//------------------------------//
// Chapter 2 
// Story: My Special Rose 
// by Yellow_Quiet 
//------------------------------//

That night...
Roseluck stirred in her bed, finding it impossible to sleep. Her bed was warm and comfy, and the room was perfectly dark...but it felt like something was missing. 
Not having anything else to do, she mused on what could be bothering her. Any random itches keeping her awake? Nope.
Thirsty? Hungry? 
No, also no.
Strange craving for oatmeal cookies?
….a little, but no.
She hopped out of her bed as she briefly read her clock. It was midnight, yet she couldn't sleep. 
What was wrong with her?
Curling up on her bed, she let her eyes drift to the covers, running the day's events over in her head. Maybe she forgot something!
Her mental rundown was going fine and dandy until she recounted her date with Ivy. The change was immediate. She felt her heart beat a bit faster, and she couldn't help but fidget this way and that. A strange, gentle warmth spread through her body.
She missed him, a lot. 
This realization caused Rose to just stare straight ahead with shock. She had never had these feelings before, not this severely at least. Sure, she had eyed a few colts, maybe even had a few crushes, but this was different.
The sound of a soft knock at the door snapped Rose out of her thoughts.
A visitor? At midnight?
This had better not be any more sales-ponies....
She walked over to the door, when another knock rang out- but this one stopped suddenly. Swinging the door open, she saw none other than Ivy staring back at her with wide eyes.
“Umm. Hi Rose.”
He didn't meet her gaze, glancing to the ground and drawing patterns with his hoof in embarrassment.
Ivy was so adorable when he was shy!
“I really hope I didn't wake you up...”
She shook her head in response.
“Not really. I haven't been able to fall asleep.”
“Me too! I mean.....ummm....”
Rose wasn't sure who was blushing more- Ivy, or herself.
“Want to come in and talk?”
He nodded, and the two made their way to sit on the slightly-overstuffed maroon couch.
“I....”
“I couldn't-”
Ivy shook his head briefly.
“Sorry to interrupt, you first.”
Oh thorns.....how could she say this?
“Ivy, I'm really confused. I haven't ever liked a colt....well, REALLY liked a colt before.”
She paused, letting out a defeated sigh.
“I missed you.”
The silence that followed wasn't awkward, surprisingly enough.
“I missed you too.”
Her eyes widened to the size of dinner plates as Ivy spoke, a cute blush on his cheeks.
“R-really?”
Darnit. Her voice squeaked.
He nodded.
“I told you that I haven't had many friends...that included....well....marefriends. I'm kind of new to to this too.”
More silence, and thankfully, it was Ivy who broke it again.
“Hey rose?”
She turned to look at him, and felt a familiar feeling in her chest.
“Yea?”
Even though his mane was slightly disheveled, and his demeanor clearly embarrassed and uneasy, she couldn't help but have a gentle smile meander onto her features.
Thump.Thump.
Stop it, stupid heart....
Thump.Thump.Thump.
“Maybe...we can just continue the date? And talk about....you know....”
“Stuff?”
He smiled. Nervously, but a smile nonetheless.
“Stuff.”
They stayed up for another hour, just....talking. First it was a bit awkward, but productive. They both were so new to this relationship stuff, they decided to just take things slow, and hope for the best. After that, it was just like chatting with a friend, like any date should be. Some comment involving a certain pink mare and a twitching tail had both of them laughing....
And Rose ended up leaning on Ivy's shoulder.
All the pent up tension she had apparently had fled instantly. That warm feeling, one deeper than her fur could provide, seemed to spontaneously bloom in her chest.
They both knew that it really was getting late, but darnit...
She was so comfy.
“We probably should get some sleep....”
Rose nodded, and it took all of her willpower to pull her head from his shoulder.
“Probably.”
They stood up, eyes meeting for a moment. Rose took a few steps forward, wrapping one of her arms around Ivy's neck in a hug.
“Thank you Ivy....”
Tears she didn't know were there slid down her cheeks. Who knew that never being asked on a date had affected her so much?
And who knew this one colt could so easily gain her trust....and something more.
She so didn't want to let go, especially when Ivy returned the hug.
“No problem Rose...I'm really glad to have met someone as amazing as yourself.”
Darnit Ivy. Why did you have to be so sappy when tears were ALREADY on my cheeks?
They finally parted, but not without a farewell, one which they both had a feeling would stick for a long time.
“See you real soon?”
“See you real soon.”