“I’m back,” Tiger’s wings fluttered as her eyes landed on Chrysalis. “I’ve written several more poems, in between essays. Can you believe there’s creatures that don’t like to write? I feel like I’m flying every time my pen hits the paper.”
Tiger inched forward until Chrysalis’ hooves rested on her shoulders.
“I can feel your longing touch,” Tiger smirked. “Did you think of me while I was gone?”
Chrysalis’ hooves were cold to the touch, colder than the wind flowing through mane.
“Mother asked me why I didn’t use my newfound bits to go to Las Pegasus, or to buy more gifts for the Princess,” Tiger explained. "Why would I want some two-cent pegasus, when you're here?"
Chrysalis continued to look into Tiger's eyes, causing the mare's wings to flicker to life.
"Classes have been good, my teacher wonders why I keep asking about you of all 'villains.' She told me about how you were slinking in the Everfree Forest, biding your time until the Chaos Lord summoned you."
"You would smack the hoof of redemption every time it was offered to you," Tiger explained. "Even teaming up with these two to get your kingdom back. To think, all these decades of resting in that stone prison, your people were painting, holding their feelings forums, and snuggling in colorful dog piles."
Tiger brushed her hoof against her face, wiping off the tears sinking into her fur.
"I'm sorry," Tiger felt her hind legs shaking. "I would never do that to you. I-In fact, I wrote a poem about the day you'd break free of your prison."
Tiger flinched at her last words.
"I'm sorry, I saw her," Tiger whimpered. "She's our only hope, I think I can convince her. I just need to persuade her more. Okay?"
"...Don't give me the silent treatment." Tiger leaned forward, her nose barely brushing against Chrysalis'. "I'll read my poem, and then I'll leave you be. I like you, Chrissy. No Princess is going to change that."
Tiger's already erect wing tilted into her backpack, retrieving a new piece of paper. Tiger Tornado felt the very same struggle in her limbs, the blush tickling her face as she scanned the words on her paper.
"When you break free
My wings will unfurl
Embrace you in a hug that's feathery
As I finally meet my dream girl
I would bring you to school
Where you'd be forgiven
No longer treated as Equestria's mule
By my love, you'd be driven
Not as my friend
Nor my rival
But as a mate, lives together we'll spend
At your eventual arrival
Forever yours, Tiger Tornado."
"I had some haikus, I'll share them with you tomorrow," Tiger smiled. "I'm sorry for bringing her up, you don't mind if I come back right?"
Chrysalis' gaze softened on her, and Tiger squeaked, bumping her muzzle into the changeling's stone nose.
"Oh thank you!" Tiger squealed. "I promise, not another word of her until I can convince her. We'll be together before you know it. That is...if you'll have me?"
"....I understand, take all the time you need, I'm in no rush," Tiger pulled away, her smile softening. "See you tomorrow, my delicate cattail."
Tiger tucked the paper back in her backpack, zipping it shut and skipping away, in hopes that her exposed heart would be enough.