I emerged from the shadow of the Last Round alley, my destination already set though I couldn't resist doing a few somersaults.
Straightening up on Onyx's porch, I readjusted my mane with a confident gesture, and shook my wings slightly to make myself presentable before knocking three light taps on the door. Searching for the right words about my new beginning, I could feel my heart beating a little faster.
Footsteps approached the door in a peculiar manner, as if they were uncertain. I immediately understood the issue when, as the door opened, a form leaned forward.
Rising on my hind legs, I caught Onyx in my wings, making sure not to hurt him before gently placing him on my chest, asking with a warm smile, "Rough day, Onyx?"
Onyx swayed slightly on my chest, almost seeming to dance involuntarily. His breath clearly betrayed the amount of alcohol he had consumed, and his gaze wavered between surprise and confusion.
"Thunder... you caught me there for real?" He burst into laughter, a laughter a bit too loud for the late hour, his eyes looking at me with a troubled affection. "It's comfy..."
I offered him a conspiratorial smile, gently tightening my embrace around him. "You know, if you want, I can put you on the couch. You'll have more space to relax."
Onyx shook his head with a small laugh. "No, no, I'm good here." He snuggled a bit more against me, his shoulder pressed against my chest. "It's funny, I don't even remember the last time I felt this good."
My heart accelerated slightly, and I felt the blush rise to my cheeks. I took a deep breath to try to regain my composure. A slight smirk lit up my face, hoping to conceal the inner turmoil. "It's nice to know I can be of some use."
Onyx looked up at me, his gaze expressing a tenderness I couldn't ignore. The alcohol had made his emotional barriers thinner, and I wondered if Onyx perceived my inner turmoil. "You are more than useful, Thunder. You are precious."
I began to carry him inside in my hooves. "You are too, Onyx... You are precious to me."
With caution, I guided Onyx inside to his room, carrying him in my hooves while keeping my wings around him. He followed without resistance, seemingly enjoying the attention I was giving him. Arriving at his door, I pushed it open gently, revealing a room illuminated by the soft moonlight through the window.
I led him to the bed, gently placing him on the sheets. His eyes expressed a mix of fatigue and vulnerability. "Rest, Onyx. You need it," I said in a soft voice.
Onyx signaled for me to come closer with a smile. "Thunder, I want to tell you something." I moved my face closer to his, captivating his tired yet sparkling eyes with deep emotion. Suddenly, without warning, our lips met in a tender kiss, sweet like a nocturnal melody. The contact was electric, a blend of passion and mutual understanding. My wings fluttered as a mix of warmth, tenderness, and a hint of excitement coursed through me.
My legs trembled, and I felt my primal hunger fade away. When our lips finally parted, a new spark shone in Onyx's eyes. A warm smile lit up his face, reflecting happiness and gratitude.
"I hope to remember this tomorrow, Thunder..." he began to say with half-closed eyes.
I stood dumbfounded by the bed for a moment until he started snoring, my brain seeming to disconnect.
I eventually shook my head slightly and made my way to Onyx's bathroom, splashing water on my face before looking at myself in the mirror. I had a goofy smile on my face as I left his house, heading towards the hotel.
I closed the door to my room, staring at the ceiling for a moment. My brain was making logical connections with the times I had encountered him, the innuendos, his joy when I invited him, and his disappointment when I left after our evening.
"It's not possible to be so blind," I murmured, running my hooves over my face, letting out a slight groan. I had feelings for him, but I would have preferred if they were not reciprocated.
Confusion swirled in my head. Emotions were a confusing mix of happiness, fear, and uncertainty. I was aware that our relationship could become complicated, especially given the secrets I carried...
Escape was always an option. I could simply change my face and start over and over until I was drained of all substance, of any desire to live, and I turned on the gas.
I already had time to get my thoughts together. How did I end up in such situations in a world of colorful ponies?
I tossed and turned in my bed, desperately seeking sleep. My carapace reflected faint blue glints under the moonlight, but I was too lost in my thoughts to pay it more attention.
The sunlight began to seep into the room, illuminating my already open eyes. I got out of bed with a sigh, heading towards my door while transforming, making my way to the counter. Unsurprisingly, the gray unicorn was there with a coffee and immense dark circles.
"Mr. Thunder, is it to check out?" She seemed to have had a restless night.
"Not really, I would like an additional day. I'm leaving tomorrow," I said softly.
She nodded slowly. "Very well." She took out the register and started filling it out as I placed the coins on the table.
I looked at her before speaking with a slight smirk. "You seem to have had a lively evening."
She smiled slowly. "Former student's night..."
I observed her carefully as she organized the manifest. "I see," I nodded, heading towards the exit, making my way to the nearest café for my caffeine fix and a chocolate croissant.
I took a deep breath as I hovered over Onyx's house, letting my thoughts calm down. My decision was made. Eventually, I landed in front of his door and knocked three times sharply. The wait was short before the door opened.
Onyx appeared with a smile, but he lost his confidence upon recognizing me, turning his eyes to the ground. "I'm sor..."
I didn't give him the time to finish his sentence. I enveloped Onyx in my wings and pulled him close to me, pressing my muzzle against his ear.
Curious glances passed in the street, making me blush in our embrace. I gently led him inside while Onyx closed the door telekinetically.
Inside, in the relative calm of the house, I gently withdrew from the embrace but kept my hooves around him. "Onyx, don't say anything. I don't want you to apologize."
I cupped his face in my hooves, forcing his eyes to meet mine, and slowly brought my muzzle closer to his, seeking his lips once again.
Our lips met in a soft and tender kiss. I felt the steady rhythm of his breath mingling with mine, our breaths becoming a delicate symphony. Onyx responded to the kiss with equal intensity, erasing any hesitation he might have had.
When our lips finally parted, our gazes met, filled with a new understanding and growing affection. Onyx smiled, a glint of happiness in his eyes.
"Thunder," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion. "I didn't expect... this."
I returned his smile, gently stroking his mane. "It's only the beginning," I said, feeling Onyx's hooves tighten slightly around me.
"I hope," his voice trembled slightly. "I love you, Thunder," his cheeks turned red.
A teasing smile played on my face. "I know, Onyx. I love myself too." Onyx's hooves released me, giving me playful hoof bumps on the chest, making me laugh. "Yes, I love you too, Onyx."
After this tender moment, Onyx and I decided to spend the rest of the day together. We went to a cozy little restaurant in the heart of the city to enjoy a pleasant dinner. Laughter and light conversations filled the air as we savored our dishes. Onyx had a charming way of sharing anecdotes from his life, and I discovered even more interesting facets of his personality.
During the meal, our gazes crossed several times, each carrying deep affection. The moments of silence were just as meaningful as the exchanged words. There was a mutual understanding, an emotional connection that didn't always require words.
After dinner, Onyx and I returned to his house. We settled on the couch, him in my wing. There was a soft and warm atmosphere, but something weighed on our minds.
Finally, I took the initiative to break the silence. "Onyx... my heart, I have to leave for work tomorrow for some time."
I saw a hint of disappointment. "But we just..."
I placed a hoof on his mouth to cut him off. "Yes, I know, but I don't plan on quitting my adventurer career now." I gently removed my hoof.
Onyx looked at me, his eyes a bit sad. "I understand, Thunder, but you better give me updates."
I smiled, tightening my wing around him. "Does it sound like me not to give updates?"
He pretended to think intensely before answering with a simple "Yes" while squinting.
I chuckled lightly. "We don't have the same relationship anymore." As his only response, he rolled his eyes. "I promise to give you updates, my... precious?"
He looked into my eyes with a smile, "You're not quite skilled with love nicknames yet, my light." I stuck my tongue out at him like a child, making him chuckle.
We spent the rest of the day cooing at each other like two teenagers, knowing that eventually, as night fell, we would head upstairs.