//------------------------------// // A More Than Friendly Outcome // Story: Washout For Your Feelings // by Beakwood //------------------------------// There were moments in life that a pony knew where to step back, especially when confronting an issue of which they knew nothing about or lacked the necessary assets to solve it. But that was never the case when dealing with other living creatures. Stubbornness was one of the few things that defined the way Lightning Dust dealt with the ponies around her, unwilling to change her ways despite being told otherwise, her resolve bringing more trouble than it should be considered worth taking. She cared not for trivialities such as safety or advisement. Yet, she felt the need to swallow her pride each time her group went out to put on a show. Liked her or not, she wouldn't risk the safety of her colleagues and her own so blunty. Being careless was one thing, being suicidal was other entirely different. She was perfectly aware of this when she designed the protective suits for her group. Being burned, electrocuted, pierced or swatted away like a bug weren't things she could exactly live through without some safety measurements. But the occasional injuries were inevitable when performing new tricks or testing equipment. She was fully aware of the risks and committed with them. Either she took risks or she would suffer much more without this job. Yet, after spending days prepping for this important day, Lightning felt an odd amount of anxiety in regards to the next show. She never felt this worked up about a performance before, it baffled and worried her to an unfamiliar extent. Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse were going on their routine like any other show, although Rolling has been quite insistent on knowing more about Lightning 'special' friend. The turquoise mare swatted away all the nagging as best as she could, but the Sidneigh pegasus wasn't keen on dropping the subject any time sooner. Lightning wasn't sure about how to explain her friendship with Thunderlane if anypony dared to ask. Sure they knew each other since many years ago, even if they had scarce moments together, but Dust never entertained the idea of liking somepony so much as she did now after spending all these last weeks with him. Perhaps her lack of socialization had something to do with it, lacking other ponies to rely on may have turned her into a loner, and she never realized until recently how much she needed somepony else to talk with. At this point she had to admit she cares, more than anything, about what Thunderlane would think of it. Maybe that was the reason she was getting so worked up? Was she concerned about the stallion enjoying the show? Was she afraid he would turn away if he deemed the whole thing dangerous? And leave her just like Rainbow did? Lightning spent enough time along to know for sure that Thunderlane is notthat kind of pony. He wouldn't turn on her just because he didn't agree with something. Maybe it would upset him to an extent but not change his mind all of sudden. Dust knew he would argue about it nevertheless, it was something she wasn't sure how to discuss once the moment arrives. The stunt job is dangerous, that much was obvious for everypony involved, it may be thrilling for Dust but it was not the case for everypony else. The spectators didn't have anypony they cared so much involved directly with the stunts, that's why the presentations excited them so much. But it wouldn't be the case this time around. Perhaps it was premature to think Thunderlane would be this much concerned, they were friends at best. At least that's what Lightning kept telling herself, wondering in many ocassions the 'what ifs' of their relationship. Yet, no amount of self-assurance stopped her from making an early visit at his doorstep, her hoof hesitating to hit on the poorly kept wooden door. She didn't want to bother him like this, but the anxiety got the better of her in the end. The need to know if he would show up was making her antsy. She hated that feeling. She tapped the door a few times, glancing around anxiously while waiting, the nearby houses were peaceful, no ponies were in streets engaging on their own personal tasks. A few seconds later the muffled sound of hooves hitting on wooden boards alerted the mare about the imminent encounter, she was still trying to formulate some sort of conversation, anything that wouldn't make this unexpected visit awkward. But before she could decide on what exactly to say the door swung open, revealing the mohawk stallion that Rolling wouldn't stop pestering her about. His eyes widened in surprise while a nervous grin took place in response to her sudden presence. "Oh...hey Dust...hum...what brings you here?" "You." She replied without thinking. A mental slap followed right after, she frowned at her own carelessness before explaining herself. "I mean...I kinda was...and....fuck! I'm not good with this kind of stuff!" "Are you alright?" Thunderlane became concerned with her strange struggle at having an conversation. "Did something happen?" "Sort of..." Lightning replied hesitantly. All that concern about not making things awkwards for nothing. "Hey, huh, can I come in? I don't feel like talking outside." "Oh, sure! Come in." Thunderlane replied too eagerly. The mare raised an eyebrow at his cheerful acceptance. "Heh, sorry. I'm in a better mood today." "Huh, sure." Lightning replied, not sure at all if she should believe that or not. She trotted inside and went through the familiar path towards his kitchen. The house seemed cleaner and had a more pleasent scent this time around. Obviously it didn't smell like stallion sweat just like her last visit. She guessed at that time that Thunder didn't shower, but it wasn't something worth mentioning. "I kinda wanna ask something before I get to the point." The mare said once she took a more or less comfortable seat at one of the kitchen's desk. Thunderlane nodded, seemingly curious as he took a seat across the small table. Normally he would've offered something for breakfast, but it wasn't the best idea with the upcoming show in few hours. The stallion had no idea how the Washouts prepared for their presentations. "So....this is kinda our last show of the season. Roll and Shorty are taking off during the break to spend time with their families during Heart's Warming and Years Eve. And....well, ya know...." She said somewhat sheepishly. Thunderlane immediately understood what was going on. With no shows or teammates around Lightning wouldn't have anypony to spend the holidays with, especially since she previously made clear she has no family to join with. He couldn't help but feel extremely sympathetic towards her. It wasn't a common thing to ask to somepony that wasn't directly related. Thunderlane couldn't recall the last time he and Rumble spent the holidays with somepony else that not Chaser, Flitter or, on few ocassions, Kicker. Rumble was far too young at the time to remember the holidays with mom and dad. Yet, those days were among the best in Thunderlane's life, and he always tried his best to replicate that holiday feeling towards his little brother. Perhaps he could get something going if he could share the holiday feeling with Dust. "Hum...yeah. I would love to have you around for the holidays. If you're ok with it." The stallion replied with a nervous grin. He felt like cutting too close with adding the word 'love' into the mix, but thankfully that bit went unnoticed. Lightning's ears perked, her facial expression of one that did not expect such response. "Wait, really?!" She asked, hope and disbelief mixed together. "Yeah, I mean it." Thunderlane said a bit more firmly this time around. "How do you usually spend your holidays?" He couldn't help but ask. The turquoise mare grimaced at his curiosity. "Well, last few years I was kinda working to get myself somewhere. I didn't have anypony around at those times so....I occupied myself with something. I just don't really feel like spending the holidays alone ag- at this time around." She stuttered a bit near the end, but that nearly slip of tongue did not fool the stallion. Thunderlane frowned. It bothered him to know the mare has been spending her previous holidays all by herself, this wasn't a common thing for ponies, even among the less sociable ones. "And also..." She chuckled bitterly, pausing for a moment to regain some control over her emotions. "...I kinda need some advice on Heart's Warming gifting stuff. I have no idea how ya gift other ponies with things they like." Thunderlane felt caught off guard by this. His eyes widened in perplexity at Lightning's lack of experience in regards to Warming's costumes. Was her family so bad that they never gave her a gift? Didn't she had anypony before that she would want to gift something? "You never exchanged gifts before?" The stallion blurted out, frowning at his own lack of subtlety. Lightning scratched the back of her head, clearly uncomfortable with the way he reacted. It wasn't a bad reaction that she was worried about, but rather the embarrassment of it all. It was kinda abnormal for ponies to not gift each other during Heart's Warming. "Well, no. I kinda didn't have....well, ponies that really liked me." "Ah." Thunderlane felt like kicking himself for asking stupid questions. Now he made the atmosphere awkward and embarrassed her even further. It was time to do some damage control. "Say, I'm working on what to gift Rumble this year, but he's been such a little brat that I am tempted to gift him with a box full of rocks. Maybe that will weight on his conscience." The stallion said with a touch of humour. Lightning snorted. "Yeah, sure. That would teach him to stop being an ungrateful little shit I guess, but I know ya wouldn't do that." She retorted, smiling at the stallion's idea of a punishment. That actually gave Lightning a great idea, her mind projecting the look on Rainbow's face once she opens a gift with a glitter bomb inside. The best part is that she would never know who sent it. 'Now that would be a neat prank.' Lightning couldn't help but congratulate herself for the great idea. 'Or maybe I should use something she absolutely hates, maybe even some nasty little creature.' Thunderlane, who was oblivious to the dark plans going inside Lightning's head, stared thoughtfully at the mare before asking. "Hum, and how would you know I wouldn't do that?" He asked with genuine curiosity. Lightning shrugged. "He's the only family you got." She said, sounding melancholic all if sudden. "If I had one pony that I really loved I would make everything I could to make him happy, even if he was giving me trouble at times." Thunderlane had a strange feeling that something was being presented at him, and before he could reflect better on what to say he let his big mouth take action first. "Is there anypony you love?" Lightning stared at him for a whole minute, the intensity of it making the stallion awfully nervous. He felt he crossed a line that he didn't know it was there. Yet, after a very tense moment, her stance relaxed a bit, her expression seemingly doubtful. "I...I'm not sure. I...never expressed love for anypony else before. And I don't think whatever I felt towards my....you know who when I was a kiddo really counts." 'Ha! I knew it! Kicker is so gonna hear it from me later.' Thunderlane thought victoriously. It seems his previous assumption about Lightning's love life was correct. 'Okay, enough gloating Lane, this is serious stuff. No time for that nonsense.' Thunderlane pondered his next words carefully. He wasn't sure this was the best moment to have the talk. Hay, there would never be a 'best moment' if he kept waiting for it to happen. They were already deep into this conversation, it was a scary prospect to push it further, but waiting for the holidays to try it out would probably be much worse. "Lightning Dust." The stallion said in a mix of seriousness and somewhat fear. The mare instantly took notice of the sudden change of tone. She regarded him with apprehension. "What I'm about to ask you might sound strange, all things considered, but I beg that you give it some thought before answering. In case you wish to ask me the same question, I will let you know that I already gave it a lot of thought, and I finally have found the most satisfying answer I could get." Lightning gave the stallion an odd stare, wondering what in the hay he was on about. Yet, whatever he wanted to ask requested her invested thoughts on it, she couldn't exactly think of anything that would require her breaking a sweat thinking too hard on whatever he wanted to know. She nodded in acknowledgment. Thunderlane sighed, fearing the worst outcome possible, but it was too late to turn back on it. "How do you feel about me?" Scratch the part about breaking a sweat. This was about to flood an entire ocean out of her. 'Wh-what?!' Lightning's first thought filled with panic. Her eyes widening so much that it almost hurt. The breath caught up on her throat, her sudden stiffness screaming enough of an answer for the stallion. Thunderlane braced himself for her reaction. He could see how he shocked the mare to the core with his bold move. Now it was a matter of time before doom feel over his head. There were so many emotions going into surface that Lightning couldn't even explain. But, for her greatest shock yet, fear was the most emanating one of all. What was she afraid of? Of telling him off? Or actually admitting she felt something towards him? Was it really that simple to turn their friendship into something more? How could she be sure this would even work? Was it worth risking the only real friend she has? "Thunder, I..." Her voice came off meek. It was upsetting for Dust to hear herself like that. She hated to look weak, even more in front of a stallion. Yet, she couldn't exactly be honest with her feelings by hiding herself behind a tough act. "I'm not sure. You're different from anypony that I've been with. I...do like you more than anypony else...but....I just wanna be sure. I ain't saying I never thought about us being more than just friends! It's just....it's something completely new for me. I don't wanna mess up our relationship." Thunderlane couldn't exactly blame her for feeling insecure, it is a sensitive matter for her to risk another friendship in search of something better. He isn't so sure either, the chances of a first time relationship like this to be everlasting were incredibly minimal, yet among ponies it was more likely to last than one would imagine. Thunder felt they have to do this, for the sake of both of them, not only because of how they felt towards the other, but the experience itself would make them better ponies in the long run. Thunderlane knows he has his flaws, just like Lightning has hers. This might be the best chance for them to learn. "I understand. But then I don't think that, even if this really doesn't work out, I wouldn't stop being your friend after that. I do care about you a great deal. More than I can put into words. Would you....do you want to be my special somepony?" The stallion was thankful he didn't stutter or melted into jelly, this moment being so incredibly nerve-wracking, way more than his first training session under Spitfire. Lightning bit the inside of her cheek, wondering again the several 'what ifs' that would occur due her answer. She was fully aware of how hesitant she appeared, but Thunderlane seemed composed. Of course she ignored the fidgeting sounds of his hind hooves over the wooden floor. This all felt sudden but it really wasn't. It just would be her first time experiencing this kind of relationship. Lightning knew she would have to go through it someday. Though she never pictured herself being with a stallion. 'Live and learn, who would've guessed...' She thought, her own words sounding tired in her head. 'I really can't see myself trying this with anypony else. This is huge, but... I do trust him.' "Eh, sure thing." Thunderlane blinked. "Huh?" Lightning, much to the stallion's chagrin, decided to rest her hind hooves over the table while leaning her chair backwards. Her sudden slacking stance surprised him greatly. "What? Ya asked if I wanted to be your marefriend, also I ain't gonna say special somepony because that's foalish, and I decided that, why the hay not? I will be your marefriend." Thunderlane nodded slowly. This wasn't how he envisioned they getting together, he hoped it would be during a more special ocassion, not while they were in his kitchen during an early weekend morning. It wasn't nearly as dramatic, romantic or emotional as one would think either. So now what? "Hum..that's great, I guess." Thunderlane said, unsure of how to follow through the conversation. "I know, right? It's been like until yesterday that I thought you were gay. Life sure does go around." Lightning replied, chuckling at her own silly assumptions. Thunderlane didn't seem to share of her humour. He muttered a response under his breath before changing the subject. "So...is there any kind of behavior you want to talk about now that we are...you know....together?" Lightning's ears perked at that question, staring thoughtfully for a second before replying. The stallion couldn't help but frown that she kept her hooves over the table despite his narrowed glances at them. "Now that ya mentioned. Yeah, there's some stuff we gotta work out before hanging together and whatnot. So...ya know I ain't a very touchy grabby kind of mare. N-not that I would mind if ya wanna cuddle one time or another." Lightning couldn't help the reddening cheeks on her face. "But...uhhh, yeah. I rather we keep it to ourselves. I don't go around kissing in public and stuff like that." Thunderlane nodded in agreement, he could easily understand if she wanted to keep their interactions personal. He just now was realizing that he would be dating a tomboyish kind of mare, he should've know better. "Okay, huh, I guess I can work with that no problem." Thunderlane said rather distractedly. "I will have to let my brother know about us, but I'm sure he will keep it to himself. I don't hide anything from him and this isn't something he wouldn't notice." "I don't doubt that. He seemed pretty suspicious last time I came here. Little bugger is quick to catch on stuff. Also..." Lightning couldn't help but smirk as she locked her full attention on the stallion. "...do you have any kinks?" Thunderlane's head snapped. The question was so unexpected that it threw him on a loop. "S-say what now?!" Lightning laughed at his sudden panicked expression. "Oh, come on Thunder. I know ya must have some kinks." "And why would you think that?" The stallion asked, genuinely curious and worried at the same time. Lightning shrugged. "Well, ya been staring at my hooves quite a lot." She said while lifting one of her hind hooves towards him in a provocative manner. "I ain't making it hard for ya, am I?" Thunderlane felt his head was about to explode from embarrassment. He couldn't exactly argue that he wasn't staring at her hooves, but not for the reasons she thought! Her laugh at his expense felt like a sword going through his chest and ripping off all the dignity he had left. "Hey, hey now. No need to be ashamed." Lightning said in an effort to be sympathetic, especially after the stallion tried in vain to hide his face behind his forelegs. "I really don't mind. Besides, I do have some kinks too, but that's something we can figure out later, I guess." Thunderlane didn't reply, being too busy drowning in his own sorrowfull pit of shame. Lightning felt concern about his lack of response, she may have touched on a very sensitive subject and didn't realize. Dropping the carefree attitude Lightning hopped from the chair and trotted to his side, her right wing gently embracing around his chest, a gesture she did without much hesitancy as she normally would. She was thankful for being able to be this more physical around him. Only Celestia knows how many times Thunderlane needed a hug. 'Well, crap. This is the part we talk feelings and yadda yadda. Urgh, I gonna need to get used to it. "Listen, I ain't pretty with fluffy talk so I will make this short for ya." Lightning started, her voice sounding way less confident than from what she would expect. "Me and you, it's gonna be crazy but in a good way. We have a shit ton of things to learn and I ain't sitting on my ass waiting for this flower to blossom with time. I ain't getting any younger by fooling around so I rather we get to the point already like adults. I get ya may feel antsy with this stuff, but ya won't hear crap from me, that's for sure. No promises in regards from my teammates though." She added at the end with a touch of humour. Thunderlane couldn't help but chuckle nervously. He couldn't say she was wrong, Lightning wasn't a very patient pony and shying away from her advances wasn't going to help their relationship at all. Even if her 'advances' were rather invasive. "I...I get you. I didn't mean to be a wuss about this." Thunderlane replied hesitantly. "Didn't exactly called ya a wuss for not wanting to talk stuff, but I get your point." Lightning replied quickly, a bemused expression on her face as she watched the stallion finally look at her without seemingly about to erupt in flames. "Yeah, this stuff will drag on and I'm still to wonder how we're going to keep this in between us for too long. I don't really think it would go unnoticed from the guys back at HQ." "Oh, your teammates?" The mare asked. Lightning didn't look concerned in the slightest. "Pfff, I'm sure you can talk some bullshit and they will buy it. No biggie." It wasn't the answer that Thunderlane was hoping for, but then he should've expected as much. "Riiiight." The stallion replied, feeling both amused and annoyed at the same time. "And what about your team? Wouldn't they get upset if they found out you are dating a Wonderbolt?" That question made Lightning pause, her eyebrows furrowed at the thought of their reactions. "Huh. That's...something." "You're not sounding very assuring right now." Thunderlane noted, looking real smug for some reason. The mare quickly noticed that. "Oh yeah? Well, kiss my ass, would ya?" She retorted back with a sneer. "Can I?" He asked, sounding hopeful all of sudden. Lightning did a double take. "Wh-who-what?! No! I'm not being serious, ya dork!" She replied back quickly, cheeks flushing while staring back at him in shock. Thunderlane pouted. "Oh, well. I was really looking forward to it." He said jokingky, though while maintain a serious expression on his face. The mare couldn't help but laugh at it. "Damn Thunder, if ya can become such a tease like this so fast I can only wonder where we will be in few weeks." The stallion shrugged, though the suggestive smirk on his face spoke volumes of what he thought of their relationship in future events. Lightning shook her head before returning her thoughts back on more pressing matters. "Look, we will have a ton to worry about later, but the first show will start in few minutes. At least I know that much by looking at that rusty garbage clock over the balcony." She said while indicating said clock with a hoof. Thunderlane's smirk disappeared for a moment as she mentioned the clock. "Yeah, that clock is from my grandmother." He replied. Lightning grimaced. "Oh....huh....how's she doing anyway?" Lightning asked awkwardly enough. Thunderlane glared at her for a second, seemingly unsure of whether to take her seriously or not. "She's dead." "Fuck! S-sorry. Didn't mean anything bad by it." Lightning responded sincerely. 'I am totally blowing this up.' Judging by the stallion's expression, Dust should consider apologizing without her first word being a swear. "I know you didn't, and...yeah. It's old, but reliable. The show is in few minutes, I guess you have to go prepare yourself, right?" The mare nodded, still resenting her stupid mouth from running wild on the wrong moment. "Huh, Lightning?" Thunderlane called all of sudden. "Yeah?" "Errr, I don't mean I don't like it, but...can you let go of me? I kinda have to move." Dust blinked for a second, then realized the stallion was talking about her wing still enveloping him tightly. She quickly let go of her wing hug, suddenly feeling very self aware for no good reason. Thunderlane, who glanced at the mare quickly before landing on his fours, decided to not make any comment on her behalf. He knew better than to tease when her ego just took a scratch. "Sooo....see ya at the show?" Lightning asked, wilfully ignoring what just happened. Thunderlane's nod came as a relief for her. She could rest assured that she would no longer feel antsy about his presence there. Yet, there was something else instead, a feeling she couldn't exactly precise what it was. "You bet on it, gotta wake up my brother though. He's always a heavy sleeper in weekends. I'm sure we will be there in time." Thunderlane informed somewhat apologetically. Lightning shrugged. "Fine by me....say....this is actually the first time you date?" The mare couldn't help but ask. Thunderlane grinned sheepishly. "Yeah, it kinda is." "So you're still a virgin?" "....get out of my house. "