//------------------------------// // First Kiss // Story: Soaring Hearts // by lillytheomegawolf //------------------------------// Zoom awoke to a crink in her back and a cold bed. With no desire to drag herself out of bed, she simply lay there trying to fight off the fog of sleep. The mare sighed as her gaze fell upon the empty space by her side. Nope. Everything was not all better in the morning. She had only been awake moments and yet already felt lonely. Maybe it had been a bit too hopeful to think Thunder would want to join her in bed after their evening together. Maybe she had been a little too forward? Why did he even need time to think? It was clear as day to her that he was perfect life mate material. With a groan, she forced herself to get up and out of bed. “I won’t push him... but...” The tough mare surveyed her bedroom. ‘it would be nice if he would just relax.’ Two pegasus guards sat side by side on a cloud overlooking the mountainside outside their home city. The rocky landscape vanished into the mist. Thunder sat at attention, clearly ready to go in case they spotted any movement. He kept his wings to himself and had been largely quiet all morning. Zoom Zeypherwing scanned their surroundings with far less vigour than her companion, slightly bored with how slowly the day was progressing. The lack of their usual banter only served to leave the mare wishing something would happen. Sighing with defeat since no pony was forthcoming from the mist, Zoom paused her watch of the mountainside to stare at her companion. “Why are you being awkward?” “Huh?” Thunder broke out of his thoughtful stupor. Zoom rolled her eyes and gave her partner a shove. “Relax. Or I’ll have to find myself a new partner.” The stallion shot his mare a tough look. “No you don’t.” Zoom snorted, “then relax.” “But what if I’m still thinking...?” “Then stop. You’re being weird.” Thunder cocked his head to the side, confused. “I am?” Zoom sighed. “I got asked by Striker and two of the boys why my coltfriend was being weird. Now we are alone, your all stiff and quiet.” “Wait... They know we are going out?” A dry smile flickered across Zoom’s muzzle. “Everypony already seemed to assume we were together.” “That’s weird.” With a shake of her head, Zoom returned her gaze to the expanse of cloud that lay before them. “Okay. So, what did I do?” Thunder asked, “I don’t feel like I’m being weird.” “Well, you are.” Thunder eyed his mare. “Okay... Are we still well...” “Together?” Thunder perked up a little. “A couple?” Zoom biffed her stallion playfully over the head with her wing. “Duh.” A relieved sigh escaped Thunder and he relaxed somewhat. “Oh good...” “Worried?” “Yeah." Thunder nodded, his motions quick and nervous. "I’ve uh... never done this before.” Zoom eyed her fellow guard. “But you’ve had at least two fillyfriends at school.” The stallion recoiled, his wide eyed gaze locked on his mare. “You remember that..?” An annoyed huff escaped the blue mare. “As I remember, we weren’t even hanging out much at school.” A sly grin crept across the green stallion’s lips. He lent in close and offered a quick nuzzle. “Was somepony jealous?” With a snort, Zoom stuck her nose in the air at such an accusation. Unable to believe the cute response from his mare, Thunder giggled. “Were you wanting me to ask you out or something?” A smirk crossed Zoom’s lips as she kept watch over the horizon. “Somepony was too popular with the fillies. I never got a chance.” “I went out on like two dates.” “Four.” “Well, yes it was- wait.” Thunder did a double take. “How did you know that?” Zoom shrugged. “Good guess?” The green stallion levelled his best serious look upon his fellow guard. “Okay, so I know how many dates you went on. Can’t a girl hold a crush?” “You were a full year ahead of me. That woulda been weird. Wouldn’t it?” Thunder wondered out loud. Zoom shrugged. Thunder watched his fillyfriend in silence, hoping for a greater response. When none was forthcoming he resumed watching the skyline from their cloud. “Maybe that was just teenage me being silly.” “True.” “Hmmm... you really think we could have worked, even back then?” Zoom shrugged and flicked her wings dismissively. Her eyes remained fixed upon the horizon. Thunder settled down onto their cloud. “Okay, now you’ve got me wondering what it would have been like to ask you out back then.” The mare eyed her stallion. “Well, you didn’t.” “Yeah, but it would’ve been real cool.” A sudden smirk erupted across his muzzle. “Imagine all the antics we coulda gotten up to at basic.” Zoom rolled her eyes, a playful smirk crossing her muzzle. “Forget it.” “But imagine if they let us share a bunk? I woulda had the best sleep every night with my amazing cuddle buddy!” Zoom sniggered. “No pony ever would get any sleep, you mean.” “Why? Oh...” Realization dawned on the suddenly blushing stallion. “Yeah. Now I really wish this happened sooner.” Still smiling, the blue mare shook her head dismissively. “We had fun as friends and we made a great team. Besides, we’re here now.” Thunder nodded, “yeah.. true.” With a wistful sigh, he settled down again and leant tentatively against his fillyfriend. Zoom playfully shoved her companion off. “What did I say about work?” “Right.” Zoom stood and stretched. “Okay, I guess we should do another round of this patrol.” “Hey... uh, Zoom?” Hind leg still raised, the mare eyed her companion, “yes...?” “When I said I’ve never done this before... I kinda meant like... A fillyfriend. Not a date but yeah...” “Oh?” Zoom straightened up, her attention wholly focused upon her coltfriend. Realizing that it was up to him to continue, Thunder sucked in a deep, nervous breath. “Yeah. I guess I realized that night, like almost a week ago that you’re the first one I’m really serious about.” A pleased smile slipped out across Zoom’s lips “Right. And what brought all this on?” The green stallion fidgeted. “Well.. it just felt right. Us. Like that. And you cooking for me... amazing.” “Awww...” Zoom cooed and lent in for a quick nuzzle. With a deep breath to steady himself, the grinning stallion continued softly; “And my bed just kinda felt cold and empty without you there.” Zoom barked out a laugh. “Is big tough Thunder admitting he was cold and alone last night?” Thunder shot his date an offended look. After a moment of looking tough, he wilted under her gaze. “Maybe.” A chuckle escaped the tough mare, “I kinda missed cuddling you last night too. I did invite you to stick around.” “I know. But it just kinda felt...” “Sudden? Too fast?” A dry chuckle escaped Zoom, “I don’t wanna rush you. Long as we are together I’m good. Just don’t make me wait till I’m an old mare before taking the next step. I can’t wait that long. And neither can our parents.” Thunder nodded thoughtfully, his gaze drifting from his beautiful companion and back out to the open skies. “Sorry. I guess I had too many things on my mind.” “This again? I thought you moved on to wishing we had dated since school?” “Sorry. I do and I don’t wanna keep you waiting or anything but-” “Thunder. Relax. We’re a team and we can tackle this together. Like everything.” Zoom playfully shoved her coltfriend. “I love you just the way you are, but you can be a bit of a dummy sometimes.” Thunderstruck, the stallion stared back “you... love me?” Zoom clamped her jaw shut half way to answering. After a few awkward moments, she relaxed. A slow sigh escaped and her gaze fell to the cloud underhoof. “Yeah. I love you. Guilty as charged... I uh... guess I have for a while.” Zoom glanced sheepishly up at the pony who held her heart. “I-” Thunder paused his reply as he realized just how deep the admittance was. “Wow.” Drawn to the pegasus who had just made a confession of love toward him, the stallion’s jaw continued to slacken as he admired her. Although enjoying the attention, Zoom couldn’t help but wonder if the dopey look was because she had accidentally broken her stallion. “Do you... feel the same way toward me?” Thunder blinked a few times and composed himself. He realized his wings were partially extended. With a ruffle of feathers, he settled them down at his sides once more, embarrassed by the free show he had given. “Well, I dunno how long I’ve really liked you. Like- liked you. And you’re kinda the most amazing- look! Unicorns!” The excited stallion rushed off to greet the guests who emerged from the cloud cover. Zoom shook her head. So much for a magical exchange of ‘I love you’s’. Still, she couldn’t help but admire her stallion. Even if he wasn't yet ready to return her love in kind, she knew he was still worth her love. And now... he knew. As her wings quivered and rose. Realizing where her thoughts were headed, Zoom forced her wings to reach for the air currents and she rose into the sky to join her stallion. “Welcome to Zeypher Heights.” Thunder greeted their third small group of inquisitive guests. Two of the younger unicorns with muted forest colours for coats stared back at the eager stallion wide eyed. The eldest, a dark grey, stocky unicorn smiled. “Greetings. I am here to see Queen Haven.” “You must be Alphabittle.” Thunder smiled, “I remember you.” “And you two were the guards helping the queen.” “That’s us.” Thunder proudly replied. “The queen is attending to royal matters and should be in the castle. Would you like us to guide you there?” “Well, I don’t mean to impose.” “It would be our honour to accompany the leader of the unicorns to meet our queen.” Alphabittle chucked at the green stallion’s words. “Lead on then.” Thunder turned to his companion, expecting her to take the lead as usual. He found her smiling fondly at him and gave a nod for him to lead the group. Thunder strode off, "you know, we were expecting you." "Really?" Alphabittle cast an inquisitive glance at the eager guard. "Oh yes, some of our fellow guardponies even thought you might return with the queen." Zoom rolled her eyes at her companion's words. Alphabittle gave a short laugh, "yeah? Well, I had a few things to sort out in the forest before making my first official trip to your fair city." "Well..." Thunder's nervous grin was infectious and everypony was smiling as they walked over the ridge and spotted the gleaming city rising out from behind the clouds. "Wow... That's pretty." Alphabittle commented. The three unicorns stared at the city, wide eyed and full of wonder. Thunder grinned like a colt who had been given free candy, the newcomers expressions were making up for the dull morning. Thunder waved goodbye to the third group of ponies headed into their city. The guard couple watched as the five unicorns vanished into the metropolis. Zoom turned to the grinning green stallion. “Well look at you. You’ve been on fire since we started getting visitors.” The eager stallion nodded in agreement. “Well... your company helps a lot.” “Heh, wanna have dinner at my place again?” Thunder perked up, “Really?” The blue mare smiled back, “it’s nice to have somepony around who enjoys my cooking.” Thunder quickly checked his phone, “well... we got an hour left on our shift. But then I’m super keen!” A pack of pegasi flew out from the bounds of the city. Thunder was quick to notice the airborne ponies and pointed them out, “looks like we have some of our own out exploring.” He took to the skies to better supervise the happy ponies who were experiencing the skies Zoom watched, an amused smile on her face. She caught herself staring and quickly forced her professional appearance back to the forefront. Good thing no pony had been watching. With one last glance around, Zoom took to the skies to watch over the civilians. Zoom and Thunder met outside the palace early on a sunny Monday morning, almost two weeks after the return of magic. Thunder unleashed a gigantic yawn as he alighted. Zoom watched the slightly frazzled stallion. “You look like you need more sleep there mister.” Thunder nodded as he wandered closer. “I need you to sleep properly.” The tough mare rolled her eyes. “It was one night.” “Yep. I’m surprised that’s all it took. Now I feel like I’m totally dependent on you to sleep properly.” “So... wanna try a night of snuggles tonight? Or still thinking?” With a thoughtful look, Thunder led the way inside. “Can I answer that after work?” Zoom eyed her frazzled stallion as he wandered through the grand entrance room toward a small hallway off to the right. “Hold on.” “What?” Thunder watched as his mare passed him by. “Follow me, doofus.” “Okay.” Thunder yawned as he obediently followed behind his partner, not paying any attention to the other ponies in the grand entrance. Zoom pulled Thunder aside into a side room. After a quick glance around to check they were alone, she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Thunder perked up at the loving gesture. “Say, why did you push me into here? I didn’t know we had a spare moment for kisses.” "Gotta have my coltfriend looking his best on duty," Zoom commented as she began to quickly preen her partner. Absolute bliss fell upon the stallion and he stretched slowly as his mare worked. “Ooooh yeah... that feels good.” With a chuckle, the blue mare winked at her stallion, then resumed her careful work on his wings. As Zoom worked her teeth through his feathers, she began to drift. Somehow it was easy to imagine doing this in bed... to her husband. With a blissful sigh, she discarded that thought. “What?” “Huh?” Zoom paused to spit out a loose feather. “Oh... I’ll tell you later once we’re off duty.” Thunder sighed in pleasure as his partner finished up on his right wing. Just then, a squee of delight pierced the silence. Both shocked pegasi turned to the door and spotted their princess, Pipp, phone in hoof, and a rather awkward looking Hitch still holding the door half open. “Aren't they super cute!” Pipp gushed, “Pippsqueaks, I didn’t realize that two of our outstanding guards were a couple. Congratulations guys!” “Hey, turn that thing off!” Zoom broke out of her stupor, panic flooding her system. Pipp backpedalled in shock, “why? You two looked so adorable together, I totes had to share!" "This was private. Now turn that off!" Zoom hurried toward Pipp. Pipp hid behind Hitch, phone temporally out of the annoyed guard’s reach. "Awwww..." Hitch intervened and snatched his companion’s phone. He fumbled with it for a few moments as Zoom and Pipp fought to claim the phone. The last thing the many fans of Princess Pipp saw was Hitch’s face deep in battle with the technical device. “Hitch!” Pipp complained as her companion withheld her beloved phone. “Finally! I think I got the stream to stop. And no, I’m not giving it back yet.” Hitch gave his date a warning look. The pink pegasus fell into a pout. Hitch turned to the two guards. “Sorry guys. I didn’t realize she was live until it was too late.” Thunder stepped in, cutting his annoyed marefriend off before she even started talking. “It’s okay. Our relationship was going to become public at some point. I just didn’t expect today to be the day.” All eyes in the throne room were upon the pegasus guard couple as they strode in for duty. Queen Haven glanced up from her phone and with a light scowl returned her attention to her mobile device. “I do not understand these hashtags but there is documented evidence that you two were doing private things on my time.” "Technically it was before our shift started, oh queen," Zoom stated carefully. “I only pulled Thunder aside to quickly fix him up. Couldn’t have him looking off form for duty.” “Why did you not prompt him to sort his own wings out?” “It was a quick fix. That did not cross my mind.” Zoom admitted. A grin flashed across Thunder’s muzzle. He was quick to calm his expression. While a few pegasi in the room noticed the stallions break in decorum, the queen was once again busy checking her phone. The faint sound of Pipp squeeing reached the couple’s ears as the video was replayed and paused. The queen glanced at a few of her senior guards before returning her gaze to the younger pair before her. "Be that as it may. You know the protocol for workplace relationships. Reading the chat attached to my daughter's latest livestream, the general population appears to be under the impression that the two of you are a married couple. Am I wrong?" "Well, we aren’t married yet." Thunder tentatively replied. He caught sight of the shocked expression on Zoom’s face and a smile slipped out as he continued; “but kinda are dating.” "Interesting. That’s an awful lot of casual intimacy for two dating pegasi. I was aware that among your comrades they jokingly refer to the two of you as our couple in the guard. But I was under the impression it was mere jest.” The queen paused to size the couple up. “Official protocol stands for a reason. What do you think, Silver Sheild?" The greying guard captain was caught off guard at being asked for his opinion on such a matter. "I think it would be a shame to break up such a hard working pair." "Thunder and I have proved we work well together," Zoom spoke up. "Agreed. Do you think you can operate as professionally together as you used to?" Queen Haven asked. Both young guards were quick to nod. The queen settled back and drew her phone up and tapped away. After a long moment, the royal pegasus finished typing. "I have made an official publication. My two trusted personal guards featured in my daughter's morning livestream are in fact our only dating couple with permission to work together. This capture was before their shift and taken without permission.” Queen Haven glanced up at the stunned couple. “I expect your current level of professionalism on the job to continue." Several guards shared surprised glances while the couple in question relaxed. “Yes, your majesty.” Thunder promised, bowing low alongside his marefriend. Zoom and Thunder flew out of the city after work that day and kept going until they found a private cloud outside the city limits. “Crazy day huh?” Zoom gave a dry laugh as she landed. Thunder landed carefully next to his partner and was quick to admire her. “Who would think the princess would catch you preening me.” “Yeah…” Zoom mumbled as she lay down and tried to relax. “Say… about earlier.” Thunder tentatively prompted. “When? Is this about me quickly tidying you up?” “No. Yes! Would you, maybe… consider preening me again sometime? It felt really nice.” Thunder admitted softly as he twiddled his forehooves. Zoom chucked, “as long as you don’t mind the idea of preening me.” The green stallion quickly perked up. “I would love to.” “No half-arsed efforts like I fixed this morning.” “Of course, I’ll do my best.” A knowing smirk crossed Zoom’s face. “All I can ask for. Say... wanna sleep over at mine tonight?” Thunder thought carefully for a few moments, “You’re offering food?” A smirk slipped out across the blue mare’s face. “And some cuddles, if you don’t mind trying out my bed.” “I think that sounds like a great idea.” Thunder grinned as he lay down and snuggled up against his marefriend. After a few blissful moments, Thunder turned to his marefriend, “Say... Zoom?” “Yes, hot stuff?” “...” Thunder felt the words he wished to say, catch in his mouth, unable to escape to fill the silence that had descended. “Thank you.” The green stallion gave Zoom a quick kiss on her cheek then quickly turned away, blushing. While a part of her was disappointed in her coltfriend’s words, her whole face was left tingling pleasantly from the surprise kiss. “Gotta look after my stallion.” Zoom snuck in a quick kiss of her own, right on his cheek. A dopey grin erupted as Thunder’s eyes met Zoom’s playful gaze. The lovestruck stallion pounced upon his mare and proceeded to shower her in kisses and nuzzles. Zoom laughed as she lamely fended him off. She began to return the favour, darting in for a kiss on the neck, cheek or chin every chance she got. All of a sudden the pair froze, their lips connected for the first time ever. Thunder stood over his mare, green wings up like twin flags, eyes wide open. The poor creature was clearly in shock. Zoom's eyes fluttered closed as the surprise of their first lip lock faded, replaced with the burning desire for a proper kiss. She leant upward, pressing a loving kiss home. Feeling no active response from her coltfriend, she withdrew, disappointed. Zoom's eyes opened as she lay flat upon the soft cloud. Thunder blinked a few times, his mouth slightly open. Then he closed it. "Bah... bah... wha...? You... kissed me?" "Or was it you who kissed me?" A nervous laugh escaped Zoom. Her smile faded, "not much of a first kiss though, huh?" "Oh..." Green wings at last sank from their outstretched positions. Thunder awkwardly stepped away from his mare and settled beside her capsized body. He licked his lips thoughtfully, a smile slowly forming. "Are you feeling okay there? Cause I could totally try that again if you will actually kiss me back." Zoom offered as she continued to lie on her back and gazed with concern at the stunned stallion by her side. Green wings slowly unfurled as cogs continued to turn in Thunder's brain. The soft feathers covering the blue mare ticked her belly as they settled. Thunder swallowed nervously, his gaze finally returning to meet the eyes of his lover. "You know..." The stallion's gaze flickered between Zoom's eyes and her lips. As Zoom Zephyrwing continued to hold the gaze of her nervous coltfriend, he slowly leant toward her. As their sides touched and noses almost met, he paused. The soft touch of the wind ruffled his mane as he gazed lovingly down at her, silently asking permission to proceed. A delighted smile crept across Zoom's muzzle and nervous fuzzes danced inside the excited mare. This could be it, they would finally get their first real kiss! With a deep, unsteady breath Thunder closed the distance and met her waiting lips with his own. Green wings lifted with excitement as they continued to kiss slowly. Although their motions lacked any sense of sync, Zoom and Thunder held onto their first kiss, unwilling to simply end their newfound intimate experience. Blue wings shot out to lie flat on either side of Zoom. Her feathers tickled Thunder's tummy as he continued to sit, slightly elevated to better maintain their kiss. With a big gasp for air, Thunder broke off. A big dopey grin covered his face as he gazed at his mare. "Woah..." Zoom licked her lips as she rolled onto her side and lay there smirking. "I could try that again." Quick to take her offer, Thunder dove in for a second kiss. The first light of the new day broke through the edge of the curtains to Zoom Zeypherwing’s bedroom. In the bed lay two pegasi cuddled up together in bliss. Zoom was the first to return to the waking world. While she would normally hurry out of bed and begin her active day, today was not one of those days. She carefully backed up a bit to better be encased within the loose hug from her coltfriend. Yep, this was the best. She sighed blissfully and captured his exposed forehoof that was draped over her with her own forehooves and held it possessively. Zoom knew she would happily take Thunder to bed every night. If only he would finish thinking and take decisive action. Only one night here and there would drive her crazy. As her bed buddy shifted, Zoom realized her possessive hold on the green forehoof had probably tightened. She loosened her grasp and was rewarded by her coltfriend bringing her in for a sleepy hug. “That...” Thunder yawned, then gave his mare a kiss on the neck. He took a long slow sleepy moment to breathe her scent and enjoy the warm snuggly moment. “That was an amazing sleep.” Zoom carefully flipped over to face her bed buddy. “My thoughts exactly.” “Today is our day off, right?” Thunder asked as he closed his eyes. “Yeah.” “Wanna sleep in some more?” A soft thoughtful hum escaped Zoom as she pretended to consider. A grin escaped as she nestled deeper into her partner's loving cuddle. “I won’t complain.” “Oh good... I like cuddles...” The couple fell into blissful silence, content to snuggle. Their extended cuddle session continued for an unknown duration as both lovers simply enjoyed the moment. Zoom eventually felt her body itching to move a bit and wiggled her body around to bring her face to face with her coltfriend. A smile was quick to grace Thunder’s muzzle as he admired his mare up close. “Hey Zoom..?” Zoom booped their snouts together playfully. “Yes, hot stuff?” “Would you, uh... consider moving in with me?” Zoom withdrew in surprise and stared wide eyed at her suddenly shy stallion. “Now who’s being too fast?” Thunder fidgeted, eyes downcast. “I mean, you don't have to. I-I yeah...” The stuttering stallion was rendered silent by a kiss from his eager marefriend. Zoom withdrew and nuzzled her stallion. “If you are comfortable and feel ready. Then I’m keen.” “Y-you mean it?” Zoom cuddled up closer and lay her head against her partner’s chest. She could feel his heart beating fast with excitement. “Yep.” “Wow... Super cool.” Zoom hummed softly in agreement and allowed the tranquil silence to return. Thunder slowly snuck his head in closer and gave his blue mare a long slow kiss on the top of her head. After another few cuddly moments, Zoom stretched out a bit and gazed into her partner's eyes. A cheeky smile graced her lips. “You do realize we are doing this all the wrong way around?” “What do you mean?” “Well... we've only been dating for almost two weeks. Our first kiss was yesterday and now you already invited me to move in with you.” “Oh... yeah.” A nervous chuckle escaped Thunder. With a flare of her wings, Zoom rose and towered over her coltfriend. The powerful mare lent down and nuzzled her lover. She paused, her mouth near his left ear; “does this mean a hoofband is coming soon too?” With a sly smile, she leapt out of bed leaving a grinning stallion flat on his back. “You know...” Thunder gazed up at the ceiling with a dopey look on his face. “Yeah?” Zoom paused to smile at her stallion. Thunder met her with a faint smile, "Um... maybe?" "Maybe?" The smile on Thunder's face gained traction. "Yeah. Maybe." Zoom laughed as she strode off. "Today is a good day. I'll make us some breakfast!" "Yeah..." Thunder relaxed as he lay back against the pillow, wings loose at his sides. Ideas were swirling around his brain. While he knew it was too early to commit to marriage, he felt at peace with the state of his relationship with Zoom and delighted to have her by his side. As far as he could tell, they both knew where they were going and seemed to be on the same page. Next step, say those three little words... As Thunder cast a quick look toward the bathroom, he knew that she already knew. But maybe it would be nice to tell her. Thunder sat up, suddenly energized. Maybe today could be that day.