Hey, are you mad at me or something? We almost don't talk lately, even at school. You're either sleeping on the desk or moping. I know I haven't been the best friend lately (and that my love issues nearly made you go insane), but to get so distant…
Also, Short seems to worry about you a lot. I tried asking her more about it, but she'd only at it was related to your coltfriend. (The one nopony has ever seen.)
So, if there's anything just tell me okay? It's me you're talking to. We've been best friends ever since I could remember, and while Short is the fluff of my mane, I'm still here to help, okay?
RRBB
It's fine. Really. I've just not been getting enough sleep lately, that's all. Sorry I made you feel bad. Nothing has changed between us. Okay, so maybe things are starting to change a bit. You've caught the love bug, so you know what I’m talking about. It's normal for me to devote more time to him than other things.
PaintDrop
Is he beating you?
RRBB
What the *yay*?!? Where did that come from? Of course he isn't! What do you take me for? I'm not some helpless idiot that can't take care of herself. And before you ask, I've not been dumped! We happen to be very happy together! If anything I wish I could spend more time with him!
Short&Hoofy told you, didn't she? After everything I've done she treats me this way. Not that I'm surprised. It's not her fault. She’s drawn to broken things and tries to fix them.
PaintDrop
Okay, that was mean. Still, everything is alright. Frankly, I’m surprised you’re even asking me! So what if I went to the hospital a few times? It's nothing major! The doctors said so themselves. Do you think for a moment that they would let me go if they suspected something was wrong? Would they let me go if they thought my boyfriend was hurting me?
PaintDrop
I know you better than you think. :/
And don't blame Short. She sometimes talks in her sleep about the things that bother her. It's sweet sometimes, but hearing her whisper that she’s afraid your boyfriend is hurting you, and in the middle of the night, is scary as *yay*!
So I'll ask you just once. No ifs, maybes, or other *yay*. Is he hurting you?
RRBB
It's complicated…
I know that's not what you want to hear, but it really is. Strictly speaking, I'm hurting myself because of him, but it's not that simple. I'm not slamming the door on my leg, for one thing. Just getting to be with him is exhausting and sometimes I push myself more than I should.
He's a fine stallion. Truly! If anything he's trying to get me to stay away for a while until I get better, but I don't want to. I’m an earth pony! I know how strong I am and how much I can take. The time we spend together is beautiful… at times it's the only thing I can think about. It's magical, really magical.
So, yes maybe he's hurting me a bit, but he makes me feel good ten times more.
PaintDrop
I'm not one to judge, but how extreme are we talking about? And don't give me that answer about the doctors. I've done plenty of stuff on myself without anyone suspecting (other than you and now Short).
RRBB
Nothing extreme, I promise you. We're pretty much at the kissing stage… maybe a bit of intense kissing, but nothing more.
I think it has more to do with me becoming a total slob. If I eat and exercise regularly I think I'll start feeling much better, and definitely stop falling asleep in class.
PaintDrop
It's not like you were falling asleep a month ago. :/ I'm trusting you on this, but if goes any further I'll make you tell me everything (and if that fails I'll make Short tell me, and you know I can easily manage that!)
Now that I've done my good deed for the day, give me details. And don't think I believe you when you say you're just “kissing”. How far have you gone?
RRBB
You really wouldn't understand. :/
How far have you gotten with Short?
PaintDrop
Do you really want me to go into that? I could I know, and in great detail. There's a reason I call her Squishy, you know?
RRBB
I’m sure you could. I'm not you, though. We might have gotten a little further, but that's all I'm going to say.
PaintDrop
Cool. So why can't anypony meet him? Unlike me you're in good relations with your parents. They'll literally buy you anything you wish. To keep him secret from them he must have done something pretty unforgivable.
Is he dirt poor, is that what he is? You said he was an artist or something. Those are always broke. Hey, I totally understand you. I won't tell you what sort of looks I still get from my mother when Short is near. The only saving grace is that she's from Canterlot and her sister works at the Mayor’s office. You know the sort of “if you have to” acceptance ones gives when she has to.
Is it something like that?
RRBB
No, it's nothing like that. He doesn't have bits, but he doesn't need them. That's not the issue. It's more like I don't think my parents would approve his way of life. To be honest, I don't think you would. If I bring him here I'll be out in a position to choose, and I don't want to to do that…
PaintDrop
You're scared what you might choose. Aren't you?
RRBB
Terrified.
Remember how you were about to flee Ponyville with YouKnowWho and leave your parents behind? It's sort of like that. I love my parents. I love you, and Short, and the meddlesome trio, and a lot of other ponies. I love the site and my friends, but if I'm to choose…
I just don't want to think about it.
PaintDrop
Well, you're the reasonable one. If you can't figure it out, I certainly won't be able to help :P Just smile from time to time, okay? Even Pixel notices the difference when you're in a dark mood.
RRBB
Oh. Well, if I’m disturbing Pixel in some way, I better pull myself together. :P
It's fine. I promise not to get in trouble before telling you and Short. (As if I didn't have a set of parents already.)
PaintDrop
There, that wasn't too hard :) And for your reward I'll tell you a closely guarded secret (share it at your own peril).
Short has incredibly ticklish hooves. I barely need to touch the frog of her hooves with the tip of my tongue to get a reaction.
RRBB
Argh! Too much information! :/
PaintDrop
Admit it! Now you want to try it >:D
RRBB
Goodbye, RRBB!
PaintDrop