//------------------------------// // 20. Next Stop // Story: Like Fireworks in the Sky // by SpyroForLife //------------------------------// Tempest wasn’t sure how Discord was going to react. She hadn’t really given him any warning, she had just acted on emotion, and now their lips were together and her eyes were closed and she really hoped she hadn’t just made a mistake. Then she felt a warm pressure back against her mouth and his arms wrapped around her, pulling her against him. Tempest dropped her hooves to his shoulders, sighing with relief as she pulled her face back. She opened her eyes, and saw the other staring at her, his cheeks flushed darker than she’s ever seen them. Discord swallowed, then cracked a smile. “Well, that was unexpected.” “Exactly, the expected is boring,” Tempest replied. Her cheeks were hot and she could tell everyone had gone quiet, but soon there was hooting and a few sly remarks before everyone got back to their festivities. “Indeed. But. Wow.” Discord touched his lips, apparently still stunned. “That was okay, right?” Tempest asked. “Oh, sure. I’ve just never been kissed before.” “Really? Thousands of years and you’ve never been kissed?” “I didn’t use to let people close enough to kiss me.” Discord rubbed his chin as he thought about it. “Well, I’ve been kissed on the back of my hand, and on my toes… and then when I started being friendlier to you pony folk I would occasionally get little pecks from Fluttershy on the cheek… but that’s it. Lip kisses? Haha, never.” “Heh. Well, that was my first time kissing someone on the lips too.” Tempest got up so she could clean up the boxes from the various fireworks. Discord joined her, simply waving his hand to move everything into a pile, which he then vanished. “It was weird,” Discord commented. “I mean, just slamming your mouth against someone else’s? Not very hygienic.” When Tempest raised a brow, he hastily said, “But it was good! It was enjoyable, I’m just kinda surprised you did it.” “Well, I like you. And I just… wanted to show it.” Tempest usually prided herself on being confident, but she was nervous about this particular subject. “You’ve been a great friend to me and I… want us to be together.” Discord cocked his head. “So… are you wanting me to be your special somepony?” Tempest kicked lightly at the ground with a hoof, ears laying back as she suddenly felt shy. “Yeah.” Discord was silent for a moment. Then he beamed, and picked her up, hugging her close as he nuzzled her cheek. She laughed and hugged him back. “Of course! You’ve been such a good friend to me and I’ve really felt a connection with you… I would love to date you! I’ve never dated but how hard could it be?” “I’m sure a smart guy like you can figure it out,” Tempest replied, and she took advantage of being in his arms to lean up and kiss him. He responded, all smiles as he did. “I assume it means more hugging. And kissing,” Discord mused. “Mhm, if you want to.” Tempest rubbed her nose against his, and his snake-like tongue briefly flicked against her mouth. “And hm, what else.” Discord thought about all the creatures he’s seen in relationships. “Hand holding, or I suppose hoof holding in your case… cuddling and sweet talk…” “All nice things but they aren’t required 24/7, just as we want,” Tempest said. “Don’t overthink it, just keep doing your thing, I like you regardless.” “Of course. Hm, but what else do you ponies like to do… oh, and sex, right?” Tempest tensed at that. “Um. Well, er, maybe not yet on that one.” He snickered. “Very well.” He set her down, and rested his hand on her head as they walked, softly playing with her mane and stroking along her ears. They had only taken a few steps though when Curly jogged over, swaying slightly and catching herself on Tempest. “H-hey, about time you two got together!” Tempest’s nose wrinkled when she smelled beer. “Are you drunk?” “Of course I’m not drunk!” Curly stood up straight for all of about two seconds, before breaking into laughter and leaning forward again, using Tempest for support. “So I had a few drinks but it’s okay, I’m… I’m good to drive!” “Drive what?” Tempest asked, blinking. “Anyway!” Curly let go and clapped her hands together. “So you two finally got together, huh?” “Heh, yeah.” Tempest rubbed her fetlock awkwardly. “I just kinda realized how much he means to me, and… yeah.” “Well, good for you!” Curly went over to nudge Discord. “I always told her she’d find a special somepony, but she kept insisting she was happy alone. Can you believe that?” “Certainly,” Discord replied. “I’ve been happy alone. But…” He gazed at Tempest, running his paw along her cheek. “I’m happier with friends. I suppose it’s the same for her.” “Yeah.” She leaned her cheek into his palm, sighing at his warmth. “I’m fine by myself, I was alone for a long time, but I prefer being around people. You know, once I’ve gotten used to them.” “Aww.” Curly fluffed up Tempest’s mane. “I’m happy for you two. Well, we should probably start cleaning up, huh? People are starting to go home.” Tempest nodded, gesturing to Discord. “Come on, let’s say goodbye.” He nodded and followed her, and they thanked everyone for coming, wishing them a goodnight and inviting them to take home any food they wanted. They enthusiastically took them up on that offer, and the tables were cleared in minutes. Discord helped himself to a few snacks left behind, and once he was sure everyone was gone, he waved his hand and vanished everything, except of course for Vinyl Scratch’s equipment. “Thank you so much for DJing for us,” Tempest said to her, going over to help her pack up. She smiled and nodded, shaking her hoof. Discord opened a portal, and Vinyl moved her stuff back into it. She gave them a last wave before hopping back through to her house in Ponyville. With that taken care of, Discord got rid of the stage she had been on. Tempest looked around. It looked like there had never been a party here. “Looks good to me. Wanna head back to Capper’s place?” “Sure. Where is Capper, anyway?” Discord couldn’t find him. “I think he had grabbed a plate of fish sticks and ran off with them,” Tempest replied. “Ah. Well, let’s go. Do you want to teleport or walk back?” “Walk.” “Alright.” They started the familiar walk back. They spent it in a peaceful silence, content to be together. Not to mention both were tired from their various magic displays. When they entered Capper’s house, they saw that he was relaxing on a chair, reading while he had a drink. “There you are,” he said. “I take it the party ended after you told us to take the food?” “Yeah,” Tempest replied, stumbling over toward the bed. The alcohol from the party had kicked in during the walk and she was a little clumsy. “We got things cleaned up pretty quickly though, thanks to Discord.” “Of course. That nifty draconequus magic can do anything.” Capper set his book aside and leaned forward, lacing his fingers together. “Congrats on the kiss, by the way.” Tempest blushed, hopping onto the bed. “Oh, thanks.” Discord laughed as he joined her. “I guess everyone saw that, huh?” “Mhm, I’m sure it’ll be the talk of Klugetown for all of like… a day before people get bored with it. Still, I’m happy for you. I was wondering when it would happen.” Discord gently petted Tempest’s side. “We hadn’t really planned on it. I definitely wasn’t expecting it. All I did was compliment her magic and suddenly she was kissing me. I blame the booze.” “Hey, you didn’t just compliment my magic,” Tempest replied. She gave Capper a pointed look. “He called me beautiful, no one has ever said that to me and meant it like that.” Capper let out a whistle. “Well that’s one way to a girl’s heart, Discord. Honestly you two may be an odd couple but you look adorable together. Congrats, but also no fooling around in my bed.” Tempest groaned. “We’re not going to-” “I know, I know,” Capper said hastily before she could raise her voice. “I’m just messing with you.” Discord moved his hand around to feel up Tempest’s chest, and whispered in her ear, “We’ll leave that for when we have our own place, hmm?” Her face grew hot and she almost wanted to squirm away, but she also really liked him, and knew there was no reason to be shy with him. “Sounds good to me.” He snickered. Capper stretched. “Well, we should hit the hay. I take it you two will be leaving soon?” Tempest thought about it, then said, “Yeah, we probably are about ready to go. We’ll talk to Curly about it.” “Sounds good.” Capper went over to his sleeping bag. “Goodnight then, y’all. Could one of you get the lights?” Tempest used her magic to turn off all the lights, and flopped her head back against Discord’s neck, yawning. He wound himself further around her, arms around her middle. “Goodnight, dear,” he said. She smiled, snuggling back against him. “Goodnight.” They slept soundly, though by the time Tempest woke up, Discord was already awake and reading a book. She glanced at him, and he said, “Ah, you’re finally up. You slept longer than I expected.” “I guess the firework show took a lot out of me,” she said. “Perhaps. It’s fine though. You’re adorable when you’re sleeping.” Tempest chuckled. Then she thought back to when she had kissed Discord last night, and her heart pounded faster. She had been buzzed, but she had completely wanted to do it. Still, the memory of it was a little embarrassing. “So um, I guess we’re dating now,” she said. “We sure are. Oh, which reminds me.” Discord leaned his head over and gave her a quick kiss. She jumped, ears laying back as she blushed. He tilted his head. “What’s wrong?” “Nothing, just…” She leaned her ears forward again. “I wasn’t expecting that.” “Ah. Well, would you like good morning kisses, or should I save it for when you’re more awake?” “Oh, no, you can kiss me whenever. I just need to get used to it.” “Oh, goodie.” He embraced her. “You’re very affectionate,” Tempest commented. “Of course! I don’t form bonds like this with many ponies, but now that I have, I just want to show how much I like you! And physical contact is the best way to do that! You guys are all about hugs and nuzzles and stuff anyway.” Tempest scoffed. “Most ponies are about it. I can go without. Unless I like you, of course. But strangers need to back off.” “Oh, certainly.” “Ponies that meet you for the first time and then immediate try to give you a hug are so annoying.” “Haha, yeah.” Tempest got out of bed. “Alright, let’s go see if Curly needs anything.” She briefly stopped in the bathroom to straighten her mane and wash her face off, but then she was heading out with Discord. She decided to fly over, using her magic to levitate while Discord flew along beside her. They raced, and twirled around each other a few times, and they were at the storm creature neighborhood before they knew it. They found Curly watching over a team that was installing glass in the windows, and landed next to her. “Tempest, good to see you,” she said. “Hello, Curly!” Discord said loudly as usual, but this time Curly flinched and grabbed her head. “Not so loudly, please,” she asked. “Are you hungover?” Tempest asked. “Maybe a little,” Curly said defensively. “That’s what happens when you don’t hydrate,” Discord said. “Yeah, I didn’t drink water, I was busy drinking beer. Anyway, how are you?” “We’re good,” Tempest said. “We were stopping by to see if you needed anything else, otherwise we’re gonna head north to Sunny Oasis,” Discord said. Curly thought about it. Then she said, “You’ve done so much for us already, I think we can handle things from here. Plus we have your friend Capper around to help us if needed. I’ll see if anyone else needs something though.” She called to her team, “Hey, any of you need anything from Tempest before she leaves?” “A sandwich!” “One million bits!” “I wouldn’t mind a kiss!” Curly rolled her eyes. “Okay, back to work you hooligans. Anyway, I think we’re good then. Thank you so much for everything.” She held out her hand, and Tempest shook it. Discord shook her hand too, and they moved along. Tempest took a few minutes to say bye to Grubber, as well as the other citizens. They were sad to see her go, but thanked her for her help. After that, they went to the airship docks to find Capper. He was carrying a large box, and said, “Walk and talk y’all, walk and talk.” They walked briskly next to him as he carried it into a ship. “We’re heading out,” Tempest said. “We wanted to say bye before we went.” “Ah, for real? Well, I’ve enjoyed your company. And our campaign,” he said, nodding to Discord, who beamed. “Good luck out at Sunny Oasis.” “Thank you. We’ll see you around,” Tempest said. “Come visit Ponyville some time,” Discord added. “I’m sure I will, I’m thinking of buying some clothes from Rarity,” Capper said. He set the box down on the deck of the ship and walked back down to get the next one. “See you guys later.” Tempest patted his shoulder, then rethought it and hugged him. He smiled and hugged her back, and turned to shake Discord’s hand, only to get a crushing hug from him too. “Alright, big guy, see you later,” Capper managed, out of breath. Discord let go of him, and they walked away while he got back to work. “I’m gonna miss him,” Tempest said. “I’m going to miss his cooking,” Discord commented. She playfully slapped his shoulder. He bumped his hip against her in return, nearly knocking her over. They went back to Capper’s house so Tempest could pack her bags, then she set them over her back and led the way out. After making sure the door was locked behind them, they started for the northern road. “You really wanna walk?” Discord asked. “You’ve been on the construction trip dozens of times, it takes hours to get down that road.” “I want to walk,” she replied. “I like the exercise, plus it gives us time to just hang out and chat.” “Well, alright.” He hovered along next to her for several minutes as they went to the road, but once they started down it, Tempest gestured for him to land. “You should walk too, it’s good for you,” she said. He made a face, continuing to fly. “Why would I waste energy walking when I can fly?” “So I can lean against you if I get tired?” He landed. “Fine.” She laughed. “You’re so sweet.” “Mhm, don’t go around telling people.” Tempest briefly nuzzled him, then rolled her shoulders and looked out at the long sandstone road stretching into the desert. It would be quite the trip, but she was more than ready to get to the next stop on their mission. Discord ran his hand up into her mane, the claws of his eagle-like talon fluffing it up. “Now that we’ve gotten a feel for what Twilight wants us to do, helping Sunny Oasis should be smooth sailing.” Tempest agreed.