover for me. The story is I dragged you to my special hidden spot and talked to you about stuff. Let's say I've been asking what's been going on between you and RRBB. Say I've been worried if she still has a thing for YouKnowWho.
PaintDrop
Okay?
Short&Hoofy
Just stay there and wait for me for a few hours. That's it. And if anypony ever asks you tell them that story. Not that I think it would happen. Well, other than RRBB. I'll go, do my business, and be back before you know it. If somepony finds you alone while I'm gone, just say that I got upset about my brother and Brush breaking up and went to clear my head. That's all.
PaintDrop
Okay, but what do you need me for? I'll do it of course, but can't you just say you went to think about things? Like the time you ran away?
Short&Hoofy
Like I said, it's really complicated.
Do this for me, please? When you were in trouble I was there for you. You have no idea how many times I wanted to tell RRBB everything, or drag you to her. I didn't. I covered for you, I made your sister shut up, I even calmed things down after the mess was done. Now I'm asking for your help.
PaintDrop
Alright, but... this is sounding a bit scary, Paint. You go off somewhere just like that, ask me to lie about you and don't even tell me why. You've been acting strange ever since you ran away. Everypony's noticed, they just don't want to bring back painful memory so they pretend it's okay.
Short&Hoofy
You think I don't know? That's why I need you to stop speculation that I'm going insane. Yes I've heard that version as well, and I'm not thrilled about it. SweetStuff asked me.
Look, I just want to see my coltfriend and I don't want anypony to see him. I have my reasons for that. Just cover for me. Or don't. Either way make up your mind now so I know.
PaintDrop
I will. I didn't think he was real, to be honest. RRBB is convinced, but I've never seen you with him, and even your not that good at handing.
Short&Hoofy
Well, I have. RRBB knows me better than anypony, so of course she could tell. It's just that... if I tell you something promise it'll remain between us, okay?
PaintDrop
Paint. I promise.
Short&Hoofy
When I ran away, something happened. I'm not comfortable talking about it. I didn't lose my memories except for the last day before they found me. It's sort of linked to my coltfriend. He didn't hurt me, he found me, but it's really better if nopony knows about him.
PaintDrop
Okay, though weren't you the one who told me relationships should be in the open, not hidden?
Short&Hoofy
Aren't you a smart *yay*? I've already said, it's more complicated with him. I don't think anypony is ready. Maybe in a few years they would be, or maybe they never will. I just know I really want to see him, and I'm tired of having ten minute talks constantly looking over my shoulder. With you, at least I know nopony will freak out.
PaintDrop
I don't understand any of this, but okay. I hope you know what you're doing.
Short&Hoofy
I do.
PaintDrop
Can you tell me anything about him? What's he like?
Short&Hoofy
You've been hanging round RRBB too long. :/
PaintDrop
Well, excuse me for being a teen surrounded by ponies who discuss this every day. Oh, and let's not forget the EqF site which has become shipping central!
Short&Hoofy
He's sweet and sensitive, like I'm the dark romance poems. The stallion sitting by the lake, gazing at the moonlight, often crying, seeking love... that's him. It's sort of strange. When I, with him we rarely say anything, just sit text to each other share a few words. I've never seen him smile so far, but I don't have to. I know what he feels, and he knows how I feel. Sometimes we remain silent for almost an hour and then he suddenly kisses me. The first time my entire mane stood on edge. Sometimes I'd just let him lean on me and pass my hood through his mane.
PaintDrop
You kissed?!
Short&Hoofy
Don't you dare say a word, Squishy! RRBB was quite descriptive with your "encounters".
PaintDrop
No, it's just... sorry, but I can't imagine you in that light. You're so...reserved. Not sheltered, but you've never given anypony in class a chance. To have you acting like the heroine in a romance novel is...if I wasn't writing my story I'd write about that. It sounds so... special.
Short&Hoofy
I know. :)
Break is over. I have to get back to class. Wait for me at the bridge. I'll come after the next lesson is over. And thank you.
PaintDrop
I hope you let us meet him one day :)
Short&Hoofy