It had been a month of sadness and tears for Little Gear following the parting of ways from her and Snow Glider. The two were inseparable as younger fillies, always playing together and oftentimes Little Gear would encourage Snow Glider to try to fly. This attributed to Snow's first flight, years earlier than even her older brother Whiteout's own first flight. This was but one achievement that made the two close friends, their friendship a strong bond that they knew would take a strenuous situation to break.
A situation like what had happened when Little Gear saw Snow Glider visiting her at Ponyville Medical Clinic, whereupon the two were away from each other previously four years. It hurt both of them to see the other, Snow Glider couldn't believe how relaxed and imprisoned Little Gear seemed, just content to have her small space out back to walk in and this miniature world she'd gotten in a hospital. Little Gear was appalled at how much Snow Glider was losing her carefree attitude and becoming concerned about the upper class and status, forgetting her own humble start and entertaining thoughts of becoming rich.
“...I could never go back and fix all of that. Four years apart with friends like Snow and I used to be...you just do not fix something like that when it breaks.” Little Gear was talking to a blue pony lying in their own bed in a separate room, a pony which was a young colt at roughly her own age. His mane and tail were a clean white, though it had faded a little in color due to the fact he was stuck in the bed for most of his time.
“...that's harsh. I'm glad I don't have to worry about that with me and Dasher any time soon.”
“You were lucky to have a friend who still lives in the general area the hospital is in. I do not have anypony but my parents to return to now.” Little Gear sighs, looking away and to the window. It was a bright day outside, and she'd come earlier so she could catch Lightning Shaker before he'd head out. Oddly enough, he'd asked if she had friends before recently, which is why she'd recapped her entire friendship with Snow Glider.
“I wouldn't say that...if she was as hurt as you were by all that, I'm sure if a chance was given you two could become friends again...especially since you seem to have a thing for her.” Lightning chuckles, nudging Little Gear's good shoulder amusedly. She blinks, giving a light gasp and shaking her head rapidly enough that it rattled her mind a little.
“Nonononononono....nothing like that! I mean...well, it was a really close friendship, just all platonic. There was no underlying suggestiveness or anything! We just loved hanging out with each other is all....” Little Gear states, wondering just why Lightning was teasing her on this. After another round of laughter from him, she realizes he's just doing this to get her riled up. Promptly turning her defenses on again, making her shirk back from him a little.
“Heeey, don't get so touchy on it. I bet you'd say the same about me and Dream Dasher if you saw how we act all the time...”
“Hmm? But I thought you two were like brothers? I thought me and Snow Glider technically are the same thing in a way?” Little Gear's appeal to logic immediately pushed aside Lightning's jokes, making them look rather laughably ridiculous now.
“....yeah, I guess so. Huh, didn't think I'd meet anypony else with extra family, I guess. Well, just goes to show that nothing is always the same.”
“Yeah...” Little Gear adds at the end, gazing out the window again. Lightning laughs and slowly gets out of the bed, Little Gear moving to assist him despite the fact she could wind up tripping again. The few weeks previously were something she'd been surprised at, ever since Lightning had arrived she'd seen friends and family of his come to visit and one even helped her up after a rather tame trip-up one day. It went without saying that she envied him a little, but not enough to completely turn green with envy.
“You know...helping me stand isn't exactly something you have to do....I'm not totally helpless with my wings back in full use.” Lightning mutters to Little Gear, whom just blushes a little.
“I felt it necessary...I owe it to you for considering me family.”
“You owe me nothing, and that's final. Just be happy and don't get depressed over everything, okay? There are too many other ponies to worry about if you take that approach to life.” Lightning admonishes, lightly shoving Little Gear along. She stumbles forward a little, then sighs and continues onwards.
“I still think you are too trusting of other ponies...but I am glad you trust me.”
“I trust you because something tells me that you're a worthy pony to trust. I think its that solid attitude you have, always so grounded and logical. Nothing at all like the others. And besides, you act like a little sister to me...I could always use one of those...” Lightning reasons, Little Gear staring at him like his head would float off or something.
'I swear, this colt just doesn't know what he's saying, or he's really good at charming the ladies...whatever it is, I'll be sure to keep an eye on him until I have to leave.' Little Gear thinks to herself, before continuing towards the outside to go find a place to sit and chat for a while.
The rest of the day was spent with the two talking about various things, eventually Little Gear putting the finishing touches to her prosthetic so it could be built. She was finally close enough to leaving for home, capable of helping her family once again and able to do something about it all...now if only she could forget this feeling of sadness and anxiety at leaving behind Lightning and Dasher...