//------------------------------// // The return // Story: Romantic Meetings // by TheHardie-Boy //------------------------------// I looked out the window of the train I was sitting in. Although I couldn’t see Ponyville quite yet, Canterlot was in clear view, which had to mean I was nearing my destination. I found myself thumping my foot in excitement. I looked at the stallion sitting near me, who was giving me a confused yet playful look. I blushed in embarrassment and looked away. “Excited for something I see. Anypony in particular you’re waiting to see?” the stallion asked. “Yeah, seven actually. My old friends from Ponyville. You?” I responded. “No one in particular. Just heading to Canterlot on business,” the stallion explained. We chatted for a minute about Canterlot until I saw Ponyville coming into view. I squinted as I saw what looked like a giant crystal sticking up from the ground. “Next stop: Ponyville,” said the conductor. “Well, that’s me,” I said as I stood up with my pack. I extended my hand to the stallion. “It was nice talking to you. I’m Jake, Jake Taylor.” “Oh, I know who you are. After all, you are the only known human in Equestria. I’m Spec, short for Spectacle,” the stallion responded, extending out his hoof. I shook his hoof because ponies can’t really ‘shake’ hands. With that, I began to make my way off the train. On my way out, I looked out the window at the station, and sure enough, all seven of my friends were outside, waiting for me. Twilight was even eagerly hopping in place. I guess that means it’s safe to say they remember me. Among them, I also saw another unicorn I had never seen before. She had a lilac coat, purple...no persian blue eyes, and a purple mane with a light blue streak that ran through it that was brushed from one side of her head to the other and ended in a curl. Wonder who she could be? But I would have to wonder about that later, as I was nearing the exit. Before I walked out, I took a deep breath and braced myself for the greetings I was about to receive. Sure enough, not two seconds after stepping foot on the ground, I was tackled to the ground in a hug by a familiar lavender alicorn. Ponies were shorter than me, since I stood on two legs, but they still stood right above waist-level with me when standing on all fours, and up to my chest when standing on their hind legs. Luckily, I was able to get my arms out quick enough to be able to hug her back, and there was nothing too fragile in my pack, so I didn’t have to worry about anything being broken. “I missed you so so much. Don’t you leave ever, ever, ever, EVER again!” Twilight said, tightening the hug with each “ever”. “Don’t worry, Twi, I’m here to stay. I promise,” I said, running a hand up and down her straight mane, which she always used to enjoy whenever we hung out. After a few more seconds of lying there, I took notice of her friends, specifically Rainbow Dash, who was trying her best not to lose it. “Um, Twilight, you know how much I love our hugs, but...can I get up now?” I asked, giggling. Twilight blushed and released me and stood up for me to get up. “S-Sorry,” she stuttered. She looked just as cute when she was embarrassed as I remembered. “It’s fine, I know you all missed me. I wasn’t even sure if you would remember me,” I admitted. “What?! How could we forget you?” asked Applejack, walking up to us, shock clear in her voice. “Yeah, you’re literally the coolest ‘person’ we know!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. I chuckled at Rainbow’s comment and walked up to the rest of my friends. First was Spike, who jumped up to waist-level, and we fist bumped. “Great to have you back,” he said. “Hey, you’re not getting rid of me that easily,” I joked. Next was Rainbow Dash. She flew up to me and we hoof/fist bumped as well. “How’s the fastest flyer in Equestria doing?” “Better than ever,” Rainbow responded. Then I walked up to Fluttershy, who I wrapped an arm around and gave a quick hug. She blushed and looked even cuter than I remembered. Rarity was next. I lowered my hand down to meet her head. She looked horrified as my hand neared her beautiful mane. But right before I made contact, I balled my hand into a fist and rubbed her cheek, making her blush and giggle. “Don’t worry, Rares, I know never to touch your mane,” I teased. Next to approach me was Applejack. We fist/hoof bumped like Rainbow and I did. “Hey, AJ, how’s the family?” I asked. “Great! Applebloom an’ her friends even got their Cutie Marks!” Applejack exclaimed. “That’s great! Now you don’t have to put up with them trying all sorts of crazy things to earn them,” I joked. Applejack rolled her eyes at my comment. “Let’s see, that just leaves one,” I said. And of course, Pinkie Pie jumped up to my chest and wrapped her legs around me, dangling off and burying her face in my chest. I stroked her mane a few times as she stayed there. “Okay, Pinkie, I missed you too. You can hop down now.” She remained there. “Really, you can let go. I’m not going anywhere.” She still didn’t budge. I sighed and rolled my eyes before poking her in her sides with one finger each side. I made sure to be firm, but gentle. She let out a squeak/squeal and let go. She looked up at me with those big, blue eyes and said, “Jake, you silly billy, you always get me with that!” I couldn’t resist laughing at that cute face of hers. Twilight walked past me and up to the unicorn I saw while getting off the train. “Jake, this is Starlight Glimmer, my personal student,” Twilight said. “Heh heh, nice to uh...m-meet you,” the unicorn said sheepishly. She waved a hoof and wore a sheepish smile. I could tell she was nervous. Either way, I’m not gonna lie, she looked kinda cute. “It’s nice to meet you too. I’m sure Twilight’s told you all about me,” I responded. “Um, no actually, not before we got your letter,” Starlight said, turning her head to face Twilight. I looked at Twilight as well with a mock expression. “Reeeally?” Twilight chuckled nervously, showing signs of her old adorkable self. “It’s not that I forgot about you...just that...um I was gonna get to it, but-“ “It’s fine,” I chuckled. “So, I’m assuming Pinkie planned at least something?” “Yeah, we couldn’t stop her,” said Rainbow. “Don’t worry. I watched her plan the whole thing. It’s nothing too big, just like you wanted,” said Twilight. “That’s good. Although, is it alright if we do it tomorrow? I’m kind of tired from the long train ride,” I said. Pinkie’s mane looked like it was about to deflate, but she stopped herself at the last second. “That’s even better! That way we have the whole day!” I sighed at the party pony before yawning. “I wouldn’t suppose my old house is still in one piece.” Twilight bit her lip and wore a worried expression. “What’s wrong?” I asked. “It’s just that...it was kind of destroyed in an attack that took place right after you left, along with Golden Oaks Library,” Twilight admitted. My eyes went wide hearing that. “That’s terrible! Where do you and Spike live now?” “Oh, we live in that castle over there,” Twilight responded, pointing to the giant crystal I saw earlier. Looking closer, I was able to tell that it was indeed a castle. “Huh, I saw that on the way here, but I couldn’t tell what it was. Is it really yours?” I said. “Yep! You’re welcome to stay with us until a new home for you is built,” Twilight offered. I turned back to Twilight with a shocked expression. “What?! No way, I couldn’t possibly ask for that.” “Oh come on, swallow your pride,” Spike said. I wanted to protest further, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to convince Twilight otherwise, so I accepted. Twilight jumped up and clapped her hooves in excitement. “Only until I build a new home,” I reminded. “R-Right, of course,” Twilight said, a blush clear on her face. With that, the others said their goodbyes and made their way home, leaving Twilight, Spike, and Starlight, and me. “I’m assuming you live in the castle as well, being the student of the princess?” I asked Starlight. Starlight answered sheepishly, “Oh, uh, yeah, I do.” With that, the four of us made our way to the castle, Spike walking at my side, Twilight a little ahead of us, and Starlight trailing behind. Once we arrived, I marveled at the inside. It was pure crystal, save for a carpet on the floor. And it wasn’t like that bright silver crystal you’d see in the Crystal Empire; this was dark blue and purple crystal, and it looked amazing! “I think I’m gonna turn in for the night. Starlight, can you show Jake where the spare bedrooms are?” Twilight asked. Starlight blushed nervously before she answered, “Um, sure.” “Thank you, I’ll see you guys in the morning,” Twilight said, before taking her leave to what I assume was her room. “I’m gonna hit the hay too. Night guys!” Spike said as he gave me another fist bump before walking away, leaving Starlight and me by ourselves. I looked down at her and gave her a friendly smile. Her blush nullified, and her nervous look from before turned into one of relief. “Um, follow me, and I’ll show you where the other bedrooms are,” Starlight said, making her way down the corridor. I followed her in silence as she looked around, murmuring to herself about directions. “Everything okay?” I asked, getting her attention. She looked at me, clearly embarrassed, and responded, “Yeah, I just get lost in here a lot.” “How do you get lost in the same castle you live in?” “It’s bigger on the inside than it is on the outside, and I haven’t been here that long.” She sighed and looked to the floor with a frown. “I don’t think I’m ever gonna find my way around here.” Her sad face pulled on my heartstrings a bit, and I gave a sympathetic smile, resting my hand on her mane as well. “It’s alright. Just take your time and try to remember. I’m sure you can do it.” She seemed to calm down and took a deep breath. She looked around a bit more before pointing to a door before saying, “Here,” in a determined tone. I opened the door to another corridor with a bunch of doors on either wall. Starlight seemed excited as she pumped her hoof in the air, shouting, “Yes!” I smiled at her again and told her, “I told you that you could do it. All you needed to do was concentrate.” She gave a friendly smile. “Thanks Jake, you seem great.” “I’m sure we’ll get to know each other in due time. After all, I am here to stay.” Starlight walked up to one of the doors. “This is my room. I don’t think Twilight would mind whichever one you took.” “Alright. I think I’ll take this one,” I said, pointing to the door right next to hers. “See you tomorrow, Starlight,” I said, closing the door. Right before I closed it all the way, I saw Starlight smiling to herself a little. I chuckled a bit as I thought about how nice she could be once she opens up. I turned to the room I was standing in and noticed a bed and a window. I put my pack down, took off my shoes, placed them next to the bed, took off my jacket, lay down on the bed, and slowly drifted off to sleep.